Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION
FOR
HUMIDITY CONTROL PORTABLE AROMATHERAPY VAPORIZERS
[001] Related Case
[002] This application is a Continuation in part to United States ("U.S.")
Patent
Application Serial Number 15/785,308 filed October 16, 2017 which is a
Continuation-in-
part to United States ("U.S.") Patent 9,826,780 the disclosure of which is
incorporated by
reference as of fully set forth herein.
[003] Background of The Disclosure
[004] Field of the Disclosure
[005] The present disclosure relates generally to a convection vaporizer
for
aromatherapy which dynamically heats air in a furnace and supplies it to a
chamber
containing organic material thereby releasing residues from essential oils,
extracts and
plant from the organic material without combustion.
[006] Related Art
[007] Vaporizer for plant based materials and essential oils and exist.
Vaporizers
allow aroma therapy or inhalation. Vaporizers which allow inhalation from a
fluid pathway
whereby gas containing the vapor without combustion by products through a
fluid pathway
from source of vapor to exists. Herbs and botanicals have been known in the
art to be
vaporized or burned to release organic material in the form of inhalable
material.
[008] Lavender vaporizes at 260 F Tobacco vaporizes between 257 F to 302 F;
Green tea vaporizes between about 175 C to 185 C; Valerian vaporizes at about
235 C;
Chamomile used to aid in the relief of anxiety vaporizes at about 380 F;
Peppermint
vaporizes at about 255 F. Peppermint is also known to ease symptoms of
allergies and
asthma, in addition to alleviating some of the side effects that come along
with the
common cold or a sinus infection. Cannabis, has a range at which it can be
heated to
release different cannabinoids as vapor without burning the organic material.
From below
200F to about 430F.
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[009] In the following description of examples of implementations,
reference is made
to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and which show, by way
of
illustration, specific implementations of the present disclosure that may be
utilized. Other
implementations may be utilized and structural changes may be made without
departing
from the scope of the present disclosure.
[010] DISCLOSURE
[011] A rechargeable, portable convection vaporizer is disclosed and
aspects related
to its temperature concentration, buffering and smell management.
[012] It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that some of the
circuits, components,
controllers, modules, and/or devices of the system disclosed in the present
application are
described as being in signal communication with each other, where signal
communication
refers to any type of communication and/or connection between the circuits,
components,
modules, and/or devices that allows a circuit, component, module, and/or
device to pass
and/or receive signals and/or information from another circuit, component,
module, and/or
device. The communication and/or connection may be along any signal path
between the
circuits, components, modules, and/or devices that allows signals and/or
information to
pass from one circuit, component, module, and/or device to another and
includes wireless
or wired signal paths. The signal paths may be physical such as, for example,
conductive
wires, electromagnetic wave guides, attached and/or electromagnetic or
mechanically
coupled terminals, semi-conductive or dielectric materials or devices, or
other similar
physical connections or couplings. Additionally, signal paths may be non-
physical such as
free-space (in the case of electromagnetic propagation) or information paths
through digital
components where communication information is passed from one circuit,
component,
module, and/or device to another in varying analog and/or digital formats
without passing
through a direct electromagnetic connection. These information paths may also
include
analog-to-digital conversions ("ADC"), digital-to-analog ("DAC") conversions,
data
transformations such as, for example, fast Fourier transforms ("FFTs"), time-
to-frequency
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conversations, frequency-to-time conversions, database mapping, signal
processing steps,
coding, modulations, demodulations, etc. The controller devices and smart
devices
disclosed herein operate with memory and processors whereby code is executed
during
processes to transform data, the computing devices run on a processor (such
as, for
example, controller or other processor that is not shown) which may include a
central
processing unit ("CPU"), digital signal processor ("DSP"), application
specific integrated
circuit ("ASIC"), field programmable gate array ("FPGA"), microprocessor, etc.
Alternatively, portions DCA devices may also be or include hardware devices
such as
logic circuitry, a CPU, a DSP, ASIC, FPGA, etc. and may include hardware and
software
capable of receiving and sending information.
[013] Some aspects of exemplary implementations of vaporizers with isolated
fluid
pathway are disclosed including placing within a generally hollow body having
a top
opening and an interface fluidly connecting the top opening with a duct inside
the body; a
concentrating furnace with a heating element therein having a open top and a
partially
sealed bottom with one or more air intakes and the duct has an internal
diameter . An
insulator member is interposed between the distal end of the duct and the top
of the
furnace; a duct insertable chamber connected to a fluid pathway; and, a
control circuit
board in signal communication with electrical components in the body including
battery
on/off switch, illumination communication means, heating element and sensors .
In some
instances the illumination communications means is one or more light emitting
diodes. In
some a second heating element outside the furnace configured to interface
through te
body with a liquid cartridge is provided. Said second heating element is
controlled by the
controller and powered by the battery.
[014] Some aspects of exemplary implementations of portable aromatherapy
vaporizers include a generally hollow body with an open. A portable power
supply inside
the body and a heating system within the body having furnace, a heating
element inside
the furnace, a temperature sensor, a controller in signal communication with
at least the
sensor, heating element, power supply and on/off control. The furnace having a
vented
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floor partially sealing off the bottom of the furnace. A connection interface
gasket (CIG)
providing a fluid pathway from the open top to furnace, a vapor dispenser
including an
insulator body, a material chamber with an exit port the vapor dispenser
configured to
removably mate with the CIG through the open top whereby the on/off switch is
in signal
communication with the control board and the control board controls the
heating of the
heating element based on input from the temperature sensor via the heating
element and
wherein during operation heated air within the heating system moves from the
heating
element to an air buffer region and collects until a pressure differential
causes the heated
air to move into the material chamber through material thereby producing vapor
and
heated air. In some instances a floor gasket surrounds at least a portion of
the bttom edge
of the furnace. The floor gasket may be configured to provide fluid pathways
such as
vents into the furnace. A second heating element outside of the furnace
configured to
interface with a liquid cartridge through the body may also be provided . Said
second
heating element is controlled by the controller and powered by the battery.
[015]
Some aspects of exemplary implementations of portable aromatherapy
vaporizers include a generally hollow body with an open top a recess above a
bottom edge
including a portable power supply and a heating system within the body. The
heating
system a heating element inside a furnace, a temperature sensor, a controller
in signal
communication with at least the sensor, heating element, power supply and an
on/off
control. The furnace is partially sealed at its bottom and vents are provided
therein to allow
airflow. A connection interface gasket (CIG) providing a fluid pathway from
the furnace to
the open top of the body. A vapor dispenser including an insulator body, a
material
chamber with an exit port which is configured to removably mate with the CIG
through the
open top. The on/off switch is in signal communication with the control board
and the
control board controls the heating of the heating element based on input from
at least the
temperature sensor. During operation heated air within the heating system
moves from the
heating element to an air buffer region and collects until a pressure
differential causes the
heated air to move into the material chamber through material thereby
producing vapor
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and heated air. The vapor dispenser is one of refillable and disposable. In
some instances
a generally hollow accessory module of a size and shape to contain at least
the vapor
dispenser and inhalation tube is mated with the body at the recess. The module
having an
open top region and closed bottom (which reversibly mates with the recess. In
some
instances the open top of the module may be separately sealed with a lid. In
other
instances the bottom of the vaporizer body seals the module.
[016] To the above exemplars at least one illumination means in signal
communication
with the control board which produces an illumination visible on the exterior
of the body
may be added. In some instances a fan to direct air into the vented floor to
the interior of
the furnace is included. When a fan is added either a dual function single
switch (which
controls heating and fan) or a second on/off control for the fan may be added.
[017] Some aspects of exemplary implementations of portable aromatherapy
vaporizers include a generally hollow body with an open top and at least one
body vent; a
portable power supply inside the body; a heating system within the body
comprising; a
furnace; a heating element inside the furnace; a temperature sensor; a
controller in signal
communication with at least the sensor, heating element, power supply and
on/off control;
a floor gasket partially sealing off the bottom of the furnace; one or more
vents through the
floor gasket providing a fluid connection into the furnace; an air insulation
zone formed
between the furnace and the inside wall of the hollow body; a connection
interface gasket
(CIG) providing a fluid pathway from the open top to the top of the furnace to
the open top;
a bottom cup with an open top, air permeable bottom which hold material for
vaporization
configured to fit into the CIG; a vapor dispenser having a top closure through
which the
exit port extends, and an annular side wall configured with a mounting guide;
whereby
the vapor dispenser is configured to reversible mate to the top portion of
the body
positioning the top portion cavity above the open top of the bottom cup and
with the upper
interface "IFA" forming the pathway for vapor from the furnace through the
bottom cup and
out the exit port; and, wherein during operation waste heat radiating from the
furnace heats
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air in the AIZ to reduce humidity of air being fluidly transported through the
vents in the
floor gasket.
[018] A material chamber which may be disassociated form an insulator body.
The
disassociation supports cleaning and refilling of the material chamber. The
material
chamber includes a bottom cup attached to a shaped container.
The material chamber is removably fixed within the insulator body placing the
cup above
the bottom face of the insulator body. The recessing of the bottom cup serves
to keep the
hot bottom cup of a vapor dispenser removed from the vaporizer body from
burning and
melting items and surfaces it is place on.
[019] Some aspects of exemplary implementations of portable aromatherapy
vaporizers include a generally hollow cylindrical body with an open bottom, a
bottom edge
and an open top; a furnace with a heating element inside the furnace; a
connection
interface gasket providing a fluid pathway from the open top to the furnace; a
chassis
having a top and a bottom affixed within the body; a PCB (board) with a
controller and
battery supply affixed to the chassis; a temperature sensor in thermal
communication with
the furnace and in signal communication with the PCB; an on/off switch on the
body's
exterior in signal communication with the PCB; a recess formed near the bottom
edge
defined by the chassis bottom affixed above the bottom edge; and, wherein the
recess
forms a receptacle which is used to mate and accessory module. In some
instances an
accessory module which reversibly mates with the body at the recess.
[020] Some aspects of exemplary implementations of portable aromatherapy
vaporizers include a generally hollow cylindrical body with an open bottom, a
bottom edge
and an open top; a furnace with a heating element inside the furnace; a
connection
interface gasket providing a fluid pathway from the open top to the furnace; a
floor gasket
configured to accept the bottom of the furnace and sperate it from a floor. At
least one
vent forming a fluid pathway through the floor gasket to allow heated for air
from an air
insulation zone "AIZ" around the furnace and within the device to be drawn
into the
furnace. Such air being preheated by the furnace (which radiated heat when
operating)
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and therefore is also dehumidified. A bottom a chassis having a top and a
bottom affixed
within the body; a PCB (board) with a controller and battery supply affixed to
the chassis;
a temperature sensor in thermal communication with the furnace and in signal
communication with the PCB; an on/off switch on the body's exterior in signal
communication with the PCB; a recess formed near the bottom edge defined by
the
chassis bottom affixed above the bottom edge; and, wherein the recess forms a
receptacle
which is used to mate and accessory module. In some instances an accessory
module
which reversibly mates with the body at the recess. The chassis further
includes a bottom
face which contains at least one of an interface display, a power data / power
interface,
data input, power jack, each in signal communications with the PCB.
[021]
Some aspects of exemplary implementations of portable aromatherapy
vaporizers include a generally hollow cylindrical body with an open bottom, a
bottom edge
and an open top; a furnace with a heating element inside the furnace; a
connection
interface gasket providing a fluid pathway from the open top to the furnace; a
removable
vapor dispenser which mates with the connection interface gasket; a chassis
having a top
and a bottom affixed within the body; a PCB (board) with a controller and
battery supply
affixed to the chassis; a temperature sensor in thermal communication with the
furnace
and in signal communication with the PCB; an on/off switch on the body's
exterior in
signal communication with the PCB; a recess formed near the bottom edge
defined by the
chassis bottom affixed above the bottom edge; and, wherein the recess forms a
receptacle
which is used to mate and accessory module. In some instances an accessory
module
which reversibly mates with the body at the recess. The chassis further
includes a bottom
face which contains at least one of an interface display, a power data / power
interface,
data input, power jack, each in signal communications with the PCB. In some
instances
the vapor dispenser includes an insulator body which holds a shaped container
having
an exit port and a bottom cup together forming removable material chamber. The
vapor
dispenser configured to removably mate with the body via the connection
interface gasket.
In some instances the open top is a first diameter and the open bottom is a
second
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diameter, the first diameter being smaller than the second diameter. In some
instances
wherein the on/off switch is in signal communication with the control board
and the control
board controls the heating of the heating element based on input from the
temperature
sensor.
[022] Aspects of the above portable aromatherapy vaporizer during operation
provide
heated air within A furnace which fills an air buffer region and collects
until a pressure
differential applied to a fluid pathway by one of inhalation or a fan causes
the heated air to
move into the material chamber through material thereby producing vapor and
heated air.
[023] Some aspects of exemplary implementations methods of portable
aromatherapy vaporization include a method of ameliorating smell associated
with
vaporizing organic material by way of a sealable generally odor impervious
accessory
module reversibly mounted to a vaporizer body. The body contains heated air
producing
system fluidly connected to a vapor dispenser. A controller in signal
communication with
the heat producing system to control the temperature of the heat air and there
is a means
to mount the accessory module to the body. The accessory module is large
enough to
contain the vapor dispenser and whereby any smell associated with vaporized
materials
on the vapor dispenser are reduced by virtue of sealing the vapor dispenser in
the
accessory module.
[024] The following description of examples of implementations, reference
is made to
the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and which show, by way of
illustration,
specific implementations of the present disclosure that may be utilized.
Other
implementations may be utilized and structural changes may be made without
departing
from the scope of the present disclosure.
[025] FIGURES
[026] The invention may be better understood by referring to the following
figures.
The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead
being placed
upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like
reference numerals
designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
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[027] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrates aspects of a convection vaporizer with
rotatable material
chamber and fluid pathway;
[028] FIGS. 2A -2D illustrate aspects of convection vaporizer;
[029] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate aspects of a furnaces with interfaces for
supplying heated
air in a convection vaporizer;
[030] FIGS. 3D illustrate aspects of a multi heating element furnace with
interfaces for
supplying heated air in a convection vaporizer;
[031] FIGS. 4A to 4D illustrate assembly and aspects of reusable and
disposable fluid
pathways and material chambers;
[032] FIGS. 5A ¨ 5D illustrate aspects of the interface between furnaces
and fluid flow
to inhalation outlet;
[033] FIG. 6A illustrates an alternative placement of a furnace in a body
of the
disclosed vaporizer;
[034] FIGS. 6B-6C illustrate exterior ornamental view of a vaporizer with
top cover
and bottom;
[035] FIG. 7 illustrates aspects of major electrical components of a
vaporizer;
[036] FIGS. 8A-80 illustrate a concentrating vaporizer with integral
compartment
storage;
[037] FIG. 9A and 9B illustrates exterior views of a cylindrical vaporizer
with modular
storage;
[038] FIGS. 9C and 9D illustrate a vaporizer with compartment storage and
heat
recirculation;
[039] FIG. 9E illustrates aspects of a vapor dispenser with recessed
material chamber;
[040] FIG. 10 illustrates aspects of another a vapor dispenser;
[041] FIG. 11 illustrates a module accessory container with threaded mating
to the
body;
[042] FIG. 12 illustrates a module accessory container module and body
wherein the
accessory has a mounting recess;
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[043] FIG. 13 illustrates a magnetic connection between accessory module
and body;
[044] FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate another convection vaporizer with
removable
chamber and fluid pathway; and,
[045] FIG. 15 illustrates another convection vaporizer with modular
removable
storage.
[046] All descriptions and callouts in the Figures and all content therein
are hereby
incorporated by this reference as if fully set forth herein.
[047] FURTHER DESCRIPTION
[048] Disclosed herein are aspects, exemplary implementations and
embodiments of
aromatherapy vaporizers. In some instances the device and system is
rechargeable with
a battery power supply and is recharged on one of a base and a plug-in. The
device can
be disassociated from the base or power supply cable (plug-in) for use via the
internal
battery power supply. In some instances the device and system the pathway for
the
generation and use of vapor is a self contained module which is thermally and
physically
removable from the furnace and body of the device. Vapor residue and the odor
associated therewith accumulate in the vapor fluid pathway. In some instances
the vapor
fluid pathway is relegated to a disposable chamber and exit fluid path. By
confining the
vapor pathway and material containment chamber to a removable (reusable)
structure
odor may be contained in that removable element which may be one or more of
cleaned
and stored in an odor reducing, or generally impervious chamber. By disposing
of the
vapor pathway and material containment chamber odor is eliminated and or
reduced. In
some instances the chamber containing the material to vaporize may be reusable
and the
exit fluid pathway may be disposable.
[049] Disclosed aspects of the furnace include the more preferred use of a
very thin
wall to limit or reduce parasitic thermal losses due to thermal mass.
Alternatively, a
ceramic furnace may be used.
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[050] Furnace bodies with concentrator shape force a rising volume of
heated air into
a smaller volume thereby facilitating a chimney effect and causing convection
which may
be used to fill a container and/or cause aroma to exit the device without
inhalation or fans.
[051] Furnace bodies with buffer regions above the heating coil(s) have
been tested
and improve heat management and delivery wherein pre-heated air may be
positioned in
the buffer region below the material containing chamber. Said preheated air
has limited
penetration into the material without a negative pressure above same.
[052] Vaporizing plant material or extracts for inhalation of compounds
therefrom is
considered by some to be less harmful then combusting the same plant material.
[053] In a traditional vaporization system the fluid pathway and material
chamber will
become sticky and coated with residues. The resulting adhesions cause smell
and may
reduce function.
[054] Aspects of vaporizers, systems and methods of use involving
utilizing
temperature controlled heated air to release organic compounds from plant
materials and
extracts is disclosed. In some instances the furnace characteristics reduce
power
requirements for heating and/or reduce the parasitic heat losses.
[055] In some instances the control system includes one or more of
software, logic,
sensors, LEDs, thermistors, thermocouples and controllers having hardware,
memory and
microprocessors to one or more of control, limit, warn about or prevent over
heating of
materials. In some instance the vaporizer includes wife, Bluetooth or other
wireless
communication to a smart phone to allow an application on the smart phone to
control
heating parameters and/or monitor usage and performance. In some instance the
vaporizer includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other wireless communication to allow
an application
on the units base (which optionally may have a processor), computer, streaming
box or
smart phone to control temperature settings.
[056] The instant disclosure teaches aspects of vaporizers utilizing heated
air flow
(convection) via a shaped concentrating furnace to efficiently heat material
(which includes
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one or more of concentrate , extract and plant material) in at least one of a
disposable and
a removable chamber and fluid pathway for exit.
[057] The instant disclosure teaches aspects of vaporizers utilizing heated
air flow
(convection) via a shaped concentrating furnace to efficiently heat material
(which includes
one or more of concentrate ,extract and plant material) in at least one of a
reusable and a
removable chamber and fluid pathway for exit.
[058] Figures 1A-1B illustrates a vaporizer 10 with a rotating multi-zone
chamber 11.
The body 12 is generally hollow with a closed bottom 13 and an open top 14
with a first
rotating interface 15 which mates with the bottom 16 of the chamber. The air
intake 17 is
at the bottom of the manifold. The open top of the chamber 18 opens to the
chamber
cavity 19 which has an open bottom having a floor 20 which is permeable to
vapor and
heated air. The manifold 30 has an open top 32 which is shaped to less than
the chamber
size, shown in figure 1B is a 1/3 the size of a chamber floor sized manifold
open top 32. An
inhalation top 34 fits over the chamber at its open bottom 35 and inhalation
is via the exit
of the inhalation fluid pathway which 40. One or more baffles 42 may be placed
in the fluid
flow pathway to direct fluid flow. Figure 1B a view along the line of "A" ¨
"A" of Figure 1A.
Figure 1C is a view along the line of Figure 1A.
[059] During use the manifold open top 32 provides heat to the chamber via
the
chamber floor. The shaped manifold top provides heat to a section "X" (and any
associated material) of the chamber . Figure 1C shows section "X" aligned with
open
manifold top 32. During inhalation the non-heated air 2000 travels in the
intake 17 then
through the manifold 30 and out the shaped top of the manifold 32 through the
floor of the
chamber 20 and through section "X" and any material therein, thereby releasing
the vapor
(not shown) which travels through the inhalation top 34 and baffle 42 cooling
the vapor to
form cooler vapor 2175 and exiting through the inhalation fluid exit 40. Upon
rotation along
the line of arrow 1500 a user can turn the rotating chamber and attached top
34 to move to
the next section ("Y" or "Z").
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[060] Power to a heating element 50 within the manifold is provided by a
portable
power supply 60 such as lithium ion batteries. A controller 65 associated with
a printed
circuit board (PCB) 66 controls the power supplied to the heating element. An
on/off
switch 68 is in signal communication with the PCB. A communication means 70
such as a
light, LED, lens dispersing an led and the like is visible from the exterior
of the case. An I/O
(input / output) 80 such as any variation of a universal serial bus (USB) or a
wireless
communication. Additionally, a power adapter plug in 84 may be provided to
recharge
internal batteries. The USB, in some instance, may also be used to recharge.
The I/O may
be used for data communication with the PCB and controller and/or recharge of
the
battery. A WI-Fl
enabled chip 84 such as 802.11 protocol may be provided for
communication with the controller 65 and the PCB 66. A temperature sensor 90
such as a
thermistor or thermocouple may be placed in thermal communication with the
interior or
exterior of the manifold and is in signal communication with the controller
and PCB. An
airflow sensor 92 may also be in signal communication with the controller and
PCB.
[061] In Figures 2A-2D show overviews of some aspects of main components of
a
concentrating convection vaporizer system 95. A vessel 100 forms the base of
the
vaporizer. The external body 102 forms a vessel which is a substantially
hollow
shroud/cover, the body has a top region 103, with a top opening 103' which
forms a fluid
connection from the exterior of the device to the interior. The fluid connect
may be to a
furnace directly or connects to a duct 420. The body has a bottom region 104
and a
bottom edge 204. A to duct interface 105 formed at the top region 103 provides
a fluid
connection from the exterior of the vessel through the opening 103' to the
interior 102' of
the body 102 into a duct 420. An on/off switch 68 that may be a touch switch,
contact or
pressure switch is user accessible from the exterior of the body 102. The
switch may be
push on push off, the switch may be programmable, or controlled by the control
board
wherein activation causes the device to enter a steady on state to continually
heat
botanicals for aromatherapy over a preselected period of time.
One or more
communications illumination means 70 are provided attached to or illuminating
through
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lens, apertures and the like in the body to be visible from the exterior of
the body. The
illumination means includes but is not limited to one or more lenses, LEDs
(light emitting
diode), electroluminescent band, and may be a series of drilled holes or very
thin body
areas that an illumination from the LEDs able to penetrate there through. The
vessel 100 is
shown removable connected to a charging base 200 and a removable fluid pathway
300
(including a material chamber which may be multipart having a cup bottom 900
and a
shaped top 311) fits into the top duct interface 105 to form the fluid path
for both heated air
and vapor liberated from material. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that a
non-removable fluid pathway is within the scope of this disclosure and a
chamber with an
affixed or non-removable fluid pathway (NRFP) is within the scope. Colored
illumination
such as light emitting diodes (LEDS) are useful for communications. An
illumination visual
language is used wherein the one or more printed circuit boards (PCB) "board"
66 with a
controller 65, memory and other components to support signal communication and
input/output to control functions of the device. PCBs and controllers are well
known in the
art. Pulse width modulation (PWM) power management, temperature sensor inputs,
memory, clock, and Wi-Fi connect ability are a non-exclusive list of PCB
"board"
components and functions. all be control one or more of color, strobe,
frequency, intensity
and movement (by turning some LEDs off in the band of lighting) of
illumination to convey
state of the device. For example green may mean at temperature and ready to
use. Red
may mean heating up. Flashing red may mean time to recharge. Blue may mean
standby
mode.
[062] At
the bottom 112 of the body is an inserted, affixed or otherwise attached
closure or floor 115 which also may be a part of an internal chassis 435. One
or more air
intakes 117 may be formed on that closure to provide a fluid passage for
external air to be
drawn into the vessel during heating and use. Intake vents 119 may also be
added to allow
air flow through the side edge of the body.
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[063] User interface display 125 and inputs 128, recharge to base
connectors 130,
data / power interface 132 and/or power jack 134 are shown on the bottom
closure or floor
115.
[064] Inside the body 102' is the heart of the control system and heating
systems. The
substantially hollow furnace 400 has a thin wall 401 with an interior surface
401' forming a
container which allows for intake of external air and for air heated therein
to exit. In this
exemplar the furnace has a narrower diameter open top 402 and a wider diameter
bottom
403. Preferably the wall is less than 1 millimeter thick, more preferably less
than 0.5
millimeters thick and most preferably less than 0.25 millimeters thick.
Suitable materials
should have no harmful levels of outgassing at temperatures the furnace will
be used at.
These materials include but are not limited to phenolic resins, aluminum,
titanium,
stainless steel, and ceramic. A heating element 405 such as a kanthal or
nichrome coiled
wire is within the furnace. Optionally insulation 411 may wrap at least some
of the thin wall
of the furnace. The gasket 500 fluidly connecting the chamber and , also known
as the
chamber gasket interface (CGI) forms a portion of a guide pathway whereby the
material
chamber 310 (which may be multipart including a bottom 900 and a shaped top
311) the
bottom may fit into the CGI to mate with the furnace and the shaped top fitted
into the open
top of the container and in fluid connection to the bottom. That gasket 500
may be at the
region between the duct and furnace or directly between the furnace and a top
mounted
chamber. The illustrated duct 420 has an internal diameter (i.d.) denoted by
"D" . The
duct has an open top or proximal end 425 and an open bottom or distal end 427.
To
connect the duct to the furnace the distal end 427 is brought near the open
top 402 of the
furnace via an insulation member 510.
[065] The insulation member may be a pliable or semi pliable gasket,
silicon tape,
molded ring, ceramic, polyimide film or the like and it functions to hold the
duct and furnace
ends aligned while separating the two ends to limit heat transfer, parasitic
losses due to
heat transfer. Further the insulating member may be formed to hold and isolate
the
inserted removable fluid pathway 300 from thermal contact with the duct (see
figure 5B).
- 15 -
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To connect the duct to the body 102 at the gasket 500, the insulation member
510 may
have an interface gasket 514 (see Fig. 5A). The interface gasket connects the
exterior of
the body near the top section 103 and the exterior of the top 425 of the duct.
The band 515
may be used to separate the duct and the body from direct physical contact and
to limit
thermal contact via the insulating properties of the insulation member 510.
The band has
an internal diameter "Di" which is less than the internal diameter "D" of the
duct. At least
the band is compressible. The insulation member is preferably compressible.
The band
(515) may be a homogeneous thickness or it may be non-homogeneous having
thicker
portions (516) laving spaces between the edge of the chamber and the band. The
band or
band and insulation member combination should be sufficiently compressible to
allow the
press fit of the chamber into the band whereby the chamber s held inside the
duct without
touching the duct wall.
[066] The vessel 100 contains a power supply such as lithium ion batteries
400 and it
can be charged with one or more of the recharge to base connectors 130, data /
power
interface 132 and/or power jack 134. Accordingly, it may be charged on or off
the base.
[067] The removable fluid pathway 300 provides a substantially hollow flow
channel
301 and an outlet 302 and an inlet 303 connected to the material chamber 310.
Optionally
a spacer 304 may be fitted to the exterior of the flow channel to one or more
of act as a
heat exchanger to the flow channel, position the fluid pathway 300 within the
duct 420 ,
provide a grab for a user to remove the fluid pathway 300.
[068] A heating element 405 such as a stainless steel, kanthal or nichrome
coiled
wire is fixed within the furnace. Optionally insulation 411 may wrap at least
some of the
thin wall. The duct 420 spans from the point heated air exits the open top 402
of the
furnace to the touches the material in the material chamber 310, then through
the flow
channel to below the outlet 302. In practice the bottom edge 305 of the spacer
304 can
be fit into a guide 106 around the top duct interface 105 to assist with
positing and spacing
of the chamber of material in the duct above the furnace.
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[069] A chassis 435 is a preferred means to space the duct in an aligned
position with
the furnace. It can hold circuit boards, batteries and support connections and
illumination
components. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that
the chassis
may be eliminated in the power and control elements placed in a casing without
departing
from the scope of the disclosure. The chassis 435 shown has a chassis top 435'
and a
chassis bottom 435" extended radial wall to position it within the body. In
some instances
the chassis is below the furnace. In some instances it fits around a duct and
is placed
above the furnace. If placed above the furnace a central core 437 of the
chassis fits
around the duct and may be solid, segmented, a series of studs with air gaps
or any
configuration which allows insertion of the fluid pathway. The battery power
supply 60 and
the control board(s) which contains the electrical components to manage
temperature,
adjust power, activate and change the output of the communication
illumination, receive
instructions from an app, it may support the pulse width modulation sensor
inputs and
battery charge discharge control. It may contain a 802.11 chip for wireless
data exchanges
and support wired data connections as well or other user interface. The board
66 may be
one or more printed circuit board(s) PCB and the like and is also affixed to
the chassis
435. Some connection wires 602 from the heating element to the PCB are shown.
The
other electrical switches and sensors are also connected to the control
board(s). The
control board(s) are in signal communications with electrical components of
the vaporizer,
including but not limited to temperature sensor(s), battery, illumination,
on/off switch,
charging board, display(s), user interface , input / output and applications
that may be sued
to communicate with the control board(s).
[070] Figures 2A-3D show more aspects of a furnace 400 and the gasket 500.
The
furnace has both an inner surface 401' and an outer surface 401". One or both
of the
surfaces may be coated, anodized, electroplated, laminated and/ or otherwise
adhered or
fixed to another material. Optionally a fluidly connected divider also
known as an air
permeably element 410 which is generally thin, conductive, and with
perforations or holes
to allow air passage may be fitted into the open top 402 below the top
circumferential rim
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412. The permeable element may be a metal disk with drilled or laser etched
holes.
Depending on the usage and how much heat is to be stored in the fluidly
connected divider
410, the fluidly connected divider 410 may be very thin (thousandths of an
inch) or thicker.
A thicker metal (or conductive) fluidly connected divider 410 will act as a
heat sink which
can be used to provide radiation and conduction of heat a chamber of material
inserted in
the open top 402 in addition to the heated convection air flow.
[071] The heating element 405 has leads 406 extending therefrom for
connection to
the PCB 65 and /or battery 60 power supply. In some a second heating element
is outside
the furnace and in this instance separately controlled by the same controller
65. In other
instances the second heating element 405' is controlled by a separate
controller. The
second heating element is configured to accept a liquid cartridge "LQC" and
connect
thereto via threads or pressure fit. A liquid cartridge interface "LCI" may be
formed through
the body or container (See figure 9A) to allow the connection to the second
heating
element
[072] Non-heated air 2000 enters one or more air intakes 117 which provide
a fluid
passage for such air to be passed into the furnace 400. Alternatively, if a
high-efficiency
particulate air (HEPA) filter 415 or other air filter is added to the fluid
pathway of the air, it
should be at the upstream leg of the journey. Air intakes 417 to the HEPA 415
provide a
pathway for the air through the filter material 416 (which removes
containments) then into
the furnace via the intakes 117.
[073] The electrical heating element 405 is heated with power from the
battery power
supply 60 and the action of the heating element is adjusted via the controller
65 which
receives sensor data from at least one temperature sensor 90 such as a
thermistor or
other thermocouple. The temperature sensor(s) 90 may be placed inside the
furnace
and/or outside the furnace. The control board contains a microprocessor,
memory and
software which may include look up tables and may have pulse width modulation
functionality. The control board processes the sensor data and adjusts power
to the
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heating element to achieve a predetermined or pre-set, or selected temperature
of air at or
near the interface 500.
[0741 The air passing through the furnace and over the heating element
carries heat
forming heated air 2150 and as the heated air 2150 rises in the furnace toward
the open
top. Figs. 3A and 3B the air rises into a reduced volume space and the flow is
accelerated
as it passes through the gasket 500 (which may also be a thermal insulator)
and passes
thorough material "M" forming the vaporization air flow (VAF) 2175. The
increase in hot
air movement or flow from the concentration of the rising heated air also may
be used to
cause convection air flow through the device without a fan.
[075] Fig. 3C and 3D illustrates a furnace 400 with a heat buffer zone
4000. In one
exemplar a single heating element 405 receives power from the battery via the
controller
and heats the unheated air "HA" which fills the furnace up as the heated air
2150. In
another implementation Figure 5D a second heating element 405' independently
controlled by the controller 65 is illustrated. The second heating element is
outside the
furnace and in this instance separately controlled by the controller 65. The
second heating
element may be configured to accept a liquid cartridge and connect thereto via
threads or
pressure fit. An interface formed in through the body or container can allow
the connection
[076] The furnace forms part of a heat management system which includes,
moving
from bottom to top, a floor 115 with vents 117 . The vented floor partially
seals off the
bottom region 408 of the furnace 400. Within the bottom region of the furnace
is the at
least one heating element 405. As noted above a second separately controlled
heating
element 405' may be added. Above the heating element is a volume of space in
the upper
furnace 409 which forms a temperature buffer 4000. The temperature buffer 4000
is
between the heating element(s) and the fluidly connected divider 410.
[077] The temperature buffer 4000 temporarily contains heated air within a
preferably
insulated furnace. The stored air is used to limit lag time from when the
heating element is
powered on to when it can deliver heated air at a desired temperature.
Material "M" in a
chamber 310 above the fluidly connected divider 410 also blocks the
perforations in the
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fluidly connected divider limiting the movement of heated air into the
material "M".
Accordingly, a volume of heated air is staged to be drawn into the material
"M". A fluid
pathway (RFP) 300 fluidly connected to the chamber 310 may be used to
accomplish
same. The chamber 310 is fluidly connected to the furnace 400 by way of the
CIG 500. A
more detailed description of the interface is provided below concerning
aspects of the
implementations shown in Figures 5A-50, 8A and 9C.
[078] The fluidly connected divider 410 is below the chamber 310. The
heated air in
the temperature buffer absent negative pressure above or positive pressure
below does
not readily move into the chamber and material "M" via said fluidly connected
divider 410 .
Rather the fluidly connected divider 410 and material M cooperate to limit
heated airflow
absent said pressure differential. The limit to heated air movement act as a
pressure
regulated air damn which allows the device and method to form a region of
heated air
2150 which may be delivered via a pressure differential. In practical terms a
user during
an inhalation will cause a negative pressure above the chamber and draw the
heated air
from the temperature buffer area 4000 into the chamber and material "M"
thereby causing
essential oils and resins, Terpenes and other volatile compounds to be
liberated into
vapor. A temperature sensor 90 inside or outside the furnace in signal
communication with
the PCB and controller 65 thereon provides temperature data whereby the
controller 65
adjusts power requirements to maintain a target temperature of the relatively
still heated
air when the pressure is constant and the air which is flowing at an
accelerated rate due to
inhalation or a fan causing a pressure differential.
[079] Figures 4A-4D illustrate aspects of removable fluid pathway (RFP) 300
connected to a chamber 310 either or both of which are removable from the
chamber
interface gasket 500. The RFP 300 and material chamber 310 span from the point
heated
air touches the material to the point the vaporized material is expelled into
a space
(aromatherapy) or inhaled. The RFP, optionally has a spacer 304 as previously
discussed.
A RFP and chamber can be configured to assemble and disassemble for fill,
cleaning and
refill or the combination may be fixed and non-refillable or disposable. The
RFP may be
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reusable and the material chamber 310 reusable. The RFP may be reusable and
the
material chamber disposable. The RFP may be disposable and the material
chamber
310 reusable. The RFP may be disposable and the material chamber 310 or
portions
thereof disposable.
[080] Figure 4A shows aspects of assembly of a material chamber 310. The
chamber
has a shaped container 311 and an open cup 900. The shaped container 311 is
generally
hollow with an open bottom 312 and a partially sealed top 313 . A screen 314
or mesh
material to allow airflow but restrict any particulate from ascending the RFP
may be added
in the fluid path exiting the partially sealed top. The chamber is connected
to the inlet 303
of the removable fluid pathway 300. Material 800 for vaporization is
added to the
cylindrical chamber bottom cup 900 which is used as a sealing cap or member.
The
chamber floor has an internal cavity 905, formed by an annular wall 906 with
an interior
surface and an exterior surface and having an open top 907 . The shaped
container 311
has an the open bottom 312 configured to receives an air permeable element 910
such as
a removable or fixed screen. Material "M" to vaporize is placed in the bottom
cup 900 and
when the heated air 2150 (shown in Fig. 5B) interacts with the material "M" it
heats the
material until compounds in the material are released via vaporization,
without
combustion, and which become airborne for aromatherapy.
[081] The bottom cup 900 is one of connected to the shaped chamber 311
(either
permanently or reversibly) and separate from the shaped container. Method of
fixation for
a shaped container attached to the cup include but are not limited to latch
and catch,
snapping, screwing, pressure fit, and friction fit. The annular wall 906 may
be further
modified or formed to be threaded to receive the open bottom 312 via rotation.
When the
cup and shaped chamber are separate a fluid connection for vapor movement may
be
formed via a gasket 318 surrounding the open bottom 312 of the shaped chamber
which is
pressed against the open top 907 of the bottom cup. Those of ordinary skill in
the art will
recognize that the annular wall and screen may be formed as one part of
stamping,
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molding wherein air passage holes are laser drilled, drilled or punched
through such a
unitary chamber floor.
[082] In Figure 4B an inhaler tube 300' slips over the fluid pathway 300
thereby
extending the fluid pathway. That inhaler tube may be disposable such as paper
or plastic.
if may be silicone or plastic tubing, it may be reusable such as ceramic,
steel, aluminum
and plastics. Method of connection include but are not limited to latch and
catch, snapping,
screwing, pressure fit, adhesive, and friction fit.
[083] In Figure 4C an extract or oil tray 950 is added to the bottom cup
900, the tray
has a bowl region 952 and may have air vents 955. When utilized for
aromatherapy a
heated airflow rises from the furnace passes to the fluidly connected chamber
and around
the tray thereby heating the tray to a desired temperature causing the extract
810 to
release vapor.
[084] In Figure 4D a simplified chamber assembly 310A is shown. The shaped
chamber 311P contains one of material "M" and extract 810. The chamber has a
chamber
floor 901 is snapped or press fit into the shaped chamber 311P such as
pressing a metal
screen therein attached thereto and it has an air permeable region 910. The
air permeable
region may be formed as part of the floor 901. A airtight seal 975 such as
plastic or foil,
coated paper or mylar may be adhered to the chamber to seal it with a second
seal 975
sealing the RFP. Sealing is not required but optional. Alternatively the RFP
and chamber
may be vacuum sealed in a plastic wrapper/bag 977. Section 980 of the shaped
chamber
is preferably vertical to support insertion into the band 515 and compression
thereof.
[085] Figures 5A -5D illustrate the isolation of the RFP and chamber in the
chamber
interface gasket 500. The insulation member 510 forms a connection between the
furnace
and duct (as discussed above). The member 510 has an outer annular wall 512 an
inner
annular wall 513 and is generally hollow. It is however partial bisected by an
isolation
band 515. The isolation band may be used to one or more of physically and
thermally
separate the duct 420 and the open top 402 of the furnace. The band 515
extends from
the inner annular wall 514 towards the center of the member 510. When
connected to the
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duct's distal end 427 the band 515 reduces the diameter of the passage formed
there
through to less than the i.d. "D" of the duct. The isolation interface 2500 is
the area
wherein the band is used to pairing a chamber with floor having a cross
sectional
maximum diameter less than the i.d. "D" of the duct .with the duct a user
inserts the RFP
into the duct 420. The chamber In those instances where the floor forms the
outermost
region of the chamber the exterior of the floor 906 is the portion that
compresses the band
515 and bottom cup 900 assembly passes into the CIG 500 and the is isolated by
the
insulating member 510 at the band 515 wherein the chamber 310 is positioned
remote
from the inner wall of the duct . Shown in Figure 5D is the furnace 400 with
an air buffer
region 4000 as described above in reference to figures 3C and 3D. After the
heated air
2150 passes through the material "M" the VAF 2175 cools 2185 as it passes
through the
RFP or a non-removable fluid pathway NRFP.
[086] Once the chamber attached to the fluid pathway mates to the system at
the
isolation interface 2500, heated air 2150 from the furnace may be drawn (via a
pressure
differential) through material (or heat the extract) and organic compounds
vaporize as
heated air of the correct temperature interacts with same. The vapor and
heated air 2175
passes into the flow channel 301. The vapor and heated air 2175 cool 2185
during
passage through the length of the fluid pathway in the flow channel.
[087] Figure 6A illustrates a vaporizer with a furnace 400 and side wall
air intakes
3000. In this alternative the chamber mates directly into the open top 402 of
the furnace
thereby eliminating the duct.
[088] Figure 6B illustrates a vaporizer with a furnace 400 having an on/off
switch 68
and an illumination communication means. In this illustration the design is a
cylindrical
body 12B closed off with a cylindrical end cover 3050. The bottom 115B is
circular (Figure
6C).
[089] Figure 7 shows aspects of main components of the control, electrical
and
heating systems of an exemplary implementation of a vaporizer device. A
printed circuit
board(s) (PCB) 4002 contains memory, processors and the circuit components to
control
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heating and communications including pulse width modulation and inputs for
sensors. The
board is also electrically or wirelessly in signal communication with, and /or
connected to:
[090] 1. A power supply 4004 which may be battery or the onboard battery
may be
exchanged for a plug in variation to supply power from a remote battery
supply, plug in the
wall supply or other electrical power generator. If the battery is on board
the device a
board to manage recharge 4500 is connected to the battery supply and an input
to
recharge 4550.
[091] 2. A furnace 4010 with at least one heating element therein.
[092] 3. One or more sensors 4012 to monitor, report and provide data to
the PCB to
control temperature of the system.
[093] 4. One or more on / off switches 4005.
[094] 5. One or more inputs and outputs for data transfer, and/or charging.
[095] 6. A communications output 4200 such as LEDs to provide illumination
information which relates to device operation.
[096] 7. A display 4300 (which may also be combined with the communications
output
4200) and temperature selection 4400 which is a user interface to set a
desired VAF
temperature.
[097] 8. An application 5000 on a computing device or smart phone which
communicates wirelessly or through a wired connection (I/O) to adjust
temperature, control
operation and report operation and usage.
[098] 9. Wi-Fi chip such as 802.11xx chip.
[099] Figures 8A-15 illustrate aspects of implementations of aromatherapy
vaporizers
and aspects of modular encasements 6010 attachable to said vaporizer. A safer
material
chamber module provides vapor dispensing function is also disclosed. Finally,
heat
exchange system to leverage the dried and heated air in the air insulation
zone (AIZ) of a
vaporizer and thus dehumidify the incoming air before it reaches the furnace.
Many
organic plant materials react differently to water vapor and by pre-drying the
inflowing air
supply, water vapor is reduced which passes through the furnace into the
material being
- 24 -
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vaporized thus decreasing the effect of water vapor on said material and vapor
compounds
arising therefrom. Preheating and drying air also reduces energy needed to
heat the
incoming air as disclosed.
[0100] In Figures 8A-15 overviews, in some instances convection vaporizer
may
include removable storage to ameliorate smell associated with vaporizing
material
including smell or odor of resins and oils which may coat portions of the
material chamber
and fluid pathway, by storing the chamber, fluid pathway, to avoid loss of
parts or
disassociation and/or store items.
[0101] Figure 8A is an assembly view of a convection vaporizer with modular
storage.
[0102] An external body 6002 forms the base of the vaporizer that is
substantially
hollow, the body has a top region 103 which is a first diameter and said first
diameter is
smaller than the second diameter of the bottom 6008. that provides a fluid
connection
from the exterior of the vessel through the opening 103' to the interior of
the body 6002.
Inside the body is a substantially hollow furnace 400 has a thin wall with an
interior surface
401'. Preferably the wall is less than 1 millimeter thick, more preferably
less than 0.5
millimeters thick and most preferably less than 0.25 millimeters thick.
Suitable materials
should have no harmful levels of outgassing at temperatures the furnace will
be used at.
These materials include but are not limited to phenolic resins, aluminum,
titanium,
stainless steel, and ceramic. A heating element 405 such as a kanthal or
nichrome coiled
wire is within the furnace. In some instances ceramic heaters or High-
temperature co-fired
ceramics (HTCC) with metal element layered therein or thereon may be used in
place of
the coiled wire. Optionally, insulation 411 may wrap at least some of the thin
wall of the
furnace. A floor 115' is shown substantially closing off the base 403 of the
furnace. Air
intakes 117 are formed through that floor. The floor is constructive of a
material that does
not outgas at the temperature it is exposed to during aromatherapy
vaporization. A non
exclusive list of suitable materials include borosilicate, ceramic, stainless
steel, aluminum,
ABS, phenolic resins and the like. The furnace may be shaped with a wider
diameter base
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than top portion. The shape will facilitate accelerated airflow as heated air
is concentrated
due to space / volume reduction in the upper portions of the furnace.
[0103] Within the body a chassis 435 with a top 435' a bottom 435" and one
or more
internal support posts 436 is shown. The chassis can support the PCB "board"
66 and
battery supply 700. Near the bottom region 6008 of the body 6002 is a recess
6009 of the
body above the bottom edge 204, the bottom 435" of the chassis is fixed into
the body and
may be sealed to form a barrier to seal off an attached module 6010. The
bottom of the
chassis recess 6009 which forms a receptacle which is used to attached, mount,
mate,
connect, catches or otherwise latch a mounting of the accessory module 6010
thereon. On
the bottom face 437 of the chassis 435" a user interface display 125 , a power
data /
power interface 132 and inputs 128. A separate power jack 134 may be formed
through
the body. Each being in signal communications with the circuitry on the PCB
board. Those
of ordinary kill in the art will understand that a separate end closure (not
shown) portion
may be added near the bottom recess 6009 of the body below the bottom face and
that
addition is within the scope if this disclosure.
[0104] In some instance an optional fan 3002 may be placed in the body
between the
chassis and the floor 115'. The device and fan, in this exemplar, has one or
more air
intakes 3003 to intake air from outside the body via one or more vents in the
body 3000.
Optionally an airflow sensor 92 may be placed within the airflow. The airflow
sensor
measures the change in airflow and is in signal communication with the
controller 65 on
the PCB. The controller may use airflow measurement as one variable to adjust
the
electricity being supplied to the heating element. The controller has
additional inputs
including the on/off switch and the temperature sensor. One or more look up
tables in
memory on the PCB may also be used when the controller adjusts temperature by
regulating the electricity flow to the heating element. Pulse width modulation
(PWM) is one
scheme for adjusting said electricity flow.
[0105] Assembly of the device includes affixing the furnace 400 and chassis
and
associated boards and batteries into the body. Between the open top 402 of the
furnace
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and the body's top region 103 is another variation of a Connection Interface
Gasket (CIG)
9000 having upper interface "IFA" and a lower interface "IFB" separated by a
Fluid
Passage "FP" . The CIG 9000 fits within and/or around the top region 103 and
the lower
interface "IFB" forms a fluid connection with the open top 402 of the furnace.
The vaporizer
body and associated heating , control and power elements once constructed
reversibly
mate with a herbal material (or extract) vapor dispenser 8000 which places,
material over
the furnace for aromatherapy vaporization.
[0106]
The material for vaporization is confined in a material chamber 310 with a
shaped container 311P which is preferably dome shaped and has a reduced size
vapor
exit port 315 which surround the fluid pathway 300, and which reversibly
connects to a
bottom cup 900. Aspects of the removable chamber / cartridge with fluid
pathway
generally called out as a vapor dispenser 8000 include providing an insulated
and
therefore cooler physical surface for a user to handle, providing a refillable
chamber, and
raising the air permeable bottom cup 900 portion of the chamber away from the
bottom
face 8004 of the cooler surface. The raising of the chamber allows placement
of a hot
chamber on a surface wherein only the cooler bottom face 8004 is in physical
contact
with said surface. The vapor dispenser 8000 comprises an insulator body 8001
which
further includes sub groupings of a base 8002 with a side wall 8006 (which may
include
divots or bumps to assist in gripping (not shown)) , a bottom face 8004 and a
mounting
guide (or gap) 8008 whereby the vapor dispenser is configured to form a seal
around the
open top 103. In some exemplars during mounting the bottom cup 900 reversibly
mates
with the upper interface "IFA" which fits into the upper portion of the gasket
whereby the
fluid path "FP" separates the furnace and bottom cup. The insulator body with
the shaped
container 311 affixed thereto is reversibly sealed over both the open top of
the body and
the open top of the bottom cup 900 forming a fluid path from the furnace
through the air
permeable bottom portion of the cup (910) through the vapor dispenser. A
generally ridged
tube 7000 with an inhalation end 7001 and a mounting end 7002 may be fitted
over the
exit port 315 to extend the fluid pathway for vapor. Alternatively a flexible
hose-like tube
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7010 with an inhalation end 7011 and a mounting end 7012 may be fitted over
the exit port
315 to extend the vapor fluid pathway. The shaped container 311 and the bottom
cup 900
with exit port 315 are configured to cooperate as a discreet material chamber
310. The
material chamber 310 may be removable from the insulator body 8001 by applying
a
downward force at the exit port 315 thereby dislodging the material chamber.
The
material chamber may be held via one or more magnets 6095 into the insulator
body 8001.
Other latch and catch alternatives are within the scope of this disclosure.
Such members
may include mating guides, a bump at the junction of the exit port 315 and the
top of 8002
whereby when mounted the bump 316 (see Figure 9E) temporarily holds the
material
chamber in the insulator body until it is pressed out. Those of ordinary skill
in the art will
recognize that there are many mechanical variations and magnetic variations to
accomplish the release and affixation of the material chamber in the insulator
body . All
such variations are within the scope of these disclosure. In some aspects a
material
chamber , or a portion thereof is insulated from the container and insulation
is also
between a user's fingers and the furnace. In this fashion if a vapor dispenser
8000 is
placed on a surface ("S") the material chamber portion is kept remote from the
surface
thereby eliminating contact and reducing or eliminating burning, melting or
heating of the
surface it is placed on.
[0107]
The furnace 400 is activated via an on/off switch 108A which may include a
communication illumination means 110 formed at or near the on/off switch
whereby the
communication via light intensity, color, blink or flashing can advise a user
of information
such as state of the device. The optional fan 3002, if included, is activated
via an on/off
switch 108B which may include a communication illumination means formed at or
near the
on/off switch. The switches are in signal communication with the PCB.
[0108]
The accessory module 6010 is a sealable container which reversibly mates with
the body 6009. The body may have a bottom recess 6009. The module 6010 is cup
shaped with a closed bottom 6011 and a generally hollow interior 6012 . To
access the
interior of the module an open top 6014 is provided. An 0-ring or other
seal/gasket 6016
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may be placed in or at the open top region 6020 as a seal to the body.
Alternatively, a
gasket or seal 6022 may be formed on the bottom face 437 to seal along the top
edge of
the open top 6014. Although not shown, the open top may be threaded and mate
with a
corresponding threading in the bottom region of the body.
[0109] In some instances the module 6010 may be sealed at its open top via
a lid 6030
which fits into the open top. A gasket 6032 or 0-ring )not shown) may be added
to further
seal off the module. The accessory module is a generally hollow container with
an open
top and closed bottom.
[0110] Figures 8B and 80 illustrate the module 6010 utilized to house the
removable
vapor dispenser 8000. In this fashion the method and system contains the
removable
vapor dispenser 8000 which may be associated with residue after aromatherapy
use. The
module reduces smell. The module also serves to prevent disassociation of
parts and
secure storage.
[0111] Figures 9A-9E illustrate aspects of aromatherapy vaporizers 6050 and
aspects
of accessory modules 6010 which connect/combine with said vaporizer.
[0112] Figures 9A to 90 shows the exterior of a cylindrical body 6002 . The
bottom of
the body 6002 may be the same as the bottom shown in Figure 60. An on/off
switch is
affixed on the exterior of the body and is in signal communication with the
PCB and
controller. An accessory module 6010 is shown attached and the bottom of that
accessory
module 6010A is shown in Figure 9B.
[0113] Figure 9D to 9E illustrate the material chamber module formed as
part of a vapor
dispenser 8000. A heat exchange system to leverage the air heated in the air
insulation
zone (AIZ) of a vaporizer is taught. The methods include one or more of
dehumidification
of air in the AIZ before it reaches the furnace, reduction of water vapor in
the furnace,
reduction of case heating, and reduction of energy needed to heat the incoming
air to the
furnace (as it is preheated).
[0114] Aspects of main components of the convection vaporizer system
include an
external body 6002 which forms the base of the vaporizer that is substantially
hollow, the
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body has a top region 103, with a top opening which provides a fluid
connection from the
exterior of the vessel through to the interior of the body 6002. Inside the
body is one of a
tubular furnace 400 (see Figure 8A) or a shaped furnace with a wider base 403
which
allows for intake of air and for air heated therein to exit through its
narrower diameter open
top 402. Preferably the wall of the furnace is an insulator such as ceramic
and about 2 to
about 4 mm in thickness. If stainless steel is utilized the furnace wall is
preferably less than
lmm thick and more preferably less than 0.5 millimeters thick and most
preferably less
than 0.25 millimeters thick. If double walled vacuum insulated metal
cylindrical furnaces
are also within the scope of this disclosure. Suitable materials should have
no harmful
levels of outgassing at temperatures the furnace will be used at. These
materials include
but are not limited to phenolic resins, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel,
and ceramic. A
heating element 405 such as a stainless steel, titanium, kanthal or nichrome
coiled wire is
within the furnace. In some instances ceramic heaters or high-temperature co-
fired
ceramics (HTCC) with metal element layered therein or thereon may be used in
place of
the coiled wire. Optionally, insulation may wrap at least some of the thin
wall of the
furnace. A floor 115' is shown substantially closing off the wider base 403 of
the furnace.
Air intakes maybe formed through the floor to allow air to pass into the
furnace. Floor
gasket "FG" may be configured to hold the bottom of the furnace 403 adjacent
to the floor
115'. Through the floor gasket "FG" additional vents 117A may be formed to
provide a
fluid pathway for air into the furnace "FG". In some exemplars, between the
body 6002 and
the furnace 400 is the air insulation zone (AIZ) in which the heat radiating
from the exterior
wall 429 of the furnace heats the air in the AIZ thereby recycling waste heat
(6060) to
preheat and dry the intake air, coming in through body vents 6063, both drying
intake air
and recycling heat as intake air is sucked through body vents 6063 to the AIZ
then
heated air in the AIZ into at least one of an air plenum 6070, additional
vents 117A
providing a fluid pathway through a furnace gasket "FG" and directly into the
furnace via
the furnace vents 121. In some instances at least a section 6064 of the upper
portion
6065 of the container may allow the passage of light. It may be opaque but
translucent or
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clear and is formed of plastics or glass. The section extend completely around
the body
or may be more of a window. It is within the scope of the disclosure that the
clear section
may be all or the majority of the body. The clear section 6064, allow
visualization of at
least the furnace 400 within the body. Ceramic furnace elements may be
configured to
glow as the heater element therein provide heat inside the furnace. The
glowing ceramic
furnace provides visual cues that the furnace and heating system if
operational and
depending on the amount of glow (brightness) the intensity of the heating may
be
estimated. A pathway of the preheated air is either the floor vents 117 and
into the gasket
additional vents 177A along arrow 6066; or, the heated air may flow directly
into the
furnace through the furnace vents 121.
[0115] During inhalation air is drawn from the exterior of the body through
a vent 6063
into the AIZ then moves from the AIZ into at least one of the floor vents 117
and the
furnace vents 121. The recycling can reduce power requirements to heat air
entering the
furnace. In some instance an optional fan 3002 may be placed in the air plenum
6070 in
between the chassis and the floor 115'. Aspects of implementations of the
accessory
module are illustrated in greater detail in Figures 9C, 9D and 11 - 13.
Accessory module
6010 is attached at a connection interface 6003 to the body. The connection
interface may
be via latch/catch, magnet, threaded portions, twist lock or any reversible
attachment/fixation means. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize
that a plethora of
attachment means exist and the above is not an exclusive list of those means
within the
scope of this disclosure.
[0116] In some instances the accessory module 6010 has a latch 6080 formed
on a
portion of the open top region 6020. The latch may be a threaded portion or
any other
known twist to affix latch and catch combination. In the case of a threaded
latch 6080 a
cover 6082 for the accessory module mates with the accessory module via a
corresponding threaded catch 6084. The cover 6084 has a top wall 6086 to close
off the
accessory module. A mounting region 6090 is formed at the top of the cover.
The
mounting region can extend above the top region 6020 and is configured to
reversibly
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mate with the bottom recess portion 6009 to connect the accessory module to
the hollow
body 6002. A gasket or 0-ring 6016 may be added at the mounting region to form
an
additional seal / odor barrier to reduce or limit the aroma or smell
associated with the
material chamber or fluid pathway. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that
there are a plethora of latch and catch combinations to reversibly connect the
accessory
module to the body and that a mere design alteration would be within the scope
of this
disclosure.
[0117] The liquid cartridge interface "LCI" may be formed through the body
6002 and
configured to allow a liquid cartridge to connect to the second heating
element 405'.The
second heating element may be configured to turn on when a liquid cartridge is
mated
thereto. Alternatively an on/off switch may be provided to input an on signal
to the
controller to power the second heating element.
[0118] The bottom cup 900 is shown reversibly connected to the CIG at an
interface
(either permanently or reversibly), The bottom cup 900 and shaped chamber 311
are
separate a fluid connection for vapor movement may be formed via a gasket 318
surrounding the open bottom 312 of the shaped chamber which is pressed against
the
open top of the bottom cup. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize
that the annular
wall and screen may be formed as one part of stamping and molding and wherein
air
passage holes are laser drilled, drilled or punched through such a unitary
chamber floor.
[0119]
[0120] Figure 10 illustrates aspects of a vapor dispenser 9100. A top
closure 9101
formed of an insulator plastic or resin such as phenolic resin, silicon, PEEK,
ABS or
ULTEM has an exterior top wall 9102 through which the exit port 315' extends,
an annular
side wall 9106 and a mounting guide (or gap) 9108 whereby the vapor dispenser,
mount to
the top portion 103 of the body 6002 thereby positioning the top portion
cavity 9110 having
a seal 9103 which is configured to fluidly seal above the open top of the
bottom cup and
with the upper interface "IFA" thereby forming the pathway for vapor from the
furnace
through the bottom cup and out the exit port. To fill or remove the bottom
cup, the top
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closure is removed and the open top of the bottom cup is exposed. The bottom
cup is
preferably press fit into the IFA and thereby may be removed by prying or
pulling it at its
top edge. In other instances the bottom cup may be co-molded or fixed into the
IFA.
[0121] The exit port 315' is fluidly connected to the top portion cavity
9110 forming a
fluid pathway for vapor and heated air 2175 (from material in the bottom cup)
to exit the
device.
[0122] Figures 11 and 12 show aspects of accessory module 6010 which either
form a
recess 6009 for a receptacle mounting of a body 6002 or mount with magnetic
connections. Figure 11 illustrates an extended portion 435E of the chassis 435
with an
optional 0-ring (6094) surrounding it. The bottom of the chassis 435" fits
into a recess
6009 formed at the open top 6014 of the accessory module. Optionally a lid or
cover 6030
may be used to at least partially seal off the accessory module. In Figure 12
there is shown
a body 6002 and an accessory module 6010 which connect via at least on magnet
6095
and one region that is attractive to a magnet 6097.
[0123] Figures 13A and 13B show vaporizer with chamber cartridge convection
heating system device and method 600. The removable material unit 602
comprises a
chamber 603 which is a containment end for material "M" and one of a fixed and
removable fluid pathway 604 connected thereto. A flow through divider 605 such
as a
screen or coarse filter which allows vapors to pass through may be positioned
between the
containment chamber 603 and the fluid pathway 604 which terminates at the
inhalation
end 606. One or more dividers 612 may be added to reduce the opportunity for
plant
material to become disengaged from the containment chamber. The dividers are
permeable to air flow. The body 12 contains a furnace , heating element
combination
forming a convection heating system. The removable material unit 602 fits into
an interface
608 which supports an interface gasket 500 which seals against air leakage
when the
material unit 602 is inserted into the device.
[0124] The method of operation includes a PCB "board" with a controller 65
and other
PCB components being located inside the body 12 and in signal communication
with the
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on/off switch 68, illumination means 70, and temperature sensor 90. The
illumination
means being visible on the outside of the body and the on/off switch is
visible and
accessible from the exterior of the body. The controller controls the power
provided to the
heating element 405 from the power supply 60 to cause vaporization of material
"M" at
select temperature(s). The heating element 405 is within a furnace 400. The
floor 115' of
the furnace is fluidly connected to at least one air intake 117. Side wall air
intakes 3000
fluidly connect the exterior of the body 12 to the air intake.
[0125] Figure 15 illustrates a storage and vaporizer system 640 wherein an
accessory
module 6010 is mated (removably) to the bottom 13 of the case 12. The
accessory
module has been described in greater detail above.
[0126] While the method and agent have been described in terms of what are
presently
considered to be the most practical implementations and aspects thereof, it is
to be
understood that the disclosure need not be limited to the disclosed
implementations,
aspects or order and/or sequence of combination of aspects. It is intended to
cover
various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and
scope of the
claims, the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so
as to
encompass all such modifications and similar structures. The present
disclosure includes
any and all implementations of the following claims.
[0127] It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made
without
departing from the essence of the disclosure. Such changes are also implicitly
included in
the description. They still fall within the scope of this disclosure. It
should be understood
that this disclosure is intended to yield a patent covering numerous aspects
both
independently and as an overall system and in both method and apparatus modes.
[0128] Further, each of the various elements of the disclosure and claims
may also be
achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should be understood to
encompass
each such variation, be it a variation of an implementation of any apparatus
implementation, a method or process implementation, or even merely a variation
of any
element of these.
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[0129] Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates
to elements of
the implementation, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent
apparatus terms or method terms -- even if only the function or result is the
same.
[0130] Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be
considered to
be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be
substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to
which this
disclosure is entitled.
[0131] It should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means
for taking
that action or as an element which causes that action.
[0132] Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to
encompass
a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates.
[0133] Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in this
application for
patent are hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used
it should
be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent
with such
interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as
incorporated for
each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as
contained in at
least one of a standard technical dictionary recognized by artisans and the
Random House
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, latest edition are hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0134] In this regard it should be understood that for practical reasons
and so as to
avoid adding potentially hundreds of claims, the applicant has presented
claims with initial
dependencies only.
[0135] Support should be understood to exist to the degree required under
new matter
laws -- including but not limited to United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or
other such
laws -- to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other
elements
presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements
under
any other independent claim or concept.
[0136] To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent
that the
applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any
particular
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embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not
be
understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such
coverage as the
applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one
skilled in the
art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have
literally
encompassed such alternatives.
[0137] Further, the use of the transitional phrase "comprising" is used to
maintain the
"open-end" claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus,
unless the
context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term "compromise"
or
variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", are intended to imply the
inclusion of a
stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of
any other
element or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should be
interpreted in their
most expansive forms so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage
legally
permissible. All callouts associated with figures are hereby incorporated by
this reference.
[0138] Since certain changes may be made in the above system, method,
process and
or apparatus without departing from the scope of the disclosure herein
involved, it is
intended that all matter contained in the above description, as shown in the
accompanying
drawing, shall be interpreted in an illustrative, and not a limiting sense.
[0139] It will be understood that various aspects or details of the
disclosures may be
changed combined, or removed without departing from the scope of the
invention. It is not
exhaustive and does not limit the claimed inventions to the precise form
disclosed.
Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration
only, and not for the
purpose of limitation. Modifications and variations are possible in light of
the above
description or may be acquired from practicing the invention. The claims and
their
equivalents define the scope of the invention.
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