U.S. patent application number 14/467994 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-11 for portable electronic vapor-producing device and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is WISPLITE TECHNOLOGIES INC.. Invention is credited to Edgar Ortega, Andrea Taggart.
Application Number | 20140360517 14/467994 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52004386 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140360517 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taggart; Andrea ; et
al. |
December 11, 2014 |
PORTABLE ELECTRONIC VAPOR-PRODUCING DEVICE AND METHOD
Abstract
The present invention is a portable electronic vapor-producing
device which converts chemical substances in liquid form to a
gaseous form so that active ingredient(s) can be inhaled by the
user for therapeutic or medicinal purposes. The device includes: a
power module; a primary module; and an auxiliary module that may be
enclosed separately in exterior hollow casings and fitted together,
or enclosed together in one single exterior hollow casing. The
primary module includes: an anode assembly; a cask assembly; and a
heater assembly. The anode assembly includes an anode barrel, which
is hollow, fixed permanently in place and contacts the battery; a
cathode mount, which is fixed permanently in place and contacts the
heater assembly; and an anode mount, which moves between contacting
the and not contacting the cathode.
Inventors: |
Taggart; Andrea; (White
Rock, CA) ; Ortega; Edgar; (Surrey, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WISPLITE TECHNOLOGIES INC. |
White Rok |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
52004386 |
Appl. No.: |
14/467994 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14238207 |
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PCT/CA2012/000767 |
Aug 13, 2012 |
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14467994 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
131/329 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 47/008
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/329 |
International
Class: |
A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 11, 2011 |
CA |
2749077 |
Claims
1. A portable vapor-producing device that converts liquid into
gaseous form for inhalation by a user, comprising: a battery; an
anode assembly comprising a first anode member electrically
connected to said battery, a cathode at a distance from said first
anode member, and a movable anode member moveable from a first
position not in contact with said cathode to a second position in
contact with said cathode, said moveable anode member magnetically
attracted to said first anode member; a cask for storage of a
liquid substance; a heating element; a casing for containing said
battery, said anode assembly, said cask and said heating element,
said casing having an air inlet and a mouthpiece, said casing
defining an airflow passage through said cask assembly wherein the
air traveling through said airflow passage is moistened by said
liquid substance, and said airflow then passes by said heating
element, said heating element heating said liquid substance to
produce vapor; and then said airflow passing through said
mouthpiece; wherein when a user's action of sucking through the
said mouthpiece causes air to be drawn into said inlet, and the
pressure of the air pulls said movable anode member from said first
position to said second position to close the circuit and activate
the heating element, the air is drawn through said cask where it is
moistened by the liquid substance, and then through said heating
element where it is heated to produce a vapour that travels through
said mouthpiece and is inhaled by the user.
2. The vapor-producing device of claim 1 wherein said cask
comprises a refillable liquid storage container having a storage
cavity, a protruding needle, a one-way valve, and mesh plug
suitable for absorbing liquid.
3. The vapor-producing device of claim 2 wherein said casing is
configured to prevent said liquid substance in said storage cavity
from coming into contact with a user in a liquid form.
4. The vapor-producing device of claim 1 wherein the liquid storage
cavity is separated from said mouthpiece by said heating
element.
5. The vapor-producing device of claim 1 wherein the liquid
substance is drawn to the heating element by airflow pressure.
6. The vapor-producing device of claim 5 wherein the direction of
the airflow is the same as the direction of the liquid being drawn
to the heating element.
7. The vapor-producing device of claim 1 further comprising an air
intake control switch to regulate the amount of air drawn into the
device.
8. The vapor-producing device of claim 1 wherein the liquid is
stored in a container that is replaceable or removable.
9. The vapor-producing device of claim 1 wherein the power to
operate the device is activated when air is drawn into the anode
assembly.
10. A portable, battery-operated, electronic vapor-producing device
that converts a liquid into gaseous form for inhalation by a user,
wherein the device comprises: a battery; a cask assembly for
holding the liquid; a heating assembly having a heating element for
heating the liquid to a gaseous form; and a switch to activate said
heating element.
11. The vapor producing device of claim 10 wherein the liquid
contains an active ingredient heatable into a gaseous form for
inhalation by a user for therapeutic or medicinal purposes.
12. The vapor producing device of claim 10 further comprising a
first and second part casing chamber for containing said battery,
cask assembly, heating assembly and switch, wherein said first and
second parts are snap-fittable together to form a singular primary
casing chamber enclosed by first and second end caps.
13. The vapor producing device of claim 12 further comprising an
aperture running a length of a mouth piece through which the user
can, with a sucking action, draw air into the casing chamber, by
the liquid contained in the cask assembly, and then through the
heating assembly where the liquid is converted into a gaseous form
that the user is able to inhale.
14. The vapor producing device of claim 10 wherein the battery is a
rechargeable battery that is insertable and removable by removal of
an end cap.
15. The vapor producing device of claim 10 wherein said switch
comprises an anode in electrical contact with said battery, a
cathode and a moveable connecting member in contact with said
anode, said connecting member moveable from a first position
wherein there is distance between connecting member and said
cathode, and a second position wherein said moveable member is
connected to said cathode, thereby completing a circuit.
16. The vapour producing device of claim 15 wherein said moveable
member is magnetically attracted to said anode, and is configured
to move to said second position when air flows through said
device.
17. The vapor producing device of claim 16 further comprising a
second switch, actuable by a user, said second switch, when
actuated, placing a barrier between said moveable member and said
cathode to prevent actuation of said heating element.
18. The vapor producing device of claim 10 further comprising a
second switch, actuable by a user, said second switch, when
actuated, placing a barrier to prevent actuation of said heating
element.
19. The vapor producing device of claim 10 wherein the cask
assembly comprises a primary cavity containing a needle to prick a
liquid-filled capsule placed in said cavity; and a one-way valve
through which the liquid in the capsule flows into a secondary
cavity containing a mesh plug to absorb the liquid.
20. The vapor producing device of claim 10 wherein the heating
element assembly is a metal coil surrounded by a fine mesh and
enclosed on exterior cylindrical sides by a ceramic insulation, and
through which air is drawn containing liquid particles to be heated
and converted into gaseous form for inhalation.
21. The vapour producing device of claim 20 wherein the heating
element assembly is encased in a polycarbonate cavity that is
coated with a heat-absorbing substance to insulate the outer
casing.
22. The vapor producing device of claim 10 further comprising:: a
second nonrechargeable battery; a printed circuit board; a
microprocessor; a moisture sensor with probe; an LED light; an LED
display panel; a button; an airflow sensor an audio signal; and a
USB port.
23. The vapor producing device of claim 10 wherein said switch
comprises an anode in electrical contact with said battery, a
cathode and a ball bearing, said ball bearing moveable from a first
position wherein it is not in contact with said anode and said
cathode, and a second position wherein said ball bearing is in
contact with said anode and said cathode, said ball bearing
magnetically biased to said first position.
24. The vapor producing device of claim 10 wherein said air is
drawn into a casing thereby activating a switch, and said air is
then drawn through said cask assembly to pick up liquid droplets,
and is then drawn through said heating assembly wherein said liquid
droplets are turned to vapour, and then said air exits said device
through a mouthpiece.
25. The vapour producing device of claim 24 further comprising a
second heating assembly, said cask assembly positioned between said
first and second heating assemblies.
26. The vapor producing device of claim 10 further comprising a
mouthpiece, and wherein said battery, switch, cask assembly, and
heating assembly are aligned in a casing.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/238,207, filed Feb. 11, 2014, which is a
national stage application filed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.371 of PCT
Application No. PCT/CA2012000767, filed Aug. 13, 2012, which claims
the priority of Canadian Patent Application No. 2749077, filed Aug.
11, 2011, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The invention pertains generally to the field of vaporizers,
and specifically to portable electronic vapor producing
devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Chemical substances containing therapeutic or medicinal
ingredients are traditionally delivered in solid or liquid form,
either orally, intravenously, or by absorption through the skin.
Chemical substances in liquid form may also be converted, through a
combustion or vaporizing process, into a gaseous form that can be
delivered orally through inhalation.
[0004] The inhalation of substances in gaseous form may cause a
therapeutic, desirable sensation, and may even be psychologically
addictive. This is particularly the case when the substance being
inhaled contains a physically addictive chemical or drug, such as
nicotine or cannabis.
[0005] The process of converting substances into gaseous form
through combustion is known to eliminate or diminish the potency of
some active ingredients, which may decrease the effectiveness of
using the process. The combustion process may also result in
by-products, such as carbon monoxide, tar, and other known or
suspected carcinogens, which may expose both the user and others in
the vicinity to health risks.
[0006] Due to both the known and suspected health risks associated
with inhaling substances that have been converted into gaseous form
through the combustion process, users are often socially ostracized
and have increasingly become the target of aggressive legislation
intended to control or entirely ban the activity.
[0007] Alternative methods to combustion include vaporizing or
heating the substance. A number of devices are available for users
who wish to inhale substances that have been converted into gaseous
form through such methods. However, many of these devices, often
called vaporizers, are not designed to be mobile or to be used with
the same transient frequency and simplicity as rolled tobacco or
marijuana cigarettes.
[0008] Examples of typical prior art vaporizers include U.S. Pat.
No. 7,445,007 to Balch et al. for a Thermal Vaporization Method and
Apparatus, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,761,164 to Amirpour for a Herbal
Vaporizer. Balch and Amirpour disclose devices powered by
connection to a static AC outlet and contain a mouth piece for the
user to draw on in order to inhale the vapor that is produced.
[0009] More recently, portable vaporizing devices have been used
for application with liquid concentrates that contain nicotine as
an active ingredient. The purpose of these devices is to mimic a
cigarette containing rolled tobacco and to deliver nicotine to the
user without the health risks associated with the combustion
process. These devices do not generally contemplate use as a
delivery method for substances other than nicotine.
[0010] These devices incorporate technologies that can be simply
described as a battery powering an internal coil or wire which
heats moisture in the air that is drawn into the device by the
user's inhalation action. This inhalation draws the resulting
steam, or vapor, through a mouth piece, which contains a mesh
cartridge soaked with the liquid concentrate, and into the user's
mouth and lungs.
[0011] If the mesh soaked with liquid is proximate to the heater,
some incidental vaporization of the liquid may occur. Generally,
however, the steam produced by these devices does not contain any
active ingredients from the liquid, and the user inhales steam
along with small particles of the unvapourized liquid. Another flaw
with this design is that the mesh cartridge it is exposed to open
airflow which results in incidental evaporation.
[0012] The mesh cartridge allows users to manually refill the
liquid substance. However, this may be hazardous because: [0013]
liquid may be spilled during the refilling process, potentially
contaminating skin and nearby surfaces with active ingredient(s),
causing a health hazard both the user and to others in the
environment; [0014] mesh cartridges that are overfilled may cause
the user to experience backwash of the liquid when inhaling through
the device, which may result in the user consuming an over dose of
the active ingredient(s); and [0015] overfilling the mesh
cartridges also may result in the liquid seeping through the mesh
to contaminate and damage the device's internal electronics.
[0016] These devices lack a means for controlling the form (liquid
or gaseous), quantity and quality of the active ingredient(s) being
delivered to and inhaled by the user; and a means for inserting the
active ingredient(s) into the device that does not pose a health
risk for the user or risk potential damage to the device
itself.
[0017] These devices also lack a method for controlling or
monitoring the intake of the active ingredient(s) even though the
device is often intended to be used as a tool for gradually
decreasing or eliminating consumption of such active
ingredient(s).
[0018] Additionally, the design of these devices may include the
following flaws: [0019] they lack a mechanism to prevent accidental
use by children; [0020] the open airflow approach enables dust
particles and moisture to come into contact with internal
electrical components and contaminate the liquid concentrate;
[0021] their activation system, which relies on an airflow sensor
to trigger the heater when a user draws air into the device,
constantly draws power from the battery when the device is not in
use, resulting in decreased battery life and life-span of the
device; and [0022] their internal components are susceptible to
overheating and burning, which may result in combustion, presenting
the same health hazards the use of these devices is intended to
prevent;
[0023] A portable electronic vapor-producing device that avoids the
aforementioned limitations would allow users to inhale the gaseous
form of chemical substances for therapeutic or medicinal purposes
without being exposed to the health and safety issues associated
with existing devices. Such a device would also have the benefit of
being a more reliable consumer product as it would be less
susceptible to damage through normal use.
[0024] US Patent Application Pub. No. 2012/0090630 to Lik, entitled
Flameless Electronic Atomizing Cigarette and U.S. Pat. No.
7,832,410 to Lik, disclose portable vaporizing devices that rely on
airflow or touch sensors. U.S. Pat. No. 8,156,944 to Han discloses
a similar portable vaporizing device that incorporates an airflow
sensor and an atomizer. Similarly, PCT Application No.
PCT/US2008/059299 to Paterno et al. discloses a portable vaporizing
device that relies on producing vapor when air is passed over a
coil which has been heated by a rechargeable battery. A mechanism
for monitoring usage of the device and battery life is also
disclosed.
[0025] In each of these portable vaporizing devices, it is
disclosed that the vapor is produced when air is drawn into a
chamber containing a microprocessor that is configured to react to
the airflow by triggering the activation of the battery which in
turn supplies power to a heating element. The vapor is then drawn
further into the chamber and through a reusable cartridge
containing a nicotine-based liquid, which is inhaled by the
user.
SUMMARY
[0026] The present invention generally pertains to a portable
electronic vapor-producing device which converts chemical
substances in liquid form to a gaseous form so that active
ingredient(s) may be inhaled by the user for therapeutic or
medicinal purposes.
[0027] An embodiment of the invention includes: a power module; a
primary module; and an auxiliary module that may be enclosed
separately in exterior hollow casings and fitted together, or
enclosed together in one single exterior hollow casing.
[0028] The exterior casing, which may be cylindrical or tubular in
shape, includes a distal end-cap fitted into the power module end,
and a proximal end-cap fitted into the auxiliary module end.
[0029] The power module contains a disposable or rechargeable
battery which is insertable or removable through the distal
end-cap.
[0030] The primary module includes: an anode assembly; a cask
assembly; and a heater assembly.
[0031] The anode assembly includes:
[0032] 1) an anode barrel, which is hollow, fixed in place and is
in electrical contact with the battery;
[0033] 2) a cathode mount, which is fixed in place and is in
electrical contact with the heater assembly; and
[0034] 3) an anode mount, which is moveable between the anode
barrel and cathode mount.
[0035] The anode barrel and anode mount both have attracting
magnets (of opposite polarity) so that, when the device is not
active, the anode mount is pulled within the anode barrel, away
from the cathode, and does not contact the cathode mount to close
the circuit.
[0036] The cask assembly includes a mesh plug that can be filled
with a liquid concentrate through a one-way valve, which is
accessible by a cut-out in the exterior casing.
[0037] The heater assembly includes a metal coil which is heated
when the device is activated.
[0038] The auxiliary module includes a mouth piece and a monitoring
assembly which may optionally include: a printed circuit board; a
battery, a LED display; a USB port; a moisture sensor; and thumb
print reader.
[0039] To activate the device, a user inhales through the mouth
piece in the auxiliary module, which draws air into the device
through cut-outs in the exterior casing above and below the anode
barrel. The pressure of the air flow pulls the anode mount forward
so that it comes in contact with the cathode mount to close the
circuit and activate the device.
[0040] As the air flow continues to be drawn through the device, it
is pulled through the cask assembly's mesh plug where the air is
moistened with the liquid concentrate, then through the heater
assembly where it is heated to produce a steam-like vapor, and
finally the air passes through the auxiliary module's mouth piece
where it may be inhaled by the user.
[0041] The components of the auxiliary module's monitoring assembly
function together to perform such actions as calculating, storing
and displaying data relative to the number of times the device has
been activated, the quality and quantity of steam-like vapor
produced, and the remaining moisture level of the mesh plug.
[0042] A portable vapor-producing device that converts liquid into
gaseous form for inhalation by a user is provided, including: a
battery; an anode assembly having a first anode member electrically
connected to the battery; a cathode at a distance from the first
anode member; and a movable anode member moveable from a first
position not in contact with the cathode to a second position in
contact with the cathode, the moveable anode member magnetically
attracted to the first anode member; a cask for storage of a liquid
substance; a heating element; and a casing for containing the
battery, the anode assembly, the cask and the heating element, the
casing having an air inlet and a mouthpiece, the casing defining an
airflow passage through the cask assembly wherein air traveling
through the airflow passage is moistened by the liquid substance,
and the airflow then passes by the heating element, the heating
element heating the liquid substance to produce vapor; and then the
airflow passing through the mouthpiece; wherein when air enters the
inlet because of a vacuum within the casing, the moveable anode
member moves from the first position to the second position.
[0043] The cask may include a refillable liquid storage container
having a storage cavity, a protruding needle, a one-way valve, and
mesh plug suitable for absorbing liquid. The casing may be
configured to prevent the liquid substance in the storage cavity
from coming into contact with a user in a liquid form. The liquid
storage cavity may be separated from the mouthpiece by the heating
element.
[0044] The vapor-producing device may include an air intake control
switch to regulate the amount of air drawn into the device. The
liquid may be stored in a container that is not replaceable or
removable. The power to operate the device may be activated when
air is drawn into the anode assembly.
[0045] A portable, battery-operated, electronic vapor-producing
device that converts a liquid into gaseous form for inhalation by a
user is provided, including: a battery, a cask assembly for holding
the liquid, a heating assembly having a heating element for heating
the liquid to a gaseous form; and a switch to activate said heating
element.
[0046] The liquid may contain an active ingredient convertable into
a gaseous form for inhalation by a user for therapeutic or
medicinal purposes. The device may include a first and second part
casing chamber for containing a power supply, such as a battery,
cask assembly, heating assembly and switch, wherein the first and
second parts are snap-fitable together to form a singular primary
casing chamber enclosed by first and second end caps.
[0047] The power supply may be a disposable or rechargeable battery
that is insertable and removable by removal of an end cap. The
switch may include an anode in electrical contact with the battery,
a cathode and a moveable connecting member in contact with the
anode, the connecting member moveable from a first position wherein
there is distance between the connecting member and the cathode,
and a second position wherein the moveable member is connected to
the cathode, thereby completing a circuit. The moveable member may
be magnetically attracted to the anode, and configured to move to
the second position when air flows through the device.
[0048] The device may include a second switch, actuable by the
user, the second switch, when actuated, placing a barrier to
prevent actuation of the heating element. The second switch may
place a barrier between the moveable member and the cathode to
prevent actuation of the heating element
[0049] The cask assembly may include a primary cavity containing a
needle to prick a liquid-filled capsule placed in the cavity; and a
one-way valve through which the liquid in the capsule flows into a
secondary cavity containing a cotton mesh plug to absorb and hold
the liquid.
[0050] The heating element assembly may be a metal coil surrounded
by a mesh and enclosed on exterior cylindrical sides by a ceramic
insulation, and through which air may be drawn containing liquid
particles to be heated and converted into gaseous form for
inhalation. The vapor producing device may include a mouth piece
having an aperture running the length of the mouth piece through
which the user can, with a sucking action, draw air into the casing
chamber, by the liquid contained in the cask assembly, and then
through the heating assembly where the liquid is converted into a
gaseous form that the user is able to inhale.
[0051] The vapor producing device may include a second
nonrechargeable battery; a printed circuit board; a microprocessor;
a moisture sensor with probe; an LED light; an LED display panel; a
button; an airflow sensor; an audio signal; a USB port, and a thumb
print reader.
[0052] The switch may include an anode in electrical contact with
the battery, a cathode and a ball bearing, the ball bearing
moveable from a first position wherein it is not in contact with
the anode and the cathode, and a second position wherein the ball
bearing is in contact with the anode and the cathode, the ball
bearing magnetically biased to said first position. When air is
drawn into a casing thereby activating the switch, and the air is
then drawn through said cask assembly to pick up liquid droplets,
and is then draw through the heating assembly wherein the
moisturized air is heated to produce a vapour, and then the air
exits the device through a mouthpiece.
[0053] The vapor producing device may include a mouthpiece, the
battery, switch, cask assembly, and heating assembly may be aligned
in a casing. The device may include a second heating assembly, the
cask assembly positioned between the first and second heating
assemblies.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0054] To assist in the understanding of the invention, drawings
depicting embodiments of the invention are appended. The drawings
are exemplary only, should not be construed as to limit the
invention to any single embodiment, and are not necessarily shown
to scale. In the drawings, which form part of this
specification:
[0055] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vapor producing
device according to the invention;
[0056] FIG. 2 is a disassembled front perspective view thereof;
[0057] FIG. 3 is a back perspective view thereof;
[0058] FIG. 4 is a partially disassembled back view thereof;
[0059] FIG. 5 is a front top perspective exploded view thereof;
[0060] FIG. 6 is a back top perspective exploded view thereof;
[0061] FIG. 7 is a front perspective disassembled view of the
primary module;
[0062] FIG. 8 is a front perspective exploded view thereof;
[0063] FIG. 9 is a back perspective disassembled view thereof;
[0064] FIG. 10 is a back perspective exploded view thereof; and
[0065] FIG. 11 is a front disassembled view of an alternate
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0066] The device according to the invention, generally, is a
portable vapor-producing device which converts liquid substances
into gaseous form so that active ingredient(s) contained in the
liquid substance can be delivered to and inhaled by the user for
therapeutic or medicinal purposes.
[0067] The device may be embodied in many different forms and
should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described
herein, which are exemplary only to disclose the invention in
accordance with applicable legal requirements.
[0068] The device incorporates a purpose or intention for its use.
The intended purpose may vary, but will generally be to convert a
liquid substance into a gaseous form that visually appears as a
fine mist and that can be inhaled by the user for therapeutic
and/or medicinal benefit. Use of the device incorporates a user's
physical action of inhaling, sucking, or drawing air through the
mouth and into the lungs.
[0069] The device includes the use of liquid substances that can be
converted into gaseous form through a heating process. The type of
liquid substance can vary. The liquid substance may not contain any
active ingredients, or may contain ingredients without any
therapeutic or medicinal value. The liquid substance may contain
one type of active ingredient, or a combination or blend of active
ingredients. The liquid substance may contain additives for flavor
or taste, or may not.
[0070] The embodiments of the invention described herein reference
the appended drawings. Throughout the drawings, like numbers refer
to like elements. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise,
the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" should be construed to
include the plural meaning.
[0071] The embodiments of the invention are now described with
reference to the appended drawings FIGS. 1-11.
[0072] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a representative embodiment of
the invention is shown, which is a device having a generally
cylindrical or tubular shape similar to that of a tobacco
cigarette, and including: [0073] a distal end-cap (2); [0074] a
power module (M1), with an exterior casing (1); [0075] a primary
module (M2), with an exterior casing (6); [0076] an auxiliary
module (M3), with an exterior casing (38); and [0077] a proximal
end-cap (39).
[0078] Although the shape and dimensions of the device can vary, a
representative embodiment is generally tubular in shape, similar to
that of a cigarette or cigar, with a length of about 12 cm and a
diameter of about 1.5 cm.
[0079] The exterior casings (1), (6), (38) of power module (M1),
primary module (M2) and auxiliary module (M3), may be individual
parts fitted together by friction fit or threaded screw mechanism
(not shown) or may be combined into a single casing, and can be
made of any heat-resistant non-alloy or alloy material (e.g.:
polycarbonate, aluminum or stainless steel), and can be covered in
an aesthetically pleasing surface (not shown) or a heat resistant
material, such as Teflon. Casing (1), (6), (38) need not be made of
metal, and is not required to perform any part of the electrical or
electronic functionality of the device.
[0080] The distal end-cap (2) and proximal mouthpiece end-cap (39)
may be maintained in place by friction fit, a snap fit, or by
threaded screw mechanism (not shown). The distal end-cap may
contain a LED light (not shown) to indicate when the device is
active.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 5, in an embodiment of the invention, the
power module (M1) contains a battery assembly (A1) which includes:
a battery mount (3) to hold the battery; a battery flex circuit
(4); and a battery (5). The battery (5) may be disposable or
rechargeable and may be inserted or removed from the battery
assembly (A1) by removing the distal end-cap (2) from the exterior
casing (1) as shown in FIG. 2 or alternatively, through an opening
in casing (1).
[0082] As shown in FIG. 5, the primary module (M2) includes: an
anode assembly (A2) whereby power is transmitted to the heater
element (37) from battery (5); a cask assembly (A3) wherein liquid
is stored; and a heater assembly (A4) wherein the liquid substance
is heated to produce vapor for inhalation.
[0083] The anode assembly (A2) includes anode barrel (13), which is
hollow, fixed in place, and is in wired contact with battery (5),
cathode mount (22), and anode pin mount (16) which moves to contact
cathode mount (22). Anode barrel (13) and anode pin mount (16) both
contain magnets of opposite polarity so then when a vacuum is not
present they are attracted to each other.
[0084] Switch (20), extending exterior to casing (6) may be
present, positionable between cathode mount (22) and anode pin
mount (16), so that when actuated by the user by pivoting switch
(20), switch (20) blocks cathode mount (22) and anode pin mount
(16) from contact and thereby prevents the device from being
accidently activated and draining battery power.
[0085] When air is drawn into the device through air intake holes
(10b), (10c), a vacuum is created, moving the anode pin mount (16),
which remains in contact with anode barrel (13), to contact the
cathode mount (22) thereby completing the circuit and powering the
heater assembly (A4) from the battery (5).
[0086] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5, the cask
assembly (A3) is located between the anode assembly (A2) and heater
assembly (A4). In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the
heater assembly (A4) may be located between the anode assembly (A2)
and cask assembly (A3). In another embodiment of the invention,
more than one heater assembly (A4) may be present.
[0087] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the auxiliary module (M3)
includes a mouth piece mount (42), a mouth piece airflow tube (43)
and a mouth piece and monitoring assembly (A5) which includes: a
circuit board (44); a battery flex circuit (45); a battery (46); a
LED display (47); and a USB port (48). Auxiliary module (M3) casing
(38) has an LED display cutout and a USB port cutout. Monitor LED
display cover (40) and a Monitor USB Port cover (not shown) may
also be present.
[0088] Mouth piece mount (42) may include a top portion, bottom
portion and mouth piece moisture probe aperture. Mouth piece and
monitoring assembly (A5) includes mouth piece airflow tube (43)
capped with a plastic or rubber gasket through which vapor can be
drawn by a user inhaling or sucking. The end of mouth piece airflow
tube (43) is positioned at a distance from heating assembly (A4)
for safety and to prevent unvaporized liquid from entering a user's
mouth.
[0089] Heater assembly (A4) includes vaporizer mount (32) and
vaporizer anode lead (34). As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, vaporizer
cathode (33), vaporizer heater element (37), first vaporizer mount
airflow magnet (35), and second vaporizer mount airflow magnet (36)
are also included. Vaporizer heater element (37) may be a metal
coil, covered by a fine wire mesh, and encased entirely in a
ceramic insulator, except for: (i) its endpoint, into which cold
air containing a liquid substance, such as an active ingredient,
droplets are drawn; and (ii) the opposite end of element (37) from
which vapor is drawn by the user. Magnets (35), (36) have an
opposite polarity and provide a seal when the device is not in
operation, thereby preventing air (with dust, etc.) being blown
back into the cask assembly accidentally. Air pressure causes the
magnets (35), (36) to separate and thereby allow the air flow to
enter cask chamber (30). Magnets (35), (36) also provide another
layer of safety against incidental liquid seepage if the device is
not in use for a long period of time. In alternative embodiments of
the invention, a rubber dam or filter could be substituted, or for
magnets (35), (36). In yet another embodiment, cask chamber 30 can
be mechanically moved into an open position from a closed position
when the device is actuated, for example by a manual switch (not
shown) or by completion of the circuit by the anode assembly
(A2).
[0090] Cask assembly (A3) includes cask mount (29), cask chamber
(30) and one way cask valve (31). The cask assembly (A3) also
includes a needle (not shown). The user can place a small plastic
capsule containing the liquid substance, which may include an
active ingredient, into cask chamber (30). The needle will make a
small hole in the capsule and allow the liquid substance to drain
through one way valve (31) and be absorbed into the cotton mesh
plug), or other moisture retaining plug.
[0091] In yet another alternative embodiment an overflow limit plug
(not shown) may be part of cask assembly (A3). Applying air
pressure from the airflow causes the plug to open and allows liquid
to exit. After the pressure is normalized, the plug returns to
block liquid from exiting cask assembly (A3).
[0092] The anode assembly (A2) includes cathode mount (22)
partially covered by cathode mount airflow cover (25) to control
the airflow and cathode (23) at the opposite end thereto. Also
present are cathode mount airflow magnet (26), a first cathode
mount airflow cover guide rod (27) and a second cathode mount
airflow cover guide rod (28) for positioning cover (25).
[0093] Anode switch (20), including anode switch guide rod (21), is
positioned between cathode mount (22) and the anode barrel (13).
Adjacent to anode switch (20) are first anode airflow tube (14) and
second anode airflow tube (15) through which the air flows, anode
pin mount (16), first anode pin mount magnet (17) and second anode
pin mount magnet (18), and anode pin (19). Anode pin (19) is sized
to be received by anode barrel (13), and so that when a vacuum is
present, anode pin (19) is still partially within anode barrel (13)
and thus in contact with anode barrel (13) and thereby completes
the circuit with cathode mount (22). In an alternative embodiment,
anode barrel (13) may be shaped in a ring through which anode pin
(19) can move.
[0094] First anode air intake control switch (8) and second anode
air intake control switch (9) are positioned on opposite sides of
anode barrel mount (10). First anode barrel mount magnet (11) and
second anode barrel mount magnet (12) are at an end of anode barrel
(13). Anode barrel mount magnets (11), (12) and anode pin mount
magnets (17), (18) are of opposite polarity so they are configured
to attract each other, thus in the absence of an opposing force
caused by a vacuum, anode pin (19) is drawn to and rests within
anode barrel (13) and is out of contact with cathode mount
(22).
[0095] Referring to FIGS. 7 through 10, primary module (M2) is
shown in more detail. Anode barrel mount (10) includes top (10a)
and bottom (10b). First air intake hole (10c) and second air intake
hole (10d) are aligned with first air intake control and second air
intake control switch (9), respectively. Anode barrel mount (10)
also includes first airflow aperture (10d) and second airflow
aperture (10e).
[0096] Anode pin mount (16) includes first anode pin airflow
aperture (16a) and second anode pin airflow aperture (16b) to allow
air flow.
[0097] Cathode mount (22) includes cathode top portion (22a) and
cathode bottom portion (22b). Cathode mount (22) has a number of
apertures, including guide rod aperture (22c), lead aperture (22f),
and first cathode airflow hole (22d) and second cathode airflow
hole (22e) to allow air flow through cathode mount (22).
[0098] Cathode mount airflow cover (25) also has apertures, namely
first cover guide rod hole (25a) and second cover guide rod hole
(25b) to receive guide rods (27), (28).
[0099] Cask mount (29) of cask assembly (A3) includes top portion
(29a), bottom portion (29b), cask mount moisture probe aperture
(29c) for positioning a moisture probe (not shown); and cask mount
anode lead aperture (29d) for positioning wires from cathode (23).
Cask chamber (30) has a corresponding cask chamber moisture probe
aperture (30a) for further positioning the moisture probe. The
moisture probe can measure the amount of moisture remaining in the
capsule within cask chamber (30).
[0100] Vaporizer mount (32) in vaporizer assembly (A4) includes top
portion (32a), bottom portion (32b), vaporizer moisture probe
aperture (32c) for positioning the moisture probe, first vaporizer
anode lead aperture (32d) and second vaporizer anode lead aperture
(32e) for positioning wires from cathode (23), and main airflow
aperture, first auxiliary airflow aperture and second auxiliary
airflow aperture for controlling air flow though the vaporizer
assembly. When the airflow approaches vaporizer assembly, magnets
(35), (36) are pushed back and the airflow enters the vaporizer
mount and passes through the airflow apertures.
[0101] Mouthpiece and monitoring assembly (A5) has a number of
components for effective use of the device. As described
previously, mouthpiece and monitor assembly (A5) may include a
battery (46) (which may be non-rechargeable), a printed circuit
board with a microprocessor (44), an airflow sensor (not shown), an
LED light (not shown), LED display (47), a button protruding from
the casing of the device (not shown), the moisture probe, and a USB
port (48).
[0102] Battery (46) supplies power to the other components of
mouthpiece and monitor assembly (A5). The moisture probe is placed
in the mesh plug and is used by the circuit board (44) to determine
when to activate the LED light if the mesh plug is dry.
[0103] The airflow sensor may be configured to trigger an audible
signal when the user actuates the device by drawing air. This could
be used to serve as an alarm should someone be using the device
without permission, thereby functioning as a child safety
mechanism.
[0104] The microprocessor and circuit board (44) use the LED
display (47) to display information to the user such as the battery
life remaining, number of inhalations counted, current moisture
level, and time device has been in use.
[0105] If a nonrechargeable battery (46) is used, it should last
for approximately the useable life span of the cotton mesh plug, so
that when the battery dies, the device should be replaced, and a
notice to the user to that effect can be provided.
[0106] The protruding button can be used by the user to change the
LED display, reset the inhalation counter, or turn on and off the
audible signal.
[0107] The USB port (48) is used to connect the device to a
computer with the appropriate software which can communicate with
the microprocessor and report usage information to the user. The
software should be configured to display to the user appropriate
graphs and graphical displays indicating such information.
[0108] FIG. 11 displays an alternative embodiment of the invention,
which includes pre-heating chamber (37a). Pre-heating chamber (37a)
receives the airflow prior to the air entering cask assembly (A3)
and vaporizer mount (32). The air is thus pre-heated, and is able
to retain more liquid droplets from the cotton mesh plug.
[0109] Pre-heating chamber (37a) may also serve as an extra chamber
near cask chamber (30) to receive any liquid seepage from cask
chamber (30) and help prevent the liquid substance from flowing
through the device.
[0110] In operation, a user draws air through mouth piece airflow
tube (43). The amount of air drawn in is adjustable by setting
first and second air intake control switches (8, 9). The airflow
generates a vacuum, drawing anode pin mount (16) towards cathode
mount (22).
[0111] Anode pin mount (16) contacts cathode mount (23) completing
the circuit and activating the device. When the vacuum has ended,
first and second anode barrel mount magnets (11, 12) cause anode
pin mount (16) to return to a rest position, and break the circuit.
The circuit activates vaporizer heating element (37), to vaporize
the air containing liquid substance droplets from the cotton
mesh.
[0112] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 11, once
the circuit is actuated as described above, pre-heating chamber
(37a) is activated by the completed circuit and begins to heat the
air. The hot air then contacts fibers soaked in the liquid
substance from capsule. The air, now containing suspended droplets
of the active ingredient, then enters the vaporizer mount (32). In
the vaporizer mount (32) warm moist air is produced and then
delivered through the mouthpiece to the user, appearing as a mist
and containing the active ingredient of the liquid substance.
[0113] In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown),
the capsule may contain a fiber glass rope connecting pre-heating
chamber (37a) and vaporizer mount (32).
[0114] In an embodiment of the invention, the capsule may be sold
with vaporizer assembly (A4) and/or pre-heating chamber (37a) as an
insertable unit.
[0115] Of note is the controlled airflow through the device. The
air enters at one location through air intake holes (10b), (10c)
and is directed through the device to pick up liquid droplets
contained in the mesh which is then vaporized by heating element
(37) before exiting the device through the mouthpiece. In the
alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the airflow is directed
through pre-heating chamber (37a) before absorbing moisture from
the mesh.
[0116] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, instead of
air intake control switches (8), (9), threaded screws could be used
to adjust the airflow manually. The screws could be used to close
the air intake holes (10b), (10c), and thus prevent use of the
device until opened, which may prevent a child from using the
device. Adjustable intakes also allow users to replicate the holes
present on cigarette filters, to adjust the resistance when
inhaling, and replicate the smoking experience.
[0117] Other alternative embodiments of the invention may use
springs and/or memory foam instead of, or in addition to, magnets
(11), (12), (17), (18). For example springs could be used to draw
anode pin mount (16) to anode barrel (13). A sponge or memory foam
could also be used to for such a purpose.
[0118] Other embodiments of the invention may have alternatives to
anode assembly (A2). For example a ball bearing, magnetically
attracted to a conical storage unit, may be drawn by air pressure
to connect an anode and cathode to complete the circuit. In another
alternative embodiment, a moveable mechanical switch operable from
outside the casing of the device could be used to actuate the
circuit. Other alternatives include circuits actuable by voice,
kinetic action, or even by detection of heat and moisture at the
mouthpiece.
[0119] In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the
device may be operable only by a user with the appropriate thumb
print or voice command. A thumb print reader (not shown) could be
placed on the casing of the device, or a microphone included within
the electronics.
[0120] The above-described embodiments have been provided as
examples, for clarity in understanding the invention. A person with
skill in the art will recognize that alterations, modifications and
variations may be effected to the embodiments described above while
remaining within the scope of the invention as defined by claims
appended hereto.
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