RU2819299C2 - Devices and methods for controlling temperature in inhalation device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to medical equipment, namely to a heating method for controlled release of a substance to be delivered to a user by inhalation, and a heating module used in the inhalation device configured to receive the starting material unit. Method involves passing an air flow through a solid plate of the starting material, from which the substance can be released by evaporation. Air flow enters the solid plate of the initial material through the first upstream surface and exits the solid plate of the initial material through the second downstream surface opposite to the first surface. Method comprises heating a first heating element in contact with a first surface of a solid plate of a starting material in accordance with a first temperature profile; and heating the second heating element in contact with the second surface of the solid plate of the starting material in accordance with a second temperature profile different from the first temperature profile. Heating module used in an inhalation device configured to receive a unit of a starting material. Unit of initial material includes first and second electroresistive heating elements in contact with separate unit of solid initial material. Heating module contains two electric contacts, the shape and arrangement of which provide their engagement with the first and second electroresistive heating elements of a separate unit of solid initial material when the unit of initial material is placed in the inhalation device. Heating module includes an electrical circuit for controlling current conductivity using two electrical contacts for heating the first and second heating elements in order to increase the temperature, at least 85% of a separate block of solid starting material to a target temperature and maintaining this separate block of solid starting material at a target temperature. Electric circuit is configured to control heating of the first heating element to the first temperature and heating of the second heating element to the second temperature different from the first temperature.

EFFECT: implementation of inhalation devices for individual use and temperature control in the inhalation device.

16 cl, 13 dwg, 1 tbl

Description

Link to related application/applications

This application claims the benefit of 35 USC §119(e) to US Provisional Application No. 62/802,737, filed February 8, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Field of the present invention and background of the present invention

The present invention, in some embodiments, relates to personal inhalation devices, particularly, but not limited to, temperature control within the inhalation device.

Brief Disclosure of the Present Invention

According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of delivering a substance in an inhalation device to an inhaling user, which includes, during inhalation by the user, the following: heating at least one surface of a first surface and a second surface of a source material placed in the inhalation device, to the first temperature; reducing the heating of at least one surface of the first surface and the second surface of the starting material so that its temperature gradually decreases to a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature; wherein the temperature range between the first temperature and the second temperature maintains the temperature of the feed material within the 50° C. range of the evaporation temperature of the substance in the feed material.

In some embodiments of a delivery method, such as that described herein, this range is within the 25° C. evaporation temperature.

In some embodiments of a delivery method, such as that described herein, this range is within 10° C. of evaporation temperature.

According to another aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of delivering a substance in an inhalation device to an inhalation user, which involves, during inhalation by the user, the following: stabilizing the air flow passing through the source material at least until the air flow does not stabilize within a given set of parameters; starting to heat the block of feed material to a predetermined first temperature, decreasing the heating at a predetermined rate to achieve a second temperature, wherein the heating involves regulating, by a heating controller, at least one of the upstream and downstream surfaces of the feed material that are determined as upstream and downstream surfaces based on the path of air flow through the feed material, using at least one heating element according to preprogrammed operating parameters; and stopping heating of the source material block after reaching the second temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, reducing the temperature does not involve stopping the supply of electricity to heat the starting material.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the first temperature is below the combustion temperature of the starting material.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the starting material includes a substance to be delivered by the inhalation device, and the first temperature is 5-50°C above the vaporization temperature of the substance.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the second temperature is low enough that during heating the maximum temperature of the feed material does not exceed the first temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the starting material includes a substance to be delivered by the inhalation device, and the second temperature is 5-50°C below the vaporization temperature of the substance.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the second temperature is at least 50°C above room temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the proposed method further provides for stopping the method without starting heating if stabilization has not occurred within a predetermined time interval.

In some embodiments of the present invention, heating involves the use of an electrically resistive heating element.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the proposed method further includes stopping heating if the selected temperature deviates by at least a predetermined temperature value.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature set point is at least 2% higher or lower than the selected temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature is considered to have deviated from the selected temperature if the duration of the deviation is at least 1% of the duration of the temperature decrease period.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature is considered to have deviated from the selected temperature if the duration of the deviation is at least 2% of the duration of the temperature decrease period.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature is considered to have deviated from the selected temperature if the duration of the deviation is at least 15 milliseconds.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature is considered to have deviated from the selected temperature if the duration of the deviation is at least 25 milliseconds.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the proposed method further includes stopping heating if the selected air flow parameter deviates by at least a predetermined air flow parameter value.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature set point is at least 2% higher or lower than the selected airflow setting.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the airflow parameter is considered to have deviated from the selected airflow parameter if the duration of the deviation is at least 5% of the duration of the temperature reduction period.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the airflow parameter is considered to have deviated from the selected airflow parameter if the duration of the deviation is at least 10% of the duration of the temperature reduction period.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the airflow parameter is considered to have deviated from the selected airflow parameter if the duration of the deviation is at least 50 milliseconds.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the airflow parameter is considered to have deviated from the selected airflow parameter if the duration of the deviation is at least 70 milliseconds.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the proposed method further provides for stopping heating if the selected temperature is not reached.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the proposed method further provides, after heating the block of starting material, the possibility of passing an air stream through the inhalation device, thereby removing any remaining substance from the inhalation device.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the proposed method further comprises, after reaching a second temperature, heating the block of starting material to a third temperature that is higher than the first temperature, and then reducing the heating to achieve a fourth temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, at least one temperature among the first temperature and the second temperature is selected based on the first target temperature related to the evaporation temperature of the first substance, and at least one temperature among the third and fourth temperatures is selected based on the selected target temperature related to the evaporation temperature of the second substance.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the first temperature is below a temperature that would cause damage to the first substance.

In some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the third and fourth temperatures exceeds the temperature capable of causing damage to the substance having the lowest possible vaporization temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the proposed method further comprises, after reaching the second temperature, achieving a third temperature that is lower than the second temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the proposed method further comprises reducing the heating to a fourth temperature that is lower than the third temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the period of time during which the temperature decreases from the second temperature to the third temperature is shorter than the period during which the temperature decreases from the first temperature to the second temperature and shorter than the period during which the temperature decreases from the third temperature to the fourth temperature. temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, all operations such as stabilizing the air flow, starting heating, and stopping heating are performed during inhalation by the user using the inhalation device.

According to another aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an inhalation device for delivering a source material to a user, comprising:

at least one conductor configured to supply sufficient energy to heat the source material when the source material is in a position for use in the inhalation device;

at least one channel configured to direct air flow through the source material when the source material is in a position of use in the inhalation device;

at least one sensor configured to obtain at least one temperature reading of the source material and an indication of the speed of air flow through the source material; And

a controller operatively coupled to at least one conductor for regulating a heating temperature, wherein the controller is configured with preprogrammed operating parameters and is actuated based on readings obtained from at least one sensor, wherein the operating parameters are configured to implement method according to any of the preceding claims.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the controller is operatively coupled to both at least one conductor and at least one channel to control the heating temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the present invention further includes a compensating air flow regulator comprising an adjustable valve, the valve being located downstream of the feed unit.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the source material is located in a source material unit configured to be operably connected to an inhalation device. In some embodiments of the present invention, the source material block is configured to be positioned in a position for use of an inhalation device.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the inhalation device is configured to receive a magazine containing a plurality of interchangeable starting material blocks, whereby the inhalation device is provided with a number of starting material blocks.

In some embodiments of the present invention, at least one conductor is configured to generate and/or transmit energy to at least a portion of the source material block that is electrically resistive, thereby allowing the source material to be heated.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the source material block and the inhalation device are provided with separately actuated elements for heating the source material.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one conductor includes an electrode.

In some embodiments of the present invention, at least a portion of the source material block that is electrically resistive is configured as a mesh.

According to another aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an inhalation device for heating a substance in a second material, comprising: at least one conductor configured to supply sufficient energy to heat the source material in a position of use to a first temperature; and a controller operatively coupled to the at least one conductor and programmed to gradually reduce the heating to a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature; wherein programming the controller involves setting a range between the first temperature and the second temperature, in which the temperature of the source material is maintained within the 50°C range of the evaporation temperature of the substance in the source material.

According to another aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an inhalation device for regulating the temperature of a source material block, comprising: a compensating air flow controller configured with an adjustable valve for stabilizing the air flow passing through the source material in a position of use in the inhalation device; at least one electrode for applying electrical current to at least a portion of the source material block; and a controller operatively coupled to the at least one electrode and programmed to control heating of the source material block to a predetermined first temperature and then decreasing the heating to a second temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, at least a portion of the source material block that is electrically resistive is located in front of or behind the source material.

The term "conductor" in the context of the present invention can mean an element configured to generate and/or transfer electrical and/or thermal energy. In some embodiments of the present invention, the conductor is configured to generate and/or transfer energy in an amount sufficient to heat the source material to cause vaporization of one or more active substances from the source material. In some embodiments of the present invention, the conductor conducts electrical current, for example, in the form of an electrode. In some embodiments of the present invention, the conductor conducts heat.

According to another aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an inhalation device for delivering a source material substance to a user, comprising: means for heating the source material in a use position in the inhalation device; at least one channel configured to direct air flow through the source material in use position in the inhalation device; and a controller operatively coupled to the heating means and at least one channel for controlling the heating temperature, the controller being configured with preprogrammed operating parameters and feedback to the at least one sensor.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating means may include a heating element configured in the inhalation device. Additionally or alternatively, the heating means includes a heating element located in the source material block. In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating means includes a heating unit, one part of which is configured in the inhalation device and the other part is configured in the source material unit. Optionally, upon insertion of the source material block into the inhalation device, portions of the heating assembly come into direct (or indirect) contact with each other to supply energy to heat the source material. In one example of the implementation of the heating unit, the inhalation device contains a current-conducting electrode that is in contact with an electrically resistive element of the source material block, for example, a grid, which is heated upon the application of electric current, as a result of which the source material is heated. Optionally, the starting material block contains a plurality of different starting materials, each of which is associated with a specific heating element (eg, mesh), which can be accessed on an individual basis.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the inhalation device includes one or more integrated units of source material, for example located in the body of the inhalation device.

According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a heating method for the controlled release of at least one substance to be delivered to a user by inhalation, the method comprising: passing an air stream through a plate of starting material from which at least one substance can be released at least one substance by evaporating it, the air flow entering the plate through the first surface and exiting the plate through a second surface opposite the first surface; heating a first heating element in contact with the first surface of the plate in accordance with the first temperature profile; and heating a second heating element in contact with the second surface of the plate according to a second temperature profile different from the first temperature profile.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the method involves controlling heat by increasing or decreasing the temperature of one or both of the first heating element and the second heating element.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the first temperature profile involves heating to a first temperature and maintaining that temperature at a constant level; and the second temperature profile involves heating to a second temperature and maintaining that temperature at a constant level, the first and second temperatures being different from each other.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the proposed method involves controlling heat to maintain the temperature of at least 85% of the feed material within the target temperature range.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the proposed method involves modifying the heating of both the first heating element and the second heating element based on a change in the speed of air flow through the plate.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the proposed method involves controlling at least one of the volume of the substance released and the length of time over which the substance is released.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the first and second heating elements are heated to a temperature that is not within the target feed temperature range.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the target temperature range includes a range within 25° C. of the vaporization temperature of at least one substance.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the first and second heating elements are heated to a temperature that does not cause the source material to ignite.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the passage of air flow involves passing air flow in a direction perpendicular to the first and second surfaces of the plate.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the first heating element and the second heating element are parts of a single heating element.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the single heating element is U-shaped, and heating involves passing electrical current through the U-shape.

In some embodiments of the present invention, heating control involves indirectly controlling heat by varying the rate of air flow through the plate.

According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a heating module used in an inhalation device that is configured to receive a block of feed material, wherein the block of feed material includes first and second electrical resistive heating elements in contact with the feed material, wherein the heating module includes: itself: at least two electrical contacts, the shape and arrangement of which ensure their engagement with the first and second electrical resistive heating elements of the source material block when placing the source material block in the inhalation device; and electrical circuitry for controlling current conduction by at least two electrical contacts for heating the first and second heating elements to raise the temperature of at least 85% of the feed material to a target temperature; wherein the electrical circuit is configured to regulate heating of the first heating element to a first temperature and heating of the second heating element to a second temperature different from the first temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the electrical circuitry is configured to control the heating of the first and second heating elements to maintain the temperature of the heated feed material within +/- 15% of the target temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the electrical circuitry is configured to control the heating of the first and second heating elements in accordance with the speed of air flow through the source material block.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating module includes at least one sensor positioned to sense the temperature of at least one of the first heating element, the second heating element, the feed material, or portions thereof, when the feed unit the material is located in the inhalation device; and an electrical circuit configured to regulate the heating of the first and second heating elements upon receipt of readings from at least one sensor.

In some embodiments of the present invention, electrical circuitry controls heating of the first and second heating elements to raise the temperature of the feed material to a temperature range within 10° C. of the evaporation temperature of the at least one substance in less than two seconds.

In some embodiments of the present invention, electrical circuitry controls heating of the first and second heating elements to stabilize and maintain the temperature of the feed material within the evaporation temperature range for a period of time of 0.5 seconds or more.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the first and second heating elements are part of a single heating element, and the electrical circuitry is configured to supply the same amount of electrical energy to both the first heating element and the second heating element.

According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a kit including: an inhalation device comprising a heating module; and a source material block containing first and second electrical resistive heating elements in contact with the source material, the source material block having a shape and dimensions such that it can be accommodated in the body of the inhalation device.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the starting material is in the form of a plate with a thickness in the range of 0.5-1 mm.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the area of each of the first and second opposing surfaces of the plate heated by the first and second heating elements, respectively, is 200-300 mm ² .

In some embodiments of the present invention, the plate weighs 100-150 mg.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the plate contains particles of the starting material dispersed to form voids between them through which air can pass.

According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of delivering to a user, through an inhalation device, one or more substances released from a starting material by evaporation, which comprises: heating at least one of a first surface and a second surface of the starting material located in the inhalation device, to the first temperature; reducing the heating of the heated surface of at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the source material so that its temperature is reduced to a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature; wherein the temperature range between the first temperature and the second temperature maintains the temperature of the starting material within the 50°C range of the evaporation temperature of the substance in the starting material.

In some embodiments of the present invention, this range is within 25°C evaporation temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, this range is within 10°C of the evaporation temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, heating and decreasing heating occurs when the user inhales using the inhalation device.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the proposed method involves passing air flow in a direction perpendicular to the first and second surfaces.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the distance between the first and second surfaces along the thickness of the starting material is 0.2-1.00 millimeters.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the first temperature is below the combustion temperature of the starting material.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the second temperature is low enough such that during heating the maximum temperature of the feed material does not exceed the first temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the second temperature is at least 50°C above room temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, heating of at least one surface of the first surface and the second surface is accomplished by at least one heating element, which is an electrical resistive heating element.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the proposed method further provides for the suspension of heating in the event of a deviation from the selected temperature by at least a predetermined temperature value.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the proposed method further comprises, after reaching a second temperature, heating the starting material to a third temperature that is higher than the first temperature, and then reducing the heating to a fourth temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the first and second temperatures is selected based on a first target temperature related to the evaporation temperature of the first substance, and wherein at least one of the third and fourth temperatures is selected based on a second target temperature related to the evaporation temperature of the second substance.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the proposed method further provides that the first temperature is below a temperature that would cause damage to the first substance.

According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling the release of at least two substances with different vaporization temperatures from a starting material to deliver the substances to a user by inhalation, which comprises: passing an air stream through the starting material; heating the starting material to a first temperature within 25° C. of the vaporization temperature of the first substance to initiate release of the first substance, wherein when the starting material is heated to the first temperature, the second substance is not substantially vaporized; and heating the starting material to a second temperature within 25° C. of the vaporization temperature of the second substance to initiate release of the second substance.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the proposed method involves reducing or stopping heating during the time interval between the first heating and the second heating.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the release of the first and second substances is at least partially overlapped in time.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the second substance is released only for a selected period of time after the release of the first substance.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the air flow involves controlling the rate at which the air flow passes through the feed material.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating and air flow are controlled to release the first substance and the second substance in a predetermined ratio.

Unless otherwise specified, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates.

Examples of methods and/or materials are described below, although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present invention. In case of conflict, the description of the invention to the patent, including definitions, prevails. In addition, the materials, methods, and embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and not necessarily restrictive.

The practical implementation of the method and/or system according to embodiments of the present invention may involve performing or solving assigned tasks manually, automatically, or using a combination of both of these modes. Moreover, depending on the instrumentation and equipment actually used in embodiments of the method and/or system according to the present invention, some of the objectives may be solved by hardware, software, or firmware, or a combination of these using operating systems.

For example, hardware for performing the tasks according to embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in the form of a microcircuit or electrical circuit. In the context of software, the objectives of embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a plurality of software instructions executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more tasks according to the exemplary method and/or system embodiments described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a multi-instruction computing platform. Optionally, the data processor includes volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or non-volatile memory, such as a magnetic hard disk and/or removable media for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a network connection is also provided. Optionally, a display and/or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse may also be provided.

Brief description of the figures

Described herein are certain embodiments of the present invention, which are illustrative in nature, and which are disclosed in connection with the accompanying drawings. Referring specifically to the drawings, it should be emphasized that the elements shown therein are by way of example only and are not necessarily drawn to true scale, and they serve solely for the purpose of illustratively describing embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, the present description, together with the drawings, will provide those skilled in the art with an understanding of how embodiments of the present invention may be practiced. In this case, drawings are presented, where:

In fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating air flow in an inhalation device according to some embodiments of the present invention;

In fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of an inhalation device in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

In fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a block of raw material in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

In fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a block of starting material in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

In fig. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for adjusting the thermal characteristics of a source material block in an inhalation device according to some embodiments of the present invention;

In fig. 6A and 6B are graphs illustrating multi-stage heating methods in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

In fig. 7A-B are flow charts illustrating methods for selecting a temperature profile to control or influence the release of one or more substances in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

In fig. 8A-B graphically illustrate examples of substance release according to temperature profiles such as those shown in FIG. 6A-B, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

In fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a heating module for heating a source material, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

In fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling heating of a feedstock according to some embodiments of the present invention;

In fig. 11 is a graphical representation of the temperature profile of a starting material over time in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

In fig. 12A-C schematically illustrate the expected effect of heating a source material plate from one or two surfaces of the plate according to some embodiments of the present invention;

In fig. 12D-E graphically compares heating of a feed plate when air flow is passed through the plate and when no air flow is passed through the plate, according to some embodiments of the present invention; A

In fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a pattern of air flow along one or more surfaces of a feed plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Disclosure of Specific Embodiments of the Present Invention

The present invention, in some embodiments, relates to a personal inhalation device and, in particular, but not limited to, temperature control in the inhalation device.

Before proceeding to a detailed analysis of at least one embodiment of the present invention, it should be understood that the claimed invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the design details and layout of components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in drawings. The present invention is capable of being implemented in other embodiments or being practiced or implemented in different ways.

The term "starting material unit", as used throughout the present document, optionally refers to a dose cartridge/wafer/container and/or other element that includes or consists of starting material. The source material block contains a known measured volume of the source material for delivery of at least one vaporizable substance associated with it, which is characterized by a certain vaporization temperature. For example, the starting material may contain or consist of a herbal medicinal composition, a herbal substance, a synthetic carrier, and/or an inert carrier (eg, cellulose or synthetic granules or filamentary fibers). The starting material may be in any form or structure or contain any shape or structure suitable for its use, including, for example, granules, powder, grains, filaments, mesh or perforated material. Optionally, the starting material is breathable in the sense that it allows a gas flow through it at a rate of at least 0.5 liters per minute when evacuated at a pressure of at least 1-5 kPa.

The term "substance" as used herein may include or designate one or more natural and/or synthetic compounds, molecules, pharmaceuticals, drugs or other substances of the like that are contained in and/or are otherwise related to the starting material or are transferred by it. Optionally, the substance is related to the source material, remaining in one form, and undergoes a change during heating and/or vaporization, for example, as a cannabinoid, which is present in cannabis in an acidic form and undergoes decarboxylation when heated (for example, converted from THCA (tetrahydrocannabinol acid) to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or from CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) to CBD (cannabidiol)).

The term "evaporation temperature" as used herein may refer to the temperature or range of temperatures at which vaporization of a substance occurs. In some embodiments of the present invention, vaporization temperature is included as an operating element or parameter of the inhaler (among other parameters such as pressure, time, flow, amperage, etc.).

In general, the inventors of the present invention have unexpectedly discovered that the temperatures of the first surface (upstream) of the source material block and the second surface (downstream) are very different from each other, with the upstream and downstream sides being determined by the direction of air flow through inhaler while in use. These temperatures were measured, according to some embodiments of the present invention, as the temperature of a resistive heating element (eg, a grid) in contact with each of the surfaces. This established temperature difference occurred despite the fact that the starting material was in the form of a flattened mass, the air flow was in a path no more than 1 mm thick, and both surfaces were heated simultaneously with the same amount of energy applied to both sides. It was found that when heating is controlled to keep the upstream surface temperature at the target evaporation temperature, the temperature difference can lead to significant overheating of the downstream surface, and that when heating is controlled to keep the downstream surface temperature at the target evaporation temperature temperature differences can lead to significant underheating of the surface upstream.

In some embodiments of the present invention, and as described in detail herein, methods and accompanying structures are provided for heating a first surface of a feed material (and/or a feed filter adjacent to and in contact with the first surface) to a first temperature which is above the target temperature, followed by a controlled decrease in temperature to a second temperature that is below the target temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the target temperature is the vaporization temperature of the substance to be delivered by the inhaler. Optionally, the target temperature is a temperature above the evaporation temperature. Optionally, the target temperature may be lower than the evaporation temperature. Optionally, the target temperature lies within a selected range that lies above and/or below the evaporation temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the evaporation temperature is a temperature that is lower than the ignition temperature of the starting material or the ignition temperature of a portion of the starting material.

The first temperature may be selected to be below the combustion temperature of the starting material (or any portion thereof), and optionally above the vaporization temperature of the substance in the starting material, and optionally by 5° C. to 50° C. or 10°C-30°C above target temperature. The second temperature must be low enough so that during heating the maximum temperature of the starting material does not exceed the first temperature. Optionally, the second temperature is 5°C-50°C or 10°C-30°C below the target temperature of the substance.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the first surface of the feed material is an upstream surface. In such embodiments of the present invention, the first and second temperatures of the first surface are selected such that the temperature of the second (downstream) surface is equal to the temperature of the first surface and/or higher than the temperature of the first surface, but (optionally) lower than the combustion temperature of the starting material ( or any part thereof).

In some embodiments of the present, the first surface of the feed material is a downstream surface. In some such embodiments of the present invention, the first and second temperatures of the first surface are selected such that the temperature of the second surface (upstream) or the temperature in the feed material is equal to the temperature of the first surface and/or lower than the first surface temperature, and optionally higher evaporation temperature of the starting material to be delivered by the inhaler during at least 50%, 70%, 80%, 90% and 95% of the time of the controlled temperature reduction step or for the entire duration of the step.

It should be noted that the target temperature may be the temperature actually measured at a given point, or the temperature calculated or predicted based on temperature measurements at the same and/or other points. Optionally, the target temperature is the temperature measured during the experimental study and/or during actual use of the inhalation device.

As used herein, heating of an upstream surface and/or feed material and/or a downstream surface involves exceeding and/or achieving and/or maintaining and/or approaching a target evaporation temperature that corresponds to one or more substances in the feed material block, delivered to the user using an inhaler.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the starting material contains plant materials, such as, for example, hemp and/or tobacco, and by heating the plant material and/or passing an air stream through the plant material, the active substance (for example, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and /or nicotine). Other examples of plant materials include one or more of the following: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, Cannabis ruderalis, Acacia species, Amanita muscaria, yage, Atropa belladonna, Areca catechu, Brugmansia species, Brunfelsia latifolia, Desmanthus illinoensis, Banisteriopsis caapi, Trichocereus species, Theobroma cacao, Capsicum species, Cestrum species, Erythroxylum coca, Solenostemon scutellarioides, Arundo donax, Coffea arabica, Datura species, Desfontainia species, Diplopterys cabrerana, Ephedra sinica, Claviceps purpurea, Paullinia cupana, Argyreia nervosa, Hyoscyamus niger, the iboga, Lagochilus inebriens , Justicia pectoralis, Sceletium tortuosum, Piper methysticum, Catha edulis, Mitragyna speciosa, Leonotis leonurus, Nymphaea species, Nelumbo species, Sophora secundiflora, Mucuna pruriens, Mandragora officinarum, Mimosa tenuiflora, Ipomoea violacea, Psilocybe species, Panae species olus, Myristica fragrans, Turbina corymbosa, Passiflora incarnata, Lophophora williamsii, Phalaris species, Duboisia hopwoodii, Papaver somniferum, Psychotria viridis species, Salvia divinorum, Combretum quadrangulare, Trichocereus pachanoi, Heimia salicifolia, Stipa robusta, Solandra species, Hypericum perforatum, Tabernaemontana species, Ellia sinensis, Nicotiana tabacum , Nicotiana rustica, Virola theidora, Voacanga africana, Lactuca virosa, Artemisia absinthium, Ilex paraguariensis, Anadenanthera species, Corynanthe yohimbe, Calea zacatechichi, Coffea species (Rubiaceae), Sapindaceae species, Camellia species, Malvaceae species, Aquifoliaceae species, Hoodia species, Chamomilla recutita, Passiflora incarnate, Camellia sinensis, Mentha piperita, Mentha spicata, Rubus idaeus, Eucalyptus globulus, Lavandula officinalis, Thymus vulgaris, Melissa officinalis, tobacco, aloe vera, angelica, anise, ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi), barberry, black thyme, blue lotus, burdock, chamomile/primrose, caraway, cat's claw, cloves, comfrey, corn silk, wheatgrass, turnera, dandelion, ephedra, eucalyptus, evening primrose, fennel, feverfew, chionanthus, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, goldenrod, hydrastis, centella asiatica, green tea, guarana, hawthorn, curly hops, horsetail, hyssop, kola nut, kratom, lavender, lemon balm, licorice, agave (wild hemp), maca root, marshmallow, meadowsweet, milk thistle, motherwort, passionflower, passionflower, peppermint, argemone, purslane, raspberry leaf, wild poppy, sage, saw palmetto, cordate foliage, chaimia willowum ("opener of the sun" in the Maya), mint, calamus, imperial vine (Redapite harmala), thyme, turmeric, valerian, wild yam, wormwood, yarrow, Paraguayan holly and/or yohimbe. The dosage botanical material does not necessarily include any combination of botanicals from the list provided and/or other botanicals. Optionally, the starting material comprises one or more synthetic or extracted drugs added to or applied to the carrier material, wherein the added drug and/or starting material may be in the form of a solid, gel, powder, encapsulated liquid, granular particles, and /or in other forms, or it may contain the listed forms. In some embodiments of the present invention, the starting material comprises plant material with one or more synthetic or extracted drugs added to or applied to it.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the upstream surface and the downstream surface are characterized by the presence of a filter or filter-like structure configured to allow air flow through it, but preventing the feed material itself from passing through it (eg, the passage of feed material particles). In some embodiments of the present invention, the air stream passing through the feed material contains generated vapors or aerosol, for example, vapors of substances released from the furthest upstream portion of the feed material.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the filter includes a plurality of layers and/or segments, at least one of them configured to retain feed material; and at least one other - with the possibility of heating the surface. Optionally, the heating of the upstream filter (upstream of the heated feed material) is adjusted to indirectly control the heating and/or cooling of the downstream filter (downstream of the heated feedstock). In some embodiments of the present invention, the upstream filter and downstream filter are uniformly constructed and are part of a single filter structure, for example, a U-shaped structure enclosing the feedstock in a feedstock block to functionally form the upstream filter and downstream filter. In some embodiments of the present invention, the upstream filter and downstream filter are different structures, and optionally physically separate structures.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating indication of upstream and downstream surfaces is accomplished by at least one temperature sensor for sensing each surface. In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating indication is on an upstream surface or on a downstream surface. In some embodiments of the present invention, no indication is performed. In some embodiments of the present invention, heating is performed by at least one heating element that is a component of the inhalation device.

In some embodiments of the present invention, heating is performed by one of the components of the source material block. Optionally, heating is performed jointly by at least one heating element in the inhalation device and one heating element in the source material block. Optionally, the at least one heating element is or includes at least one electrode and/or a thermal conductive structure, like a filter or mesh, and/or a structure/component in the starting material itself. Optionally, the combination of heating elements includes at least one electrode in the inhaler and at least one electrically conductive element in thermally conductive contact with the source material or portion thereof, thereby causing electrical current to pass through the electrode to the electrically conductive element. its heating and, accordingly, heating of the source material. In some embodiments of the present invention, the inhaler includes an electrical contact for supplying energy sufficient to heat the starting material. Optionally, the electrical contact includes at least one electrode for applying current to an electrically resistive element of the source material block, thereby heating the source material. Other optional embodiments of heating elements that may be used include heating using, for example, laser, magnetism (eg, induction), infrared waves, and microwaves.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating profile of the starting material is selected to control the release of one or more substances from the starting material. In some embodiments of the present invention, the starting material contains more than one vaporizable substance (for example, 2, 3, 5 or 10 substances, or more or less in between), and their release is controlled at least in part by adjusting the temperature to which the source material is heated. By adjusting the heating profile, parameters such as the type of substance released, the volume of substance released, the ratio between two or more substances released, the duration of release of the substance, and the relative timing of the release of two or more substances can be adjusted. In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating profile is selected depending on the thermal and/or chemical and/or structural properties of the released substance/substances. For example, the heating profile may be selected to rapidly increase the temperature of the feed material, thereby triggering the release of a first substance at a relatively high rate and/or in a relatively large volume and the release of a second substance, optionally having different properties, at a lower rate and volume. /or in a smaller volume. In another example, the heating profile may be selected to raise the temperature of the feed material to a temperature within the vaporization temperature of the first substance, and then optionally reduce or stop heating, and then change the temperature to a temperature within the range the evaporation temperature of the second substance to initiate the release of the second substance, sequentially and/or partially overlapping and/or over a selected period of time after the release of the first substance. In yet another example, heat is controlled to increase the percentage of material released from the starting material, which can potentially improve usability.

In some embodiments of the present invention, provision is made for adjusting the profile of the air flow passing through the feed material. Optionally, the air flow profile is synchronized with the heating profile to control and/or influence the release of one or more substances. In one example, the temperature increases simultaneously with the speed of air flow through the starting material, thereby accelerating the release of the substance.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating profile and/or airflow profile is adjusted to deliver one or more substances to the user during a single breath.

One aspect of the present invention relates to controlled heating of a feed material through which a stream may pass by specifying a heating profile of one or more feed material heating elements. In some embodiments, the present invention provides two heating elements in thermal contact (optionally physical contact) with two surfaces of the source material plate. In operation, the air flow may pass, for example, through the first heating element, through the plate source material, and then through the second heating element. In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating of each heating element is controlled by an electrical circuit that sets heating parameters (such as maximum temperature, heating rate, heating duration, and/or other parameters) based on parameters including, for example, air flow rate through plate, plate thickness, source material density and/or other parameters. In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating of the heating elements is controlled to bring the temperature of the feed material to the target temperature and, optionally, to maintain it within the target temperature range. Optionally, the target temperature range is a range in which at least one selected substance evaporates from the feed material.

In some embodiments of the present invention, heating is controlled to compensate for the cooling and/or heating effects caused by the air flow. For example, the air flow may cool the layers of the source material wafer that are adjacent to the air flow inlet into the wafer; for example, the air flow may be heated by the first (upstream) heating element, resulting in the downstream layers being heated more than the upstream layers.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating of the heating element/elements is controlled indirectly, for example, by changing the speed and direction of the air flow.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the simulated temperature distribution in a plate of feed material that is heated on opposite sides is used to calculate the temperature profiles required to heat the feed material to a target temperature or range of target temperatures. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the influence of air flow passing through the plate is taken into account when modeling the temperature distribution.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the opposing heating elements are formed as a single unit. In one embodiment, opposing heating elements define the ends of a U-shaped block. In some embodiments of the present invention, electrical current is supplied to heat the unit as a single unit. In some embodiments of the present invention, where the block is U-shaped, different temperatures are created at each of the opposing heating elements due to different conditions, including, for example, air flow (eg, passing through the platinum); design conditions (for example, the location of device components near the heating element); and/or other conditions. Optionally, heating of a single block is carried out in such a way that if the environment does not have any influence on this block, then both heating elements are heated to the same temperature. Optionally, the U-shaped curved portion is heated to a higher temperature, for example due to heat conduction from both ends.

In some embodiments of the present invention, closed loop heating control is provided. Optionally, readings from one or more temperature sensors and/or one or more flow sensors are received by the control circuitry (e.g., a device controller), and based on the reading(s) received from the sensor(s), initiation, decrement, maintenance, and/or heating of one or both heating elements stops. In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature reading may be obtained not from a sensor, but, for example, based on the impedance/conductivity properties of the electrical circuitry of the device, for example, based on the electrical resistance of a heating element.

Alternatively, in some embodiments of the present invention, heating is not controlled in a closed loop or based on feedback. In such embodiments of the present invention, heating may be based on one or more predetermined profiles. Optionally, the predetermined profile defines (optionally for each heating element) the duration of heating, the temperature profile (eg, a constant temperature or a temperature that varies over time), and power supply to the heating element. In some embodiments of the present invention, heating profile parameters are determined or calculated based on a database, lookup table, formulas, or the like. Optionally, the heating profile parameters are determined or calculated based on the test results.

As used herein, heating a heating element to a specified temperature or based on a temperature profile may involve supplying sufficient energy to heat the heating element to that temperature, absent any influence from flow or air and/or other factors that would increase or reduce the actual temperature of the heating element. In some embodiments of the present invention, heating the heating element to a certain temperature involves supplying sufficient electrical power to raise the temperature of the electroresistive heating element to the selected temperature. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein can be applied to any structures exhibiting non-uniform thermal characteristics under operating conditions that likewise exist in any source material block of any inhalation device.

In fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an inhalation device 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention, which includes a source material block 102 mounted in a position of use in the inhalation device. Included in the inhalation device 100 is an air passage 104 extending downstream of the feed unit 102 and configured to deliver a material-laden air stream to the user 208 (which is illustrated and described in more detail in connection with FIG. 2). It should be understood that the air flow entering the inhalation device 100 is generated by the user 208 who inhales using the inhalation device 100, thereby drawing in air and creating an air flow 118 passing through the diaphragm 120 (and then entering the source material in the form air flow 113) and - optionally - a compensating air flow regulator 106.

In some embodiments of the present invention, at the outlet of the air flow passing through the channel 104, a compensating air flow regulator 106 is further provided for adjusting the compensating air flow 122 to change the air flow 116 delivered to the user 208. In some embodiments of the present invention, the compensating air flow regulator 106 The compensating air flow includes an adjustable valve 108 that can be opened or closed or partially closed to control the flow of air 112 that mixes with the air flow 114 exiting the feed block.

In some embodiments of the present invention, heating of the feed block 102 is controlled by a controller 212 (illustrated and described in more detail in connection with FIG. 2), which controls at least one heating element in accordance with preprogrammed operating parameters. In some embodiments of the present invention, at least one sensor 110, such as a pressure sensor, is used to measure and/or read/detect a parameter indicative of air flow or air flow velocity. Optionally, sensor 110 is located adjacent to diaphragm 120 to detect intake air flow and/or air flow velocity.

In fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components (some of which are optional) of an inhalation device 200 configured to control the temperature of a feedstock unit 102, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the device 200 is configured to regulate the operating temperatures and/or heating of the upstream filter 402 and/or downstream filter 404 (which may be two segments of the same filter, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4) to provide required heating of the feed material 304 in the feed block 102, for example, to achieve and/or maintain and/or approach a desired target feed temperature. In some embodiments of the present invention, the target temperature is linked to the vaporization temperature of one or more substances associated with the source material 304 in the source material block 102 such that achieving and/or maintaining and/or approaching the target temperature allows the user 208 to inhale the vaporized substance /substances.

In some embodiments of the present invention, it is provided that when several individual substances are to be delivered simultaneously, and these substances do not necessarily have different evaporation temperatures, the target temperature can be selected based on the respective evaporation temperatures so that it is either the highest evaporation temperature, or the lowest possible evaporation temperature, or any other temperature within the evaporation temperature range. The advantage of using the highest possible temperature may be that substances evaporate faster. Using a lower temperature may reduce the vaporization efficiency of substances at a higher vaporization temperature, but may reduce or prevent damage due to heating of one or more substances with a lower vaporization temperature.

Optionally, a multi-step process 600 is performed, illustrated, for example, in the temperature plot of FIG. 6A. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first surface of the substance block is heated until a first temperature (T1) is reached (602). In some embodiments of the present invention, this temperature is then reduced (604) to a second temperature (T2). Thereafter, according to some embodiments of the present invention, post-heating (606) is performed to achieve a third temperature (T3) that is above the first temperature and then optionally lowered (608) to a fourth temperature (T4), after which heating is optionally stopped (610 ). In this example, the temperatures T1 and T2 are selected based on a first target temperature, eg, the vaporization temperature of the first substance, optionally the temperature T1 being below a temperature that would damage the first substance. The temperatures T3 and T4 are selected based on the second target temperature, and optionally at least one of the temperatures T3 and T4 is high enough to damage the lower vaporization temperature substance.

Optionally, a multi-step process 630 is performed, illustrated, for example, in the temperature plot of FIG. 6B. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first surface of the substance block is heated until a first temperature (T1) is reached (612). In some embodiments of the present invention, this temperature is then reduced (614) to a second temperature (T2). Thereafter, according to some embodiments of the present invention, subsequent heating is adjusted (606) such that a third temperature (T3) is reached that is lower than the first temperature. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6B, control (616) to achieve temperature T3 is depicted as a rapid cooling step (eg, by briefly stopping heating), but in the case where temperature T3 exceeds temperature T2, heating may be performed. In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature T3 is lower than the temperature T2, but cooling from temperature T2 to temperature T3 is performed while maintaining heat so that, for example, the cooling rate can be controlled. Optionally, the temperature T2 is equal to the temperature T3, whereby the slope between points T1 and T2 becomes a slope between points T3 and T4, bypassing the slope phase between points T2 and T3. Consequently, heating is again controlledly reduced (618) to a fourth temperature T3, after which heating is optionally stopped (620). In this example, the temperatures T1 and T2 are selected based on a first target temperature (e.g., the evaporation temperature of the first substance, wherein the temperature T1 is high enough to effectively vaporize the first substance and the second substance, for example, by being higher than the evaporation temperature as both the first substance and the second substance), and the temperatures T3 and T4 are selected based on a second target temperature that is low enough to effectively vaporize only the substance with the lower vaporization temperature (for example, because it lies between the temperatures evaporation of two substances).

In some embodiments of the present invention, the described heating process allows the first substance and the second substance to evaporate during the first heating period, then stopping the release of the first substance and continuing to release only the second substance. This process can be used to calculate the release at a given ratio between the first substance and the second substance based on the release rate and/or evaporation temperature of each substance.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the feed block 102 is internally heated (for example, by at least one heating element or portion thereof extending through the block), and the upstream and downstream surfaces of the feed block are thermoregulated in addition to heating , instead of or separately from heating the upstream filter 402 and/or downstream filter 404. In some embodiments of the present invention, temperature control of upstream filter 402 and/or downstream filter 404 is achieved by passing an electrical current through at least one of the filters 402 and 404 (thus the filter can also function as a heating element). In some embodiments of the present invention, an electrical current passes through electrodes 214 and 216 that contact one or both of the filters 401 and 404, wherein the current control is optionally effected at least in part by thermally sensitive feedback to the preceding filter 402 and/or the subsequent one. filter 404.

As can be seen in FIG. 3 and 4, various operating scenarios are provided that can be applied to provide the required heating of the feed material 304 in the feed block 102. In some embodiments of the present invention, a slope temperature profile is used, optionally in combination with measuring the temperature of one of the substances/filters. In some embodiments of the present invention, at least one sensor is provided adjacent to the upstream filter 402, such as an infrared or impedance sensor or the like, to sense the temperature of the upstream filter 402. The electrical current supplied to the upstream filter 402 is causes it to be heated to a first temperature T1, which in some embodiments of the present invention exceeds the target temperature. After a predetermined period of time and/or after a reading indicating that the target temperature has been reached or exceeded, the current supply is reduced or stopped to initiate cooling of the upstream filter 402, optionally to a temperature T2 that is below the target temperature. Optionally, the target temperature is the evaporation temperature. It should be understood that, in combination with the action of the air flow 113 passing through the feed block 102, heating of the upstream filter 402 may also cause the downstream filter to heat up due, at least in part, to convection. In some embodiments of the present invention, adjusting the temperature of the upstream filter 402 in an inclined profile (eg, hotter or cooler) affects the temperature of the downstream filter 404, thereby providing thermal control. In some embodiments of the present invention, the inclined temperature profile of the upstream and downstream surfaces actually maintains a relatively constant temperature of the feed material 304 in the feed block 102.

In a second optional example, at least one temperature sensor is located on each of the upstream and downstream filters, and based on the measured temperatures of each filter, the electrical current supplied to the filters is adjusted to maintain the temperature of each filter within specified acceptable temperature ranges. . In other words, controller 212 takes readings from the sensors and applies current so that it is strong enough to keep the temperature of upstream filter 402 and downstream filter 404 within a specified temperature range.

For example, when both the upstream filter 402 and the downstream filter 404 are part of a single heating element, the electrical current through the element can be adjusted so that both temperatures are within a predetermined range based on the read summary data. temperature received from feedback from both filters. In an alternative embodiment, the electrical current is adjusted to influence the temperature of one filter (eg, the preceding filter) such that the temperature exhibits a predetermined slope from the first temperature to the second temperature based on sensor readings for the same filter. In another optional embodiment, electrical current is applied based on set parameters without temperature feedback or real-time measurement.

In either scenario, more than one sensor may be used to sense the temperature at any or both of the upstream and downstream surfaces/filters of the upstream filter and downstream filter. In some embodiments of the present invention, at least one sensor (e.g., a pressure sensor) is provided in the inhalation device 200 for detecting air flow and/or a parameter indicative of the presence of air flow in the inhalation device 200. Optionally, in any of the scenarios, the temperature of the feed material 304 may be controlled within a certain range, for example, 10° C. to 50° C. above or below a target temperature (eg, the vaporization temperature of at least one substance in the feed material 304). Optionally, this range is 25°C above or below the evaporation temperature. Optionally, this range is 10°C above or below the evaporation temperature. Optionally, this range is 25°C above and 10°C below the evaporation temperature. Optionally, the interval is symmetrical in the sense that the target temperature is equally spaced from the first and second temperatures. Alternatively, this interval is not symmetrical with respect to the target temperature.

Optionally, in conjunction with the upstream and downstream filter thermal control methods and structures, such as those described above, the air flow in the device 200 is provided to operate in accordance with the filter thermal control methods and structures. In some embodiments of the present invention, the flow through the entire inhalation device 200 may be generally divided between two flow paths: a first flow path allowing the air stream 113 to pass through the feed block 102 and exit as air flow 114; and a second optional channel for a compensating flow 112 that is mixed with the first flow 114 to form a third main air flow 116 for the device user 208. In the diagram shown herein, an inhalation taken by the user 208 generates an air stream 118 entering the device 200. In some embodiments of the present invention, the source material block 102 is held in the use position by the holder of the inhalation device 200. This holder is configured to holding the feedstock block 102 in an airtight or substantially airtight connection with the air streams 113 and 114 such that at least 90% of the feedstock 102 passes through the feedstock block 102 and the feedstock contained therein is converted into the airstream 114 ; and/or such that the air stream 114 is at least 95%, 97%, or even at least 99% or even 100% composed of air stream 113. In some embodiments of the present invention, through block 102 of the source material passes at least 98% or even 100% of the air stream 113. For example, the holder may hold the source material block 102 such that the mouthpiece of the device 200 is reached only (or mostly) by the air stream 113 that passes through the block 102 source material, not counting the air flow 112.

To regulate the rate of air flow through the feed unit 102, optionally based on a target performance profile, and/or to provide a constant/stabilized air flow, a compensating air flow controller 106 is optionally provided to dynamically control the compensating air flow 12 entering the inhalation device 200 In some embodiments of the present invention, the compensating air stream 122 that enters the device 200 is directed to mix with the stream 114 that has already passed through the feed block 102 (bypassing the compensating air flow regulator 106). In some embodiments of the present invention, dynamic flow variation is performed to obtain and/or maintain a target flow profile through feed material 304. Optionally, the target profile involves maintaining a constant flow rate through feed material 304, such as 0.5 liters per minute. (l/min), 1 l/min, 4 l/min or any other intermediate, higher or lower flow rate. Optionally, the flow profile passing through the feed material 304 is a transient flow profile, eg, ramping, ramping, and/or any other profile.

In fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a feedstock block 102 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Optionally, feedstock block 102 contains feedstock 304 (eg, plant material), optionally configured as a plate. Optionally, the starting material is in the form of a powder or other particulate material. Optionally, the starting material is flattened, for example, to a thickness in the range of 0.5-1 mm, 0.05-0.5 mm, 0.2-0.8 mm, 0.5-0.9 mm, or any intermediate , less or greater thickness. One of the potential benefits of a flattened wafer of starting material may include allowing heat to be distributed more evenly across the wafer. Another potential advantage of a flattened thin plate of feed material may include less impact on the flow passing through it. Another potential advantage of a flattened thin plate may include a higher surface area to volume ratio, which improves evaporation, providing, for example, an increased evaporation rate.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the plate contains a solid carrier material that is selected and/or designed to permit vaporization and inhalation of the vaporized substance from its surface. Optionally, the evaporated substance is applied to the plate. Optionally, application of the vaporizable substance is accomplished by dipping, spraying and/or coating the carrier material with such substance. Optionally, the carrier material is characterized by a breathable matrix. Optionally, the carrier does not substantially react with the volatile substance upon contact (is chemically inert to the volatile substance), at least within a temperature range from the lowest design storage temperature to the operating temperature (e.g., vaporization temperature , at least one substance), possibly with a slightly higher confidence interval (eg, ranging from 50°C below storage temperature to about 50°C above operating temperature). Optionally, the vaporizable substance is in the form of a liquid solution. Optionally, the plate is wetted with the solution by suction.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the starting material consists of particles (eg, granules) contained in cavity 306 and/or otherwise enclosed in a frame or other suitable structure. Optionally, feedstock block 102 includes mechanical support for feedstock 304 (eg, in a cavity 306 of housing 308, which is optionally frame-shaped). Optionally, the feed block 102 includes a fastening element to facilitate transport of the feed block 102 (eg, beak latches 310). Optionally, feedstock block 102 includes feedstock evaporation means 304 (eg, an electrical resistive heating element, optionally a filter or mesh, and/or a structure extending through the feedstock and heating the feedstock from the inside).

In some embodiments of the present invention, feedstock 304 in the feedstock assembly is at least partially enclosed by filter 300. The feedstock and filter retaining assembly is supported by (optionally included in) housing 308, resulting in whereby the housing cavity 306 allows air to enter the first side of the filter and pass through that side, through the feed material, and through the second opposite side of the filter.

Various examples of implementation of the above elements (and components shown in Fig. 2) are described in related applications, including US patent Nos.: 9,993,602; 10,099,020; 10,008,051; and 9,839,241, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, as well as exemplary embodiments of starting material blocks lacking at least one of these elements.

It should be understood that different embodiments of the elements in embodiments of the assembled blocks of source material may also be combined in other combinations (for example, any design of the heating element may be provided with any design of the frame), which is not mandatory. Optionally, a single used feedstock block 102 (or optionally a set of such blocks) is discarded after use.

It should also be understood that any of the inhalation devices described herein may be provided with a multiple supply block structure, such as a magazine or cartridge, such that as each individual supply block 102 is used, a new supply block may be provided to the user. from the shop. Optionally, the used feedstock block 102 remains in the feedstock block structure even after it has been used (and the entire structure is deleted after all of the feedstock blocks it contains have been used). One example of the implementation of the structure of blocks of source material in the form of a carousel store is shown in Fig. 15 US Patent No. 9,993,602. Although a carousel-type magazine is shown here, a linear magazine (such as a semi-automatic pistol magazine where the feedstock blocks 102 are moved into position for use in an inhalation device) or any other configuration configured to seamlessly provide a plurality of feedstock blocks 102 sequentially or parallel. Additional examples of source material block structures (eg, cartridges or magazines) are shown, for example, in FIG. 10 of US Pat. No. 10,099,020, which illustrates blocks of feed material held in two separate carousel magazines and arranged in such a way that the blocks can be controlled simultaneously; and in fig. 11 of US Patent No. 10,099,020, which schematically illustrates a linear magazine of raw material blocks.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of source material blocks are pre-installed in the inhalation device in an actuation position such that each of the source material blocks can be individually activated. Optionally, the source material blocks are activated sequentially, for example, on demand when a user's inhalation is detected. Optionally, two or more than two precursor blocks are activated simultaneously, for example, if each precursor block does not contain a full dose, or if the user wishes to receive more than one full dose per inhalation, and/or to deliver different substances from each block.

Optionally, the starting material block 102 is a disposable block. Potential advantages of the disposable starting material block 102 may include: the ability to accommodate starting material and/or residual substances to be disposed of; close connection between dose retention and its reliable transportation within the evaporation device; and/or less need to contain and/or monitor parts of the evaporative device (such as the evaporative heating element) that are exposed to conditions that can degrade performance over time.

Optionally, the starting material block 102 is intended for single inhalation use. Potential benefits of the disposable feedstock unit 102 include increased accuracy and/or reliability of evaporation volume control and reduced problems associated with contamination and spoilage during use.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the dimensions of the feedstock block 102 or feedstock 304 are, for example, about 6 x 10 mm, about 8 x 8 mm, about 4 x 6 mm, or intermediate, larger, or smaller sizes in terms of exposed surface area. Optionally, the starting material 304 is characterized by a thickness in the range of 0.5-1 mm; 0.2-0.8 mm; 0.5-0.9 mm; or other intermediate, greater or lesser thickness. Optionally, the starting material 304 (for example, when in the form of a plate) is positioned perpendicular to the air flow during use, causing air flows to pass through the entire thickness of the starting material 304. Optionally, the thickness of the starting material 304 is in the range of about 0.2 -1.0 mm. Optionally, the thickness of the starting material 304 may be greater than 1.00 mm or less than 0.2 mm. Optionally, the front surface area of the starting material 304 is in the range of about 20-100 mm ² ; for example, 20 mm ² , 40 mm ² , 50 mm ² , 60 mm ² , 80 mm ² or other larger, smaller or intermediate face area. The starting material 304 is optionally formed into a square or substantially square plate-shaped structure (e.g., with dimensions of about 8 x 8 x 1 mm, 5 x 5 x 0.5 mm, 10 x 10 x 2 mm, or other sizes in between). , larger or smaller sizes). Alternatively, the plate has an oblong shape with a length to width ratio of, for example, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:10, or other greater, lesser, or intermediate ratio to width. In some embodiments of the present invention, the plate has a rectangular shape (with sharp or rounded corners) or any other shape, and the air flow passes between the largest open surfaces of the material along the shortest path. Optionally, the air flow path through the feed material corresponds to the thickness of the feed material, for example, 2 mm or less, 1 mm or even 0.5 mm, or other greater, lesser or intermediate value. Optionally, the plate has overall dimensions of, for example, about 30×2×1 mm. The weight load of the corresponding substance in some embodiments is about 10-25 mg (eg, 13.5; 15; or 17 mg). In some embodiments of the present invention, the loading of the substance in the starting material 304 is selected from the range of about 5-100 mg, or 5-25 mg, or 10-20 mg, or other range characterized by the same, greater, lesser and/or intermediate values. .

At least partially enclosing the starting material 304 within the frame body 308 provides the potential benefit of increased mechanical strength. For example, the plant matter used to form the starting material 304 may potentially include friable material such that the starting material 304 may release particles, particularly when flexed and/or shaken. Enclosing the feedstock 304 within the cartridge frame allows it to be moved within the system without placing pressure directly on the feedstock 304 itself and/or does not necessarily make it less sensitive to shaking in the case where the cartridge frame provides at least partial support for the feedstock. 304. In some embodiments of the present invention, the overall length and width of the cartridge is about 20x10 mm, or other larger, smaller, or intermediate dimensions. During the manufacturing process, the frame housing provides the potential advantage that a plate is formed to precise dimensions, allowing for a precise fit of the channel through which air flows, capturing volatiles released when the plate is heated.

In some embodiments of the present invention, vaporization of one or more substances (e.g., volatiles) associated with the feed material 304 involves heating with an electrically resistive heating element (e.g., a filter 300, optionally in the form of a mesh, or some other form of resistive heating element described elsewhere in this document). The resistive heating element optionally contains a material that provides substantially electrically resistive heating; for example, nichrome (with a standard electrical resistivity of about 1-1.5 μΩ⋅m), FeCrAI alloy (with a standard electrical resistivity of about 1.45 μΩ⋅m), stainless steel (with a standard electrical resistivity, of about 10-100 μΩ⋅m), tungsten (with a standard electrical resistivity of about 52.8 μΩ⋅m) and/or cupronickel (with a standard electrical resistivity of about 19-50 μΩ⋅m). Depending on the choice of metal, certain parameters, such as the length and width of the heating element, the thickness of the metal, the size of the aperture and/or the structure of the aperture, are adjusted so that the total resistance across the resistive heating element is, for example, in the range of about 0.05-1 Ohm; 0.5-2 Ohm; 0.1-3 Ohm; 2-4 ohms or within other ranges with the same, higher, lower and/or intermediate limits.

In fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a feedstock block 102 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments of the present invention, the feed material 304 that is inserted into the feed block 102 is characterized by having a first upstream surface representing a filter 402 and a second downstream surface representing a filter 404 (which is located on the face of the block 102 source material relative to the first upstream surface 402). During operation and/or use of the inhaler, the air flow crosses the distance between these surfaces, within which the source material 304 is located. In some embodiments of the present invention, these surfaces contain or are configured as filters 402 and 404. Optionally, filters 402 and 404 are part of a single filter 300 that is substantially U-shaped and curved around feed material block 102 such that one side of the filter is located upstream of the feed material and the opposite side of the filter is located downstream of the feed material. flow from the source material. In some embodiments of the present invention, the upstream filter and downstream filter are separate elements. In some embodiments of the present invention, the upstream surface and downstream surface are not filters, but rather surfaces of the feed material 304 itself.

In fig. 5 is a flow diagram 500 illustrating a method for controlling the temperature of a feedstock block 102 in an inhalation device 200 according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments of the present invention, upon inhalation by the user 208, the inhalation device 200 optionally modifies the air flow to provide (502) a constant air flow through the feed material 304, which is characterized by the presence of an upstream surface (or filter) ) and downstream surfaces (or filter). During heating (504), heat is applied, directly or indirectly, to the starting material 304 such that a first temperature is reached at surface 402 and/or surface 404. For example, in heating (504), heat is generated by heating the upstream surface 402, which causes the feed material 304 to heat by conduction. In some embodiments of the present invention, heat is transferred from one or both surfaces directly to the source material. In some embodiments of the present invention, heat is conducted through two surfaces and/or through a portion connecting the surfaces, for example, in a U-shaped configuration. Optionally, one or both surfaces 402 and 404 are heated by passing an electrical current through one or more heating elements in contact with one or both surfaces. Optionally, the one or more heating elements include a filter or portion thereof. In some embodiments of the present invention, downstream surface 404 may be cooled or heated by convection (as air flow 114 passes through heated feed material 304). Optionally, upstream surface 402 may be cooled by convection as air flow 114 enters feed material 304.

In some embodiments of the present invention, after heating (504) has been performed and the first temperature has been reached, it is adjusted (506) to reduce the temperature of surfaces 402 and 404 to a second temperature. As described elsewhere herein, the transition from the first temperature to the second temperature creates a sloping temperature profile for at least one of the surfaces 402 and 404 and, optionally, a relatively uniform temperature profile for at least a portion of the starting material 304 in the source material block 102 between surfaces 402 and 404.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a non-uniform (ie, varying) temperature distribution in the starting material (eg, across the thickness of the starting material slab and/or across the surface of the slab) may be required. Optionally, the upstream and/or downstream surface temperature profile in this case may be selected based on the desired temperature distribution in the feed material.

In some embodiments of the present invention, downstream surface 404 is heated (504) to a first temperature by applying electrical current directly to downstream surface 404 (i.e., downstream surface 404 is first detected, after which controller 212 applies current to directly adjusting the temperature of surface 404, which is different from sensing the temperature of upstream surface 402 and adjusting the temperature of upstream surface 402 to indirectly control the temperature of downstream surface 404 by convection and/or conduction).

In some embodiments of the present invention, after a certain period of time at the first temperature and/or after a certain period of time after transition to the second temperature and/or after a certain period of time at the second temperature, heating (508) is stopped. A specific example of such a solution is described in detail below. This period of time may be proportional to the volume of substance that must be delivered to the user during a particular inhalation.

Optionally, actions include passing (510) an air stream through the feed material 304 after heating has ceased (508), for example, to remove residual feed material from the inhalation device 200; and reducing or blocking the passage of air flow (612) through the inhalation device 200, for example, to facilitate cooling of the feedstock block 102/starter material 304/upstream surface 402/downstream surface 404. In some embodiments of the present invention, closing valve 108 takes up to 100-500 milliseconds (ms). Optionally, closing valve 108 takes up to 150-400 ms. Optionally, closing the valve takes up to 200-300 ms. Optionally, closing the valve takes less than 100 ms. In some embodiments of the present invention, valve 108 remains closed for up to one second. Optionally, valve 108 remains closed for up to 850 ms. Optionally, valve 108 remains closed for up to 700 ms. In some embodiments of the present invention, the air flow rate through the feed material 304 is in the range of 0.5 L/min to 3 L/min. Optionally, the air flow rate is in the range of 0.8 L/min to 2 L/min.

In some embodiments of the present invention, for example, when using cannabis as the starting material 304, it is provided that immediately after the user 208 begins to take breaths, the inhalation device will compensate for insufficient or excessive air flow, for example, using a compensating air regulator 106 flow and its valve 108 for the purpose of stabilizing the air flow 114 passing through at least the source material block 102 containing hemp. In some embodiments of the present invention, inhalation is detected by pressure sensor 110, for example, by measuring the pressure differential across the inhalation device (eg, a differential of at least 50 Pa). In some embodiments of the present invention, the phrase “stabilized airflow” means that the airflow is within a specified set of parameters, including a range, setpoint and/or duration of time, for example, a range of (-300)-(-400) Pas setting to ±35 Pa for at least 150 ms. To ensure safety and quality control, it is provided that if within a certain time interval, for example, within 700 ms, the flow does not stabilize (which can be set by the controller 212 through the user interface 201 or the doctor interface 203 or pre-programmed at the manufacturer), then operation of the inhalation device 200 is stopped and a warning signal is provided to the user 208.

After stabilization of the air flow, heating of the source material block 102 is activated until a first temperature is reached at least on the upstream surface, namely a temperature T1 of 200° C. as measured for 400 ms, so as to heat substances containing cannabinoids, in particular containing at least one of the substances such as THCA and THC in the hemp source material, to the temperature of their evaporation, and - optionally - cause them to carboxylate. Heat is then adjusted so that the upstream surface cools to 165°C after a period of about 1220 ms (to deliver 0.5 mg THC in feed material 304 containing about 3 mg THC and THSA in about 13 volumes of hemp granules). .5 mg), after which heating stops.

In some embodiments of the present invention, it is provided that if the temperature does not rise to a predetermined level, and/or if the temperature exceeds a predetermined level, the process may be stopped by the controller 212. Optionally, the user is notified of this. Optionally, the user 208 has the ability to terminate the process at any time, for example, using the user interface 201.

In some embodiments of the present invention, heating is stopped if the heating profile and/or target temperature deviates by a predetermined value or percentage of temperature and/or a predetermined dwell time at a certain temperature. For example, the set temperature may be at least 3° C. higher or lower than the selected temperature. Optionally, the set temperature may be at least 5° C. higher or lower than the selected temperature, or even at least 7° C., 10° C., or 15° C. higher or lower than the selected temperature. In some embodiments of the present invention, a temperature is considered to deviate from a selected temperature if the deviation lasts for a period of time that is at least 1% of the duration of the temperature decrease period. Optionally, the temperature is considered to deviate from the selected temperature if the deviation lasts for a period of time of at least 2%, at least 4%, at least 5%, or even at least 10 % of the duration of the period of temperature decrease. In some embodiments of the present invention, a temperature is considered to deviate from a selected temperature if the deviation lasts for a period of time of at least 15 ms. Optionally, the temperature is considered to deviate from the selected temperature if the deviation lasts for a period of time of at least 10 ms, 15 ms, or even 25 ms.

Additionally or alternatively, heating is stopped if the selected air flow and/or air pressure deviates from the selected air flow and/or air pressure by at least a predetermined air flow and/or pressure value or a measured value indicative thereof. In some embodiments of the present invention, the pressure set point is at least 5 Pa, at least 10 Pa, at least 15 Pa, at least 25 Pa, or even at least 35 Pa. Pa above the selected air pressure parameter. In some embodiments of the present invention, the pressure set point is at least 5 Pa, at least 10 Pa, at least 15 Pa, at least 25 Pa, or even at least 35 Pa. Pa below the selected air pressure parameter. Optionally, the airflow parameter is considered to deviate from the selected airflow parameter if the deviation lasts for a period of time that is at least 5% of the duration of the temperature reduction period. Optionally, the air pressure parameter is considered to deviate from the selected air pressure parameter if the deviation lasts for a period of time that is at least 2%, at least 5%, or even at least 10% of the duration period of temperature decrease. In some embodiments of the present invention, an air pressure parameter is considered to deviate from a selected air pressure parameter if the deviation lasts for a period of time of at least 5 ms. Optionally, the air pressure parameter is considered to deviate from the selected air pressure parameter if the deviation lasts for a period of time of at least 25 ms, at least 35 ms, at least 50 ms, or even at least 70 ms.

In some embodiments of the present invention, air flow through the source material and/or through the air flow path leading to the mouth of the inhaling user continues after heating ceases to remove or remove residual substances from the inhalation device 200 and/or facilitate cooling of the source material block.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the entire process, from the moment the user 208 inhales to the end of the pulses being sent, lasts no more than about 3 seconds, no more than about 5 seconds, no more than about 1.5 seconds, or any other time in between. , longer or shorter period of time.

It should be understood that temperature, time and pressure (collectively constituting the performance profile) vary depending on various factors such as the starting material or materials used, the volume of starting material/materials used, the thickness of the starting material/materials and/or the starting block used. material and other similar factors. This is due, in particular, to the fact that different materials have different evaporation temperatures.

In fig. 7A-B are flowcharts illustrating a process for implementing methods for selecting a temperature profile to control or influence the release of one or more substances in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7A, in some embodiments of the present invention, the air flow is passed (702) through the feed material, for example, through the feed material held by or supported by an air-permeable frame. Optionally, the air flow is directed through the source material, for example, through a channel that is in fluid communication with the source material block. At step 704, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the starting material is heated to release at least one substance from the starting material by evaporation. At step 706, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the heating temperature profile of the starting material is adjusted to control the duration of release and/or the effect on the release of the substance, the volume of the released substance and, optionally, the type of the released substance (if the starting material contains more than one release agent). substances).

In some embodiments of the present invention, two or more different substances are released from the same starting material (eg, THC and CBD released from hemp).

In some embodiments of the present invention, one substance is a chemical derivative of another substance, for example, THC and THCA, CBD and CBDA.

In some embodiments of the present invention, two or more different substances are released from two or more types of starting materials, optionally contained in the same block or frame.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature profile is controlled based on the vaporization temperature of each of the released substances. Optionally, the temperature value and/or temperature trend (eg, rise, fall) controls or influences the time over which the substance is released; on the duration of release of the substance; and the volume of substance released. By adjusting the heating profile in accordance with the thermal and/or chemical properties of the starting material and/or the substance(s) released therefrom, the desired combination of substances can be released, including selected ratios and/or relative timing of the release of substances.

Fig. 7B illustrates the timing of release of substances by adjusting the temperature profile according to some embodiments of the present invention. At step 720, air flow is passed (and/or directed) through the feed material according to some embodiments of the present invention. At step 722, in some embodiments of the present invention, the starting material is heated in accordance with a temperature profile selected to release the first substance and simultaneously or subsequently release one or more additional substances from the starting material. In some embodiments of the present invention, the release of the first substance and the release of one or more additional substances occur in an overlapping manner. Additionally or alternatively, the substances are released one after the other, not necessarily with a certain interval between them.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the passage of air flow (eg, air flow velocity, air volume) through the feed material is controlled (optionally synchronized with the heating profile) to control the release of substances. In one example, increasing the air flow rate (eg, after reaching a selected heating temperature) may accelerate the release of the first substance, while having less or a limited effect on the release of the second substance.

One potential benefit of controlling the release of more than one substance by adjusting the heating profile and/or by adjusting the profile of the air flow passing through the starting material may be to improve the accuracy of the release of the substance, for example, improving the control of the timing of release, the volume of substance released and the type released substance. This dual control (airflow profile and heating profile) can provide a set of multiple control parameters (e.g. airflow rate, airflow volume, heating rate, maximum heating temperature, minimum heating temperature, heating gradient, heating duration, airflow duration and/or other control parameters), and changing one or more of these parameters can lead to a controlled change in the composition of the released substances (their types, release duration, volume, ratios between them, etc.).

The table below provides some examples of herbal materials, one or more active ingredients released from the herbal materials, the melting point of the active ingredients, and the boiling point of the active ingredients. Melting point can mean the temperature at which an ingredient changes from a solid to a liquid state, and boiling point can mean the temperature at which an ingredient evaporates.

In some embodiments of the present invention, heating is performed to raise the temperature of the starting material to a temperature between the melting point and the boiling point. In some embodiments of the present invention, this target temperature is selected as a compromise between a temperature that is too low relative to the boiling point, which could potentially increase the time required to release the ingredient, and a temperature that is too high, such as the boiling point or higher, which may cause the volume of ingredient released to be exceeded (eg, releasing too much volume in too short a period of time).

In some embodiments of the present invention, the target temperature is selected taking into account that different molecules (even of the same ingredient) reach their boiling point at different times, not necessarily all at the same time. Some molecules may evaporate before the source material reaches the target temperature.

In fig. 8A-B graphically illustrate examples of the release of substances according to temperature profiles, such as those shown in FIG. 6A-B, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8A, heating to temperature T1 causes the release of the first substance “A”, which is indicated by the dash-dotted line. In some embodiments of the present invention, the volume of released substance reaches a maximum (801) after a certain period of time after reaching temperature T1, for example, ranging from 1 ms to 2 seconds, ranging from 0.5 seconds to 3 seconds, ranging from 0. 1 second to 1 second or other intermediate, greater or lesser period of time after reaching temperature T1. Optionally, reducing the heating to reach temperature T2 from temperature T1 gradually reduces the volume of substance A released, and optionally results in a complete cessation of release. Additionally or alternatively, substance A has already been completely released at this point in time (such that no additional substance A can be released from the starting material), resulting in a decrease and/or cessation of release.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the release of substance "B" (indicated by a solid line) begins while the release of substance A is still ongoing, as shown in the graph. Alternatively, the release of substance B begins only after the release of substance A has ceased (ie, immediately or after a certain period of time after the release of substance A has ceased). The maximum volume 803 of substance B in this example is reached after a certain period of time after reheating to reach temperature T3. Optionally, reducing (or stopping) the heating (reaching T4 or a lower temperature) slows the release of substance B. Additionally or alternatively, substance B has already been completely released at this point in time (such that no material can be released from the starting material). no additional substance A), which leads to a decrease and/or cessation of release.

In some embodiments of the present invention, as can be seen in this example, the temperature T1 is selected to be high enough to initiate the release of substance A (optionally equal to or greater than the vaporization temperature of substance A, optionally within 5° C. 2°C, 10°C or other intermediate, higher or lower evaporation temperature ranges). In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature T1 is selected to be low enough to reduce or prevent the release of substance B, for example, if substance B has a higher vaporization temperature than substance A. Optionally, how can see, substance B is released only when heated to a higher temperature T3 (above temperature T1). Optionally, once substance B is released, increasing the temperature from T2 to T3 does not result in the release of substance A since potentially all of substance A has already been released.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the present invention, the release (or blocking/reducing release) of a substance is due to the deliberate initiation of one or more molecular changes of the substance. Some examples of molecular changes include deoxidation, degradation, hydrolysis and/or other molecular changes. Optionally, changing the molecular structure affects the vaporization temperature of the substance.

In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the temperature profile is selected to initiate a rapid release of a relatively large volume of substance "C" (as indicated by the dashed line), optionally simultaneously or at least partially overlapping the slow release of a relatively small constant volume of substance "D". (as indicated by the solid line). In this example, heating to temperature T1 results in the immediate release of a relatively large volume of substance C. At the same time, substance D is released at a slower rate and/or in a smaller volume. When heating is gradually reduced, the release of substance C stops immediately after reaching temperature T2, while the release of substance C continues at a relatively constant rate until heating stops when temperature T4 is reached.

Although in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 8A-B schematically illustrate the release of two substances, it should be noted that more substances (eg, 3, 4, 6, 10 or 20) or other intermediate, greater or lesser amounts of different substances may be released. Optionally, two or more than two substances may be released when the user takes a single breath.

In fig. 9 is a diagram of a heating module for heating a source material, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. A module, for example, as described herein, may be implemented in an inhalation device to deliver to an inhaling user one or more substances released from the source material.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the starting material 902 is formed into a plate. In some embodiments of the present invention, this plate is characterized by a thickness 904 in the range of 0.5-1 mm, 0.05-0.5 mm, 0.2-0.8 mm, 0.5-0.9 mm, or other intermediate, greater or less thickness. In some embodiments of the present invention, the plate contains particles, optionally ground and/or otherwise mechanically processed. In some embodiments of the present invention, the starting material includes or is formed from plant material that retains its plant microstructure intact. In one example, the starting material contains hemp trichomes.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the particles are dispersed to form voids between them, thereby allowing air to pass through the feed material, optionally between the particles.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the feed plate is heated by one or more heating elements. In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in this example, two heating elements 906 and 908 are arranged to heat the plate from two opposite directions. Optionally, each heating element contacts the surface of the plate, for example, extending along at least a portion of the surface of the plate.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating element is an electrically resistive heating element configured to heat when electrical current is applied to it, such as through an electrode that contacts or moves to contact the heating element. In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating element is shaped to allow air to pass through it, such as including voids or gaps. In some examples, the heating element is in the form of a mesh, such as a stainless steel mesh.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the controller 910 is configured to regulate one or more heating parameters of the heating element/elements, for example: heat activation, heating duration, heating end, heating increase, heating decrease, setting a target heating temperature of the heating element/elements, setting a target heating temperature and/or target temperature range for the starting material itself and/or other heating parameters.

In some embodiments of the present invention, power to activate heating of the heating elements (eg, by applying electrical current to the heating element/elements) is supplied by power supply 912. In some embodiments of the present invention, the supply of electrical power to power supply 912 is controlled by controller 910.

In some embodiments of the present invention, sensor 914 is positioned and configured to sense the temperature of at least one of heating element 906, heating element 908, feed material 902, or some portion thereof. Some embodiments of the present invention utilize multiple sensors (eg, 2, 3, 5, 6 sensors, or other intermediate, more or fewer sensors), optionally located in different locations. Sensor 914 may be located on or adjacent to the heating element, located within the plate, on the surface of the plate, and/or in another location suitable for measuring the temperature of one or both heating elements and/or the feed material. In some embodiments of the present invention, sensor 914 measures the temperature of the heating element by coming into contact with the heating element. In some embodiments of the present invention, sensor 914 measures the temperature of the surface of the source material by coming into contact with that surface. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor 914 is configured to sense the temperature of the heating element and/or the surface of the source material at a certain distance, for example, at a distance of 0.1-10 mm from the heating element or the surface of the source material. For example, an infrared sensor is located at a distance of 3-20 mm, 6-15 mm, or some other intermediate, greater or lesser distance from the heating element to detect the temperature of the heating element.

In some embodiments of the present invention, sensor 914 is an impedance temperature sensor, light temperature sensor, resistance-based temperature sensor, or infrared temperature sensor.

Additionally or alternatively, the resistance of the heating element is detected (eg by means of a suitable electrical circuit) and used as an indicator of temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, controller 910 controls heating based on sensor readings. Optionally, a closed-loop thermal control system is implemented, where, for example, the controller initiates heating of the heating element/elements; the sensor detects the temperature of one or both heating elements and/or source material; the temperature indicator is received by the controller; and the controller sets subsequent heating or issues a command to stop heating depending on the sensor reading. In some embodiments of the present invention, the sensor measures temperature in a periodic manner, for example, at selected time intervals before/during and/or after heating and/or at specified intervals. Optionally, the sensor monitors the temperature continuously.

In some embodiments of the present invention, controller 910 causes one or both heating elements to be heated to a temperature suitable to initiate heating of the feed material to a temperature range in which one or more substances are vaporized from the feed material. In some embodiments of the present invention, each or one of heating element 906 and heating element 908 is heated to a temperature different from the target evaporation temperature (or temperature range) of the feed material. Optionally, the heating elements are heated to temperatures different from each other.

For example, by heating the starting material to a temperature range with a lower threshold at T1 and an upper threshold at T2, the heating element may be heated to a third temperature T3. Optionally, the temperature T3 is higher than the temperature T2. Optionally, the heating element is heated to a fourth temperature T4, which is higher or lower than temperature T3.

In one example, to release THC from hemp, the starting material is heated to a temperature of 150°C with a tolerance of +/-15°C, +/-20°C, +/-30°C, or anything in between, higher or lower. meanings. Optionally, the heating element is heated to a temperature greater than 150°C, for example, to 170°C, 180°C, 200°C, 210°C, 220°C, or other intermediate, higher or lower temperature.

In another example, to release CBD from hemp, the starting material is heated to a temperature of 160°C with a tolerance of +/-15°C, +/-20°C, +/-30°C, or anything in between, higher or lower. .

In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature to which the heating element is heated is selected to initiate heating of at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% or other intermediate, greater or lesser percentage of the starting material up to the evaporation temperature range.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature to which the heating element is heated is selected to maintain at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or other intermediate, greater or lesser percentage of the starting material is below the combustion temperature of the starting material.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature to which the heating element is heated is selected to maintain at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or other intermediate, greater or lesser percentage of the starting material is below a maximum temperature threshold, for example, to prevent the release of one or more substances that vaporize at a higher temperature than one or more several substances selected for evaporation.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating profile of one or both heating elements is selected to initiate heating of the feed material to a specific temperature, temperature range, or temperature profile. The temperature profile may vary over time and/or space. For example, heating may be controlled to provide a selected temperature distribution throughout the thickness of the plate, on the surface(s) of the plate, and the like. For example, heating can be controlled to provide a selected temperature profile over time. One example may include heating the feed material to a maximum temperature, maintaining the temperature of the feed material within a selected temperature range, optionally for a selected period of time (eg, for the duration of the user's inhalation), then optionally stopping heating.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the controller is programmed to set heating parameters (e.g., target temperatures or temperature ranges), duration of heating, initiation and/or termination of heating) based on properties of the feed material, for example: type of feed material, plate thickness, surface area plate, the particle density of the feed material, the packing configuration of the feed material, the particle size of the feed material (eg, diameter), and the volume of the feed material.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the controller is programmed to set heating parameters based on the properties of the air stream that carries the substance(s) released from the feed material. In some embodiments of the present invention, heating of the feed material is affected by air flow passing through and/or within the feed material. For example, the temperature distribution across a plate (eg, its thickness) is affected by the direction and/or speed and/or volume of air passing through it. In one example, air passes through the plate in the direction indicated by arrows 914. If both heating elements are heated to the same temperature (for example, T3=T4), then the passage of the air flow may cause heating of layers closer to the heating element 908 downstream. , to a higher temperature compared to layers located closer to the upstream side towards element 906. In some cases, this may result in heat convection by the air flow and/or heat transfer by the feed material. Therefore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the controller is preprogrammed with temperature profiles and/or configured to calculate the temperature profiles necessary to bring the feed material to the required evaporation temperature range based on air flow parameters.

In some embodiments of the present invention, heating element 906, in addition to heating the feed material, heats the air entering the feed material. Another effect of the air flow may be to cool parts of the starting material, such as parts that are located at the entrance of the air flow into the plate.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the controller is programmed to set heating parameters based on the physical properties of the plate and/or surrounding structures, for example, based on the surface area of contact of the heating element with the plate; based on the distance between the heating elements; based on the distance between the heating element and the plate, if provided; based on the shape of the frame and/or other supporting structure in which the plate is placed or held; based on the properties of electrical resistance/conductivity of the material forming the heating element (for example, a mesh); and so on.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the opposing heating elements are formed as a single element having a U-shape, the ends of which overlap the surfaces of the plate. In some embodiments of the present invention, a U-shape connects two flat portions defining opposing heating elements. In some cases, during operation, the curved U-shaped sections heat up the most (not necessarily due to heat transfer from the two flat parts, due to heat convection and/or due to lack of air flow passing through them and/or in other cases). In some embodiments of the present invention, to reduce or prevent the effect of a potentially overheated U-shaped bent portion, contact between the bent portion and the starting material is reduced or prevented, for example, by using a spacer (e.g., a frame portion is positioned intermediate between the bent portion and the plate , holding the plate).

In some embodiments of the present invention, electrical power is supplied to a U-shaped element configured as a single element. Optionally, electric current is applied evenly to both ends of the U-shaped element (ie, applied to and passed through the meshes forming the ends). In some cases, one end of the U-shaped element becomes hotter than the other, due to the direction of air flow through the plate and heating elements. Optionally, by reading the temperature at only one end of the U-shaped element, the temperature of the opposite end can be calculated or calculated. In some embodiments of the present invention, this known difference between the actual temperatures of the heating elements at both ends of the U-shaped element is taken into account when adjusting the heating.

In fig. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for controlled heating of a feedstock according to some embodiments of the present invention.

In some embodiments of the present invention, to release one or more substances from the starting material by evaporation, an air stream passes into the starting material, and in some embodiments of the present invention, an air stream passes through the starting material before and/or during and/or after heating the starting material , for example, immediately after heating.

In some embodiments of the present invention, an air stream is passed and/or directed onto the feed material (1002). Optionally, the air flow passes through the feed material, eg, entering one side of the plate and exiting the opposite side of the plate (eg, crossing the thickness of the plate). Additionally or alternatively, air passes over one or more surfaces of the plate. Optionally, one or more surfaces of the plate are at least partially open so that vapors of released substances can be captured as air passes.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the first heating element of the feed material is heated to a first temperature or according to a first temperature profile (1004). Optionally, the heating element is heated until a selected temperature is reached, which in some embodiments of the present invention may continue to be maintained at a constant level over time. Optionally, the heating element is heated in accordance with a varying temperature profile, which includes, for example, a plurality of temperatures that must be achieved with specific timing.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating element is heated to a temperature that is different from the target temperature for the feed material and/or does not fall within (ie is not within) the target temperature range for the feed material. In some embodiments of the present invention, the target temperature or range of target temperatures of the feed material includes a temperature or range at which or in which one or more selected substances are vaporized from the feed material.

In some embodiments of the present invention, two or more than two heating elements of the starting material are heated. According to some embodiments of the present invention, at step 1006, the second heating element of the feed material is heated to a second temperature or in accordance with a second temperature profile. In some embodiments of the present invention, the second temperature or second temperature profile is different from the temperature or profile at which or with which the first heating element was heated. For example, one heating element is heated to a temperature that is at least 20%, at least 40%, at least 60%, or at least 80% higher than the temperature of the other heating element . For example, one heating element is heated to a temperature that is at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 40%, at least 50% at least 70% or at least 100% or another intermediate, greater or lesser percentage higher than the temperature of the other heating element. For example, one heating element is heated by increasing heat and then stopping heating, while another heating element is heated continuously. For example, one heating element is heated before another heating element is heated,

Optionally, heating of one or more elements is synchronized or correlated to accurately heat the feed material to a target temperature or range of target temperatures. For example, the heating of two or more than two heating elements is set to be synchronized; a temperature profile is set for each of the heating elements; moreover, as stated above in this document, this temperature profile may be different for each of the heating elements.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating is controlled to optionally maintain the feed temperature within a target temperature or target temperature range (1008). In some embodiments of the present invention, the target temperature or range of target temperatures is maintained for a time selected depending on the volume of the substance released and taking into account the rate of release of the substance. In some embodiments of the present invention, the target temperature or range of target temperatures is maintained for as long as the user inhales. In some embodiments of the present invention, the target temperature or range of target temperatures is held for as long as necessary to release all potentially contained substances from the starting material.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating is controlled to ensure that substantially all portions of the plate are heated to a target temperature or range. Optionally, the heating is controlled to prevent any portion of the substance from heating to a temperature beyond a predetermined maximum threshold, for example, to block or reduce the release of a substance that vaporizes at a higher temperature, and/or to prevent or reducing combustion of the starting material or its components.

In some embodiments of the present invention, heating control is accomplished using one or more sensors that provide readings related to the temperature of the heating element/elements, temperature of the feed material or portions thereof, flow rate and evaporation rate, and/or other readings.

In some embodiments of the present invention, heating control involves increasing and/or decreasing the amount of energy supplied to heat the heating element. Optionally, the power supply to the heating element is modified. Optionally, the electrical current supplied to the heating element (eg, through an electrode) is modified.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a system such as that described herein (eg, a system controller) automatically sets heating parameters. In some embodiments of the present invention, parameters are set based on a lookup table that, in some examples, relates parameters such as plate air velocity, plate thickness, density of feed material used, and/or other parameters to temperature profiles for heating one or more heating elements. elements.

In some embodiments of the present invention, heating is modified based on the lookup table. For example, as the rate of air flow through the plate changes, the controller may modify the heating profile of the heating element/elements, for example, by increasing or decreasing the temperature of the heating element.

In fig. 11 is a graphical representation of the temperature profile of a starting material over time in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

In the illustrated example, after heating is initiated at zero second, the feed material is heated (not necessarily linearly or nearly linearly) to achieve a target temperature or range of target temperatures, which range is indicated by dotted lines on the graph.

In some embodiments of the present invention, heating is performed at room temperature or ambient temperature, for example, 25°C, 20°C, 18°C, or other intermediate, higher or lower temperature.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the starting material is rapidly heated to a target temperature or range, for example, in less than 1.5 seconds, less than 1 second, less than 0.8 seconds, less than 0.5 seconds, or other intermediate, longer or shorter period of time. In some embodiments of the present invention, the feed material is heated to a target temperature (not necessarily the evaporation temperature) within 200-600 milliseconds of heating, such as 300, 400, or 500 milliseconds of heating.

In some embodiments of the present invention, in the next heating step, when the feed material has reached the target temperature or range, the heating is adjusted to maintain the temperature of the feed material within the target range. In some embodiments of the present invention, heat may be used to maintain the temperature of the feed material within the target temperature range for 0.5-10 seconds, such as 2 seconds, 4 seconds, 6 seconds, or other intermediate, longer or shorter period. time. In the illustrated example, heating is controlled to maintain the temperature of the feed material within the target range for a period of time of about two seconds (range 1-3 seconds). Optionally, the period of time during which the temperature is maintained within the target range corresponds to the duration of one breath taken by the user using the device.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the duration of maintaining the temperature of the feed material in the target range is selected using a lookup table. For example, the lookup table associates different durations with different volumes of substance released. For example, the lookup table associates different durations with the types of substances to be delivered. For example, in a lookup table, different duration values are associated with one or more personal attributes of the user and, optionally, the expected duration of the user's inhalation, for example, based on factors such as age, gender, physical condition, condition being treated, etc. .

In some embodiments of the present invention, the device is programmed with preset heating profiles, for example, for different dosing modes. For example, the first heating profile is set to maintain the temperature of the feed material within the target temperature range for 1100-1900 milliseconds, 1200-1600 milliseconds, 1000-1500 milliseconds, or other intermediate, longer or shorter periods of time.

In some embodiments of the present invention, to maintain the temperature of the feed material within a target temperature range, the heating element/elements may be heated and/or cooled, optionally cyclically.

In some embodiments of the present invention, heating is reduced or stopped to allow subsequent cooling. In some embodiments of the present invention, the air flow rate is increased to allow faster cooling. In some embodiments of the present invention, airflow from a different direction (eg, airflow along a block of feedstock) is added to potentially accelerate cooling.

Some examples of target temperature ranges, which in some embodiments of the present invention include the vaporization temperature of one or more selected substances, may include: a hemp THC vaporization range of 150°C+/-20°C; the range of evaporation of CBD from hemp is within 160+/-20°C; and the range of evaporation of nicotine from tobacco is within 250-350°C.

Other examples of substances released from the starting material and the corresponding conditions for their release are described, for example, in PCT publication WO 2019/159170 entitled “Method and inhaler for delivering two or more substances by inhalation”, see, for example, Tables 1-5 .

In fig. 12A-C schematically illustrate the expected effect of heating a source material plate from one or two surfaces of the plate according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments of the present invention, heating is performed based on the expected heat distribution pattern of the starting material. This proposed structure may be inferred for some embodiments of the present invention based on the results of an experimental study (eg, temperature measurements performed in a laboratory setting).

In some embodiments of the present invention, the heat distribution pattern in the feed plate 1202 is affected by air passing through the plate, in this example in the direction indicated by arrow 1204.

In fig. 12A shows the expected heating effect of an upstream heating element 1206, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. As can be seen, the layers of feed material adjacent to the heated heating element have a higher temperature compared to the layers located downstream and closer to the opposing heating element 1208 (which in this example is not heated).

In fig. 12B shows the expected heating result of the downstream heating element 1208. As can be seen, the layers of source material adjacent to element 1208 are at a higher temperature compared to layers located upstream closer to heating element 1206. Due to the passage of air through the source material, as well as due to the specific direction of air flow, the layers those located closer to element 1206 in this heating configuration are heated to a lower temperature compared to layers located closer to element 1208 in FIG. 12A.

In fig. 12C shows the result of heating both heating elements 1206 and 1208 to the same temperature. The layers adjacent to both heating elements are not necessarily heated to the same degree, but due to the passage of air through the source material, as well as due to the specific direction of the air flow, the central layers located closer to the upstream side may have a reduced temperature relative to the surrounding layers. Consequently, due to the passage of the air flow, even when both heating elements are heated to the same temperature, an uneven and, naturally, non-uniform temperature distribution structure is ensured.

In view of the above, in some embodiments of the present invention, the heating of one or both heating elements is controlled taking into account the expected, not necessarily uneven, temperature distribution in the starting material.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature distribution structure is used to predict the actual temperature distribution in the starting material.

In fig. 12D-E graphically compares the heating of the feed plate 1210 when air flow is passed through the plate and when no air flow is passed through the plate, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The graphs show the temperature distribution over time along the X side of the plate, representing the thickness of the plate.

In fig. 12D shows that in the absence of air flow, heating the plate from its two opposing surfaces forms over time a temperature distribution in which the layers of the source material located closer to the heating elements (indicated by dotted lines) potentially heat up to the same degree (assuming identical heating heating elements), while layers located closer to the center are heated to a lesser extent.

In fig. 12E, the presence of air flow passing through one side of the plate and exiting through the opposite side changes the temperature distribution, for example, by cooling the layers adjacent to the side of the plate through which the air flow enters.

In fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a pattern of air flow along one or more surfaces of a feed plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

In some embodiments of the present invention, air flow is passed and/or directed to flow along the long side of the plate. In some embodiments of the present invention, the flow along the long side complements the flow along the short side (eg, across the thickness of the plate). Optionally, heat and/or airflow is controlled independently for each plate surface. Optionally, the heating of each heating element is separately controlled. Optionally, the airflow along each heating element is separately controlled.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the flow is only along the long side of the plate.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the air stream 1300 is directed to flow along the surface/surfaces of the plate 1302, for example, along the top surface and/or along the bottom surface of the plate. In some embodiments of the present invention, the air flow is directed and/or passed through the heating element 1304 and/or 1306. Optionally, the air flow entrains vapors of one or more substances released from the plate, such as vapors released through the openings of the heating element (for example, heating element made in the form of a mesh).

In some embodiments of the present invention, the direction of the air flow is controlled (eg, along the horizontal axis of the plate from right to left or in the opposite direction). In some embodiments of the present invention, the direction of flow along the horizontal axis is the same for both sides of the plate. Alternatively, the direction of air flow along the horizontal axis will be different for each side of the plate.

It can be expected that many relevant inhalers and/or starting material units/dose cartridges may be developed during the life of the patent covered by this application, and the scope of these terms is intended to cover all such new technologies a priori.

The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “having,” and their derivatives mean “including, but not limited to.”

The terms “consisting of” mean “including and limited.”

The term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not significantly change the essential and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structures.

As used herein, the term "multiple" means two or more. As used herein, the singular form expressed by the indefinite articles and the definite article includes a reference to the plural form, unless the context clearly requires otherwise. For example, the term “compound” or “at least one compound” can refer to a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of the present invention may be presented in range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is presented for convenience and brevity only, and should not be construed as strictly limiting the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be viewed as specifically disclosing all possible subranges as well as the individual numerical values within that range. For example, a description of a range such as 1 to 6 should be considered a specific disclosure of subranges such as 1 to 3, 1 to 4, 1 to 5, 2 to 4, 2 to 6, 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numerical values within this range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. This applies equally to any range, regardless of its width.

As used herein, the term “method” refers to methods, means, methods and procedures for accomplishing a given purpose, including, but not limited to, those methods, means, methods and procedures that are either known or readily developed from known methods, means , methods and procedures by specialists in the chemical, pharmacological, biological, biochemical and medical fields.

It should be understood that certain features of the present invention, which for clarity are described in the context of individual embodiments, may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment of the present invention. Conversely, various features of the claimed invention, which for brevity are described in the context of one embodiment, may also be implemented individually or in any suitable subcombination or suitably in any other described embodiment of the present invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments should not be considered essential features of those embodiments unless the embodiment is inoperable without the stated features.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it will be clear that many alternative embodiments, modifications and changes will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that all such alternatives, modifications and changes fall within the spirit of the appended claims and are intended to fall within the broad scope of the appended claims.

The contents of all publications, patents and patent applications referenced in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application were separately and specifically identified as being incorporated herein by reference. Moreover, the citation or reference to any reference in this application should not be construed as an admission that such reference is offered as prior art of the present invention. Where section titles are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. In addition, the contents of any document/documents that have priority over this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims (24)

1. A heating method for controlled release of at least one substance to be delivered to a user by inhalation, comprising: passing an air stream through a solid plate of feed material from which at least one substance can be released by evaporation, the air stream entering the solid plate of feed material through a first upstream surface and exiting the solid plate of feed material through a second downstream surface downstream surface opposite to the first surface; heating a first heating element in contact with a first surface of the solid plate of the starting material in accordance with a first temperature profile; And heating a second heating element in contact with a second surface of the solid plate of the starting material according to a second temperature profile different from the first temperature profile. 2. The method according to claim 1, including regulating heating by increasing or decreasing the temperature of at least one heating element among the first heating element and the second heating element. 3. The method according to any of the preceding paragraphs. 1 or 2, wherein heating to a first temperature includes heating and maintaining a first temperature at a constant level, and heating to a second temperature includes heating and maintaining a second temperature at a constant level, the first and second temperatures being different from each other. 4. The method according to any of the preceding paragraphs. 1-3, wherein heating includes adjusting heat to maintain the temperature of at least 85% of the feed material within a target temperature range. 5. The method according to any of the preceding paragraphs. 1-4, wherein the heating includes modifying the heating of one or both of the first heating element and the second heating element based on a change in the speed of air flow through the solid plate of the starting material. 6. Method according to any of the preceding paragraphs. 1-5, wherein the first temperature profile and the second temperature profile are selected to control at least one of the volume of the substance released and the length of time over which the substance is released. 7. Method according to any of the preceding paragraphs. 1-6, in which the heating of the first and second heating elements is carried out to a temperature that is not included in the target temperature range within 25°C of the evaporation temperature of at least one substance of the starting material. 8. Method according to any of the preceding paragraphs. 1-7, in which the heating of the first and second heating elements is carried out to a temperature that does not lead to combustion of the starting material. 9. Method according to any of the preceding paragraphs. 1-8, wherein passing the air flow includes passing air in a direction perpendicular to the first and second surfaces of the solid plate of the starting material. 10. Method according to any of the preceding paragraphs. 1-9, wherein the first heating element and the second heating element are parts of a single heating element. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the single heating element is U-shaped and the heating involves passing an electric current through the U-shape. 12. The method of claim 2, wherein controlling the heat includes indirectly controlling the heat by varying the rate of air flow through the solid plate of the feed material. 13. The method of claim 1, comprising heating the second heating element to a temperature that is lower than the temperature to which the first heating element is heated. 14. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-13, wherein heating the first heating element includes setting a first temperature profile of the first heating element in contact with the first surface of the solid plate of the source material and heating the first heating element in accordance with the setting; A heating the second heating element includes setting a second temperature profile of the second heating element in contact with a second surface of the solid plate of the source material and heating the second heating element in accordance with the setting, wherein the second temperature profile is different from the first temperature profile; And defining the first temperature profile and the second temperature profile takes into account the properties of the air flow, which carries the released at least one substance from the solid plate of the source material to maintain the solid plate with the source material in a predetermined temperature range. 15. A heating module used in an inhalation device configured to receive a block of starting material, wherein the block of starting material includes first and second electrical resistive heating elements in contact with a separate block of solid starting material, wherein the heating module comprises: at least two electrical contacts shaped and positioned to engage the first and second electrical resistive heating elements of the individual block of solid starting material when the block of starting material is placed in the inhalation device; And electrical circuitry for regulating the conduction of current through at least two electrical contacts for heating the first and second heating elements to raise the temperature of at least 85% of an individual block of solid feed material to a target temperature and maintaining that individual block of solid feed material at target temperature; wherein the electrical circuit is configured to regulate heating of the first heating element to a first temperature and heating of the second heating element to a second temperature different from the first temperature. 16. The heating module of claim 15, wherein the electrical circuitry comprises a controller for controlling the first and second electrical resistive heating elements in accordance with temperature profiles that are calculated for each of the first and second electrical resistive heating elements.