Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PORTABLE TOBACCO VAPORIZER
TECHNICAL FIELD
I00011 The present invention generally relates to the field of vaporizers
for consuming
botanical materials, such. as tobacco, and more particularly to an apparatus
and method fbr using
a portable, self-contained vaporizer for sufficient to release volatile
components without
combustion.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Tobacco is commonly consumed by igniting the tobacco, thus requiring
that the
consumer inhale products of combustion along with any volatile compounds, such
as nicotine,
that are present. Since combustion products may be harmful, the inhalation of
combusted
tobacco may produce unwanted health effects.
100031 One way of avoiding inhaling combustion products is to heat the
tobacco, without
combustion, to a temperature sufficient to drive off its volatile compounds.
Prior art devices,
often referred to as "vaporizers," commonly employ a continuous heating source
such as a
butane-powered flame, a butane powered catalytic burner, or an electrical
resistive heater. The
heat source in many such devices is in conductive contact with the tobacco or
the receptacle
containing the tobacco. This may result in high temperatures, leading to
singing and charring of
the tobacco near the heat source.
[0004] Further, many prior art vaporizers require several minutes of heat-
up time as they
need to heat both the mass of the tobacco and a holder of the material to a
desired temperature
before they can extract volatile vapors,
[0005] Further, since the heating is typically continuous, rather than on-
demand, many
existing vaporizers use their power inefficiently as they are often providing
heat to maintain a
steady state of elevated temperature that does not correspond to the user's
intended duty-cycle of
intermittent inhalation of the vapors produced.
DISCLOSURE CM' INVENTION
[0006] One embodiment of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages
of prior art by
providing a vaporizer that entirely contains a material to be consumed.
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100071 Another embodiment of the present invention overcomes the
disadvantages of prior
art by providing a vaporizer having an upper portion that may be removably
placed on a lower
portion to contain tobacco. In one embodiment, the upper and lower portions
are held in place
with magnets.
[0008] Yet another embodiment of the present invention overcomes the
disadvantages of
prior art by providing an enclosed vaporizer having a window for viewing
tobacco contained
therein. In one embodiment, the window also allows the extracted vapor and
glow from a heating
element to be viewed,
[00091 One embodiment of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages
of prior art by
providing an enclosed vaporizer that allows the glow from a heating element to
also be viewed
through an air inlet,
[0010] Another embodiment of the present invention overcomes the
disadvantages of prior
art by providing a vaporizer having a heating element suspended in a
transparent heating
chamber that allows for the transmission of light generated by the heating
element of the device.
[0011] Yet another embodiment of the present invention overcomes the
disadvantages of
prior art by providing an enclosed vaporizer having a heating element
suspended in a transparent
heating chamber that is integrated with and concentric to the material
chamber.
[0012] One embodiment of the present invention includes a computer
controlled temperature
regulation system that allows for the proper vaporization temperature.
[0013] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a vaporizer
having
rechargeable battery that is removable by the user.
100141 It is one aspect of the present invention to provide vaporizer to
provide a user with a
vapor from a botanical material, which may be tobacco. The vaporizer includes
a housing; a
heater substantially within the housing including an electrical energy storage
device, a user-
operable switch, a heating element, and an electrical circuit including the
electrical energy
storage device, the user-operable switch, and the heating element, where the
electrical circuit is
adapted to provide energy from the electrical energy storage device to the
heating element when
the user-operable switch is actuated. The vaporizer further includes a
passageway with the
housing, the passageway including an air inlet, a heater section to provide
thermal contact with
air within the heater and the heating element, a receptacle for containing
tobacco, and an air
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outlet. The user may thus actuate the user-operable switch and inhale through
the outlet to draw
air external to the vaporizer to sequentially, heat air in contact with the
heating element to a
heated air temperature, at least partially vaporize the botanical material
with the heated air, then
provide at least a portion of the vaporized tobacco through the outlet to the
user.
[0015] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a method of
providing a vapor
of a botanical 'material using a vaporizer. The method includes manually
actuating the vaporizer,
where the vaporizer includes stored electric energy, a receptacle for
containing the botanical
material, and a flow passageway extending from an inlet, through a manually
actuatible heater to
accept the stored electric energy and heat air, through the receptacle, to an
outlet; and inhaling
through the outlet. Air is thus drawn external to the vaporizer into the
passageway and
sequentially, has the air temperature increased in the heater, heats and
extracts a vapor from the
botanical material, and provides the vapor to the user.
[0016] it is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a
vaporizer to provide a
user with a vapor from a botanical material. The vaporizer includes a heating
element, and a
passageway including an air inlet; a heater section to provide thermal contact
with air within the
heater and the heating element; a receptacle for containing a botanical
material; a window to
transmit thermal radiation from the heater section to the user, and an air
outlet. The user has a
visual cue that inhaled air may be heated to a temperature sufficient to
vaporize the botanical
material.
[0017] it is one aspect of the present invention to provide a method of
providing a vapor of a
botanical material using a vaporizer, where the method includes manually
actuating the
vaporizer, where the vaporizer includes a receptacle for containing the
botanical material, and a
flow passageway extending from an inlet, through a heater to heat air, through
the receptacle, to
an outlet, and a window to allow a user to view thermal radiation from the
heater; and when a
user perceives a glow from the heater through the window, inhaling through the
outlet. The user
thus has a visual cue that inhaled air may be heated to a temperature
sufficient to vaporize the
botanical material.
[0018] These features together with the various ancillary provisions and
features which will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed
description, are attained
by the vaporizer of the present invention, preferred embodiments thereof being
shown with
reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, wherein:
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00191 FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a vaporizer;
[00201 FIG. 2 is a top view of the vaporizer of FIG. 1;
[00211 FIG. 3 is a left side view of the vaporizer of FM. 1;
100221 FIG. 4 is a distal end view of the vaporizer of FIG. I;
100231 FIG. 5 is a proximal end view of the vaporizer of FIG. 1
100241 FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the vaporizer of FiG. I with the
upper portion
removed from the lower portion;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a sectional view 7-7 of FIG, 2;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a sectional view 8-8 of FIG. 3;
[0027] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a heater block;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a partially assembled heater block;
[0029] FIG. 11 is the view of FIG. 6 illustrating air flow through the
vaporizer;
[0030] FIG. 12 is a cut-away perspective sectional view of the embodiment
of FIG. 11; and
[0031] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of one embodiment of the electronics
within the
vaporizer.
[0032] Reference symbols are used in the Figures to indicate certain
components, aspects or
features shown therein, with reference symbols common to more than one Figure
indicating like
components, aspects or features shown therein.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0033] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a hand-held
vaporizer 100,
and Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5 are, respectively, views of a top side 106, a left
side 202, a distal end
104, and a proximal end 102 of the vaporizer.
[0034] Vaporizer 100 includes a housing 101 having a mouthpiece 103 with an
opening 311
into the vaporizer at proximal end 102, an air inlet 105 at distal end 104,
and a window 107 on
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top side 106 through which one can view material placed within the vaporizer,
and a push-button
switch 109 on a right side 108. Left side 202 includes a power switch 201, a
power connector
305, indicator lights 307, and a recess 309. The material to be vaporized
forms may be, but is not
limited to, a botanical material, such as tobacco, and is referred to herein
and without limitation
as tobacco.
100351 Housing 101 is formed from a rigid material, and may include one or
more pieces or
layers of metal or plastic. Thus, for example, sides 108, 202, and ends 102,
104 include a case
207 and a removable bottom panel 303, and top side 106 includes an elongated
portion 205 and a
bezel 203 protruding above and surrounding window 107.
100361 Window 107 is preferably a scratch resistant material that is
transparent to visible
light, and may be, for example and without limitation, a glass, such as a
borosilicate glass or a
crystal quartz or fused quartz material.
100371 Vaporizer 100 is preferably sized to be hand-held, and may have
dimensions of a
height, H, of from 20 to 30 mm, such as height H of 25 mm, a length, L, of
from 110 to 170 mm,
such as a length L of 140 mm, and a width, W, of from 40 mm to 60 ram, such as
a width of 50
ram.
[0038] Indicator lights 307 may include one tight, or several different
color tights (such as
red, green, and/or blue) to indicate if vaporizer 100 is being powered,
temperature settings,
and/or battery power remaining in the vaporizer.
100391 In general, a user may open housing 101 utilizing recess 309 and
tobacco below
window 107, grasp case 207, and push push-button switch 109. In certain
embodiments, within
several seconds of pushing push-button switch 109 a heater (describe
subsequently) within
vaporizer 100 emits visible light through window 107 and through air inlet 105
to indicate that a
proper vaporizing temperature has been reached and that the user should inhale
though opening
311 in mouthpiece 103. The action of inhaling causes air to be drawn in
through air inlet 105
where it is first heated in the heater and then vaporizes the tobacco, the
vapors of which are
inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece. In addition, power switch 201 may
include several
settings, such as a power off setting, a low power setting and a high
temperature setting for
controlling a temperature of vaporizer 100, and power connector 305 allows for
recharging of an
internal battery.
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100401 Figure 6 as a top perspective view of vaporizer 100 illustrating
that the vaporizer
includes an upper portion 210 and a lower portion 220. Upper portion 210
includes elongated
portion 205, bezel 203, and window 107. In addition, elongated portion 205
forms surfaces 611,
lip 613, recess 615, and includes magnets 621 and a window fixture 631. Window
fixture 631
further includes include flat surfaces 633 and grooves 635, and is held onto
elongated portion
205 with screws 637, as shown in more detail in FIG. 7.
i00411 Lower portion 220 includes case 207, bottom panel 303, mouthpiece
103, air inlet
105, push-button switch 109, power switch 201, power connector 305, indicator
lights 307, and
recess 309. As shown in FIG. 7, air inlet 105 is formed from a grill 703 that
may be separate
from case 207, and a wire mesh 705 to prevent contaminants from entering
vaporizer 100. in
addition, lower portion 220 includes a surface 601 and a ledge 603. Surface
601 includes
openings into the interior of the housing, and specifically a first opening
607 and a second
opening 605 exposing a recessed bowl 640 having an upper surface 604, which is
contiguous
with surface 601 and a bottom mesh 717.
[0042] Surface 601 is, or includes, a material that is attracted to magnets
621. When upper
portion 210 is placed on lower portion 220, as in FIG. 1, magnets 621 are
attracted to a top 601
such that tip 613 contacts ledge 603, surfaces 611 contact surface 601,
surfaces 601 and 604
contact surface 633, and recess 615 and grooves 635 do not contact either
surface 601 or 604,
providing a gap that provides for air flow between opening 605 and 607.
[0043] A more detailed description of one embodiment of upper portion 210
and lower
portion 220 are illustratively shown in Figure 7, which is a sectional view 7-
7 of FIG. 2, and
Figure 8, which is a sectional view 8-8 of Fla 3.
100441 Upper portion 210 includes window fixture 631, which is attached to
elongated
portion 205 with screws 637. Window fixture may also include gaskets or 0-
rings to provide a
gas-tight seal for window 107.
[0045] Surface 601 of lower portion 220 is held onto case 207 using screws
701. Grill 703
forming air inlet 105 is attached to case 207, and a wire mesh 705 is placed
against grill 703 and
inside vaporizer 100 to prevent contaminants from entering the vaporizer.
[00461 Lower portion 220 also includes a heater section 710, control
electronics 720, and an
energy storage section 730. Heater section 710 further includes a heater block
711 including a
lower core 702 and upper core 704 that form having a passageway 713 including
a heating
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element 715, and bowl 640 having a mesh 717 bottom, bowl sides 719, opening
605, a
temperature sensor, as shown and discussed subsequently.
[0047] In one embodiment, heating element 715 is a resistive coil, such as
nickel-chromium
alloys such as NICHROME, INCONELTm, or a FeCrAl alloy, such as KANTHALTm, and
cores 702 and 704 are transparent to visible light, and may constructed, for
example, from
'borosilicate glass, crystal quartz or Fused quartz. Thus when power is
dissipated within heating
element 715, a glow may be visible through window 107 and/or air inlet 105.
[0048] Control electronics 720 includes a circuit board 723 on which are
mounted a
programmable processor 725, a power controller 727, and other digital and/or
analogue circuitry
for controlling and powering vaporizer 100, such as power switch 201, power
connector 305, and
indicator lights 307. In addition, other switches, buttons, and sensors, such
as temperature
sensors, may be dispersed throughout vaporizer 100 and may be wired into
control electronics
720. Energy storage section 730 includes a battery frame 733 attached to case
207 and battery
731.
[0049] In one embodiment, battery 731 is a 7.4 V, 800 mAh battery with a
discharge rate of
7C.
[0050] Figure 9 is an exploded view of heater block 711, which includes a
bottom heat
transfer mat 910, a lower core 920, a middle heat transfer mat 930, power and
control
components 940, an upper core 950, and a top heat transfer mat 960. Lower core
920 and upper
core 950 may be, for example and without limitation, lower core 702 and upper
core 704,
respectively.
10051] Lower mat 910 includes an opening 911 and a slot 913. Lower core 920
includes an
opening 921 that is positioned above slot 913, a groove 922, a heating element
support 923, a
circular recess 934 with a central mesh support 925, a temperature sensor
receptacle 927, and
element ground receptacle 926 and a heating element power receptacle 928.
Middle heat transfer
'mat 930 includes an outer portion 931 and an inner portion 935 that supports
mesh 717.
[0052] Power and control components 940 include heating element 715
attached to a
compression fitting 945 connected to a ground wire 947, and to a compression
fitting 943
connected to a power lead 949, and a temperature sensor 942. Upper core 950
includes opening
605 and bowl sides 719. Top heat transfer mat 960 includes an opening 961.
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100531 Mats 910, 930, and 950 are preferably formed from a high-temperature
food-safe
silicone rubber. Lower core 920 and upper core 950 are preferable formed from
borosilicate
glass or quartz crystal. Mesh 717 is preferably formed from stainless steel.
Temperatures sensor
942 is preferably a glass-coated therinistor, such as a model G1OOK4000C1
manufactured by
Measurement Specialties Inc., of Hampton, VA.
100541 Figure 10 is a perspective view of a partially assembled heater
block 711. A.s shown
in FIG. 10, upper core 950 also includes a groove 1001, a heating element
support 1003, a
heating element power receptacle 1005, a heating element ground receptacle
1003, and a
temperature sensor receptacle 1009. Heating element 715 is placed with grooves
922 and 1001,
and is supported midway by heating element supports 923 and 1003, compression
fitting 945 is
sandwiched between receptacles 926 and 1007, and compression fitting 943
sandwiched between
receptacles 928 and 1005. When assembled, passageway 713 is formed by mated
grooves 922
and 1001. in addition, temperature sensor 942 is sandwiched between
temperature sensor
receptacles 927 and 1009 such that the temperature of a gas may be sensed near
mesh 717.
[0055] The operation of vaporizer 100 will now be discussed with reference
to Figure 11,
which is the view of FIG. 6 illustrating air flow through the vaporizer,
Figure 12, which is a cut-
away perspective sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. I, and Figure 13,
which is a
schematic view of one embodiment of the electronics within the vaporizer,
[00561 Figures 11 and 12 illustrate the placement of tobacco M within bowl
640, and the
flow of air and vapors through vaporizer 100. Specifically, FIG. 11 shows
upper portion 210
removed from lower portion 220. This configuration provides access to bowl 640
for cleaning
and placing fresh a fresh tobacco M and to clean otherwise internal surfaces
601 and 611, recess
615 and window fixture 631.
[00571 When upper portion 210 and lower portion 220 are assembled, as in
FIG. 1, recesses
615 and 635 form an air passage between bowl 640 and opening 607.
Specifically, FIG. 11
illustrates portions of surfaces 601 and 604 which contact surfaces 611 and
633 (shown as 601a),
restriction or prohibiting air flow, while other portions of surfaces 601 and
604 do not contact
recesses 615 or 635 (shown as surface 601b) and thus provide an air flow
passageway. Thus, as
illustrated with arrows, air flow is shown an entering air inlet 105, moving
up through bowl 640
and opening 605, between upper portion 210 and lower portion 220 along
surfaces 601b, down
through opening 607, and then through opening 501.
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100581 FIG. 112 illustrates the flow of air from air inlet 105 though bowl
640. Air is drawn
though opening 911, along slot 913, up through opening 921, through passageway
713, where
the air is heated by contact with heating element 715, up through mesh 717
into bowl 640, along
surface 601 to opening 607 and through opening 311 of mouthpiece 103.
[0059] FIG. 13 is a schematic 1300 illustrating control electronics 720 of
vaporizer 100.
Thus, for example and without limitation, schematic 1300 shows connections
between power
switch 201, push-button switch 109, indicator lights 307, battery 731,
programmable processor
725, power controller 727, temperature sensor 942, and heating element 715.
[0060! In addition to providing temperature control for the process of
vaporizing tobacco,
control electronics 720 may also prevents the vaporizer body and internal
components from
overheating and causing damage to the battery, computer, or other internal
components.
[0061.] Processor 725 is powered from battery 731 and is programmed to
accept input from
power switch 201, push-button switch 109 and temperature sensor 942, provide
power to one or
more indicator lights 307, and provide a signal to power controller 727. Power
controller 727
accepts command signals from processor 725 to provide power from battery 731
to heating
element 715.
[0062] Power switch 201 may have 2 or more setting, such as an "off'
setting, and an "on"
setting, or an "off' setting, a "low temperature" setting and a "high
temperature" setting. With
power switch 201 in the "off' setting, all electronics in vaporizer 100 are
powered off With
power switch 201 in an "on," "low temperature" or "high temperature" setting,
processor 725
has a corresponding stored on temperature (TON), low temperature (IT) or high
temperature
(TH) which are target temperatures for controlling a temperature measured by
temperature
sensor 942. As described above, temperature sensor 942 measures the air
temperature just before
the heated air flows through bowl 640.
[0063] Indicator lights 307 may include lights that are programmed to
provide an indication
of the operation of vaporizer 100. Thus, for example and without limitation,
indicator lights 307
may include a dim green light that is powered to indicate that vaporizer 100
is powered on in a.
low temperature setting, a bright green light that is powered to indicate that
the vaporizer is
powered in a high temperature setting, blinking blue light to indicate that
the vaporizer is
charging, a red light to indicate that battery power is low, and a solid red
tight to indicate the
device is overheated and has been automatically shut down.
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100641 In addition; with power switch 201 in an "on," "low temperature" or
"high
temperature" setting, and with push-button switch 109 pressed, processor 725
provides signals to
power controller 727 to provide electric power from battery 731 to heating
element 715. In
certain embodiments, processor 725 uses a control algorithm, such as a PID
control algorithm, to
power heating element 715 such that the temperature, T, measured by
temperature sensor 942 is
maintained at the temperature indicated by power switch 201.
[0065] It is understood that the operation of vaporizer 100 may be
optimized according to a
desired vaporization temperature. Thus, the target temperature of temperature
sensor 942 is
selected to effectively drive off volatiles from tobacco, or other botanical
materials of interest.
While not meant to limit the use of the present invention, the Table I
contains effective
vaporization temperatures of some botanical materials, grouped as having low,
medium, or high
vaporization temperatures. These groups are for reference only, and is seen
that each material
may have a range of vaporization temperatures, which may span different
groups. Thus, for
example, tobacco spans the tow, medium, and high range, due to number and type
of volatile
substances found in tobacco. Vaporizer 100 allows the user to control how the
biological
material is vaporized according to the temperature setting of vaporizer 100.
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LOW TEMPERATURE: 100 C 150 "C
Name Scientific Name Plant Part Vaporization Temp
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus Leaves 130 C
Clove: Syzygiurn Aromaticurn Dried Flower Buds 123 C to 150 C
Lavender Lavendula angustifolia Leaves 100 C to 130 C
Lemon balm Melissa officinalis Leaves 1,42 C
Sage: Salvia Officinalis Leaves 125 C to 150 'V
Thyme: Thymus Yu igaris Herb 100 C to 150 'V
MEDIUM TEMPERATURE: 150 C-175
Name Scientific Name Plant Part Vaporization Temp.
Hops Humulus tupulus Cone 15,4 C
Ginkgo: Ginkgo E3iloba Leaves, Seeds 125 C to 175
RICH TEMPERATURE: 175 C- 200 C
Name Scientific Name Plant Part Vaporization Temp.
Tobacco: Nicotiana Tabacum Leaf 125 'C to 200 C
Camomile Matriarca chamomilla Flowers 190 C
Sage Salvia officinalis Leaves 190 C
Thyme Thymus vulgaris Herb 190 C
Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera Gelatinous 175 C to 200 'C
From Leaves 175 "C to 200 C
175 C to 200 C
Ginger 175 C to 200 C
Ginseng: 175 C to 200 C
Licorice: 175 C to 200 C
Table I. Vaporization Temperature of Common Botanical Materials
[0066] in general, the target temperature as measured by temperature sensor
942 is in the
range of from 145 C to 205 "C, and may be, for example and without
limitation, be
approximately 145 C, 150 C, 155 C, 160 C., 165 C, 170 C, 175 C, 180 C,
185 C, 195 C,
200 "C or 205 "C. For multiple temperature settings, such as a "low
temperature" and "high
temperatures," the low temperature setting maybe suitable for vaporizing low
temperature
volatiles such as tobacco and have a temperature in the range of from 150 C to
165 C, with a
value, for example of 150 C, 155 C, 160 C, or 165 C. The high temperature
setting maybe
suitable for vaporizing higher temperature volatiles, such as ginseng, and
have a temperature of
190 C to 205 C, with a value, for example of 190 C, 195 C, 200 C, or 205
C.
EXAMPLES OF THE USE OF THE VAPORIZER
[00671 The following are examples of the user of vaporizer 100. With
reference to FIGS. 1
and 3, with power switch 201 in an "off position," a user grasps lower portion
220 in one hand
and places their thumb in recess 309 to remove upper portion 210. With
reference to FIG. 6, a
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user may then clean the various internal surfaces and bowl 640, and place a
fresh sample of a
botanical material in the bowl. Upper portion 210 may then be securely placed
on top of lower
portion 220.
100681 As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a user may, at any time, look through
window 107 to
verify the presence of a botanical material.
[00691 Next, the user switches power switch 201 to an appropriate non "off'
setting (such as
"on," "low temperature," or "high temperature").
100701 Next, the user presses push-button switch 109. Within a few seconds,
control
electronics 720 has provided sufficient power to raise the air near
temperature sensor 942 to the
target temperature, as stored within processor 725. The glow from. heating
element 715 may be
seen by the user through window 107 and/or through air inlet 105. For certain
botanical materials
the extracted vapor may also be viewed through. window 107.
[00711 With the visible indication of a proper temperature, the user may
then inhale through
mouthpiece 103. Air is then drawn into air inlet 105, through passageway 713,
through the
botanical material in bowl 640, between grooves 635 and surface 601, along
surface 601 into
opening 607, and then through opening 311 to the user's mouth.
[00721 The majority of power provided to heating element 71.5 heats air
within passageway
713, and thus the botanical material within bowl 640 is vaporized convectively
as the hot air
flows through the botanical material.
[00731 The surfaces which contact the heated air as it flows between
surface 601 and upper
portion 210 will act as a "heat sink," causing the gases to cool from high
temperature of heating
element 715 to approximately room temperature. After inhaling, the user then
releases push-
button switch 109, which reduces the power though heating element 715.
[00741 It will be understood that the apparatus described herein includes,
but is not limited
to, certain digital and analog components. It will be understood that the
invention is not limited
to any particular implementation, programming technique, or combination of
analog or digital
components, and that the invention may be implemented using any appropriate
devices or
techniques for implementing the functionality described herein.
[00751 R.eference throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," or
"certain embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure or
characteristic described in
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connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
present invention.
Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," or
"in certain
embodiments" in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily all referring to
the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or
characteristics may be
combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill
in the art from
this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.
[00761 It is to be understood that the invention includes all of the
different combinations
embodied herein. Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" shall be
synonymous
with "including," "containing," or "characterized by," is inclusive or open-
ended and does not
exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. "Comprising" is a term
of art which
means that the named elements are essential, but other elements may be added
and still form a
construct within the scope of the statement. "Comprising" leaves open for the
inclusion of
unspecified ingredients even in major amounts.
[00771 Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of
exemplary
embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes
grouped together
in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof fir the purpose of
streamlining the
disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various
inventive aspects. This
method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an
intention that the claimed
invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim.
Rather, as the
following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a
single foregoing
disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are
hereby expressly
incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its
awn as a separate
embodiment of this invention.
[00781 Thus, while there has been described what is believed to be the
preferred
embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that
other and further
m.odifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the
invention, and it is
intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope
of the invention.
13
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
