Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
File#: OMNA 026
Vaporizer Pod with Conductive Base
Cross Reference to Related Applications
[0001] This is the first application for the instant invention.
Technical Field
[0002] This application relates generally to a pod for use in conjunction with
a vaporizer
device, and more particularly to a pod having a conductive base, which may be
provided
through the use of a metal sheathed end cap or a metallic end cap, for use in
a vaporizer
device having an electrical lockout for a device subsystem.
Background
[0003] Electronic cigarettes and vaporizers are well regarded tools in smoking
cessation.
In some instances, these devices are also referred to as an electronic
nicotine delivery
system (ENDS). A nicotine based liquid solution, commonly referred to as e-
liquid, often
paired with a flavoring, is atomized in the ENDS for inhalation by a user. In
some
embodiments, e-liquid is stored in a cartridge or pod, which is a removable
assembly
having a reservoir from which the e-liquid is drawn towards a heating element
by
capillary action through a wick. In many such ENDS, the pod is removable,
disposable,
and is sold pre-filled.
[0004] In some ENDS, a refillable tank is provided, and a user can purchase a
vaporizable solution with which to fill the tank. This refillable tank is
often not
removable, and is not intended for replacement. A fillable tank allows the
user to control
the fill level as desired. Disposable pods are typically designed to can-y a
fixed amount of
vaporizable liquid, and are intended for disposal after consumption of the e-
liquid. The
ENDS cartridges, unlike the aforementioned tanks, are not typically designed
to be
refilled. Each cartridge stores a predefined quantity of e-liquid, often in
the range of 0.5 to
3m1. In ENDS systems, the e-liquid is typically composed of a combination of
any of
vegetable glycerine, propylene glycol, nicotine and flavorings. In systems
designed for
the delivery of other compounds, different compositions may be used. In some
examples,
an atomizable liquid may be based on propylene glycol as a major component,
may use
terpenes in place of other flavoring compounds and may be used to deliver
cannabinoids
such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
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File#: OMNA 026
[0005] In the manufacturing of the disposable cartridge, different techniques
are used for
different cartridge designs. Typically, the cartridge has a wick that allows e-
liquid to be
drawn from the e-liquid reservoir to an atomization chamber. In the
atomization chamber,
a heating element in communication with the wick is heated to encourage
aerosolization
of the e-liquid. The aerosolized e-liquid can be drawn through a defined air
flow passage
towards a user's mouth.
[0006] Figures 1A, 1B and 1C provide front, side and bottom views of an
exemplary pod
50. Pod 50 is composed of a reservoir 52 having an air flow passage 54, and an
end cap
assembly 56 that is used to seal an open end of the reservoir 52. End cap
assembly has
wick feed lines 58 which allow e-liquid stored in reservoir 52 to be provided
to a wick
(not shown in Figure 1). To ensure that e-liquid stored in reservoir 52 stays
in the
reservoir and does not seep or leak out, and to ensure that end cap assembly
56 remains in
place after assembly, seals 60 can be used to ensure a more secure seating of
the end cap
assembly 56 in the reservoir 52. In the illustrated embodiment, seals 60 may
be
implemented through the use of o-rings.
[0007] As noted above, pod 50 includes a wick that is heated to atomize the e-
liquid. To
provide power to the wick heater, electrical contacts 62 are placed at the
bottom of the
pod 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical contacts 62 are
illustrated as circular.
The particular shape of the electrical contacts 62 should be understood to not
necessarily
germane to the function of the pod 50.
[0008] Because an ENDS device is intended to allow a user to draw or inhale as
part of
the nicotine delivery path, an air inlet 64 is provided on the bottom of pod
50. Air inlet 64
allows air to flow into a pre-wick air path through end cap assembly 56. The
air flow path
extends through an atomization chamber and then through post wick air flow
passage 54.
[0009] Figure 2 illustrates a cross section taken along line A in Figure 1B.
This cross
section of the pod is shown with a complete (non-sectioned) wick 72 and heater
74. End
cap assembly 56 resiliently mounts to an end of air flow passage 54 in a
manner that
allows air inlet 64 to form a complete air path through pod 50. This
connection allows
airflow from air inlet 64 to connect to the post air flow path through passage
54 through
atomization chamber 70. Within atomization chamber 70 is both wick 72 and
heater 74.
When power is applied to contacts 62, the temperature of the heater increases
and allows
for the volatilization of e-liquid that is drawn across wick 72.
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[0010] Typically the heater 74 reaches temperatures well in excess of the
vaporization
temperature of the e-liquid. This allows for the rapid creation of a vapor
bubble next to
the heater 74. As power continues to be applied the vapor bubble increases in
size, and
reduces the thickness of the bubble wall. At the point at which the vapor
pressure exceeds
the surface tension the bubble will burst and release a mix of the vapor and
the e-liquid
that formed the wall of the bubble. The e-liquid is released in the form of
aerosolized
particles and droplets of varying sizes. These particles are drawn into the
air flow and into
post wick air flow passage 54 and towards the user.
[0011] In other embodiments of pod 50, variations in the design shown in
Figures 1 and 2
are employed in attempts to reduce known issues in assembly and possibly
leakage.
Figure 3 illustrates one such pod 50, shown in an inverted orientation with
respect to the
pod 50 of Figure 1. Figure 3 provides a cross section of pod 50 to allow for
discussion of
the internal components. As before, a reservoir 52, having a post-wick airflow
passage, is
employed to store e-liquid. The reservoir 52 is shown without a mouthpiece,
but has an
open end opposed to the end at which a mouthpiece would be affixed. This open
end is
sealed, typically after filling with e-liquid, through the insertion of end
cap 56. End cap
56 has a pair of wick feed lines 58 that allow e-liquid from the reservoir to
enter end cap
56 so that it can be absorbed by wick 72. E-liquid is drawn across wick 72 by
capillary
forces, and is brought towards heater 74. Heater 74 resides within atomization
chamber
70, which is positioned as a part of an airflow passage within pod 50. The
airflow passage
begins with the inlet 64, passes through atomization chamber 70 and proceeds
into the
post wick airflow passage 54. Heater 74 is connected to electrical contacts 62
which are
used as an interface with the vaping device. Power is applied across contacts
62 to
energize heater 74. This results in the volatilization of the e-liquid drawn
across the wick
72. As the e-liquid is atomized, it is entrained within an airflow through the
airflow
passage of pod 50. Where the pod of Figures 1 and 2 makes use of 0-rings to
seal the
end cap 56 into reservoir 52, the pod of Figure 3 makes use of a resilient
sleeve 76 that
sits atop end cap 56. Resilient sleeve 76 may be formed of a material such as
silicone that
is non-reactive to the e-liquid and has a high heat tolerance. Ribs can be
formed in the
resilient sleeve to encourage better sealing. Additionally, resilient sleeve
76 may provide
a sealing interface to the inlet of the post-wick airflow passage 54 to
further prevent
leaking.
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[0012] The above designs for pod 50 have been designed for a reservoir that
stores the
atomizable e-liquid as a free liquid. Efforts are made to mitigate leakage
from the
interface between the end cap 56 and the reservoir 52. To aid in the reduction
or
prevention of leaking, the ratio of propylene glycol to vegetable glycerine in
the e-liquid
can be adjusted to obtain an e-liquid with sufficient viscosity to reduce the
likelihood of
egress from the interface between the end cap 56 and the reservoir 52. It
should be noted
that increasing the viscosity of the e-liquid to prevent leakage is a design
tradeoff as this
makes transport of the e-liquid across the wick 72 more difficult. This may
result in the
wick 72 drying out during successive uses before it can re-wick the e-liquid.
A dry wick
subjected to heating may scorch and provide a so-called burnt hit to a user,
which is
considered to be a bad user experience. Thus, the e-liquid is typically
designed to be
sufficiently viscous to reduce or eliminate leaking during normal storage and
use, but no
more viscous than is required.
[0013] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate the combination of two techniques to
reduce e-liquid
leakage. Pod 50 of Figures 4A and 4B uses both a cartomizer matrix 78 and a
metallic
crimp 80 at the reservoir-end cap interface. The function of these elements
will now be
explained in the context of the overall pod design. While Figure 4A
illustrates a cross
section of pod 50, Figure 4B illustrates a bottom view of pod 50. Pod 50 has a
reservoir
52 and end cap 56 as before. The end cap 56 contains electrical contacts 62
and acts to
seal the open end of reservoir 52. Within end cap 56 is an inlet 64 to an
airflow passage
through pod 50 that continues into post wick airflow passage 54. In this
embodiment,
post wick airflow passage 54 may not be a molded feature within the reservoir
52.
Instead, wick 72 and heater 74 may be inserted into a cylinder made of a non-
combustible
(or combustion resistant) material such as fiberglass, which is then inserted
into a
cartomizer matrix 78 and then inserted into the reservoir 52. The heater 74 is
connected to
the contacts 62 so that it can receive power from a vaping device. Such a
cartomizer
matrix 78 may be formed of any of a number of different materials including
those such
as cotton, hemp, linen, wool, and nylon. In some embodiments the cartomizer
matrix 78
may be made of a fabric that is wrapped into a cylindrical shape, or it may be
a sponge
formed of fibers such as nylon that may be blown into a mold to form a desired
shape.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of a cartomizer matrix
78 may allow
for the use of a less viscous e-liquid to be stored within the reservoir
without incurring the
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File#: OMNA 026
same risk of leakage from the pod 50. The cartomizer matrix holds e-liquid
using
capillary forces. This reduces the propensity of the e-liquid to migrate out
of the pod.
Wick 72 is embedded into the matrix 78, and typically exerts a greater wicking
force on
the e-liquid than the cartomizer matrix 78. Thus, e-liquid will be
preferentially drawn
across the wick 72, where its less viscous nature allows for faster re-wicking
and possibly
may allow for greater flavor generation. Thus, the use of a cartomizer matrix
78 can allow
for the use of less viscous e-liquids without greatly increasing the
likelihood of leakage.
[0014] A separate leakage prevention mechanism, often found in refillable
pods, is also
illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B. A metal shroud 80 is affixed to the exterior
of reservoir
52 and end cap 56. It should be understood that in some discussions, shroud 80
may also
be referred to as a sheath. The difference in language is often associated
with whether the
element is primarily designed to protect the endcap beneath, or whether it is
intended to at
least partially hide the endcap beneath. Regardless of the design intent,
these terms should
be considered interchangeable for the purposes of this disclosure. This
provides another
barrier to e-liquid egress, and also provides a fen-o-magnetic surface so that
magnets
placed within a vaping device can firmly hold a pod 50 in place within a
vaping device. It
should be noted that the metal shroud 80 forms a deck around the end cap 56 so
as to
allow for the contacts 62 to be properly exposed and to minimize the cost of
offering this
feature. Furthermore, metal shroud 80 is designed to not interfere with the
airflow path
leading into inlet 64.
[0015] Metal shrouds 80 are often provided on pods that do not make use of a
cartomizer
matrix, and allow end-user refilling. Metal shroud 80 provides the feeling of
a premium
product while aiding in the prevention of leaks from an end cap-to-reservoir
interface that
may not otherwise make use of proper sealing. It may also allow for the pod 50
to be held
in a device using magnets. This provides a qualitatively improved pod
insertion process,
as there is a positive engagement of the pod 50.
[0016] In the design of a typical pod and device, it is common for the
electrical contacts
to be connected to other elements within the pod. Pod 50, for example, has
contacts 62
connected to the heater 74. In some other examples, additional pairs of
contacts are used
to connect to other pod-based elements including pod-based authentication of
content
identification integrated circuits. In some embodiments, a single third
contact is used to
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
File#: OMNA 026
connect to authentication or identification integrated circuits, with the
connection
completed by a connection to one of the heater contacts as a common ground.
[0017] In Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 3,151,174 filed March 7, 2022
and
entitled -Pod Loopback with Device Lockout" disclosed a design for a pod to
function
with a device that made use of lockout electrodes configured to connect a
disconnected
electrical component or subsystem within the device upon insertion of a pod.
[0018] It would therefore be beneficial to have a mechanism to extend the use
of an end
cap having a metallic component to support lockout features in a device.
Summary
[0019] It is an object of the aspects of the present invention to obviate or
mitigate the
problems of the above-discussed prior art.
[0020] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a pod
for storing an atomizable liquid. The pod can engage with a vaporizer device
so that it can
receive power to allow for the atomization of the atomizable liquid. The pod
comprises a
reservoir, first and second electrical contacts, and an electrically
conductive base. The
reservoir allows for the storage of the atomizable liquid. The first and
second electrical
contacts receive power from the device and are operably connected to a heater
configured
to atomize the stored atomizable liquid. The electrically conductive base
defines a bottom
of the pod. The electrically conductive base is electrically isolated from the
first and
second electrical contacts and provides an electrical path between two points
within a
defined distance of the center of the base.
[0021] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the electrically conductive base
is
electrically isolated from other components within the pod. In another
embodiment, the
atomizable liquid is stored either within a cartomizer matrix within the
reservoir or as free
liquid within the reservoir. In some embodiments, the first and second
electrical contacts
are aligned along a major axis of the pod and are each located approximately
7mm from
the center of the electrically conductive base. In another embodiment, the
defined
distance is defined by the area of an annular ring having an inner diameter of
approximately 4.90mm and an external diameter of at least approximately
6.86mm.
[0022] In another embodiment, the first and second electrical contacts define
a first plane,
and optionally the area within the defined distance of the center of the base
fat 'us a
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File#: OMNA 026
second plane parallel to the first plane. In some embodiments, the first and
second planes
are spaced apart by a distance of at least 0.5mm In another embodiment, the
first and
second planes are spaced apart by a distance of at least 0.2mm. In a further
embodiment,
the first and second planes are spaced apart by a distance of at least 0.4mm.
In other
embodiments, the first and second planes are spaced apart by a distance
between
approximately 0.2mm and 0.5mm. In another embodiment, the first and second
planes are
spaced apart by a distance of approximately 2mm.
[0023] In a further embodiment, the first and second electrical contacts are
positioned to
interact with electrodes situated between approximately 13.5mm and
approximately
15.5mm apart, center to center, on a major axis of the vaporizer device.
[0024] In another embodiment, the two points within the defined distance of
the center of
the base are configured to interact with first and second lockout electrodes
on the
vaporizer device. Optionally, the first and second lockout electrodes are
situated
approximately 3.25mm apart center to center, offset from a major axis of the
vaporizer
device by approximately 2.52mm.
[0025] In another embodiment, the pod further comprises an end cap for sealing
an open
end of the reservoir and for securing the first and second electrical
contacts, wherein the
electrically conductive base defining a bottom of the pod comprises a metallic
sheath
below the end cap. Optionally the sheath has sidewalls extended along an
exterior of the
reservoir.
[0026] In another embodiment, the pod comprising an end cap for sealing an
open end of
the reservoir, wherein the end cap is electrically conductive and defines a
bottom of the
pod. Optionally, there is also a resilient sleeve positioned between the
electrically
conductive end cap and an inner surface of the reservoir. In another
embodiment, each of
the first and second electrical contacts has an electrically isolating sleeve
to insulate the
contact from the electrically conductive end cap. In some embodiments, the end
cap is
formed from a metal sheet by a stamping process. In another embodiment, the
electrically
conductive base comprises an aperture aligned with an inlet to an airflow path
through the
pod.
[0027] In a further embodiment, the atomizable liquid comprises at least one
of propylene
glycol, vegetable glycerine, a flavoring and nicotine. In another embodiment,
the
atomizable liquid comprises at least one of propylene glycol, a terpene and a
cannabinoid.
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[0028] In a further embodiment, the electrically conductive base further
comprises a
non-conductive patch substantially preventing electrical conductivity between
a position
within the patch and the two points. In one optional embodiment the non-
conductive
patch comprises at least one of: an aperture in the electrically conductive
base; and a
non-conductive coating applied to the electrically conductive base. In another
optional
embodiment, the non-conductive patch is an aperture and wherein the aperture
is an
annular aperture preventing electrical conductivity between a point within the
aperture
and a point outside the aperture. In a further embodiment, the non-conductive
patch is a
non-conductive coating, and wherein the non-conductive coating is one of a
paint and a
sticker.
[0029] In another embodiment, the electrically conductive base further
comprises a
domed section for preventing electrical contact between an electrode on a
vaping device
positioned for contact with the domed section and a lockout electrode on a
vaping device
positioned for contact outside the domed section, wherein the two electrodes
have a
similar height. In some embodiments, this will render the domed section out of
reach of
an electrode on the vaporizing device.
[0030] In another embodiment, the electrically conductive base further
comprises an
aperture exposing a non-conductive material.
[0031] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a
vaporizing device. The device allows for the atomization of an atomizable
liquid stored in
a removable pod. The device comprises a battery, a first set of electrodes, a
second set of
electrodes, a bypass detection electrode, and control circuitry. The battery
stores power.
The first first set of electrodes can be used to deliver power to an atomizer
within the
removable pod. The second second set of electrodes is different than (or
distinct from) the
first set of electrodes. The second set of electrodes provides an interrupted
connection
between a component subject to lockout and another element within the
vaporizing
device. The control circuitry regulates the delivery of power from the battery
to at least a
first electrode in a first set of electrodes in accordance with receipt of a
signal indicative
of use and an output from the bypass detection electrode.
[0032] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the first set of electrodes is
comprised of a
first and a second electrode for delivering power to a heater within a pod,
and the second
set of electrodes comprises a third and fourth electrode electrically
connected to each
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other upon insertion of a pod, to connect two components within the device,
and the
bypass electrode is a fifth electrode. In another embodiment, the second set
of electrodes,
upon insertion of a pod, connects at least one of: the pressure sensor to the
battery; the
pressure sensor to the control circuitry; a wireless subsystem to the battery;
a wireless
subsystem to an antenna; and a wireless subsystem to a processor.
[0033] In another embodiment, the control circuitry comprises a processor for
executing
stored instructions to carry out control processes.
[0034] In a further embodiment, the bypass detection electrode is operably
connected to
the control circuitry, and optionally the bypass detection electrode is
connected to one of
a battery and a battery controller. In another embodiment, the control
circuitry is
configured to prevent use of the device when charge is being delivered to a
battery. In a
further embodiment, the control circuitry is configured to prevent use of the
device in
accordance with receipt of a signal from the bypass detection electrode.
[0035] In a further embodiment, the first and second sets of electrodes are
situated on an
exposed face of a cavity sized to receive the removable pod. Optionally, the
exposed face
has a major axis between approximately 23.7mm and approximately 23.99mm in
length
and a minor axis between approximately 13.5mm and approximately 14.8mm in
length
and the first set of electrodes comprises first and second electrodes situated
along the
major axis and the first and second electrodes are spaced apart from each
other by
between approximately 13.5mm and approximately 15.5mm center-to-center. In
another
embodiment, the second set of electrodes comprises third and fourth electrodes
spaced
apart between approximately 3mm and approximately 3.25mm center-to-center and
the
second set of electrodes are offset from the major axis by between
approximately 2.52mm
and approximately 2.6mm. In a further embodiment, the bypass detection
electrode is
positioned offset from the major axis by 4.15mm. In another embodiment, the
second set
of electrodes comprises third and fourth electrodes situated along the major
axis and
spaced apart from each other 6mm center-to-center.
[0036] In a further embodiment, the control circuitry is configured to receive
the signal
indicative of use from a pressure sensor.
[0037] It should be understood that though reference is provided above to
specific
embodiments, the features of these embodiments can be mixed with other
features
described in different embodiments without necessarily departing from the
intended
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teachings of this disclosure, except where the disclosed embodiments are
mutually
exclusive. Embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention may also
disclose
features that work complementarily with features in embodiments of the second
aspect of
the present invention. It should be understood that embodiments disclosed with
respect to
the first aspect may be used in conjunction with the second aspect, and the
converse also
holds.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0038] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further
detail by
way of example only with reference to the accompanying figure in which:
Figure lA is a front view of a prior art pod for use in an electronic nicotine
delivery system;
Figure 1B is a side view of the pod of Figure 1A;
Figure 1C is a bottom view of the pod of Figure 1A;
Figure 2 is a cross section of the pod of Figures lA and 1B along cut line A
in
Figure 1B;
Figure 3 is a cross section view of an alternate embodiment of the pod
illustrated
in Figures 1A-C and 2;
Figure 4A illustrates a cross section of a pod having a metallic sheath on the
end
cap;
Figure 4B illustrates a bottom view of the pod of Figure 4A;
Figure 5A is a functional drawing of a vaping device;
Figure 5B is a top view of an embodiment of the vaping device of Figure 5A
Figure 5C is a top view of an embodiment of the vaping device;
Figure 5D is a top view of an embodiment of the vaping device;
Figure 6A is a cross section of a pod having a conductive shroud according to
an
embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 6B is a bottom view of the pod of Figure 6A;
Figure 7A is a cross section of a pod having a conductive shroud according to
an
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7B is a bottom view of the pod of Figure 7A;
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Figure 8A is a cross section of a pod having a conductive shroud according to
an
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8B is a bottom view of the pod of Figure 8A;
Figure 8C is a cross section of the shroud 116 along cut line 8C in Figure 8B;
Figure 9A is a cross section of a pod having a conductive shroud according to
an
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9B is a bottom view of the pod of Figure 9A;
Figure 10A is a cross section of a pod having a metallic end cap according to
an
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10B is a bottom view of the pod of Figure 10A;
Figure 11A is a schematic illustration of the electrical configuration of a
vaping
device;
Figure 11B is a top view of the vaping device of Figure 11A;
Figure 11C is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the vaping device of
Figure 11A;
Figure 12A is a bottom view of a pod for use with the vaping device of Figure
11B;
Figure 12B is a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a pod for use with
the
vaping device of Figure 11B;
Figure 12C is a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a pod for use with
the
vaping device of Figure 11B;
Figure 12D is a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a pod for use with
the
vaping device of Figure 11B;
Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of the electrical configuration of an
alternate
embodiment of a vaping device; and
Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of the electrical configuration of an
alternate
embodiment of a vaping device.
[0039] Where possible, in the above figures, like reference numerals have been
used for
like elements across the figures.
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Detailed Description
[0040] In the instant description, and in the accompanying figures, reference
to
dimensions may be made. These dimensions are provided for the enablement of a
single
embodiment and should not be considered to be limiting or essential.
Disclosure of
numerical range should be understood to not be a reference to an absolute
value unless
otherwise indicated. Use of the terms about or substantively with regard to a
number
should be understood to be indicative of an acceptable variation of up to 10%
unless
otherwise noted.
[0041] As noted above, vaping devices that provide lockout functionality have
been
developed to work with pods that can enable the locked out functionality upon
insertion.
This can provide enhanced safety, or increased privacy, depending on the
component of
the vaping device that is subject to lockout. Figure 5 illustrates an example
of such a
vaping device 150. Vaping device 150 has a body that defines a cavity 152
sized for
receiving a compatible pod. The cavity has a base 154, through which are
accessible
contacts 156 which are typically used to electrically connect with a pod to
allow power
from the battery 158 to be applied to the heater. The delivery of power from
the battery
158 is modulated by switch 164 which is controlled by processor 160 in
response to an
input from pressure sensor 162. In some embodiments, processor 160 executes a
set of
control routines that are stored as at least one of software and firmware. In
some
embodiments, processor 160 may be replaced by control circuitry that may
include
pressure sensor 162 or a pressure switch. A component subject to lockout 172
has an
electrical connection to another part of device 150 that runs through
electrodes 166. When
electrodes 166 are connected, component 172 is able to be connected to other
parts of
device 150, but without the insertion of a pod 100 having a loopback contact
110,
component 172 remains locked out and a function of device 150 is unavailable.
[0042] It should be understood that a component subject to lockout 172 may
have
multiple different types of connections that can be selected for routing
across electrodes
166. In one embodiment, the component subject to lockout 172 is the pressure
sensor 162.
Pressure sensor 162 is typically connected to the battery 158, an electrical
ground which
may be associated with one of the terminals of the battery 158, and the
processor 160.
The connection between the pressure sensor 162 and the battery 158 can be
interrupted by
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having each of these components connected to one of the lockout electrodes
166. As a
result, the pressure sensor 162 is not powered. A pod designed for operation
with such a
device may contain a loopback contact designed to facilitate a connection
between
electrodes 166. Accordingly, when a pod designed to electrically bridge the
lockout
electrodes 166 is inserted into cavity 152, the pressure sensor 162 will be
connected to the
battery 158, and will thus be responsive to changes in pressure associated
with a user
drawing on the pod. It should be understood that while in the above
discussion, the
connection between the pressure sensor 162 and battery 158 is routed through
lockout
electrodes 166, other embodiments may use lockout electrodes 166 to interrupt
other
connections, such as the data connection to the processor 160, or the
connection to the
electrical ground. In other embodiments, the component subject to lockout may
be
another system including the processor, a wireless subsystem (which may have
an
interrupted connection to any of the battery, electrical ground, the processor
(in one or
both directions) and an antenna), or other such systems.
[0043] It should be noted that in one embodiment, lockout electrodes 166 are a
different
length than electrodes 156. In the illustrated embodiment, lockout electrodes
166 are
illustrated as having a longer length than electrodes 156, but in other
embodiments they
may be shorter or the same length. When the length of lockout electrodes 166
is
sufficiently different from the length of electrodes 156, the vertical
positioning of the
electrical contacts on the pod may define different planes.
[0044] Lockout electrodes 166 are illustrated as being a distance D apart. As
can be seen
in Figure 5B, when lockout electrodes 166 (and electrodes 156) are aligned
along a major
axis 180, this distance D is the diameter of a circle 184 that may define the
shape of a
third contact on the base of a pod that will bridge electrodes 166. When
device 150 is
designed to work with such a pod, the lockout electrodes can be repositioned
to other
locations along the circumference of circle 184.
[0045] Figure 5C illustrates one such embodiment in which lockout electrodes
166 are
moved off the major axis 180, but are maintained on circle 184. In the
illustrated
embodiment, lockout electrodes 166 define a line that is parallel to the major
axis 180 and
have been moved perpendicular to a minor axis 182. This puts the electrodes
closer to
each other, but still along circle 184.
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[0046] Figure 5D shows a similar configuration as that shown in Figure 5C, but
with the
lockout electrodes 166 rotated by 900 so that the line defined between the
lockout
electrodes 166 is parallel to the minor axis and offset from the center of
device 150 along
the major axis 180.
[0047] It should be understood that a pod can be designed for reversible
insertion into
device 150, so that contacts on the base of the pod will align with electrodes
156, and so
that a third contact will bridge lockout electrodes 166. Reversibility of a
pod, in the
current context, is associated with the design of the interface of the pod and
device 150.
Given the design of an interface such as that illustrated in any of Figures
5B, 5C and 5D,
reversibility is associated with the pod having rotational symmetry about its
vertical axis,
allowing the pod to be rotated 180 about the vertical axis and be inserted
into the device
150. This effectively allows the pod to be oriented correctly when the major
axis of the
pod is aligned with the major axis of the device 150. Reversibility is a
feature that is
appreciated by many end users, but it should be understood to be an optional
feature, as it
is possible to define a keyed interface that only allows insertion of a pod
into the device
in a single orientation.
[0048] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of pod 100 that is designed
to allow
for bridging of lockout electrodes 166, while still taking advantage of the
benefits of a
shroud. Pod 100 makes use of a reservoir 102 having a post wick airflow
passage 104
defined therethrough. Reservoir 102 has an open end that is effectively sealed
through the
insertion of end cap 106. End cap 106 also holds or secures electrical
contacts 108, and
has an airflow inlet 110 designed to allow an airflow through pod 100 by
connecting with
post wick airflow passage 104. Reservoir 102 can store the atomizable liquid
as a free
liquid, or it may make use of a cartomizer matrix within the reservoir to aid
in storing the
liquid. Wick 112 draws e-liquid from the reservoir 102 towards heater 114
which is
electrically connected to contacts 108 so that when device 150 applies a
voltage
differential across electrodes 156, heater 114 will be activated and the e-
liquid drawn
across wick 112 will be atomized into an airflow through pod 100. Typically
reservoir
102 and end cap 106 are plastic components, often formed through injection
molding or
another such process. An optional resilient sleeve may be placed between
reservoir 102
and end cap 106 to act as a seal.
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[0049] End cap 106 may make use of a resilient seal to engage reservoir 102 to
prevent
both leakage and movement of the end cap 106 within reservoir 102. To
supplement these
functions, or to replace some or all of the resilient seal, a shroud 116 can
be applied to the
base of pod 100. Shroud 116 can be crimped onto reservoir 102, so that its
removal is
difficult. Shroud 116 can serve any of a number of purposes including
supplementing the
functions of any seals and providing a ferromagnetic surface for magnets
within device
150 to attract the pod 100. As noted above, shroud 116 may also be referred to
as a
sheath, and these terms should be considered as interchangeable for the
purposes of
naming this element that may have a functional role of at least one of
protecting and at
least partially obscuring the end cap 106. Where in previous examples, a
shroud simply
provided a deck around the perimeter of the base of pod 100, a bridge 118 is
provided by
shroud 116. In the illustrated embodiment, bridge 118 includes an aperture
through which
airflow inlet 110 is accessible. The dimensions of bridge 118 can vary with
respect to the
overall design, but in an embodiment, the width of bridge 118 (i.e. the length
of the
measurement across the major axis of pod 100) exceeds the distance D
illustrated in
Figure 5A. It should be understood that this allows for all points along the
circumference
of circle 184 of Figures 5B 5C and 5D to be contacted by bridge 118. This
allows for
shroud 116 to act as a contact to bridge lockout electrodes 166 upon insertion
of pod 100
into device 150.
[0050] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate an alternate embodiment of pod 100. As
illustrated in
Figure 7A, the structure of pod 100 is largely the same as that discussed with
respect to
Figures 6A and 6B. However, shroud 116 provides peninsulas 120 situated so
that
sufficiently large portions of the area coinciding with circle 184 are covered
by peninsulas
120. This allows a variety of different device configurations to be
accommodated so that
lockout electrodes 166 can be electrically connected upon insertion of pod
100.
[0051] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate a further embodiment of pod 100, with a
shroud 116
having a shaped bridge 118. Fold lines are illustrated in both Figures 8A and
8B to
indicate that the bridge 118 has a raised section 122. This bending of bridge
118 to create
an elevated section 122 allows for interaction with a device 150 that uses
different
electrode lengths for lockout electrodes 166 and electrodes 156.
[0052] Figure 8C illustrates the shroud 116 in cross section along cut line 8C
shown in
Figure 8B. It should be noted that different parts of shroud 116 are
illustrated with
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different colors to aid in understanding and in visual differentiation. Shroud
116 has
sidewalls having a height 126 that allow for the shroud 116 to be crimped to
the exterior
of the pod 100. Bridge 118 extends across the width of a pod 100 (the minor
axis of the
pod 100). As can be seen with reference to bridge 118, shroud 116 has a
thickness 128.
Within bridge 118, as noted in Figure 8B, is an elevated portion 122. This
elevated
portion 122 is raised above the remainder of bridge 118 and shroud 116 by a
height 130.
This height differential 130, allows for the use of a device 150 with
different electrode
heights. By recessing portion 122, and thus aperture 132 for air inlet 110,
lockout
electrodes 166 can be at a different height than electrodes 156. Those skilled
in the art
will appreciate that contacts 108 may be situated at any of a number of
different levels.
In one embodiment, the exposed surface of contacts 108 may be at or above the
base of
bridge 118, but below the base of elevated section 122. In embodiments where
the
exposed surface of contacts 108 is level with the base of shroud 116 and
bridge 118, the
height difference 130 may be between 0.5mm and 2mm. In some embodiments, this
range
forms a minimum height difference. In other embodiments, where the exposed
surface of
contacts 108 are not coplanar with the base of shroud 116 or bridge 118, the
exposed
surface of contacts 108 can be considered to define a plane, where the
distance between
the defined plane and the base of elevated portion122 of bridge 118 is bounded
by
between 0.5mm and 2.0mm at a minimum, with some embodiments defining this
distance
as up to 4mm. In other embodiments the distance between the defined plane and
the base
of the elevated portion 122 may be as small at 0.2mm, and in some embodiments
it may
be 0.4mm. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the closer the base of
the elevated
portion 122 is to being coplanar with the plane defined by the exposed surface
of contacts
108, the more difficult it may be for a device to be designed to enforce this
difference.
[0053] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate a further embodiment of pod 100 in which
shroud
116 has a base 124 that is sized to substantively cover the base of pod 100
obscuring
much of end cap 106. This base 124 is shaped to avoid interference with air
inlet 110 or
with contacts 108. Base 124 may be viewed as an oversized bridge 118 combined
with an
increase in the size of the deck provided by shroud 116.
[0054] The embodiments provided in the figures discussed above make use of a
metallic
shroud to provide a surface that can engage with electrodes 166 from a device
150. This
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allows a pod 100 having a shroud 116 to provide the functionality of a third
contact that is
substantially isolated from other components within pod 100.
[0055] Figures 10A and 10B illustrate a pod 200 according to an alternate
embodiment of
the present invention. Pod 200 has a reservoir 202, a post wick airflow
passage 204 that
may be integrally formed within reservoir 202 or may be a separate element, a
wick 212
with heater 214 positioned for engagement with post wick airflow passage 204.
Reservoir 202 may be used to store a free liquid, or it may make use of a
cartomizer
matrix to aid in storing the atomizable liquid. Heater 214 is connected to
contacts 208 so
that when power is applied to the contacts 208, heater 214 will atomize liquid
drawn
across wick 212.
[0056] End cap 206 is a metallic structure. Where previously discussed pods
have made
use of a metallic shroud, pod 200 uses a metallic end cap 206. End cap 206 can
be fitted
with a resilient sleeve 220, to ensure that when inserted into reservoir 202,
end cap 206
will seal the open end of reservoir 202 so that the e-liquid within pod 200
does not leak.
To allow contacts 208 to be electrically isolated from the metallic end cap
206, insulating
sleeves 222 can be employed.
[0057] In some embodiments, end cap 206 can be formed from a stamped metal,
with lips
and recesses defined by the stamping process. In some embodiments, air inlet
210 can be
recessed, and may define a set of perforations allowing for the creation of a
capillary seal.
These features can provide for an end cap 206 that is electrically conductive
and allows
for the bridging of lockout electrodes 166 when pod 200 is inserted into
device 150. In
another embodiment, end cap 206 can be machined or formed through additive
manufacturing. Features such as a capillary seal within air inlet 210 can be
defined during
these manufacturing processes. It should be understood that although
illustrated here as
providing a base with a single height, different heights can be achieved for
an area
surrounding air inlet 210, much as is shown in Figure 8C for the bridge. This
may entail
recessing a section during a stamping process, such as a bridge as is shown in
Figures
8A-C, or in some embodiments a ring surrounding the air inlet 210, as
indicated by
dashed ring 224. In some embodiments, the recess is sized to be no smaller
than having
an inner diameter of 4.90mm and an external diameter of 6.86mm.
[0058] In the above described embodiments of pod 100 and pod 200, a metallic
structure
at the base of the pod is employed to provide a conductive path between points
defined by
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the position of lockout electrodes 166 in a device 150. In some embodiments,
device 150
positions electrodes 156 along its major axis 180 so that they are equidistant
from the
midpoint of the pod 100 (intersection of major axis 180 and minor axis 182)
and spaced
apart a distance between 13.5mm and 15.5mm. The lockout electrodes 166 are
placed so
that they reside within an annular band centered on the device with an inner
diameter of
4.90mm and an external diameter of 6.86mm in some embodiments the lockout
electrodes
are situated 3.25mm apart and are each offset from the major axis 180 of the
device 150
by 2.52mm. In other embodiments, the lockout electrodes may be located along
the major
axis 180 and spaced apart by 6mm.
[0059] Pod 100 and pod 200 are sized to fit within the cavity 152 of device
150. In some
embodiments, pod 100 and pod 200 may be formed with a long side (also referred
to as a
major axis) dimension of 22.35mm and a short side (also referred to as a minor
axis)
dimension of 13.17mm. In such an embodiment, the electrical contacts 108 and
208 are
positioned so that an exposed face is present on the base of the pod 100, 200
to connect to
the electrodes 156. The lateral positioning of the contact 108, 208 is a
function of the size
of the contact. With larger contacts, the positioning of each contact can be
varied so long
as the exposed surface of the contact allows for engagement with the electrode
156. The
metallic base of pod 100 or pod 200, provided by structures within shroud 116
or end cap
206 respectively, should provide an electrically conductive surface to allow
lockout
electrodes 166 to be conductively connected. The material choice for the
metallic base of
pod 100 or pod 200 may vary across embodiments according to the requirements
of
device 150 and the component to be locked out 172. In some embodiments, device
150
has a pressure sensor 162 that is configured so that its connection to battery
158 is routed
through lockout electrodes 166. Battery 158 is expected to provide an output
voltage that
may vary between approximately 4.2V and 3.0V, and the expected voltage drop
across
electrodes 166 is expected to be in the range of lmV and 3mV. Thus, the
metallic base of
pod 100 or pod 200 should provide a suitable resistance such that the voltage
drop is less
than 3mV, and in some embodiments may be no lower than ImV, between two points
that
coincide with the locations of the lockout electrodes. It should be understood
that the
distances disclosed above may vary by up to the greater of 10% or 0.1mm.
[0060] The design of a vaping device 150 having lockout electrodes 166 having
different
heights than electrodes 156 may, in part, seek to ensure that a pod 100, 200
having one of
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a conductive endcap 206 or a conductive shroud 116 covering a conventional
non-conductive endcap 106 is properly designed for use with the device 150. If
this
cannot be determined, as a safety feature, device 150 may remain non-
operative. To
prevent the use of such a pod 100, 200 a device 250 having an electrical
configuration as
shown in Figure 11A may be employed. Device 250 has a pair of electrodes 256
connected to opposite ends of a battery 258. A processor 260, upon receipt of
a signal
from a pressure sensor 262, controls delivery of power from battery 258 to
electrodes 256
through use of switch 264. As noted above, in some embodiments, switch 264 can
be
replaced by, or supplemented with, a signal generator.
[0061] As with the previously illustrated embodiments, when a pod is inserted
into the
device 150, lockout electrodes 266 will be bridged and a component to be
locked out, in
this illustrated embodiment pressure sensor 262, is enabled. However, an
additional
electrode, a fifth electrode 286, is present. This bypass detection electrode
286 is
positioned so that if a pod with an otherwise conductive end cap is inserted
into device
250, a second electrical pathway is provided for any current introduced by one
of the
lockout electrodes 266. As such, this fifth electrode 286 may also be referred
to as a
bypass detection electrode. In the illustrated embodiment, bypass detection
electrode 286
acts as an input to a battery charge controller 290. Thus, if a pod is
inserted that bridges
Vcc to bypass detection electrode 286, for example through connecting through
one of
lockout electrodes 266, current will flow from the battery 258 through Vcc
lockout
electrode 266 to electrode 286 and then into battery charge controller 290.
[0062] When charge controller 290 detects an input current, it typically
advertises that the
device 250 is being charged, in some embodiments this is done through
providing a
charging indication to the processor 260. Device 250 also typically displays a
charging
indicator to the user through control of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) or other
such
display element. When the device 250 is charging, use of the device 250 to
vape is often
disabled to prevent undue stress on the battery 258. Thus, by connecting
bypass detection
electrode 286 to the charge controller 290, device 250 can be prevented from
activation.
Although schematically illustrated in Figure 11A as being located between one
of the
power electrodes 256 and lockout electrodes 266, it should be understood that
the
placement of bypass detection electrode 286 can be varied.
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[0063] Figure 11B illustrates a top view of a device 250. Pod cavity 252 has a
base 254
and is defined by a sidewall of device 250. Cavity 252 is sized and shaped to
receive a
physically compatible pod. Device 250 has power electrodes 256 for delivering
power to
a heater within a compatible pod. Lockout electrodes 266 are shown as being
situated
within an annular ring centered on the middle of the base 254. This optional
placement
facilitates the connection of these lockout electrodes 266 to a loopback
contact on the
base of the pod that is positioned to coincide with the illustrated annular
ring. Also shown
is a placement for a structure 288 designed to allow airflow around the base
of an inserted
pod to communicate with the pressure sensor 262 within device 250. Structure
288 may
in some embodiments comprise a raised pillar having an aperture positioned
above the
base 254 so that if a liquid pools on base 254 it cannot easily enter the
aperture.
[0064] As shown in previous figures, the location of electrodes 256 can be
varied. The
symmetrical location of these electrodes 256 with respect to the center of the
base 254
allows for a simplified design that allows for pod reversibility. Where a pod
is designed
with a third contact designed to connect the lockout electrodes 266, the
location of the
lockout electrodes can be varied, but is restricted to a position that will
engage with the
positioning of the third contact, as illustrated by the dashed lines forming
rings. In the
illustrated embodiment, the location of the lockout electrodes 256 can be
varied within
the illustrated ring. The positioning of fifth electrode 286 can also be
varied, but is
preferably situated outside the area denoted by the annular ring. This
positions the fifth
electrode 286 in a location that would otherwise not make contact with a
surface that
would electrically connect the fifth electrode 286 to the lockout electrodes
on a pod
without a conductive end cap.
[0065] Figure 11C illustrates an alternate embodiment of device 250 in which
bypass
detection electrode 286 is colocated with pressure sensor protection structure
288. The
height of the fifth electrode 286 should be sufficient to ensure contact with
the base of the
pod when inserted into device 250.
[0066] To allow a metallic endcap to operate in conjunction with device 250,
modifications to the profile of the end cap are required. Pod 300, as
illustrated in Figures
12A, 12B and 12C provide illustrative designs that would allow a pod 300
having a
conductive base 316 to function when inserted into device 250.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23
File#: OMNA 026
[0067] Figure 12A illustrates a pod 300 having a non-conductive end cap 306
with a
conductive base 316 on the exterior face of the base of the pod 300.
Electrical contacts
308 are set under the conductive base 316, and are surrounded by the non-
conductive end
cap 306. The surface of conductive base 316 is set away from end cap 306 a
sufficient
distance to allow for airflow into the pod to pass from the area around the
contacts 308.
This optional design feature allows for a distinct airflow inlet to be omitted
in conductive
base 316. To allow for the fifth electrode 286 to be electrically isolated
from the lockout
electrodes 266, an aperture 332 is provided, so that bypass detection
electrode 286
contacts the non-conductive end cap 306. The aperture 332 may also create an
inlet for
airflow between the conductive base 316 and the non-conductive end cap 306. It
should
be understood that in some embodiments, a conventional airflow inlet may be
provided
through an appropriately situated aperture on conductive base 316. It should
be
understood that in relation to the electrode configuration of Figures 11B and
11C, lockout
electrodes 266 would contact the annular region 342. It should be understood
that annular
region 342 need not be specially indicated or constructed with respect to the
conductive
base 316, but is instead illustrated for understanding of the region in which
lockout
electrodes 266 of Figures 11B and 11C would contact the pod 300.
[0068] Figure 12B illustrates an alternate embodiment of pod 300 in which
aperture 332
is replaced by a domed section 334 of conductive base 316. Domed section 334
moves a
portion of conductive base 316 so that when pod 300 is inserted into device
250, the fifth
electrode 286 will not make contact with the conductive base 316.
[0069] Figure 12C illustrates a further alternate embodiment of pod 300 in
which in place
of aperture 332 or domed section 334, fifth electrode 286 is prevented from
electrical
contact with the conductive base through a coating 336 applied to at least a
portion of
conductive base 316. In some embodiments, coating 336 may be a paint, which in
some
embodiments may be substantially transparent, while in other embodiments it
may be a
plastic or other non-conductive coating in the form of a sticker applied to
the conductive
base 316.
[0070] In another embodiment shown in Figure 12D, conductive base 316 can have
a
ring 338 that separates base 316 from the section 340. This ring 338 creates
distinct
surfaces within conductive base 316 that are not in electrical contact with
each other, thus
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preventing an electrical connection between fifth electrode 286 and the
lockout electrodes
266.
[0071] Through any one or more of the application of a coating 336, the use of
a domed
section 334, an aperture 332, a ring 338 that disrupts the electrical
connectivity of
sections of conductive base 316, or other such techniques, the conductive base
316 is
prevented from electrically connecting the fifth electrode 286 of device 250
to the lockout
electrodes 266. In some embodiments, this can be understood to be an
electrical
separation between the connection of the fifth electrode 286 and the area
within the
dashed lines forming annular ring 342. By creating a barrier between these
two, the
electrical connection that would otherwise disable the device 250 is
prevented. Aperture
332, domed section 334, coating 336 and ring 338 can each be considered an
embodiment
of a patch that does not allow for electrical conductivity between positions
within the
patch and the portions of the base 316 that would otherwise allow for
electrical
connection to the lockout electrodes 266 (e.g. positions within annular ring
342).
[0072] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in Figures 12A-12D,
features 332, 334,
336 and 338 break the symmetry of the pod given their current positions. To
enable a pod
300 with a reversible design, each of these features may need to be duplicated
and placed
in a mirrored position to allow for the pod to be rotated 180 and still
provide proper
positioning of the features with respect to the corresponding elements in the
device 250.
[0073] Figure 13 presentes an alternate electrical configuration for device
250. As shown
and discussed in previous Figures, device 250 has electrodes 256 connected to
battery
258, with at least part of the connection including a switch 264 that is
controlled by
processor 260. Lockout electrodes 266 connect a component subject to lockout
to another
component in the device 250. As illustrated, the component subject to lockout
is a
pressure sensor 262. While in some embodiments, the connection between the
pressure
sensor 262 and processor 260 may be routed through lockout electrodes 266, in
the
illustrated embodiment it is the connection between power from battery 258
(indicated as
Vce) that is routed through the lockout electrodes 266. Thus, without
insertion of a pod
that will electrically connect lockout electrodes 266, the pressure sensor 262
will remain
unpowered, and device 250 will not activate.
[0074] As shown in Figure 13, fifth electrode 286 is connected as an input to
processor
260. If a pod is inserted into device 250 that connects fifth electrode 286 to
at least one of
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the lockout electrodes, processor 260 will receive a high voltage signal on at
least one of
its inputs. This can act as a flag indicating that the device should not
activate, much as a
signal from a charge controller functions as described in relation to Figure
11.
[0075] Figure 14 illustrates an alternate electrical configuration for device
250, in which
fifth electrode 286 is connected to the battery 258. In the presence of a
connection
between fifth electrode 286 and the lockout electrode 266 connected to battery
258 and
represented by Vcc, a pathway taking power from the K, lockout electrode 266
directly
back to the battery 258 is provided. This will prevent sufficient power from
being
delivered to pressure sensor 262 to allow for activation. In some embodiments,
this
connection will be detected as a short circuit and will trigger a short
circuit protection
circuit that will prevent the device 250 from operating.
[0076] It should be understood from the above electrical designs, that the
addition of a
fifth electrode that when connected to at least one of the lockout electrodes
can be used to
generate a signal indicative of an unauthorized pod. This allows the device
250 to detect a
pod that does not have an authorized design. The detection of such a pod may
be treated
as a safety risk, as the device 250 has not been designed to operate with the
pod in
question. Accordingly, the device 250 may remain locked out, thus preventing
delivery
of voltage across the electrodes 256. Those skilled in the art will appreciate
that in some
embodiments the vaping device 250 may make use of one or both of hardware and
software features to perform this lockout.
[0077] Although a pod designed for use with device 250, and thus having both a
contact
to connect lockout electrodes 266, and a non-conductive surface for engaging
with fifth
electrode 286 will function, other embodiments, such as those illustrated in
Figures
12A-12D may also be used. These pods have a substantially conductive base 316
but
have a section designed to prevent electrical engagement with a fifth
electrode. This
section is electrically isolated from a section corresponding to the location
at which
lockout electrodes will contact the pod. In some embodiments, the location at
which
lockout electrodes will contact the pod is defined by an annular ring having
an external
diameter of 6.86mm and an internal diameter of 4.9mm. In some embodiments,
this
annular ring is centered on the base of the pod. The provision of a non-
conductive surface
may include the provision of an aperture in the conductive base, the provision
of a
non-conductive coating on the non-conductive base, a domed section on the non
23
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conductive base, and other such features that will prevent electrical
connection to a fifth
electrode.
[0078] In some embodiments, the lockout electrodes may be situated 3.25mm
apart
(center-to-center) and offset from a major axis of the base on the vaporizer
device by a
distance of 2.52mm. The fifth electrode may be situated between the two
lockout
electrodes but further offset from the major axis. In some embodiments, the
fifth
electrode may be positioned on the minor axis, 4.15mm off the major axis. Such
a
position may result in the fifth electrode being situated between lockout
electrodes, and
1.63mm away from a common axis between the lockout electrodes. A corresponding
pod
would provide an electrical path between positions corresponding to the
position of the
lockout electrodes while having a non-conductive section on the conductive
base
corresponding to the location of the fifth electrode.
[0079] Although presented in the context of use in an electronic nicotine
delivery system
such as an electronic cigarette (e-cig) or a vaporizer (vape) it should be
understood that
the scope of protection need not be limited to this space, and instead is
delimited by the
scope of the claims. Embodiments of the present invention are anticipated to
be
applicable in areas other than ENDS, including (but not limited to) other
vaporizing
applications.
[0080] In the instant description, and in the accompanying figures, reference
to
dimensions may be made. These dimensions are provided for the enablement of a
single
embodiment and should not be considered to be limiting or essential.The sizes
and
dimensions provided in the drawings are provided for exemplary purposes and
should not
be considered limiting of the scope of the invention, which is defined solely
in the claims.
24
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