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WO2022133065A2 - Dispositif vaporisateur pour matières vaporisables hautement visqueuses - Google Patents

Dispositif vaporisateur pour matières vaporisables hautement visqueuses Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022133065A2
WO2022133065A2 PCT/US2021/063764 US2021063764W WO2022133065A2 WO 2022133065 A2 WO2022133065 A2 WO 2022133065A2 US 2021063764 W US2021063764 W US 2021063764W WO 2022133065 A2 WO2022133065 A2 WO 2022133065A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vaporizable material
reservoir
heater
vaporizer device
vaporizer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2021/063764
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2022133065A3 (fr
Inventor
Michael Arens
Alexander Weiss
Michael OAR
Colt Stander
Roger DAVILA
Susan OSOWSKI
Wiwik Watanabe
Philipe Manoux
David Stephen Thomas
Isobel Jane ASHBEY
Ellen Margaret Melia SIMMONS
Joseph George WELFORD
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Juul Labs Inc
Original Assignee
Juul Labs Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Juul Labs Inc filed Critical Juul Labs Inc
Publication of WO2022133065A2 publication Critical patent/WO2022133065A2/fr
Publication of WO2022133065A3 publication Critical patent/WO2022133065A3/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/44—Wicks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
    • A24F40/485—Valves; Apertures

Definitions

  • the current subject matter described herein relates generally to vaporizer devices, such as portable, personal vaporizer devices for generating and delivering an inhalable aerosol from one or more vaporizable materials, and more particularly relates to heating in a vaporizer device.
  • Vaporizing devices including electronic vaporizers or e-vaporizer devices, allow the delivery of vapor and aerosol containing one or more active ingredients by inhalation of the vapor and aerosol.
  • Electronic vaporizer devices are gaining increasing popularity both for prescriptive medical use, in delivering medicaments, and for consumption of nicotine, tobacco, other liquid-based substances, and other plant-based smokeable materials, such as cannabis, including solid (e.g., loose-leaf or flower) materials, solid/liquid (e.g., suspensions, liquid-coated) materials, wax extracts, and prefilled pods (cartridges, wrapped containers, etc.) of such materials.
  • Electronic vaporizer devices in particular may be portable, self-contained, and convenient for use.
  • aspects of the current disclosure relate to heating in a vaporizer device, such as in a cartridge of a vaporizer device, for improved aerosol production.
  • a vaporizer device includes a reservoir configured to store a vaporizable material, an atomizer housing, and a heater positioned within the atomizer housing.
  • the heater is configured to vaporize the vaporizable material stored in the reservoir.
  • the heater includes a plurality of heater subassemblies. Each of the plurality of heater subassemblies includes a wicking element and a heating element. The plurality of heater subassemblies are concentrically aligned about a longitudinal axis of the reservoir.
  • the reservoir includes a wall and a second heating element. The second heating element is embedded within the wall of the reservoir.
  • the vaporizer device includes a cannula coupled to the atomizer housing.
  • the cannula defines an air passageway through which the vaporized vaporizable material is configured to pass.
  • the cannula and the atomizer housing are integrally formed.
  • the atomizer housing includes a conical shape.
  • the atomizer housing is tapered and extends away from the cannula.
  • the plurality of heater subassemblies are spaced apart from one another.
  • the plurality of heater subassemblies are radially positioned about the air passageway.
  • an interior volume of the reservoir is defined between a central cannula and the wall.
  • each of the heater subassemblies are configured to be actuated in a sequence to heat the vaporizable material.
  • a vaporizer device includes a reservoir configured to store a vaporizable material and a heater positioned within the reservoir.
  • the heater includes a wicking element configured to draw the vaporizable material stored in the reservoir, a heating element coupled to the wicking element, a plurality of thermal plates distributed throughout the reservoir, and a heating wire coupled to the plurality of thermal plates and the heating element.
  • the heating element is configured to vaporize the vaporizable material stored in the reservoir.
  • the plurality of thermal plates are configured to heat the vaporizable material without vaporizing the vaporizable material to reduce a viscosity of the vaporizable material.
  • the reservoir includes tapered portions to direct the vaporizable material towards the heater.
  • the plurality of thermal plates includes four thermal plates.
  • the heating wire is embedded within a surface of the thermal plates.
  • the vaporizer device also includes an atomizer housing centrally aligned along a longitudinal axis of the vaporizer device.
  • the atomizer housing defines an air passageway through which the vaporized vaporizable material is configured to pass.
  • the atomizer housing bifurcates the reservoir.
  • At least a first thermal plate of the plurality of thermal plates is positioned on a first side of the atomizer housing. At least a second thermal plate of the plurality of thermal plates is positioned on a second side of the atomizer housing.
  • the plurality of thermal plates comprise one or more of a flat plate, a lattice, and a mesh.
  • the plurality of thermal plates are configured to actively wick the vaporizable material towards the wicking element.
  • a surface of the plurality of thermal plates is coated.
  • a vaporizer device includes a reservoir configured to store a vaporizable material, a heater, and a heater enclosure.
  • the heater includes a wicking element configured to retain the vaporizable material, and a heating element configured to vaporize the vaporizable material retained by the wicking element.
  • the heater enclosure is fitted to an external surface of the heater.
  • the heater enclosure is configured to draw vaporizable material from the reservoir and deliver the vaporizable material to the wicking element.
  • the heater enclosure includes a compliant material.
  • the heater enclosure defines a jacket or sock that surrounds the heater.
  • the reservoir includes a conical shape.
  • the heater is centrally aligned along a longitudinal axis of the vaporizer device.
  • the heater includes a longer dimension and a shorter dimension, and the longer dimension extends along the longitudinal axis.
  • the heater enclosure extends an entire height of the reservoir.
  • an interior side wall of the heater enclosure contacts the external surface of the heater.
  • the heater enclosure includes at least one closed end configured to enclose at least one end of the heater.
  • a vaporizer device includes a reservoir configured to store a vaporizable material, an atomizer housing and a heater positioned within the atomizer housing.
  • the heater includes: a wi eking element configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir, a heating element coupled to the wicking element and configured to vaporize the vaporizable material drawn by the wicking element, a valve sealing an opening in the reservoir and configured to control an air pressure within the reservoir, and a coating positioned along an interior surface of the reservoir. The coating is configured to prevent the vaporizable material from adhering to the interior surface of the reservoir.
  • the heating element is embedded within the wicking element.
  • the heater includes two heaters positioned parallel to one another.
  • the vaporizer device includes an atomizer housing centrally aligned along a longitudinal axis of the vaporizer device.
  • the coating includes a non-stick material includes one or more of an oleophobic material, a lipophobic material, and a silicone coating.
  • the coating is nanostructured to repel the vaporizable material from the interior surface of the reservoir.
  • the valve is a duck-bill valve.
  • a vaporizer device includes: a reservoir configured to store a vaporizable material, a heater, a plunger, and a secondary heating element.
  • the heater includes a wicking element configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir and a heating element coupled to the wicking element and configured to vaporize the vaporizable material drawn by the wicking element.
  • the plunger is configured to push the vaporizable material from the reservoir towards the wicking element.
  • the secondary heating element is configured to heat the vaporizable material within the reservoir without vaporizing the vaporizable material to reduce a viscosity of the vaporizable material.
  • the secondary heating element is configured to wrap around at least a portion of the heater.
  • the vaporizer device includes a mechanical dispenser including the plunger.
  • the plunger is at least partially positioned within the reservoir.
  • the plunger includes a spring.
  • the spring exerts a force on the vaporizable material to ensure the wicking element is saturated with the vaporizable material.
  • movement of the plunger with respect to the wicking element reduces a volume of the reservoir.
  • a surface tension created between the plunger and a wall of the reservoir is configured to cause movement of the plunger towards the wicking element.
  • the plunger and a wall of the reservoir contact one another to define a passive seal.
  • the secondary heating element is at least partially positioned within the reservoir.
  • a vaporizer device includes a reservoir configured to store a vaporizable material, a heater configured to float on the vaporizable material and a heater.
  • the heater includes a wicking element configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir.
  • the wicking element defines a planar structure.
  • the vaporizable material is positioned on a first side of the wicking element.
  • the heater also includes a heating element coupled to a second side of the wicking element. The second side is opposite the first side.
  • the heating element is configured to vaporize the vaporizable material drawn by the wicking element.
  • the vaporizer device includes one or more fins configured to prevent longitudinal movement of the heater in a first direction.
  • the first direction is towards an outlet of the reservoir.
  • the one or more fins define a protrusion that extends at an angle from an interior wall of the reservoir.
  • the reservoir includes a lower wall, and the vaporizable material is positioned between the lower wall and the heater.
  • the heater is configured to seal the reservoir.
  • a side surface of the heater is configured to contact an interior side wall of the reservoir to seal the reservoir.
  • a vaporizer device includes: a reservoir configured to store a vaporizable material, a reservoir enclosure, and a heater.
  • the reservoir includes an air vent configured to control an air pressure within the reservoir.
  • the reservoir enclosure is positioned within the reservoir.
  • the vaporizable material is positioned entirely within the reservoir enclosure.
  • the reservoir enclosure defines a collapsible bag. The collapsible bag collapses when a volume of the vaporizable material is reduced.
  • the heater includes: a heating core configured to heat the vaporizable material within the reservoir enclosure without vaporizing the vaporizable material to reduce a viscosity of the vaporizable material.
  • the heater also includes a wicking element configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir.
  • the heater also includes a heating element coupled to the wicking element and the heating core. The heating element is configured to vaporize the vaporizable material drawn by the wicking element. At least a portion of the heating element is positioned externally relative to the reservoir.
  • the heating core is centrally aligned along a longitudinal axis of the vaporizer device.
  • the heating core is transparent.
  • the collapsible bag is sealed around the heating core and the vaporizable material.
  • the collapsible bag is configured to passively collapse under capillary force from the wicking element.
  • a vaporizer device includes: a reservoir configured to store a vaporizable material, a porous plate including a plurality of perforations, a dispenser, and a heater.
  • the porous plate is in contact with the vaporizable material stored within the reservoir.
  • the dispenser is configured to push the vaporizable material from the reservoir towards the porous plate.
  • the heater is configured to heat the vaporizable material, reducing a viscosity of the vaporizable material to allow the vaporizable material to pass through the plurality of perforations of the porous plate.
  • the heater is configured to further heat at least a portion of the vaporizable material that has passed through the plurality of perforations of the porous plate to vaporize at least the portion of the vaporizable material.
  • the plurality of perforations are arranged in an array.
  • the dispenser includes a plunger.
  • the plunger includes a spring configured to bias the vaporizable material against the porous plate.
  • the plunger includes a ball screw and a dial configured to bias the vaporizable material against the porous plate.
  • the porous plate is separated from the heater by an air passageway.
  • At least the portion of the vaporizable material that has passed through the plurality of perforations of the porous plate is configured to pass across the air passageway to the heater.
  • the vaporized vaporizable material is configured to become entrained within air in the air passageway to form an aerosol that is configured to be delivered to a user.
  • the heater forms a flat planar structure.
  • the heater and the porous plate are integrally formed.
  • the heater and the porous plate are in contact with one another.
  • the vaporizer device further includes a vaporizer body, and a vaporizer cartridge coupled to the vaporizer body.
  • the vaporizer cartridge includes the reservoir, the porous plate, the dispenser, and the heater.
  • the vaporizable material is a highly viscous vaporizable material.
  • FIG. 1 A - FIG. IF illustrate features of a vaporizer device including a vaporizer body and a cartridge consistent with implementations of the current subject matter
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating features of a vaporizer device having a cartridge and a vaporizer body consistent with implementations of the current subject matter;
  • FIG. 3 schematically illustrates aspects of a vaporizer device consistent with implementations of the current subject matter
  • FIG. 4 schematically illustrates aspects of a vaporizer device consistent with implementations of the current subject matter
  • FIG. 5 schematically illustrates aspects of a vaporizer device consistent with implementations of the current subject matter
  • FIG. 6 schematically illustrates aspects of a vaporizer device consistent with implementations of the current subject matter
  • FIG. 7 schematically illustrates aspects of a vaporizer device consistent with implementations of the current subject matter
  • FIG. 8 schematically illustrates aspects of a vaporizer device consistent with implementations of the current subject matter
  • FIG. 9 schematically illustrates aspects of a vaporizer device consistent with implementations of the current subject matter
  • FIGS. 10A-10B schematically illustrate aspects of a vaporizer device consistent with implementations of the current subject matter.
  • FIG. 11 is an example method of heating a vaporizable material consistent with implementations of the current subject matter.
  • Implementations of the current subject matter include devices relating to vaporizing of one or more materials for inhalation by a user.
  • the term “vaporizer” may be used generically in the following description and may refer to a vaporizer device, such as an electronic vaporizer.
  • Vaporizers consistent with the current subject matter may be referred to by various terms such as inhalable aerosol devices, aerosolizers, vaporization devices, electronic vaping devices, electronic vaporizers, vape pens, etc.
  • Examples of vaporizers consistent with implementations of the current subject matter include electronic vaporizers, electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or the like.
  • vaporizers are often portable, hand-held devices that heat a vaporizable material to provide an inhalable dose of the material.
  • the vaporizer may include a heater configured to heat a vaporizable material which results in the production of one or more gas-phase components of the vaporizable material.
  • a vaporizable material may include liquid and/or oil-type plant materials, or a semi-solid like a wax, or plant material such as leaves or flowers, either raw or processed.
  • the gas-phase components of the vaporizable material may condense after being vaporized such that an aerosol is formed in a flowing air stream that is deliverable for inhalation by a user.
  • a cartridge also referred to as a vaporizer cartridge or pod
  • a reusable vaporizer device body also referred to as a vaporizer device base, a body, a vaporizer body, or a base
  • a suitable vaporizable material may include one or more liquids, such as oils, extracts, aqueous or other solutions, etc., of one or more substances that may be desirably provided in the form of an inhalable aerosol.
  • the vaporizable material may include a highly viscous vaporizable material. The cartridge may be inserted into the vaporizer body, and then the vaporizable material heated which results in the inhalable aerosol.
  • aspects of the current subject matter relate to heating of the vaporizable material stored in the vaporizer device (e.g., in a vaporizer cartridge).
  • the vaporizable material stored in the vaporizer device (e.g., in a vaporizer cartridge).
  • adequate heating of the vaporizable material aids in providing a user a consistent and desired experience.
  • a greater variability in the heating of the vaporizable material when a user puffs on the vaporizer device results in a greater variability in the amount of aerosol produced by the vaporizer device, which may lead to an inconsistent, unsatisfying, and/or undesirable user experience.
  • Greater variability in the heating of the vaporizable material may also make it more difficult to control and/or monitor a precise amount of generated aerosol.
  • variability in aerosol production correlates to variability in dosage, which may be of particular concern in medicinal applications.
  • aspects of the current subject matter provide for improved heating of the vaporizable material for improved aerosol production.
  • Heating of the vaporizable material may be impeded or otherwise be rendered inefficient by a number of factors including, for example, negative pressure that forms in the cartridge (or device) as the reservoir is depleted of the vaporizable material, re-saturation of vaporizable material within the capillary pathway, highly viscous of the vaporizable material such as various cannabis oils, low surface tension of the vaporizable material, a low capillary force of the capillary pathway, materials of wicks and/or heating elements (e.g., fibrous materials), and/or the like.
  • Highly viscous vaporizable materials may have a viscosity of approximately 200 kCp, 150 kCp to 200 kCp, 200 kCp to 250 kCp, 250 kCp to 300 kCp, 300 kCp to 400 kCp, 400 kCp to 500 kCp, 500 kCp to 600 kCp, 600 kCp to 750 kCp, 750 kCp to 1000 kCp, 500 kCp to 1000 kCp, 10 kCp to 250 kCp, other ranges therebetween or higher.
  • highly viscous vaporizable materials such as vaporizable materials having a high THC content, concentrates, shatter, badder, butter, rosin, wax, cannabidiol, and/or the like.
  • dab rigs or other accessory devices may be used to vaporize highly viscous vaporizable materials.
  • a portion of highly viscous vaporizable material may be transferred from a container to the accessory device.
  • such configurations can be messy, cumbersome, and time-consuming, as the highly viscous vaporizable material can be sticky and difficult to manage.
  • vaporizer devices with vaporizer cartridges including a reservoir that stores the concentrate and a wick that transfers the highly viscous vaporizable material from the reservoir to a heater to be vaporized may reduce the difficult of transferring highly viscous vaporizable material from one container to a separate device for vaporization.
  • the highly viscous vaporizable materials used in the vaporizer cartridge may cause wick starvation (e.g., poor re-saturation of the wicking element), which results in inconsistent delivery of aerosol to the user and an undesirable user experience.
  • highly viscous vaporizable material formulations may not be readily transported to and may have difficulty flowing into the wicking element.
  • vaporizer devices including highly viscous vaporizable materials may have significant wick re-saturation times that are greater than a desired inter-puff duration.
  • the wicking element may not re-saturate with a sufficient amount of vaporizable material between puffs, resulting in an inconsistent amount of vaporizable material being vaporized during each puff and/or an insufficient amount of vaporizable material to be vaporized to generate a sufficient amount of vapor for inhalation by the user.
  • air bubbles may also become trapped within the highly viscous vaporizable material round the wicking element, preventing wetting of the wick, further limiting the ability for the wicking element to re-saturate between puffs.
  • highly viscous vaporizable materials may have a low thermal conductivity, making it more difficult to transfer heat to the vaporizable material to lower the viscosity and make it easier for the vaporizable material to be transported.
  • highly viscous vaporizable materials may be difficult to transport, inhibiting effective re-saturation of a wicking element, such as during a multi-dose session.
  • the properties of the highly viscous vaporizable materials such as the low thermal conductivity, reduces the extent to which heat applied to the vaporizable material lowers the viscosity of the vaporizable material, which would make it easier to transport the vaporizable material.
  • the highly viscous vaporizable material may cause air bubbles to be trapped around the wicking element, preventing or limiting further wetting of the wicking element.
  • highly viscous vaporizable materials may cause a vacuum or plug in a reservoir storing the vaporizable material.
  • the highly viscous vaporizable material may prevent air ingress into the reservoir storing the vaporizable material to displace the vaporizable material, limiting flow of the vaporizable material into the wicking element.
  • aspects of the current subject matter provide for improved heating of vaporizable material, including highly viscous vaporizable material by addressing the described limiting factors, including: (1) reducing the amount of time to re-saturate the wicking element, improving the bulk movement of the vaporizable material within the reservoir and into the wicking element, (2) improving the control of back pressure within the reservoir, improving the consistency of produced aerosol, (3) enhancing the ability to control a precise amount of vaporizable material that is vaporized, and/or (4) improving the ability to monitor the amount of vaporizable material that is vaporized, and/or remains in the vaporizer device.
  • the vaporizer device described herein may allow the vaporizable material to be readily transported to and saturate or re-saturate the wicking element prior to, during, and/or after a puff, providing a more consistent and reliable user experience.
  • vaporizer cartridges of a vaporizer device Before providing additional details regarding aspects of vaporizer cartridges of a vaporizer device, the following provides a description of some examples of vaporizer devices including a vaporizer body and a cartridge. The following descriptions are meant to be exemplary, and heating elements consistent with the current subject matter are not limited to the example vaporizer devices described herein.
  • FIG. 1A - FIG. IF illustrates features of a vaporizer device 100 including a vaporizer body 110 and a cartridge 150 consistent with implementations of the current subject matter.
  • FIG. 1A is a bottom perspective view
  • FIG. IB is a top perspective view of the vaporizer device 100 with the cartridge 150 separated from a cartridge receptacle 114 on the vaporizer body 110. Both of the views in FIG. 1 A and FIG. IB are shown looking towards a mouthpiece 152 of the cartridge 150.
  • FIG. 1C is a bottom perspective view
  • FIG. ID is a top perspective view of the vaporizer device with the cartridge 150 separated from the cartridge receptacle 114 of the vaporizer body 110.
  • FIG. 1C and FIG. ID are shown looking toward the distal end of the vaporizer body 110.
  • FIG. IE is top perspective view
  • FIG. IF is a bottom perspective view of the vaporizer device 100 with the cartridge 150 engaged for use with the vaporizer body 110.
  • the cartridge 150 includes, at the proximal end, a mouthpiece 152 that is attached over a cartridge body 156 that forms a reservoir or tank 158 that holds a vaporizable material.
  • the cartridge body 156 may be transparent, translucent, opaque, or a combination thereof.
  • the mouthpiece 152 may include one or more openings 154 (see FIG. 1A, FIG. IB, FIG. IF) at the proximal end out of which vapor may be inhaled, by drawing breath through the vaporizer device 100.
  • the distal end of the cartridge body 156 may couple to and be secured to the vaporizer body 110 within the cartridge receptacle 114 of the vaporizer body 110.
  • Power pin receptacles 160a,b (see FIG. 1C, FIG. ID) of the cartridge 150 mate with respective power pins or contacts 122a,b of the vaporizer body 110 that extend into the cartridge receptacle 114.
  • the cartridge 150 also includes air flow inlets 162a, b on the distal end of the cartridge body 156.
  • a tag 164 such as a data tag, a near-field communication (NFC) tag, or other type of wireless transceiver or communication tag, may be positioned on and/or within at least a portion of the distal end of the cartridge body 156. As shown in FIG. 1C and FIG. ID, the tag 164 may substantially surround the power pin receptacles 160a,b and the air flow inlets 162a,b, although other configurations of the tag 164 may be implemented as well.
  • NFC near-field communication
  • the tag 164 may be positioned between the power pin receptacle 160a and the power pin receptacle 160b, or the tag 164 may be shaped as a circle, partial circle, oval, partial oval, or any polygonal shape encircling or partially encircling the power pin receptacles 160a,b and the air flow inlets 162a,b or a portion thereof.
  • the vaporizer body 110 has an outer shell or cover 112 that may be made of various types of materials, including for example aluminum (e.g., AL6063), stainless steel, glass, ceramic, titanium, plastic (e.g., Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Nylon, Polycarbonate (PC), Polyethersulfone (PESU), and the like), fiberglass, carbon fiber, and any hard, durable material.
  • the proximal end of the vaporizer body 110 includes an opening forming the cartridge receptacle 114, and the distal end of the vaporizer body 110 includes a connection 118, such as, for example, a universal serial bus Type C (USB-C) connection and/or the like.
  • USB-C universal serial bus Type C
  • the cartridge receptacle 114 portion of the vaporizer body 110 includes one or more openings (air inlets) 116a,b that extend through the outer shell 112 to allow airflow therein, as described in more detail below.
  • the vaporizer body 110 as shown has an elongated, flattened tubular shape that is curvature-continuous, although the vaporizer body 110 is not limited to such a shape.
  • the vaporizer body 110 may take the form of other shapes, such as, for example, a rectangular box, a cylinder, and the like.
  • the cartridge 150 may fit within the cartridge receptacle 114 by a friction fit, snap fit, and/or other types of secure connection.
  • the cartridge 150 may have a rim, ridge, protrusion, and/or the like for engaging a complimentary portion of the vaporizer body 110. While fitted within the cartridge receptacle 114, the cartridge 150 may be held securely within but still allow for being easily withdrawn to remove the cartridge 150.
  • FIG. 1 A - FIG. IF illustrate a certain configuration of the vaporizer device 100
  • the vaporizer device 100 may take other configurations as well.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating components of the vaporizer device 100 having the cartridge 150 and the vaporizer body 110 consistent with implementations of the current subj ect matter. Included in the vaporizer body 110 is a controller 128 that includes at least one processor and/or at least one memory configured to control and manage various operations among the components of the vaporizer device 100 described herein.
  • Heater control circuitry 130 of the vaporizer body 110 controls a heater 166 of the cartridge 150.
  • the heater 166 may generate heat to provide vaporization of the vaporizable material.
  • the heater 166 may include a heating coil (e.g., a resistive heater) in thermal contact with a wick which absorbs the vaporizable material, as described in further detail below.
  • a battery 124 is included in the vaporizer body 110, and the controller 128 may control and/or communicate with a voltage monitor 131 which includes circuitry configured to monitor the battery voltage, a reset circuit 132 configured to reset (e.g., shut down the vaporizer device 100 and/or restart the vaporizer device 100 in a certain state), a battery charger 133, and a battery regulator 134 (which may regulate the battery output, regulate charging/discharging of the battery, and provide alerts to indicate when the battery charge is low, etc.).
  • a voltage monitor 131 which includes circuitry configured to monitor the battery voltage, a reset circuit 132 configured to reset (e.g., shut down the vaporizer device 100 and/or restart the vaporizer device 100 in a certain state), a battery charger 133, and a battery regulator 134 (which may regulate the battery output, regulate charging/discharging of the battery, and provide alerts to indicate when the battery charge is low, etc.).
  • the power pins 122a, b of the vaporizer body 110 engage the complementary power pin receptacles 160a,b of the cartridge 150 when the cartridge 150 is engaged with the vaporizer body 110.
  • power pins may be part of the cartridge 150 for engaging complementary power pin receptacles of the vaporizer body 110.
  • the engagement allows for the transfer of energy from an internal power source (e.g., the battery 124) to the heater 166 in the cartridge 150.
  • the controller 128 may regulate the power flow (e.g., an amount or current and/or a voltage amount) to control a temperature at which the heater 166 heats the vaporizable material contained in the reservoir 158.
  • a variety of electrical connectors other than a pogo-pin and complementary pin receptacle configuration may be used to electrically connect the vaporizer body 110 and the cartridge 150, such as for example, a plug and socket connector.
  • the controller 128 may control and/or communicate with optics circuitry 135 (which controls and/or communicates with one or more displays such as LEDs 136 which can provide user interface output indications), a pressure sensor 137, an ambient pressure sensor 138, an accelerometer 139, and/or a speaker 140 configured to generate sound or other feedback to a user.
  • optics circuitry 135 which controls and/or communicates with one or more displays such as LEDs 136 which can provide user interface output indications
  • a pressure sensor 137 which can provide user interface output indications
  • an ambient pressure sensor 138 an ambient pressure sensor 138
  • an accelerometer 139 an accelerometer 139
  • speaker 140 configured to generate sound or other feedback to a user.
  • the pressure sensor 137 may be configured to sense a user drawing (e.g., inhaling) on the mouthpiece 152 and activate the heater control circuitry 130 of the vaporizer body 110 to accordingly control the heater 166 of the cartridge 150. In this way, the amount of current supplied to the heater 166 may be varied according the user’s draw (e.g., additional current may be supplied during a draw, but reduced when there is not a draw taking place).
  • the ambient pressure sensor 138 may be included for atmospheric reference to reduce sensitivity to ambient pressure changes and may be utilized to reduce false positives potentially detected by the pressure sensor 137 when measuring draws from the mouthpiece 152.
  • the accelerometer 139 (and/or other motion sensors, capacitive sensors, flow sensors, strain gauge(s), or the like) may be used to detect user handling and interaction, for example, to detect movement of the vaporizer body 110 (such as, for example, tapping, rolling, and/or any other deliberate movement associated with the vaporizer body 110).
  • the detected movements may be interpreted by the controller 128 as one or more predefined user commands. For example, one particular movement may be a user command to gradually increase the temperature of the heater 166 as the user intends to begin using the vaporizer device 100.
  • the vaporizer body 110 includes wireless communication circuity 142 that is connected to and/or controlled by the controller 128.
  • the wireless communication circuity 142 may include a near-field communication (NFC) antenna that is configured to read from and/or write to the tag 164 of the cartridge 150.
  • NFC near-field communication
  • the wireless communication circuity 142 may be configured to automatically detect the cartridge 150 as it is being inserted into the vaporizer body 110.
  • data exchanges between the vaporizer body 110 and the cartridge 150 take place over NFC.
  • the wireless communication circuitry 142 may include additional components including circuitry for other communication technology modes, such as Bluetooth circuitry, Bluetooth Low Energy circuitry, Wi-Fi circuitry, cellular (e.g., LTE, 4G, and/or 5G) circuitry, and associated circuitry (e.g., control circuitry), for communication with other devices.
  • circuitry for other communication technology modes such as Bluetooth circuitry, Bluetooth Low Energy circuitry, Wi-Fi circuitry, cellular (e.g., LTE, 4G, and/or 5G) circuitry, and associated circuitry (e.g., control circuitry), for communication with other devices.
  • the vaporizer body 110 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote processor (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a computer, wearable electronics, a cloud server, and/or processor based devices) through the wireless communication circuitry 142, and the vaporizer body 110 may through this communication receive information including control information (e.g., for setting temperature, resetting a dose counter, etc.) from and/or transmit output information (e.g., dose information, operational information, error information, temperature setting information, charge/battery information, etc.) to one or more of the remote processors.
  • control information e.g., for setting temperature, resetting a dose counter, etc.
  • output information e.g., dose information, operational information, error information, temperature setting information, charge/battery information, etc.
  • the tag 164 may be a type of wireless transceiver and may include a microcontroller unit (MCU) 190, a memory 191, and an antenna 192 (e.g., an NFC antenna) to perform the various functionalities described below.
  • the tag 164 may be, for example, a 1 Kbit or a 2Kbit tag that is of type ISO/IEC 15693. NFC tags with other specifications may also be used.
  • the tag 164 may be implemented as active NFC, enabling reading and/or writing information via NFC with other NFC compatible devices including a remote processor, another vaporizer device, and/or wireless communication circuitry 142.
  • the tag 164 may be implemented using passive NFC technology, in which case other NFC compatible devices (e.g., a remote processor, another vaporizer device, and/or wireless communication circuitry 142) may only be able to read information from the tag 164.
  • NFC compatible devices e.g., a remote processor, another vaporizer device, and/or wireless communication circuitry 142
  • the vaporizer body 110 may include a haptics system 144, such as an actuator, a linear resonant actuator (LRA), an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motor, or the like that provide haptic feedback such as a vibration as a “find my device” feature or as a control or other type of user feedback signal.
  • a haptics system 144 such as an actuator, a linear resonant actuator (LRA), an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motor, or the like that provide haptic feedback such as a vibration as a “find my device” feature or as a control or other type of user feedback signal.
  • LRA linear resonant actuator
  • ERP eccentric rotating mass
  • the controller 128 may additionally or alternatively provide a signal to the speaker 140 to emit a sound or series of sounds.
  • the haptics system 144 and/or speaker 140 may also provide control and usage feedback to the user of the vaporizer device 100; for example, providing haptic and/or audio feedback when a particular amount of a vaporizable material has been used or when a period of time since last use has elapsed.
  • haptic and/or audio feedback may be provided as a user cycles through various settings of the vaporizer device 100.
  • the haptics system 144 and/or speaker 140 may signal when a certain amount of battery power is left (e.g., a low battery warning and recharge needed warning) and/or when a certain amount of vaporizable material remains (e.g., a low vaporizable material warning and/or time to replace the cartridge 150).
  • the haptics system 144 and/or speaker 140 may also provide usage feedback and/or control of the configuration of the vaporizer device 100 (e.g., allowing the change of a configuration, such as target heating rate, heating rate, etc.).
  • the vaporizer body 110 may include circuitry for sensing/detecting when a cartridge 150 is connected and/or removed from the vaporizer body 110.
  • cartridge-detection circuitry 148 may determine when the cartridge 150 is connected to the vaporizer body 110 based on an electrical state of the power pins 122a, b within the cartridge receptacle 114. For example, when the cartridge 150 is present, there may be a certain voltage, current, and/or resistance associated with the power pins 122a, b, when compared to when the cartridge 150 is not present.
  • the tag 164 may also be used to detect when the cartridge 150 is connected to the vaporizer body 110.
  • the vaporizer body 110 also includes the connection (e.g., USB-C connection, micro-USB connection, and/or other types of connectors) 118 for coupling the vaporizer body 110 to a charger to enable charging the internal battery 124.
  • connection e.g., USB-C connection, micro-USB connection, and/or other types of connectors
  • electrical inductive charging also referred to as wireless charging
  • the vaporizer body 110 would include inductive charging circuitry to enable charging.
  • the connection 118 at FIG. 2 may also be used for a data connection between a computing device and the controller 128, which may facilitate development activities such as, for example, programming and debugging.
  • the vaporizer body 110 may also include a memory 146 that is part of the controller 128 or is in communication with the controller 128.
  • the memory 146 may include volatile and/or non-volatile memory or provide data storage.
  • the memory 146 may include 8 Mbit of flash memory, although the memory is not limited to this and other types of memory may be implemented as well.
  • the vaporizer device 100 also includes a vaporizing assembly of vapor-generating components.
  • the vapor-generating components may include the heater 166 configured to heat the vaporizable material to a sufficient temperature that it may vaporize.
  • the vapor-generating components may be arranged as an atomizer or cartomizer or oven. The vapor may be released to a vaporization chamber where the gas phase vapor may condense, forming an aerosol cloud having typical liquid vapor particles with particles having a diameter of average mass of approximately 0.1 micron or greater. In some cases, the diameter of average mass may be approximately 0.1 - 1 micron.
  • the heater 166 of the vaporizing assembly may cause the vaporizable material to be converted from a condensed form (e.g., a solid, a liquid, a solution, a suspension, a part of an at least partially unprocessed plant material, etc.) to the gas phase.
  • a condensed form e.g., a solid, a liquid, a solution, a suspension, a part of an at least partially unprocessed plant material, etc.
  • At least some of the gas-phase vaporizable material may condense to form particulate matter in at least a partial local equilibrium with the gas phase as part of an aerosol, which may form some or all of an inhalable dose provided by the vaporizer device 100 for a given puff or draw on the vaporizer device 100.
  • the interplay between gas and condensed phases in an aerosol generated by a vaporizer may be complex and dynamic, as factors such as ambient temperature, relative humidity, chemistry, flow conditions in airflow paths (both inside the vaporizer and in the airways of a human or other animal), mixing of the gas-phase or aerosolphase vaporizable material with other air streams, etc., may affect one or more physical parameters of an aerosol.
  • Vaporizers for use with liquid vaporizable materials typically include an atomizer in which a wi eking element (also referred to herein as a wick 168), may include any material capable of causing passive fluid motion (for example, by capillary action) to convey an amount of a liquid vaporizable material to a part of the atomizer that includes the heating element.
  • the wicking element is generally configured to draw liquid vaporizable material from the reservoir configured to contain (and that may in use contain) the liquid vaporizable material such that the liquid vaporizable material may be vaporized by heat delivered from the heating element.
  • the heater 166 may be configured to heat and/or vaporize at least a portion of the vaporizable material drawn towards the heater 166 from the reservoir 158, and may be or include one or more of a conductive heater, a radiative heater, a convective heater, a resistive heater, and/or an inductive heater.
  • a conductive heater e.g., a copper or zinc, a copper or zinc, or a zinc.
  • a resistive coil or other heating element may be wrapped around, positioned within, integrated into a bulk shape of, pressed into thermal contact with, or otherwise arranged to deliver heat to a wi eking element to cause a liquid vaporizable material drawn by the wicking element from a reservoir to be vaporized for subsequent inhalation by a user in a gas and/or a condensed (e.g., aerosol particles or droplets) phase.
  • a condensed e.g., aerosol particles or droplets
  • vaporizable materials such as highly viscous vaporizable materials
  • the cartridge consistent with implementations of the current subject matter may provide improved heating of vaporizable material, such as highly viscous vaporizable material, allowing for efficient wick saturation and re-saturation, and more accurate and consistent aerosol delivery.
  • the cartridge described herein may also improve the ability to monitor the amount of aerosol generated and delivered to the user and the amount of vaporizable material remaining in the vaporizer device.
  • the cartridge described herein may also provide for more rapid delivery of aerosol to the user.
  • the vaporizer device is compatible with a first type of cartridge having a first heater configuration, such as a wick and heater coil wrapped around the wick, and a second type of cartridge having a second type of heater configuration, such as the heaters described herein.
  • the vaporizer device may be configured such that the vaporizer device has a first mode in which the device is compatible with the first type of cartridge and a second mode in which the device is compatible with the second type of cartridge.
  • the vaporizer device may detect the type of cartridge (e.g., the first type and/or the second type).
  • the vaporizer device may adjust one or more parameters, such as a heating profile, heating temperature, amount of power provided to the heater, and/or the like, to compensate for the type of cartridge coupled with the vaporizer device to help ensure a consistent and improved user experience.
  • FIGS 3-10B illustrate examples of portions (e.g., portions 200, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000) of a cartridge (e.g., a cartridge 150, 450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050) such as a cartridge that is coupleable to a vaporizer body (e.g., the vaporizer body 110) of a vaporizer device (e.g., the vaporizer device 100).
  • the portions of the cartridge may additionally or alternatively form a part of the vaporizer body 110.
  • portions of a cartridge and/or a vaporizer body may form all or a part of the vaporizer device, such as all or a part of the cartridge and/or vaporizer body.
  • Each of the portions 200, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 may include one or more components, features, and/or properties that may be combined with and/or interchanged with one or more components, features, and/or properties of one or more other portions of the portions 200, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000.
  • each of the portions 200, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 may form a viscosity reduction system that is configured to reduce the viscosity of at least a portion of the highly viscous vaporizable material to allow for the highly viscous vaporizable material to be more easily vaporized for consumption by the user.
  • FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a portion 200 of the vaporizer device, such as a portion 200 of the cartridge 150, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter. While the portion 200 is described as forming a portion of the cartridge 150, the portion 200 may be implemented in a vaporizer cartridge, a vaporizer body, and/or another component of the vaporizer device.
  • the cartridge 150 may be used with a vaporizable material, such as a highly viscous vaporizable material.
  • the cartridge 150 may include a heater 166, which may be submerged in, or at least partially submerged in, vaporizable material contained in the reservoir 158. Additionally and/or alternatively, the heater 166 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, or more heaters or heater subassemblies and may be positioned within an atomizer housing as described in more detail below.
  • the heater 166 may include a plurality of heater subassemblies 169.
  • each heater subassembly 169 may include one or more wi eking elements 168 and one or more heating elements 170.
  • the wi eking elements 168 may be formed of any of a variety of materials, including metals, polymer, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, silica fibers, cotton, ceramic, hemp, stainless steel mesh, rope cables, and/or any porous medium, such as for example sintered glass beads, or another absorbent material that is configured to hold vaporizable material to be vaporized by the heating element 170.
  • the heating elements 170 may wrap around and/or contact at least a portion of the corresponding wicking elements 168.
  • the heating elements 170 may include a wire and/or resistive coil, as described herein.
  • the heater 166 e.g., the atomizer
  • the heater 166 may include one or more (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, or more) wicking elements 168 and one or more (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, or more) heating elements 170.
  • the number of heating elements 170 may correspond to the number of wicking elements 168.
  • the number of heating elements 170 may be equal to the number of wicking elements 168. In other implementations, the number of heating elements 170 is greater than or lesser than the number of wicking elements 168.
  • the number of heating subassemblies 169 may depend on the desired re-saturation time and the preferred inter-puff duration. For example, a greater number of heating subassemblies 169 may cause faster vaporization of the vaporizable material, and/or may provide a greater amount of time for each wicking element 168 to be resaturated in use.
  • the heater subassemblies 169 may be positioned within an atomizer housing 172.
  • the atomizer housing 172 may be centrally aligned along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge 150 within the reservoir 158.
  • the atomizer housing 172 may be coupled to a cannula 174, which forms an air passageway through which the generated aerosol including outside air and vaporized vaporizable material may pass.
  • the atomizer housing 172 and the cannula 174 are integrally formed.
  • the atomizer housing 172 is wider than the cannula 174.
  • the atomizer housing 172 may include a generally conical shape that is tapered away from the cannula 174.
  • air may pass through an inlet of the reservoir 158, through, over, and/or around each heating subassembly 169, and through the cannula 174 to the mouthpiece of the vaporizer device, where the generated aerosol is delivered to the user.
  • the heater subassemblies 169 may be spaced apart from one another.
  • the heater subassemblies 169 are concentrically arranged, such that the heater subassemblies 169 are radially positioned around the central longitudinal axis of the cartridge 150. In other words, the heater subassemblies 169 may be radially positioned about the air passageway.
  • the reservoir 158 may include one or more walls 158A.
  • the one or more walls 158A may be heated.
  • the one or more walls 158A may include an embedded heating element 158B and/or may otherwise be heated via conduction, convection, induction, and/or the like.
  • the heated walls 158A may warm at least a portion of the vaporizable material held within the reservoir 158, such as at least a portion of the vaporizable material in contact with the walls 158A and/or within a certain range of the walls 158A (e.g., 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.5 to 1.0 mm, 1.0 to 1.5 mm, 1.5 to 2.0 mm, 2.0 to 2.5 mm and/or other ranges therebetween, greater, or lesser). Heating at least a portion of the vaporizable material may help to reduce the viscosity of at least the portion of the vaporizable material, making transporting the vaporizable material from the reservoir 158 to the wicking element 168 easier and quicker.
  • the walls 158A may be spaced apart from the cannula 174 (e.g., the longitudinal axis) by a space that defines the interior volume of the reservoir 158 in which the vaporizable material is stored.
  • each of the heating elements 170 may be actuated.
  • power may be supplied to one, two, or more of the heater subassemblies 169 (e.g., the heating elements 170) simultaneously to heat the one, two, or more heater subassemblies 169 at the same time.
  • power may be supplied to one, two, or more of the heater subassemblies 169 in a patterned sequence (e.g., sequentially, staggered sequence, and/or the like).
  • power may be supplied to a first heating element 170 of a first heating subassembly 169 or a first subset of heating elements 170, causing vaporization of the vaporizable material held within the corresponding wicking element 168.
  • power may be supplied to a second heating element 170 of a second heating subassembly 169 or a second subset of heating elements 170, causing vaporization of the vaporizable material held within the corresponding wicking element 168, and so on.
  • Supplying power to each of the plurality of heating elements 170 in a sequence advantageously allows for faster generation of aerosol (e.g., vaporized vaporizable material), as the amount of time waiting for a wick to re-saturate is reduced or eliminated.
  • the sequences of supplying power to each of the plurality of heating elements 170 may occur during a puff or inhale by the user, and/or between consecutive puffs or inhales by the user and/or within a span of puffs or inhales by the user to prevent or limit desaturation.
  • Each activated heating element 170 would provide a dose of the vaporizable material, and in some implementations, each sequence may provide a full dose of the vaporizable material. Supplying power to each of the plurality of heating elements 170 may be helpful when vaporizing highly viscous vaporizable materials, as it allows for a greater amount of time for each wicking element 168 to be re-saturated, while still providing a consistent amount of aerosol to the user.
  • vaporizable material held within a second heater subassembly can be vaporized while the first heater subassembly (or subset of heater subassemblies) is vaporizing vaporizable material or is re-saturated with the vaporizable material.
  • Supplying power to each of the heaters described herein individually, or in a particular sequence also advantageously improves the accuracy, control, consistency, and monitoring of the amount of vaporizable material that is vaporized and provided to the user for inhalation.
  • each wi eking element 168 may hold a known amount of vaporizable material.
  • the quantity of vaporized vaporizable material and generated aerosol is also known.
  • These implementations can help improve the monitoring of the amount of vaporizable material that is vaporized, the quantity of vaporizable material remaining in the vaporizable material supply, and other characteristics of the generated aerosol.
  • These implementations may also improve the ability to generate smaller known quantities of aerosol which may form some or all of an inhalable dose provided by the vaporizer device 100 for a given puff or draw on the vaporizer device 100.
  • the number and sequence of heating elements being supplied power to vaporize the vaporizable material held within each corresponding wicking element can be controlled.
  • the vaporizable material held within all or a subset of wicking elements can be vaporized depending on a number of factors as described herein.
  • the heater or vaporizer device includes a controller that determines the number of or sequence in which heating elements are supplied power based upon user input, a required amount of aerosol, etc.
  • the cartridge 150 may more efficiently and effectively vaporize a highly viscous vaporizable material to more reliably and consistently generate an aerosol and improve the user experience.
  • the plurality of wicking elements 168 of the cartridge 150 may be capable of storing a greater amount of vaporizable material than a single wicking element. This helps to compensate for the long re-saturation time of a single wicking element used with a highly viscous vaporizable material. This configuration may also help to keep the used wicking elements warm between puffs, to reduce the viscosity of at least some of the vaporizable material for easier transport of the vaporizable material.
  • reducing the viscosity of at least some of the vaporizable material between puffs may allow for air to more easily pass through the vaporizable material and more easily displace the used vaporizable material within the reservoir as the vaporizable material is more easily encouraged towards the wicking element to be vaporized.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates another example of a portion 400 of the cartridge 450, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter.
  • the cartridge 450 may include the same or similar components, features, and/or properties as the cartridge 150.
  • the cartridge 450 may include a heater 466, which is the same as or similar to the heater 166.
  • the heater 466 may be submerged in, or at least partially submerged in, vaporizable material contained in the reservoir 458, which is the same or similar to the reservoir 158 described herein.
  • the portion 400 is described as forming a portion of the cartridge 450, the portion 400 may be implemented in a vaporizer cartridge, a vaporizer body, and/or another component of the vaporizer device.
  • the cartridge 450 may be used with a vaporizable material, such as a highly viscous vaporizable material.
  • the cartridge 450 may include the heater 466.
  • the heater 466 may include one or more wicking elements 468 and one or more heating elements 470.
  • the wicking element 468 may be formed of any of a variety of materials, including metals, polymer, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, silica fibers, cotton, ceramic, hemp, stainless steel mesh, rope cables, and/or any porous medium, such as for example sintered glass beads, or another absorbent material that is configured to hold vaporizable material to be vaporized by the heating element 470.
  • the heating element 470 may wrap around and/or contact at least a portion of the corresponding wicking element 468.
  • the heating element 470 may include and/or may form a part of a distributed heating system 475.
  • the distributed heating system 475 may include one or more heating elements distributed throughout the reservoir 458 of the cartridge 450.
  • the distributed heating system 475 may heat at least a portion of the vaporizable material stored within the reservoir 458 at various locations throughout the reservoir 458.
  • the distributed heating system 475 may heat the vaporizable material to a temperature that reduces the viscosity of the vaporizable material, but that does not vaporize the vaporizable material. This helps to reduce the viscosity of the vaporizable material stored within the reservoir 458, thereby allowing the vaporizable material to be transported more easily and pass into the wicking element 468 more quickly.
  • the distributed heating system 475 may include one or more (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, or more) thermal conductors connected directly or indirectly (e.g., to a heat source such as the heating element 470) to a power source, such as the power supply of the vaporizer device described herein.
  • the distributed heating system 475 may include one, two, three, four or more thermal plates 476.
  • the thermal plates 476 may be distributed throughout the reservoir 458 to direct the vaporizable material towards the wicking element 468.
  • the thermal plates 476 may include a conductive material, such as a metal, that may be heated.
  • the thermal plates 476 may be coupled to a heating element, such as a heating wire 477.
  • the heating wire 477 may be embedded within or otherwise coupled to a surface of the thermal plates 476.
  • the heating wire 477 may be coupled to or form a portion of the heating element 470 and/or may be coupled directly to the power supply of the vaporizer device.
  • the cartridge 450 may include an atomizer housing 472.
  • the atomizer housing 472 may be centrally aligned along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge 450 within the reservoir 458.
  • the atomizer housing 472 may surround all or a portion of the heater 466.
  • the atomizer housing 472 may define an air passageway through which the generated aerosol including outside air and vaporized vaporizable material may pass. For example, air may pass through an inlet of the reservoir 458, through, over, and/or around the heater 466, and through the atomizer housing 472 to the mouthpiece of the vaporizer device, where the generated aerosol is delivered to the user.
  • the atomizer housing 472 may bifurcate the reservoir 458.
  • one or more thermal plates 476 may be positioned on one side of the atomizer housing 472 and one or more thermal plates 476 may be positioned on an opposite side of the atomizer housing 472 within the reservoir 458.
  • the thermal plates 476 help to reduce the viscosity of at least a portion of the vaporizable material to direct the vaporizable material towards the wi eking element 468.
  • the reservoir 458 may include tapered portions 458 A that are angled towards the wi eking element 468. The tapered portions 458 A help to direct the vaporizable material towards the wicking element 468 to encourage the vaporizable material to be absorbed by the wicking element 468.
  • the thermal plates 476 define flat plates.
  • the thermal plates 476 may form a lattice or mesh.
  • the lattice or mesh may help to actively wick and/or direct the vaporizable material towards the wicking element 468 to be vaporized by the heating element 470.
  • a surface of the lattice or mesh may be coated to limit or prevent the vaporizable material from adhering to the surface of the thermal plates 476.
  • the vaporizable material may transport towards the wicking element 468 because the vaporizable material near the wicking element 468 may have a lower temperature than the heated vaporizable material.
  • Such configurations reduce or limit the impact of the orientation of the cartridge 450 on the transport of the vaporizable material to the wicking element 468.
  • the cartridge 450 may more efficiently and effectively vaporize a highly viscous vaporizable material to more reliably and consistently generate an aerosol and improve the user experience.
  • the heating elements 470 distributed throughout the vaporizable material stored within the reservoir 458 may help to compensate for the long re-saturation time of the wicking element used with a highly viscous vaporizable material. This configuration may also help to keep the vaporizable material within the reservoir warm before, during, and/or between puffs, to reduce the viscosity of at least some of the vaporizable material for easier transport of the vaporizable material into the wicking element 468.
  • Reducing the viscosity of at least some of the vaporizable material between puffs may allow for air to more easily pass through the vaporizable material and more easily displace the used vaporizable material within the reservoir as the vaporizable material is more efficiently encouraged towards the wicking element to be vaporized.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates another example of a portion 500 of the cartridge 550, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter.
  • the cartridge 550 may include the same or similar components, features, and/or properties as the cartridge 150, 450.
  • the cartridge 550 may include a heater 566, which is the same as or similar to the heater 166.
  • the heater 566 may be submerged in, or at least partially submerged in, vaporizable material contained in the reservoir 558, which is the same or similar to the reservoir 158, 458 described herein.
  • the portion 500 is described as forming a portion of the cartridge 550, the portion 500 may be implemented in a vaporizer cartridge, a vaporizer body, and/or another component of the vaporizer device.
  • the cartridge 550 may be used with a vaporizable material, such as a highly viscous vaporizable material.
  • the cartridge 550 may include the heater 566.
  • the heater 566 may include one or more wicking elements 568 and one or more heating elements 570.
  • the wicking element 568 may be formed of any of a variety of materials, including metals, polymer, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, silica fibers, cotton, ceramic, hemp, stainless steel mesh, rope cables, and/or any porous medium, such as for example sintered glass beads, or another absorbent material that is configured to hold vaporizable material to be vaporized by the heating element 570.
  • the wicking element 568 may be cylindrical, tube-shaped, conical, and/or the like.
  • the heating element 570 may wrap around, be embedded within, and/or contact at least a portion of the corresponding wicking element 568.
  • the heater 566 may be centrally aligned along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge 550.
  • a longer dimension of the heater 566 may extend along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 550.
  • the heater 566 may additionally and/or alternatively include a heater enclosure 580.
  • the heater enclosure 580 may surround at least a portion of the wicking element 568 and/or the heating element 570.
  • the heater enclosure 580 may include at least one closed end configured to enclose at least one corresponding end of the heater.
  • the closed end may be positioned opposite from the air inlet or opposite from the air outlet.
  • the heater enclosure 580 may define a sock or a jacket.
  • the sock or jacket may be made of cotton and/or silica, among other compliant materials configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir 558 and to the wicking element 568.
  • the sock or jacket may extend an entire height of the reservoir 558.
  • the sock or jacket may be fitted around the wicking element 568 such that interior side walls of the sock or jacket contacts the exterior of the wicking element 568.
  • the heater enclosure 580 provides a buffer between the vaporizable material stored within the reservoir 558 and the wicking element 568.
  • the heater enclosure 580 may also prevent or limit leakage of the vaporizable material past the wicking element 568.
  • the heater enclosure 580 may include a compliant capillary material that helps to encourage vaporizable material, such as highly viscous vaporizable material towards the wicking element 568 while allowing air to pass through the heater enclosure 580 and preventing or limiting leakage of the vaporizable material from the reservoir 558.
  • the shape and/or the size of the heater enclosure 580 improves transport of the vaporizable material to the wicking element 568 and/or the heating element 570.
  • the wicking element 568 and the heater enclosure 580 may have a large surface area (e.g., approximately 20 to 40 mm 2 , 40 to 60 mm 2 , 60 to 80 mm 2 , 80 to 100 mm 2 , 100 to 200 mm 2 , ranges therebetween or greater) and a short wicking distance (e.g., between the heater enclosure 580 and the wicking element 568), which allows the vaporizable material held within the heater enclosure 580 to be transported to the wicking element 568 more quickly.
  • This configuration may also allow the wicking element 568 to be slowly re-saturated between sessions and/or puffs as the vaporizable material absorbed by the heater enclosure 580 is a short distance (e.g., 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm and/or the like) from the wicking element 568.
  • the large surface area of the wicking element 568 and/or the heater enclosure 580 may additionally and/or alternatively store a greater volume of vaporizable material to be vaporized over a greater number of sessions, even when the vaporizable material is positioned away from the wicking element 568 within the reservoir 558.
  • the heater enclosure 580 may define an air passageway through which the generated aerosol including outside air and vaporized vaporizable material may pass. For example, air may pass through an inlet of the reservoir 558, through, over, and/or around the heater 566 and/or the heater enclosure 580, to the mouthpiece of the vaporizer device, where the generated aerosol is delivered to the user.
  • the heater enclosure 580 may provide a preferable air entry path away from the wicking element 568, which prevents air bubbles from separating the vaporizable material from the wicking element 568. This helps to more efficiently saturate and/or re-saturate the wicking element 568.
  • the reservoir 558 is shaped to exploit the improved capability of the heater enclosure 580 to draw the vaporizable material towards the wicking element 568.
  • the reservoir 558 may be shaped to passively hold the vaporizable material near the wicking element 568 regardless of the orientation of the cartridge 550.
  • the reservoir 558 may include a conical shape, a tapered shape, and/or the like.
  • the walls 558A of the reservoir 558 may be angled towards one end of the reservoir 558 and/or towards the heater 566.
  • the walls 558A are tapered towards the air inlet.
  • This configuration may additionally and/or alternatively reduce wasted vaporizable material, such as at the end of the life of the cartridge 550, since the vaporizable material is directed towards the heater enclosure 580 to be absorbed by the heater enclosure 580. Additionally and/or alternatively the shape of the reservoir 558 encourages the vaporizable material to remain in the narrower portion of the reservoir 558 to minimize the surface energy on the vaporizable material, and to help retain the vaporizable material in a position close to the heater 566 regardless of the orientation of the cartridge 550.
  • the cartridge 550 may more efficiently and effectively vaporize a highly viscous vaporizable material to more reliably and consistently generate an aerosol and improve the user experience.
  • the heating enclosure 580 may have a large surface area and store at least a portion of the vaporizable material a short distance from the wicking element 568. This may help to compensate for the long re-saturation time of the wicking element when used with a highly viscous vaporizable material.
  • the conical and/or tapered shape of the reservoir 558 may further enhance the capillary properties of the heater enclosure 580 to more effectively move the vaporizable material towards the wicking element 580.
  • the configuration of the cartridge 550 may additionally and/or alternatively allow air to pass into the reservoir 558 through the heater enclosure 580 away from the heating element 570, which helps to reduce or limit leakage of the vaporizable material from the reservoir 558.
  • Such configurations may additionally and/or alternatively improve the control over a size of a dose of the vaporizable material.
  • the dose delivered to the user may be controlled by the amount of heat applied to at least a portion of the wicking element 580.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates another example of a portion 600 of the cartridge 650, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter.
  • the cartridge 650 may include the same or similar components, features, and/or properties as the cartridge 150, 450, 550.
  • the cartridge 650 may include a heater 666, which is the same as or similar to the heater 166, 466, 566.
  • the heater 666 may be submerged in, or at least partially submerged in, vaporizable material contained in the reservoir 658, which is the same or similar to the reservoir 158, 458, 558 described herein.
  • portion 600 is described as forming a portion of the cartridge 650, the portion 600 may be implemented in a vaporizer cartridge, a vaporizer body, and/or another component of the vaporizer device.
  • the cartridge 650 may be used with a vaporizable material, such as a highly viscous vaporizable material.
  • the cartridge 650 may include the heater 666.
  • the heater 666 may include one or more wicking elements 668 and one or more heating elements 670.
  • the wicking element 668 may be formed of any of a variety of materials, including metals, polymer, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, silica fibers, cotton, ceramic, hemp, stainless steel mesh, rope cables, and/or any porous medium, such as for example sintered glass beads, or another absorbent material that is configured to hold vaporizable material to be vaporized by the heating element 670.
  • the wicking element 668 may be flat and/or include a planar structure.
  • the flat planar structure of the wicking element 668 provides a greater surface area for absorption of the vaporizable material and reduces the distance that the vaporizable is transported from the reservoir 558 and the region of the wicking element where the vaporizable material is vaporized. This reduces the time for saturating and/or re-saturating the wicking element 668 during use.
  • the heating element 670 may wrap around, be embedded within, and/or contact at least a portion of the corresponding wicking element 668.
  • the heater 666 may form a heater trace that is printed onto, stitched to, sputtered onto, and/or weaved onto at least a portion of the wicking element 668, such as onto an interior of the wicking element 668.
  • the heater 666 e.g., the wicking element 668 and the heating element 670
  • the cartridge 650 may include two heaters 666 (e.g., two sets of heating elements and wicking elements).
  • the heaters 666 may be positioned parallel to one another and be spaced apart from one another about the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 650. This configuration may further allow for the wicking element 668 to be saturated and/or re-saturated more quickly, such as between puffs.
  • power may be supplied to the heaters 666 simultaneously to heat the heaters 666 at the same time.
  • power may be supplied to the heaters 666 in a patterned sequence (e.g., sequentially, an alternating sequence, a staggered sequence, and/or the like).
  • power may be supplied to a first heater 666, causing vaporization of the vaporizable material held within the corresponding wicking element 668.
  • power may be supplied to a second heater 666, causing vaporization of the vaporizable material held within the corresponding wicking element 668, and so on.
  • Supplying power to each of the heaters 666 in a sequence advantageously allows for faster generation of aerosol (e.g., vaporized vaporizable material), as the amount of time waiting for a wick to re-saturate is reduced or eliminated.
  • the cartridge 650 may include an atomizer housing 672.
  • the atomizer housing 672 may be centrally aligned along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge 650 within the reservoir 658.
  • the atomizer housing 672 may surround all or a portion of the heater 666.
  • the atomizer housing 672 may define an air passageway through which the generated aerosol including outside air and vaporized vaporizable material may pass. For example, air may pass through an inlet of the reservoir 658, through, over, and/or around the heater 666, and through the atomizer housing 672, and through an outlet of the reservoir 658 to the mouthpiece of the vaporizer device, where the generated aerosol is delivered to the user.
  • the reservoir 658 may include one or more features that allow the vaporizable material to more easily be transported to the wicking element 668.
  • one or more internal surfaces of the reservoir 668 may include a material or coating.
  • the material or coating of the reservoir 668 may include a non-stick material, such as an oleophobic, lipophobic, and/or silicone coating.
  • the surface of the reservoir 668 may additionally and/or alternatively be nanostructured to repel the vaporizable material from the surface of the reservoir 668.
  • the material or coating helps to limit or prevent the vaporizable material from adhering to the internal surfaces of the reservoir.
  • the material or coating may help to limit or prevent the vaporizable material from settling within the reservoir 658 away from the wicking element 668, which may be particularly helpful when the cartridge includes a highly viscous vaporizable material.
  • the reservoir 658 may include a valve 682.
  • the valve 682 may be positioned within and/or be coupled to an opening in a side of the reservoir 658.
  • the opening may be positioned on a side of the reservoir 658 opposite the inlet to the reservoir 658.
  • the valve 682 may include a duck-bill valve, a crack valve, and/or another valve.
  • the valve 682 helps to regulate back pressure within the reservoir 658 and actively vents the reservoir 658 when a desired vacuum is reached.
  • the valve 682 thus helps to reduce leakage of the vaporizable material from within the reservoir 658, as the valve 682 helps to seal the reservoir 658.
  • the valve 682 may also improve the efficiency of saturating and/or re-saturating the wicking element 668, as the amount of air allowed into the reservoir 658 to displace the vaporized vaporizable material may be more easily and effectively controlled.
  • the cartridge 650 may more efficiently and effectively vaporize a highly viscous vaporizable material to more reliably and consistently generate an aerosol and improve the user experience.
  • the wicking element 668 may have a large surface area and store at least a portion of the vaporizable material a short distance from the heating element 670 and/or the vaporization region of the wicking element 668. This may help to compensate for the long re-saturation time of the wicking element when used with a highly viscous vaporizable material.
  • the material or coating of the reservoir 658 may more effectively move the vaporizable material towards the wicking element 680 and prevent the vaporizable material from settling away from the wicking element 668.
  • the valve 682 may also reduce or limit leakage of the vaporizable material from the reservoir 658 by actively regulating the pressure within the reservoir 658. Such configurations may additionally and/or alternatively improve the control over a size of a dose of the vaporizable material.
  • the dose delivered to the user may be controlled by the amount of heat applied to at least a portion of the wicking element 680 and/or by the amount of air permitted to pass through the valve 682.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a portion 700 of a cartridge 750, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter.
  • the cartridge 750 may include the same or similar components, features, and/or properties as the cartridge 150, 450, 550, 650.
  • the cartridge 750 may include a heater 766, which is the same as or similar to the heater 166, 466, 566, 666.
  • the heater 766 may be submerged in, or at least partially submerged in, vaporizable material contained in the reservoir 758, which is the same or similar to the reservoir 158, 458, 558, 658 described herein.
  • portion 700 is described as forming a portion of the cartridge 750, the portion 700 may be implemented in a vaporizer cartridge, a vaporizer body, and/or another component of the vaporizer device.
  • the cartridge 750 may be used with a vaporizable material, such as a highly viscous vaporizable material.
  • the cartridge 750 may include the heater 766.
  • the heater 766 may include one or more wicking elements 768 and one or more heating elements 770.
  • the wicking element 768 may be formed of any of a variety of materials, including metals, polymer, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, silica fibers, cotton, ceramic, hemp, stainless steel mesh, rope cables, and/or any porous medium, such as for example sintered glass beads, or another absorbent material that is configured to hold vaporizable material 758A to be vaporized by the heating element 770.
  • the heating element 770 may wrap around, be embedded within, and/or contact at least a portion of the corresponding wicking element 768.
  • the cartridge 750 may include a mechanical dispenser to transport the vaporizable material 758A to the wicking element 768.
  • the cartridge 750 may include a plunger 784 positioned within the reservoir 758.
  • the capillary force from the wicking element 768 may cause the plunger 784 to be drawn to push the vaporizable material towards the wicking element 768.
  • the plunger 784 may include a spring. The spring may exert an additional force on the plunger 784 to push the plunger 784 and thus, the vaporizable material, such as when the capillary force from the wicking element 768 is insufficient to draw the plunger 784.
  • Movement of the plunger 784 within the reservoir 758 reduces the volume of the reservoir 758 so no air re-entry is needed to replace the vaporized vaporizable material. For example, movement of the plunger 784 decreases the volume of the reservoir 758 as vaporizable material is vaporized by the heater 766 and additional vaporizable material is drawn into the wicking element 768. Additionally and/or alternatively, the surface tension between the plunger 784 and the walls of the reservoir 758 causes movement of the plunger 784 towards the wicking element 768.
  • the friction between the plunger 784 and one or more of the walls of the reservoir 758 helps to prevent or reduce leakage of the vaporizable material from the wicking element 768 and/or the reservoir 758 under gravity.
  • the combination of the plunger 784 and the one or more walls of the reservoir 758 may define a passive seal.
  • the cartridge 750 includes a secondary heating element 786.
  • the secondary heating element 786 may include a melt coil or other heating element.
  • the secondary heating element 786 may wrap around all or a portion of the heater 766 and/or the plunger 784.
  • the secondary heating element 786 may be positioned within the reservoir 758.
  • the secondary heating element 786 may further heat the vaporizable material before the vaporizable material is absorbed by the wicking element 768 to reduce the viscosity of the vaporizable material. This allows for the wicking element 768 to be more quickly and easily saturated and/or re-saturated.
  • the cartridge 750 may more efficiently and effectively vaporize a highly viscous vaporizable material to more reliably and consistently generate an aerosol and improve the user experience.
  • the plunger 784 helps to move the highly viscous vaporizable material towards the wicking element 768 to saturate and/or re-saturate the wicking element 768 more quickly and efficiently. This may help to compensate for the long re-saturation time of the wicking element when used with a highly viscous vaporizable material.
  • the secondary heating element 786 may also reduce the viscosity of the vaporizable material stored within the reservoir 758 to further improve the rate of saturation and/or re-saturation of the wicking element 768, such as between puffs.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates another example of a portion 800 of a cartridge 850, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter.
  • the cartridge 850 may include the same or similar components, features, and/or properties as the cartridge 150, 450, 550, 650, 750.
  • the cartridge 850 may include a heater 866, which is the same as or similar to the heater 166, 466, 566, 666, 766.
  • the heater 866 may be submerged in, or at least partially submerged in, vaporizable material contained in the reservoir 858, which is the same or similar to the reservoir 158, 458, 558, 658, 758 described herein.
  • the cartridge 850 may be used with a vaporizable material, such as a highly viscous vaporizable material.
  • the cartridge 850 may include the heater 866.
  • the heater 866 may include one or more wicking elements 868 and one or more heating elements 870.
  • the wicking element 868 may be formed of any of a variety of materials, including metals, polymer, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, silica fibers, cotton, ceramic, hemp, stainless steel mesh, rope cables, and/or any porous medium, such as for example sintered glass beads, or another absorbent material that is configured to hold vaporizable material 858A to be vaporized by the heating element 870.
  • the wicking element 868 may form a flat planar structure.
  • the heating element 870 may wrap around, be embedded within, and/or contact at least a portion of the corresponding wicking element 868.
  • the heating element 870 may form a flat planar structure.
  • the heating element 870 may positioned adjacent to and/or abut a surface of the wicking element 868.
  • the wicking element 868 and the heating element 870 may float on and/or otherwise be positioned on a surface of the vaporizable material within the reservoir 858.
  • the vaporizable material may be positioned within the reservoir 858 between the heater 866 and a lower wall of the reservoir 858.
  • the heater 866 may move passively as a single unit as vaporizable material is vaporized and the volume of the vaporizable material within the reservoir 858 is reduced.
  • Movement of the heater 866 as a single unit may help to seal the reservoir 858.
  • the sides of the heater 866 e.g., the sides of the heating element 870 and the wicking element 868
  • the sides of the heater 866 may contact and/or seal against the interior side walls of the reservoir 858.
  • Contact between the sides of the heater 866 with the interior side walls of the reservoir 858 helps to limit or prevent the vaporizable material from passing around the sides of the heater 866.
  • the heater 866 may only move in a single direction, such as in a direction opposite the outlet of the reservoir 858, as the volume of the vaporizable material is reduced.
  • the reservoir may include one or more fins 888.
  • the one or more fins 888 may each define a protrusion that extends at an angle and/or laterally from the interior walls of the reservoir 858. The one or more fins 888 prevent the heater 866 from moving in a direction towards the outlet of the reservoir 858.
  • the floating heater 866 helps to ensure constant contact between the wicking element 868 and the vaporizable material, while providing a large surface area on the wicking element 868 to draw and/or store the vaporizable material, and minimizing the wicking distance. Thus, such configurations may allow for faster saturation and/or resaturation of the wicking element 868. [0167] Thus, the cartridge 850 may more efficiently and effectively vaporize a highly viscous vaporizable material to more reliably and consistently generate an aerosol and improve the user experience. For example, the floating heater 866 may allow the highly viscous vaporizable material to saturate and/or re-saturate the wicking element 868 more quickly and efficiently.
  • This configuration may help to compensate for the long re-saturation time of the wicking element when used with a highly viscous vaporizable material.
  • This configuration may also prevent or limit air entry into the vaporizable material stored within the reservoir 858, which reduces or prevents leakage of the vaporizable material out of the reservoir 858.
  • Such configurations may additionally and/or alternatively improve the control over a size of a dose of the vaporizable material.
  • the dose delivered to the user may be controlled by the amount of heat applied to at least a portion of the flat wicking element 880.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a portion 900 of a cartridge 950, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter.
  • the cartridge 950 may include the same or similar components, features, and/or properties as the cartridge 150, 450, 550, 650, 750, 850.
  • the cartridge 950 may include a heater 966, which is the same as or similar to the heater 166, 466, 566, 666, 766, 866.
  • the heater 966 may be submerged in, or at least partially submerged in, vaporizable material contained in the reservoir 958, which is the same or similar to the reservoir 158, 458, 558, 658, 758, 858 described herein.
  • portion 900 is described as forming a portion of the cartridge 950, the portion 900 may be implemented in a vaporizer cartridge, a vaporizer body, and/or another component of the vaporizer device.
  • the cartridge 950 may be used with a vaporizable material, such as a highly viscous vaporizable material.
  • the cartridge 950 may include the heater 966.
  • the heater 966 may include one or more wicking elements 968 and one or more heating elements 970.
  • the wicking element 968 may be formed of any of a variety of materials, including metals, polymer, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, silica fibers, cotton, ceramic, hemp, stainless steel mesh, rope cables, and/or any porous medium, such as for example sintered glass beads, or another absorbent material that is configured to hold vaporizable material to be vaporized by the heating element 970.
  • the heating element 970 may wrap around, be embedded within, and/or contact at least a portion of the corresponding wicking element 968.
  • the heater 966 may include a heating core 971.
  • the heating core 971 and/or the heating element 970 may be at least partially positioned within the interior reservoir 958 and/or may be at least partially positioned exterior to the reservoir 958.
  • the heating element 970 may be positioned within the heating core 971 and/or may form a portion of the heating core 971.
  • the wi eking element 968 may transfer at least a portion of the heated vaporizable material to the portion of the heating core 971 and/or the heating element 970 positioned exterior to the reservoir 958. Air may pass over at least the portion of the heater 966 positioned exterior to the reservoir 958.
  • the vaporized vaporizable material may become entrained within the air flowing over at least the portion of the heater 966 positioned exterior to the reservoir 958.
  • the heating core 971 may be centrally aligned along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge 950.
  • the heating core 971 may be transparent to allow the user to view an amount of vaporizable material remaining within the reservoir 958.
  • the cartridge 950 may include a reservoir enclosure 990.
  • the reservoir enclosure 990 may be positioned within the reservoir 958.
  • the reservoir enclosure 990 may define a sealed bag that surrounds the heating core and holds the vaporizable material.
  • the sealed bag includes a single gusseted bag.
  • the reservoir enclosure 990 is collapsible.
  • the reservoir enclosure 990 may passively collapse under capillary force from the wicking element 968, enabling the vaporizable material to more quickly and/or efficiently pass into the wicking element 968. In other words, the reservoir enclosure 990 may collapse, as the volume of the vaporizable material stored within the reservoir enclosure 990 is reduced.
  • the heating core 971 may heat at least a portion of the vaporizable material within the reservoir enclosure 990 to reduce the viscosity of at least the portion of the vaporizable material to further enable the vaporizable material to saturate and/or re-saturate the wicking element 968 more quickly.
  • the wicking element 968 may be positioned within the reservoir enclosure 990 and/or may be in contact with an opened end of the reservoir enclosure 990 to draw the vaporizable material.
  • the reservoir 958 may include one or more features to control a pressure within the reservoir and to prevent or limit leakage of the vaporizable material.
  • the reservoir 958 may include an air vent 958 A.
  • the air vent 958 A may define an opening through one or more of the walls of the reservoir 958.
  • the air vent 958A may include a valve, such as a duck-bill valve or a check valve, to control an amount of air entering and/or exiting the reservoir 958.
  • the cartridge 950 may more efficiently and effectively vaporize a highly viscous vaporizable material to more reliably and consistently generate an aerosol and improve the user experience.
  • the heating core 971 may heat the vaporizable material to reduce the viscosity of the highly viscous vaporizable material to allow the vaporizable material to saturate and/or re-saturate the wicking element 968 more quickly and efficiently. This may help to compensate for the long re-saturation time of the wicking element when used with a highly viscous vaporizable material.
  • the reservoir enclosure 990 may also prevent or limit air entry into the vaporizable material stored within the reservoir 958, which reduces or prevents leakage of the vaporizable material out of the reservoir 958.
  • FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate another example of a portion 1000 of a cartridge 1050, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter.
  • the cartridge 1050 may include the same or similar components, features, and/or properties as the cartridge 150, 450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950.
  • the cartridge 1050 may include a heater 1066, which is the same as or similar to the heater 166, 466, 566, 666, 766, 866, 966.
  • the heater 1066 maybe submerged in, or at least partially submerged in, vaporizable material contained in the reservoir 1058, which is the same or similar to the reservoir 158, 458, 558, 658, 758, 858, 958 described herein.
  • portion 1000 is described as forming a portion of the cartridge 1050, the portion 1000 may be implemented in a vaporizer cartridge, a vaporizer body, and/or another component of the vaporizer device.
  • the cartridge 1050 may be used with a vaporizable material, such as a highly viscous vaporizable material.
  • the cartridge 1050 may include the heater 1066, a porous plate 1068, and a dispenser 1083. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the highly viscous vaporizable material may be positioned within the reservoir 1058 between the dispenser and the heater 1066 and/or the porous plate 1068. The dispenser 1083 may bias the vaporizable material against the heater 1066 and/or the porous plate 1068. At room temperature, a density and pore size of the porous plate 1068 is arranged such that the vaporizable material is held in place without passing entirely through the porous plate 1068.
  • the porous plate 1068 When the heater 1066, which is in contact with, separated from, and/or forms a portion of the porous plate 1068, is activated, the porous plate 1068 is heated to a temperature that liquefies at least a portion of the vaporizable material (e.g., the portion that is positioned within the porous plate 1068) such that the vaporizable material flows through the porous plate 1068 to make contact with the heater 1066 for vaporization.
  • the vaporized vaporizable material becomes entrained in air moving through a passage transverse to the heater 1066 to form an aerosol, which is then delivered through a mouthpiece to the user.
  • the heater 1066 can define a plate or flat planar structure that has a rectangular shape. In other implementations, the heater 1066 has another shape, such as a circular, oval, or other shape.
  • the heater 1066 may include a flat surface, such as a heating surface 1067 that is configured to receive and/or contact at least a portion of the vaporizable material, such as the portion of the vaporizable material that is liquefied and/or heated to become less viscous. In this configuration, the heater 1066 may vaporize at least the portion of the vaporizable material that contacts the heater 1066 and/or is positioned within a heating vicinity of the heater 1066.
  • the heater 1066 may directly and/or indirectly vaporize the vaporizable material.
  • the heater 1066 may heat the porous plate 1068 to a temperature at which the vaporizable material stored within the porous plate 1068 is vaporized.
  • the heater 1066 may include one or more thermally conductive materials, such as a resistive metal (e.g., nickel-chromium, stainless steel, and/or the like) and/or a resistive wire element embedded in a ceramic material (e.g., aluminum nitride, zirconia, and/or the like).
  • the heater 1066 may thus heat (e.g., warm) at least a portion of the vaporizable material such that it passes through, or into, the porous plate 1068, and towards the heater 1066 where the vaporizable material is vaporized to form an aerosol.
  • the heater 1066 may be separately coupled to and/or be integrally formed with the porous plate 1068. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the porous plate 1068 may be separated from the heater 1066. For example, the porous plate 1068 may be positioned parallel relative to the heater 1066. The porous plate 1068 may be separated from the heater 1066 by an air passageway 1069. In other words, the air passageway 1069 may be positioned between the porous plate 1068 and the heater 1066. Thus, the porous plate 1068 may not be in contact with the heater 1066.
  • the vaporizable material when heated (e.g., warmed), flows through the porous plate 1068, and across and/or into the air passageway 1069 for vaporization by the heater 1066.
  • the porous plate 1068 contacts the heater 1066.
  • the heating surface 1067 may contact a surface of the porous plate 1068.
  • the porous plate 1068 can define a plate or flat planar structure that has a rectangular shape. In other implementations, the porous plate 1068 has another shape, such as a circular, oval, or other shape.
  • the porous plate 1068 may include a flat surface that is positioned parallel to the heating surface 1067 of the heater 1066.
  • the porous plate 1068 may include a wicking element that draws the vaporizable material from the reservoir 1058.
  • the porous plate 1068 may be made of a permeable material and/or may include one or more perforations.
  • the permeable material may include any of a variety of materials, including metals, polymer, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, silica fibers, cotton, ceramic, hemp, stainless steel mesh, rope cables, and/or any porous medium, such as for example sintered glass beads, or another absorbent material that is configured to hold and/or absorb vaporizable material 1058A.
  • the porous plate 1068 is made of a thermally conductive material, such as metal or ceramic.
  • the porous plate 1068 may include one or more perforations (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, ten, fifteen, twenty, fifty, one-hundred, and/or the like), such as an array or a plurality of perforations 1071 that extend through a thickness of the porous plate 1068.
  • the perforations 1071 may have a cross-sectional area of approximately 0.2 mm. In other implementations, the perforations 1071 have a cross-sectional area of approximately 0.1 to 0.3 mm, 0.2 to 0.4 mm, 0.3 to 0.5 mm, lesser, greater, or other ranges therebetween.
  • the porous plate 1068 is positioned between the vaporizable material stored within the reservoir 1058, the heater 1066, and/or the air passageway 1069.
  • the perforations 1071 of the porous plate 1068 are shaped and/or sized to only allow a portion of the vaporizable material that has a viscosity under a predetermined threshold to pass through. For example, at room temperature or in another instance when the vaporizable material is not heated or warmed, the porous plate 1068 (e.g., the perforations 1071) prevent or limit the vaporizable material from passing into and/or through the porous plate 1068 towards the heater 1066.
  • the vaporizable material has a high viscosity and the perforations 1071 of the porous plate 1068 are shaped and/or sized to prevent or limit movement of the highly viscous vaporizable material from passing through and/or into the perforations 1071.
  • the heater 1066 warms (e.g., heats) at least a portion of the vaporizable material, such as the portion that is position in contact with and/or within a distance (e.g., 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, and/or the like) of a surface of the porous plate 1068 facing the reservoir 1058.
  • the heater 1066 may warm at least the portion of the vaporizable material from a side of the porous plate 1068 opposite the reservoir 1058.
  • the porous plate 1068 may include a thermally conductive material that allows for heat transfer between the heater 1066 and the vaporizable material 1058 A.
  • the warming of at least the portion of the vaporizable material reduces the viscosity of at least that portion of the vaporizable material to a viscosity that is lower than the threshold viscosity for passing through and/or into the perforations.
  • the warming of at least the portion of the vaporizable material allows the vaporizable material to pass through the porous plate 1068 and to the heater 1066 for vaporization.
  • the cartridge 1050 may include a dispenser 1083, such as a mechanical dispenser, to transport the vaporizable material 1058A to the porous plate 1068 and/or the heater 1066.
  • the cartridge 1050 may include a plunger 1084 positioned at least partially within the reservoir 1058.
  • a capillary force provided by the porous plate 1068, such as the perforations 1071 may cause the plunger 1084 to be drawn to push the vaporizable material towards the porous plate 1068.
  • the plunger 1084 may include a spring 1084 A.
  • the spring 1084 A may exert an additional force on the plunger 1084 to push the plunger 1084 and thus, the vaporizable material, such as when the capillary force from the porous plate 1068 is insufficient to draw the plunger 1084. Under the spring load, the vaporizable material is held in place because the high viscosity of the vaporizable material alone, or in combination with the perforations 1071, prevents the vaporizable material from moving into or through the porous plate 1068.
  • the plunger 1084 may include a ball screw mechanism 1084B.
  • the ball screw mechanism 1084B may include a dial 1085A and a ball screw 1085B.
  • the ball screw mechanism 1084B may be translated farther into the reservoir 1058 by rotating a dial 1085 of the ball screw mechanism 1084.
  • the dial 1085 can be arranged to only rotate in one direction (e.g., not back-drivable).
  • the dial 1085 can snap or detent into position every 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees, 360 degrees and/or the like, to serve as a dose metering feature that pushes only a measured portion of the vaporizable material into and/or through the porous plate 1068.
  • the air passageway 1069 may extend through the dial 1085.
  • Movement of the plunger 1084 within the reservoir 1058 may reduce the volume of the reservoir 1058 (or volume of air within the reservoir 1058) so no air re-entry is needed to replace the vaporized vaporizable material.
  • movement of the plunger 1084 decreases the volume of air within the reservoir 1058 as vaporizable material exits the reservoir 108 through the porous plate 1068 and is vaporized by the heater 1066.
  • the surface tension between the plunger 1084 and the walls of the reservoir 1058 causes movement of the plunger 1084 towards the porous plate 1068.
  • the friction between the plunger 1084 and one or more of the walls of the reservoir 1058 helps to prevent or reduce leakage of the vaporizable material from the porous plate 1068 and/or the reservoir 1058 under gravity.
  • the combination of the plunger 1084 and the one or more walls of the reservoir 1058 may define a passive seal.
  • the reservoir 1058 may additionally or alternatively include a gasket or seal 1089 that is positioned between at least a portion of the plunger 1084 and the walls of the reservoir 1058 to prevent leakage of the vaporizable material.
  • the heater 1066 when the heater 1066 is activated, some energy from the heater 1066 is transferred to the porous plate 1068 (e.g., via a direct or indirect thermal conduction path) to locally heat at least a portion of the vaporizable material.
  • This causes the viscosity of at least the portion of the vaporizable material to lower to a viscosity at which the vaporizable material can flow through and/or into one surface of the porous plate 1068 and the perforations 1071, and exit an opposite surface of the porous plate 1068.
  • the porous plate 1068 can include a resistive heating element and can be electrically powered in parallel with the heater 1066 to heat at least the portion of the vaporizable material.
  • the liquefied (e.g., reduced viscosity) vaporizable material may then move across the air passageway 1069 to make contact with the heater 1066 for vaporization.
  • the air passageway 1069 may extend from an inlet to an outlet of the cartridge 1050. Air moving through the air passageway 1069 may flow in a direction transverse to the heater 1066 such that the vaporized vaporizable material becomes entrained in the air to form an aerosol as the air passes over the heater 1066.
  • the aerosol is then delivered to the user via the outlet (e.g., the mouthpiece 1052 of the cartridge).
  • the cartridge 1050 may more efficiently and effectively vaporize a highly viscous vaporizable material to more reliably and consistently generate an aerosol and improve the user experience.
  • the plunger 1084 helps to move the highly viscous vaporizable material into and/or through the porous plate 1068 more quickly and efficiently. This may help to compensate for the long re-saturation time of the porous plate 1068 when used with a highly viscous vaporizable material.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates an example method 1100 of heating a vaporizable material stored within a vaporizer device, using one or more of the cartridges 150, 450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050 described above, consistent with implementations of the current subject matter.
  • the heater 166, 466, 566, 666, 766, 866, 966, 1066 may be activated.
  • the vaporizer device may detect a user using the vaporizer device as described herein.
  • the wi eking element 168, 468, 568, 686, 768, 868, 968, 1068 may be re-saturated, such as after a puff and/or a session, and/or after a dose of the vaporizable material is delivered to the user.
  • the vaporizable material may include a viscous liquid such as, for example a cannabis oil.
  • the cannabis oil comprises between 0.3% and 100% cannabis oil extract.
  • the viscous oil may include a carrier for improving vapor formation, such as, for example, propylene glycol, glycerol, medium chain triglycerides (MCT) including lauric acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, caproic acid, etc., at between 0.01% and 25% (e.g., between 0. 1% and 22%, between 1% and 20%, between 1% and 15%, and/or the like).
  • the vapor-forming carrier is 1,3-Propanediol.
  • a cannabis oil may include a cannabinoid or cannabinoids (natural and/or synthetic), and/or a terpene or terpenes derived from organic materials such as for example fruits and flowers.
  • any of the vaporizable materials described herein may include one or more (e.g., a mixture of) cannabinoid including one or more of: CBG (Cannabigerol), CBC (Cannabichromene), CBL (Cannabicyclol), CBV (Cannabivarin), THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin), CBDV (Cannabidivarin), CBCV (Cannabichromevarin), CBGV (Cannabigerovarin), CBGM (Cannabigerol Monomethyl Ether), Tetrahydrocannabinol, Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabinol (CBN), Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA), Cannabidioloc Acid (CBD A), Tetrahydr
  • the oil vaporization material may include one or more terpene, such as, for example, Hemiterpenes , Monoterpenes (e.g., geraniol, terpineol, limonene, myrcene, linalool, pinene, Iridoids), Sesquiterpenes (e.g., humulene, farnesenes, farnesol), Diterpenes (e.g., cafestol, kahweol, cembrene and taxadiene), Sesterterpenes, (e.g., geranylfarnesol), Triterpenes (e.g., squalene), Sesquarterpenes (e.g, ferrugicadiol and tetraprenylcurcumene), Tetraterpenes (lycopene, gamma-carotene, alpha- and beta-carotenes), Polyterpenes, and Nor
  • an oil vaporization material as described herein may include between 0.3-100% cannabinoids (e.g., 0.5-98%, 10-95%, 20-92%, 30-90%, 40-80%, 50-75%, 60-80%, etc.), 0-40% terpenes (e.g., 1-30%, 10-30%, 10-20%, etc.), and 0-25% carrier (e.g., medium chain triglycerides (MCT)).
  • cannabinoids e.g., 0.5-98%, 10-95%, 20-92%, 30-90%, 40-80%, 50-75%, 60-80%, etc.
  • 0-40% terpenes e.g., 1-30%, 10-30%, 10-20%, etc.
  • 0-25% carrier e.g., medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
  • the viscosity may be within a predetermined range.
  • the range may be between, at room temperature (23° C) about 30 cP (centipoise) and 115 kcP (kilocentipoise), between 30cP and 200 kcP, although higher viscosities and/or lower viscosities may be implemented as well.
  • the viscosity may be between 40 cP and 113 kcP at room temperature. Outside of this range, the vaporizable material may fail in some instances to wick appropriately to form a vapor as described herein.
  • the oil may be made sufficiently thin to both permit wicking at a rate that is useful with the apparatuses described herein, while also limiting leaking (e.g., viscosities below that of ⁇ 30 cP at room temperature might result in problems with leaking).
  • spatially relative terms such as, for example, “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under.
  • the device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
  • the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.
  • first and second may be used herein to describe various features/elements (including steps), these features/elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first feature/element discussed below could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed below could be termed a first feature/element without departing from the teachings provided herein.
  • a numeric value may have a value that is +/- 0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 2% of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical values given herein should also be understood to include about or approximately that value, unless the context indicates otherwise.
  • phrases such as, for example, “at least one of’ or “one or more of’ may occur followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features.
  • the term “and/or” may also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it used, such a phrase is intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any of the recited elements or features in combination with any of the other recited elements or features.
  • the phrases “at least one of A and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and/or B” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.”
  • a similar interpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items.
  • the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more of A, B, and C;” and “A, B, and/or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together.”

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne des caractéristiques associées à un dispositif vaporisateur qui comprend un corps de dispositif vaporisateur réutilisable et une cartouche pourvue d'un réservoir contenant une substance vaporisable. Des aspects de la présente invention concernent le chauffage amélioré d'un matériau vaporisable, tel qu'un matériau vaporisable hautement visqueux stocké à l'intérieur du dispositif vaporisateur en réduisant la durée de saturation et de re-saturation de l'élément à effet de mèche.
PCT/US2021/063764 2020-12-16 2021-12-16 Dispositif vaporisateur pour matières vaporisables hautement visqueuses Ceased WO2022133065A2 (fr)

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US63/126,370 2020-12-16

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN116268580A (zh) * 2023-03-24 2023-06-23 昆山联滔电子有限公司 烟弹与烟杆的连接结构、电子烟及烟弹与烟杆的连接方法
WO2024175419A1 (fr) * 2023-02-20 2024-08-29 Philip Morris Products S.A. Cartouche à paroi inclinée

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9491974B2 (en) * 2013-03-15 2016-11-15 Rai Strategic Holdings, Inc. Heating elements formed from a sheet of a material and inputs and methods for the production of atomizers
US9744320B2 (en) * 2014-02-04 2017-08-29 George Wakalopulos Electric wick and heater for portable vaporizer
US10206429B2 (en) * 2015-07-24 2019-02-19 Rai Strategic Holdings, Inc. Aerosol delivery device with radiant heating

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2024175419A1 (fr) * 2023-02-20 2024-08-29 Philip Morris Products S.A. Cartouche à paroi inclinée
CN116268580A (zh) * 2023-03-24 2023-06-23 昆山联滔电子有限公司 烟弹与烟杆的连接结构、电子烟及烟弹与烟杆的连接方法
TWI884498B (zh) * 2023-03-24 2025-05-21 大陸商昆山聯滔電子有限公司 煙彈與煙杆的連接結構、電子煙及煙彈與煙杆的連接方法

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