U.S. patent application number 14/837698 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-02 for electric vapor apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to CCNK LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is CCNK LLC. Invention is credited to Charish Correa, Jason Hu, Timothy Hussey, Nainoa Kuna, Jason Labedz.
Application Number | 20170055579 14/837698 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58097221 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170055579 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kuna; Nainoa ; et
al. |
March 2, 2017 |
Electric Vapor Apparatus
Abstract
A vapor apparatus for the pulmonary administration of
combustible substances includes a vessel capable of holding
liquids, a stem for holding a nail assembly, a nail assembly for
heating the combustible substances, a user interface for
determining heating temperature and heating duration, and an
elongate neck for the user's mouth. Other embodiments include a
remote interface, a removable neck, a percolator, and sensors for
determining attributes of the combustible material. The vapor
apparatus may further include a tool for sealing the combustible
material and manipulating the combustible material. Fans can be
added for forcing air through the apparatus.
Inventors: |
Kuna; Nainoa; (Seattle,
WA) ; Correa; Charish; (US) ; Hu; Jason;
(San Francisco, CA) ; Hussey; Timothy; (Santa
Clara, CA) ; Labedz; Jason; (Mountant View,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CCNK LLC |
Seattle |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CCNK LLC
Seattle
WA
|
Family ID: |
58097221 |
Appl. No.: |
14/837698 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 47/008 20130101;
A24F 1/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00; A24F 1/00 20060101 A24F001/00 |
Claims
1. A vapor apparatus, comprising: a vessel suitable for holding a
liquid; an elongate neck removably couplable to the vessel, the
elongate neck having an opening at a distal end and adapted to
transport airborne particles from the vessel to a user through the
opening; an upwardly disposed stem extending from the vessel, the
stem in fluid communication with the liquid within the vessel
through a vapor tube extension; a power source electrically
connected to the vessel; and a nail assembly removably couplable to
the distal end of the stem, the nail assembly comprising: a bowl
configured to retain a combustible substance; an opening adapted to
allow air to flow into the nail assembly; and a vapor tube adjacent
to the bowl and adapted to receive airborne particles of the
combustible substance, wherein the nail assembly is adapted to heat
the combustible substance to a temperature, and wherein the vapor
tube is adapted to transport the airborne particles through the
vapor tube extension into the vessel.
2. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a base
capable of wirelessly charging the power source.
3. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a user
interface controllable through an attached interface, the interface
capable of remote control.
4. The user interface of claim 3, further comprising a wireless
data interface for two-way communication between the vapor
apparatus and a software application.
5. The vapor apparatus of claim 1 further comprising one or more
sensors for detecting combustible material attributes selected from
a group consisting of: electrical conductivity, weight, mass, type
of airborne particles created, color, and heat transfer
coefficient.
6. The nail assembly of claim 1, further comprising a thermocouple
and a bowl heating device adjacent to the bowl.
7. The nail assembly of claim 6, wherein the bowl heating device is
a hot surface igniter.
8. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bowl is concave.
9. The vapor apparatus of claim 8, wherein the bowl is composed of
a material selected from the group consisting of: titanium,
ceramic, quartz, glass, and steel.
10. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a percolator
removably couplable to the vessel.
11. The vapor apparatus of claim 10, wherein the percolator is a
double showerhead type.
12. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongate neck
further comprising is a fan and a vapor catching device.
13. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a powered
airflow device adapted to force airborne particles from the
combustible substance through the vapor apparatus.
14. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the nail assembly
further comprises at least one sensor capable of determining the
temperature of the bowl holding the combustible substance.
15. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a liquid
temperature measuring device and a liquid cooling device.
16. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a carbcap
having an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper
portion comprises a tool coupled to the distal end and adapted to
manipulate the combustible substance, and wherein the lower portion
is a flared end adapted to couple to the nail assembly.
17. The carbcap of claim 15, wherein the upper portion and the
lower portion are threadably couplable.
18. The carbcap of claim 15, wherein the lower portion further
comprises a hole through the flair whereby air can penetrate the
carbcap.
19. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the nail assembly is
adapted to receive a premeasured pod of combustible substance.
20. The vapor apparatus of claim 19, wherein the pod contains
stored information readable by the vapor apparatus to adjust
parameters for use of the vapor apparatus with the pod.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Since before the dawn of civilization, humans have been
administering herbs and other plants by any effective means
possible. First, early man realized that certain foods provided
beneficial effects. Over time, the wisest of the tribes discovered
that some herbs, roots, and other natural components have curative
properties. The administration of compounds through food or water
was the most common and intentional methods used by our ancestors.
Later, the civilized people discovered the effects of topical
applications. Soon, inhalants through pulmonary application were
discovered.
[0002] The first inhalants were consumed by inhaling smoke,
presumably discovered when certain plant matter was burned in a
campfire and the tribal "doctor" drew the connection between the
inhalation of smoke and the effects on his people. Eventually,
methods of harnessing the smoke were developed. Medicine pipes were
invented and revered. In some cases, sophisticated traditions were
created around the smoking of a pipe. In time, cigarettes were also
created.
[0003] Almost every culture across the world used local materials
and knowledge to create new designs of pipes to achieve an easy and
effective method of smoking. In the sixteenth and seventeenth
centuries, the hookah and water pipe were introduced in Europe
following the introduction of tobacco from the new world. The water
pipe was introduced in China during the late Ming Dynasty, also for
the smoking of tobacco. The addition of water into the smoking
device allowed for cooling and filtering of the smoke. Water
filtration provided a healthier and preferred smoke.
[0004] However, the combustion of smoking materials created
numerous carcinogens as well as being difficult for proper and
precise administration. Modern medical knowledge of the harmful
effects of tobacco smoke in lungs lead to social action and further
innovation. Many regions in the United States and around the world
have instituted indoor-smoking bans to protect people against the
harmful effects of second hand smoke.
[0005] Consequently, the vaporizer was invented in the twentieth
century. The vaporizer is a great advance over traditional
combustion methods. It is a healthier and cleaner alternative,
reducing much of the carcinogens, tar, and other unwanted
byproducts of smoking. Vaporization also allows for a much more
precise and metered administration through pulmonary
administration.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to
be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
[0007] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure,
a vapor apparatus is provided. The vapor apparatus generally
includes a vessel suitable for holding a liquid; an elongate neck
removably couplable to the vessel, the elongate neck having an
opening at a distal end and adapted to transport airborne particles
from the vessel to a user through the opening; an upwardly disposed
stem extending from the vessel, the stem in fluid communication
with the liquid within the vessel through a vapor tube extension; a
power source electrically connected to the vessel; and a nail
assembly removably couplable to the distal end of the stem. The
nail assembly generally includes a bowl configured to retain a
combustible substance; an opening adapted to allow air to flow into
the nail assembly; and a vapor tube adjacent to the bowl and
adapted to receive airborne particles of the combustible substance.
The nail assembly is adapted to heat the combustible substance to a
temperature, and the vapor tube is adapted to transport the
airborne particles through the vapor tube extension into the
vessel.
[0008] In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein,
the vapor apparatus also includes a base capable of wirelessly
charging the power source.
[0009] In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein,
the vapor apparatus has a user interface controllable through an
attached interface and the interface is capable of remote
control.
[0010] In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein,
the vapor apparatus can interface with a software application
wirelessly.
[0011] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure, the vapor apparatus has one or more sensors for
detecting the attributes of the combustible materials, such
attributes selected from: electrical conductivity, weight, mass,
type of airborne particles created, color, and heat transfer
coefficient.
[0012] In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein,
the nail assembly of the vapor apparatus includes a thermocouple
and a bowl heating device adjacent to the bowl.
[0013] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure, the bowl heating device of the nail assemble of a vapor
apparatus is a hot surface igniter.
[0014] In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein,
the bowl is concave.
[0015] In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein,
the bowl is made of materials of titanium, ceramic, quartz, glass,
or steel.
[0016] In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein,
the vapor apparatus includes a removable percolator couplable to
the vessel.
[0017] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure, the percolator is a double showerhead.
[0018] In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein,
the elongate neck also includes a fan and a vapor catching
device.
[0019] In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein,
the vapor apparatus also includes a powered airflow device adapted
to force airborne particles from the combustible substance through
the vapor apparatus.
[0020] In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein,
the nail assembly of the vapor apparatus includes a sensor capable
of determining the temperature of the bowl holding the combustible
substance.
[0021] In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein,
the vapor apparatus includes a liquid temperature measuring device
and a liquid cooling device.
[0022] In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein,
the vapor apparatus includes a carbcap having an upper and a lower
portion, the upper portion including a tool coupled to the distal
end and adapted to manipulate the combustible substance and the
lower portion is a flared end adapter to couple to the nail
assembly.
[0023] In accordance with one of the embodiment of the present
disclosure, the carbcap upper portion and lower portion are
threadably couplable.
[0024] In accordance with the embodiment described in the present
disclosure, the carbcap lower portion includes a hole through the
flair where air can penetrate the carbcap.
[0025] In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein,
the nail assembly of the vapor apparatus is adapted to receive a
premeasured pod of combustible substance.
[0026] In accordance with one of the embodiment of the present
disclosure, the pod contains stored information readable by the
vapor apparatus to adjust parameters for use of the vapor apparatus
of the pod.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element
or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number
refer to the figure number in which that element is first
introduced.
[0028] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a vapor apparatus formed in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a right side elevation view of the vapor apparatus
of FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a left side elevation view of the vapor apparatus
of FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the vapor apparatus of
FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the vapor apparatus of
FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the vapor apparatus of FIG.
1.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional right side elevation view of the
vapor apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a nail
assembly of the vapor apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the nail assembly of FIG.
8.
[0037] FIG. 10 is an inverted perspective view of the nail assembly
of FIG. 8.
[0038] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a carbcap formed in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a tool formed in accordance
with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a tool formed in accordance
with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a carbcap
in accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Glossary
[0042] "BlueTooth" in this context is logic for exchanging data
over short distances (using short-wavelength radio transmissions in
the ISM band from 2400-2480 MHz) from fixed and mobile devices,
creating personal area networks (PANs) with high levels of
security. Bluetooth is a wireless protocol for exchanging data over
short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal
area networks. There are two important parameters of Bluetooth
devices--class and supported profiles. "Class" signifies the
distance at which a Bluetooth connection is possible. Most mobile
devices are Class 2, which means they have a range of up to 10 m.
Class 1 devices are rare and have a range of up to 100 feet. A
"profile" is a type of Bluetooth connection. The most common are
the Headset (HSP) and Handsfree (HFP) profiles that enable the
device to connect to a wireless headset or handsfree. Some other
profiles are OBEX (OBject EXchange), which allows transfer of
files, contacts and events; A2DP, which adds support for streaming
of stereo sound and AVRC, which allows remote control of playback.
Standard IEEE 802.15.1, is a wireless technology standard for
exchanging data over short distances (using short-wavelength radio
transmissions in the ISM band from 2400-2480 MHz) from fixed and
mobile devices, creating for example personal area networks with
levels of security.
[0043] "Combustible Substance" in this context refers to a material
intended to be heated to the point of a chemical or thermodynamic
reaction or phase change thereby releasing airborne particles such
as vapor or smoke. The airborne particles may be inhaled. Such
materials may be a solid, liquid, gel, concentrates, oil, organic
compound, powder, or like material. Commonly consumed combustibles
include tobacco, nicotine oil, essential oils, and cannabis
extracts. In other methods, the materials can be aerosolized.
Aerosolized particles are created through vaporization, whereby the
desired components are intermixed with air without causing an
combustion event. For the purposes of this disclosure, combustible
substances shall also include methods resulting in
aersolization.
[0044] "Heat sink" is a passive (non-powered) heat exchanger
component that cools a device by dissipating heat into the
surrounding air.
[0045] "Percolator" in this context refers to a component utilized
to increase air-water interaction. In some forms, it is used in
smoking devices to increase surface area of air bubbles, thereby
allowing for more interaction with the water. Some intended
benefits of a percolator include cooling of the airborne particles
and/or air, filtration, airflow regulation, and to introduce
humidity to the bubbles. Percolator variations are numerous,
including: Pedestal, helix, double helix, serpentine, inline,
dewar, ring, coil, honeycomb, tree twist, and frit.
[0046] "Wireless Charging" or Inductive Charging in this context is
technology that allows electrical energy to be sent over a very
short distance, without a wire or other direct electrical contact.
In phones, it allows a phone to charge by simply placing it on top
of a special charging pad. A type of wire coil in the back of the
phone aligns with a matching coil in the charging pad, forming a
link that send power--and thus charge the battery--even the coils
themselves aren't physically touching. Because there can be a small
distance between the two coils, the charging pad can be placed
slightly below a thin surface, such as a coffee shop table or car
console.
Description
[0047] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements,
are intended as a description of various embodiments of the
disclosed subject matter and are not intended to represent the only
embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is
provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be
construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The
illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms
disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be
interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, in
order to achieve the same or substantially similar result.
[0048] In the following description, numerous specific details are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one
skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the present
disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific
details. In some instances, well known process steps have not been
described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various
aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated
that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any
combination of features described herein.
[0049] The present application may include references to
directions, such as "forward," "rearward," "front," "back,"
"upward," "downward," "right hand," left hand," "in," "out,"
"extended," "advanced," "retracted," "proximal," "distal,"
"central," etc. These references and other similar references in
the present application are only to assist in helping describe and
understand the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the
present disclosure to these directions or locations.
[0050] The present application may also reference quantities and
numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers
are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible
quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also
in this regard, the present application may use the term
"plurality" to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the
term "plurality" is meant to be any number that is more than one,
for example, two, three, four, five, etc.
[0051] Embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed
to a vapor apparatus such as the type used to administer airborne
particles such as vapor or smoke into the human pulmonary system
through inhalation. However, the embodiments of the present
disclosure may also be used in other applications.
[0052] Referring initially to FIG. 1 through FIG. 6, one embodiment
of a vapor apparatus 100 is shown, illustrated as composed of a
vessel 126, an elongate neck 106, and a stem 122. The vessel 126 is
suitable for holding a liquid 702 (see FIG. 7). The stem 122 is
disposed upwards with the proximal end in fluid contact with the
lower portion of the vessel 126. A nail assembly 800 is located on
the distal end of the stem 122. The most commonly utilized liquid
702 is water, although other liquids are suitably used with the
vapor apparatus 100. The elongate neck 106 and the stem 122 are
constructed such that neither will spill liquid 702 from the vessel
126. The stem 122 connects the nail assembly 800 to a percolator
110 through a vapor tube 808 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) and a vapor tube
extension 708 (see FIG. 7). Upon applying a negative air pressure
to the elongate neck 106, pressure exerted on the liquid draws air
from outside the vapor apparatus 100 and through the nail assembly
800, through the stem 122, through the vapor tube 808, through the
vapor tube extension 708, through the percolator 110, and through
the liquid 702 (if present).
[0053] Air can continue through the elongate neck 106 and through a
flair 104. The flair 104 is located on the distal end of the
elongate neck 106. The flair 104 is useful for a more comfortable
and complete seal between the elongate neck 106 and the user's
mouth. In some embodiments, the nail assembly 800 is removable.
[0054] In some embodiments, the elongate neck 106 is removable from
the lower portion 126. An attachment component 108 allows for
connection and a hermetic seal between the elongate neck 106 and
the lower portion 126. The elongate neck 106 may be removed and
alternate attachments may be utilized. Alternate necks may comprise
of different angles, curves, or straight pieces, different
thicknesses, flares, and different materials. These variations
would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art and are also
within the scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the
elongate neck 106 contains encapsulated liquid (not shown) that may
be chilled or frozen. In another embodiment, the elongate neck 106
is adapted to hold ice. In other embodiments, the elongate neck 106
may be cooled through electric means. In other embodiments, the
elongate neck 106 may be cooled through evaporative cooling. Other
embodiments of the elongate neck 106 further comprise a fan (not
shown) for forcing the air out of the flair 104 for direct
administration to the user. Other embodiments for the elongate neck
with the fan include a method of coupling to a vapor catching
device (not shown) such as a non-rigid bag or balloon (neither
shown) for capturing the airborne particles. This embodiment does
not possess the flair 104. In yet other embodiments, the elongate
neck of the vapor apparatus contains at least one air filter (not
shown). In another embodiment, the elongate neck of the vapor
apparatus contains a measurement device (not shown) for metering
the amount of airborne particles or air exiting the elongate neck
106. The foregoing components that are not shown in the Figures are
obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0055] The vessel 126 shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 6 has a transparent
portion 124. The transparent portion 124, in some embodiments
comprised of borosilicate glass or polymer, allows for viewing of
the level of liquid 702. The optimal level of liquid 702 completely
submerses a percolator 110. In other embodiments, the transparent
portion 124 is constructed from any suitable material.
[0056] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 6, the vapor
apparatus 100 further comprises of a user interface for control of
the vapor apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the user interface is
composed of a display 118, a power control 120, and configurable
controls 116. Other embodiments have other layouts of the user
interface, which would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the
art. The user interface is capable of configuring attributes of the
vapor apparatus 100 such as the temperature of the nail assembly
800 and the duration of heat. In some embodiments, the user
interface provides data about the vapor apparatus 100, such as
battery life, charging time, historical data, content of the nail
assembly 800, remaining combustible substances in the nail,
temperature of the liquid, as well as many additional status items
within the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments,
the user interface may be remotely controlled. The user interface
can wirelessly communicate with other devices and/or software
applications. In some embodiments, the wireless communication is
Bluetooth. Through wireless communication, the vapor apparatus 100
can be controlled and can share data with the other devices. In
some embodiments, the vapor apparatus 100 can determine the types
of combustible substance present in the bowl and relay this
information to external devices. In other embodiments, the variety
and/or uses can be tracked on a multi-user scale via a publicly or
limited-access app where users can compete or compare over various
metrics.
[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the percolator 110 is a
double showerhead design. Many different styles and configurations
of percolator 110 are contemplated and would be known to one of
ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the percolator 110
is removable and interchangeable. A silicon gasket (not shown) may
be added to seal the area between the lower portion 126 and the
percolator 110.
[0058] Now referring to FIG. 7, a cutout side view of the vapor
apparatus 100 is shown. The vapor apparatus 100 is additionally
comprised of the vessel 126, the percolator 110, the elongate neck
106, the base 112, a power cable 114, the display 118, the power
control 120, the configurable controls 116, the attachment
component 108, the nail assembly 800, and the vapor tube extension
708. The attachment component 108 is comprised of an inner
attachment component 704 and an outer attachment component 706. In
the illustrated embodiment, the inner attachment component 704 and
the outer attachment component 706 are threadedly attached, and the
outer attachment component 706 is disposed to receive the inner
attachment component 704 and create a hermetic seal. The outer
attachment component 706 is constructed of a material with a
suitable coefficient of friction for hand tightening and loosening.
The embodiment shown in this FIG. 7 contains the liquid 702 fully
submersing the percolator 110. This embodiment shows a carb cap
tool 1200 placed above the nail. The carb cap tool 1200 is further
described below. The vapor tube extension 708 makes a sealed
connection between the vapor tube 808 of the nail assembly 800
(described below) with the percolator 110 and the vessel 126.
[0059] The vapor apparatus 100 is further comprised of a power
source 710 electrically connected to the vessel 126. In the
illustrated embodiment, the power source 710 is a lithium ion
battery. Other embodiments suitably use a nickel cadmium power
source, or other electric battery, capacitors, or supercapacitors.
In yet other embodiments, the vessel 126 is connected to an
electrical outlet through a power cable 114. The vapor apparatus
100 may sit on a base 112. The base 112 includes the power cable
114 for electrical connection with other electrical power. The base
112 is capable of wireless charging the power source 710 of the
vapor apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the method of wireless
charging is inductive charging.
[0060] In some embodiments, the vapor apparatus 100 is further
comprised of a temperature measuring device (not shown) for
measuring the temperature of the liquid and a cooling device for
cooling the liquid to a configurable temperature.
[0061] Now referring to FIG. 8, the nail assembly 800 from the
vapor apparatus 100 of FIG. 1-FIG. 7. is shown. In the illustrated
embodiment, the nail assembly 800 is comprised of a upper heat
insulator 806, a bowl 804, an opening 802 adapted to allow air to
flow into the nail assembly 800, a middle heat insulator 812, lower
heat insulator 810, the vapor tube 808, a heating device 814,
heating device electrical connections 816, thermocouple electrical
connections 818, and a thermocouple 820 for measuring the
temperature of the heating device 814. In some embodiments, the
thermocouple 820 measures temperature of the bowl 804. In other
embodiments, the thermocouple 820 measures temperature of both the
heating device 814 and the bowl 804. In some embodiments, the
heating device 814 is a hot surface igniter (not shown). In some
embodiments, the bowl 804 is composed substantially of titanium.
However, other materials with efficient thermal conductivity are
also within the scope of the present disclosure. In other
embodiments, the bowl may be constructed of titanium, ceramic,
quartz, glass, or steel. In some embodiments, the heating device is
constructed of ceramic.
[0062] The bowl 804 is heated by the heating device 814 to
user-configurable temperature. The temperature of the bowl 804 is
measured by the thermocouple 820 and the heating device 814 is
adjusted to maintain the desired temperature for a configurable
duration. In other embodiments, the bowl 804 is heatable by an
alternate heat transfer system. In yet other embodiments, the bowl
804 may be cooled to rapidly reduce temperature and mitigate or
cease combustible reaction. One embodiment cools the combustible
material in the bowl 804 by reversing the air flow through the
vapor tube 808, thereby blowing air onto the bowl 804. In other
embodiments, a passive cooling system is utilized with a heat sink.
The heat insulators are constructed of a material with poor thermal
conductivity. One such preferred material is ceramic. However,
other materials are contemplated.
[0063] The heating device can be capable of heating to various
temperatures. In some embodiments, the temperature can range 300
degrees Fahrenheit to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. Other embodiments can
use a heating device tailored for specific combustible substances,
such as 375 degrees Fahrenheit for combustible substances such as
lemongrass and ginger. Other ranges are obvious to one skilled in
the art and are within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0064] The thermocouple 820 is connected to the thermocouple
electrical connections 818 and the user interface. The heating
device 814 is electrically connected to the heating device
electrical connections 816, the user interface, and the power
source 710. In some embodiments, the nail assembly 800 is removable
and replaceable. Some embodiments of the nail assembly 800 are
capable of receiving premeasured packaged servings (not shown). In
some embodiments, the premeasured packaging servings contain
information in which the vapor apparatus 100 can interpret to
determine the proper attributes to combust the product, which may
include heating temperature and heating times.
[0065] In other embodiments, the thermocouple is replaced by an
alternate temperature measuring device. In some embodiments, the
bowl 804 is concave. A concave bowl allows for the combustible
substance to collect if it turns viscous. In addition, the
combustible substance will collect for more efficient combustion.
Other benefits of a concave bowl are apparent.
[0066] The thermocouple 818 is able to relay the present
temperature to the user interface through the thermocouple
electrical connections 818. The user interface can determine
whether to activate, deactivate, or modulate the heating device 814
by adjusting a connection between the heating device electrical
connections 816 and the power source 710, based upon user
configuration.
[0067] Now referring to FIG. 9, the nail assembly 800 is shown.
This view illustrates the hole 802, the bowl, 804, the upper heat
insulator 806, the middle heat insulator 812, the lower heat
insulator 810, and a lower portion of the vapor tube 808.
[0068] Now referring to FIG. 10, the underside of the nail assembly
800 is shown. The view illustrates the upper heat insulator 806,
the middle heat insulator 812, the lower portion of the vapor tube
808, heating device electrical connections 1004, and thermocouple
electrical connections 1002.
[0069] Now referring to FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13, a carbcap
1200 is shown. In some embodiments, the carbcap 1200 is composed of
materials with the same desired attributes as the materials of the
heat insulators. In the illustrated embodiment, the carbcap 1200 is
composed of a cap 1202 and a spoon tool 1104. The Spoon tool 1104
is separable from the cap 1202. The spoon tool 1104 is threadedly
couplable to the cap 1202. Additional tools may be connected such
as a digging tool 1202, having a male thread 1204 adapted to
connect with the cap 1202, or a poking tool 1302, having a male
thread 1304 adapted to connect with the cap 1202. The tools 1202
and 1302 are designed to allow manipulations of hot or sticky
combustible substances. The tools 1202 and 1302 are suitably
constructed of many different temperature tolerant materials. In
this embodiment, the tools 1202 and 1302 are constructed of the
same material as the bowl 804. Other tools and attachments are
within the scope of the present disclosure. The carbcap 1200 is
capable of cooling the combustible substance and hermetically
sealing or reducing external air interaction with the bowl 804 by
being placed directly above and in physical contact with the nail
assembly 800. With some combustible substances, this placement
allows for a measured reduction of any reaction of the combustible
substance.
[0070] Now referring to FIG. 14, the cross section of a carbcap
1400 in accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure is shown. The carbcap 1400 includes a cap 1402 with a
concave opening 1404 and a hole 1402. The hole 1402 allows air
flow. The hole 1402 may be modulated by a finger of the user or
other object (not shown) to precisely control air interaction with
the bowl 804 and combustible substance. A square spoon tool 1406 is
also shown.
[0071] In other embodiments, the heat insulators, such as heat
insulators 806, 810, and 812, may be decreased in number, merged
into less units, or eliminated completely from the nail assembly
800.
[0072] In some embodiments, the nail assembly 800 is capable of
determining the composition and character of the components and
provide proper settings for efficient and proper vaporization. This
is done by one or more sensors detecting one or more attributes of
the combustible substances such as the electrical conductivity,
weight, mass, type of airborne particles created, color, and heat
transfer coefficient. Other attributes for determining combustible
substance qualities are obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art
and are within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0073] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of
operation of the present disclosure have been described in the
foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure
which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as
limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the
embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative
rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and
changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without
departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly,
it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and
equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present
disclosure, as claimed.
* * * * *