U.S. patent application number 16/809657 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-10 for system and method for measuring payload dosage in a vaporization device.
The applicant listed for this patent is CANOPY GROWTH CORPORATION. Invention is credited to STEPHEN DAVIS, PHILIP EVANS, STEVEN PENNEY, JOHN PICCOLI, ALEXANDER ROSS, ANDREW STEWART.
Application Number | 20200281278 16/809657 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004735345 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-10 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200281278 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DAVIS; STEPHEN ; et
al. |
September 10, 2020 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING PAYLOAD DOSAGE IN A VAPORIZATION
DEVICE
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a vape device configured to
determine the dose of a payload delivered to a user during each of
a plurality of user inhalations. In a first embodiment, the vape
device tracks the energy used to vaporize a portion of the payload
during user inhalation to determine the dose. In a second
embodiment, the vape device measures the temperature at multiple
locations within the air flow chamber during user inhalation to
determine the dose. In a third embodiment, the vape device measures
the intensity of light that is transmitted through the vaporized
payload, reflected off the vaporized payload, or transmitted
through a light transmitting medium positioned within the vaporized
payload, during user inhalation to determine the dose. In a fourth
embodiment, the vape device utilizes hot wire anemometers to
determine the mass of the vaporized payload that was delivered to
the user during each user inhalation and/or to determine the size
and density distribution of the droplets in the vaporized payload
and use such distribution to calculate the total mass of the
vaporized payload that was delivered to the user during each user
inhalation. The disclosed methods may be used independently, or in
any combination, in accordance with the invention.
Inventors: |
DAVIS; STEPHEN; (OTTAWA,
CA) ; EVANS; PHILIP; (SMITHS FALLS, CA) ;
PENNEY; STEVEN; (OTTAWA, CA) ; PICCOLI; JOHN;
(SMITHS FALLS, CA) ; ROSS; ALEXANDER; (OTTAWA,
CA) ; STEWART; ANDREW; (OTTAWA, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CANOPY GROWTH CORPORATION |
Smiths Falls |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004735345 |
Appl. No.: |
16/809657 |
Filed: |
March 5, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62813845 |
Mar 5, 2019 |
|
|
|
62899828 |
Sep 13, 2019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 40/51 20200101;
A24F 40/57 20200101; A24F 40/60 20200101; A24F 40/65 20200101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 40/57 20060101
A24F040/57; A24F 40/60 20060101 A24F040/60; A24F 40/65 20060101
A24F040/65 |
Claims
1. A vape device for determining a dose of a payload delivered to a
user during each of a plurality of user inhalations, comprising: a
payload reservoir configured to contain a payload to be vaporized;
an air flow chamber that extends between and inlet and an outlet; a
power source configured to generate a power signal during each
respective user inhalation; an atomizer located between the inlet
and the outlet of the air flow chamber, wherein the atomizer is
configured to receive the power signal and vaporize a portion of
the payload to thereby generate a vaporized payload during each
respective user inhalation; and a microcontroller programmed to
determine a dose of the vaporized payload for each respective user
inhalation based on: (a) determining an amount of energy used to
vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation; and
(b) determining a partial mass of the payload that is vaporized
during the user inhalation based on the amount of energy used to
vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation.
2. The vape device of claim 1, further comprising a memory device
configured to store information that enables the microcontroller to
correlate the amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the
payload during the user inhalation to the partial mass of the
payload that is vaporized during the user inhalation.
3. The vape device of claim 1, wherein the vape device comprises a
cartridge releasably connected to a control assembly, and wherein
the microcontroller is contained within the control assembly.
4. The vape device of claim 1, wherein the vape device comprises a
cartridge releasably connected to a control assembly, and wherein
the microcontroller is contained within the cartridge.
5. The vape device of claim 1, wherein the power source comprises a
battery, and wherein the power signal comprises a direct current or
a pulsed direct current.
6. The vape device of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is
programmed to determine the amount of energy used to vaporize the
portion of the payload during the user inhalation based on: (a)
determining an amount of power provided to the atomizer during the
user inhalation; (b) determining a duration of the user inhalation;
and (c) determining the amount of energy based on the amount of
power provided to the atomizer during the user inhalation and the
duration of the user inhalation.
7. The vape device claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is further
programmed to: (a) determine an amount of energy used to heat the
atomizer to a vaporization temperature during the user inhalation;
and (b) adjust the amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of
the payload during the user inhalation by subtracting the amount of
energy used to heat the atomizer to the vaporization temperature
during the user inhalation.
8. The vape device of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is
further programmed to adjust the amount of energy used to vaporize
the portion of the payload during the user inhalation to account
for one or more of the following operating conditions: a starting
temperature of the vape device, a starting temperature of the
payload, a temperature of ambient air, a relative humidity of
ambient air, a pressure of ambient air, an output voltage of the
power source, and a temperature ramp rate of the atomizer.
9. The vape device of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is
further programmed to: (a) determine an air flow rate within the
air flow chamber during the user inhalation; and (b) adjust the
amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during
the user inhalation to account for the air flow rate.
10. The vape device of claim 1, further comprising a wireless
transceiver configured to transmit the dose of the vaporized
payload to an external computing device.
11. The vape device of claim 1, wherein transmission of the power
signal to the atomizer is disabled when the dose of the vaporized
payload reaches a specified dose.
12. The vape device of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is
programmed to determine a remaining amount of the payload in the
payload reservoir based on (a) the total amount of the payload and
(b) an aggregated amount of the payload that has been vaporized
during previous user inhalations.
13. The vape device of claim 12, wherein the microcontroller is
programmed to provide a notice when the remaining amount of the
payload in the payload reservoir is below a minimum level.
14. A vape device for determining a dose of a payload delivered to
a user during each of a plurality of user inhalations, comprising:
a payload reservoir configured to contain a payload to be
vaporized; an air flow chamber that extends between and inlet and
an outlet; a power source configured to generate a power signal
during each respective user inhalation; an atomizer located between
the inlet and the outlet of the air flow chamber, wherein the
atomizer is configured to receive the power signal and vaporize a
portion of the payload to thereby generate a vaporized payload
during each respective user inhalation; and a microcontroller
programmed to: determine a dose of the vaporized payload for each
respective user inhalation based on: (a) determining an amount of
energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user
inhalation based on an amount of power provided to the atomizer
during the user inhalation and a duration of the user inhalation;
and (b) determining a partial mass of the payload that is vaporized
during the user inhalation based on the amount of energy used to
vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation;
disable transmission of the power signal to the atomizer when the
dose of the vaporized payload reaches a specified dose.
15. The vape device claim 14, wherein the microcontroller is
further programmed to: (a) determine an amount of energy used to
heat the atomizer to a vaporization temperature during the user
inhalation; and (b) adjust the amount of energy used to vaporize
the portion of the payload during the user inhalation by
subtracting the amount of energy used to heat the atomizer to the
vaporization temperature during the user inhalation.
16. The vape device of claim 14, wherein the microcontroller is
further programmed to adjust the amount of energy used to vaporize
the portion of the payload during the user inhalation to account
for one or more of the following operating conditions: a starting
temperature of the vape device, a starting temperature of the
payload, a temperature of ambient air, a relative humidity of
ambient air, a pressure of ambient air, an output voltage of the
power source, and a temperature ramp rate of the atomizer.
17. The vape device of claim 14, wherein the microcontroller is
further programmed to: (a) determine an air flow rate within the
air flow chamber during the user inhalation; and (b) adjust the
amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during
the user inhalation to account for the air flow rate.
18. A method for determining a dose of a payload delivered to a
user of a vape device during each of a plurality of user
inhalations, comprising: holding a payload to be vaporized;
vaporizing a portion of the payload by transmitting a power signal
from a power source to an atomizer located between and inlet and an
outlet of an air flow chamber to thereby generate a vaporized
payload during each respective user inhalation; and determining a
dose of the vaporized payload for each respective user inhalation
based on: (a) determining an amount of energy used to vaporize the
portion of the payload during the user inhalation; and (b)
determining a partial mass of the payload that is vaporized during
the user inhalation based on the amount of energy used to vaporize
the portion of the payload during the user inhalation.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: (a) identifying one
or more components within the payload; (b) identifying a relative
percentage and a boiling point for each of the components within
the payload; and (c) determining a mass of each of the components
within the portion of the payload that is vaporized during the user
inhalation.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising determining an
optimal vaporization temperature for the payload based on the
relative percentage and the boiling point for each of the
components within the payload.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/813,845, filed on Mar. 5, 2019,
and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/899,828, filed on Sep.
13, 2019, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present disclosure is generally related to the field of
personal vaporizer devices and, in particular, to systems and
methods for measuring the dosage of a vaporized payload that is
delivered to the user of a personal vaporizer device.
2. Description of Related Art
[0004] The use of personal vaporizer devices or "vape devices" for
consuming cannabis, tobacco products, and other substances has
grown significantly. In a basic form, a vape device consists of an
atomizer, a battery, a switch for connecting the battery to the
atomizer, and a reservoir that contains an amount of payload (e.g.,
cannabis oil) to be vaporized by the atomizer. Controlling the vape
device merely entails closing the switch so that current passes
from the battery through a coil of the atomizer whereby the
atomizer heats up and begins to vaporize a portion of the payload.
The vapor--i.e., the cloud-like emission from a vape device that
may be some combination of actual gas phase vapor and aerosol--is
then inhaled by the user so that the desired components (e.g., THC,
CBD, etc.) are delivered for medical or recreational purposes.
[0005] While there are a few conventional vape devices that attempt
to determine the dosage of a vaporized payload delivered to a user,
they use inaccurate methods that offer poor dose metering
performance. It is technically difficult to accurately measure the
dose administered by a vape device because, for example, vapor
density can be inconsistent and operating conditions will vary. As
such, medicinal patients are unsure of the dosage that they have
consumed at any given time, which limits the repeatability and
efficacy of the drug's effects. Also, recreational users may
experience different effects (desirable and undesirable) depending
on dosage. Thus, there remains a need in the art for a vape device
that accurately measures the dose of a payload delivered to a user
and/or that offers other advantages compared to conventional vape
devices.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed to a vape device for
determining the dose of a payload delivered to a user during each
of a plurality of user inhalations (commonly referred to as a
"draw" or "drag" or "puff"). The vape device may use four different
methods, independently or in any combination, to measure the
portion of the payload that is vaporized during each user
inhalation. The first method tracks the energy used to vaporize the
payload portion during user inhalation in order to determine the
mass of the vaporized payload; the second method measures the
temperature at multiple locations within the air flow chamber
during the user inhalation (and optionally before and after the
user inhalation) to determine the vapor density and by extension
the mass of the vaporized payload; the third method measures the
intensity of light that is transmitted through the vaporized
payload, reflected off the vaporized payload, or transmitted
through a light transmitting medium positioned within the vaporized
payload, before, during, and after user inhalation to determine the
vapor density and by extension the mass of the vaporized payload;
and the fourth method utilizes hot wire anemometers to determine
the mass of the vaporized payload that was delivered to the user
during each user inhalation and/or to determine the size and
density distribution of the droplets in the vaporized payload and
use such distribution to calculate the total mass of the vaporized
payload that was delivered to the user during each user inhalation.
More accurate dose metering is beneficial to both medicinal and
recreational users insofar as they will be able to accurately
measure their dosage to obtain the desired effects in a repeatable
fashion.
[0007] A vape device for determining a dose of a payload delivered
to a user during each of a plurality of user inhalations in
accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the invention described
herein comprises: a payload reservoir configured to contain a
payload to be vaporized; a power source configured to generate a
power signal during each respective user inhalation; an atomizer
configured to receive the power signal and vaporize a portion of
the payload to thereby generate a vaporized payload during each
respective user inhalation; and a microcontroller programmed to
determine a dose of the vaporized payload for each respective user
inhalation based on: (a) determining an amount of energy used to
vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation; and
(b) determining a partial mass of the payload that is vaporized
during the user inhalation based on the amount of energy used to
vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation.
[0008] A method for determining a dose of a payload delivered to a
user of a vape device during each of a plurality of user
inhalations in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the
invention described herein comprises: holding a payload to be
vaporized; vaporizing a portion of the payload by transmitting a
power signal from a power source to an atomizer to thereby generate
a vaporized payload during each respective user inhalation; and
determining a dose of the vaporized payload for each respective
user inhalation based on: (a) determining an amount of energy used
to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation;
and (b) determining a partial mass of the payload that is vaporized
during the user inhalation based on the amount of energy used to
vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation.
[0009] A vape device for determining a dose of a payload delivered
to a user during each of a plurality of user inhalations in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention
described herein comprises: a payload reservoir configured to
contain a payload to be vaporized; an air flow chamber that extends
between an inlet and an outlet; an atomizer positioned between the
inlet and the outlet of the air flow chamber, wherein the atomizer
is configured to vaporize a portion of the payload to thereby
generate a vaporized payload during each respective user
inhalation; and a microcontroller programmed to determine a dose of
the vaporized payload for each respective user inhalation based on:
(a) a plurality of temperature measurements obtained within the air
flow chamber during the user inhalation; and (b) an air flow rate
within the air flow chamber during the user inhalation.
[0010] A method for determining a dose of a payload delivered to a
user of a vape device during each of a plurality of user
inhalations in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the
invention described herein comprises: holding a payload to be
vaporized; vaporizing a portion of the payload with an atomizer
positioned between an inlet and an outlet of an air flow chamber to
thereby generate a vaporized payload during each respective user
inhalation; and determining a dose of the vaporized payload for
each respective user inhalation based on: (a) a plurality of
temperature measurements obtained within the air flow chamber
during the user inhalation; and (b) an air flow rate within the air
flow chamber during the user inhalation.
[0011] A vape device for determining a dose of a payload delivered
to a user during each of a plurality of user inhalations in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention
described herein comprises: a payload reservoir configured to
contain a payload to be vaporized; an air flow chamber that extends
between an inlet and an outlet; an atomizer positioned between the
inlet and the outlet of the air flow chamber, wherein the atomizer
is configured to vaporize a portion of the payload to thereby
generate a vaporized payload during each respective user
inhalation; and a microcontroller programmed to determine a dose of
the vaporized payload for each respective user inhalation based on
a plurality of light intensity measurements obtained during the
user inhalation, wherein the light intensity measurements are
associated with light that is transmitted through the vaporized
payload, reflected off the vaporized payload, or transmitted
through a light transmitting medium positioned within the vaporized
payload, when the vaporized payload passes through the air flow
chamber.
[0012] A method for determining a dose of a payload delivered to a
user of a vape device during each of a plurality of user
inhalations in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the
invention described herein comprises: holding a payload to be
vaporized; vaporizing a portion of the payload with an atomizer
positioned between an inlet and an outlet of an air flow chamber to
thereby generate a vaporized payload during each respective user
inhalation; and determining a dose of the vaporized payload for
each respective user inhalation based on a plurality of light
intensity measurements obtained during the user inhalation, wherein
the light intensity measurements are associated with light that is
transmitted through the vaporized payload, reflected off the
vaporized payload, or transmitted through a light transmitting
medium positioned within the vaporized payload, when the vaporized
payload passes through the air flow chamber.
[0013] A vape device for determining a dose of a payload delivered
to a user during each of a plurality of user inhalations in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention
described herein comprises: a payload reservoir configured to
contain a payload to be vaporized; an air flow chamber that extends
between an inlet and an outlet; an atomizer located between the
inlet and the outlet of the air flow chamber, wherein the atomizer
is configured to vaporize a portion of the payload to thereby
generate a vaporized payload during each respective user
inhalation; at least one sampling hot wire anemometer located
within the air flow chamber between the atomizer and the outlet,
wherein the sampling hot wire anemometer is incorporated into a
circuit configured to determine a number of droplets of the
vaporized payload passing by the sampling hot wire anemometer
during each respective user inhalation; and a microcontroller
programmed to determine a dose of the vaporized payload for each
respective user inhalation based on the number of droplets of the
vaporized payload.
[0014] A method for determining a dose of a payload delivered to a
user of a vape device during each of a plurality of user
inhalations in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the
invention described herein comprises: holding a payload to be
vaporized; vaporizing a portion of the payload with an atomizer
positioned between an inlet and an outlet of an air flow chamber to
thereby generate a vaporized payload during each respective user
inhalation; determining a number of droplets of the vaporized
payload passing by at least one sampling hot wire anemometer
located within the air flow chamber between the atomizer and the
outlet during each respective user inhalation; and determining a
dose of the vaporized payload for each respective user inhalation
based on the number of droplets of the vaporized payload.
[0015] Various other embodiments and features of the present
invention are described in detail below with reference to the
attached drawing figures, or will be apparent to those skilled in
the art based on the disclosure provided herein, or may be learned
from the practice of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a
vape device in accordance with the invention described herein.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a
vape device in accordance with the invention described herein.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vape
device system that includes the vape device of FIG. 1 in wireless
communication with a personal computing device.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary vape device
that utilizes an energy usage method to determine the dose of
vaporized payload delivered to a user.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary vape device
that utilizes a temperature measurement method to determine the
dose of vaporized payload delivered to a user.
[0021] FIGS. 6-13 are schematic diagrams of exemplary vape devices
that utilize various light intensity measurement methods to
determine the dose of vaporized payload delivered to a user.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary vape device
that utilizes hot wire anemometers to determine the dose of
vaporized payload delivered to a user.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of exemplary components that may
be incorporated into a vape device to determine the dose of
vaporized payload delivered to a user and to determine the size and
density distribution of the droplets in the vaporized payload.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The present invention is directed to a vape device for
determining the dose of a payload delivered to a user during each
of a plurality of user inhalations. While the invention will be
described in detail below with reference to various exemplary
embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not
limited to the specific configuration or methodologies of any of
these embodiments. In addition, although the exemplary embodiments
are described as embodying several different inventive features,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that any one of these
features could be implemented without the others in accordance with
the invention.
[0025] In this description, references to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," or "embodiments" mean that
the feature or features being described are included in at least
one embodiment of the invention. Separate references to "one
embodiment," "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," or
"embodiments" in this description do not necessarily refer to the
same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so
stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled
in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure,
function, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in
other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the
present invention can include a variety of combinations and/or
integrations of the embodiments described herein.
[0026] In this disclosure, the term "payload" refers to any payload
suitable for a vape device. Non-limiting examples include a payload
comprising nicotine, cannabis, a cannabinoid or a cannabis
concentrate as an ingredient. The payload may include other
components such as, without limitation, a viscosity modifying
agent, a stabilizer, and a flavorant.
[0027] As used herein, the term "nicotine" can be of plant origin
or of synthetic or semi-synthetic origin. For example, it can be
extracted from tobacco leaves or obtained by chemical synthesis.
Nicotine may also refer to a nicotine substitute, which is
typically a molecule that is not addictive but has a sensory effect
similar to that of nicotine.
[0028] As used herein, the term "cannabis" refers to a genus of
flowering plant in the family Cannabaceae. The number of species
within the genus is disputed. Three species may be recognized,
Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. C.
ruderalis may be included within C. sativa; or all three may be
treated as subspecies of a single species, C. sativa. The genus is
indigenous to central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
[0029] Cannabis has long been used for hemp fiber, hemp oils,
medicinal purposes, and as a recreational drug. Industrial hemp
products are made from cannabis plants selected to produce an
abundance of fiber. To satisfy the UN Narcotics Convention, some
cannabis strains have been bred to produce minimal levels of
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive constituent.
Many additional plants have been selectively bred to produce a
maximum level of THC. Various compounds, including hashish and hash
oil, may be extracted from the plant.
[0030] Within naturally occurring and manmade hybrids, cannabis
contains a vast array of compounds. Three compound classes are of
interest within the context of the present disclosure, although
other compounds can be present or added to the compositions to
optimize the experience of a given recreational consumer and
medical or medicinal patient or patient population. Those classes
include cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.
[0031] There are many ways of growing cannabis, some of which are
natural, and some are carefully designed by humans, and they will
not be recited here. However, one of ordinary skill in the art of
cannabis production will typically place a cannabis seed or cutting
into a growth media such as soil, manufactured soil designed for
cannabis growth or one of many hydroponic growth media. The
cannabis seed or cutting is then provided with water, light and,
optionally, a nutrient supplement. At times, the atmosphere and
temperature are manipulated to aid in the growth process.
Typically, the humidity, air to carbon dioxide gas ratio and
elevated temperature, either by use of a heat source or waste heat
produced by artificial light, are used. On many occasions
ventilation is carefully controlled to maintain the conditions
described above within an optimal range to both increase the rate
of growth and, optionally, maximize the plant's production of the
compounds, which comprise the compositions of the disclosure. It is
possible to control lighting cycles to optimize various growth
parameters of the plant.
[0032] Given the number of variables and the complex interaction of
the variables, it is possible to develop highly specific formulas
for production of cannabis which lead to a variety of desired plant
characteristics. The present disclosure is applicable to use with
such inventive means for growing cannabis as well as any of the
variety of conventional methods.
[0033] Cannabis sativa is an annual herbaceous plant in the
Cannabis genus. It is a member of a small, but diverse family of
flowering plants of the Cannabaceae family. It has been cultivated
throughout recorded history, used as a source of industrial fiber,
seed oil, food, recreation, religious and spiritual moods and
medicine. Each part of the plant is harvested differently,
depending on the purpose of its use. The species was first
classified by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
[0034] Cannabis indica, formally known as Cannabis sativa forma
indica, is an annual plant in the Cannabaceae family. A putative
species of the genus Cannabis.
[0035] Cannabis ruderalis is a low-THC species of Cannabis, which
is native to Central and Eastern Europe and Russia. It is widely
debated as to whether C. ruderalis is a sub-species of Cannabis
sativa. Many scholars accept Cannabis ruderalis as its own species
due to its unique traits and phenotypes that distinguish it from
Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa.
[0036] As used herein, the term "cannabinoid" refers to a chemical
compound belonging to a class of secondary compounds commonly found
in plants of genus cannabis, but also encompasses synthetic and
semi-synthetic cannabinoids.
[0037] The most notable cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC),
the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is
another cannabinoid that is a major constituent of the
phytocannabinoids. There are at least 113 different cannabinoids
isolated from cannabis, exhibiting varied effects.
[0038] Synthetic cannabinoids and semi-synthetic cannabinoids
encompass a variety of distinct chemical classes, for example and
without limitation: the classical cannabinoids structurally related
to THC, the non-classical cannabinoids (cannabimimetics) including
the aminoalkylindoles, 1,5 diarylpyrazoles, quinolines, and
arylsulfonamides as well as eicosanoids related to
endocannabinoids.
[0039] In many cases, a cannabinoid can be identified because its
chemical name will include the text string "*cannabi*". However,
there are a number of cannabinoids that do not use this
nomenclature.
[0040] Within the context of this disclosure, where reference is
made to a particular cannabinoid, each of the acid and/or
decarboxylated forms are contemplated as both single molecules and
mixtures. In addition, salts of cannabinoids are also encompassed,
such as salts of cannabinoid carboxylic acids.
[0041] As well, any and all isomeric, enantiomeric, or optically
active derivatives are also encompassed. In particular, where
appropriate, reference to a particular cannabinoid includes both
the "A Form" and the "B Form". For example, it is known that THCA
has two isomers, THCA-A in which the carboxylic acid group is in
the 1 position between the hydroxyl group and the carbon chain (A
Form) and THCA-B in which the carboxylic acid group is in the 3
position following the carbon chain (B Form).
[0042] Examples of cannabinoids include, but are not limited to:
cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabigerolic acid monomethylether
(CBGAM), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabigerol monomethylether (CBGM),
cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA), cannabigerovarin (CBGV),
cannabichromenic Acid (CBCA), cannabichromene (CBC),
cannabichromevarinic Acid (CBCVA), cannabichromevarin (CBCV),
cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidiol (CBD), .DELTA.6-cannabidiol
(.DELTA.6 CBD), cannabidiol monomethylether (CBDM), cannabidiol-C4
(CBD-C4), cannabidivarinic Acid (CBDVA), cannabidivarin (CBDV),
cannabidiorcol (CBD-C1), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA-A),
tetrahydrocannabinolic acid B (THCA-B), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC
or .DELTA.9-THC), .DELTA.8 tetrahydrocannabinol (.DELTA.8-THC),
trans-410-tetrahydrocannabinol (trans-.DELTA.10-THC), cis
.DELTA.10-tetrahydrocannabinol (cis-.DELTA.10-THC),
tetrahydrocannabinolic acid C4 (THCA-C4), tetrahydrocannbinol C4
(THC C4), tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCVA),
tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), .DELTA.8-tetrahydrocannabivarin
(.DELTA.8-THCV), .DELTA.9 tetrahydrocannabivarin (.DELTA.9-THCV),
tetrahydrocannabiorcoli c acid (THCA-C1), tetrahydrocannabiorcol
(THC-C1), .DELTA.7-cis-iso-tetrahydrocannabivarin, .DELTA.8
tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (.DELTA.8-THCA),
.DELTA.9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (.DELTA.9-THCA),
cannabicyclolic acid (CBLA), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabicyclovarin
(CBLV), cannabielsoic acid A (CBEA-A), cannabielsoic acid B
(CBEA-B), cnnabielsoin (CBE), cannabinolic acid (CBNA), cannabinol
(CBN), cannabinol methylether (CBNM), cannabinol-C4 (CBN-C4),
cannabivarin (CBV), cannabino-C2 (CBN-C2), cannabiorcol (CBN-C1),
cannabinodiol (CBND), cannabinodivarin (CBDV), cannabitriol (CBT),
11 hydroxy-.DELTA.9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC), 11 nor
9-carboxy-.delta.9-tetrahydrocannabinol, ethoxy-cannabitriolvarin
(CBTVE), 10 ethoxy-9-hydroxy-.delta.6a-tetrahydrocannabinol,
cannabitriolvarin (CBTV), 8,9
dihydroxy-.DELTA.6a(10a)-tetrahydrocannabinol (8,9-Di-OH-CBT-C5),
dehydrocannabifuran (DCBF), cannbifuran (CBF), cannabichromanon
(CBCN), cannabicitran (CBT), 10
oxo-.DELTA.6a(10a)-tetrahydrocannabinol (OTHC), .DELTA.9 cis
tetrahydrocannabinol (cis THC), cannabiripsol (cbr),
3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-7-hydroxy-alpha-alpha-2-trimethyl-9-n-propyl-2,6-metha-
no-2h-1-benzoxocin-5-methanol (OH-iso-HHCV),
trihydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (triOH-THC), yangonin,
epigallocatechin gallate, dodeca-2e, 4e, 8z, 10z-tetraenoic acid
isobutylamide, hexahydrocannibinol, and dodeca-2e,4e-dienoic acid
isobutylamide.
[0043] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the
cannabinoid is a cannabinoid dimer. The cannabinoid may be a dimer
of the same cannabinoid (e.g., THC-THC) or different cannabinoids.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cannabinoid may be
a dimer of THC, including for example cannabisol.
[0044] As used herein, the term "cannabis concentrate" refers to a
mixture of compounds that is obtained from a cannabis plant, such
as for example a mixture of compounds or compositions that have
been extracted from cannabis. The cannabis concentrate may be a
concentrated composition of cannabis-derived cannabinoids,
terpenes, terpenoids, and other naturally occurring compounds found
in the cannabis plant. Non-limiting embodiments of a cannabis
concentrate include a cannabis distillate, a cannabis isolate, a
cannabis resin, a cannabis derived cannabinoid, or any other type
of extract containing one or more cannabinoids or terpenes,
terpenoids, and other naturally occurring compounds found in the
cannabis plant.
[0045] As used herein, the term "viscosity control agent" describes
a substance for controlling and maintaining the viscosity of the
payload. Non-limiting embodiments of a viscosity control agent
include propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol), 1,3-propanediol,
polyethylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, a terpene, triacetin,
diacetin and triethyl citrate.
[0046] As used herein, the term "stabilizer" is any substance used
to prevent an unwanted change in state. The stabilizer may be used
to improve or maintain the stability of the payload. For example,
without a stabilizer, cannabinoids or cannabis concentrates may be
susceptible to degradation, such as oxidative degradation,
cannabinoids may crystallize out of the payload, and/or the payload
may undergo color change.
[0047] As used herein, the term "flavorant" is used to describe a
compound or combination of compounds that may provide flavor and/or
aroma to the payload. The flavorant may include at least one of a
natural flavorant or an artificial flavorant. Non-limiting
embodiments of a flavorant may be a tobacco flavor, menthol,
wintergreen, peppermint, herb flavors, fruit flavors, nut flavors,
liquor flavors and terpene flavors.
I. Vape Device
[0048] The present invention is directed to a vape device that
measures and preferably controls or meters the dose of vaporized
payload inhaled by the user. The dose metering technology may be
incorporated into a variety of different types of vape devices
available in various sizes in terms of the amount of payload they
can contain. In one embodiment, the vape device comprises a
self-contained vape device, e.g., a one piece disposable vape
device in which all of the components are contained within a single
housing. In another embodiment, the vape device comprises a control
assembly and cartridge that are formed in separate housings and
releasably connected to each other via an electromechanical
connection. In this embodiment, the control assembly is provided as
a re-useable component that can be used with multiple disposable
cartridges. In yet another embodiment, the vape device comprises a
tabletop or desktop vaporizer.
[0049] Various embodiments of vape devices that may incorporate the
dose metering technology of the present invention are described
below in connection with FIGS. 1-3. In some embodiments, the vape
devices can communicate with a personal computing device and work
interactively with an application or "app" operating on the
personal computing device to provide additional functions and
features that enable implementation of certain aspects of the
invention. Of course, it should be understood that the present
invention is not limited to these embodiments and that other types
of vape devices may also be used within the scope of the
invention.
[0050] For the sake of simplicity, the vape devices described in
connection with FIGS. 1-3 are provided to describe the general
structural configuration of the vape devices and do not include all
of the various components and circuits required to provide the dose
metering technology of the present invention; rather, these
components and circuits are described below in connection with the
vape devices shown in FIGS. 4-10.
First Embodiment of Vape Device
[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a vape device is
shown generally as reference numeral 10. Vape device 10 includes a
mouthpiece assembly 12, an atomizer assembly 19, a payload assembly
24, and a control assembly 14. Any of mouthpiece assembly 12,
atomizer assembly 19, payload assembly 24, and control assembly 14
may be formed integrally together and included within a common
housing suitable for grasping by a user. Further, any of mouthpiece
assembly 12, atomizer assembly 19, payload assembly 24, and control
assembly 14 may be formed in separate housings that are releasably
connected to each other via connecting means 15, which can
comprise, for example, one or more of pressure or friction fit
connection means, twist mechanical lock means, magnetic connection
means and any other connecting means as well known to those skilled
in the art. The connecting means 15 may include a female 510
threaded connector on the control assembly 14 that releasably
engages a male 510 threaded connector on the atomizer assembly 19
or payload assembly 24. A 510 threaded connector, as is known in
the art, is a M7-0.5.times.5 threaded connector, i.e., a threaded
connector with a nominal diameter of 7 mm, a pitch of 0.5 mm, and a
length of 5 mm. Connecting means 15 may include threaded connectors
of other sizes. By way of example, mouthpiece assembly 12 may be
releasably connected to atomizer assembly 19, payload assembly 24
and control assembly 14, which are either formed integrally
together or in separate housings that are releasably connected to
each other. Mouthpiece assembly 12 and atomizer assembly 19 may be
formed integrally together and releasably connected to payload
assembly 24 and control assembly 14, which are either formed
integrally together or in separate housings that are releasably
connected to each other. Further, mouthpiece assembly 12, atomizer
assembly 19, and payload assembly 24 may be formed integrally
together and releasably connected to control assembly 14. The
combination of the mouthpiece assembly 12, atomizer assembly 19,
and payload assembly 24 may be referred to as a cartridge herein.
It is also within the scope of the invention for the mouthpiece
assembly 12 to be omitted and for the vaporized payload to exit the
atomizer assembly 19 directly for inhalation.
[0052] In some embodiments, a heater or atomizer 20 is disposed in
atomizer assembly 19, with atomizer 20 further comprising a heating
element 22 disposed therein for heating and vaporizing a payload
that may comprise, for example, liquids, oils or other fluids
(e.g., cannabis oil or nicotine oil). Vape device 10 may also be
modified to vaporize a tablet of dry material or dry material that
is not in tablet form (e.g., ground cannabis bud). Heating element
22 may be a heating coil. Atomizer 20 can comprise an inlet 21 and
an outlet 23, wherein inlet 21 can be in communication, via fluid
connector 46, with payload reservoir 26 disposed in payload
assembly 24, wherein payload reservoir 26 can contain a payload for
vaporization or atomization. Outlet 23 can be in communication with
a user mouthpiece 16 of mouthpiece assembly 12 via a conduit 17,
which is typically a hollow tube made of stainless steel, aluminum,
or other materials known to those skilled in the art. It will be
understood to those skilled in the art that an air path will extend
through atomizer assembly 19 and mouthpiece assembly 12 allowing
ambient air to flow from an air inlet (not shown) of atomizer 20
and through conduit 17 to user mouthpiece 16.
[0053] In some embodiments, payload assembly 24 contains a memory
device 28. Memory device 28 may be any type of device that includes
memory or storage capable of storing a unique payload identifier
that identifies payload reservoir 26 and/or other information
related to the payload contained in payload reservoir 26, as
discussed below. Memory device 28 also includes means for allowing
the stored information to be retrieved by another device. For
example, memory device 28 may be wired (e.g., EEPROM or flash
memory), wireless (e.g., a radio frequency identification (RFID)
tag or near field communications (NFC) tag), or a combination of
wired and wireless (e.g., wired through one interface and wireless
through another interface). Microcontroller 31 may process the
information retrieved from memory device 28 and/or transmit the
information to an external computing device via a radio frequency
(RF) transceiver circuit 36 and antenna(s) 40. In one embodiment,
memory device 28 comprises an integrated circuit (IC) chip for
modulating and demodulating radio frequency signals, such as a
galvanically isolated NFC tag that can be read by any NFC-capable
device. In one embodiment, the NFC tag is read directly by an
external computing device, such as personal computing device 72
described below. Of course, other short-range wireless technologies
may also be used in accordance with the present invention.
[0054] In some embodiments, atomizer 20 can be disposed in atomizer
assembly 19 that can either be integral to mouthpiece assembly 12,
or a physically separate enclosure that can couple to mouthpiece
assembly 12. Instead of or in addition to including a heating
element 22 as disclosed herein, atomizer 20 may include any other
structure capable of vaporizing or atomizing a payload in a
suitable form for inhalation. For example, atomizer 20 may include
a jet nebulizer, an ultrasonic nebulizer, or a mesh nebulizer.
[0055] In some embodiments, payload reservoir 26 and memory device
28 can be disposed in payload assembly 24 that can either be
integral to mouthpiece assembly 12 and/or atomizer assembly 19, or
a physically separate enclosure that can couple to mouthpiece
assembly 12 and/or atomizer assembly 19, which can include one or
more of connecting means 15 described above. Preferably, memory
device 28 is physically coupled to payload reservoir 26 either
directly or indirectly (e.g., memory device 28 and payload
reservoir 26 are included in a common housing of payload assembly
24) in a tamper resistant manner.
[0056] In some embodiments, control assembly 14 can comprise one or
more antennas 40, a power source such as battery 42, and a printed
circuit board 30 that can further comprise a microcontroller 31
configured for carrying out one or more electronic functions in
respect of the operation of vape device 10. Having more than one
antenna 40 can enable the ability for diversity wireless
communications of RF signals, as well known to those skilled in the
art. In some embodiments, battery 42 can comprise a lithium ion
power cell battery, although other battery technologies can be used
as well known to those skilled in the art. As the vape devices are
personal use devices, the battery 42 can comprise technology that
prevents the advent of an explosion should the battery fail.
[0057] In some embodiments, circuit board 30 can comprise a charger
circuit 32 configured for charging battery 42. Charger circuit 32
can be integral to circuit board 30 or can be disposed on a
separate circuit board operatively connected to circuit board 30
and to battery 42 via electrical connection 54. Charger circuit 32
can be configured to be operatively connected to an external source
of power, either via a shared or dedicated electrical connector 35
operatively coupled to circuit board 30 with internal connection to
charger circuit 32, or a wireless connection for power transfer, as
well known to those skilled in the art. Charger circuit 32 may also
connect to electrical connection 50 as a means of charging.
[0058] In some embodiments, circuit board 30 can comprise user
input interface circuit 34 and output interface circuit 38. Either
or both of input interface circuit 34 and output interface circuit
38 can be integral to circuit board 30 or can be disposed on a
separate circuit board operatively connected to circuit board 30.
In some embodiments, input interface circuit 34 can provide the
electrical interface between user controls and activation
mechanisms disposed on vape device 10, such as buttons, switches,
draw sensors, pressure transducers, proximity sensors, flow
sensors, touch sensors, voice recognition sensors, haptic controls,
saliva and breath biosensors, and the like, and microcontroller 31
and, thus, can provide the means to relay user input commands from
the user controls as instructions to microcontroller 31 to operate
vape device 10.
[0059] For example, input interface circuit 34 may be electrically
coupled to a draw sensor 18 for receiving an "on" signal from draw
sensor 18 when a user draws on mouthpiece 16. When input interface
circuit 34 receives the "on" signal from draw sensor 18, it may
send instructions to microcontroller 31 to cause supply of a
controlled current or voltage to heating element 22 and thereby
provide vapor through outlet 23, provided that any other conditions
necessary to activate atomizer 20 have been met. In some
embodiments, draw sensor 18 comprises a sensor, such as a mass air
flow sensor, that can produce an electrical signal in response to
when a user inhales or draws on mouthpiece 16, wherein the
electrical signal can cause the power signal to flow from battery
42 through heating element 22. In some embodiments, draw sensor 18
can be used as a simple "switch" as a means to turn on atomizer 20
to vaporize payload drawn into atomizer 20 from payload reservoir
26 as the user draws on mouthpiece 16. Draw sensor 18 is one type
of activation mechanism that may be used to activate atomizer 20.
Draw sensor 18 may be replaced with or used in connection with
another type of activation mechanism that receives an input to
switch it from an "off" position, in which atomizer 20 is not
activated, and an "on" position, in which atomizer 20 is activated.
For example, draw sensor 18 may be replaced with or used in
connection with any of the following types of activation
mechanisms: a button, switch, pressure transducer, proximity
sensor, flow sensor, touch sensor, voice recognition sensor, haptic
control, saliva and breath biosensor, and the like.
[0060] In some embodiments, output interface circuit 38 can provide
the electrical interface between microcontroller 31 and output
display devices, such as indicator lights, alphanumeric display
screens, audio speakers, surface heaters, vibration devices, and
any other forms of tactile feedback devices as well known to those
skilled in the art, and, thus, can provide the means to relay
information relating to the operation of vape device 10 from
microcontroller 31 to the user.
[0061] In some embodiments, circuit board 30 can comprise an RF
transceiver circuit 36 to provide the means for wireless
communication of data between vape device 10 and a personal
computing device, such as personal computing device 72 as shown in
FIG. 3. In some embodiments, RF transceiver circuit 36 can be
integral to circuit board 30 or can be disposed on a separate
circuit board operatively connected to circuit board 30. RF
transceiver circuit 36 can be connected to one or more antennas 40
via electrical connection 52, as well known to those skilled in the
art. RF transceiver circuit 36 and the one or more antennas 40
comprise a wireless transceiver of vape device 10.
[0062] In some embodiments, microcontroller 31 can comprise a
microprocessor (which for purposes of this disclosure also
incorporates any type of processor) having a central processing
unit as well known to those skilled in the art, wherein the
microprocessor can further comprise a memory configured for storing
a series of instructions for operating the microprocessor in
addition to storing data collected from sensors disposed on vape
device 10 or data received by vape device 10 to control its
operation, such as operational settings. Microcontroller 31 is in
electrical communication with charger circuit 32, user input
interface circuit 34, output interface circuit 38, and RF
transceiver circuit 36 for receiving instructions and/or data from
and/or transmitting instructions and/or data to charger circuit 32,
user input interface circuit 34, output interface circuit 38, and
RF transceiver circuit 36.
[0063] In some embodiments, atomizer 20 can be operatively and
electrically connected to circuit board 30 via electrical
connection 48, which can provide the means to activate atomizer 20
(e.g., deliver electrical current from battery 42 to heating
element 22) when an activation mechanism such as draw sensor 18
sends an "on" signal to microcontroller 31, as well as receiving
data signals from draw sensor 18 and/or atomizer 20. In this
manner, the activation mechanism (i.e., draw sensor 18) is coupled
to the atomizer 20 indirectly through microcontroller 31, and a
direct connection between the activation mechanism and atomizer 20
is not required (i.e., the activation mechanism sends a signal to
microcontroller 31 which sends a signal to activate atomizer 20).
In addition to controlling operation of atomizer 20 based on a
signal received from the activation mechanism, microcontroller 31
also controls operation of atomizer 20 based on the operational
settings described below. In some embodiments, microcontroller 31
can be operatively connected to memory device 28 via electrical
connection 50.
[0064] As used herein, the term "electrical connection" shall
include any form of electrical connection via a wired or wireless
connection, such as electrical conductors or wires suitable for the
transmission of a power signal (e.g., a direct current or pulsed
direct current), analog or digital electrical signals or radio
frequency signals, as the case may be and as well-known to those
skilled in the art.
[0065] The operational settings referred to herein include any type
of setting or instruction that instructs the vape device 10 or
certain components of the vape device 10 to operate or not operate
in a particular manner. Specifically, operational settings of the
vape device 10 include one or more of a duty cycle setting, a
temperature setting, an operational time duration, a dosage
setting, and a security setting. The duty cycle setting preferably
corresponds to a pulse width modulation instruction transmitted
from microcontroller 31 to battery 42 to send electrical current to
heating element 22 in a particular desired manner. The temperature
setting preferably corresponds to a temperature instruction
transmitted from microcontroller 31 to battery 42 to send
electrical current to heating element 22 to maintain heating
element 22 at a desired temperature or range of temperatures. A
temperature sensor may be coupled to microcontroller 31 to measure
the actual temperature of heating element 22 and transmit that
information to microcontroller 31 for determination of the amount
and duration of electrical current that needs to be sent to heating
element 22 to maintain a particular temperature or range of
temperatures. The operational time duration preferably corresponds
to a time instruction transmitted from microcontroller 31 to
battery 42 to maintain heating element 22 at a temperature suitable
for vaporization of the contents of payload reservoir 26 for a
desired time. The dosage setting preferably corresponds to a dosage
instruction transmitted from microcontroller 31 to battery 42 that
powers down heating element 22 when a desired volume of vapor
passes through atomizer 20. As described in greater detail below,
various dose metering methods may be used to accurately measure the
volume of vaporized payload passing through atomizer 20 to
mouthpiece 16 for user inhalation, whereby microcontroller 31
compares the actual volume passed through atomizer 20 to the dosage
setting to determine when to shut off heating element 22.
[0066] In some embodiments, memory device 28 and/or microcontroller
31, along with appropriate sensors, can also be used as part of a
system for gathering data relating to the use of vape device 10 by
the user by monitoring that can include, without limitation,
historical vape device usage information, such as how many times
vape device 10 is used during a given period of time (hour, day,
week, etc.), the duration of each use of vape device 10, how many
draws the user takes on vape device 10, the strength of those
draws, the amount of payload consumed during each use of vape
device 10, and other information as described herein. The
historical vape device usage information may be stored in a
database in association with the payload identifier. In some
embodiments, the historical vape device usage information can be
used as clinical data for determining whether the user is consuming
the right amount of medicine to be vaporized and inhaled and at the
right times of day. The information can be used to provide feedback
to the user in terms of whether the user should consume medicine
more frequently or less frequently throughout the day and/or to
increase or decrease the amount of medicine consumed per usage
overall or per usage at particular times of the day. In some
embodiments, the information collected about the user's consumption
of a cannabis liquid or oil payload with vape device 10 can be used
to estimate the user's intoxication or impairment based on the
user's physical characteristics and the amount of cannabis liquid
or oil payload consumed. This estimation can be relayed to the user
as a means to inform the user as to whether the user is too
intoxicated or impaired to operate a motor vehicle or to operate
tools or machinery, as an example.
Second Embodiment of Vape Device
[0067] Referring to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of a vape device is
shown generally as reference numeral 100. In some embodiments, vape
device 100 can comprise control assembly 14, atomizer assembly 79
and mouthpiece assembly 88 operatively coupled together in that
order using mechanical connection means 56 to join the
subassemblies together. Mechanical connection means 56 can comprise
one or more of threaded connection means, magnetic connection means
and friction or press-fit connection means, and any of the
connection means 15 described above, including 510 threaded
connectors. In some embodiments, mouthpiece assembly 88 can
comprise a mouthpiece 58 in communication with the outlet of
atomizer 20 via conduit 60, which is typically a hollow tube made
of stainless steel, aluminum, or other materials known to those
skilled in the art. Mouthpiece assembly 88 can further comprise a
payload reservoir 62 that can be filled with a payload 64 that may
be liquid or oil. The payload 64 can flow from payload reservoir 62
to inlet 21 of atomizer 20 via one or more valves 68. In some
embodiments, mouthpiece assembly 88 can comprise memory device 28
and an oil gauge 66, which can be configured to monitor the volume
of payload 64 in payload reservoir 62 and relay that information to
microcontroller 31. In this embodiment, mouthpiece assembly 88 can
be a consumable element that can be replaced as a complete
subassembly once depleted, or simply interchanged with another
mouthpiece assembly 88 containing a different payload 64 for
consumption, depending on the needs and wants of the user. In some
embodiments, oil gauge 66 can simply be a sight glass disposed on
mouthpiece assembly 88 to provide a visual indicator to the user as
to the amount of payload remaining therein. Atomizer assembly 79 is
preferably configured to prevent air-lock and/or clogging with
thick, undiluted payloads. It will be understood to those skilled
in the art that an air path will extend through atomizer assembly
79 allowing ambient air to flow from an air inlet (not shown) of
atomizer 20 and through conduit 60 to mouthpiece 58.
[0068] Control assembly 14 of vape device 100 is preferably
substantially similar to control assembly 14 of vape device 10.
Atomizer 20 of vape device 100 is preferably substantially similar
to atomizer 20 of vape device 10, and may include alternative means
for vaporizing a payload other than a heating element as described
above in connection with vape device 10. It is within the scope of
the invention for atomizer assembly 79 and mouthpiece assembly 88
to be formed integrally within a common housing that is releasably
connected to control assembly 14. Further, it is within the scope
of the invention for control assembly 14 and atomizer assembly 79
to be formed integrally within a common housing that is releasably
connected to mouthpiece assembly 88. It is also within the scope of
the invention for atomizer assembly 79, mouthpiece assembly 88, and
control assembly 14 to be formed integrally within a common
housing.
Vape Device Application
[0069] Referring to FIG. 3, one embodiment of a vape device system
102 includes vape device 10 and a personal computing device 72
running application 74 thereon. It is understood that personal
computing device 72 includes a processor 94 that runs application
74, and that references herein to personal computing device 72
include its processor 94. Vape device 100 may also be operated with
personal computing device 72 in the same manner as described below
with respect to vape device 10.
[0070] As used herein, the term "personal computing device" is
defined as including personal computers, laptop computers, personal
digital assistants, personal computing tablets (such as those made
by Apple.RTM. and Samsung.RTM., and by others as well known to
those skilled in the art), smart phones (such as those running on
iOS.RTM. and Android.RTM. operating systems, and others as well
known to those skilled in the art), smart watches, fitness tracking
wristbands, wearable devices, smart glasses, and any other
electronic computing device that comprises means for communication
(wireless or wired) with other electronic devices, and with a
global telecommunications or computing network.
[0071] In some embodiments, vape device 10 can wirelessly
communicate with personal computing device 72 and application 74
via RF communications link 73. In some embodiments, RF
communications link 73 can comprise one or more of Bluetooth.TM.
communications protocol, Wi-Fi.TM. IEEE 802 communications
protocol, Zigbee IEEE 802.15.4-based protocol, and any other RF,
short-range, and long-range communications protocol as well known
to those skilled in the art. Vape device 10 may also communicate
with personal computing device 72 via a wired connection
established, for example, between electrical connector 35 of vape
device 10 and a communications connector (not shown) of personal
computing device 72.
[0072] Vape device 10 can preferably communicate with personal
computing device 72 and operate in conjunction with application 74
to control and monitor the use of vape device 10. In some
embodiments, application 74 can be configured to acquire specific
information on the payload being vaporized (described below) based
on the serial number of the cartridge. In some embodiments,
application 74 can access an online source of data to acquire this
information, which can be done periodically and/or automatically,
or manually by the user prompting the application to update the
information, or a combination of both processes. This information
can then be used to control or meter the dose of vapor inhaled by
the user, as described below.
[0073] In some embodiments, computing device 72 transmits the
unique payload identifier to a remote computing device at a central
server or in the cloud. The remote computing device may maintain a
database of operational settings that are associated with each
unique payload identifier and tailored to the particular substance
located in the payload reservoir and/or the particular user using
the payload reservoir. The remote computing device may then send
the operational settings and identification of the specific
substance within the payload reservoir back to the computing device
72. The historical vape device usage information described above
may also be transmitted to and maintained by the remote computing
device at the central server or in the cloud.
[0074] In some embodiments, application 74 can present a visual
"dashboard" 75 comprising visual information and controls that can
be operated by a user. In some embodiments, dashboard 75 can
comprise user information window 76 for displaying information
regarding the operation of vape device 10 in addition to general
information. This general information can include general news as
well as information on available updates for vape device 10 or the
application 74 from the manufacturer or supplier of the same.
[0075] In some embodiments, dashboard 75 can comprise a locate
button 78 as a means for the user to determine the location of vape
device 10 should the user misplace it. By pressing locate button
78, personal computing device 72 can send a signal wirelessly to
vape device 10 to operate an audible signal from an audio speaker
or buzzer or other like device disposed thereon to assist the user
in finding vape device 10. In other embodiments, pressing locate
button 78 can assist the user to determine his or her geographic
location (using geographic location capabilities of personal
computing device 72) and whether cannabis products can be consumed
using vape device 10 in that location (e.g., whether there are any
governmental regulations, laws, or rules applicable to or
enforceable in the geographic area where vape device 10 is located
that may subject the user of vape device 10 to criminal or
administrative penalties, fines, or enforcement actions). In some
embodiments, dashboard 75 can comprise heat swipe button 80 as a
means for the user to manually control the heat used to vaporize
payload 64, wherein the signal transmitted by application 74 to
vape device 10 to control the heat can be included in the
operational settings. In some embodiments, dashboard 75 can
comprise lock indicator 82, unlock indicator 84 and swipe button 86
as a means to enable and disable vape device 10 by the user swiping
swipe button 86 right or left, respectively.
II. Dose Metering Methods
[0076] The vape device as described above may use four different
methods, independently or in any combination, to measure the
portion of the payload that is vaporized during each user
inhalation and thereby determine the dose of vaporized payload
delivered to the user. The first method tracks the energy used to
vaporize the payload portion during user inhalation in order to
determine the mass of the vaporized payload; the second method
measures the temperature at multiple locations within the air flow
chamber during user inhalation to determine the vapor density and
by extension the mass of the vaporized payload; the third method
measures the intensity of light that is transmitted through the
vaporized payload, reflected off the vaporized payload, or
transmitted through a light transmitting medium positioned within
the vaporized payload, during user inhalation to determine the
vapor density and by extension the mass of the vaporized payload;
and the fourth method utilizes hot wire anemometers to determine
the mass of the vaporized payload that was delivered to the user
during each user inhalation and/or to determine the size and
density distribution of the droplets in the vaporized payload and
use such distribution to calculate the total mass of the vaporized
payload that was delivered to the user during each user inhalation.
Each of these methods will be described below in connection with
the exemplary vape devices shown in FIGS. 4-15.
[0077] It should be understood that the exemplary vape devices
shown in FIGS. 4-15 are illustrated schematically in order to
describe the sensors and other components that may be used to
implement the various methods. These schematic diagrams and are not
intended to illustrate any particular structural configurations for
the vape devices, which will vary depending on the type of vape
device that implements the disclosed methods. For example, the
atomizer of the vape device may be suspended in a conduit and in
fluid communication with the payload from a payload reservoir, or,
the atomizer of the vape device may be suspended in a portion of
the conduit allowing ambient air from the inlet to flow through the
atomizer. The conduit may have a cross-section that is circular,
rectangular, or any other shape. The various structural
configurations for the cartridge, payload reservoir, conduit, etc.
will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0078] In some embodiments, the vape device is also configured to
determine the aggregated amount of payload that has been vaporized
during previous user inhalations. This amount may be subtracted
from the total amount of payload prior to any vaporization to
determine the remaining amount of payload in the payload reservoir.
Also, because there will be some residual payload in the payload
reservoir, the vape device may also be configured to determine the
portion of the remaining amount of payload in the payload reservoir
that is useable for vaporization--e.g., based on characterization
data or testing of samples to determine a mean and range of useable
payload with a specified measure of accuracy. Further, the vape
device may be configured to provide a notice to the user (e.g., via
personal computing device 72) when the remaining amount of payload
in the payload reservoir is below a minimum level so that the user
may take appropriate steps to refill the payload reservoir or
obtain a replacement cartridge.
Energy Usage Method
[0079] In some embodiments, the vape device is configured to track
the energy used to vaporize a portion of the payload during user
inhalation in order to determine the mass of vaporized payload that
was delivered to the user during each user inhalation.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 4, an example of a vape device that relies
on the energy usage method to determine the dose of vaporized
payload is shown generally as reference numeral 400. Vape device
400 includes a control assembly 410 and a cartridge 420 that may be
formed in separate housings that are releasably connected to each
other via an electromechanical connection 440. In this embodiment,
control assembly 410 is provided as a re-useable component that can
be used with multiple disposable cartridges, such as cartridge 420.
In other embodiments, control assembly 410 may be disposable, or,
the components of control assembly 410 and cartridge 420 may be
provided as a self-contained vape device.
[0081] Electromechanical connection 440 is configured to provide a
mechanical and electrical connection between control assembly 410
and cartridge 420. For example, electromechanical connection 440
may comprise a female 510 threaded connector on control assembly
410 that releasably engages a male 510 threaded connector on
cartridge 420. Of course, the invention is not limited to the use
of 510 threaded connectors and other types of connectors may also
be used, as described above.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 4, control assembly 410 includes a power
source 412, a microcontroller 414, an RF transceiver circuit 416,
and one or more antennas 418. Also, cartridge 420 includes a
payload reservoir 422, an atomizer 424, one or more temperature
measurement circuits 426 (optional), one or more pressure
measurement circuits 428 (optional), and a memory device 430
(optional). Of course, it should be understood that all or a
portion of temperature measurement circuits 426 and/or pressure
measurement circuits 428 may alternatively be located within
control assembly 410. Most of these components (with the exception
of the temperature and pressure measurement circuits) are described
above in connection with vape devices 10 and 100. Of course, it
should be understood that control assembly 410 and cartridge 420
may include a number of other components that are not specifically
shown in FIG. 4, as also described above in connection with vape
devices 10 and 100.
[0083] With respect to vape device 400, microcontroller 414 is
programmed to control power source 412 (e.g., a battery) so that
power source 412 transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current
or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 424 in accordance with
desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer
424 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained
in payload reservoir 422, a portion of the payload is vaporized to
thereby generate a vaporized payload for user inhalation. As
described below, if the amount of energy required to vaporize the
total mass of the payload in payload reservoir 422 is known (i.e.,
the total mass of the payload prior to any vaporization),
microcontroller 414 is able to interpolate from the amount of
energy used in each user inhalation the partial mass of payload
that has been vaporized during the user inhalation.
[0084] For example, consider a payload having a total mass of 0.5
grams (assuming a density of 1 gram/milliliter) that is known to
require 1.240 watt-hours of energy to be fully vaporized. If a
particular user inhalation were to use 6.179 milliwatt-hours of
energy (e.g., 2 amperes of current at 3.7 volts for 3 seconds),
this energy usage would comprise approximately 1/200.sup.th of the
energy required for the total payload. Thus, it is possible to
estimate that the partial amount of payload that was vaporized
during the user inhalation was 0.0025 grams (i.e., 0.5
grams/200).
[0085] In some embodiments, microcontroller 414 is programmed to
determine the dose of payload that is vaporized during each user
inhalation by performing the following steps: (1) determining the
amount of energy used to vaporize a portion of the payload during
each user inhalation; and (2) using the amount of energy to
determine the partial mass of the payload that is vaporized during
the user inhalation. Each of these steps will be described in
greater detail below.
[0086] It should be understood that the amount of energy used to
vaporize a portion of the payload may be associated with the
partial mass of the payload using characterization data for the
particular payload (e.g., data that has been obtained through
testing to correlate the amount of energy to the partial mass). In
some embodiments, microcontroller 414 acquires this information
from memory device 430, i.e., the characterization data is stored
in memory device 430 by the manufacturer of cartridge 420. In other
embodiments, microcontroller 414 acquires a unique payload
identifier from memory device 430 and transmits the unique payload
identifier to personal computing device 72 via RF transceiver 416
and antenna(s) 418. The unique serial number may comprise, for
example, a serial number of cartridge 420. The application 74
running on personal computing device 72 may then acquire the
characterization data based on the unique payload identifier. In
some embodiments, application 74 can access an online source of
data to acquire this information. Of course, the payload identifier
stored in memory device 430 need not comprise a unique identifier,
in which case cartridges containing the same type and amount of
payload could all store the same payload identifier in their
respective memory devices. In all of these cases, computing device
72 transmits the acquired information back to microcontroller 414
via RF transceiver 416 and antenna(s) 418. In yet other embodiments
in which the vape device comprises a self-contained vape device,
the characterization data may be stored on microcontroller 414
itself.
[0087] Microcontroller 414 determines the amount of energy used to
vaporize a portion of the payload during each user inhalation by
determining the amount of power provided to atomizer 424 during the
user inhalation, determining the duration of the user inhalation,
and then calculating the total amount of energy based on this
information (i.e., E=P.times.t). In some embodiments,
microcontroller 414 is programmed to determine the amount of power
provided to atomizer 424 by measuring the output voltage of power
source 414, measuring the current delivered to atomizer 424, and
then calculating the power based on this information (i.e.,
P=V.times.I). In other embodiments, microcontroller 414 is
programmed to determine the amount of power provided to atomizer
424 by measuring the resistance of the path between power source
412 and atomizer 424, measuring either the output voltage of power
source 414 or the current delivered to atomizer 424, and then
calculating the power based on this information (i.e.,
P=I.sup.2.times.R=V.sup.2/R).
[0088] In some embodiments, the step of determining the amount of
energy used to vaporize a portion of the payload during each user
inhalation may be further refined (optionally) by determining the
air flow rate within the air flow chamber, and then adjusting the
total amount of energy calculated above to account for the air flow
rate and its effect on removing heat from atomizer 424. The air
flow chamber extends between an inlet and an outlet, and atomizer
424 is positioned between the inlet and outlet such that (1)
ambient air flows through the air flow chamber from the inlet to
atomizer 424 and (2) air mixed with vaporized payload flows through
the air flow chamber from atomizer 424 to the outlet (which may be
in communication with a mouthpiece). Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that increasing the air flow rate will pull more vapor
(and by extension heat) away from atomizer 424 thereby causing the
control loop to add more energy into the heating element to
maintain a constant temperature. Including the effect of the air
flow rate using a direct air flow measurement will increase the
accuracy of the dose measurement.
[0089] In some embodiments, microcontroller 414 is programmed to
determine the air flow rate within the air flow chamber based on a
pressure difference across an orifice positioned anywhere in the
sealed path between the inlet and outlet of the air flow chamber
and the known cross-sectional area of the orifice. As described
below, there are different ways to determine the pressure
differential across the orifice using one or more pressure sensors
incorporated within pressure measurement circuit(s) 428.
[0090] In one embodiment, a first pressure sensor is located on one
side of the orifice and a second pressure sensor is located on the
opposing side of the orifice. The first pressure sensor is
incorporated into a first pressure measurement circuit configured
to obtain a plurality of pressure measurements during user
inhalation. Similarly, the second pressure sensor is incorporated
into a second pressure measurement circuit configured to obtain a
plurality of pressure measurements during user inhalation. Thus,
the pressure difference across the orifice during user inhalation
is based on the pressure measurements obtained by the first and
second pressure measurement circuits during user inhalation.
[0091] In another embodiment, a single pressure sensor is located
on one side of the orifice. The pressure sensor is incorporated
into a pressure measurement circuit configured to obtain a
plurality of pressure measurements before and during user
inhalation, e.g., one or more ambient pressure measurements before
the draw in which the pressure is equal on either side of the
orifice followed by other pressure measurements during the draw in
which there is a partial vacuum on the side of the orifice where
the pressure sensor is located. Thus, the pressure difference
across the orifice during user inhalation is based on the pressure
measurements obtained by the pressure measurement circuit before
and during user inhalation.
[0092] In another embodiment, a single pressure sensor is located
on one side of the orifice. The pressure sensor is incorporated
into a pressure measurement circuit configured to obtain a
plurality of pressure measurements during and after user
inhalation, e.g., pressure measurements during the draw in which
there is a partial vacuum on the side of the orifice where the
pressure sensor is located followed by one or more ambient pressure
measurements after the draw in which the pressure is equal on
either side of the orifice. Thus, the pressure difference across
the orifice during user inhalation is based on the pressure
measurements obtained by the pressure measurement circuit during
and after user inhalation.
[0093] In yet another embodiment, a single pressure sensor is
located on one side of the orifice. The pressure sensor is
incorporated into a pressure measurement circuit configured to
obtain a plurality of pressure measurements before, during and
after user inhalation, e.g., a combination of the above two
embodiments, such that the ambient pressure measurements before and
after the draw are used and compared to the partial vacuum
measurements during the draw. Thus, the pressure difference across
the orifice during user inhalation is based on the pressure
measurements obtained by the pressure measurement circuit before,
during and after user inhalation.
[0094] In some embodiments, the step of determining the amount of
energy used to vaporize a portion of the payload during each user
inhalation may be further refined (optionally) by determining the
amount of energy used to heat atomizer 424 to the vaporization
temperature, and then adjusting the total amount of energy
calculated above by subtracting or omitting that portion of the
total energy. In order to determine when atomizer 424 has reached
the vaporization temperature, a temperature sensor incorporated
into temperature measurement circuit 426 may be used to sense the
temperature within cartridge 420. Various examples of temperature
sensors that may be used in temperature measurement circuit 426 are
described below.
[0095] In general, the temperature sensor may comprise any type of
component capable of sensing the temperature within cartridge 420.
For example, temperature sensor 426 may comprise a thermistor, a
thermocouple, a bandgap temperature sensor, an analog temperature
sensor, a digital temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensors
with I2C interface compatibility), or any other type of temperature
sensor known to those skilled in the art. The thermal path between
atomizer 424 and the temperature sensor may be implemented with
thermal paste, a ceramic thermal bridge (e.g., the Q-Bridge thermal
conductor available from American Technical Ceramics), or air and
PCB dielectric.
[0096] The temperature sensor may also comprise a light sensor
configured to detect light emitted from a material within cartridge
420, wherein the intensity of the emitted light is proportional to
the temperature of the material, as is known to those skilled in
the art. The light sensor may comprise, for example, a photodiode
or phototransistor that detects light emitted by the heating
element and/or light emitted by the vaporized payload (which would
typically be in the infrared region of 0.7 microns to 20 microns).
The light sensor is preferably able to detect the light through
different seals or glass so that the light sensor can be isolated
from the vaporized payload.
[0097] The temperature sensor may also comprise a circuit
configured to measure the resistance of the heating element and
utilize this measurement to determine the temperature within
cartridge 420. As is known in the art, the resistance of the
heating element is directly proportional to the resistivity of the
material from which the heating element is made (i.e., the
resistance is dependent on the resistivity, length, and
cross-sectional area of the heating element). The relationship
between the resistivity of the heating element and temperature is
shown by the following equation (which is a linear approximation
for cases in which the temperature variance is not large):
.rho.=.rho..sub.0(1+.alpha.(T-T.sub.0)) (1)
where
[0098] .rho.=resistivity of heating element at temperature T in ohm
meters;
[0099] .rho..sub.0=resistivity of heating element at temperature
T.sub.0 in ohm meters;
[0100] .alpha.=temperature coefficient of resistivity at
T.sub.0;
[0101] T=current temperature in .degree. K; and
[0102] T.sub.0=fixed reference temperature (e.g., ambient
temperature) in .degree. K.
[0103] It can be seen from equation (1) that the resistivity of the
heating element increases with an increase in the current
temperature of the heating element. Thus, if the resistance of the
heating element is known at any given moment, it is possible to
calculate the resistivity of the heating element and, using
equation (1), calculate the current temperature of the heating
element.
[0104] For example, the following method may be implemented to
determine the current temperature of the heating element (and thus
the temperature within cartridge 420): (a) measure the ambient
temperature within cartridge 420 (the heating element will be
approximately the same temperature provided it has not been
activated recently); (b) periodically measure the resistance of the
heating element while the heating element is being powered; and (c)
calculate the current temperature of the heating element based on
the measured resistance (or determine a change in the resistance of
the heating element to provide the temperature increase above the
ambient temperature value). Thus, the resistance of the heating
element as a function of temperature can be used to provide an
accurate assessment of the temperature within cartridge 420 at any
given moment.
[0105] In addition, in some embodiments, the step of determining
the amount of energy used to vaporize a portion of the payload
during each user inhalation may be further refined (optionally) by
adjusting the total amount of energy calculated above to account
for one or more operating conditions, such as those listed in Table
1 below:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Operating Condition Impact on Energy
starting temperature of The starting temperature of the vape
device's vape device materials (e.g., the housing, battery, payload
reservoir, etc.) will impart a baseline temperature to the volume
of air in the vape device. starting temperature of The payload
temperature determines the payload starting point from which the
payload must be heated. The colder the payload, the more energy
must be supplied to the atomizer before the payload will begin to
vaporize. temperature of ambient The ambient air drawn into the
inlet during an air inhale will bring with it an amount of heat
energy that will offset the air at the outlet. The colder the
ambient air, the less it is expected that the air at the outlet
will increase. The warmer the ambient air, the more it is expected
that the air at the outlet will increase. relative humidity of The
ambient relative humidity changes the ambient air specific heat
capacity of the ambient air, making it require more or less energy
to impart the same temperature change. pressure of ambient air
Ambient pressure is used to determine the flow rate of the air
through the orifice. The ambient pressure occurs on one side of the
orifice and the inhale pressure occurs on the other side of the
orifice. It is the difference between these two that can be used to
determine the flow rate. output voltage of power As the battery
voltage changes through normal source use, the maximum amount of
power that can be put into the atomizer is reduced. temperature
ramp rate of This operating condition can be used to atomizer
determine the thermal mass in thermal communication with the
heating element. This information can be used to determine how much
payload is present and available for vaporization.
[0106] As discussed above, microcontroller 414 uses the amount of
energy calculated above to determine the partial mass of the
payload that is vaporized during user inhalation. In some
embodiments, this step may be further refined (optionally) to
determine the mass of each of the components within the payload
that are vaporized during user inhalation (assuming that the
payload and its constituent components and relative percentages are
known). For example, assume that the payload includes known
percentages of CBD and THC, wherein CBD vaporizes at 150.degree. C.
(i.e., the boiling point of CBD) and THC vaporizes at 178.degree.
C. (i.e., the boiling point of THC). Microcontroller 414 can
predict the relative amounts of CBD and THC vaporized at
temperatures of 140.degree. C., 160.degree. C., 180.degree. C.,
etc., to provide specific information on the dose of CBD and THC
delivered to the user during user inhalation. Further,
microcontroller 414 may optionally determine an optimal
vaporization temperature for the payload based on the relative
percentage and boiling point for each of the components within the
payload.
[0107] Finally, it should be understood that all or a portion of
the processing steps performed by microcontroller 414, as described
above, could alternatively be performed by one or more other
microcontrollers, such as a secondary microcontroller (not shown)
positioned in cartridge 420. For example, in some embodiments, a
secondary microcontroller positioned in cartridge 420 is programmed
to determine the amount of energy delivered to atomizer 424 during
each user inhalation and then transmit this information to
microcontroller 414 over the electrical interface between cartridge
420 and control assembly 410. In this case, microcontroller 414
would perform all of the other steps described above. In other
embodiments, a secondary microcontroller positioned in cartridge
420 is programmed to perform all of the steps described above and
then transmit the dose of the vaporized payload to microcontroller
414 over the electrical interface between cartridge 420 and control
assembly 410. In yet other embodiments, personal computing device
72 is programmed to perform a portion of the steps described above,
assuming that the appropriate information is passed from the vape
device to personal computing device 72. Further, in some
embodiments, a secondary microcontroller positioned in cartridge
420 is configured by microcontroller 414 positioned in control
assembly 410 or, alternatively, the secondary microcontroller uses
operational settings stored in memory device 430 to determine when
to stop atomizer 424 so as to deliver a full dose (wherein the full
dose may also be stored in memory device 430). Of course, those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the steps performed by
microcontroller 414 and any secondary microcontroller will vary
between different applications.
Temperature Measurement Method
[0108] In some embodiments, the vape device is configured to
measure the temperature at multiple locations within the air flow
chamber during user inhalation (and optionally before and after
user inhalation) to determine the vapor density and by extension
the mass of vaporized payload that was delivered to the user during
each user inhalation.
[0109] Referring to FIG. 5, an example of a vape device that relies
on the temperature measurement method to determine the dose of
vaporized payload is shown generally as reference numeral 500. Vape
device 500 includes a housing 502, which may comprise an internal
housing or external housing of vape device 500. Positioned within
housing 502 is an air flow chamber which, in this example,
comprises a conduit 512 that extends between an inlet 504 and an
outlet 506. It can be appreciated that the inlet and outlet
orifices are defined by conduit 512. An atomizer 510 is positioned
anywhere between inlet 504 and outlet 506. As described above,
atomizer 510 is configured to heat and vaporize the payload
contained in a payload reservoir (not shown) so as to output a
vaporized payload. During a user inhalation, ambient air flows
through conduit 512 from inlet 504 to atomizer 510, and ambient air
mixed with vaporized payload flows through conduit 512 from
atomizer 510 to outlet 506. Outlet 506 may further be in
communication with a mouthpiece, as described above. Of course, it
should be understood that vape device 500 may include a number of
other components that are not specifically shown in FIG. 5,
including a power source, a microcontroller, and other electronics,
as described above in connection with vape devices 10 and 100.
[0110] With respect to vape device 500, the microcontroller is
programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that
the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current
or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 510 in accordance with
desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer
510 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained
in the payload reservoir, a portion of the payload is vaporized to
thereby generate the vaporized payload for user inhalation. As
described below, the vaporized payload transfers a significant
amount of heat from atomizer 510 to the air that is flowing through
conduit 512 to outlet 506--significantly more so than air alone.
There are key locations in the air path within conduit 512--i.e., a
location between inlet 504 and atomizer 510 and one or more
locations between atomizer 510 and outlet 506--where temperature
measurements can provide valuable information.
[0111] In this example, vape device 500 includes three temperature
sensors. Specifically, a first temperature sensor 514 is located
within conduit 512 between inlet 504 and atomizer 510, wherein
first temperature sensor 514 is incorporated into a first
temperature measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of
temperature measurements during user inhalation (and optionally
before and after user inhalation). Also, a second temperature
sensor 516 is located within conduit 512 between atomizer 510 and
outlet 506 (relatively close to atomizer 510), wherein second
temperature sensor 516 is incorporated into a second temperature
measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of temperature
measurements during user inhalation (and optionally before and
after user inhalation). In addition, a third temperature sensor 518
is located within conduit 512 between atomizer 510 and outlet 506
(close to outlet 506), wherein third temperature sensor 518 is
incorporated into a third temperature measurement circuit
configured to obtain a plurality of temperature measurements during
user inhalation (and optionally before and after user
inhalation).
[0112] Each of temperature sensors 514, 516 and 518 may comprise
any type of component capable of sensing the temperature at the
designated locations, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple, an
infrared sensor, a bandgap temperature sensor, an analog
temperature sensor, or a digital temperature sensor. Of course,
those skilled in the art will understand that other types of
temperature sensors may be used in accordance with the present
invention.
[0113] Using the measured temperatures and the relative temperature
changes between temperature sensors 514, 516 and 518 in conjunction
with the air flow rate within conduit 512 (which may be determined
using one or more pressure measurement circuits, such as pressure
measurement circuit(s) 428 described above in connection with FIG.
4), it is possible to determine the amount of vaporized payload
required to transfer the heat energy throughout the air path.
Specifically, the vaporized payload has a specific heat capacity
and carries heat away from atomizer 510 and towards outlet 506. As
more vapor is created, more heat energy will be transferred
downstream. Given a fixed, non-zero air flow rate, the temperature
within conduit 512 between atomizer 510 and outlet 506 will be
higher than the temperature within conduit 512 between inlet 504
and atomizer 510. Likewise, for a fixed amount of vapor, there will
be a lower temperature rise for higher air flow rates because there
is more ambient air mixed with the vaporized payload thereby
reducing the amount of heat being transferred within conduit 512
from atomizer 510 to outlet 506. Thus, through characterization
over various operating conditions, an accurate estimate of the
vapor density of the vaporized payload can be determined. Using the
vapor density and the air flow rate over time, it is possible to
determine the mass of payload that was vaporized for user
inhalation and by extension the dose that the user received.
[0114] Thus, in some embodiments, the microcontroller of vape
device 500 is programmed to determine the dose of payload that is
vaporized during each user inhalation by performing the following
steps: (1) acquiring a plurality of temperature measurements
obtained at various locations within the air flow chamber during
user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation);
(2) determining the air flow rate within the air flow chamber
during user inhalation; and (3) using the information from steps 1
and 2 to determine the vapor density of the vaporized payload and
by extension the partial mass of the payload that is vaporized
during user inhalation.
[0115] In some embodiments, the method may be further refined
(optionally) by using a thermistor as part of one or more of the
temperature measurement circuits. The thermistor may be biased to a
more sensitive operating region by passing current (direct current
or pulsed direct current) such that it self-heats the thermistor.
By tracking the amount of current increase required to keep the
thermistor at the same temperature, an estimate of the air flow
rate, vapor density, etc., may be determined using characterization
data.
[0116] In some embodiments, the method may be further refined
(optionally) by accounting for the air moisture content and
atmospheric pressure within the air flow chamber prior to
vaporization, e.g., within conduit 512 between inlet 504 and
atomizer 510. These operating conditions will alter the rate at
which the temperature changes throughout the air flow path.
[0117] Finally, it should be understood that all or a portion of
the processing steps performed by the microcontroller of vape
device 500, as described above, could alternatively be performed by
one or more other microcontrollers, such as a secondary
microcontroller (not shown) positioned in a cartridge of vape
device 500 (for embodiments in which vape device 500 comprises a
cartridge releasably connected to a control assembly). Various
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Light Intensity Measurement Methods
[0118] Various examples of vape devices that utilize different
light intensity measurement methods will be described below. In
each of these examples, the vape device includes at least one light
sensor comprised of a light source and a light detector. The light
source may comprise, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), a
laser, or an incandescent lamp, although other types of light
sources may also be used. The light detector may comprise, for
example, a photo-diode, although other types of light detectors may
also be used.
[0119] The characteristics of the light emitted by the light source
for detection by the light detector will vary between different
applications. The wavelength of the emitted light may fall in the
visible or invisible (ultraviolet or infrared) portions of the
electromagnetic spectrum. The emitted light may be continuous, or
the light may be pulsed, for example, to save power or to take
successive light intensity measurements. The pulsing is preferably
scaled to reflect the air flow rate.
[0120] As discussed below, the light source and light detector are
incorporated into a light intensity measurement circuit configured
to obtain a plurality of light intensity measurements during each
user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation)
and provide such measurements to the microcontroller of the vape
device. Preferably, the characterization data used by the
microcontroller to determine the vapor density based on the light
intensity measurements will account for the vapor density changing
with temperature and air flow rate.
[0121] In some examples, the light sensor is a reflective sensor in
which the light source is configured to emit light that is directed
toward the path of the vaporized payload and the light detector is
configured to detect the light reflection from the vaporized
payload (such as the light sensor incorporated into the vape device
shown in FIG. 6). When the vapor density of the vaporized payload
increases, the light reflection from the vaporized payload
increases. Conversely, when the vapor density of the vaporized
payload decreases, the light reflection from the vaporized payload
decreases. These properties can be utilized to determine the vapor
density of the vaporized payload.
[0122] With a reflective sensor, the wavelength of the emitted
light may be selected so that the light is maximally reflected by
the vaporized payload. The intensity of the emitted light is
preferably low enough so that the reflected light does not
overwhelm the light detector. In some embodiments, the light
intensity is ramped over a very short time period (but slow enough
that the photo-diode is able to track it) in order to identify the
point at which the photo-diode begins to saturate. The photo-diode
will saturate earlier if the vaporized payload has a higher vapor
density and is more reflective. In some embodiments, the light
intensity is dynamically modified based on the measured vapor
density of the vaporized payload.
[0123] In other examples, the light sensor is a transmissive sensor
in which the light source is configured to emit light that is
directed toward the path of the vaporized payload and the light
detector is configured to detect light transmission through the
vaporized payload (such as the light sensors incorporated into the
vape devices shown in FIGS. 7-10). When the vapor density of the
vaporized payload increases, the light transmission through the
vaporized payload decreases. Conversely, when the vapor density of
the vaporized payload decreases, the light transmission through the
vaporized payload increases. These properties can be utilized to
determine the vapor density of the vaporized payload.
[0124] With a transmissive sensor, the wavelength of the emitted
light may be selected so that the light is maximally absorbed by
the vaporized payload. The intensity of the emitted light is
preferably high enough to result in some light reaching the light
detector. In some embodiments, the light intensity is ramped over a
very short time period (but slow enough that the photo-diode is
able to track it) in order to identify the point at which the
photo-diode begins to saturate. The photo-diode will saturate
earlier if the vaporized payload has a lower vapor density. In some
embodiments, the light intensity is dynamically modified based on
the measured vapor density of the vaporized payload.
[0125] In yet other examples, the light source is configured to
emit light that is directed toward a light transmitting medium
positioned within the path of the vaporized payload and the light
detector is configured to detect light transmitted through the
medium (such as the light sensors incorporated into the vape
devices shown in FIGS. 11-13). The light transmitting medium is
made of glass, plastic or another material with an index of
refraction that is sufficiently similar to that of the payload and
sufficiently different from that of air.
[0126] When the surface of the light transmitting medium is
surrounded entirely by air prior to any use of the vape device,
most of the light emitted by the light source will travel through
the medium to the light detector. Notably, when the light impacts
the medium/air boundary at an angle, the light will totally reflect
back into the medium (i.e., total internal reflection) due to the
differences between the index of refraction of the medium and the
index of refraction of air. Thus, the light detected by the light
detector will have substantially the same intensity as the light
emitted by the light source.
[0127] However, when vaporized payload, e.g., an oil droplet, is
deposited on the surface of the light transmitting medium during
use of the vape device, some of the light traveling through the
medium will impact the medium/payload boundary at an angle and
escape the medium into the deposited payload due to the
similarities between the index of refraction of the medium and the
index of refraction of the payload. Thus, the level of attenuation
of the light received by the light detector will be dependent on
the total amount of payload deposited on the surface of the
medium.
[0128] It should be understood that the light transmission through
the medium will decrease as the medium becomes increasingly fouled
(coated) with droplets from the vaporized payload over the lifetime
of the medium--i.e., there will be residual payload deposited on
the surface of the medium after each user inhalation. Light
intensity measurements are preferably obtained before, during, and
after each user inhalation, and the rate of decrease of light
transmission through the medium indicates the amount of vaporized
payload that has passed the medium during that user inhalation.
These properties can be utilized to determine the vapor density of
the vaporized payload. Because the light transmitting medium has a
limited lifetime, it is preferably placed in a replaceable
cartridge portion of the vape device.
[0129] With this type of light sensor, the intensity of the emitted
light is preferably increased over the lifetime of the light
transmitting medium. When the medium is clean, very little of the
emitted light will escape the medium due to total internal
reflection at the medium/air boundary. As such, the emitted light
can have a low intensity and still be detectable at the light
detector. However, as droplets from the vaporized payload
successively collect on the outside surface of the light
transmitting medium throughout the lifetime of the medium, more
light will escape the medium at the medium/payload boundary. As
such, the emitted light must have a higher intensity to be
detectable at the light detector.
[0130] The material of the light transmitting medium may be
selected to obtain a desired index of refraction and associated
effect. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the critical
angle is the smallest angle of incidence that yields total internal
reflection through a light transmitting medium, as shown by the
following equation:
.theta..sub.c=arc sin(n.sub.2/n.sub.1) (2)
where
[0131] .theta..sub.c=critical angle in degrees;
[0132] n.sub.1=index of refraction of light transmitting medium;
and
[0133] n.sub.2=index of refraction of material adjacent to light
transmitting medium (e.g., the droplets from the vaporized
payload).
[0134] The closer the indexes of refraction are between the light
transmitting medium and the droplets from the vaporized payload,
the more likely it will be that the light escapes the medium into
one of the droplets. In some embodiments, the index of refraction
of the light transmitting medium is selected so as to be
substantially the same as the index of refraction of the vaporized
payload so as to maximize the amount of escaped light. In other
embodiments, the index of refraction of the light transmitting
medium is selected so as to be slightly different than the index of
refraction of the vaporized payload so as to limit the amount of
escaped light, which may be beneficial in cases where it is desired
to limit the amount of attenuation at the light detector. In other
embodiments, the payload is modified via the use of additive(s) so
as to obtain a desired index of refraction, although this approach
is not preferred insofar as any such additive(s) may be inhaled by
the user--i.e, it is preferred to modify the index of refraction of
the light transmitting medium.
[0135] Of course, other vape devices may include any combination of
the foregoing types of light sensors. For example, a vape device
may include both a reflective sensor and a transmissive sensor that
are used either simultaneously or sequentially to switch between
the reflective and transmissive modes (depending on which mode
provides better dynamic range).
[0136] Referring to FIG. 6, a first example of a vape device that
relies on a light intensity measurement method to determine the
dose of vaporized payload is shown generally as reference numeral
600. Vape device 600 includes a housing 602, which may comprise an
internal housing or external housing of vape device 600. Positioned
within housing 602 is an air flow chamber which, in this example,
comprises a conduit 612 that extends between an inlet 604 and an
outlet 606. It can be appreciated that the inlet and outlet
orifices are defined by conduit 612. An atomizer 610 is positioned
anywhere between inlet 604 and outlet 606. As described above,
atomizer 610 is configured to heat and vaporize the payload
contained in a payload reservoir (not shown) so as to output a
vaporized payload. During a user inhalation, ambient air flows
through conduit 612 from inlet 604 to atomizer 610, and ambient air
mixed with vaporized payload flows through conduit 612 from
atomizer 610 to outlet 606. Outlet 606 may further be in
communication with a mouthpiece, as described above. Of course, it
should be understood that vape device 600 may include a number of
other components that are not specifically shown in FIG. 6,
including a power source, a microcontroller, and other electronics,
as described above in connection with vape devices 10 and 100.
[0137] With respect to vape device 600, the microcontroller is
programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that
the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current
or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 610 in accordance with
desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer
610 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained
in the payload reservoir, a portion of the payload is vaporized to
thereby generate the vaporized payload for user inhalation. As
described above, the microcontroller is programmed to determine the
dose of vaporized payload based on a plurality of light intensity
measurements obtained during user inhalation (and optionally before
and after user inhalation), wherein the light intensity
measurements are associated with light reflected from the vaporized
payload when the vaporized payload passes through conduit 612 from
atomizer 610 to outlet 606.
[0138] As shown in FIG. 6, vape device 600 includes a light source
614 and a light detector 616 positioned side-by-side within housing
602 outside of conduit 612 between atomizer 610 and outlet 606. In
this example, conduit 612 includes a transparent section 618 formed
on its sidewall that is located adjacent to light source 614 and
light detector 616. Transparent section 618 may be made of glass or
any other transparent material known to those skilled in the art.
As used herein, the term "transparent" generally means transparency
for light and includes both clear transparency as well as
translucency. Generally, a material is considered transparent if at
least about 50%, preferably about 60%, more preferably about 70%,
more preferably about 80% and still more preferably about 90% of
the light illuminating the material can pass through the
material.
[0139] The light path between light source 614 and light detector
616 is indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 6. As can be seen, light
source 614 is configured to emit light that passes through
transparent section 618 and into conduit 612, whereby some of the
light reflects off the vaporized payload within conduit 612 and
passes back through transparent section 618 to light detector 616
(noting that some of the emitted light will not be reflected back
to light detector 616). Light detector 616 is then configured to
generate a signal representing the intensity of the reflected
light. As discussed above, light source 614 and light detector 616
are incorporated into a light intensity measurement circuit
configured to obtain a plurality of light intensity measurements
during each user inhalation (and optionally before and after user
inhalation) and provide such measurements to the microcontroller of
vape device 600.
[0140] It should be understood that various modifications could be
made to vape device 600 within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in some embodiments, light source 614 and light
detector 616 are positioned within conduit 612 (e.g., attached on a
sidewall of conduit 612) so that the vaporized payload can flow
past light source 614 and light detector 616, provided that
appropriate steps are taken to protect the integrity of the
components within conduit 612. In this case, transparent section
618 of conduit 612 would not be required. Of course, other
modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0141] Referring to FIG. 7, a second example of a vape device that
relies on a light intensity measurement method to determine the
dose of vaporized payload is shown generally as reference numeral
700. Vape device 700 includes a housing 702, which may comprise an
internal housing or external housing of vape device 700. Positioned
within housing 702 is an air flow chamber which, in this example,
comprises a conduit 712 that extends between an inlet 704 and an
outlet 706. It can be appreciated that the inlet and outlet
orifices are defined by conduit 712. An atomizer 710 is positioned
anywhere between inlet 704 and outlet 706. As described above,
atomizer 710 is configured to heat and vaporize the payload
contained in a payload reservoir (not shown) so as to output a
vaporized payload. During a user inhalation, ambient air flows
through conduit 712 from inlet 704 to atomizer 710, and ambient air
mixed with vaporized payload flows through conduit 712 from
atomizer 710 to outlet 706. Outlet 706 may further be in
communication with a mouthpiece, as described above. Of course, it
should be understood that vape device 700 may include a number of
other components that are not specifically shown in FIG. 7,
including a power source, a microcontroller, and other electronics,
as described above in connection with vape devices 10 and 100.
[0142] With respect to vape device 700, the microcontroller is
programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that
the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current
or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 710 in accordance with
desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer
710 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained
in the payload reservoir, a portion of the payload is vaporized to
thereby generate the vaporized payload for user inhalation. As
described above, the microcontroller is programmed to determine the
dose of vaporized payload based on a plurality of light intensity
measurements obtained during user inhalation (and optionally before
and after user inhalation), wherein the light intensity
measurements are associated with light transmitted through the
vaporized payload when the vaporized payload passes through conduit
712 from atomizer 710 to outlet 706.
[0143] As shown in FIG. 7, vape device 700 includes a light source
714 and a light detector 716 positioned within housing 702 outside
of conduit 712 between atomizer 710 and outlet 706, wherein light
source 714 is positioned on a first side of conduit 712 and light
detector 716 is positioned on a second opposing side of conduit
712. In this example, conduit 712 includes a first transparent
section 718 formed on its sidewall adjacent light source 714 and a
second transparent section 720 formed on its sidewall adjacent
light detector 716. Transparent sections 718 and 720 may be made of
glass or any other transparent material known to those skilled in
the art.
[0144] The light path between light source 714 and light detector
716 is indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 7. As can be seen, light
source 714 is configured to emit light that passes through
transparent section 718 and into conduit 712, whereby the light
travels through the vaporized payload within conduit 712 (noting
that some of the light is absorbed by the vaporized payload) and
passes through transparent section 720 to light detector 716. Light
detector 716 is then configured to generate a signal representing
the intensity of the light that is received at light detector 716.
As discussed above, light source 714 and light detector 716 are
incorporated into a light intensity measurement circuit configured
to obtain a plurality of light intensity measurements during each
user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation)
and provide such measurements to the microcontroller of vape device
700.
[0145] It should be understood that various modifications could be
made to vape device 700 within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in some embodiments, light source 714 and light
detector 716 are positioned within conduit 712 (e.g., attached on
opposing sidewalls of conduit 712) so that the vaporized payload
can flow past light source 714 and light detector 716, provided
that appropriate steps are taken to protect the integrity of the
components within conduit 712. In this case, transparent sections
718 and 720 of conduit 712 would not be required. Of course, other
modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0146] Referring to FIG. 8, a third example of a vape device that
relies on a light intensity measurement method to determine the
dose of vaporized payload is shown generally as reference numeral
800. In this example, vape device 800 includes a cartridge 808 and
a control assembly 814 formed in separate housings 802 and 832,
respectively, which are releasably connected to each other via an
electromechanical connection, as described above. Housings 802 and
832 may comprise an internal housing or external housing of
cartridge 808 and control assembly 814, respectively. Positioned
within housings 802 and 832 is an air flow chamber which, in this
example, comprises a conduit 812 that extends between an inlet 804
within control assembly 814 and an outlet 806 within cartridge 808.
It can be appreciated that the inlet and outlet orifices are
defined by conduit 812. An atomizer 810 is positioned anywhere
between inlet 804 and outlet 806 within cartridge 808. As described
above, atomizer 810 is configured to heat and vaporize the payload
contained in a payload reservoir (not shown) so as to output a
vaporized payload. During a user inhalation, ambient air flows
through conduit 812 from inlet 804 to atomizer 810, and ambient air
mixed with vaporized payload flows through conduit 812 from
atomizer 810 to outlet 806. Outlet 806 may further be in
communication with a mouthpiece, as described above. Of course, it
should be understood that vape device 800 may include a number of
other components that are not specifically shown in FIG. 8,
including a power source, a microcontroller, and other electronics
positioned in control assembly 814, as described above in
connection with vape devices 10 and 100. It should also be
understood that conduit 812 may be positioned entirely within
cartridge 808, in which case conduit 812 would not extend through
control assembly 814 as shown.
[0147] With respect to vape device 800, the microcontroller is
programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that
the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current
or pulsed direct current) over the electromechanical connection to
atomizer 810 in accordance with desired operational settings. When
the heating element of atomizer 810 reaches the vaporization
temperature of the payload contained in the payload reservoir, a
portion of the payload is vaporized to thereby generate the
vaporized payload for user inhalation. As described above, the
microcontroller is programmed to determine the dose of vaporized
payload based on a plurality of light intensity measurements
obtained during user inhalation (and optionally before and after
user inhalation), wherein the light intensity measurements are
associated with light transmitted through the vaporized payload
when the vaporized payload passes through conduit 812 from atomizer
810 to outlet 806.
[0148] As shown in FIG. 8, vape device 800 includes a light source
816 and a light detector 818 positioned within housing 832 of
control assembly 814 outside of conduit 812, wherein light source
816 is positioned on a first side of conduit 812 and light detector
818 is positioned on a second opposing side of conduit 812. Also,
the interface between control assembly 814 and cartridge 808
includes a first transparent window 820 located adjacent light
source 816 and a second transparent window 822 located adjacent
light detector 818. In addition, a first reflective surface 824 and
a second reflective surface 826 are located within housing 802 of
cartridge 808. As can be seen, first reflective surface 824 and
first transparent window 820 are positioned to align with light
source 816, and second reflective surface 826 and second
transparent window 822 are positioned to align with light detector
818. Further, conduit 812 includes a first transparent section 828
formed on its sidewall adjacent first reflective surface 824 and a
second transparent section 830 formed on its sidewall adjacent
second reflective surface 826. Transparent sections 828 and 830 may
be made of glass or any other transparent material known to those
skilled in the art.
[0149] The light path between light source 816 and light detector
818 is indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 8. As can be seen, light
source 816 is configured to emit light that passes through first
transparent window 820 to first reflective surface 824, whereby the
light is reflected and redirected though first transparent section
828 and into conduit 812. The light then travels through the
vaporized payload within conduit 812 (noting that some of the light
is absorbed by the vaporized payload) and passes through second
transparent section 830 to second reflective surface 826, whereby
the light is reflected and redirected through second transparent
window 822 to light detector 818. Light detector 818 is then
configured to generate a signal representing the intensity of the
light that is received at light detector 818. As discussed above,
light source 816 and light detector 818 are incorporated into a
light intensity measurement circuit configured to obtain a
plurality of light intensity measurements during each user
inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation) and
provide such measurements to the microcontroller of vape device
800.
[0150] Referring to FIG. 9, a fourth example of a vape device that
relies on a light intensity measurement method to determine the
dose of vaporized payload is shown generally as reference numeral
900. In this example, vape device 900 includes a cartridge 908 and
a control assembly 914 formed in separate housings 902 and 928,
respectively, which are releasably connected to each other via an
electromechanical connection, as described above. Housings 902 and
928 may comprise an internal housing or external housing of
cartridge 908 and control assembly 914, respectively. Positioned
within housings 902 and 928 is an air flow chamber which, in this
example, comprises a conduit 912 that extends between an inlet 904
within control assembly 914 and an outlet 906 within cartridge 908.
It can be appreciated that the inlet and outlet orifices are
defined by conduit 912. An atomizer 910 is positioned between inlet
904 and outlet 906 within cartridge 908. As described above,
atomizer 910 is configured to heat and vaporize the payload
contained in a payload reservoir (not shown) so as to output a
vaporized payload. During a user inhalation, ambient air flows
through conduit 912 from inlet 904 to atomizer 910, and ambient air
mixed with vaporized payload flows through conduit 912 from
atomizer 910 to outlet 906. Outlet 906 may further be in
communication with a mouthpiece, as described above. Of course, it
should be understood that vape device 900 may include a number of
other components that are not specifically shown in FIG. 9,
including a power source, a microcontroller, and other electronics
positioned in control assembly 914, as described above in
connection with vape devices 10 and 100. It should also be
understood that conduit 912 may be positioned entirely within
cartridge 908, in which case conduit 912 would not extend through
control assembly 914 as shown.
[0151] With respect to vape device 900, the microcontroller is
programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that
the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current
or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 910 in accordance with
desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer
910 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained
in the payload reservoir, a portion of the payload is vaporized to
thereby generate the vaporized payload for user inhalation. As
described above, the microcontroller is programmed to determine the
dose of vaporized payload based on a plurality of light intensity
measurements obtained during user inhalation (and optionally before
and after user inhalation), wherein the light intensity
measurements are associated with light transmitted through the
vaporized payload when the vaporized payload passes through conduit
912 from atomizer 910 to outlet 906.
[0152] As shown in FIG. 9, vape device 900 includes a light source
916 and a light detector 918 positioned in close proximity to each
other within housing 928 of control assembly 914 outside of conduit
912. Also, the interface between control assembly 914 and cartridge
908 includes a transparent window 920 located adjacent light source
916 and light detector 918. In addition, a reflective surface 922
is located within housing 902 of cartridge 908. As can be seen,
reflective surface 922 and transparent window 920 are positioned to
align with light source 916 and light detector 918. Further,
conduit 912 includes a transparent section 924 formed on its
sidewall adjacent reflective surface 922 and a reflective section
926 formed on an opposing sidewall. Transparent section 924 may be
made of glass or any other transparent material known to those
skilled in the art. Reflective section 926 may be made of polished
stainless steel or any other reflective material known to those
skilled in the art. If the section of conduit 912 opposite
transparent section 924 is sufficiently reflective (e.g., if
conduit 912 is made of stainless steel), then a separate reflective
section 926 would not be required and that section of conduit 912
would serve as the reflective section.
[0153] The light path between light source 916 and light detector
918 is indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 9. As can be seen, light
source 916 is configured to emit light that passes through
transparent window 920 to reflective surface 922, whereby the light
is reflected and redirected though transparent section 924 and into
conduit 912. The light then travels through the vaporized payload
to reflective section 926, whereby the light is reflected and
redirected back through the vaporized payload (noting that some of
the light is absorbed by the vaporized payload). The light then
passes through transparent section 924 to reflective surface 922,
whereby the light is reflected and redirected through transparent
window 904 to light detector 918. Light detector 918 is then
configured to generate a signal representing the intensity of the
light that is received at light detector 918. As discussed above,
light source 916 and light detector 918 are incorporated into a
light intensity measurement circuit configured to obtain a
plurality of light intensity measurements during each user
inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation) and
provide such measurements to the microcontroller of vape device
900.
[0154] Referring to FIG. 10, a fifth example of a vape device that
relies on a light intensity measurement method to determine the
dose of vaporized payload is shown generally as reference numeral
1000. In this example, vape device 1000 includes a cartridge 1008
and a control assembly 1014 formed in separate housings 1002 and
1028, respectively, which are releasably connected to each other
via an electromechanical connection, as described above. Housings
1002 and 1028 may comprise an internal housing or external housing
of cartridge 1008 and control assembly 1014, respectively.
Positioned within housings 1002 and 1028 is an air flow chamber
which, in this example, comprises a conduit 1012 that extends
between an inlet 1004 within control assembly 1014 and an outlet
1006 within cartridge 1008. It can be appreciated that the inlet
and outlet orifices are defined by conduit 1012. An atomizer 1010
is positioned anywhere between inlet 1004 and outlet 1006 within
cartridge 1008. As described above, atomizer 1010 is configured to
heat and vaporize the payload contained in a payload reservoir (not
shown) so as to output a vaporized payload. During a user
inhalation, ambient air flows through conduit 1012 from inlet 1004
to atomizer 1010, and ambient air mixed with vaporized payload
flows through conduit 1012 from atomizer 1010 to outlet 1006.
Outlet 1006 may further be in communication with a mouthpiece, as
described above. Of course, it should be understood that vape
device 1000 may include a number of other components that are not
specifically shown in FIG. 10, including a power source, a
microcontroller, and other electronics positioned in control
assembly 1014, as described above in connection with vape devices
10 and 100. It should also be understood that conduit 1012 may be
positioned entirely within cartridge 1008, in which case conduit
1012 would not extend through control assembly 1014 as shown.
[0155] With respect to vape device 1000, the microcontroller is
programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that
the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current
or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 1010 in accordance with
desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer
1010 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained
in the payload reservoir, a portion of the payload is vaporized to
thereby generate the vaporized payload for user inhalation. As
described above, the microcontroller is programmed to determine the
dose of vaporized payload based on a plurality of light intensity
measurements obtained during user inhalation (and optionally before
and after user inhalation), wherein the light intensity
measurements are associated with light transmitted through the
vaporized payload when the vaporized payload passes through conduit
1012 from atomizer 1010 to outlet 1006.
[0156] As shown in FIG. 10, vape device 1000 includes a light
source 1016 positioned within housing 1002 of cartridge 1008
outside of conduit 1012 and a light detector 1018 positioned within
housing 1028 of control assembly 1014 outside of conduit 1012.
Also, the interface between control assembly 1014 and cartridge
1008 includes a transparent window 1020 located adjacent light
detector 1018. In addition, a reflective surface 1022 is located
within housing 1002 of cartridge 1008 outside of conduit 1012. As
can be seen, reflective surface 1022 and transparent window 1020
are positioned to align with light detector 1018. Further, conduit
1012 includes a first transparent section 1024 formed on its
sidewall adjacent reflective surface 1022 and a second transparent
section 1026 formed on an opposing sidewall. Transparent sections
1024 and 1026 may be made of glass or any other transparent
material known to those skilled in the art.
[0157] The light path between light source 1016 and light detector
1018 is indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 10. As can be seen, light
source 1016 is configured to emit light that passes through second
transparent section 1026 and into conduit 1012. The light travels
through the vaporized payload within conduit 1012 (noting that some
of the light is absorbed by the vaporized payload) and passes
through first transparent section 1024 to reflective surface 1022,
whereby the light is reflected and redirected though transparent
window 1020 to light detector 1018. Light detector 1018 is then
configured to generate a signal representing the intensity of the
light that is received at light detector 1018. As discussed above,
light source 1016 and light detector 1018 are incorporated into a
light intensity measurement circuit configured to obtain a
plurality of light intensity measurements during each user
inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation) and
provide such measurements to the microcontroller of vape device
1000.
[0158] Referring to FIG. 11A, a sixth example of a vape device that
relies on a light intensity measurement method to determine the
dose of vaporized payload is shown generally as reference numeral
1100. Vape device 1100 includes a housing 1102, which may comprise
an internal housing or external housing of vape device 1100.
Positioned within housing 1102 is an air flow chamber which, in
this example, comprises a conduit 1112 that extends between an
inlet 1104 and an outlet 1106. It can be appreciated that the inlet
and outlet orifices are defined by conduit 1112. An atomizer 1110
is positioned anywhere between inlet 1104 and outlet 1106. As
described above, atomizer 1110 is configured to heat and vaporize
the payload contained in a payload reservoir (not shown) so as to
output a vaporized payload. During a user inhalation, ambient air
flows through conduit 1112 from inlet 1104 to atomizer 1110, and
ambient air mixed with vaporized payload flows through conduit 1112
from atomizer 1110 to outlet 1106. Outlet 1106 may further be in
communication with a mouthpiece, as described above. Of course, it
should be understood that vape device 1100 may include a number of
other components that are not specifically shown in FIG. 11A,
including a power source, a microcontroller, and other electronics,
as described above in connection with vape devices 10 and 100.
[0159] With respect to vape device 1100, the microcontroller is
programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that
the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current
or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 1110 in accordance with
desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer
1110 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained
in the payload reservoir, a portion of the payload is vaporized to
thereby generate the vaporized payload for user inhalation. As
described above, the microcontroller is programmed to determine the
dose of vaporized payload based on a plurality of light intensity
measurements obtained before, during, and after user inhalation,
wherein the light intensity measurements in this example are
associated with light transmitted through a light transmitting
medium positioned parallel to the path of the vaporized payload
within conduit 1112, as described below.
[0160] As shown in FIG. 11A, vape device 1100 includes a light
source 1114 and a light detector 1116 spaced apart from each other
within housing 1102 outside of conduit 1112 between atomizer 1110
and outlet 1106. Also, vape device 1100 includes one or more fibers
made of glass, plastic, or another material with an index of
refraction that is sufficiently similar to that of the payload and
sufficiently different from that of air, as discussed above, which
will be referred to herein as a "glass fiber 1118" for ease of
reference. In this example, glass fiber 1118 is positioned
substantially inside of conduit 1118 and extends generally parallel
to the direction of the airflow. One end 1118a of glass fiber 1118
extends through an opening in the sidewall of conduit 1112 so as to
be positioned outside of conduit 1112 adjacent light source 1114.
The other end 1118b of glass fiber 1118 penetrates through another
opening in the sidewall of conduit 1112 so as to be positioned
outside of conduit 1112 adjacent light detector 1116. Any suitable
sealant may be used to seal the openings in conduit 1112 so as to
prevent the leakage of vaporized payload therethrough.
[0161] The light path between light source 1114 and light detector
1116 through glass fiber 1118 can be understood with reference to
the simplified diagrams shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C.
[0162] FIG. 11B shows the surface of glass fiber 1118 surrounded
entirely by air, i.e., prior to any use of vape device 1100. The
light emitted by light source 1114 travels through glass fiber 1118
to light detector 1116 in a light path indicated by the dashed
lines in FIG. 11B. As can be seen, when the light impacts each
glass/air boundary at an angle, the light totally reflects back
into glass fiber 1118 (i.e., total internal reflection) due to the
differences between their respective indexes of refraction. Thus,
the light detected by light detector 1116 has substantially the
same intensity as the light emitted by light source 1114.
[0163] FIG. 11C shows the surface of glass fiber 1118 with
vaporized payload (an oil droplet in this example) deposited on a
portion of the surface. The light emitted by light source 1114
travels through glass fiber 1118 to light detector 1116 in a light
path indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 11C. As can be seen,
when the light impacts the glass/oil boundary at an angle, the
light will escape glass fiber 1118 and enter the oil, and some of
the light may further escape the oil into the air. However, when
the light impacts the glass/air boundary at an angle (i.e., in
areas where there are no oil droplets on the surface), the light
reflects back into glass fiber 1118. Thus, the level of attenuation
of the light received by light detector 1116 will be dependent on
the amount of oil deposited on the surface of glass fiber 1118.
[0164] It can be appreciated that light detector 1116 is configured
to generate a signal representing the intensity of the received
light. As discussed above, light source 1114 and light detector
1116 are incorporated into a light intensity measurement circuit
configured to obtain a plurality of light intensity measurements
before, during, and after each user inhalation and provide such
measurements to the microcontroller of vape device 1100.
[0165] It should be understood that various modifications could be
made to vape device 1100 within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in some embodiments, glass fiber 1118 is positioned
entirely inside of conduit 1112. In this case, a first transparent
section is formed on the sidewall of conduit 1112 adjacent light
source 1114 to provide a light path between glass fiber 1118 and
light source 1114 and, similarly, a second transparent section is
formed on the sidewall of conduit 1112 adjacent light detector 1116
to provide a light path between glass fiber 1118 and light detector
1116. The transparent sections may be made of glass or any other
transparent material known to those skilled in the art. In this
case, conduit 1112 would not need openings for the ends of glass
fiber 1118. In yet other embodiments, glass fiber 1118 is replaced
with another material having an index of refraction similar to that
of the vaporized payload, as discussed above. Of course, other
modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0166] Referring to FIG. 12, a seventh example of a vape device
that relies on a light intensity measurement method to determine
the dose of vaporized payload is shown generally as reference
numeral 1200. Vape device 1200 includes a housing 1202, which may
comprise an internal housing or external housing of vape device
1200. Positioned within housing 1202 is an air flow chamber which,
in this example, comprises a conduit 1212 that extends between an
inlet 1204 and an outlet 1206. It can be appreciated that the inlet
and outlet orifices are defined by conduit 1212. An atomizer 1210
is positioned anywhere between inlet 1204 and outlet 1206. As
described above, atomizer 1210 is configured to heat and vaporize
the payload contained in a payload reservoir (not shown) so as to
output a vaporized payload. During a user inhalation, ambient air
flows through conduit 1212 from inlet 1204 to atomizer 1210, and
ambient air mixed with vaporized payload flows through conduit 1212
from atomizer 1210 to outlet 1206. Outlet 1206 may further be in
communication with a mouthpiece, as described above. Of course, it
should be understood that vape device 1200 may include a number of
other components that are not specifically shown in FIG. 12,
including a power source, a microcontroller, and other electronics,
as described above in connection with vape devices 10 and 100.
[0167] With respect to vape device 1200, the microcontroller is
programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that
the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current
or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 1210 in accordance with
desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer
1210 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained
in the payload reservoir, a portion of the payload is vaporized to
thereby generate the vaporized payload for user inhalation. As
described above, the microcontroller is programmed to determine the
dose of vaporized payload based on a plurality of light intensity
measurements obtained before, during, and after user inhalation,
wherein the light intensity measurements in this example are
associated with light transmitted through a light transmitting
medium positioned perpendicular to the path of the vaporized
payload within conduit 1212, as described below.
[0168] As shown in FIG. 12, vape device 1200 includes a light
source 1214 and a light detector 1216 positioned within housing
1202 outside of conduit 1212 between atomizer 1210 and outlet 1206,
wherein light source 1214 is positioned on a first side of conduit
1212 and light detector 1216 is positioned on a second opposing
side of conduit 1212. Also, vape device 1200 includes one or more
fibers made of glass, plastic, or another material with an index of
refraction that is sufficiently similar to that of the payload and
sufficiently different from that of air, as discussed above, which
will be referred to herein as a "glass fiber 1218" for ease of
reference. Glass fiber 1218 is positioned substantially inside of
conduit 1212 and extends generally perpendicular to the direction
of the airflow. One end 1218a of glass fiber 1218 extends through
an opening in the sidewall of conduit 1212 so as to be positioned
outside of conduit 1212 adjacent light source 1214. The other end
1218b of glass fiber 1218 penetrates through another opening in the
sidewall of conduit 1212 so as to be positioned outside of conduit
1212 adjacent light detector 1216. Any suitable sealant may be used
to seal the openings in conduit 1212 so as to prevent the leakage
of vaporized payload therethrough.
[0169] The light path between light source 1214 and light detector
1216 through glass fiber 1218 can be understood from the
description of FIGS. 11B and 11C above, wherein light detector 1216
is configured to generate a signal representing the intensity of
the received light. As discussed above, light source 1214 and light
detector 1216 are incorporated into a light intensity measurement
circuit configured to obtain a plurality of light intensity
measurements before, during, and after each user inhalation and
provide such measurements to the microcontroller of vape device
1200.
[0170] It should be understood that various modifications could be
made to vape device 1200 within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in some embodiments, glass fiber 1218 is positioned
entirely inside of conduit 1212. In this case, a first transparent
section is formed on the sidewall of conduit 1212 adjacent light
source 1214 to provide a light path between glass fiber 1218 and
light source 1214 and, similarly, a second transparent section is
formed on the sidewall of conduit 1212 adjacent light detector 1216
to provide a light path between glass fiber 1218 and light detector
1216. The transparent sections may be made of glass or any other
transparent material known to those skilled in the art. In this
case, conduit 1212 would not need openings for the ends of glass
fiber 1218. In yet other embodiments, glass fiber 1218 is replaced
with another material having an index of refraction similar to that
of the vaporized payload, as discussed above. Of course, other
modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0171] Referring to FIG. 13, an eighth example of a vape device
that relies on a light intensity measurement method to determine
the dose of vaporized payload is shown generally as reference
numeral 1300. Vape device 1300 includes a housing 1302, which may
comprise an internal housing or external housing of vape device
1300. Positioned within housing 1302 is an air flow chamber which,
in this example, comprises a conduit 1312 that extends between an
inlet 1304 and an outlet 1306. It can be appreciated that the inlet
and outlet orifices are defined by conduit 1312. An atomizer 1310
is positioned anywhere between inlet 1304 and outlet 1306. As
described above, atomizer 1310 is configured to heat and vaporize
the payload contained in a payload reservoir (not shown) so as to
output a vaporized payload. During a user inhalation, ambient air
flows through conduit 1312 from inlet 1304 to atomizer 1310, and
ambient air mixed with vaporized payload flows through conduit 1312
from atomizer 1310 to outlet 1306. Outlet 1306 may further be in
communication with a mouthpiece, as described above. Of course, it
should be understood that vape device 1300 may include a number of
other components that are not specifically shown in FIG. 13,
including a power source, a microcontroller, and other electronics,
as described above in connection with vape devices 10 and 100.
[0172] With respect to vape device 1300, the microcontroller is
programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that
the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current
or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 1310 in accordance with
desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer
1310 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained
in the payload reservoir, a portion of the payload is vaporized to
thereby generate the vaporized payload for user inhalation. As
described above, the microcontroller is programmed to determine the
dose of vaporized payload based on a plurality of light intensity
measurements obtained before, during and after user inhalation,
wherein the light intensity measurements in this example are
associated with light transmitted through a glass section of
conduit 1312, as described below.
[0173] As shown in FIG. 13, vape device 1300 includes a light
source 1314 and a light detector 1316 spaced apart from each other
within housing 1302 outside of conduit 1312 between atomizer 1310
and outlet 1306. Also, in this example, conduit 1312 includes a
flat or curved section made of glass, plastic, or another material
with an index of refraction that is sufficiently similar to that of
the payload and sufficiently different from that of air, as
discussed above, which will be referred to herein as a "glass
section 1318" for ease of reference. Glass section 1318 extends
along the length of conduit 1312 such that one end of glass section
1318 is positioned adjacent light source 1314 and the other end of
glass section 1318 is positioned adjacent light detector 1316.
[0174] The light path between light source 1314 and light detector
1316 through glass section 1318 can be understood from the
description of FIGS. 11B and 11C above, wherein light detector 1316
is configured to generate a signal representing the intensity of
the received light. As discussed above, light source 1314 and light
detector 1316 are incorporated into a light intensity measurement
circuit configured to obtain a plurality of light intensity
measurements before, during and after each user inhalation and
provide such measurements to the microcontroller of vape device
1300.
[0175] It should be understood that various modifications could be
made to vape device 1300 within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in some embodiments, a mirrored coating may be applied
to the non-vapor side of glass section 1318, i.e., the outside
surface of glass section 1318. In this case, light would still
escape glass section 1318 when vaporized payload is deposited on
the inside surface of glass section 1318. In other embodiments, all
of conduit 1312 (not just glass section 1318) may be made of
glass--either with or without a mirrored coating on the outside
surface of conduit 1312. In yet other embodiments, glass section
1318 is made of another material having an index of refraction
similar to that of the vaporized payload, as discussed above. Of
course, other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in
the art.
[0176] It should also be understood that any of vape devices 1100,
1200 and 1300 could be modified by placing a mirrored finish on the
far end of the light transmitting medium from the light source so
that the light sensor may be co-located with the light source. If
the vape device includes a cartridge and a control assembly formed
in separate housings that are releasably connected to each other
via an electromechanical connection, as described above, this
modification would enable the light source and/or the light
detector to be positioned within the control assembly while the
light transmitting medium is located within the cartridge (similar
to the configurations shown in FIGS. 8-10).
[0177] Of course, other modifications to vape devices 1100, 1200
and 1300 will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example,
the glass fiber may be oriented at any angle within the conduit and
is not limited to being positioned parallel to the direction of
airflow (as in the vape device of FIG. 11A) or perpendicular to the
direction of airflow (as in the vape device of FIG. 12). In
addition, the glass fiber may follow the contour of the conduit,
either in a direct line or helix.
[0178] Further, in each of the vape devices shown in FIGS. 6-13
above, the light intensity measurement circuit is configured to
provide the light intensity measurements obtained during user
inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation) to the
microcontroller of the vape device. In some embodiments, the
microcontroller is programmed to determine the dose of payload that
is vaporized during each user inhalation by performing the
following steps: (1) acquiring a plurality of light intensity
measurements from the light intensity measurement circuit during
user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation)
and (2) using the information from step 1 to determine the vapor
density of the vaporized payload and by extension the partial mass
of the payload that is vaporized during user inhalation.
[0179] In some embodiments, the method may be further refined
(optionally) by varying the intensity of the light signal emitted
by the light source and/or the gain of the light detector in order
to adjust the sensitivity.
[0180] In some embodiments, the method may be further refined
(optionally) by applying an electric field to the air flow chamber
so as to orient a plurality of molecules in the vaporized payload
when the vaporized payload passes through the conduit in order to
improve their reflective properties.
[0181] Finally, it should be understood that all or a portion of
the processing steps performed by the microcontroller of the vape
device, as described above, could alternatively be performed by one
or more other microcontrollers, such as a secondary microcontroller
positioned in a cartridge of the vape device (for embodiments in
which the vape device comprises a cartridge releasably connected to
a control assembly). Various embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art.
Dose Determination/Vapor Droplet Counting Method Using Hot Wire
Anemometers
[0182] In some embodiments, the vape device utilizes two or more
hot wire anemometers to determine the mass of the vaporized payload
that was delivered to the user during each user inhalation and/or
to determine the size and density distribution of the droplets in
the vaporized payload and use such distribution to calculate the
total mass of the vaporized payload that was delivered to the user
during each user inhalation.
[0183] Referring to FIG. 14, an example of a vape device that
relies on this method to determine the dose of vaporized payload is
shown generally as reference numeral 1400. Vape device 1400
includes a housing 1402, which may comprise an internal housing or
external housing of vape device 1400. Positioned within housing
1402 is an air flow chamber which, in this example, comprises a
conduit 1412 that extends between an inlet 1404 and an outlet 1406.
It can be appreciated that the inlet and outlet orifices are
defined by conduit 1412. An atomizer 1410 is positioned anywhere
between inlet 1404 and outlet 1406. As described above, atomizer
1410 is configured to heat and vaporize the payload contained in a
payload reservoir (not shown) so as to output a vaporized payload.
During a user inhalation, ambient air flows through conduit 1412
from inlet 1404 to atomizer 1410, and ambient air mixed with
vaporized payload flows through conduit 1412 from atomizer 1410 to
outlet 1406. Outlet 1406 may further be in communication with a
mouthpiece, as described above. Of course, it should be understood
that vape device 1400 may include a number of other components that
are not specifically shown in FIG. 14, including a power source, a
microcontroller, and other electronics, as described above in
connection with vape devices 10 and 100.
[0184] With respect to vape device 1400, the microcontroller is
programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that
the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current
or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 1410 in accordance with
desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer
1410 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained
in the payload reservoir, a portion of the payload is vaporized to
thereby generate the vaporized payload for user inhalation.
[0185] A rough dose estimate for each user inhalation can be
determined by integrating the power draw versus time of the heating
element of atomizer 1410 and comparing it with the amount of
payload theoretically vaporized based on the specific heat and heat
of vaporization of the payload. However, this dose estimate may not
be accurate enough for critical pharmaceutical delivery
applications, especially in the case of multi-component payloads in
which partial fractionation of the mixture may occur at the
interface between the wick and heating element of atomizer 1410.
Therefore, in order to provide a more accurate and repeatable
measurement of the total mass of the payload vaporized during each
user inhalation, vape device 1400 may utilize a number of different
components and circuits, as described below.
[0186] In this example, vape device 1400 includes three hot wire
anemometers--a reference hot wire anemometer 1414 located within
conduit 1412 between inlet 1404 and atomizer 1410 and two sampling
hot wire anemometers 1416 and 1418 located within conduit 1412
between atomizer 1410 and outlet 1406. The wire filament of each of
these anemometers may be made of tungsten, platinum or
platinum-iridium, although other materials known to those skilled
in the art may also be used.
[0187] Vape device 1400 also includes two temperature sensors--a
first temperature sensor 1420 located within conduit 1412 between
inlet 1404 and atomizer 1410 and a second temperature sensor 1422
located within conduit 1412 between atomizer 1410 and outlet 1406.
Each of temperature sensors 1420 and 1422 may comprise any type of
component capable of sensing the temperature at the designated
locations, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple, an infrared
sensor, a bandgap temperature sensor, an analog temperature sensor,
or a digital temperature sensor. Of course, those skilled in the
art will understand that other types of temperature sensors may be
used in accordance with the present invention.
[0188] Reference hot wire anemometer 1414 is incorporated into a
circuit configured to measure the velocity of air flowing over the
wire. The circuit may comprise, for example, a constant temperature
Wheatstone bridge circuit, as known to those skilled in the art.
During each user inhalation, an electric current is sent through
the wire, causing the wire to become hot. As air flows over the
wire, it cools the wire and removes some of its heat energy. By
integrating the instantaneous heat loss from the wire over time,
the anemometer provides a baseline reading of the air flow rate
through conduit 1412 during user inhalation, which may be used
along with the information from sampling hot wire anemometers 1416
and 1418 (discussed below) to determine the dose of the vaporized
payload.
[0189] Sampling hot wire anemometer 1416 is incorporated into a
circuit configured to measure the mass of vaporized payload passing
by the wire during each user inhalation. By passing current through
the wire of hot wire anemometer 1416 so that it operates at a
temperature that is above the boiling point of each of the
components in the payload, individual collisions of the wire with
the droplets in the vaporized payload can be measured. Goldschmidt,
Victor W. "Measurement of Aerosol Concentrations with a Hot Wire
Anemometer," Journal of Colloid Science 20, 617-634 (1965).
Counting the number of droplets detected over time can serve as
input in determining the total mass of vaporized payload delivered
during each user inhalation, provided the size distribution of the
droplets in the vaporized payload is known, narrow and constant.
This enables the accuracy of the dose determination to be
significantly improved. It should be understood that sampling hot
wire anemometer 1418 operates in the same manner.
[0190] Sampling hot wire anemometers 1416 and 1418 may also be
operated at different temperatures to enable detection of different
components in the vaporized payload. For example, assume that the
vaporized payload contains components A and B, wherein the boiling
point of component A is lower than the boiling point of component
B. In this case, hot wire anemometer 1416 is operated at a
temperature that is higher than the boiling point of component A,
but lower than the boiling point of component B. Also, hot wire
anemometer 1418 is operated at a temperature that is higher than
the boiling points of components A and B. It can be appreciated
that this arrangement enables the dose of each of components A and
B to be determined.
[0191] It should be noted that sampling hot wire anemometer 1416
may be fouled by deposition of component B. In order to address
this issue, the "roles" of sampling hot wire anemometers 1416 and
1418 may be swapped between successive user inhalations (i.e., the
operating temperatures of the anemometers are successively swapped)
so that component B is vaporized over the course of using vape
device 1400.
[0192] First temperature sensor 1420 is incorporated into a first
temperature measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of
temperature measurements during user inhalation in order to
determine the ambient temperature of the incoming air. Second
temperature sensor 1422 is incorporated into a second temperature
measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of temperature
measurements during user inhalation in order to determine the
temperature of the vaporized payload/air mixture. This data may be
used along with the information from reference hot wire anemometer
1414 and sampling hot wire anemometers 1416 and 1418 to determine
the dose of the vaporized payload.
[0193] The above implementation is suitable for cases in which the
size distribution of the droplets in the vaporized payload is
known, narrow and constant. However, if the distribution of droplet
sizes is wide and changing over the duration of the user
inhalation, the accuracy of the dose determination will suffer. In
order to address these issues, it is preferable to utilize a
component and circuit arrangement that enables the microcontroller
to determine the size and density distribution of the droplets in
the vaporized payload and use such distribution to calculate the
total mass of the vaporized payload that was delivered to the user
during each user inhalation.
[0194] FIG. 15 shows an exemplary embodiment of such a component
and circuit arrangement that may be incorporated into a vape
device. In this example, the vape device includes a reference hot
wire anemometer that operates in the same manner as reference hot
wire anemometer 1414 described above. The vape device also includes
an array of sampling hot wire anemometers (SHWAT.sub.1,
SHWAT.sub.2, SHWAT.sub.3 . . . SHWAT.sub.m-1, SHWAT.sub.m) each of
which operates at a distinct temperature (T.sub.1, T.sub.2, T.sub.3
. . . T.sub.m-1, T.sub.m) in order to enable detection of different
components in the vaporized payload, as described above. In
addition, the vape device includes two thermistors (Thermistor 1
and Thermistor 2) that operate in the same manner as temperature
sensors 1420 and 1422 described above.
[0195] It can be seen that each of the sampling hot wire
anemometers (SHWAT.sub.1, SHWAT.sub.2, SHWAT.sub.3 . . .
SHWAT.sub.m-1, SHWAT.sub.m) are connected to an array of monostable
multivibrator (one shot) modules with different triggering
thresholds (MM-TT.sub.1, MM-TT.sub.2, TT.sub.3 . . . MM-TT.sub.n-1,
MM-TT.sub.n) and an array of associated digital counters
(DC-TT.sub.1, DC-TT.sub.2, DC-TT.sub.3 . . . DC-TT.sub.n-1,
DC-TT.sub.n,). The triggering thresholds of the monostable
multivibrator modules are segmented to cover bands of droplet size
detection sensitivity in order to more granularly determine the
droplet size distribution and density in the vaporized payload.
[0196] Specifically, each of the monostable multivibrator modules
has an individual triggering threshold tailored to be sensitive to
a droplet of a minimum size. For example, the most sensitive
monostable multivibrator module would count every size droplet, and
the second most sensitive monostable multivibrator module would
count every size droplet except the smallest size droplet. By
subtracting the number of droplets detected by the second most
sensitive monostable multivibrator module from the number of
droplets detected by the most sensitive monostable multivibrator
module, the number of the smallest size droplets within that band
can be determined. This scheme can be extended until the desired
number of droplet size bands is represented. The size and density
distribution of the droplets in the vaporized payload may then be
integrated over the time period of the user inhalation in order to
calculate the total mass of the vaporized payload that was
delivered to the user during each user inhalation.
[0197] In some embodiments, a standardized aerosol generator may be
used to calibrate the vape device using various droplet size and
density settings.
[0198] Finally, it should be understood that all or a portion of
the processing steps performed by the microcontroller of vape
device 1400, as described above, could alternatively be performed
by one or more other microcontrollers, such as a secondary
microcontroller (not shown) positioned in a cartridge of vape
device 1400 (for embodiments in which vape device 1400 comprises a
cartridge releasably connected to a control assembly). Various
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Dose Control System
[0199] The methods of measuring dosage described above may be used
independently, or in any combination, to record the dose
administered to the user and report it to personal computing device
72 or an equivalent device. Alternatively, the desired dose can be
set in advance by the user through an on-vaporizer input method
(e.g., buttons, dial, etc.) or through interaction with application
74 running on personal computing device 72. The user then inhales
until the user-specified dose is administered, at which point the
vape device stops vaporizing to thereby provide an accurate means
of dose control.
III. General Information
[0200] In this disclosure, the use of any and all examples or
exemplary language (e.g., "for example" or "as an example") is
intended merely to better describe the invention and does not pose
a limitation on the scope of the invention. No language in the
disclosure should be construed as indicating any non-claimed
element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0201] Also, the use of the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any
other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive
inclusion, such that a system, device, or method that comprises a
list of elements does not include only those elements, but may
include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such
system, device, or method.
[0202] Further, the use of relative relational terms, such as first
and second, are used solely to distinguish one unit or action from
another unit or action without necessarily requiring or implying
any actual such relationship or order between such units or
actions.
[0203] Finally, while the present invention has been described and
illustrated hereinabove with reference to various exemplary
embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications
could be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope
of the invention. For example, while the methods of measuring
dosage are described above for use in a vape device, some of these
methods (e.g., the light measurement methods and/or hot wire
anemometer methods) could be used in a nebulizer. Therefore, the
present invention is not to be limited to the specific structural
configurations, circuits or methodologies of the exemplary
embodiments, except insofar as such limitations are included in the
following claims.
* * * * *