Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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1
VAPORIZATION DEVICE
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[00011 The
present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 63/118,958 filed November 29, 2020, which is incorporated by reference
herein in its
entirety.
FIELD
[0002]
The present technology pertains to the field of vaporization devices and
methods
of operation thereof
BACKGROUND
10003]
Vaporization devices (sometimes also referred to as "vaping devices",
"vaporizer devices" or "vapes") have been frequently used as a cigarette
replacement or as
a means to wean users off cigarettes. Typically, vaporization devices are
handheld battery-
operated devices that aerosolize a liquid contained in a liquid reservoir of
the device and
administer that aerosolized liquid to a user of the device via a user's
inhalation. In some
instances, such as those when a device is being used in place of a cigarette,
the liquid
contained in the reservoir will contain nicotine at a known concentration.
Thus, when the
liquid is aerosolized the nicotine is present in the aerosol as well, and is
inhaled by the user.
Other substances may also be present in the liquid to mimic the taste and feel
of cigarette
smoke (if so desires) but without requiring anything to be burned and without
having all of
the components of actual cigarette smoke. Alternatively, the inhalation may be
"flavored"
by the liquid to taste and feel nothing like cigarette smoke; for example, a
fruit flavor could
be used.
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[0004]
Because the concentration of the nicotine in the liquid to be aerosolized
and
inhaled is known, the amount of nicotine administered to the user via each
inhalation is
calculatable, controllable and recordable, should such be desired.
Vaporization devices
typically contain electronic components (e.g., integrated circuits, memory,
etc.) which
easily allow this to occur. Further a vaporization device may be in
communication with a
portable electronic computing device carried by a user (e.g., a smartphone, a
tablet, etc.),
which may itself be in communication with a computer server. Such an entire
system,
including a vaporization device, a portable electronic computing device, and a
computer
server, can be used in ways in which ordinary (non-electronic) tobacco
administration
products (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.) cannot. This includes as part
of a program to
wean smokers off such products and the nicotine (and other substances) that
they contain.
[0005]
While the devices and systems of the prior art may be adequate for their
intended
functions, improvements are nonetheless possible
SUMMARY
[0006] According
to a first broad aspect, there is provided a portion of a vaporization
device, comprising: a body comprising a cartridge-mating portion for removable
connection to a cartridge, the cartridge comprising a first reservoir
containing a first liquid,
a first atomizer for vaporizing the first liquid, a second reservoir
containing a second liquid,
and a second atomizer for vaporizing the second liquid; a sensor in
communication with an
air passageway for measuring one of a pressure and a flow rate of air flowing
into the air
passageway; and a controller connectable to a power source for: determining a
first
vaporization rate for the first liquid and a second vaporization rate for the
second liquid
based on the one of the measured pressure and the measured flow rate; and when
the
cartridge is removably connected to the cartridge-mating portion, controlling
the power
source for vaporizing the first liquid at the first vaporization rate and
vaporizing the second
liquid at the second vaporization rate.
[0007]
In one embodiment, the first liquid comprises an active substance and the
second
liquid is free from the active substance.
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[0008]
In one embodiment, the active substance comprises one of a nicotine, a
nicotine
slat, a nicotine compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and a cannabinoid.
[0009]
In one embodiment, the controller is configured for accessing a database
comprising predefined vaporization rates and one of respective pressures and
respective
flow rates for determining the first vaporization rate and the second
vaporization rate.
[0010]
In one embodiment, the first vaporization rate is equivalent to a first
heating
temperature for the first liquid and the second vaporization rate is
equivalent to a second
heating temperature for the second liquid, the controller being configured for
determining
the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature based on the
one of the
measured pressure and the measured flow rate.
[0011]
In one embodiment, the controller is configured for accessing a database
comprising predefined temperatures and one of respective pressures and
respective flow
rates for determining the first heating temperature and the second heating
temperature.
[0012]
In one embodiment, the first heating temperature is equivalent to a first
resistance for a first heating element of the first atomizer and the second
heating
temperature is equivalent to a second resistance for a second heating element
of the second
atomizer, the controller being configured for determining the first resistance
and the second
resistance.
[0013]
In one embodiment, the controller is configured for accessing a database
comprising predefined resistances and one of respective pressures and
respective flow rates
for determining the first resistance and the second resistance.
[0014]
In one embodiment, the controller is configured for controlling the power
source
according at least one control loop to achieve the first resistance and the
second resistance.
[0015]
In one embodiment, the at least one control loop comprises at least one
proportional -integral -derivative loop.
[0016]
In one embodiment, the body comprises an air inlet and an air outlet, the
air
passageway extending between the air inlet and the air outlet.
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[0017]
In one embodiment, the sensor is positioned along the air passageway so as
to
face the air inlet.
[00.18]
In one embodiment, the air passageway is defined at an interface between
the
body and the cartridge when the body and the cartridge are connected together.
[0019] In one
embodiment, the body comprises an air conduct extending from the air
passageway and the sensor is in communication with the air conduct.
[0020]
In one embodiment, the sensor comprises one of an atmospheric sensor, a
microphone, a piezoelectric pressure sensor and a pressure transducer.
[0021]
In one embodiment, the sensor comprises one of an ultrasonic flow sensor
and a
machinal flow sensor.
[0022]
According to a second broad aspect, there is provided a method for
controlling
a vaporization device comprising a first reservoir containing a first liquid,
a first atomizer
for vaporizing the first liquid, a second reservoir containing a second
liquid, and a second
atomizer for vaporizing the second liquid, the method comprising: measuring
one of a
pressure and a flow rate of air flowing into the vaporization device;
determining a first
vaporization rate for the first liquid and a second amount of a second
vaporization rate for
the second liquid, based on the one of the measured pressure and the measured
flow rate;
and controlling the first atomizer for vaporizing the first liquid at the
first vaporization rate
and the second atomizer for vaporizing the second liquid at the second
vaporization rate.
[0023] In one
embodiment, the first liquid comprises an active substance and the second
liquid is free from the active substance.
[0024]
In one embodiment, the active substance comprises one of a nicotine, a
nicotine
slat, a nicotine compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and a cannabinoid.
[0025]
In one embodiment, the step of determining the first vaporization rate and
the
second vaporization rate comprises accessing a database comprising predefined
vaporization rates and one of respective pressures and respective flow rates
and retrieving
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the first vaporization rate and the second vaporization rate according to the
one of the
measured pressure and the measured flow rate.
[9026]
In one embodiment, the first vaporization rate is equivalent to a first
heating
temperature for the first liquid and the second vaporization rate is
equivalent to a second
5
heating temperature for the second liquid, the step of determining the first
vaporization rate
and the second vaporization rate comprising determining the first heating
temperature and
the second heating temperature based on the one of the measured pressure and
the measured
flow rate.
[0027]
In one embodiment, the step of determining the first heating temperature
and the
second heating temperature comprises accessing a database comprising
predefined
temperatures and one of respective pressures and respective flow rates and
retrieving the
first heating temperature and the second heating temperature based on the one
of the
measured pressure and the measured flow rate.
[0028]
In one embodiment, the first heating temperature is equivalent to a first
resistance for a first heating element of the first atomizer and the second
heating
temperature is equivalent to a second resistance for a second heating element
of the second
atomizer, the step of determining the first heating temperature and the second
heating
temperature comprising determining the first resistance and the second
resistance based on
the one of the measured pressure and the measured flow rate.
[0029] In one
embodiment, the step of determining the first resistance and the second
resistance comprises accessing a database comprising predefined resistances
and one of
respective pressures and respective flow rates and retrieving the first
resistance and the
second resistance based on the one of the measured pressure and the measured
flow rate.
[0030]
In one embodiment, the step of controlling the first atomizer and the
second
atomizer comprises controlling a power source according at least one control
loop to
achieve the first resistance and the second resistance.
100311
In one embodiment, the at least one control loop comprises at least one
proportional-integral-derivative loop.
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[0032]
According to a third broad aspect, there is provided a cartridge for
generating a
vapor, the cartridge comprising: a body defining a cavity, the body being
provided with an
inlet and an outlet; at least one vapor generating assembly comprising: a
reservoir for
containing a vaporizable liquid, the reservoir being provided with a wick
receiving opening
on a wall thereof; a wick having a first section inserted into the reservoir
through the wick
receiving opening and a second section located outside of the reservoir, the
second section
being in fluidic communication with the inlet and the outlet; and a heating
element
connectable to a power source for heating the second section of the wick in
order to
generate vapor.
[0033] In one
embodiment, the heating element comprises a coil wound around the
second section of the wick.
[0034]
In one embodiment, the wick receiving opening is located on a lateral wall
of
the reservoir.
[0035]
In another embodiment, the wick receiving opening is located on a bottom
wall
of the reservoir.
[0036]
In one embodiment, the reservoir is provided with an annular cross-
sectional
shape and extends laterally between an internal tubular wall and an external
tubular wall,
the internal tubular wall defining an air passageway in fluidic communication
with the inlet
and the outlet.
[0037[ In one
embodiment, the wick receiving opening is located on the internal tubular
wall and the heating element is located within the air passageway.
[0038] In one embodiment, the wick is made of one of cotton, an absorbent
nonwoven
fabric, a polyplastic foam, silica and viscose.
[0039]
In one embodiment, the cartridge further comprises a porous element
inserted
into the reservoir, the porous element being connected to the wick.
[0040] In one embodiment, the porous element is made of one of cotton, an
absorbent
nonwoven fabric, a polyplastic foam, silica and viscose.
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[0041] In one embodiment, the wick and the porous element are
integral.
[0042] In one embodiment, the porous element and the wick are made of one of
cotton,
an absorbent nonwoven fabric, a polyplastic foam, silica and viscose.
[0043] In the context of the present specification, the words
"first", "second", "third",
etc. have been used as adjectives only for the purpose of allowing for
distinction between
the nouns that they modify from one another, and not for the purpose of
describing any
particular relationship between those nouns. Thus, for example, it should be
understood
that, the use of the terms "first unit" and "third unit" is not intended to
imply any particular
type, hierarchy or ranking (for example) of/between the units.
[0044] In the context of the present specification, the word "
embodiment(s)" is
generally used when referring to physical realizations of the present
technology and the
word "implementations" is generally used when referring to methods that are
encompassed
within the present technology (which generally involve also physical
realizations of the
present technology). The use of these different terms is not intended to be
limiting of or
definitive of the scope of the present technology. These different terms have
simply been
used to allow the reader to better situate themselves when reading the present
lengthy
specification.
[0045] Embodiments and implementations of the present technology
each have at least
one of the above-mentioned objects and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have
all of them.
It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have
resulted from
attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object
and/or may
satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.
[0046] Additional and/or alternative features, aspects and
advantages of' embodiments
and/or implementations of the present technology will become apparent from the
following
description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047]
For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other
aspects
and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description
which is to be
used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:
[0048] Fig. 1 is
a perspective view of a first vaporization device, in accordance with an
embodiment;
[0049]
Fig. 2 is a first partial cross-sectional view of the vaporization device
of Fig. 1;
[0050]
Fig. 3 is a second partial cross-sectional view of the vaporization device
of
Fig. 1; and
[00511 Fig. 4 is a
partial cross-sectional view of a second vaporization device, in
accordance with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0052]
The examples and conditional language recited herein are principally
intended
to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present technology
and not to limit
its scope to such specifically recited examples and conditions. It will be
appreciated that
those skilled in the art may devise various arrangements which, although not
explicitly
described or shown herein, nonetheless embody the principles of the present
technology
and are included within its spirit and scope.
[0053]
Furthermore, as an aid to understanding, the following description may
describe
relatively simplified implementations of the present technology. As persons
skilled in the
art would understand, various implementations of the present technology may be
of a
greater complexity_
[0054]
In some cases, what are believed to be helpful examples of modifications to
the
present technology may also be set forth. This is done merely as an aid to
understanding,
and, again, not to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present
technology. These
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modifications are not an exhaustive list, and a person skilled in the art may
make other
modifications while nonetheless remaining within the scope of the present
technology.
Further, where no examples of modifications have been set forth, it should not
be
interpreted that no modifications are possible and/or that what is described
is the sole
manner of implementing that element of the present technology_
[0055]
Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a vaporization device 10 configured to
heat
a pre-vapor formulation to generate a vapor. It is to be expressly understood
that the device
is merely one embodiment, amongst many, of the present technology. Thus, the
description thereof that follows is intended to be only a description of an
illustrative
10 example of the present technology. This description is not intended to
define the scope or
set forth the bounds of the present technology. In some cases, what are
believed to be
helpful examples of modifications to device 10 and/or additional embodiments
may also
be set forth below. This is done merely as an aid to understanding, and,
again, not to define
the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. These
modifications are not an
exhaustive list, and, as a skilled addressee would understand, other
modifications are likely
possible. Further, where this has not been done (i.e., where no examples of
modifications
have been set forth), it should not be interpreted that no modifications are
possible and/or
that what is described is the sole manner of implementing that element of the
present
technology. As a skilled addressee would understand, this is likely not the
case. In addition,
it is to be understood that the device 10 may provide in certain instances a
simple
embodiment of the present technology, and that where such is the case it has
been presented
in this manner as an aid to understanding. As a skilled addressee would
understand, various
embodiments of the present technology will be of a greater complexity.
[0056]
The vaporizer device 10 comprises a main portion 12 and a cartridge portion
14,
hereinafter referred to as the cartridge 14, which are removably securable or
selectively
couplable together. The main portion comprises a body 20 extending
longitudinally
between a first or top end 22 and a second or bottom end 24 opposite to the
first end 20.
The body 20 is provided with an internal cavity for receiving therein
components such as
a power source, sensors, electrical connections, and/or the like, as described
in greater
detail below. The cartridge 14 comprises a body 30 which extends between a
first or top
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end 32 and a second or bottom end 34. The top end 32 of the cartridge 14 is
provided with
an opening 36 acting as a mouthpiece for allowing the generated vapor to exit
the vaporizer
device 10 and the user to inhale the vapor. As illustrated in Fig. 1, when the
main portion
12 and the cartridge 14 are removably connected together, the top end 22 of
the main
s portion 12 and the bottom end 34 of the cartridge 14 are adjacent to one
another or in
physical contact together at an interface 38 between the top end 22 of the
main portion 12
and the bottom end 34 of the cartridge 14.
[0057]
It should be understood that any adequate means such as natural friction, a
lever
tab, a snap hook, a magnet, or the like may be used for removable securing the
cartridge
10 14 to the main portion 12.
[0058]
As illustrated in Fig. 2, the body 20 of the main portion 12 is provided
with at
least one internal cavity or chamber in which at least a controller 40 and a
power source 42
are contained. As described in greater detail below, the controller 40 is
configured to
control the operation of the main portion 12 and the cartridge 14 once
connected to the
main portion 12. The power source 42 is configured to power all of the
electrical
components of the main portion 12 and the cartridge 14 once connected to the
main portion
12. The body 20 comprises at the end 22 thereof a cartridge-mating portion 44
provided
with a recess 46 for accommodating some components of the cartridge 14 once
connected
to the main portion 14, as described below. The body 20 further comprises an
opening or
inlet 48 on a lateral face thereof and a canal or conduct 50 in fluidic
communication with
the inlet 48. The conduct 50 extends from the inlet 48 up to the cartridge-
mating portion
44 to emerge into the recess 46 so as to allow air to flow from the inlet 48
to the cartridge-
mating portion 44.
[0059]
The body 30 of the cartridge 14 comprises an internal cavity or chamber in
which
some components of the cartridge 14 are located. The cartridge 12 comprises a
first liquid
reservoir 60, a second liquid reservoir 62, a first atomizer 64 operatively
connected to the
first reservoir 60 and a second atomizer 66 operatively connected to the
second reservoir
62. The first reservoir 60 is adapted to contain a first vaporizable liquid
comprising an
active substance at a known concentration. The second reservoir 62 is adapted
to contain a
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second vaporizable liquid being free from active substance, i.e., the second
liquid odes not
contain the active substance. The second liquid may be referred to as a
placebo.
[0060]
In one embodiment, the active substance comprises nicotine, a nicotine
slat, a
nicotine compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a cannabinoid, or the like.
[0061] The first
atomizer 64 is connected to the first reservoir 60 so as to vaporize or
aerosolize some of the first liquid contained in the first reservoir 60 upon
activation of the
first atomizer 64. Similarly, the second atomizer 66 is connected to the
second reservoir 62
so as to vaporize some of the second liquid contained in the second reservoir
62 upon
activation of the second atomizer 66.
[0062] The first
and second atomizer 64 and 66 are fluidly connected to the conduct 50,
when the main portion 12 and the cartridge 12 are connected together, so that
air flowing
from the inlet 48 into the conduct 50 may propagate up to the first and second
atomizers
64 and 66.
[0063]
The body 30 of the cartridge 14 further comprises a mixing chamber 70
adjacent
to the top end 32 of the body 30 and the mixing chamber 70 is fluidly
connected to the
mouthpiece 36. The mixing chamber 70 is further fluidly connected to the first
and second
atomizers 64 and 66 to receive the vapors generated by the first and second
atomizers 64
and 66 and mix the receive vapors together.
[0064]
The main portion 12 is further provided with two sets of electrical
connectors 72
and 74 which are each electrically connected to the power source 42. Each of
the electrical
connector 72, 74 projects from the body 20 of the main portion 12 into the
recess 46.
[0065]
The cartridge 14 is further provided with two sets of electrical connectors
76 and
78 which are electrically connectable to the sets of electrical connectors 72
and 74,
respectively. Each of the electrical connector 72, 74 projects from a bottom
wall of the
body 30 of the cartridge 14. When the main portion 12 and the cartridge 14 are
removably
secured together, the electrical connectors 76 and 78 of the cartridge 14 are
located within
the recess 46 of the main portion 12 and are in physical contact with the
electrical
connectors 72 and 74 so that an electrical connection is created between the
electrical
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connectors 72 and 76 to power the first atomizer 64 and an electrical
connection is created
between the electrical connectors 74 and 78 to power the second atomizer 66.
[9066]
In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second reservoirs 60 and 62
are each
provided with a cylindrical shape and each define a respective internal
passageway 80, 82.
The first passageway 80 is surrounded by the first reservoir 60 and extends
along the first
reservoir 60. Similarly, the second passageway 82 is surrounded by the second
reservoir
62 and extends along the second reservoir 62.
[00671
The cartridge 14 further comprises a T-shaped conduct used for fluidly
connecting the conduct 50 to the first and second passageways 80 and 82 when
the cartridge
14 is removably secured to the main portion 12. The T-shaped conduct comprises
three
conducts 90, 92 and 94. The first conduct 90 extends between a first end
fluidly connectable
to the conduct 50 and a second end fluidly connected to the two conducts 92
and 94. Each
conduct 92, 94 extends between a first end fluidly connected to the second end
of the
conduct 90 and a second end fluidly connected to a respective passageway 80,
82. As a
result of the fluidic connections between the different conducts, when the
cartridge 14 is
removably secured to the main portion 12 and a user inhales air via the
mouthpiece 36, air
enters the conduct 50 via the inlet 48 and propagates in the conduct 90 before
splitting and
propagating in the conducts 92 and 94. The air then reaches each passageways
80 and 82
and the atomizers 64 and 66 vaporizes some liquid to create a respective
vapor. The vapors
propagates up to the mixing chamber 70 where they mix before exiting the
device 10 via
the mouthpiece 36.
[00681
In the illustrated embodiment, the first atomizer 64 is electrically
connected to
the connectors 76 and comprises a wick 100 and a coil 102 wound around a
portion of the
wick 100. The wick 100 and the coil 102 are located within the passageway 80
and the
wick 100 is secured to the reservoir 60 so as to be in physical contact with
the first liquid
contained therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the first reservoir 60
comprises an internal
tubular wall and a spaced apart external tubular wall so that the cross-
section of the first
reservoir 60 is annular. The space defined between the two tubular walls is
closed at both
extremities of the tubular walls so that the first liquid may be enclosed
between the two
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tubular walls. The internal tubular wall of the first reservoir is provided
with two openings
106 and 108 which face each other and are each sized and shaped to receive
therein a
respective part of the wick 100 so that both ends of the wick 100 each
penetrate into a
respective section of the first container 60 to be in physical contact with
the first liquid
while the central part of the wick 100 covered by the coil 102 is outside of
the container
60. It should be understood that the connection between the wick 100 and the
internal
tubular wall of the reservoir 60 is substantially hermetical so that no first
liquid may exit
the reservoir between the wick 100 and the internal tubular wall. In one
embodiment, a
substantially hermetical connection between the reservoir 60 and the wick 100
is achieved
by adequately choosing the dimension of the wick-receiving openings 106 and
108 relative
to the cross-section dimension of the wick 100 so that a tight connection
between reservoir
60 and the wick 100 be achieved. It should also be understood that the
sections of the wick
100 that are located within the container 60 are not covered by the coil 102.
[0069]
While in the illustrated embodiment, the openings 106 and 108 are located
on a
side or lateral wall of the reservoir 60 adjacent a bottom end thereof, it
should be understood
that other configurations may be possible as long as the wick 100 be in
fluidic
communication with the outlet mouthpiece 36. For example, the openings 106 and
108
could be located on the bottom wall of the reservoir 60.
[0070]
Due to capillary effect and since the wick 100 is made of a porous
material, the
portion of the first wick 100 covered by the coil 102 becomes saturated with
the first liquid.
Therefore, when an electrical current propagates through the coil 102, heat is
generated
and vapor is created due to the heating of the wick 100.
[0071]
Similarly, the second atomizer 66 is electrically connected to the
connectors 78
and comprises a wick 110 and a coil 112 wound around a portion of the wick
110. The
wick 110 and the coil 112 are located within the second passageway 82 and the
wick 110
is secured to the second reservoir 62 so as to be in physical contact with the
second liquid
contained therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the second reservoir 62
second comprises
an internal tubular wall and a spaced apart external tubular wall so that the
cross-section of
the second reservoir 62 is annular. The space defined between the two tubular
walls is
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closed at both extremities of the tubular walls so that the second liquid may
be enclosed
between the two tubular walls. The internal tubular wall of the second
reservoir 62 is
provided with two openings 116 and 118 which face each other and are each
sized and
shaped to receive therein a respective part of the wick 110 so that both ends
of the wick
110 each penetrate into a respective section of the second container 62 to be
in physical
contact with the second liquid while the central portion of the wick 110 is
located outside
of the reservoir 62. It should be understood that the connection between the
second wick
110 and the internal tubular wall of the second reservoir 62 is substantially
hermetical so
that no second liquid may exit the reservoir between the second wick 110 and
the internal
tubular wall. In one embodiment, a substantially hermetical connection between
the
reservoir 62 and the wick 110 is achieved by adequately choosing the dimension
of the
wick-receiving opening 116, 118 relative to the cross-section dimension of the
wick 110
so that a tight connection between reservoir 62 and the wick 110 be achieved.
It should
also be understood that the sections of the wick 110 that are located within
the container
62 are not covered by the coil 112.
[0072]
While in the illustrated embodiment, the opening 116 and 118 are located on
a
side or lateral wall of the reservoir 62 adjacent a bottom end thereof, it
should be understood
that other configurations may be possible as long as the wick 110 be in
fluidic
communication with the outlet mouthpiece 36. For example, the openings 116 and
118
could be located on the bottom wall of the reservoir 62.
[0073]
Due to capillary effect and since the wick 110 is made of a porous
material, the
portion of the second wick 110 covered by the coil 112 becomes saturated with
the second
liquid. Therefore, when an electrical current propagates through the second
coil 102, heat
is generated and vapor is created due to the heating of the second wick 110.
[0074] In the
illustrated embodiment, the internal tubular wall of the reservoirs 60 and
62 is recessed to accommodate the wick 100, 110 and the coil 102, 112.
However, it should
be understood that in at least some embodiment, no recess may be present on
the internal
wall of the reservoirs 60 and 62.
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[0075]
Since the wick 100, 110 is not aligned with the reservoir 60, 62 nor
contained
into the reservoir 60, 62, the liquid contained in the reservoir is not heated
when the coil
102, 112 is activated and the generated vapor does not propagate through the
reservoir 60,
62 and the liquid contained therein to reach the mixing chamber 70. This
allows for limiting
5 energy losses and any degradation of the liquid contained in the
reservoir 60, 62.
[0076]
As illustrated in Fig. 3, the device 10 further comprises a sensor 120
located in
the main portion 12. The sensor 120 is configured for measuring of the
pressure or the flow
rate of the air propagating into the conduct 50. In the illustrated
embodiment, the conduct
50 comprises a first conduct section 122 and a second conduct section 124. The
first section
10 122
extends from the inlet 48 transversally through a section of the body 20. The
second
conduct section 124 extends between a first end fluidly connected to the first
conduct
section 122 and a second end fluidly connectable to the conduct 90.
Furthermore, the
second conduct section 124 is angled relative to the first conduct section
122, e.g. the
second conduct section 124 is orthogonal to the first conduct section 122 as
in the
15 illustrated embodiment.
[0077]
The sensor 120 is connected to the conduct 50 and positioned at any
adequate
position along the conduct 50 to measure either the pressure or the flow rate
of the air
flowing into the conduct 50. It should be understood that the term "pressure"
and the
expression "flow rate" should be interpreted broadly so as to encompass the
pressure and
the flow rate, respectively, or a variation of pressure and a variation of
flow rate,
respectively.
[0078]
In one embodiment, the sensor 120 is positioned at the junction between the
first
and second conduct sections 122 and 124 so as to face the inlet 48. Having the
sensor 120
facing the inlet 48 allows for a better measurement precision.
[0079] In one
embodiment, the sensor 120 comprises a pressure sensor. Examples for
the pressure sensor comprise an atmospheric sensor, a microphone, a
piezoelectric pressure
sensor, a pressure transducer, or the like.
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[0080]
In another embodiment, the sensor 120 comprises a flow rate sensor or a
flow
meter such as an ultrasonic flow sensor, a machinal flow sensor, or the like.
[9081]
In one embodiment, the cartridge further comprises a first porous element
inserted into the first reservoir 60 and/or a second porous element inserted
into the second
reservoir 64. The first porous element is in fluid communication with the
first wick 100
and the second porous element is in fluid communication with the second wick
110. Since
the wicks 100 and 110 are made of a porous material, the first liquid
contained in the first
element may propagate from the first element to the first wick 100 and the
second liquid
contained in the second porous element may propagate from the second porous
element to
to the second wick 110.
[0082]
In one embodiment, at least the bottom internal portion of the first
reservoir 60
is coated or covered with the first porous element and at least the bottom
internal portion
of the second reservoir 62 is coated or covered with the second porous
element.
[0083]
In another embodiment, the first and second reservoirs 60 and 62 are filled
with
porous material such that the first porous element substantially occupies the
whole volume
of the first reservoir 60 and the second porous element substantially occupies
the whole
volume of the second reservoir 62.
[0084]
In one embodiment, the first porous element and the first wick 100 are
integral.
In the same or another embodiment, the second porous element and the second
wick 110
are integral.
[0085]
The insertion of a porous element into a reservoir 60, 62 allows to more
easily
transport the liquid to the atomizer 64, 66 regardless of the special
orientation of the
cartridge 14. For example, the porous elements may rely on capillary action
(or any other
physical properties that allows the transport of liquid by a material) to
facilitate the liquid
transport. In operation, capillary forces will draw the liquid into the porous
element upon
activation of the device 10, even when the capillary force on the liquid is
opposed by
gravity.
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[0086]
In one instance, the liquid contained in the reservoir 60, 62 is not in
contact with
the atomizer 64, 66. This may be called a "dry hit." A dry hit occurs if there
is not enough
liquid in reservoir 60, 62 and the atomizer 64, 66 is allowed to exponentially
increase in
temperature. By using the porous element, it is possible to limit "dry hits"
by allowing the
liquid to reach the wick 100, 110 thanks to capillary action.
[0087]
It should be understood that the shape of the reservoirs 60 and 62 is
exemplary
only. For example, the reservoirs 60 and 62 may have a cylindrical shape. In
another
example, the reservoirs 60 and 62 may be provided with a rectangular cross-
sectional
shape. It should be understood that the reservoir 60, 62 may be provided with
any adequate
shape as long as the reservoir comprises at least one opening in a wall
thereof for insertion
of the wick 100, 110 therein.
[00881
Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, the controller 40 is configured for
controlling
the operation of the atomizers 64 and 66 in order to generate an adequate
amount of vapor
form the first and second liquid. The controller 40 is in communication with
the sensor 120
to receive the value of the pressure or flow rate measured by the sensor 120
and is
connected to the power source 42 for controlling the electrical power to be
delivered to the
atomizers 64 and 66. The controller 40 is configured for determining a first
vaporization
rate for the first liquid and a second vaporization rate for the second
liquid, based on the
measured pressure or flow rate. The controller 40 is further configured for
controlling the
power source 42 to allow the first atomizer 64 to generate a first vapor from
the first liquid
at the determined first vaporization rate and allow the second atomizer 66 to
generate a
second vapor from the second liquid at the determined second vaporization
rate.
[0089]
The vaporization rate (which may also be referred to as the evaporation
rate
hereinafter) refers to the quantity of liquid being vaporized by an atomizer
per unit of time.
For example, the vaporization rate may be expressed as a volume per time unit,
e.g., ml per
second.
[0090] In one embodiment, the controller 40 comprises a memory on which a
database
is stored. The database comprises for each atomizer 64, 66, vaporization rate
values each
associated with a respective pressure value or a respective flow rate value.
In this case and
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in order to determine the first and second vaporization rates, the controller
40 accesses the
database and retrieves the vaporization rate for the first atomizer 64 that
corresponds to the
measured pressure or measured flow rate and the vaporization rate for the
second atomizer
66 that corresponds to the measured pressure or measured flow rate. In one
embodiment,
the vaporization rate values and their respective pressure or flow rate values
are identical
for the two atomizers 64 and 66. In this case, the database comprises a single
set of
vaporization rates values and corresponding pressure or flow rate values. In
another
embodiment, the vaporization rate values and their respective pressure or flow
rate values
are different for the two atomizers 64 and 66 and the vaporization rate values
may depend
on the particular liquid to be vaporized. In this case, the database comprises
two sets of
values, i.e., a first set of vaporization rates values and corresponding
pressure or flow rate
values for the first atomizer 64 and a second set of vaporization rates values
and
corresponding pressure or flow rate values for the second atomizer 66.
[0091]
After retrieving the first and second vaporization rates that correspond to
the
measured pressure or flow rate, the controller 40 controls the power source 42
so that the
first atomizer 64 heats the first liquid to generate the first vapor at the
determined first
vaporization rate and the second atomizer 66 heats the second liquid to
generate the second
vapor at the second vaporization rate.
[0092]
In one embodiment, since a given vaporization rate for a liquid can be
achieved
by heating the liquid at a given temperature, the step of determining the
first and second
vaporization rates is equivalent to determining a first heating temperature
for the first liquid
and a second heating temperature for the second liquid. In this case, the
controller 40 is
configured for determining a first temperature to be achieved by the heating
element of the
first atomizer 64 and a second temperature to be achieved by the heating
element of the
second atomizer 66, based on the measured pressure or the measured flow rate.
[0093]
In one embodiment, the database comprises for each atomizer 64, 66,
predefined
temperature values each associated with a respective pressure value or a
respective flow
rate value. In this case and in order to determine the temperatures at which
the first and
second liquids have to be heated, the controller 40 accesses the database and
retrieves a
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first temperature for the first liquid that corresponds to the measured
pressure or measured
flow rate and a second temperature for the second liquid that corresponds to
the measured
pressure or measured flow rate. In one embodiment, the predefined temperatures
stored in
the database and their respective pressure or flow rate values are identical
for the two
liquids_ In this case, the database comprises a single set of predefined
temperatures and
corresponding pressure or flow rate values. In another embodiment, the
predefined
temperatures and their respective pressure or flow rate values are different
for the two
liquids. In this case, the database comprises two sets of values, i.e., a
first set of predefined
temperatures and corresponding pressure or flow rate values for the first
liquid and a second
set of predefined temperatures and corresponding pressure or flow rate values
for the
second liquid.
[00941
After retrieving the first and second temperatures that correspond to the
measured pressure or flow rate, the controller 40 controls the heating
elements, e.g., the
coils 102 and 112, of the first and second atomizers 64 and 66 to heat the
first liquid at the
first temperature and the second liquid at the second temperature.
[00951
In one embodiment, the controller 40 then controls the power source 42 to
power
the first atomizer 64 so that the first liquid be heated at the first
temperature and the second
atomizer 66 so that the second liquid be heated at the second temperature.
[0096]
In one embodiment, the temperature of the heating element of the atomizer
64,
66 can be determined by determining the resistance of the heating element,
e.g., the coil
102, 112. Since a heating temperature is associated with a respective
resistance of the
heating element, a target temperature is achieved when the resistance of the
heating element
is equal to a given resistance associated with target temperature. In this
case, the database
may comprise for each hearting temperature a respective resistance value. A
control loop
such as proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control loop can be used to
reach the
resistance value associated with the target temperature and thereby heat the
liquid at the
the target temperature.
[0097]
In another embodiment, since a given heating temperature can be achieved by
applying a respective electrical power to the heating element of an atomizer,
the step of
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determining the first and second heating temperatures comprises determining a
first
electrical power to be applied to the first atomizer 64 and a second
electrical power to be
applied to the second atomizer 66. In this case, the controller 40 is
configured for
determining a first electrical power to be applied to the first atomizer 64
and a second
5 electrical power to be applied to the second atomizer 66, based on the
measured pressure
or the measured flow rate.
[0098]
In one embodiment, the database comprises for each atomizer 64, 66,
electrical
power values each associated with a respective pressure value or a respective
flow rate
value. In this case and in order to determine the electrical power to be
applied to the
10 atomizers 64 and 66, the controller 40 accesses the database and
retrieves the electrical
power to be applied to the first atomizer 64 that corresponds to the measured
pressure or
measured flow rate and the electrical power to be applied to the second
atomizer 66 that
corresponds to the measured pressure or measured flow rate. In one embodiment,
the
electrical power values to be applied and their respective pressure or flow
rate values are
15 identical for the two atomizers 64 and 66. In this case, the database
comprises a single set
of electrical power values to be applied and corresponding pressure or flow
rate values. In
another embodiment, the electrical power values to be applied and their
respective pressure
or flow rate values are different for the two atomizers 64 and 66. In this
case, the database
comprises two sets of values, i.e., a first set of electrical power values to
be applied and
20 corresponding pressure or flow rate values for the first atomizer 64 and
a second set of
electrical power values to be applied and corresponding pressure or flow rate
values for the
second atomizer 66.
[0099]
After retrieving the first and second electrical powers that correspond to
the
measured pressure or flow rate, the controller 40 controls the power source 42
to provide
the first electrical power to the first atomizer 64, e.g., to the coil 102,
and the second
electrical power to the second atomizer 66, e.g., to the coil 112.
[01001
In one embodiment, the atomizers 64 and 66 are activated by the controller
40,
i.e., electrical power is provided to the atomizers 64 and 66, only when the
measured
pressure or flow rate is greater than a trigger threshold.
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[0101]
In one embodiment, the vaporization rates at which the first and second
vapors
are generated vary in time during an inhalation. In this case, the sensor 120
is configured
for measuring the pressure of the air or the flow rate of air substantially
continuously or at
different or successive time intervals. Each time it receives a new measured
pressure or
flow rate from the sensor 120, the controller 40 determines a new vaporization
rate for the
first atomizer 64 and a new vaporization rate for the second atomizer 66 based
on the newly
received measured pressure or flow rate.
[0102]
In one embodiment, the controller 40 is configured for comparing the newly
received pressure or flow rate to the previously received pressure or flow
rate. If the
absolute value of the difference between the newly received pressure or flow
rate and the
previously received pressure or flow rate is less than or equal to a
predefined threshold, the
controller 40 makes no adjustment and continues operating the first and second
atomizers
64 and 66 at the previously determined vaporization rates. If the absolute
value of the
difference between the newly received pressure or flow rate and the previously
received
pressure or flow rate is greater than the predefined threshold, the controller
40 determines
a new value for the first and second vaporization rates and controls the power
source 42 so
as that the first and second atomizers generate the first and second vapors at
the newly
determined vaporization rates, respectively.
[0103]
In one embodiment, the controller 40 is further configured for determining
the
amount of active substance being vaporized during the generation of the first
vapor. The
total amount of active substance that was vaporized during an inhalation is
referred to as a
total dose Dtot associated with the inhalation. Since the vaporization rate of
the first liquid,
and therefore the vaporization rate of the active substance contained in the
first liquid, may
vary in time during a given inhalation (because of a variation of measured
pressure or flow
rate), the total dose Dtot that was delivered during a given inhalation may be
seen as the
summation of different doses Dn delivered during the same given inhalation.
Each dose D11
corresponds to the amount of active substance that was vaporized at a
respective
vaporization rate K, during the time interval or time duration At, during
which the atomizer
was operated at the vaporization rate K. For example, during a given
inhalation that last
two seconds, the user may inhales vapor with a first inhalation strength
during a first
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duration Ati of the inhalation and then inhales vapor at a second and
different inhalation
strength during the remaining time At2 of the inhalation. In this case, the
sensor 120
measured a first pressure of flow rate during the first duration Ati and a
second and different
pressure of flow rate during the second duration first duration At2.
Therefore, the controller
40 then determines a first vaporization rate Kt associated with the first
duration and a
second vaporization rate K2 associated with the second duration At2. The dose
Di of active
substance that was delivered during the first duration At] is then equal to:
C*Ki*Ati , where
C is the concentration of active substance in the first liquid. Similarly, the
dose D2 of active
substance that was delivered during the second duration At2 is then equal to:
C*K2*At2.
The total dose Dtot delivered during the given inhalation is then equal to:
D1+D2.
[0104]
More generally, when the inhalation strength varies T times during a given
inhalation having a duration of At, the total dose Dtot of active substance
that was vaporized
during the given inhalation can be expressed as follows:
Dtot Dn = Ki,CA tn
n=1 n=1
with At = tn
n=1
where Kn is the vaporization rate of the first liquid during the duration Atm
[0105]
In one embodiment, the above-described control method allows to adjust the
amount of active substance provided to the user to his need for the active
substance. It is
usually assumed that the more a user needs the active substance, the greater
the strength of
the inhalation will be. By measuring the pressure of air or the flow rate of
the air during an
inhalation, it is possible to indirectly measure the strength of the
inhalation. In one
embodiment, the greater the measured pressure or flow rate is, the greater the
associated
vaporization rate is. In this case, it is possible to increase the amount of
active substance
provided to the user when the measured pressure or flow rate is important by
providing
more electrical energy to the atomizer 64 and thereby heating the wick 100 at
a greater
temperature.
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[0106]
In one embodiment, the controller 40 is configured for calculating the
total
amount of active substance being vaporized during an inhalation, i.e., as the
inhalation is
being performed, and comparing the calculated amount to a maximal amount to be
vaporized. As soon as the total amount of active substance that was vaporized
during the
inhalation reaches the maximal amount, the controller 40 stops the operation
of the first
atomizer 64 so that the first liquid is no longer vaporized and the user no
longer inhales the
active substance while continuing the operation of the second atomizer 66 as
long as the
user inhales vapor. As a result, while he continues inhaling vapor after the
maximal amount
of active substance has been reached, the user no longer inhales the active
substance since
only the second atomizer 66 operates and the second liquid is active substance
free.
[0107] For example, the maximal amount of active substance may be associate
with a
given time period such as one hour. In this case, the maximal amount
represents the
maximal amount of active substance that can be vaporized during the given
period time
independently of the number of inhalations performed by the user during the
given period
of time. This allows for limiting the amount of active substance to be
delivered to the user
during the given period of time since only vapor containing no active
substance will be
generated for the remaining of the given time period as soon as the maximal
amount of
active substance has been vaporized.
[0408]
Referring back to Figs. 2 and 3, it should be understood that the design of
the
device 10 may vary. For example, the position of the sensor 120 along the air
path within
the device 10 as long as the sensor 120 may adequately measure the pressure or
the flow
rate of the air flowing into the device 10. Similarly, the shape and/or
position of the air path
within the device 10 may vary. For example, the position of the inlet 48 may
vary.
[0109]
Fig. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a vaporization device 200 which
comprises
a main portion 212 and a cartridge 214 which are removably securable or
selectively
couplable together. In view of the similarities between the devices 10 and
200, the elements
that are identical between the devices 10 and 200 will not be described in the
following.
The main portion 212 comprises a body 220 provided with an internal cavity for
receiving
therein different components. The main portion further comprises a half
conduct 240 which
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extends from a lateral face thereof. The half conduct 240 extends
transversally along a
given portion of the body 220. The body 220 further comprises a conduct 242
which is in
fluidic communication with the half conduct 240 and extends longitudinally
along a given
section of the body 220 towards the bottom end of the body 220. The main
portion 212
further comprises a pressure sensor 244 which is positioned so as to measure
the pressure
within the conduct 242.
[01101
The cartridge 214 comprises a body 230 in which two reservoirs 60 and 62, a
mixing chamber 70 and two atomizers 64 and 66 are contained. The cartridge 214
further
comprises a half conduct 250 which extends from a lateral face of the body
230. The half
conduct 250 extends transversally along a given portion of the body 230 and is
in fluidic
communication with the two atomizers 64 and 66.
[0111]
When the main portion 212 and the cartridge 214 are connected together, the
half conduct 240 and the half conduct 250 connect together to form a full
conduct which
extends from an inlet 252 located at the interface between the main portion
212 and the
cartridge 214.
[0112]
In operation, air enters the device 200 via the inlet 252 and propagates up
to the
two atomizers 64 and 66 via the full conduct formed by the two half conducts
240 and 250.
The flow of air in the full conduct creates a negative pressure in the conduct
242 which is
measured by the sensor 244.
[0113] The
controller 40 then controls the operation of the atomizers 64 and 66 based
on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 244, as described above.
[01141
In one embodiment, the sensor 120, 244 may be omitted. In this case, the
controller 40 operates the first and second atomizers 64 and 66 each at a
respective
predefined vaporization rate which does not depend on any measured pressure or
flow rate.
The predefined vaporization rate for the first and/or second liquid may vary
in time during
an inhalation and/or from one inhalation to another. Alternatively, the device
10, 200 may
only comprise the first reservoir 60 containing the first liquid provided with
the active
substance and the first atomizer 64 and the second reservoir 62 and the second
atomizer 66
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may be omitted. In this case, the controller 40 operates the only reservoir
containing the
first liquid using a predefined vaporization rate.
[91.15]
In an embodiment in which the device 10, 200 comprises a sensor 120, 244
and
the controller 40 controls the vaporization of the first and second liquids as
described
5
above, the person skilled in the art that atomizers other than the atomizers
64 and 66 may
be used and/or the atomizers 64 and 66 may have a different position relative
to the
reservoirs 60 and 62. For example, the atomizers 64 and 66 could be located
within their
respective reservoir 60, 62.
[0116]
In one embodiment, the power source 42 comprises at least one battery and
10
electrical circuitry and may also comprise power control circuitry, current
sensing circuitry,
voltage sensing circuitry, charging interface, battery charging circuity,
and/or the like. In
one embodiment, the cavity of the main portion 12 in which the battery is
located is
enclosed and non-accessible. In this case, the battery may be a rechargeable
battery and the
main portion 12 is provided with a connector for recharging the battery. In
another
15 embodiment, the cavity may be accessed by removing a cover for example.
[0117]
In one embodiment, the wick 100, 110 is made of cotton, absorbent nonwoven
fabric, polyplastic foam, silica, viscose or the like.
[01.1.8]
In embodiment in which the reservoir 60, 62 is provided with a porous
element
therein, the porous element is made of cotton, absorbent nonwoven fabric,
polyplastic
20 foam, silica, viscose or the like.
[0119]
In one embodiment, the reservoirs 60 and 62 have the same volume. In
another
embodiment, the reservoir 60 and 62 have a different volume.
[01 20]
In some embodiments, the cartridge 14, 214 further has a first liquid
temperature
sensor arranged to sense a temperature of the first liquid in the first
reservoir 60, the first
25
liquid temperature sensor being in electrical connection with the controller
40 when the
cartridge 14, 214 is connected to the main body 12, 212.
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[0121]
In some embodiments, the cartridge 14, 214 further has a second liquid
temperature sensor arranged to sense a temperature of the second liquid in the
second
reservoir 62, the second liquid temperature sensor being in electrical
connection with the
controller when the cartridge 14, 214 is connected to the main body 12, 212.
[0122] In some
embodiments, the cartridge 14, 214 further comprises a non-transitory
information storage medium that, when the cartridge 14, 214 is connected to
the main body
12, 212, is electrical communication with and readable by the controller 40.
[01231
In some embodiments, the information storage medium of the cartridge 14,
214
contains information readable by the controller 40 related to at least one of
the first liquid
and the second liquid and to enable a determination of authenticity of the
cartridge 14, 214.
[0124]
In some embodiments, the device 10, 200 includes a temperature sensor for
sensing a temperature of ambient air entering the device 10, 200.
[0125]
In some embodiments, the device 10, 200 may include a user-input sensor.
The
user-input sensor may be composed of an accelerometer in communication with
the
controller 40. In another embodiment, the user-input sensor may be a
gyroscope. For
example, when a user wants to use the device 10, 200, the user may unlock the
device 10,
200 using the user-input sensor with a finger tap.
[0126]
In one embodiment, the bodies 20, 220 and 30, 230 may be formed from a
thermoplastic material (e.g., high-temperature thermoplastic material).
Generally, the
bodies 20, 220 and 30, 230 may be formed from a food-safe, chemical (e.g.,
oil) resistant
material. Exemplary materials may include polycarbonate or ABS.
[0127]
In some embodiments, the cartridge 14, 214 may be configured as a
disposable
component of the device 10, 200. For example the cartridge 14, 214 may be
disposed by
end user when the cartridge 14, 214 no longer contains enough of at least one
of the first
and second liquids. However, rather than having the user physically refill the
cartridge 14,
214, the user may purchase a new cartridge 14, 214 for use with the device 10,
200.
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[0128]
In some embodiments, the cartridge 14, 214 may be self-destructing. In
other
words, the cartridge 14, 214 may be configured such that a user cannot tamper
with the
cartridge 14, 214 (e.g., refill or re-use the cartridge 14, 214, take liquid
out of the cartridge
14, 214, etc.).
[0129] In one
embodiment, the controller 40 comprises at least one processing unit or
processor and an internal data storage unit such as a memory. Instructions
configured for
executing the above-described control method are stored on the data storage
unit and the
control method is performed when the instructions are executed by the
processor.
[0130]
In some embodiments, the device 10, 200 comprises a printed circuit board
which may include at least one or more of power management unit, current
sensing
circuitry, voltage sensing circuitry, charging interface, battery charging
circuitry, network
interface (e.g., radio frequency identification (RFID) module, near-field
communication
(NFC) module, BluetoothTM module, low-energy BluetoothTM (BLE) module, WiFiTM
adapter, ZigBeeTM module, etc.), a microcontroller, information storage medium
and one
or more safety mechanisms.
[0131] [0148]
In some embodiments, the temperature of the heating elements of
the atomizers 64 and 66 may be measured using the resistance change of the
heating
elements, and implementing a feedback loop with the controller 40 to adjust
the power
output to meet the target temperature (e. g., proportional-integral-derivative
(PID) control
loop). In some embodiments, power management unit may be a metal oxide silicon
field
effect transistor (MOSFET). The amount of power provided by the power source
42 to the
atomizers 64 and 66 affects the amount of aerosolized liquids (vapors)
produced by the
cartridge 14, 214.
[0132]
In some embodiments, the controller 40 may extract (fetch) information
contained in the information storage medium of the cartridge 12, 212 when the
cartridge
12, 212 and the main body 14, 214 are coupled. The information extracted may
be the
contents of at least one liquid of the liquid reservoirs 60 and 62, or the
authenticity of the
cartridge 12, 21. If the contents of at least one liquid reservoir 60, 62 is
sufficiently
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depleted, or if the cartridge 12, 212 is not authentic, the controller 40 may
prevent the
activation of atomizers 64 and 66.
[9133]
The present technology is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the preceding
description or
illustrated in the drawings. The present technology is capable of other
embodiments and of
being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology
and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as
limiting. The use of "including", "comprising", or "having", "containing",
"involving" and
variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter
as well as,
optionally, additional items. In the description the same numerical references
refer to
similar elements.
[0134]
It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended
claims, the
singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context
clearly dictates
otherwise.
[.0135] As used
herein, the terms "about", "generally", "substantially" or the like in the
context of a given value or range, etc. refers to a value or range, etc. that
is within 20%,
preferably within 10%, and more preferably within 5% of the given value or
range.
[0136]
As used herein, the term "and/or" is to be taken as specific disclosure of
each of
the two specified features or components with or without the other. For
example, "A and/or
B" is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of (i) A, (ii) B and (iii) A
and B, just as if
each is set out individually herein.
[0137]
Modifications and improvements to the above-described implementations of
the
present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The
foregoing
description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting.
CA 03200040 2023- 5- 24
