Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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VAPORIZER APPARATUS HAVING REVERSIBLE
HEAD AND RELATED METHODS
RELATED APPLICATION
10001] This application claims priority to U.S.
provisional Patent Application Serial
No. 62/951,563 filed December 20, 2019, the entire contents of which are
incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to
equipment used for vaporizing
materials to emit a vapor for inhalation, and, more particularly to portable
vaporizers for
personal use.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Vaporizer apparatuses may heat materials to
create a vapor containing one
or more desired extracted ingredients. Materials that may be vaporized
include, but are not
limited to, dried plant material such as herbs, liquid-based compositions such
as oils, and
wax-based compositions. Such materials may be referred to as "vaping
materials" herein.
The vapor generated from such materials can then be delivered to a user by
inhalation
during a "vaping" session_
[0004] Portable vaporizer apparatuses for personal
use may be assembled from
basic parts such as a mouthpiece, a vaporizing chamber for holding a material
for
vaporizing, a heater, a battery, etc_ When the material for vaporizing is
depleted, the
vaporizer apparatus may be refilled. However, repeated refilling of the
vaporizer apparatus
may require that a user must assemble and disassemble these various parts over
and over
again, which can result in parts being lost. In addition, the mouthpiece may
be exposed
when the vaporizer apparatus is not in use between "vaping" sessions. This can
be
unhygienic for a user to position his or her mouth on the mouthpiece during a
subsequent
"vaping" session and can possibly lead to the unintentional inhalation of
materials that may
have fallen into the mouthpiece.
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SUMMARY
[0005] According to an aspect, there is provided a
vaporizer apparatus, comprising:
a body comprising a first electrical connector; a head attachable to the body
in an
operational position and in a non-operational position, the head comprising a
second
electrical connector and a mouthpiece portion defining a suction opening;
wherein the
second electrical connector engages the first electrical connector in the
operable position,
and the first electrical connector is at least partially received in the
suction opening in the
non-operational position.
[0006] In some embodiments, the head further
comprises at least one heater, each
at least one heater defining a respective chamber for holding at least one
material to be
vaporized and comprising at least one heating element operable to vaporize the
at least one
material in the chamber.
[0007] In some embodiments, the head is operable to
receive power from the base
to vaporize the at least one material when the second electrical connector
engages the first
electrical connector in the operable position.
[0008] In some embodiments, the head comprises a
cartridge, the cartridge
comprising the at least one chamber and the at least one heating element.
[0009] In some embodiments, the cartridge is
removable and replaceable.
[0010] In some embodiments, the at least one heater
comprises at least one dry
herb oven.
[0011] In some embodiments, the first electrical
connector is a male connector
projecting from the body, and the second electrical connector of the head is a
female
connector.
[0012] In some embodiments, the body comprises a
docking bay, and the head
docks in the docking bay in the operable and non-operable positions, the first
electrical
connector being positioned in the docking bay.
[0013] In some embodiments, the head has a first
end and a second end opposite to
the first end, the head comprising a core section, wherein the mouthpiece
portion extending
from the core section at the first end, and the second electrical connector is
disposed at the
second end.
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[0014] In some embodiments, the head comprises a
central vapor passage that
extends into the head from the suction opening, and at least one side vapor
passage that
connects to the central vapor passage proximate the suction opening, the at
least one side
vapor passage providing fluid communication between the central passage and
the at least
one heater, the first electrical connector being received in the central
passage when the
head is attached in the non-operable position.
[0016] In some embodiments, the apparatus further
comprises a processor
configured to, when the head is in the operable position, obtain data
indicating one or more
characteristics of the head.
[0016] In some embodiments, the apparatus further
comprises a processor
configured to, when the head is in the operable position, obtain data
indicating one or more
characteristics of the head, wherein the one or more characteristics of the
head comprise
one or more characteristics of the at least one heater.
[0017] In some embodiments, the head comprises at
least one reservoir for storing
at least one material to be vaporized, and the one or more characteristics of
the head
comprise an identity of the one or more materials to be vaporized.
[0018] In some embodiments, the one or more
characteristics of the head comprise
a remaining amount of the one or more materials to be vaporized in the at
least one
reservoir.
[0019] In some embodiments, the at least one
reservoir comprises a first reservoir
and a second reservoir, and the at least one material comprises a first
material stored in the
first reservoir and a second material stored in the second reservoir.
[0020] In some embodiments, the one or more
characteristics of the head comprise
an orientation of the head, or a cartridge in the head, relative to the base.
[0021] In some embodiments, the first electrical
connector comprises an electrical
contact, the position of the electrical contact relative to the second
electrical connector
indicating the orientation of the cartridge.
[0022] In some embodiments, obtaining the one or
more characteristics of the
cartridge comprises determining that one of the at least one reservoir is
empty or below a
threshold.
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[0023] In some embodiments, the body comprises the
processor.
[0024] According to another aspect, there is
provided a method for a vaporizer
apparatus comprising a body and a head that is attachable to the body in an
operational
position and in a non-operational position, the method comprising: detecting
that the head is
attached to the body in the operational position; and while the head is in the
operational
position, obtaining data indicating one or more characteristics of the head.
[0025] In some embodiments, the one or more
characteristics of the head comprise
at least one of: an orientation of the head; and an identity of at least one
material for
vaporization in the head.
[0026] Other aspects and features of the present
disclosure will become apparent, to
those ordinarily skilled in the art, upon review of the following description
of the specific
embodiments of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The present disclosure will be better
understood having regard to the
drawings in which:
[0028] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of
an example vaporizer apparatus
according to some embodiments;
[0029] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a body of
the vaporizer apparatus of Figure
1 in isolation;
[0030] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an inner
body portion of the body of Figure 2
in isolation;
[0031] Figure 4 is a first side perspective view
of a head of the vaporizer apparatus
of Figure 1;
[0032] Figure 5 is a second side perspective view
of a head of the vaporizer
apparatus of Figure 1;
[0033] Figure 6A is an exploded perspective view
of the head of Figures 4 and 5;
[0034] Figure 6B is a partial perspective view of
the head of Figures 4 to 6A;
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[0035] Figures 7 is a side perspective view of the
vaporizer apparatus of Figure 1
with the head attached to the body in an operational position;
[0036] Figure 8 is a side view of the vaporizer
apparatus of Figure 7;
[0037] Figure 9 is a front end view of the
vaporizer apparatus of Figures 7 and 8;
[0038] Figure 10 is a rear end view of the
vaporizer apparatus of Figures 7 to 9;
[0039] Figures 11 is a perspective view of the
vaporizer apparatus of Figures 1 and
7 to 10 with the head attached to the body in a non-operational position;
[0040] Figure 12 is a front end view of the
vaporizer apparatus of Figure 11;
[0041] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the
vaporizer apparatus of Figures 1 and 7
to 12 with the head in the operational position and an outer housing removed;
[0042] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the
vaporizer apparatus of Figure 13 with
the head in a partially ejected position;
[0043] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the
vaporizer apparatus of Figures 1 and 7
to 14 with the head in the non-operational position and an outer housing
removed;
[0044] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the
vaporizer apparatus of Figure 15 with
the head in another partially ejected position;
[0045] Figure 17 is a functional block diagram of
the example vaporizer apparatus of
Figures 1 and 7 to 16;
[0046] Figure 18 is an enlarged partial side view
of the vaporizer apparatus of
Figures 1 and 7 to 17;
[0047] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional partial view
of the vaporizer apparatus of
Figures 1 and 7 to 18 with a cartridge removed and the head in the operational
position;
[0048] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional partial view
of the vaporizer apparatus of
Figures 1 and 7 to 19 with the cartridge removed and showing the head in the
non-
operational position;
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[0049] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional partial view
of the vaporizer apparatus of
Figures 1 and 7 to 20 showing the cartridge within the head and the head in
the operational
position;
[0050] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional partial view
of the apparatus of Figure 211 but
showing the head in the non-operational position;
[0051] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional partial view
of the vaporizer apparatus of
Figures 1 and 7 to 22 with the head in the operational position;
[0052] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional partial view
of the apparatus of Figure 23, but
with the head in a position reversed about a longitudinal axis;
[0053] Figure 25 is a perspective view of another
example body for a vaporizer
apparatus according to some embodiments;
[0054] Figures 26 is a perspective view of another
inner body portion for a vaporizer
apparatus according to some embodiments;
[0055] Figures 27 is a top view the inner body
portion of Figure 26;
[0056] Figures 28 is a perspective view of another
inner body portion for a vaporizer
apparatus according to some embodiments;
[0057] Figures 29 is a top view the inner body
portion of Figure 28;
[0058] Figure 30 is a bottom perspective view of a
head for a vaporizer apparatus
according to some embodiments;
[0059] Figure 31 is a functional block diagram of
another example vaporizer
apparatus according to some embodiments;
[0060] Figure 32 is a cross-sectional partial view
of the vaporizer apparatus of
Figure 31 showing the cartridge within the head and the head in the
operational position;
[0061] Figure 33 is a cross-sectional partial view
of the apparatus of Figure 32, but
showing the head in the non-operational position;
[0062] Figure 34 is a functional block diagram of
another example vaporizer
apparatus according to some embodiments;
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[0063] Figure 35 is a cross-sectional partial view
of the vaporizer apparatus of
Figure 34 showing the cartridge within the head and the head in the
operational position;
[0064] Figure 36 is a cross-sectional partial view
of the apparatus of Figure 37, but
showing the head in the non-operational position;
[0065] Figure 37 is a flowchart of a method for a
vaporizer apparatus according to
some embodiments; and
[0066] Figure 38 is a flowchart of another method
for a vaporizer apparatus
according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0067] Aspects of the disclosure are not limited
to the particular embodiments
described herein. Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular
embodiments only and variations to the described embodiments may be made
without
departing from the scope of the claims.
[0068] As used herein the terms "a," "an," and
"the" may include plural referents
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0069] It is to be understood that directional or
relative terms such as "foiwardT',
"front", "rearward", "back", "vertical", "horizontal", "side", "top", "bottom"
and the like are used
for ease of description and illustrative purposes, and such terms to not limit
embodiments
described herein to a particular orientation during use or normal operation.
[0070] The present disclosure relates to vaporizer
apparatuses and related methods.
The term "vaporizer apparatus" may refer to any device configured to vaporize
a material to
produce a vapor to be inhaled by a user. The term "portable vaporizer
apparatus" may refer
to any vaporizer apparatus that is able to be carried by a user for portable
use, such as
vaporizer pens, portable dry herb vaporizers, electronic cigarettes, etc.
Portable vaporizer
apparatuses may be configured for use with one or more vaping materials
including dried
plant material such as herbs, liquid-based compositions such as oils, wax-
based
compositions, etc.
[0071] Aspects of the disclosure may provide a
closed-loop vaporizer comprising a
cartridge or "pod" having one or more materials for vaporizing and a
mouthpiece portion.
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The cartridge may be removed and reversed to protect the mouthpiece portion of
the
vaporizer.
[0072] Figure 1 is an exploded view of an example
vaporizer apparatus 100
according to some embodiments. The vaporizer apparatus 100 includes a body 102
and a
head 104. The head 104 is removably attachable to the body 102 in an
operational position
and in a non-operational position. The head 104 comprises a mouthpiece portion
106 that
defines a suction opening 108 therein. The term "operational position" refers
to a position in
which the vaporizer apparatus 100 is capable of operation for vaporizing and
inhalation of a
vapor from the suction opening 108. The operational position of the example
vaporizer
apparatus 100 is shown in Figures 7 to 10. The term "non-operational position"
refers to a
position in which the vaporizer apparatus 100 is not operable for vaporizing
and inhalation of
a vapor from the suction opening 108. The operational position of the example
vaporizer
apparatus 100 is shown in Figures 11 and 12. In this embodiment, the
mouthpiece portion
106 is exposed in the operational position and covered in the non-operational
position, as
will be discussed in more detail below.
[0073] Referring again to Figure 1, the body 102
in this embodiment comprises a
docking bay 107 configured to receive the head 104 such that the head 104 is
docked in the
docking bay 107 in the operational and non-operational positions. The body 102
includes a
first electrical connector 113 and the head 104 includes a second electrical
connector 115
(visible in Figures 6 and 7). The first electrical connector 113 engages the
second electrical
connector 115 (shown in Figure 5) when the head 104 is attached to the body
102 in the
operational position. In the non-operational position, the first electrical
connector 113 is at
least partially received in the suction opening 108. The first and second
electrical connectors
113 and 115, when engaged, allow for communication of electrical power from
the body 102
to the head 104 for vaporizing the materials stored in the head 104. Data
and/or control
signaling may also be communicated through the first and second electrical
connectors 113
and 115.
[0074] The body 102 optionally includes an inner
body portion 111 and an outer
housing 112. In the example embodiment of Figure 1, the outer housing 112 is
generally
tubular and the inner body portion 111 is slidably received in the outer
housing 112 such
that the outer housing at least partially covers the inner body portion 111.
The inner body
portion 111 is slidable for longitudinal movement relative to the outer
housing 112.
[0075] The head 104 in this embodiment holds
therein at least one material to be
vaporized. The head 104 also includes at least one heater for vaporizing the
material, as will
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be discussed in more detail herein with reference to Figure 17. The term
"heater" as used
herein may refer to any device or means that transforms a vaping material into
a vapor. For
example, the heater may be an atomizer or oven. For dry herb oven embodiments,
a heater
may include a chamber for holding the material and a heating element that
vaporizes the
material held in the chamber. For liquid vaping material embodiments, a heater
may include
a vaporizing chamber that receives the liquid material from a storage
reservoir and a heating
element that vaporizes the material in the vaporizing chamber. The vaporizer
apparatus 100
of Figure 1 is a liquid vaping material type apparatus, as will be explained
in more detail
below.
[0076] In the operational position, the head 104
may receive power from the body
102 to vaporize the at least one vaping material. The head 104 in this example
optionally
includes a cartridge 134 (shown in Figure 6A) for storing the at least one
vaping material.
The cartridge contains components for vaporizing the material to form at least
one vapor, as
will be described below. The cartridge 134 is removable and replaceable. In
some
embodiments, the vaporizer apparatus 100 may be provided without the cartridge
134 and
the cartridge 134 may be provided separately.
[0077] The head 104 in this embodiment also
includes an internal chamber 186
(shown in Figure 6B) that receives the cartridge 134 and closure member 136
that is
removable to provide access to the chamber 186. The second electrical
connector 115
(shown in Figure 5) is attached to the closure member 136 in this embodiment.
[0078] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the body
102 of the vaporizer apparatus 100
of Figure 1 in isolation. The body 102 in this embodiment is elongate having a
front end 103
and an opposite rear end 105. The body 102 has a generally rectangular-prism
shape in this
embodiment, although embodiments are not limited to any particular shape of
the body 102.
For example, the body may be generally cylindrical, puck-shaped, or any other
shape
suitable for portable use.
[0079] The docking bay 107 is in the form of a
recess in the front end 103. In this
embodiment, the docking bay 107 has an inner surface 139 and defines an
opening 110 at
the front end 103 of the body 102 for receiving the head 104 (shown in Figure
1) therein.
Embodiments are not limited to any particular shape or configuration of the
docking bay 107.
In other embodiments, the docking bay 107 may be omitted.
[0080] The first electrical connector 113 (shown
in Figure 3) is disposed within the
docking bay 107 in this example. In this example, the body 102 comprises the
inner body
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portion 111 and the outer housing 112 that at least partially covers the inner
body portion
111. The outer housing 112 is tubular with the inner body portion 111 being
slidably
received therein. The outer housing 112 extends past a front end of the inner
body portion
111, thereby forming the docking bay 107 at the front end 103 of the body 102.
[0081] The outer housing 112 has a side 116 that
defines a slot 114 therein. The slot
is positioned intermediate the front end 103 and the rear end 105. The inner
body portion
111 in this example comprises a button 118 that is received in the slot 114
and is
longitudinally movable therein. The sliding movement of the inner body portion
111 relative
to the outer housing 112 may be limited by travel of the button 118 within the
slot 114.
However, other physical stops may be employed to restrict travel of the inner
body portion
111 to less than the full length of the slot 114.
[0082] The body 102 also comprises a visual
indicator 162 to convey information
about a mode of operation of the vaporizer apparatus 100. The visual indicator
162 in the
form of a plurality of LEDs on the inner body portion 111 adjacent the button
118. The LEDs
162 may be visible through slot 114.
[0083] The inner body portion 111 is longitudinally
movable between a rearward
position shown in Figure 2 and a forward position shown in Figures 14 and 16.
In the
rearward position, a rear end 120 of the inner body portion protrudes from the
outer housing
112 at the rear end 105 of the body 102. To move the inner body portion 111 to
the forward
position, a user may hold the outer housing 112 and press on the rear end 120
of the inner
body portion 111 to slide the inner body portion 111 forward relative to the
outer housing
112.
[0084] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the inner
body portion 111 in isolation and
shows the first electrical connector 113. The first electrical connector 113
is in the form of a
male-type connector that projects from a front end 126 of the inner body
portion 111.
[0085] The button 118 may be depressed by a user to
provide input to control the
vaporizer device. The button 118 may receive input to activate the head 104 to
vaporize the
materials held therein. Thus, upon pressing the button 118, power to drive the
vaporization
may be provided from the body 102 to the head 104 when the head 104 is in the
operational
position. The visual indicator (LEDs) 162 are also visible in Figure 3 and are
positioned on
the inner body portion 111 near the button 118 in this embodiment. The inner
body portion
111 may include a power source and other circuitry (such as components of the
body 102
shown in Figure 17 and discussed below).
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[0086] Figures 4 and 5 are first side and second
side perspective views,
respectively, of the head 104 of the vaporizer apparatus 100 of Figure 1. The
head 104 in
this embodiment comprises a core section 130, which is generally block-shaped
having a
first end 131 and a second end 133. The core section 130 is shaped to be at
least partially
received within the docking bay 107 of the body 102 shown in Figure 2. The
mouthpiece
portion 106 extends from the core section 130 at the first end 131. The
closure member 136
is positioned at the second end 133. The mouthpiece portion 106 in this
example tapers
from the full width and height of the core section 130 to a size only slightly
larger than the
suction opening 108. However, embodiments are not limited to the particular
shape or
configuration of the head 104 shown in Figures 4 and 5.
[0087] The core section 130 of the head 104
optionally includes a first window 132a
and a second window 132b. These windows 132a and 132b may allow a user to view
an
amount of remaining material (e.g. oil) in the head 104.
[0088] Figure 5 shows the second electrical
connector 115. The second electrical
connector 115 is in the form of a female-type connector that engages the first
electrical
connector 113 (Figure 3). The closure member 136 defines an opening 137 with
the second
electrical connector 115 positioned therein. The second electrical connector
115 and the
suction opening 108 of the mouthpiece portion 106 are disposed at opposing
ends of the
head 104 and generally aligned with the central longitudinal axis 181 in this
example.
However, embodiments are not limited to any particular configuration of the
head 104,
including the second electrical connector 115 and the mouthpiece portion 106.
The shape,
size, or other configuration details of the head 104 may vary in other
embodiments.
[0089] The head 104 may include one or more
elements to releasably secure the
head 104 in the docking bay 107 of the body 102 (shown in Figure 2). In this
example, the
head 104 includes two flexible raised protrusions 138a and 138b, one on each
side (140,
142) of the head 104. The protrusions 138a and 138b function as "snaps" and
may engage
corresponding depressions within the inner surface 139 of the docking bay 107
(shown in
Figure 2). Sufficient force on the head 104 (e.g. by pushing the rear end 120
of the inner
body portion 111 shown in Figure 2) may disengage the protrusions 138. Other
securing
means, such as a catch mechanism or a friction fit, may alternatively be used
to releasably
secure the head 104 to the body 102.
[0090] Figure 6A is an exploded perspective view
of the head 104 of Figures 4 and
5. The head 104 in this embodiment includes a removable cartridge 134 (or
"pod") that is
held within the head 104_ In other embodiments, the cartridge 134 may be
partially exposed
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when connected to the head 104. In still other embodiments, the cartridge 134
may be
omitted and components of the cartridge 134 may instead be integral with the
head 104 and
not removable.
[0091] The cartridge 134 is configured to store at
least one material to be vaporized.
In this example, the cartridge 134 is also configured to vaporize the at least
one material.
The core section 130 of the head 104 defines the inner chamber 186 (shown in
Figure 6B)
that receives and holds the cartridge 134. The closure member 136 is an end
cap in this
embodiment that covers an opening 129 to the inner chamber 186 at the second
end 133 of
the core section 130. With the closure member 136 removed, the cartridge 134
may be
inserted into, or removed from, the core section 130 through the opening 129
at the second
end 133.
[0092] The cartridge 134 in this example is a "dual-
cartridge" embodiment that
separately stores first and second vaping materials for producing first and
second vapors.
The dual cartridge 134 includes first and second reservoirs 150a and 150b
(shown in
Figures 17, 21 and 22) that store the first and second materials. The
reservoirs 150a and
150b store liquid materials (e.g. oil-based compositions) in this embodiment.
However, other
types of storage chambers other than reservoirs for liquid materials may be
used in other
embodiments. For example, rather than liquid storing reservoirs, the vaporizer
apparatus
may comprise a storage chamber for a dry material such as dried plant
material.
[0093] The cartridge 134 also includes first and
second vaporizing chambers 152a
and 152b (also shown in Figures 17, 21 and 22) for vaporizing the first and
second
materials. First and second vapor flow passages 197a and 197b of the dual
cartridge 134
are shown in Figure 17. The passages 197a and 197b extend to airflow outlets
146a and
146b of the cartridge 134. The first and second air flow passages 146a and
146b provide a
pathway for vapor flow from the first and second vaporizing chambers 152a and
152b to the
mouthpiece portion 106 when the cartridge 134 is received in the head 104.
Thus, the
suction opening 108 is in fluid communication with the vaporizing chambers
152a and 152b
when the cartridge 134 is received in the head 104.
[0094] Though not illustrated in Figure 6A, an
outer wall 145 of the cartridge 134
may be at least partially translucent or substantially transparent to allow a
user to see the
remaining volume of the first and second materials within the reservoirs 150a
and 150b of
the cartridge 134. Alternatively, one or more windows may be provided in the
outer wall 145
to provide visibility of the reservoirs 150a and 150b.
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[0095] The head 104 also includes a Printed Circuit
Board Assembly (PCBA) 144
operably connected to the second electrical connector 115. The second
electrical connector
115 is coupled to the PCBA 144 in this embodiment. The PCBA may attach to the
closure
member 136 and forms an interface between the second electrical connector 115
and the
cartridge 134. The cartridge 134 may include electrical contacts (not shown)
that operably
couple to the PCBA 144 when the cartridge 134 is held in the head 104. The
PCBA 144 may
include circuitry to activate and/or control vaporization in the first and
second vaporizing
chambers 152a and 152b (Figure 17) responsive to power and/or signaling from
the body
102. The PCBA 144 may also include memory or an electronic tag including
information
about the cartridge 134.
[0096] The closure member 136 has an inner face 147
with an upstanding ridge 149
thereon. The upstanding ridge 149 exlends about the opening 137. The second
electrical
connector 115 is received in the opening 137. The closure member 136 also
includes first
and second cantilevers 148a and 148b that engage the core section 130 to
secure the
closure member 136 to the core section 130. Embodiments are not limited to
this particular
arrangement of the closure member 136, the PCBA 144 or the second electrical
connector
115. Any suitable arrangement for coupling the cartridge 134 to receive power
and/or
signaling from the body 102 may be used.
[0097] The head 104 may also be configured to
receive two separate cartridges (in
place of the dual cartridge 134 shown), each having a respective reservoir
storing a
respective material for vaporizing. The two separate cartridges may each
further include a
respective vaporizing chamber and respective heating element for vaporizing
material in the
corresponding vaporizing chamber.
[0098] Figure 6B is a partial, enlarged,
perspective view of the head 104 of Figures 4
to 6A. The cartridge 134 may include one or more alignment elements to help
ensure that
the cartridge is inserted in a desired orientation in the core section 130.
This may assist with
identification of what material is in which half of the cartridge 134 because
the orientation of
the cartridge 134 in the head 104 may be known. In this embodiment, the
cartridge includes
a raised tab 141 that is received in a recessed rail 143 in the surface 157 of
the chamber
186
[0099] Figures 7 to 10 are perspective, side, front
end and rear end views,
respectively, of the vaporizer apparatus 100 of Figure 1 with the head 104
attached to the
body 102 in the operational position. Figures 11 and 12 are perspective and
front end views
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of the vaporizer apparatus 100 with the head 104 attached to the body 102 in
the non-
operational position.
[00100] The head 104 releasably engages the front
end 103 of the body 102 for both
the "operational" and "non-operational" positions. The head 104 is reversible
such that the
"operational" position of the head 104 is axially reversed relative to the
"non-operational"
position, where the term "axially" refers to a longitudinal axis of the
vaporizer apparatus 100.
In the operational position (Figures 7 to 10), the mouthpiece portion 106 is
exposed and a
user may draw vapor through the suction opening 108. In the non-operational
position
(Figures 11 and 12), the mouthpiece portion 106 of the head is received in the
docking bay
107 (shown in Figure 2) of the body 102 and is not accessible. The mouthpiece
portion 106
may be at least partially protected from debris and contaminants from the
outside
environment when the head 104 is in the non-operational position.
[00101] For a "vaping" session, a user can position
the head 104 in the "operational
position" shown in Figures 7 to 10. To do so, the user may insert the core
section 130
(shown in Figures 4 to 6B) of the head 104 into the docking bay 107 (shown in
Figure 2),
with the head 104 oriented such that the mouthpiece portion 106 faces away
from the body
102 and the first electrical connector 113 is engaged with the second
electrical connector
115.
[00102] When the head 104 is in the operational
position, in this embodiment, the
vaporizer apparatus 100 is activatable to vaporize the material within the
cartridge 134
(shown in Figures 6A and 6B). This engagement of the first and second
electrical
connectors 113 and 115 allows power andtor signalling (e.g. control signals)
to be
communicated between the body 102 and the head 104. For example, the body 102
may
include a power source (e.g. battery) and power from the power source may be
provided to
one or more heating elements 154a and 154b (shown in Figure 17) in the
cartridge 134 to
vaporize the material(s) in the vaporizing chambers 152a and 152b (shown in
Figure 17) of
the cartridge 134 of the head 104 to generate vapor. Conversely, removing the
head 104
from the docking bay 107 disengages the first and second electrical connectors
113 and 115
such that the heating elements 154a and 154b cannot be activated.
[00103] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the
vaporizer apparatus 100 with the head
104 in the operational position, but with the outer housing 112 removed so
that the inner
body portion 111 and first electrical connector 113 are visible. The head 104
is attached to
the first electrical connector 113 via the second electrical connector 115
(visible in Figure
15). The button 118 and LEDs 162 are also visible.
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[00104] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the
vaporizer apparatus 100 with the head
104 in the operational position and the inner body portion 111 (shown in
Figure 13) pushed
to the forward position relative to the outer housing 112. To remove the head
104, a user
may push on the rear end 120 of the inner body portion 111 (visible in Figure
13) to move
the inner body portion 111 to the forward position relative to the outer
housing 112. This
movement reduces the depth of the docking bay 107 (visible in Figures 1 and 2)
and pushes
the head 104 forward relative to the outer housing 112. Thus, sliding movement
of the inner
body portion 111 may move the head 104 from a fully docked position shown in
Figures 7 to
to a partially ejected position shown in Figure 14. In this partially ejected
position may
enable a user to more easily grip and remove the head 104.
[00106] The forward position of the inner body
portion 111 may be a temporary
position used for removing the head 104. The vaporizer apparatus 100 may
comprise one or
more biasing elements that bias the inner body portion 111 toward the rearward
position.
The one or more biasing elements may include one or more springs and/or
magnets. For
example, one or more magnets may be positioned in the inner body portion 111
and one or
more metal pieces may be positioned in the outer housing 112 (or vice versa).
The one or
more magnets and the one or more metal pieces may be positioned to
magnetically attract
and be aligned when the inner body portion 111 is in the rearward position.
[00106] Once the head 104 is removed from the body
102, the head 104 may be
axially reversed to be reinserted into the docking bay 107 (Figure 2) in the
non-operational
position shown in Figures 11 and 12.
[00107] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the
vaporizer apparatus 100 with the head
104 in the non-operational position, but with the outer housing 112 removed so
that the
inner body portion 111 is visible. The first electrical connector 113 (shown
in Figure 13) is
received in the suction opening 108 of the mouthpiece portion 106.
[00108] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the
vaporizer apparatus 100 with the head
104 in the non-operational position with the inner body portion 111 (shown in
Figure 15)
pushed to the forward position relative to the outer housing 112. To remove
the head 104,
the user may first push on the rear end 120 of the inner body portion 111
(visible in Figure
15) to move the inner body portion 111 to the forward position relative to the
outer housing
112. The forward sliding movement of the inner body portion 111 may move the
head 104
from a fully docked position shown in Figures 11 and 12 to a partially ejected
position shown
in Figure 16. The head 104 may then be removed, axially reversed, and re-
inserted into the
bay 107 to dock with the body 102 in the operational position.
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[00109] Figure 17 is a functional block diagram of
the example vaporizer apparatus
100 of Figures 1 and 7 to 16. Figure 17 illustrates the head 104 attached to
the body 102 in
the operational position with first and second electrical connectors 113 and
115 engaged.
[00110] As noted above, the cartridge 134 in this
example is a dual-cartridge that
includes a first reservoir 150a and a second reservoir 150b. The first
reservoir 150a may
hold a first material to be vaporized to form a first vapor. The second
reservoir 150b may
hold a second material to be vaporized to form a second vapor. The first and
second
reservoirs 150a and 150b are configured to hold liquid materials such as first
and second
oil-based compositions in this example. However, the reservoirs 150a and 150b
are shown
by way of example, and the disclosure is not limited to any particular type of
vaping material
or material storage method.
[00111] The first and second reservoirs 150a and
150b may each, for example, have
capacity to store at least 0.25 ml of oil or other fluid for vaporizing. In
some embodiments,
each of the first and second reservoirs may have a storage capacity of 0.5 ml
or more. In
some embodiments, the capacity of each reservoir may be 1 ml or more.
Embodiments are
not limited to any particular capacity.
[00112] The first and second materials held in the
first and second reservoirs 150a
and 150b may be two different materials have different compositions and
properties. For
example, the first material in the first reservoir 150a may be a first oil-
based composition and
the second material in the second reservoir 150b may be a second, different
oil-based
composition. For example, the first oil-based composition may contain a first
one or more
psychoactive compounds, while the second oil-based composition may be
substantially or
completely non-psychoactive. The first and second reservoirs 150a and 150b may
become
depleted and may be refilled with the same or different materials.
[00113] The cartridge 134 further includes a first
vaporizing chamber 152a for
vaporizing the first material from the first reservoir 150a and a second
vaporizing chamber
152b for vaporizing the second material from the second reservoir 150b. Each
vaporizing
chamber 152a and 152b receives the respective material from the corresponding
reservoir
150a or 150b.
[00114] The materials may be communicated to the
vaporizing chamber 152a and
152b by a wick or any other suitable method. In other embodiments, such as dry
herb
ovens, the material storage reservoir or compartment may also function as the
vaporizing
chamber.
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[00115] The cartridge 134 further comprises first
and second heating elements 154a
and 154b operational to heat and vaporize the materials in the first and
second vaporizing
chambers 152a and 152b respectively. In this embodiment, the first material in
the in the
first reservoir 150a flows to the first vaporizing chamber 152a via fluid path
166a. The fluid
path 166a may, for example, comprise a wick (not shown) that transports the
material to the
heating element 154a. However, embodiments are not limited to the use of
wicks, and other
mechanisms may be used to transport the first material. The first heating
element 154a is
operable to vaporize the first material to produce the first vapor. The second
material in the
in the second reservoir 150b flows to the second vaporizing chamber 152b via
fluid path
166b. The fluid path 166b may, for example, comprise a wick (not shown). The
second
heating element 154b is operable to vaporize the first material to produce the
second vapor.
[00116] In other embodiments, rather than two sets
of vaporizing chambers, heating
elements and reservoirs, the cartridge 134 may instead include a single
reservoir, a single
vaporizing chamber, and/or a single heating element. More than two sets of
vaporizing
chambers, heating elements and reservoirs may also be used. In still other
embodiments, a
single vaporizing chamber and/or a single heating element may be used to
vaporize a mix of
two or more materials received from two or more reservoirs. In still other
embodiments, the
cartridge 134 may contain the reservoirs 150a and 150b with one or more
vaporizing
chambers and heating elements being within the head 104 but external to the
cartridge 134_
[001 1 7] The vaporizer apparatus 100 further includes
an airflow system 155
comprising at least one airflow path to carry the first and second vapors
generated in the
first and second vaporizing chambers 152a and 152b to the mouthpiece portion
106. The
airflow system 155 comprises first vapor airflow path 168a, second vapor
airflow path 168b,
and mixed airflow path 170_ The first vapor flows out from the first
vaporizing chamber 152a
into the first vapor airflow path 168a. The second vapor flows out from the
second
vaporizing chamber 152b into the second vapor airflow path 168b. The first and
second
airflow paths 168a and 168b extend from the cartridge 134, into the mouthpiece
portion 106
where they converge into the mixed airflow path 170. The mixed airflow path
170 exits from
the suction opening 108 such that a mix of the first and second vapors may be
inhaled by a
user though the mouthpiece portion 106. In other embodiments, the first and
second airflow
paths 168a and 168b may not converge, but may rather extend to separate
suction
openings in the mouthpiece.
[00118] For each airflow path 168a and 168b, an air
flow outlet 146a or 146b of the
cartridge 134 may align with a corresponding airflow inlet 172a or 172b of the
mouthpiece
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portion 106 when the cartridge 134 is received in the head 104. It will be
appreciated that
various structures may be used to provide such airflow paths.
[00119] The vaporizer apparatus 100 in this example
further includes airflow intake
paths 174a and 174b that are in fluid communication with the outside
environment and the
vaporizing chambers 152a and 152b. The airflow intake paths 174a and 174b
supply air
from the outside environment to the vaporizing chambers 152a and 152b when a
user
inhales. The air mixes with and carries the corresponding first and second
vapors. The
airflow intake paths 174a and 174b extend from the vaporizing chambers 152a
and 152b,
and through a portion of the body 102. Air inlets 175a and 175b, such as air
holes, in the
body allow for air to enter the airflow intake paths 174a and 174b.
[00120] In this example, the vaporizer apparatus 100
comprises a processor 156 and
a memory 158 operably connected to the processor 156. The memory 158 stores
processor-executable instructions thereon that, when executed by the processor
156, cause
the processor 156 to implement the various control functionality described
herein. The
vaporizer apparatus 100 in this embodiment may include a user interface 160
comprising
one or more input and/or output elements (e.g. button 118). Optionally, the
vaporizer
apparatus 100 further comprises a clock 176 and/or a location module 178. The
location
module 178 obtains current location information and may be a GPS module, for
example. In
some embodiments, the location information may be retrieved via a wireless or
wired
connection to a smart phone (not shown). The smart phone may include the GPS
module
or other means of retrieving location information over a network. The
processor 156,
memory 158, user interface 160, clock 176 and location module 178 are
optionally located
within the body 102.
[00121] The vaporizer apparatus 100 optionally
controls the flow of the first and
second vapors. For example, the processor 156 may activate flow of the first
vapor, but stop
flow of the second vapor. The processor 156 may activate flow of both the
first and second
vapors and/or control a ratio of the first vapor to the second vapor. For
example, the
processor 156 may control the vapor flows such that the first vapor is between
0% and
100% of the total vapor flowing through the mouthpiece. Optionally, the
percentage of the
first vapor may be set at 25%, 50% or 75% (or other intermediate values).
Thus, a user may
customize the balance of the first and second vapors depending on their
current wants, the
current environment, etc.
[00122] The head 104 optionally includes the PCBA
144 that is operatively connected
to the body 102 when the head 104 is in the operational position. The PCBA 144
may
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receive power, data, and/or control signals from the body 102, and the PCBA
144 may
provide data and/or data to the body 102. The PCBA 144 may, for example,
direct power to
the heating elements 154a and 154b in accordance with control signalling
received from the
processor 156 of the body 102. The electrical power provided to the heating
elements 1Ma
and 154b may have a current, voltage, pulse rate, and/or duration as a
function of the
control signalling received from the processor 156. The temperatures of the
first and second
vaporizing chambers 152a and 152b may independently controlled.
[00123] In some embodiments, the PCBA 144 may
comprise a second processor
and/or a second memory. In other embodiments, the PCBA 144 may be in the body
102
rather than the head 104. In still other embodiments, the PCBA 144 may be
omitted and the
functionality of the PCBA 144 described above may be performed by the
processor 156 in
the body 102. The PCBA 144 is only an example physical implementation of
circuitry or logic
that may perform the functions described above.
[00124] The user interface 160 may comprise one or
more buttons (such as the
button 118 in Figures 13 to 16) and/or one or more visual indicators (such as
the visual
indicator 162 in Figures 13 and 15). The one or more buttons may be operable
to receive
input that switches or cycles between different vapor ratio settings. For
example, one button
may be provided for each mix ratio. In other embodiments, multiple user inputs
(e.g. multiple
buttons) may be used. The visual indicator 162 may provide a visual indication
of the current
vapor ratio setting. In Figures 13 and 15, the visual indicators 162 are a
series of LEDs.
Embodiments are not limited to buttons for receiving user input or any
particular type of
visual indicator. Any suitable user interface elements may be used (e.g.
touchscreen,
buttons, display, lights, etc.).
[00125] Figure 18 is an enlarged partial side view
of the vaporizer apparatus 100 of
Figures 1 and 7 to 17 showing the visual indicator 162 of this embodiment. The
visual
indicator 162 is a set of five Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 163a to 163e. One
or more of the
LEDs 163a to 163e may be activated and one or more of the LEDs 163a to 163e
may be
deactivated, with the combination of activated and deactivated LEDS indicating
a particular
mix ratio. Table 1 below illustrates an example usage of the LEDs 163a to
163e, where the
"mix ratio" is the percentage of the first vapor in the combined output of
first and second
vapors.
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Mix Ratio LED
Activated
0% 163a
25% 163b
50% 163c
75% 163d
100% 16%
Table 1
100126] The LEDs 163a to 16% are positioned on the
inner body portion 111 such
that they are visible through the slot 114 in the outer housing 112 when the
inner body
portion 111 is in the rearward position.
[00127] Turning again to Figure 17, the body 102 of
the vaporizer apparatus 100 may
further include a power source 164. The power source 164 may, for example,
comprise a
battery. The power source 164 powers the various components of the body 102
including
the processor 156. The power source 164 also powers the first and second
heating
elements 154a and 154b. The processor 156 and PCBA 144 are operable to control
the
power provided to the first and second heating elements 154a and 154b from the
power
source 164. For example, the processor 156 and PCBA 144 may control the power
such
that the first and second heating elements 154a and 154b are pulsed at
particular rates and
wattage levels.
[00128] The first reservoir 150a, the first
vaporizing chamber 152a and the first
heating element 154a may collectively be considered a first cartridge portion
135a or "pod"
of the dual cartridge 134. The second reservoir 150b, the second vaporizing
chamber 152b
and the second heating element 154b may collectively be considered a second
cartridge
portion 135b or "pod" of the dual cartridge 134. As also noted above, in other
embodiments,
rather than a single dual-cartridge structure, two separate cartridges, each
comprising a
respective reservoir, vaporizing chamber and/or heating element, may be
received in the
head 104.
[00129] A user may select a desired mode of
operation using the user interface 160.
The mode of operation may be a vapor mix ratio. For example, a user may press
a button
(e.g. button 118 shown in Figures 13 to 15) to cycle through available modes
until the visual
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indicator 162 (Figure 1) indicates the desired mix ratio. The processor, upon
receiving user
input, via the user interface 160 controls the flow of the first and second
vapors through the
first and second vapor airflow paths 168a and 168b as a function of the
selected mix ratio.
Optionally, the vaporizer apparatus may further include one or more airflow
sensors that
measure airflow through the body 102 and/or head 104. The sensor output may be
provided
to the processor 156. Example methods for controlling the mix ratio will now
be discussed,
although embodiments are not limited to these specific examples.
[00130] In some embodiments, the power level
provided to the heating elements
154a and 154b may vary as a function of the selected mix ratio. For example,
for a 50/50
mix ratio, the wattage provided to each of the heating elements 154a and 154b
may be the
same (e.g. high power for both, or medium power for both). For a 75/25 mix
ratio, the
wattage may be high for the first heating element 154a and low for the second
heating
element 154b. In this context, high may be 100% max power and low may be 50%
max
power. However, the exact relative powers and power ratios may vary and may
depend on
the materials being vaporized in the first and second vaporizing chambers 152a
and 152b.
For a 10010 mix ratio, the output wattage may be 100% wattage for the first
heating element
154a and 0% for the second heating element 154b.
[00131] As yet another option, timing of the
activation of the heating elements 154a
and 154b may be a function of the desired mix ratio. The duration for which
the heating
elements 154a and 154b are activated to vaporize material may be referred to
as a "bum
time". The bum time duration may, for example, be based on an expected (e.g.
typical)
inhale time of a user. For example, it may be assumed that the user will
typically inhale for
two seconds. For a 50/50 mix ratio (i.e. 50%), the burn times for both
vaporizing chambers
152a and 152b may be the same. For example, both vaporizing chambers 152a and
152b
may bum for approximately two seconds. For a 75/25 mix ratio (i.e. 75%), the
burn time of
the second vaporizing chamber 152b may be reduced. As an example, the first
vaporizing
chamber may bum for approximately two seconds and the second vaporizing
chamber may
burn for approximately 0.5 seconds. For a 100/0 mix ratio (i.e. 100%), the bum
time for the
first vaporizing chamber 152a may be approximately two seconds, and the bum
time for the
second vaporizing chamber 152b may be zero. The bum times described above are
only
examples, and other different relative burn times may be used in other
implementations.
[00132] As another option, the heating elements
154a and 154b may be controlled to
individually and selectively generate vapor at variable rates to provide the
selected vapor
mix. The heating elements 1Ma and 154b may be controlled by the processor 156
to vary
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the rate of vapor production. For example, power to each of the heating
elements 154a and
154b may be "pulsed" at variable rates. For each heating element 154a and
154b, the
respective "pulse" rate may determine the rate of vapor production. For
example, a faster
pulse rate may produce a higher flow of vapor than a slower pulse rate. The
total airflow
through the paths 168a and 168b may be approximately the same (or similar),
but the
density of vapor in the air that flows through such paths may vary by this
method.
[00133] For example, if the selected ratio is 100%
the first vapor and 0% the second
vapor, the heating element 154a may be pulsed to generate vapor while the
second heating
element 154b is not pulsed at all. For a 50/50 mix ratio (i.e. 50%), each of
the heating
elements 154a and 154b may be pulsed at the same rate(s). For a ratio that is
25% the first
vapor and 75% the second vapor, the first heating element 154a may be pulsed
at a slower
rate than the second heating element 154b.
[00134] The specific pulse rate(s) of the heating
elements 154a and 154b may also
vary dependent on other factors, such as vaporizing chamber temperature,
airflow rate (e.g.
when a user is currently inhaling vs_ when a user is not currently inhaling),
and/or other
factors. Thus, the pulse rate(s) for selected mix ratios may not be limited to
a single pulse
rate for each heating element 154a and 154b. In other embodiments, power
levels supplied
to the heating elements 154a and 154b may be controlled to control the mix
ratio.
[00135] The vaporizer apparatus 100 may further
include a respective temperature
sensor (not shown) for each of the vaporizing chambers 152a and 152b. The
temperature
sensors may be located within or near the vaporizing chambers 152a and 152b to
measure
the temperatures therein. Temperature feedback may be received by the
processor 156 and
used to dynamically control the pulse rate(s) of the heating elements 154a to
154b to
maintain the respective temperatures within a set range.
[00136] As yet another example, the vapor flow
control system may comprise first and
second electromagnetic switch elements. The magnetically controlled elements
may each
open and close an airflow path for a different vapor at variable and selective
rates to achieve
the desired vapour ratio. For example, the first and second airflow paths
(e.g. paths 168a
and 168b) for the first and second vapours may each have a respective
electromagnetically
controlled switch that can be rapidly opened or closed to block or allow
airflow therethrough.
Each of the first and second electromagnetically controlled switches may be
controlled
rapidly at relative rates necessary for the vapor ratio. Thus, in this
example, rather than
controlling a pulse rate of the heater, a pulse rate of the
electromagnetically controlled gate
or switch is used to control vapor flow.
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[00137] The first and second electromagnetic
switches may be controlled so that one
of the first and second vapour paths is always open at any given time. For
example, the first
and second first and second electromagnetic switches may be activated in an
alternating
manner (between the first and second vapour paths). In order to achieve a
50/50 ratio, the
open and closed cycle for each switch may be equal. For a 25/75 ratio, the
first path may
have a shorter "open" portion of the open/close cycle, while the second path
has a longer
"open" portion of the open/close cycle. For a 100% to 0% ratio, the desired
vapor path may
be left open, and the other closed_
[00138] For each electromagnetic switch, a spring or
other biasing element may be
used to close the respective path, and an electromagnet, when activated, could
open the
path (similar to a solenoid switch, for example). In other words, the default
position of the
switch may be closed. In such embodiments, rather than activating the
vaporizer in
response to sensing a user trying to draw vapor through the mouthpiece, a
button may be
used to control usage. As another option, a separate sensor configured to
sense if someone
is using the mouthpiece may be used. For example, the sensor may be a touch
sensor on
the mouthpiece. The sensor may be an air pressure sensor that senses suction
and/or an
airflow sensor.
[00139] In some embodiments, the currently selected
mode of operation (e.g. mix
ratio) may be determined on factors other than, or in addition to user input.
The mix ratio
may be selected based on current time and/or location information, as
determined by the
optional clock 176 and/or location module 178, for example. For example, at
certain times of
day (e.g. work hours) and/or locations (e.g. workplace) one of the first and
second vapors
may be restricted to 0%. For example, a vapor including one or more
psychoactive
components may be restricted to use during certain times of day such as non-
work or after-
work hours. The vapor including one or more psychoactive components may be
restricted
to use in certain locations, such as non-work locations, or certain geographic
regions.
Restricting the flow of one of the vapors may comprise deactivating or
disabling (not
allowing) activation of the corresponding heating element 154a or 154b.
[00140] As yet another option, the vaporizer
apparatus 100 may include one or more
controllable airflow restriction mechanisms. For example, the vaporizer
apparatus 100 may
include optional first and second airflow baffles 180a and 180b, which are
positioned and
configured to regulate airflow through the first and second vapor airflow
paths 168a and
168b respectively. The baffles 180a and 180b are one of multiple options for
controlling the
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vapor mix ratio. The first and second airflow baffles 180a and 180b are
controlled by the
processor 156 in this embodiment.
[00141] The first and second airflow baffles 180a
and 180b may be controlled by the
processor 156 to provide the selected mix ratio. For example, if the selected
ratio is 100%
the first vapor and 0% the second vapor, the first baffle 180a may be fully
opened and the
second baffle 180b may be fully closed. For a 50/50 mix ratio, each of the
baffles 180a and
180b may be fully open, or both may be partially open to the same degree, such
that the
vapor flow in each of the first and second vapor airflow paths 168a and 168b
is substantially
similar. For a ratio that is 25% the first vapor and 75% the second vapor, the
first baffle 180a
may be only slightly open, while the second baffle 180b is mostly open, where
the difference
in baffle positions is designed to give the proper mix. While a vapor is set
to 0%, the heat
element may be inactive for the corresponding vaporizing chamber so that vapor
is not
produced.
[00142] Embodiments are not limited to baffles, and
any other suitable mechanism
controllable to modify airflow resistance may be used rather than baffles.
Embodiments are
also not limited to physical airflow resistance mechanisms for controlling
vapor mix ratios.
[00143] In some embodiments, the first and second
materials may both contain one
or more psychoactive components, or may be substantially free of psychoactive
components. The first and second materials may have different flavors, or
other different
characteristics, and the mix ratio may be set according to the desired vaping
experience.
[00144] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional partial view
of the vaporizer apparatus 100 of
Figures 1 and 7 to 18, with the cartridge 134 removed from the head 104. The
head 104 is
shown in the operational position in Figure 19. The head 104 comprises a
chamber 186 for
holding the cartridge 134 within its core section 130 that is sized to receive
the cartridge
134. The chamber 186 in this embodiment is positioned between the PCBA 144 and
the
mouthpiece portion 106. Closure member 136 is shown engaged with the core
section 130
of the head 104.
[00146] The first electrical connector 113 of the
body 102 is a male connector
including projecting from the body 102 and comprising a plurality of pins 182.
Airflow is from
the body 102 to the head 104 is also facilitated by the first and second
electrical connectors
113 and 115 in this embodiment. Specifically, the first electrical connector
113 comprises an
insulating block 187 (in the form of a projection from the body 102) with the
pins 182
embedded therein, and the insulating block 187 also defines two holes 188a and
188b
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therethrough to permit airflow. The holes 188a and 188b are spaced apart and
positioned on
either side of the pins 182.
[00146] The second electrical connector 115 is a
female connector and comprises an
insulator block 189 with the electrical contacts 184 therein for contacting
the pins 182 of the
first electrical connector 113. The block 189 also defines first and second
holes 190a and
190b therethrough that are axially aligned with the holes 188a and 188b,
respectively, of the
first electrical connector 113. The PCBA 144 also define a set of holes 192a
and 192b
therethrough that are axially aligned with corresponding holes 188a and 118b,
and holes
190a and 190b.
[00147] The holes 188a, 190a and 192a function as a
portion of the airflow intake
path 174a shown in Figure 17. The holes 188b,190b and 192b form part of the
airflow intake
path 174b shown in Figure 17. Air may flow from the body 102 into the head
through the
holes 188a, 190a and 192a and through the holes 188b, 190b and 192b as
illustrated by
arrows Al and A2. Air exits from the holes 192a and 192b in the PCBA 144 and
enters the
cartridge 134 (shown in Figures 6 and 17) positioned in the chamber 186 as
illustrated by
arrows B1 and 132.
[00148] The mouthpiece portion 106 includes a
central passage 194 that extends
from the suction opening 108 to an inner end where the central passage 194
terminates_
The mouthpiece portion 106 further includes first and second side vapor
passages 196a and
196b in communication with the chamber 186 and positioned on either side of
the central
passage 194. The first and second side vapor passages 196a and 196b form the
first and
second vapor airflow paths 168a and 168b in Figure 17 in this embodiment. The
first and
second side vapor passages 196a and 196b receive the first and second vapors
(via inlets
172a and 172b) from the cartridge 134 positioned in the chamber 186 as
illustrated by
arrows Cl and C2. The central passage 194 forms the combined vapor airflow
path 170
shown in Figure 17. The combined first and second vapors may be drawn through
the
suction opening 108 as illustrated by arrow D.
[00149] The first and second side vapor passages
196a and 196b connect to the
central passage 194 near the suction opening 108 and away from an inner end
193 of the
central passage 194 in this embodiment. In the non-operational position, the
central
passage 194 receives the first electrical connector 113 of the body 102 with
the pins 182
extending toward the inner end 193 of the central passage 194. By flowing
vapor from the
first and second side vapor passages 196a and 196b into the central passage
194 at
positions away from the inner end 193 of the central passage 194, residue
build up
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deposited over time from the first and second vapors may be kept away from the
position of
the pins 182 when the head is in the non-operational position. This may help
prevent or
reduce accumulation of residue on the pins 182 over time. Embodiments are not
limited to
the particular arrangement of the first and second side vapor passages 196a
and 196b
connect to the central passage 194 shown. Any suitable system of one or more
airflow
passages to carry at least one vapor to the suction opening 108 may be used.
[00150] Figure 20 is another cross-sectional
partial view of the vaporizer apparatus
100 similar to Figure 19, but with the head 104 in the non-operational
position. As shown,
the first electrical connector 113 is at least partially received through the
suction opening
108 and into the central passage 194 of the mouthpiece portion 106. In this
position, the
pins 182 of the first electrical connector 113 may be protected from damage
and/or
contaminants such as dirt and dust while being carried. The mouthpiece portion
106
including the suction opening 108 may also be protected from dirt and other
contaminants in
this position, which may result in a more pleasant taste and overall vaping
experience.
Covering the mouthpiece portion 106 during non-operation may also be more
sanitary.
Thus, the non-operational position may provide some protection for the
mouthpiece portion
106 and the first electrical connector 113 of the vaporizer apparatus 100 when
the vaporizer
apparatus 100 is stored, carried (e.g. in a user's pocket) or otherwise not in
use.
[00151] The first electrical connector 113 may be
sized to form a seal or partial seal
with the suction opening 108. In other embodiments, the first electrical
connector 113 may fit
loosely through the suction opening 108. In some embodiments, a gap may be
provided
between the first electrical connector 113 and the suction opening 108. The
gap may, for
example, be approximately in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. In some
embodiments, the
gap may be 0.3 mm.
[00152] Figures 21 and 22 are cross-sectional
partial views of the vaporizer
apparatus 100 similar to Figure 19 and 20, but also showing an example
interior structure of
the cartridge 134. Figure 21 shows the head 104 in the operational position,
and Figure 22
shows the head 104 in the non-operational position. The cartridge 134 includes
the first and
second reservoirs 150a and 150b and the first and second vaporizing chambers
152a and
152b. The first and second vaporizing chambers 152a and 152b are ceramic ovens
in this
embodiment with the first and second heating elements 154a and 154b (shown in
Figure 17)
contained therein and not visible. The first and second reservoirs may hold
first and second
oils, respectively, for vaporizing as discussed above.
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[00153] The first oil is vaporized in the first
vaporizing chamber 152a and the second
oil is vaporized in the second vaporizing chamber 152b. The first and second
vaporizing
chambers 152a and 152b are ceramic ovens in this example. The cartridge 134
further
includes first and second air intake passages 195a and 195b that receive
airflow
therethrough to mix with the vaporized oil to form the first and second vapors
in the first and
second vaporizing chambers 152a and 152b. First and second vapor paths 197a
and 197b
carry the first and second vapors from the first and second vaporizing
chambers 152a and
152b, respectively, to first and second front passage areas 199a and 199b in
the head,
which in turn guide the vapors to the first and second side vapor passages
196a and 196b,
respectively, of the mouthpiece portion 106.
[00154] The example electrical connection between
the body 102 and the head 104
will now be described in greater detail with reference to Figures 23 and 24.
[00155] Figure 23 is an enlarged partial cross-
sectional view of the vaporizer
apparatus 100 of Figures 1 and 7 to 22 with the head 104 in the operational
position. The
dual cartridge 134 is illustrated as a simple functional block using stippled
lines in Figure 23,
showing the first and second cartridge portions 135a and 135b. The block
illustrating the
dual cartridge 134 does not include structural details. In Figure 23, the
first electrical
connector 113 of the body 102 is engaged with the second electrical connector
115 of the
head 104.
[00156] The first electrical connector 113 and the
second electrical connector 115
may be in the form of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection. For example,
the first
electrical connector 113 and the second electrical connector 115 may be
similar to a USB-C
connector, which is reversible in that the male connector may mate with the
female
connector in a first position and in a second position that is rotated 180
degrees with respect
to the first position. The first electrical connector 113 and the second
electrical connector
115 may not double contacts, with each contact being assigned a different
function.
[00157] In this example, the first electrical
connector 113 comprises a plurality of
electrical contacts in the form of a plurality of conductive pins 182. The
plurality of pins 182
include first pin 182a, second pin 182b, third pin 182c, fourth pin 182d and
fifth pin 182e in
this example. The second electrical connector 115 comprises five conductive
contacts 184a
to 184e positioned to engage the pins 182a to 182e. The pins 182a to 182e may,
for
example, be pogo pins.
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[00158] In this example, the electrical connectors
113 and 115 may be configured to
allow the head 104 to be rotationally reversible about the longitudinal axis.
That is, the head
104 may be docked with the body 102 in a position rotated 180 degrees about
the
longitudinal axis 181, relative to the position shown in Figure 23, and still
be operational.
The electrical connectors 113 and 115 may be suitable to provide power to a
dual pod
comprising first and second cartridge portions 135a and 135b. Table 2 below
shows an
example functional designation of pins 182a to 182e. In the table, Power1 (pin
182a) is a
first pin for providing power from a power source. Power2 (pin 182e) is a
second pin for
providing power from a power source. ID1 (pin 182b) is a first
'identification' pin that may be
used for retrieving data from the head indicating one or more characteristics
of the head.
ID2 (pin 182d) is a second identification' pin that may be used for retrieving
data from the
head indicating one or more characteristics of the head. GROUND is a ground
pin (pin
182c). Since the 101 and IO2 pins (pins 182b and 182b) are offset from the
center (pin
182c), they may be used to detect an orientation of the head 104 (or the
cartridge 134 in the
head 104) as discussed below.
PIN FUNCTION
182a Power1
182b 101
182c Ground
182d 102
182e Power2
Table 2
[00159] By way of example, with the dual cartridge
134 received in the head 104, the
first and second conductive contacts 184a and 184b may connect with the first
cartridge
portion 135a (including the first reservoir 150a, the first vaporizing chamber
152a and the
first heating element 154a shown in Figure 17). The fourth and fifth
conductive contacts
184d and 184e connect with the second cartridge portion 135b (including the
second
reservoir 150a, the second vaporizing chamber 152b and the second heating
element 154b
shown in Figure 17). The third conductive contact 1Mc may function as ground
for both the
first and second cartridge portions 135a and 135b.
[00160] With the head 104 received in the position
shown in Figure 23, the first pin
182a provides power to the first cartridge portion 135a, and the fifth pin
182e provides
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power to the second cartridge portion 135b. One or both of the second and
fourth pins 182b
and 182d may be used by the processor 156 (Figure 17) to determine one or more
characteristics of the first cartridge portion 135a and/or the second
cartridge portion 135b.
The characteristics may be one or more of the type of heating element, the
type of material
used in the first cartridge portion, an amount of remaining material in the
first and/or second
cartridge portions, and other characteristics.
[00161] Alternatively, the head may be docked with
the body 102 in a position
reversed about longitudinal axis 181 (i.e. rotated about the longitudinal axis
181 by
approximately 180 degrees) relative to the position shown in Figure 23. Figure
24 illustrates
this reversed position. In this position, the first pin 182a provides power to
the second
cartridge portion 135b, and the fifth pin 182e provides power to the first
cartridge portion
135a. One or both of the second and fourth pins 182b and 182d may be used by
the
processor 156 (Figure 17) to determine one or more characteristics of the
first cartridge
portion 135a and/or the second cartridge portion 135b. Similarly, if the
cartridge 134 is
receivable in the head 102 in multiple positions (rotated about the
longitudinal axis 181),
then the orientation of the cartridge 134 rather than the head 104 may be
determined using
the same method.
[00162] With reference again to Figure 17,
according to an aspect, the processor 156
of the vaporizer apparatus 100 may determine one or more characteristics of
the head 104.
For example, the one or more characteristics may be determined via the
electrical
connection (connectors 113 and 115) between the head 104 and the body 102. The
one or
more characteristics may be one or more characteristics of the cartridge 134.
The one or
more characteristics of the cartridge may include an identity of one or more
materials for
vaporization stored in the cartridge 134. For example, the processor 156 may
receive an
identity of the first and second materials stored in the first and second
reservoirs 150a and
150b. The processor may also determine an identity of the cartridge 134_ For
example, the
head 104 and/or the cartridge 134 may comprise an electronic tag or other
electronically
readable element that includes identification information for the cartridge
134.
[00163] The processor 156 may change one or more
operational parameters based
on the one or more determined characteristics. The operational parameters may
include:
heating temperatures; heating pulse frequencies and/or durations; and/or other
parameters
of the vaporization process_ One or more child safety or security parameters
may also be
activated or deactivated responsive to the determined identification of the
one or more
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materials. For example, if a psychoactive material is identified, one or more
child safety
protocols may be activated.
[00164] In some embodiments, the one or more
characteristics comprise a remaining
amount of the first and/or second materials in the first and/or second
reservoirs 150a and
150b. For example, the head 104 may include one or more sensors that generate
an output
indicative of the amount of material remaining in the first and second
reservoirs 150a and
150b, and the output may be received by the processor 156.
[00165] The one or more characteristics of the
cartridge 134 may comprise an
orientation of the cartridge relative to the base. For example, the first
electrical connector
113 may include an electrical contact (e.g. second pin 182b shown in Figure
23), and the
position of the electrical contact relative to the second electrical connector
115 may be used
to determine the orientation of the head 104 and/or cartridge 134 therein. For
example, if the
second pin 182b engages the second contact 184b of the head 104, this
indicates the
orientation shown in Figure 23. On the other hand, if the second pin 182b
engages the
fourth contact 184d of the head 104 this indicates the reversed orientation
shown in Figure
24. The same second pin 182b may also receive and communicate to the processor
156
electrical signals indicating one or more other characteristics (e.g.
identification information
for the cartridge 134). In this case, the fourth pin 182d and/or the fourth
conductive contact
184d may not be used and/or may be omitted. Alternatively, the fourth pin 182d
and/or the
fourth conductive contact 184d may be used to communicate different
information.
[00166] Embodiments are not limited to electrical
contacts such as pins to determine
orientation, identification information or other characteristics. For example,
one or more
wireless communication techniques, sensors, bar code reader and/or any other
suitable
means may be used to determine such orientation, identification information or
other
characteristics.
[00167] Information retrieved from the head 104
and/or cartridge 134 may be used to
verify the source and/or content of the cartridge 134. For example, an
identification or
verification code may be retrieved from the cartridge 134 and verified by the
processor 156.
A plurality of cartridges may be provided, each having a unique identification
or verification
code associated therewith. Upon successful verification, operation of the
vaporizer
apparatus for vaping may be enabled. If verification is unsuccessful,
operation of the
vaporizer apparatus for vaping may be disabled. Use of counterfeit cartridges
may, thereby,
be prevented.
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[00168] In some embodiments, the processor 156 may
determine that one or both of
the reservoirs 150a and 150b is empty or below a threshold, and a notification
may be
provided to the user to refill one or both of the reservoirs 150a and 150b
accordingly. The
notification may include one or more visual indications, such as one or more
of the LEDs
flashing. Any suitable notification method may be used. In some embodiments,
the
notification may be provided to a remote device, such as a remote device
running an
application that interfaces with the vaporizer apparatus 100.
[00169] The processor 156 may disable the
corresponding heating element 154a or
154b responsive to determining that the reservoir 150a or 150b is empty or
below a
threshold. The processor 156 may alternatively change the mix ratio setting of
the vaporizer
apparatus 100 responsive to determining that the reservoir 150a or 150b is
empty or below
a threshold. For example, if the first material in the first reservoir 150a is
below a threshold,
then the ratio may be set to 100% vapor from the second material in the second
reservoir
150b (or vice versa).
[00170] The determination that one or more
reservoirs 150a and 150b are empty or
below a threshold may be based on a timer. For example, a given material (e.g.
oil strain)
may be known to vaporize at an approximate rate, and a time to vaporize a
substantial
amount of the material may be predetermined. The processor may then determine
that the
total vaporization time for the cartridge 134 has approached or passed that
predetermined
time. For example, the predetermined vaporization time to substantially use up
a given
material may be approximately 30 minutes.
[00171] The determination that one or more
reservoirs 150a and 150b are empty or
below a threshold may be based on a measured resistance or current of the
heating
element 154a or 154b. The resistance or current may be dependent on the amount
of the
material in the reservoir, and the dependence may be known or approximated
based on
empirical measurements. For example, a resistance measured at the heating
element may
be approximately: 400 Ohm when the corresponding reservoir is approximately
full; 350
Ohm when the corresponding reservoir is approximately half full; and 193 Ohm
when the
corresponding reservoir is approximately empty.
[00172] The determination that one or more
reservoirs 150a and 150b are empty or
below a threshold may be based on an airflow characteristic (e.g. airflow
pressure)
measured by a sensor. For example, an airflow sensor reading may be:
relatively high when
the corresponding reservoir is approximately full; medium or medium-high when
the
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corresponding reservoir is approximately half full; and low when the
corresponding reservoir
is approximately empty.
[00173] In some embodiments, the processor 156 may
determine whether the
cartridge is a single pod cartridge (i.e. single reservoir and vaporizing
chamber) or dual pod
cartridge such as the example cartridge 134 in Figure 17.
[00174] The vaporizer apparatus described herein
may include a wireless
communication module that may communicate with a remote device. The remote
device
may be a mobile phone or other portable electronic device. The wireless
communication
module may operable for communication over a wireless network such as a
Bluetooth or Wi-
Fi network. The portable electronic device may run an application that
retrieves and displays
information about the vaporizer apparatus and/or the cartridge thereof. The
information may
include one or more of: one or more materials stored in the cartridge; the
current levels of
the one or more materials in one or more reservoirs in the cartridge; the
current vapor mix
ration setting of the vaporizer apparatus.
[00175] Figure 25 is a perspective view of a
vaporizer apparatus 200 according to
another embodiment. The vaporizer apparatus 200 includes a body 202 and a head
204 that
are similar in structure and function to body 102 and head 104 of the
vaporizer apparatus
100 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 24. In Figure 25, the head
204 is shown
received in the bay 207 of the body 202 in the non-operational position. As
shown, the head
204 is fully received and slightly recessed in the bay 207 in this embodiment.
[00176] Figures 26 and 27 are perspective and top
views, respectively, of an inner
body portion 311 for a vaporizer apparatus according to another embodiment.
The inner
body portion 311 and electrical connector 313 are similar in structure and
function to the
inner body portion 111 and first electrical connector 113 of the vaporizer
apparatus 100
described above with reference to Figures 1 to 24. However, projection 324 of
the electrical
connector 313 in this embodiment includes a collar portion 327 adjacent the
front face 326
that has a larger circumference than the remainder of the projection 324. The
collar portion
327 may be sized to snuggly fit in a suction opening of a head of a vaporizer
apparatus
(such as the head 104 of the vaporizer apparatus 100 described above with
reference to
Figures 1 to 24). The collar portion 327 may for at least a partial seal in
the suction opening.
In this embodiment, the collar portion 327 is located adjacent the front face
326. Pins 382 of
the electrical connector are also shown in Figures 26 and 27.
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[00177] Figures 28 and 29 are perspective and top
views, respectively, of an inner
body portion 411 for a vaporizer apparatus according to another embodiment.
The inner
body portion 411 and electrical connector 413 are similar in structure and
function to the
inner body portion 111 and first electrical connector 113 of the vaporizer
apparatus 100
described above with reference to Figures 1 to 24. However, projection 424 of
the electrical
connector 413 in this embodiment includes a collar portion 427 located at the
distal end 428
of the projection 424. Pins 482 of the electrical connector are also shown in
Figures 28 and
29.
[00178] Figure 30 is a bottom perspective view of a
head 504 for a vaporizer
apparatus. The head 504 is similar in structure and function to the head 104
of the vaporizer
apparatus 100 described with reference to Figures 1 to 24. The head 504
includes optional
magnets 506a and 506b to bias the head 504 to remain engaged with a body of
the
vaporizer apparatus. Other biasing or securing elements may be used in
addition to or
instead of the magnets 506a and 506b. In this embodiment, the electrical
connector 515 of
the head 504 only includes a single hole 590 for airflow therethrough. The
hole 590 is
spaced apart from electrical contacts 584a to 584e, which are similar to the
electrical
contacts 184a to 184e of the head 104 shown in Figures 23 and 24.
[00179] Figure 31 is a functional block diagram of
another example vaporizer
apparatus 600 including a body 102 and a head 604 with a mouthpiece portion
106_ The
vaporizer apparatus 600 is similar to the example shown in Figures 1 to 24,
and like
reference numbers in the drawings indicate like elements. However, rather than
oil-based
vaporizing chambers and reservoirs, the head 604 comprises first and second
dry herb
ovens 651a and 651b. The ovens 651a and 651b each comprise a respective
vaporizing
chamber (652a, 651b), which also function as a storage chambers for holding
the vaping
materials therein, and a respective heating element (654a,654b). In other
embodiments, a
head of a vaporizer apparatus may include a combination of one or more dry
herb oven and
one or more oil (or other liquid) based vaporizer chamber and reservoir.
[00180] The body 102 and head 604 may have a
similar shape as the vaporizer
apparatus 100 of Figures 1 to 24, with the head 604 having similar operational
and non-
operational positions. Figure 31 illustrates the head 604 attached to the body
102 in an
operational position with first and second electrical connectors 113 and 115
engaged.
[00181] The first and second vaporizing materials
held in the first and second ovens
651a and 651b may be two different materials having different compositions and
properties.
For example, the first material in the first oven 651a may be a first dry herb
composition and
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the second material in the second oven 651b may be a second, different dry
herb
composition. The ovens heating elements 654a and 654b are each operable to
heat and
vaporize material stored in the corresponding vaporizing chamber (652a or
652b). The head
604 may comprise one or more closure member (e.g. door, hatch, or cover
member, etc.)
that provides access to the vaporizing chambers 652a and 652b for adding or
removing
vaporizing material.
[00182] The ovens 651a and 651b are formed as part
of a removable cartridge 634 in
this embodiment. The cartridge 634 (including ovens 651a and 651b) may be
removed from
the head 604 and replaced. In other embodiments, the ovens 651a and 651b may
be
integral with the head 604 rather than contained in a removable cartridge.
[00183] In this example, the vaporizer apparatus 100
comprises a processor 156 and
a memory 158 operably connected to the processor 156. The memory 158 stores
processor-executable instructions thereon that, when executed by the processor
156, cause
the processor 156 to individually and selectively control the ovens 651a and
651b. The
vaporizer apparatus 600 in this embodiment may further include a user
interface 160, a
power source 164, one or more visual indicator (not shown), a clock 176,
and/or location
module 178 similar to those of the embodiment shown in Figure 17. The
processor 156, the
memory 158, the user interface 160, the power source 164, the clock 176, and
the location
module 178 are shown as components of the body 102 in Figure 31. However, one
or more
of these components may instead be part of the head 604 in other embodiments.
[00184] The processor 156 may control operation of
the first and second ovens 651a
and 651b via PCBA 144. In other embodiments, the PCBA 144 may be omitted. The
processor 156 may disable or enable one or both of the 652a and 652b at
certain times of
day or certain locations (as determined by the location module 178 and/or
clock 176. A user
may provide input, via user interface 160, to control or configure the
apparatus 600.
[00185] The vaporizer apparatus 600 further includes
an airflow system 155
comprising at least one airflow path to carry the first and second vapors
generated in the
first and second vaporizing ovens 651a and 651b to the mouthpiece portion 106.
The airflow
system 155 is similar to the airflow system 155 in Figure 17. The airflow
system 155
comprises first vapor airflow path 168a, second vapor airflow path 168b, and
mixed airflow
path 170. The first vapor flows out from the first vaporizing chamber 652a
into the first vapor
airflow path 168a. The second vapor flows out from the second vaporizing
chamber 652b
into the second vapor airflow path 168b. The first and second airflow paths
168a and 168b
extend from the cartridge 634, into the mouthpiece portion 106 where they
converge into the
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mixed airflow path 170. Physical vapor restriction/control mechanisms such as
baffles (not
shown) may also be used to control the flow of first and second vapors in from
the ovens
652a and 652b.
[00186] The vaporizer apparatus 100 in this example
further includes airflow intake
paths 174a and 174b. Each airflow intake path 174a and 174b is in fluid
communication with
the outside environment and a respective one of the ovens 651a and 651b. In
this example,
airflow intake paths 174a and 174b extend from the head 604 into the body 102
to inlets
175a and 175 respectively. In other embodiments, the inlets 175a and 175b may
instead be
in the head 604.
[00187] Figures 32 and 33 are enlarged partial cross-
sectional views of the vaporizer
apparatus 600. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in Figures
21 and 22
(with like reference characters indicating like elements) but having the first
and second dry
herb ovens 651a and 651b rather than oil-based reservoirs and vaporizing
chambers. Figure
32 shows the head 604 of the apparatus 600 in the operational position, and
Figure 33
shows the head 604 in the non-operational position.
[00188] The head 604 comprises removable cartridge
634 held therein, which in turn
holds the first and second ovens 651a and 651b. The electrical and airflow
connections
between the head 604 and the body 102 via electrical connectors 113 and 115
are also
similar to the vaporizer apparatus 100 shown in Figures 1 to 24, and these
details are not
repeated here for brevity.
[00189] The cartridge 634 comprises the first and
second ovens 651a and 651b,
including the first and second heating elements 654a and 654b (shown in Figure
31). The
first and second ovens 651a and 651b may, for example, be ceramic ovens in
this
embodiment with the first and second heating elements 654a and 654b (shown in
Figure 31)
contained therein.
[00190] The mouthpiece portion 106 includes a
central passage 194 that extends
from the suction opening 108 to an inner end where the central passage 194
terminates.
The mouthpiece portion 106 further includes the first and second side vapor
passages 196a
and 196b in fluid communication with the ovens 652a and 652b respectively and
positioned
on either side of the central passage 194. The first and second side vapor
passages 196a
and 196b receive the first and second vapors from the ovens 652a and 652b
respectively.
The first and second side vapor passages 196a and 196b form the first and
second airflow
paths 168a and 168b in Figure 31, and the central passage 194 forms the
combined vapor
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airflow path 170 shown in Figure 31. The combined first and second vapors may
be drawn
through the suction opening 108. Embodiments are not limited to this airflow
implementation
and any suitable system of one or more airflow passages to carry at least one
vapor to the
suction opening 108 may be used.
[00191] In the non-operational position shown in
Figure 33, the first electrical
connector 113 is at least partially received through the suction opening 108
and into the
central passage 194 of the mouthpiece portion 106. In this position, the pins
182 of the first
electrical connector 113 may be protected.
[00192] Figure 34 is a functional block diagram of
another example vaporizer
apparatus 700 including a body 102 and a head 704 with a mouthpiece portion
106. The
vaporizer apparatus 700 is similar to the examples shown in Figures 31 to 34,
but having
only a single dry herb oven 751 in the head 704 (rather than dual ovens). The
oven 751
comprises vaporizing chamber 752 and heating element 754 operatively coupled
to the
chamber 752.
[00193] The processor 156 connected to memory 158
may control operation of the
single oven 751 via PCBA 144. For example, the processor 156 may disable the
oven 751
oven at certain times of day or certain locations (as determined by the
location module 178
and/or clock 176. A user may provide input, via user interface 160, to control
or configure
the apparatus 700.
[00194] Figures 35 and 36 are enlarged partial
cross-sectional views of the vaporizer
apparatus 700. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in Figures
33 and 34
(with like reference characters indicating like elements) but having only the
single dry herb
oven 751 rather than dual ovens. Figure 35 shows the head 704 of the apparatus
600
engaged with the body 102 in the operational position, and Figure 36 shows the
head 604
engaged with the body 102 in the non-operational position. The electrical
connectors 113
and 115 may include fewer pins 182 and contacts 184 (or other electrical
connection
means) compared to the dual-oven embodiment since a single oven 751 is powered
by the
body 102. However, the connectors 113 and 115 may be provided with the same
basic
structure for both single and dual oven embodiments (so that different
connection types are
not required for dual and single oven configurations).
[00195] In this single-oven embodiment, the head
704 includes first and second side
vapor passages 196a and 196b in communication central passage 194 (which in
turn
extends to the suction opening 108) for delivering vapor from the oven 751 to
the suction
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opening 108. However, in other embodiments, the side vapor passages 196a and
196b may
be omitted and the central passage 194 may instead extend to the oven for flow
of vapor
straight from the oven 751 to the suction opening 108. Other configurations
may also be
used to direct vapor from the oven 751 to the suction opening 108.
[00196] Figure 37 is a flowchart of a method for a
portable vaporizer apparatus
having a head and body as described herein, such as the vaporizer apparatuses
100, 200,
600 or 700 of Figures 1 to 24 or 33 to 38. The method may likewise be
performed by the
other vaporizer apparatuses. For example, the processor 156 (Figure 17, 31 or
34) may
implement the method of Figure 37.
[00197] At block 3702, the head (e.g. head 104, 604
or 704) is detected to be
attached to the body (e.g. body 102 or 202) in the operational position. This
detection may
comprise detecting that a first electrical connector of the body engages the
second electrical
connector of the head. Alternatively, one or more sensors (not shown) in the
body and/or the
head may detect the head is attached to the body 102. For example, a proximity
sensor in
the head or body may be positioned to detect that the head is proximate the
body in the
operational position.
[00198] Optionally, at block 3704, while the head
is in the operational position, data
indicating one or more characteristics of the head is obtained. The one or
more
characteristics of the head may, for example, comprise at least one of: an
orientation of the
head; and an identify of at least one material for vaporization in the head.
Any other one or
more characteristics, such the examples described above, may be obtained using
any of the
methods discussed herein, or any other suitable method.
[00199] Optionally, at block 3706, current time
and/or location information is obtained.
For example, time information may be provided by a clock, and location
information may be
provided by a location module.
[00200] Optionally, at block, 3708, user input is
received via a user interface (e.g.
button 118). The user input may select a vapor mix ratio, for example.
[00201] At block 3710, with the head in the
operational position, operation of one or
more vaporizer chambers (152a, 152b, 652a, 652b and/or 752) is enabled.
Enabling
operation of the one or more vaporizer chambers may comprise enabling
operation of one
or more heating elements (154a, 154b, 654a, 654b and/or 754) operatively
coupled to the
vaporizer chambers. The one or more vaporizer chambers may be individually and
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selectively enabled based on at least one of the one or more characteristics
of the head;
the user input; the time information; and the location information. One or
more of the steps
shown in Figure 37 may be omitted and/or performed in a different order.
[00202] Figure 38 is a flowchart of a method for a
portable vaporizer apparatus
having a head and body as described herein, such as the vaporizer apparatuses
100, 200,
600 or 700 of Figures 1 to 24 or 33 to 38. The method may likewise be
performed by the
other vaporizer apparatuses. For example, the processor 156 (Figure 17, 31 or
34) may
implement the method of Figure 38.
[00203] At block 3802, a head is detected to be
attached to a body in the operational
position. This detection may comprise detecting that the first electrical
connector of the body
engages the second electrical connector of the head.
[00204] At block 3804, data indicating the content
of at least one reservoir or oven is
obtained from the head. The data may indicate one or more characteristics
including: the
type of heating element, the type of material used in the first cartridge
portion, an amount of
remaining material in the first and/or second cartridge portions, and other
characteristics.
The data may be stored in a memory device, chip, or other means in the head
and may be
retrieved by a processor in the body when the head engages the body in the
operational
position.
[00205] At block 3806, an orientation of the head
is determined as a function of
signals received via at least one pin of the first or second electrical
connector. For example,
the first electrical connector may comprise at least one pin offset from a
central longitudinal
axis, and the position of the pin when engaged to the second electrical
connector may, thus,
be indicative of the orientation of the head. The method may further comprise
selectively
and individually controlling at least one vaporizing chamber as a function of
the orientation
of the head.
[00206] A method according to some embodiments
comprises making the vaporizer
apparatus of any of the embodiments described herein. The head and the body
may be
provided separately. The head may be provided with or without the removable
cartridge. In
this context, the term "providing" may include making, manufacturing,
purchasing, or
otherwise obtaining or producing.
[00207] It is to be understood that a combination
of elements from two or more of the
different embodiments described above may be implemented. Embodiments are not
limited
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to any particular one or more of the methods, apparatuses or elements thereof
disclosed
herein. One skilled in the art will appreciate that variations, alterations of
the embodiments
described herein may be made in without departing from the scope of the
claims.
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