U.S. patent application number 16/945801 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-24 for vaporizer.
The applicant listed for this patent is Iconic Ventures, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael Lindars, Robert Niemeyer, Jeremy Unger.
Application Number | 20210186110 16/945801 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005636413 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210186110 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Lindars; Michael ; et
al. |
June 24, 2021 |
VAPORIZER
Abstract
A vaporizer can include a body, an air inlet for airflow into
the body, an air outlet for airflow out of the body and a chamber
disposed fluidically between the inlet and the outlet. The chamber
can be configured to hold a porous body having fluid disposed
therein. The porous body can be removable. A vaporizer can include
a heater disposed in the chamber for heating and removably holding
the porous body. The heater can be fluidically insulated and can be
structurally supported by one or more electrical conductors.
Inventors: |
Lindars; Michael; (Portland,
OR) ; Niemeyer; Robert; (Tigard, OR) ; Unger;
Jeremy; (Portland, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Iconic Ventures, Inc. |
Portland |
OR |
US |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20200359691 A1 |
November 19, 2020 |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005636413 |
Appl. No.: |
16/945801 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16380948 |
Apr 10, 2019 |
|
|
|
16945801 |
|
|
|
|
16402139 |
May 2, 2019 |
|
|
|
16380948 |
|
|
|
|
62835950 |
Apr 18, 2019 |
|
|
|
62843561 |
May 6, 2019 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 40/465 20200101;
A24F 40/48 20200101; A24F 40/10 20200101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 40/48 20060101
A24F040/48; A24F 40/10 20060101 A24F040/10; A24F 40/465 20060101
A24F040/465 |
Claims
1. A vaporizer, comprising: a body; an air inlet for airflow into
the body; an air outlet for airflow out of the body; and a chamber
disposed fluidically between the inlet and the outlet; wherein the
chamber is configured to hold a porous body having fluid disposed
therein.
2. The vaporizer of claim 1, further comprising a cup disposed at
least partially within the chamber.
3. The vaporizer of claim 2, wherein the cup comprises one or more
openings fluidically disposed within an airflow path between the
air inlet and the air outlet.
4. The vaporizer of claim 1, further comprising one or more
retainers configured to limit movement of a porous body in one or
more directions.
5. The vaporizer of claim 4, further comprising a cup disposed at
least partially within the chamber and wherein at least one of the
one or more retainers extends radially inwardly from an interior
surface of the cup.
6. The vaporizer of claim 4, wherein at least one of the one or
more retainers is configured to optionally contact at least a
portion of a porous body when a porous body is disposed in the
chamber.
7. The vaporizer of claim 1, further comprising a heater disposed
at least partially within the chamber.
8. The vaporizer of claim 7, wherein the heater has a bottom
surface and the chamber has a bottom interior surface, and further
comprising a gap between the bottom surface of the heater and the
bottom interior surface of the chamber.
9. The vaporizer of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the
heater is configured to directly contact at least a portion of a
porous body.
10. The vaporizer of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the gap
is an air gap.
11. The vaporizer of claim 9, wherein the heater comprises a top
surface configured to support a porous body.
12. The vaporizer of claim 7, wherein the heater comprises a
ceramic disk having electrically resistive material disposed
thereon or therein.
13. The vaporizer of claim 7, further comprising one or more
electrical conductors coupled to the heater and wherein the heater
is at least partially structurally supported by at least one of the
one or more electrical conductors.
14. The vaporizer of claim 7, further comprising one or more
electrical conductors coupled to the heater and wherein the heater
is fluidically insulated from all vaporizer components other than
the one or more electrical conductors.
15. The vaporizer of claim 7, further comprising one or more
electrical conductors coupled to the heater and wherein the heater
is configured to not touch any portion of the chamber.
16. The vaporizer of claim 2, further comprising a heater disposed
at least partially within the cup.
17. The vaporizer of claim 16, wherein the heater has a bottom
surface and the cup has a bottom interior surface, and further
comprising a gap between the bottom surface of the heater and the
bottom interior surface of the cup.
18. The vaporizer of claim 16, further comprising one or more
electrical conductors coupled to the heater and wherein the heater
is at least partially structurally supported by at least one of the
one or more electrical conductors.
19. The vaporizer of claim 16, further comprising one or more
electrical conductors coupled to the heater and wherein the heater
is fluidically insulated from all vaporizer components other than
the one or more electrical conductors.
20. The vaporizer of claim 16, further comprising one or more
electrical conductors coupled to the heater and wherein the heater
is configured to not touch any portion of the cup.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Nos. 62/835,950 filed Apr. 18, 2019 and
62/843,561 filed May 6, 2019, the entire contents of which are
hereby incorporated by reference into this disclosure. This
application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 16/380,948 filed Apr. 10, 2019, which claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/756,362 filed Nov. 6,
2018 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/760,924 filed
Nov. 14, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated
by reference into this disclosure. This application is a
continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/402,139
filed May 2, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/950,083 filed Apr. 10, 2018, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/483,868
filed Apr 10, 2017 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/626,451 filed Feb. 5, 2018, the entire contents of which are
hereby incorporated by reference into this disclosure.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to vaporizers and
more specifically relates to vaporizers for converting oil to a
mist for inhalation by a user.
Description of the Related Art
[0005] A vaporizer can be used to convert oil or another substance,
such as a substance that contains medication or other compounds, to
a vapor or mist for inhalation by a user. Oils can be used to
prevent damage to medications that may be sensitive to solvents or
propellants used in applications like asthma inhalers, or for
medications or compounds that cannot be dissolved in water.
However, at least some conventional vaporizers may suffer from one
or more shortcomings, such as burning or carbonization of the oil,
excessive wicking, leaking, or clogging. For example, burning or
carbonization of oil may occur when a supply of oil is locally
depleted relative to a heating coil, which can allow the coil in
the area of depletion to overheat, which can include becoming red
hot. When oil flows into such a depleted area and comes in contact
with the over-heated coil, burning of the oil can occur, which can
generate smoke that may reach air flow through the device. In at
least some cases, such burning may result in undesirable tastes or
flavors during use of the device, which can continue for some time
or even for the life of the device, and which can effectively
render the device no longer useable. Carbonization can result in
carbon buildup, e.g., on the wick or heating coil of the device,
which can foul or prevent proper operation or continued use of a
vaporization device. Carbonization can also be indicative that the
oil has been overheated, such as by having been heated to a point
that some damage or change to the chemical nature of the oil has
occurred. Carbonization may also result in undesirable compounds
being present in the vapor or air flow exiting a vaporizer during
use, which may include carcinogenic or otherwise dangerous
compounds.
[0006] As another example, at least some conventional vaporizers
include wicking devices for transferring oil from the storage
reservoir to an area for contact with the heating element. However,
such wicking devices can result in leaking of oil from the
vaporizer, such as onto a user's hand or clothing. Excessive
wicking can fowl a heating element, such as by providing too much
fluid to heat to the vaporization point. Excessive wicking may also
clog air channels within the device or leave oil exposed to air,
which may result in malfunctions or, e.g., allow volatile
medication dissolved in the oil to evaporate. In some cases, such
evaporation may cause the oil's viscosity to change to a point that
prevents the oil from being re-liquefied or vaporized within the
device. Excessive wicking and clogging may lead to the loss of some
or all of the oil contained in the vaporizer, or even render the
vaporizer inoperable such that repair or replacement may be needed.
As further examples, in some cases, the oil used in the vaporizer
can be corrosive (e.g., having a PH between 8 and 11.5) and may
come into contact with metal parts within the device, which can
result in a metallic taste that may be undesirable to some users.
Additionally, conventional devices may lack a manner of recycling
or trapping condensed oil within the device for prevent waste or
leaking of the oil.
[0007] Accordingly, a need exists in the art for an improved
vaporizer. The disclosures and teachings herein are directed to
systems and methods for improved vaporizers, portions thereof,
devices for use therewith and corresponding methods.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A vaporizer according to the disclosure can include a body,
an air inlet for airflow into the body, an air outlet for airflow
out of the body and a chamber disposed fluidically between the
inlet and the outlet. The chamber can be configured to hold a
porous body having fluid disposed therein. The porous body can be
removable. A vaporizer can include a heater disposed in the chamber
for heating and removably holding the porous body. The heater can
be fluidically insulated and can be structurally supported by one
or more electrical conductors.
[0009] A vaporizer according to the present disclosure can include
one or more portions or components for at least partially
vaporizing a substance, such as oil, water or another material
capable of being vaporized (whether liquid, solid, or otherwise),
to form a mist capable of being inhaled by a user of the vaporizer.
As will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art
having the benefits of the present disclosure, commercially
available substances for vaporization commonly include oils or
other materials in liquid form; however, that need not be the case,
and such materials can alternatively (or collectively) exist in a
non-liquid form, such as, for example, a solid or semi-solid form.
For purposes of convenience, the term "oil" is used in this
disclosure to refer collectively to any substance capable of
vaporization by way of an apparatus or method according to the
disclosure, whether in liquid, solid, or another form, and whether
now known or later developed.
[0010] In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can include a
plurality of portions that cooperate with one another, such as, for
example, a feed mechanism, a vaporization chamber, a heat source,
and a power supply. One or more of such portions can, but need not,
be disposable or replaceable, separately or in combination, in
whole or in part. In at least one embodiment, a feed mechanism and
vaporization chamber can be at least partially incorporated into a
disposable portion of a vaporizer that can be interchanged with one
or more other portions of the device, such as a body or frame for
coupling one or more vaporizer components to one another. In at
least one embodiment, one or more portions of a vaporizer can be
refillable, such as, for example, a feed mechanism or a portion of
a feed mechanism for housing or storing oil or another substance to
be vaporized, which can include housing a component that houses or
otherwise stores such substance.
[0011] In at least one embodiment, a feed mechanism can be adapted
for receiving, storing and feeding one or more oils into a
vaporization chamber, separately or in combination, in whole or in
part. In at least one embodiment, a feed mechanism can be adapted
for routing fluid from one location to another, which can include
comprising one or more conduits or flow paths, such as air flow
channels for routing vapor from a vaporization chamber to a
mouthpiece or other portion of a vaporizer and a mouth piece for
routing vapor from within a vaporizer to a user.
[0012] In at least one embodiment, a vaporization chamber can be
adapted for supporting generation of oil vapor and for mixing vapor
with air flowing through a vaporizer. A vaporization chamber can be
adapted for collecting condensed vapor, trapping oil overflow, such
as from excessive wicking, and preventing excessive wicking or
leaked oils from getting to the outside of the vaporizer,
separately or in combination, in whole or in part.
[0013] In at least one embodiment, a heat source can be adapted for
heating oil sufficiently to vaporize at least a portion of the oil,
which can be any portion of the oil according to a particular
application. In at least one embodiment, a heat source can be or
include an electrically powered source of heated air, which can be
directed at a feed mechanism for generating vaporized oil. In at
least one embodiment, a heat source can be or include a heating
coil, such as a coil made from a nickel chrome alloy or another
suitable material, which can be heated via battery or another
electrical power source. In at least one embodiment, a heat source
can be or include one or more other sources, such as a laser or a
light emitting diode (LED) having a light frequency sufficient for
heating an oil in accordance with a particular application or
embodiment of a vaporizer according to the disclosure.
[0014] In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can include a power
supply for generating heat for vaporization of the oil, such as,
for example, a battery or other self-contained electric power
source. A vaporizer can include one or more switches, such as a
switch for turning on and off power to one or more portions of the
device, an internal or other time-out switch for turning off the
power if power is applied to one or more portions of the device for
longer than a set time period (e.g., ten seconds, or a longer or
shorter time period, which can be any time period according to an
application). In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can include
an air flow switch, such as a pressure sensor, for allowing power
to be applied, e.g., to a heat source when air is flowing through
the vaporizer and/or preventing application of power when air is
not flowing through one or more portions of the vaporizer. In at
least one embodiment, a power supply can be or include a battery,
such as a Lithium cell or other battery. In at least one
embodiment, a vaporizer can include one or more controllers for
controlling one or more aspects of vaporizer operation, such as,
for example, for controlling power applied to a heating element,
operation time, voltage or current applied to a heating element,
recharging of a battery cells, or another aspect of operation,
separately or in combination, in whole or in part.
[0015] A vaporizer can include a reservoir for holding oil, a
chamber for holding vapor, a feeder for feeding oil from the
reservoir to the chamber, and a heater for heating oil. A feeder
can be configured to feed oil from the reservoir to the chamber by
capillary action. A feeder can include a wick that can be at least
one of ceramic, sintered metal, aluminum oxide, which can include
aluminum oxide held together with quartz glass or another bonding
material or agent, and a combination thereof. A vaporizer can
include a plug sealingly coupled to the reservoir and configured to
slide relative to at least a portion of the reservoir. A plug can
be configured to move from a first end of the reservoir toward the
feeder as a volume of oil within the reservoir decreases. A plug
can be configured to at least partially resist sinking into a
volume of oil within the reservoir, such as by at least partially
floating or by way of being mechanically or otherwise constrained.
A vaporizer can include a feed control mount coupled to the
reservoir and the chamber and configured to hold the feeder in
fluid communication with the reservoir and the chamber. A heater
can include at least one of a laser, a resistance heater, a wire, a
coil, a wire at least partially disposed in a housing, and a
combination thereof.
[0016] A vaporizer can include a controller coupled to the heater
and can be configured to heat the heater to a first temperature for
a first time period, reduce the temperature of the heater, and
maintain the heater at a second temperature for a second time
period. A first time period can be shorter or longer than a second
time period. A controller can be configured to control one or more
heaters by at least one of controlling voltage supplied to the
heater, controlling current supplied to the heater, and a
combination thereof. A controller can be configured to control one
or more heaters by pulse width modulation of power supplied to the
heater(s).
[0017] A reservoir can be disposed in a reservoir housing, and a
reservoir housing can include a first flow passage or other
passages in fluid communication with a chamber or other portion of
a vaporizer. A vaporizer can include a mouthpiece coupled to the
reservoir housing, and a mouthpiece can include a second flow
passage or other passages in fluid communication with a first flow
passage. A heater can be configured to heat at least a portion of
the feeder. A vaporizer or portion thereof, such as a feeder, can
be, include, or be configured to couple with a porous tab adapted
to store oil in one or more pores thereof. A tab can be at least
one of ceramic, sintered metal, aluminum oxide and a combination
thereof. A vaporizer can include a filter coupled to the feeder or
another component, such as a feed control mount, and a heater can
be configured to heat at least a portion of the filter.
[0018] A vaporizer can include a reservoir housing comprising a
reservoir configured to hold oil and a first flow passage
fluidically separate from the reservoir, a feed control mount
coupled to the reservoir housing, a chamber coupled to the feed
control mount and configured to hold vapor, an air inlet disposed
in the chamber, a feeder coupled to the feed control mount and
disposed in fluid communication with both the reservoir and the
chamber, a heater configured to heat oil disposed within the
chamber, and a plug slideably and sealingly coupled to the
reservoir.
[0019] A feeder can be configured to feed oil from the reservoir to
the chamber, which can include by capillary action. A plug can be
configured to move from a first end of the reservoir toward the
feeder as a volume of oil within the reservoir decreases, such as
during use of the vaporizer. A vaporizer can include a controller
coupled to the heater and can be configured to heat the heater to a
first temperature for a first time period, reduce the temperature
of the heater, and maintain the heater at a second temperature for
a second time period. A second time period can be shorter than,
longer than, or equal to a first time period.
[0020] In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can be adapted for
use with one or more oils or extracts, such as cannabis oils or
cannabis extracts, and can be adapted for at least partially
resisting degradation of or damage to one or more components due
to, for instance, the acidic or other potentially damaging nature
of the oil or one or more substances in the oil (e.g., terpenes).
Similarly, a vaporizer can be adapted for at least partially
resisting damage to or pollution of the oil, such as due to
leaching of chemicals or other substances into the oil from the
material from which one or more components of the vaporizer are
made (e.g., plastic). In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can
include one or more components having one or more coatings or
treatments, such as one or more silicon dioxide coatings, on one or
more surfaces thereof, such as an internal, external, or other
surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one of many embodiments of a
vaporizer according to the disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the vaporizer of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the
vaporizer of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 4 is another cross-sectional view of the vaporizer of
FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the
vaporizer of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of one of many
embodiments of vaporizer having a laser furnace according to the
disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of one of many
embodiments of a lens assembly according to the disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of one of many
embodiments of a feed mechanism according to the disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional isometric view of one of many
embodiments of a feed control mount according to the
disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of another of many embodiments
of a vaporizer according to the disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the
vaporizer of FIG. 10.
[0032] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one of many embodiments of
a feeder according to the disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 13 is an exploded isometric view of one of many
embodiments of a vaporizer having a tube furnace assembly according
to the disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of another of many embodiments
of a vaporizer having a laser furnace according to the
disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 15 is an exploded isometric view of one of many
embodiments of a vaporizer having a filter according to the
disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of some of many embodiments of a
filter element according to the disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 17 is an exploded isometric view of one of many
embodiments of a vaporizer having a plurality of filters according
to the disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 18 is an exploded isometric view of one of many
embodiments of a vaporizer having a reservoir adapted to couple
with one or more tabs according to the disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 19 is a schematic view of some of many embodiments of a
tab according to the disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 20 is one of many embodiments of an ideal temperature
profile for vaporization of an oil according to the disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 21 is one of many embodiments of an energy profile sent
to a coil according to the disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 22 is one of many embodiments of a PWM profile output
for delivering power to a coil according to the disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 23 is one of many embodiments of an analog equivalent
of a PWM profile according to the disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 24 is one of many embodiments of an expanded power
profile to a coil according to the disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 25 is yet another of many embodiments of a power
profile for vaporization of an oil according to the disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 26 is yet another of many embodiments of a power
profile for vaporization of an oil according to the disclosure.
[0047] FIG. 27 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one of many
embodiments of a vaporizer having a coating according to the
disclosure.
[0048] FIG. 28 is a detail view of a portion of FIG. 27.
[0049] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of one of many embodiments
of a vaporizer according to the disclosure.
[0050] FIG. 30 is a perspective exploded view of another of many
embodiments of a vaporizer according to the disclosure.
[0051] FIG. 31 is another perspective exploded view of the
vaporizer of FIG. 30.
[0052] FIG. 32 is a side view of another of many embodiments of a
vaporizer according to the disclosure.
[0053] FIG. 33 is a top cross-sectional view of the vaporizer of
FIG. 32.
[0054] FIG. 34 is a top view of the vaporizer of FIG. 32.
[0055] FIG. 35 is a schematic view of yet another of many
embodiments of a vaporizer according to the disclosure.
[0056] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of still another of many
embodiments of a vaporizer according to the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0057] The Figures described above and the written description of
specific structures and functions below are not presented to limit
the scope of what Applicants have invented or the scope of the
appended claims. Rather, the Figures and written description are
provided to teach any person skilled in the art to make and use the
invention(s) for which patent protection is sought. Those skilled
in the art will appreciate that not all features of a commercial
embodiment of the disclosure are described or shown for the sake of
clarity and understanding. Persons of skill in this art will
appreciate that the development of an actual commercial embodiment
incorporating aspects of the present disclosure can require
numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the
developer's ultimate goal for the commercial embodiment(s). Such
implementation-specific decisions may include, and likely are not
limited to, compliance with system-related, business-related,
government-related and other constraints, which may vary by
specific implementation, location and from time to time. While a
developer's efforts might be complex and time-consuming in an
absolute sense, such efforts would be, nevertheless, a routine
undertaking for those of skill in the art having the benefits of
this disclosure.
[0058] The embodiment(s) disclosed and taught herein are
susceptible to numerous and various modifications and alternative
forms. The use of a singular term, such as, but not limited to,
"a," is not intended as limiting of the number of items. The use of
relational terms, such as, but not limited to, "top," "bottom,"
"front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "down," "up,"
"side," "first," "second," "inlet," "outlet" and the like are used
in the written description for clarity in specific reference to the
Figures and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure
or the appended claims unless otherwise indicated. The terms
"couple," "coupled," "coupling," "coupler," and like terms are used
broadly herein and can include any method or device for securing,
binding, bonding, fastening, attaching, joining, inserting therein,
forming thereon or therein, communicating, or otherwise
associating, for example, mechanically, magnetically, electrically,
chemically, operably, directly or indirectly with intermediate
elements, one or more pieces of members together and can further
include without limitation integrally forming one member with
another in a unity fashion. The coupling can occur in any
direction, including rotationally. The terms "include" and "such
as" are illustrative and not limitative, and the word "can" means
"can, but need not" unless otherwise indicated. The term "end" can,
but need not, be or include a terminal end unless otherwise
indicated. Notwithstanding any other language in the present
disclosure, the embodiment(s) shown in the drawings are examples
presented for purposes of illustration and explanation and are not
the only embodiments of the subject(s) hereof.
[0059] Applicants have created systems and methods for vaporizing
oil, such as cannabidiol (CBD) oil and derivatives thereof,
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) oil, or other oils having medication
therein, for human inhalation. In at least one embodiment, a system
for vaporizing oil, or a vaporizer, can include a reservoir for
holding oil, a feeder for feeding oil, a chamber for supporting
vaporization of oil, an air inlet, an air outlet, a flow path
between the inlet and the outlet, a heater for heating oil, and a
power source for powering the heater. Additional functions and
aspects of the systems and methods of the present disclosure are
described in further detail below with reference to the
Figures.
[0060] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one of many embodiments of a
vaporizer according to the disclosure. FIG. 2 is an isometric view
of the vaporizer of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective
view of the vaporizer of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is another cross-sectional
view of the vaporizer of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a partial
cross-sectional perspective view of the vaporizer of FIG. 1. FIG. 6
is an exploded isometric view of one of many embodiments of
vaporizer having a laser furnace according to the disclosure. FIG.
7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of one of many embodiments
of a lens assembly according to the disclosure. FIG. 8 is an
exploded isometric view of one of many embodiments of a feed
mechanism according to the disclosure. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional
isometric view of one of many embodiments of a feed control mount
according to the disclosure. FIG. 10 is an isometric view of
another of many embodiments of a vaporizer according to the
disclosure. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the
vaporizer of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one of many
embodiments of a feeder according to the disclosure. FIG. 13 is an
exploded isometric view of one of many embodiments of a vaporizer
having a tube furnace assembly according to the disclosure. FIG. 14
is a schematic view of another of many embodiments of a vaporizer
having a laser furnace according to the disclosure. FIG. 15 is an
exploded isometric view of one of many embodiments of a vaporizer
having a filter according to the disclosure. FIG. 16 is a schematic
view of some of many embodiments of a filter element according to
the disclosure. FIG. 17 is an exploded isometric view of one of
many embodiments of a vaporizer having a plurality of filters
according to the disclosure. FIG. 18 is an exploded isometric view
of one of many embodiments of a vaporizer having a reservoir
adapted to couple with one or more tabs according to the
disclosure. FIG. 19 is a schematic view of some of many embodiments
of a tab according to the disclosure. FIG. 20 is one of many
embodiments of an ideal temperature profile for vaporization of an
oil according to the disclosure. FIG. 21 is one of many embodiments
of an energy profile sent to a coil according to the disclosure.
FIG. 22 is one of many embodiments of a PWM profile output for
delivering power to a coil according to the disclosure. FIG. 23 is
one of many embodiments of an analog equivalent of a PWM profile
according to the disclosure. FIG. 24 is one of many embodiments of
an expanded power profile to a coil according to the disclosure.
FIG. 25 is yet another of many embodiments of a power profile for
vaporization of an oil according to the disclosure. FIG. 26 is yet
another of many embodiments of a power profile for vaporization of
an oil according to the disclosure. FIG. 27 is a perspective
cross-sectional view of one of many embodiments of a vaporizer
having a coating according to the disclosure. FIG. 28 is a detail
view of a portion of FIG. 27. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of
one of many embodiments of a vaporizer according to the disclosure.
FIG. 30 is a perspective exploded view of another of many
embodiments of a vaporizer according to the disclosure. FIG. 31 is
another perspective exploded view of the vaporizer of FIG. 30. FIG.
32 is a side view of another of many embodiments of a vaporizer
according to the disclosure. FIG. 33 is a top cross-sectional view
of the vaporizer of FIG. 32. FIG. 34 is a top view of the vaporizer
of FIG. 32. FIG. 35 is a schematic view of yet another of many
embodiments of a vaporizer according to the disclosure. FIG. 36 is
a perspective view of still another of many embodiments of a
vaporizer according to the disclosure. FIGS. 1-36 are described in
conjunction with one another.
[0061] In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer 100, such as a
system for vaporizing oil, can include a body 102, such as a
housing or cover, for at least partially housing or otherwise
supporting one or more other components of vaporizer 100. Vaporizer
100 can include a mouthpiece 104 for routing fluid and
communicating with a user's mouth or lips during use of vaporizer
100. For example, mouthpiece 104 can be configured to comfortably
or otherwise couple with a user's lips for directing vapor and/or
air from within vaporizer 100 or a portion thereof to a user for
inhalation. Vaporizer 100 can further include one or more heaters
106 coupled to body 102 for heating at least a portion of oil (not
shown) housed within vaporizer 100. Vaporizer 100 can include a
feed control mount 108 for holding or otherwise supporting a feeder
110 in fluid communication with one or more other components of
vaporizer 100, such as a reservoir 112 for holding or housing oil
and a vapor chamber 114 for holding or housing oil vapor. In at
least one embodiment, vaporizer 100 can include one or more filters
113 (see, e.g., FIGS. 15-17) for filtering material, such as oil,
to be vaporized. Filter 113 can, but need not, be coupled to or
part of feeder 110. Vaporizer 100 can include one or more inlets
116, such as an opening or port, for allowing air to flow into or
out of one or more components of vaporizer 100, such as vapor
chamber 114, and one or more flow passages 122 for routing or
otherwise directing fluid flow in or through vaporizer 100 or one
or more portions thereof. In at least one embodiment, vaporizer 100
can include one or more power supplies 124, such as a battery or
plurality of batteries, for powering heater 106 or one or more
other components of vaporizer 100. Vaporizer 100 can include one or
more actuators 125, such as a button, switch or other control, for
activating and/or deactivating the device, such as by way of
controlling electrical or other communication between a power
supply 124 and heater 106.
[0062] In at least one embodiment, vaporizer 100 can include one or
more reservoirs 112, such as a storage space, tank or chamber, for
holding oil to be vaporized during use of the vaporizer. Reservoir
112 can have any size, shape, or volume according to a particular
application or physical embodiment of the disclosure. In at least
one embodiment, which is but one of many, reservoir 112 can have a
volume sufficient to hold one gram of oil, but that need not be the
case, and reservoir 112 can have a volume for holding more or less
than one gram of oil, such as between zero grams and one gram of
oil, or more than one gram of oil, such as between one and one
hundred grams of oil, or more. In at least one embodiment, which is
but one of many, reservoir 112 can be at least generally
cylindrical and can have a diameter of about 1/4 inch and a length
of about 1 inch. However, that need not be the case, and reservoir
112 can have any size or shape, which can include a size based on
desired volume or a shape based on compatibility with one or more
other components of a physical embodiment of vaporizer 100.
[0063] In at least one embodiment, vaporizer 100 can include one or
more plugs 128, such as a float or stopper, for supporting the
functionality of vaporizer 100, such as by supporting the storage
or flow of oil within or through vaporizer 100. Plug 128 can be
made from an oil resistant or repellant material (e.g.,
polycarbonate, rubber, or acetal) and can be configured to float
relative to the oil in reservoir 112. For example, plug 128 can be
arranged to at least partially float on top of the oil supply, and
can have a clearance with an internal surface 126 or wall of
reservoir 112 for limiting or preventing the flow of oil past plug
128 in the reservoir. Plug 128 can be adapted to float atop the oil
in reservoir 112 and follow the oil level down as the oil supply is
depleted during use of vaporizer 100, which can help ensure
reservoir 112 is emptied completely or efficiently. Plug 128 can be
adapted to function as a fill mechanism, such as an inlet for
allowing oil to be added to reservoir 112. For example, plug 128
can be or include a rubber or other elastic portion 130 adapted for
allowing a needle to pass there through for injecting oil into the
reservoir 112. As another example, plug 128 can include a valve
(not shown) or other optionally sealable opening for communicating
with the interior of reservoir 112. In at least one embodiment,
plug 128 can protect the oil in reservoir from exposure to air or
other portions of vaporizer 100. As other examples, plug 128 can be
adapted for at least partially preventing bubbles from forming in
the oil in reservoir 112 and for keeping the oil in contact with
one or more other components (e.g., feeder 110) for supporting
proper flow of the oil within vaporizer 100. In at least one
embodiment, plug 128 can be adapted for at least partially
equalizing or otherwise affecting pressure inside and outside of
reservoir, which can also support flow of the oil during use of
vaporizer 100.
[0064] In at least one embodiment, vaporizer 100 can include a
feeder 110, such as a conduit or wick, for feeding oil from one
portion of the vaporizer to one or more other portions of the
vaporizer, such as from reservoir 112 to a chamber 114, such as a
vaporization chamber for supporting vaporization of at least a
portion of the oil in vaporizer 100. In at least one embodiment,
feeder 110 can be a portion of a feed mechanism 132, or feed
assembly, comprising one or more other portions of vaporizer 100,
such as one or more of an oil storage reservoir 112, oil or other
flow control device such as feeder 110, one or more vapor flow
passages 122, such as a flow channel to mouth piece 104, and an oil
filling device or inlet such as plug 128 or a portion thereof. In
at least one embodiment, feeder 110 can be or include a capillary
for feeding oil by way of capillary action, which can help overcome
or compensate for changes in the viscosity of the oil within
vaporizer 100 due to internal or external temperature changes, such
as due to use of the device or during use of the device in
different environments. In such an embodiment, feeder 110 can
exhibit a capillary action that at least partially reduces or
minimizes the time that may elapse during replenishment of a
vaporization zone 134 with oil from reservoir 112. In at least one
embodiment, feeder 110 can be or include a capillary made from a
porous ceramic or sintered metal material, which can have a filter
size of, for example, about 30 to about 90 microns, or another
filter size according to a particular physical embodiment of the
disclosure, which can be any filter size. In at least one
embodiment, feeder 110 can be or include a porous ceramic or
sintered metal capillary feed device that can be or become low in
density and low in mass, which can help minimize an amount of
energy sufficient to increase the temperature of the oil to its
vaporization point. As another example, feeder 110 can be or
include aluminum oxide, which can include aluminum oxide held
together with quartz glass or another bonding material or agent. As
will be understood by one of ordinary skill having the benefits of
the present disclosure, embodiments of the disclosure can be
configured for use with one or more types of oil, which can have
differing vaporization temperatures, and that material of feeder
110 or a portion thereof can be chosen to facilitate flow and
vaporization of oils of different types as needed or desired for a
physical embodiment of vaporizer 100.
[0065] In at least one embodiment, vaporization chamber 114 can be
adapted for supporting vaporization of oil, such as from a liquid
or other form to a vapor, which can include a colloidal suspension
of droplets in air within or flowing through vaporizer 100 or one
or more portions thereof. Chamber 114 can include one or more
inlets 116 for allowing airflow into the chamber and one or more
outlets 136 for allowing airflow and/or oil vapor out of the
chamber. In at least one embodiment, one or more inlets 116 and/or
outlets 136 can include a flow control, such as a valve, orifice,
or other structure for limiting, directing or otherwise controlling
air flow. Chamber 114 can include an inlet 116 or other air intake
adapted for controlling flow of vapor or droplets away from a heat
source or other component of the vaporizer. For example, inlet 116
can be configured for preventing flow away from a heat source at a
rate that can adversely affect vaporization, such as by resulting
in too much or too little heating of or vaporization of the oil. In
at least one embodiment, chamber 114 can be adapted for keeping oil
vapor or droplets from getting into contact with a heat source,
such as a heating coil, laser or other heater described elsewhere
herein. In at least one embodiment, vaporization chamber 114 can
include or be coupled in fluid communication with feeder 110 or
feed mechanism 132 for receiving oil from reservoir 112 for
vaporization. In at least one embodiment, vaporizer 100 can be
adapted for routing oil vapor (or other vapor, e.g., if a substance
other than oil is used or present) to or though one or more air
channels or passages (such as flow passage 122) within or through
vaporizer 100 without being forced or otherwise routed too close to
a heat source (further described below), which can include having a
feeder 110, feed mechanism 132 or other portion of vaporizer 100
shaped and arranged for directing vapor away from such heat source
during use of vaporizer 100. For instance, vapor can be routed to
mouthpiece 104 via flow passage 122 in a direction longitudinally
opposite of vaporization zone 134 or a heat source along central
longitudinal axis X of vaporizer 100. In at least one embodiment,
vaporizer 100 can be adapted for collecting or controlling
condensate within a portion of the vaporizer (e.g., condensation
due to temperature change), which can include routing or recycling
of oil condensate to or back to feeder 110, such as a capillary or
other feed mechanism described herein, via one or more flow paths,
such as return passage 138.
[0066] In at least one embodiment, vaporizer 100 can at least
partially prevent or minimize burning of oil by preventing oil from
coming into direct contact with a heat source, such as heater 106
or heater 206 (further described below). For example, oil can be
held in place by capillary action of feeder 110. Further, flow
and/or flow rate of the oil can be controlled by capillary action
of feeder 110. Such holding and control of the oil can be
accomplished or affected by, for example, the material type or
density of feeder 110. Carbonization of the oil can be prevented or
minimized by preventing oil from coming into contact with a heat
source, which can include disposing oil for heating within at least
a portion of feeder 110 and disposing feeder 110 or vaporization
zone 134 distally from the heat source, such as a distance d across
vaporization chamber 114, which can be any distance according to a
physical embodiment of the disclosure. In at least one embodiment,
distance d can be a distance sufficient to at least partially
minimize carbonization or the potential for carbonization of the
oil while nonetheless being small enough for facilitating adequate
heating of the oil for vaporization.
[0067] In at least one embodiment, vaporizer 100 can be adapted for
at least partially preventing or minimizing leaking of oil, such as
by controlling or limiting the flow of oil in or through feeder
110. Oil can be prevented from leaking from feeder 110 due to the
energy needed to separate the oil from the feeder or a portion
thereof. In at least one embodiment, leaking can be at least
partially prevented by plug 128 (which can include portion 130
thereof), which can be floating on top of oil in reservoir 112 and
which can prevent bubbling of the oil and bias the oil in contact
with feeder 110 (and/or feed control mount 108) or a portion
thereof, which can be or include a wicking feed material such as
one or more of those described elsewhere herein. In at least one
embodiment, leaking can be at least partially prevented by
preventing at least a portion of plug 128 from sinking into the
oil. For example, plug 128 can be coupled to reservoir 112 so that
plug 128 follows the oil level down (with reference to the
orientation shown in the Figures, although it could be another
direction, such as up) as oil is removed from reservoir 112 during
use of vaporizer 100 by a user while also being at least partially
prevented or otherwise kept from moving into the oil or more than a
distance into the oil. In at least one embodiment, plug 128 can be
configured to at least partially float on or in oil within
reservoir 112. In at least one embodiment, plug 128 can be
configured to at least partially resist movement in a direction
toward oil in reservoir 112, such as by being coupled with
reservoir 112 by friction fit, interference fit, or the like.
[0068] In at least one embodiment, vaporizer 100 can at least
partially prevent or minimize clogging of one or more passages or
conduits, such as flow passage 122, by minimizing the exposure of
oil in reservoir 112 to air, including by way of plug 128, and by
way of minimizing the potential for evaporation of the oil within
vaporizer 100. For example, plug 128 can be sealingly coupled to
reservoir 112 for minimizing air ingress into reservoir 112.
Clogging of one or more air intake openings or vents, such as inlet
116, can be prevented by minimizing the escape of oil from feeder
110 or a portion thereof, such as a ceramic or other feed
structure. Loss of oils due to not being able to get the oils to
flow, i.e., due to partial or complete inoperation of vaporizer 100
after some amount of use by a user, can also be minimized or
prevented. Feeder 110 can be made at least partially from a porous
ceramic, sintered metal or other material that can hold up to the
PH levels of the oil, which can at least partially prevent or
reduce the chance of experiencing a metallic taste or flavor during
use of the device. Exemplary ceramic materials can include aluminum
oxide and silicon carbide. Exemplary sintered metal materials can
include passivated stainless steel and phosphor bronze.
[0069] In at least one embodiment, vaporizer 100 can include one or
more heaters 106 for heating oil during use, such as by heating at
least a portion of oil to a vaporization point or vaporization
temperature. The vaporization temperature can depend on the oil or
oils used in vaporizer 100. For example, in at least one
embodiment, heater 106 can heat oil to a temperature of from about
270 degrees Fahrenheit to about 360 degrees Fahrenheit, or another
temperature sufficient to vaporize at least a portion of the oil,
which can be any temperature according to a particular application
or oil used therefor. As noted above, in at least one embodiment,
vaporizer 100 can be adapted to segregate or distance heater 106
and the oil for at least partially preventing direct contact
between heater 106 and the oil, for instance, to prevent or
minimize overheating, burning or carbonization of the oil. In at
least one embodiment, vaporizer 100 can be adapted to vaporize at
least a portion of oil stored therein at a temperature of less than
375 degrees Fahrenheit. In at least one embodiment, vaporizer 100
can be adapted to heat at least a portion of oil stored therein to
a temperature for supporting flow of oil within vaporizer 100 or a
portion thereof, such as through feeder 110, which can include, for
example, heating oil to about 160 degrees Fahrenheit or another
temperature between an ambient temperature and a burning or
carbonization temperature of the oil. Vaporizer 100 can be adapted
to vaporize oil disposed in vaporization zone 134, which can
include heating at least a portion of feeder 110.
[0070] As shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-6, heater 106 can be or
include a laser heater and can include one or more lasers 140 for
heating the oil, such as a laser for converting electrical energy
into light and/or heat adapted to heat the oil, which can include a
beam directed at or onto at least a portion of feeder 110. Such an
embodiment of heater 106 can be referred to as a laser furnace and
can include various components for supporting operation of laser
140, such as, for example, one or more heat sinks 120, one or more
diodes 142, laser control electronics 144, and the like. In at
least one embodiment, vaporizer 100 can be adapted to heat oil with
laser 140 by heating feeder 110 or filter 113 (if present). Laser
temperature can be controlled in one or more of at least two ways,
separately or in combination, in whole or in part. For example, the
power applied to laser 140 can be varied for controlling the
temperature of laser light directed to feeder 110 or otherwise
directed within vaporizer 100 for heating the oil. As another
example, the amount of heat applied to feeder 110 or otherwise
directed within vaporizer 100 for heating the oil can be controlled
by way of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), or the high speed switching
of the laser on and off. In at least one embodiment, PWM control
can allow for a laser, such as, for example, a 1.6 watt or 2.2 watt
laser, to energize the oil to a vapor state quickly, which can
include instantaneously or about instantaneously upon application
of the laser light to the oil or another portion of vaporizer 100
for heating the oil. In at least one embodiment, vaporizer 100 can
include a laser 140 that operates at a resonant frequency of from
about 40 hertz to about 50 hertz and a duty cycle of about 20% to
about 30%. In at least one embodiment, the time to vaporization can
depend on the time elapsed between activation(s) of heater 106,
laser 140 or vaporizer 100, which can affect the temperature of the
oil at the time of an activation, separately or in combination with
other factors, such as, for example, the ambient temperature in the
location of use. Additionally, or individually, PWM can allow for
control of the length of time for which laser 140 is activated or
applied during use and for control of the activation time
sufficiently to prevent burning of the oil due to overheating. In
at least one embodiment, laser 140 can be adapted to concentrate
the application of heat to the oil for reducing the vapor droplet
size relative to one or more other embodiments of heat sources
described herein. In at least one embodiment, a heater 106 having a
laser 140 can reduce the power consumption for heating the oil
relative to one or more other embodiments of heater 106 or
vaporizer 100 (200, etc.). Laser light can be concentrated on one
or more locations, such as a focus point or focal point, which can
include controlling the light with or otherwise passing the light
through one or more lenses 118, for heating the oil, which can, in
at least one embodiment, result in less power consumption for
heating the oil to a temperature (which can be any temperature)
versus the power consumption of a heating coil for heating the oil
to that temperature. For example, a heating coil (further described
below) can heat some or all of vaporization chamber 114 and/or
feeder 110 prior to oil vaporization taking place. Lens 118 can be
or include one or more convex lenses, concave lenses, ball lenses,
or other lenses, separately or in combination, in whole or in part.
In at least one embodiment, a laser light frequency of laser 140
can be selected in consideration of the thermal absorption
characteristics of feeder 110, feed mechanism 132, one or more oils
used with vaporizer 100, or one or more other components of
vaporizer 100, separately or in combination, in whole or in part.
In at least one embodiment, vaporizer 100 can include a laser 140
having a light frequency of, for example, about 435 or 445
nanometers (blue); however, other light frequencies are possible,
which can include any light frequency according to a particular
application or physical embodiment of the disclosure (e.g., greater
than or less than 445 nanometers).
[0071] In at least one embodiment, laser 140 can produce a
concentrated and controllable heat source that can be directed to a
capillary feeder, such as feeder 110, or other portion of feed
mechanism 132 for efficiently heating oil in the vaporizer, such as
in vaporization zone 134. Temperature can be controlled by
controlling the on/off time of the laser light, which can be
controlled as a percentage of laser activation time. Temperature
can be controlled by controlling the voltage and/or current to
laser 140, such as for setting thermal heating of one or more
localized areas on the feeder or elsewhere within the vaporizer
(e.g., vaporization zone 134) for heating at least a portion of the
oil therein. Power consumption can be minimized through localized
thermal heating with laser 140. The power consumption of the laser
diode 142 and laser control electronics 144 of laser 140 can be
less than the power consumption of one or more other types of heat
sources, such as a heating coil. In at least one embodiment, vapor
droplet size can be reduced (versus one or more other heat sources)
by laser heating of the oil, such as due to the localized heating
on feed mechanism 132 or another component of vaporizer 100, such
as feeder 110. A reduction of droplet size can help prevent
condensation of oil within vaporizer 100. In at least one
embodiment, vaporizer 100 can include a laser 140 having a laser
temperature configured to reduce or avoid burning or carbonization
of the oil. In at least one embodiment, laser 140 can have an
adjustable focus point, which can include by way of one or more
lenses 118. In at least one embodiment, laser 140 can have a set
focus point and can be adapted to be defocused for achieving oil
vaporization, which can help avoid or prevent burning and
carbonization of oil. In at least one embodiment, vaporizer 100 can
include one or more safety interlocks or other safety features for
at least partially minimizing the risk of damage to a user's eyes
or otherwise, such as, for example, focus or defocus features. In
at least one embodiment, for example, laser 140 can include a focus
point set for preventing damage to a user's eyes in the event one
or more other safety features fails. For instance, while the focal
point of laser 140 can be of a relatively hot temperature (e.g.,
550 degrees Fahrenheit), the focal point can be configured so that
the light from laser 140 is diffused enough over a relatively short
distance (e.g., a distance from vaporization zone 134 to mouthpiece
104) to minimize or prevent damage to a user's eye. As another
example, vaporizer 100 or one or more portions thereof (e.g., body
102, reservoir 112, or chamber 114) can be configured for
preventing light from laser 140 from being viewed by a user (at
least absent disassembly of the device) or limiting or controlling
any viewable light so as to avoid or minimize any potential for
harm to a user's eyes.
[0072] With continuing reference to the remaining Figures, and
specific reference to, for example, FIGS. 10-13, one or more other
embodiments of a vaporizer according to the disclosure will now be
described. In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer 200 can include
a body 202, a mouthpiece 204, a heater 206, a feed control mount
208, a feeder 210, a reservoir 212, a vapor chamber 214, which can
include an inlet 216, a flow passage 222 and a plug 228. Vaporizer
200 and the foregoing components can generally function in the
manner described above with regard to vaporizer 100 and such
similarities need not be repeated or described again here. However,
vaporizer 200 can differ in one or more respects. For example, in
at least one embodiment, heater 206 can differ from heater 106 in
that, rather than (or collectively with) including a laser 140,
heater 206 can be or include one or more other heat sources, such
as one or more resistance heating elements 226 ("coil 226"), such
as a wire, coil or other conductor, for converting electrical
energy into heat and heating oil within vaporizer 200. In such an
embodiment, which is but one of many, vaporizer 200 can include one
or more components for supporting coil 226. For instance, vaporizer
200 can include one or more conductors 218 for electrically
coupling coil 226 to one or more power sources, such as a battery
or battery pack (see, e.g., power supply 124). Vaporizer 200 can
include a base 220 and top 224 for holding or otherwise supporting
coil 226, such as within or otherwise relative to body 202. Top 224
can be configured to couple with one or more other components of
vaporizer 200, such as reservoir 212 or feed control mount 208, for
disposing coil 226 in one or more positions relative to feeder 210
for heating oil within vaporizer 200. In at least one embodiment,
vaporizer 200 can include one or more couplers 230 for coupling
with a power supply, such as by way of a threaded connection or
otherwise, and can include one or more guides 234 for supporting
alignment or electrical communication between a power supply
coupled to coupler 230 and one or more other components of
vaporizer 200, such as conductor 218 or coil 226. In at least one
embodiment, heater 206 can be adapted to heat oil to a vaporization
temperature within about 2 seconds of activation of vaporizer 200
or, as other examples, in less than 2 seconds or more than 2
seconds from activation.
[0073] In at least one embodiment, heater 206 can be or include an
exposed coil for applying heat to oil, such as by conductively or
radiantly heating feeder 210 or at least a portion of a feed
mechanism 232, which can include one or more filters 213 (if
present). In such an embodiment, which is but one of many,
vaporizer 200 can include a radiant thermally reflective or
refractive material 236 (e.g., aluminum foil, ceramic, fiberglass)
positioned behind or otherwise relative to coil 226 for directing
heat toward feeder 210 or another portion of the vaporizer for
heating the oil therein. The temperature of heater 206 or the oil
can be controlled, for example, by controlling the voltage or
current supplied to the heater 206. In at least one embodiment,
vaporizer 100, 200 can include a plurality of filters 113, 213 (see
FIG. 17), which can include filters of the same or different
densities or porosities. Filters 113, 213 can be of any size and
shape according to a physical embodiment of the disclosure, and can
have any number, size and shape of openings, such as round, clover,
slotted, sliced, rectangular or other holes or fluid paths. A
number of configurations for a filter 113, 213 are shown in FIG. 16
for illustrative purposes (labeled 113a, 113b, etc., for purposes
of convenience of reference) although it should be understood that
such examples are not limiting and that other shapes, sizes and
configurations of a filter 113, 213 are possible.
[0074] In at least one embodiment, heater 206 can include an at
least partially enclosed coil 226, such as a coil or other element
at least partially contained within a tube or other enclosure
(e.g., base 220 and/or top 224), for producing heated air flow
routed across or directed to feeder 210 or another portion of
vaporizer for heating the oil therein. Such an embodiment of heater
206 can be referred to as a tube furnace. Radiant thermal energy
can be reflected by refractory ceramic or another material (not
shown) for increasing thermal content of the air flow. Similarly,
the temperature of heater 206 or the oil can be controlled, for
example, by controlling the voltage or current supplied to the
heater. Burning or carbonization can be at least partially
prevented or minimized by preventing the oil from coming in contact
with heater 206 or coil 226, or by controlling the air supply
through at least a portion of the device, which can include
controlling the power directed to one or more coils 226 or other
heat sources. Heating of feeder 210 or feed mechanism 232, such as
one disposed at least partially within a vaporizing chamber 214,
can include reflecting radiant heat energy from a heat source, such
as a nickel chrome or other heating coil 226, toward feeder 210,
such as a capillary feed or other feed. Radiant heat can be
directed toward feeder 210 or the oil, which can include coupling a
ceramic or other material having refractive qualities and/or a
thermal radiant reflective material in or to at least a portion of
vaporizer 200, such as to or near heater 206 or another portion of
vaporizer 200.
[0075] As shown and described above with reference to vaporizers
100, 200, reservoirs 112, 212 can be configured for storing oil in
liquid form and feeders 110, 210 and/or filters 113, 213 can be
configured for moving oil from reservoirs 112, 212, such as by
wicking or capillary action, to an area of vaporizer 100, 200 for
heating or vaporization (e.g., vaporization zone 134). However,
this need not be the case, and other embodiments of vaporizers
according to the disclosure exist. In at least one embodiment, a
vaporizer 300 can be adapted to vaporize oil that is stored in a
form other than liquid residing in a reservoir, which can include
being adapted to receive or otherwise couple with one or more tabs
350, such as a tablet, cylinder, or disk, comprising the oil. A tab
350 according to the disclosure can include, for example, a piece
of porous ceramic or sintered metal (such as those materials
described elsewhere herein) soaked, injected or infused with oil,
such as to the point that the oil is held in place by capillary
action or is otherwise resistant to being removed or rubbed off
from tab 350 by touch. In such an embodiment, which is but one of
many, a vaporizer can include a reservoir 312 configured for
holding one or more tabs 350 and for supporting the tab(s) during
heating. In at least one embodiment, a reservoir 312 for tabs can
serve as an alternative to a reservoir with a wicking feed or other
feed as described herein, but that need not be the case and, in at
least one embodiment, one or more of such reservoirs and
corresponding components can exist collectively. Tab 350 can, but
need not, take place of or be substituted for one or more other
components of a vaporizer, such as one or more of a feeder (e.g.,
feeders 110, 210) or filter (e.g., filters 113, 213), in whole or
in part.
[0076] In at least one embodiment, tab 350 can include a relatively
limited number of doses relative to a liquid reservoir embodiment,
such as one, two, three, or up to fifty doses, and can be
disposable and/or replaceable after use. Tab 350 can provide a
convenient and clean way for users to transport or store oil for
use in a vaporizer. A vaporizer configured for coupling with one or
more tabs 350 can include one or more heat sources for heating one
or more tabs 350 to vaporize at least a portion of the oil in the
tab(s) during use, such as one or more of heaters 106, 206
described elsewhere herein. As another example, a vaporizer can
include a nail heating device, which can include a chamber heated
by a torch, flame, or other heat source that heats the nail to a
high enough temperature for causing vaporization of the oil, yet,
in at least one embodiment, to a temperature below a carbonizing or
burning temperature of the oil. Tab 350 can be adapted to have a
thermal mass for providing enough heat energy to vaporize at least
a portion of the oil content of the tab. A vaporizer can at least
partially prevent or minimize carbonization or burning of the oil,
such as by preventing the oil from coming into direct or other
contact with a heating coil or other heat source. Oil can be held
in place on or within a tab 350 by capillary action or another
manner according to a particular application or physical embodiment
of the disclosure. Oil can be vaporized by applying heat to or
otherwise heating tab 350. In at least one embodiment, tab can have
a mass that reduces or minimizes an amount of energy needed to heat
the tab or to heat at least a portion of the oil coupled to the tab
to a vaporization point. Tab 350 can have any size or shape
according to a physical embodiment of the disclosure. For example,
tab 350 can be disk-shaped, which can, but need not, include having
a raised border or other portion, such as for surrounding a logo
formed or printed on one or more sides of tab 350. As other
examples, tab 350 can be pill-shaped, or another shape, such as
square, cubical, pentagonal, hexagonal, octanol, oblong, or any
other shape for coupling with a reservoir 312 adapted to couple
with one or more tabs 350.
[0077] FIG. 20 is one of many embodiments of an ideal temperature
profile for vaporization of an oil according to the disclosure.
FIG. 21 is one of many embodiments of an energy profile sent to a
coil according to the disclosure. FIG. 22 is one of many
embodiments of a PWM profile output for delivering power to a coil
according to the disclosure. FIG. 23 is one of many embodiments of
an analog equivalent of a PWM profile according to the disclosure.
FIG. 24 is one of many embodiments of an expanded power profile to
a coil according to the disclosure, which can include a sloped
power profile, such as for maintaining of a temperature as a wick
is increasing in temperature over time. FIG. 25 is yet another of
many embodiments of a power profile for vaporization of an oil
according to the disclosure. FIG. 26 is yet another of many
embodiments of a power profile for vaporization of an oil according
to the disclosure.
[0078] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-19, and specific
reference to FIGS. 20-26, one or more methods and systems for
controlling a vaporizer will now be described in further detail. As
discussed above, a vaporizer according to the disclosure, such as
vaporizer 100 or vaporizer 200, can at least partially prevent or
minimize carbonization or burning of oil, such as by at least
partially preventing oil from reaching a carbonization temperature.
In at least one embodiment, this can be accomplished in whole or in
part by controlling at least a portion of the vaporizer, such as
the heating element or heating system (e.g., heater 106, 206), so
that oil reaches a vaporization temperature but does not reach a
carbonization temperature. FIGS. 20-26 are described in conjunction
with one another.
[0079] In at least one embodiment, a method of controlling a
vaporizer can include controlling one or more components, such as
heater 106, 206 or another heating system, via Pulse Width
Modulation (PWM), which can include PWM driving of one or more
coils 226. In such an embodiment, a method can include at least
partially preventing coil 226 (or another heat source, such as
laser 140) from exceeding a temperature that can cause burning of
oil and/or breakdown of one or more materials, which can be a
source for bad tastes or smoke during use of a vaporizer. In at
least one embodiment, a PWM system 400 can control the power sent
to one or more coils 226 accurately and can be controlled by one or
more controllers 402, such as a microprocessor or other processor,
for example. In at least one embodiment, a method can include
bringing one or more coils 226 up to a vaporizing temperature and
decreasing the power for maintaining such a temperature without
letting the coil get hot enough to damage or burn the oil. For
instance, in at least one embodiment, power to a coil can start out
with a 95% signal and then drop to a 50% signal to hold a
temperature over time (see FIG. 21). As another example, a method
can include starting out with an 80% signal or a 100% and dropping
to a 30% or other signal after a period of elapsed time to hold a
vaporization temperature over time (see, e.g., FIG. 23). As a
further example, PWM system 400 (if present) can be configured for
modulating a power profile or power delivery by way of one or more
pulse width changes over time. For instance, in at least one
embodiment, PWM system 400 can be configured to implement a 95%
pulse width for a first period of time (e.g., 0.1 second or about
0.1 second), such as upon activation of a vaporizer, for relatively
quickly bringing oil to a vaporization temperature, and to
implement a smaller pulse width (e.g., 30%) for a second period of
time for maintaining a vaporization temperature during use or a
period of use of the vaporizer by a user (see, e.g., FIG. 22).
However, these are just examples and, as will be understood by a
person of ordinary skill in the art having the benefits of the
present disclosure, the starting signal and maintenance signals can
be any signals required or desired for a physical embodiment of the
disclosure, and can be determined based on consideration of
applicable variables for an embodiment of a vaporizer according to
the disclosure, such as, but not limited to, oil or material type,
feeder type, heater type, volume, target temperatures, or any of
the other variables described herein, separately or in combination,
in whole or in part. In at least one embodiment, controller 402 can
be configured to determine or control the slope of a maintenance
phase of temperature control as a function of a temperature of one
or more components of a vaporizer over time, such as, for example,
a temperature of one or more feeders 110, 210, filters 113, 213 or,
as another example, one or more tabs 350 (see, e.g., FIG. 24).
[0080] Further examples of power profiles for controlling
vaporizers according to the disclosure are shown in FIGS. 25 and 26
for illustrative purposes. In at least one embodiment, controller
402 can be configured for varying voltage delivered to a heater,
such as coil 226 or another heat source, over time to control the
heating of oil during use of a vaporizer. For example, a first
voltage, which can be a full voltage (such as 3.7 volts or another
voltage), can be applied for a first time period (e.g., 0.1 second
to 0.45 second or another time period) for heating oil to a target
temperature, such as a vaporization temperature, relatively
quickly. One or more other voltages, such as a reduced second
voltage (e.g., 1.2 to 3 volts for a coil resistance range of 2.0
Ohms to 2.4 Ohms), can be delivered for a second time period for
maintaining a temperature, such as a target temperature, of the oil
during use of the vaporizer while at least partially reducing the
likelihood of overheating or burning of the oil. The voltages and
time periods can depend on the type of oil used in the vaporizer.
Once again, the above mentioned time periods and voltages are
described herein for illustrative purposes, and such variables can,
and likely will, vary from one physical embodiment of a vaporizer
100, 200 to another, depending, for example, on the size, purpose,
materials, power source, and oil type of the device. FIG. 26
illustrates the principles and methods described above in more
general terms.
[0081] In at least one embodiment, vaporizer 100 can be adapted for
use with one or more oils or extracts, such as cannabis oils or
cannabis extracts, and can be adapted for at least partially
resisting degradation of or damage to one or more components due
to, for instance, the acidic or other potentially damaging nature
of the oil or one or more substances in the oil (e.g., terpenes).
Similarly, vaporizer 100 can be adapted for at least partially
resisting damage to or pollution of the oil, such as due to
leaching of chemicals or other substances into the oil from the
material from which one or more components of vaporizer 100 are
made (e.g., plastic).
[0082] In at least one embodiment, reservoir 112 or a portion
thereof, such as internal surface 126, and/or one or more other
components of vaporizer 100, such as feed control mount 108, plug
128 or body 102, can include one or more coatings 150, such as a
covering, layer, or treatment, for at least partially resisting,
minimizing, or preventing, unwanted interaction between the
structure(s) of vaporizer 100 and the oil(s) with which vaporizer
100 can be used, separately or in combination, in whole or in part.
For example, one or more components of vaporizer 100 can be made in
whole or in part from plastic and coating 150 can be applied to or
otherwise coupled to such components or portions thereof for
providing a protective barrier between oil in vaporizer 100 and one
or more surfaces that would come in contact with the oil in the
absence of coating 150.
[0083] In at least one embodiment, coating 150 can be or include a
silicon dioxide (SiO2) coating and reservoir 112 or a portion
thereof, such as internal surface 126 (and/or one or more other
components of vaporizer 100) can be made at least partially from a
plastic or other material capable of cooperating with silicon
dioxide to form a chemically resistant barrier. Examples of such
materials include, but are not limited to, polycarbonate and cast
acrylic. Coating 150 can be chemically applied to one or more
components of vaporizer 100 or one or more surfaces thereof and can
seal such surfaces for protection against the potentially
deleterious effects of terpenes or other substances. For instance,
the silicone can bond with carbon in the plastic leaving oxygen on
an exterior surface to form a relatively hard and chemically
resistant layer or surface. Said another way, the SiO2 can form a
crowded surface of oxygen with the silicone atom chemically bonded
to carbons close to the surface and the surface can be relatively
hard because of the crowding of the molecules and that crowding can
form a surface that is at least partially impermeable to terpenes
and/or one or more other substances in the oils. The silicone can
have a very strong bond to the oxygen that can be difficult to get
around. Coating 150 can be compared to surface hardening of steel
where extra carbon or nitrogen is diffused into the surface of the
steel when hot and when cooled down the surface is compressed so
much that the surface becomes hardened due to packing of the atoms
on the surface together.
[0084] In at least one embodiment, vaporizer 100 can include one or
more components having one or more coatings 150 on one or more
surfaces thereof. Such components can be or include any component
of vaporizer 100 according to the disclosure, separately or in
combination, in whole or in part. In at least one embodiment,
vaporizer 100 can include one or more reservoirs 112 having one or
more coatings 150 on at least a portion thereof, such as at least a
portion of internal surface 126. In at least one embodiment,
vaporizer 100 can include one or more components having one or more
silicon dioxide coatings on one or more surfaces thereof, such as
an internal, external, or other surface. Such components can be
made at least partially of at least one of polycarbonate, cast
acrylic, a plastic or other material capable of cooperating with
silicon dioxide to form a chemically resistant barrier, and a
combination thereof.
[0085] One or more of the oils used with the systems and methods
disclosed herein can be sticky, can range in viscosity, and/or can
change viscosity upon or with exposure to air, temperature changes,
or other outside influences. In at least one embodiment, a
vaporizer according to the disclosure can exhibit improved
functionality over conventional devices in light of the foregoing
oil characteristics. In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can
include a feed mechanism comprising an oil storage, such as an oil
reservoir, an oil loading or feeding device, and a cap. In at least
one embodiment, a vaporizer can include a wicking device, which can
include one or more paths for moving oil, such as to a location for
vaporization, or one or more materials for conducting oil,
separately or in combination, in whole or in part. In at least one
embodiment, a vaporizer can include a supply or feeder, such as a
capillary supply, which can be exposed to a heat supply or heat
source for vaporizing oil. In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer
can include one or more of a filling device, such as a fluid inlet,
a mouth piece, and an air channel or air flow path. In at least one
embodiment, a vaporizer can include a heater, which can be part of
a heat device or mechanism, and which can include one or more of an
electrically heated wire or coil, a laser, a sonar device, or a
sonic vibration device. In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can
include one or more chambers, which can include a vapor or
vaporization chamber, such as chamber wherein oil can be vaporized,
which can include oil being changed from a liquid to a suspension
of droplets, such as droplets suspended or otherwise disposed in
air within or flowing through at least a portion of a vaporizer. In
at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can include one or more power
supplies, which can include one or more batteries and, for example,
electronics adapted for controlling one or more aspects of
vaporizer operation, including, but not limited to, electronics for
controlling temperature, which can include via feed-back sensors,
microprocessors for control timing and displays, recharging
circuitry and controls, and any other function or operation of one
or more of the vaporizers, systems or methods disclosed herein,
separately or in combination, in whole or in part.
[0086] In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can include one or
more reservoirs for holding oil, one or more chambers for holding
vapor, one or more feeders for feeding oil from a reservoir to a
chamber, and one or more heaters for heating oil. A heater can
include at least one of a laser, a resistance heater, a wire, a
coil, a wire at least partially disposed in a housing, and a
combination thereof. A feeder can include one or more capillaries
or other structures for moving fluid by capillary action. A
vaporizer can be adapted to heat oil with at least one of a tube
furnace, a laser furnace, a wire, a coil, and a combination
thereof. A vaporizer can include any one or more of the components
or portions as shown or described herein, including by way of the
figures. In at least one embodiment, a method of vaporizing oil can
include feeding oil from a reservoir to a chamber, and heating at
least a portion of an amount of oil to a vaporization temperature.
A method can include moving oil by capillary action. A method can
include heating oil with at least one of a laser, a resistance
heater, a wire, a coil, a wire at least partially disposed in a
housing, and a combination thereof. A method can include heating
oil with at least one of a tube furnace, a laser furnace, a wire, a
coil, and a combination thereof. A method of vaporizing oil can
include using a vaporizer as shown or described herein. A method
can include using any of the one or more vaporizer components or
portions shown or described herein. A method can include making,
forming, manufacturing, or producing a vaporizer as shown or
described herein or any of the one or more vaporizer components or
portions shown or described herein. A method of storing oil can
include storing oil in a device or structure as shown or described
herein. In at least one embodiment, a furnace for a vaporizer can
include one or more lasers, one or more lenses, one or more vapor
chambers, and one or more feeds. A furnace for a vaporizer can
include one or more bases, one or more tops, one or more wires, and
one or more conductors. An oil storage device can include a tab
adapted to couple with oil. An oil storage device can include a
porous tab adapted to store oil in one or more pores thereof. A
vaporizer can be adapted to couple with a tab having oil disposed
at least partially therein. A vaporizer can be adapted to heat at
least a portion of one or more tabs or other oil storage devices
disposed at least partially therein or otherwise coupled
thereto.
[0087] A vaporizer can include a reservoir for holding oil, a
chamber for holding vapor, a feeder for feeding oil from the
reservoir to the chamber, and a heater for heating oil. A feeder
can be configured to feed oil from the reservoir to the chamber by
capillary action. A feeder can include a wick that can be at least
one of ceramic, sintered metal, aluminum oxide, which can include
aluminum oxide held together with quartz glass or another bonding
material or agent, and a combination thereof. A vaporizer can
include a plug sealingly coupled to the reservoir and configured to
slide relative to at least a portion of the reservoir. A plug can
be configured to move from a first end of the reservoir toward the
feeder as a volume of oil within the reservoir decreases. A plug
can be configured to at least partially resist sinking into a
volume of oil within the reservoir, such as by at least partially
floating or by way of being mechanically or otherwise constrained.
A vaporizer can include a feed control mount coupled to the
reservoir and the chamber and configured to hold the feeder in
fluid communication with the reservoir and the chamber. A heater
can include at least one of a laser, a resistance heater, a wire, a
coil, a wire at least partially disposed in a housing, and a
combination thereof.
[0088] A vaporizer can include a controller coupled to the heater
and can be configured to heat the heater to a first temperature for
a first time period, reduce the temperature of the heater, and
maintain the heater at a second temperature for a second time
period. A first time period can be shorter or longer than a second
time period. A controller can be configured to control one or more
heaters by at least one of controlling voltage supplied to the
heater, controlling current supplied to the heater, and a
combination thereof. A controller can be configured to control one
or more heaters by pulse width modulation of power supplied to the
heater(s).
[0089] A reservoir can be disposed in a reservoir housing, and a
reservoir housing can include a first flow passage or other
passages in fluid communication with a chamber or other portion of
a vaporizer. A vaporizer can include a mouthpiece coupled to the
reservoir housing, and a mouthpiece can include a second flow
passage or other passages in fluid communication with a first flow
passage. A heater can be configured to heat at least a portion of
the feeder. A vaporizer or portion thereof, such as a feeder, can
be, include, or be configured to couple with a porous tab adapted
to store oil in one or more pores thereof. A tab can be at least
one of ceramic, sintered metal, aluminum oxide and a combination
thereof. A vaporizer can include a filter coupled to the feeder or
another component, such as a feed control mount, and a heater can
be configured to heat at least a portion of the filter.
[0090] A vaporizer can include a reservoir housing comprising a
reservoir configured to hold oil and a first flow passage
fluidically separate from the reservoir, a feed control mount
coupled to the reservoir housing, a chamber coupled to the feed
control mount and configured to hold vapor, an air inlet disposed
in the chamber, a feeder coupled to the feed control mount and
disposed in fluid communication with both the reservoir and the
chamber, a heater configured to heat oil disposed within the
chamber, and a plug slideably and sealingly coupled to the
reservoir.
[0091] A feeder can be configured to feed oil from the reservoir to
the chamber, which can include by capillary action. A plug can be
configured to move from a first end of the reservoir toward the
feeder as a volume of oil within the reservoir decreases, such as
during use of the vaporizer. A vaporizer can include a controller
coupled to the heater and can be configured to heat the heater to a
first temperature for a first time period, reduce the temperature
of the heater, and maintain the heater at a second temperature for
a second time period. A second time period can be shorter than,
longer than, or equal to a first time period.
[0092] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of one of many embodiments
of a vaporizer according to the disclosure. FIG. 30 is a
perspective exploded view of another of many embodiments of a
vaporizer according to the disclosure. FIG. 31 is another
perspective exploded view of the vaporizer of FIG. 30. FIG. 32 is a
side view of another of many embodiments of a vaporizer according
to the disclosure. FIG. 33 is a top cross-sectional view of the
vaporizer of FIG. 32. FIG. 34 is a top view of the vaporizer of
FIG. 32. FIG. 35 is a schematic view of yet another of many
embodiments of a vaporizer according to the disclosure. FIG. 36 is
a perspective view of still another of many embodiments of a
vaporizer according to the disclosure. FIGS. 29-36 are described in
conjunction with one another. The embodiments of FIGS. 29-36 can,
but need not, include one or more of the features described
elsewhere herein, such as with reference to one or more of FIGS.
1-28 discussed above. The descriptions of such features and related
options and considerations need not be repeated here. Applicants
have invented devices, systems and methods for heating one or more
vaporizable substance storage devices and vaporizing one or more
substances stored or otherwise disposed therein, such as oil-based,
water-based, or other fluids for vaporization or inhalation.
[0093] In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer 500 can include a
body 502, an air inlet 504 for airflow 506 into the body, an air
outlet 508 for airflow 506 out of the body, and a chamber 510
disposed fluidically between the inlet and the outlet. A chamber
can be configured to hold or receive one or more porous bodies 512
having one or more fluids disposed therein or otherwise coupled
thereto, such as a vaporizable substance storage device having one
or more oil-based, water-based or other substances stored therein
for vaporization. A vaporizer can include one or more cups 514
disposed at least partially within the body or a portion thereof,
such as the chamber, which can, but need not, include being formed
integrally therewith, in whole or in part. In at least one
embodiment, a cup, such as a holder, coupler or separator, can be
or include one or more bodies for supporting coupling or
positioning of a porous body within a vaporizer or portion thereof.
In at least one embodiment, a cup can be or include an elastomeric
body. In at least one embodiment, a cup can be made at least
partially from silicone or another material, such as a material(s)
capable of at least partially standing up to the temperatures
within the vaporizer during use. A cup can, but need not, be
cup-shaped.
[0094] In at least one embodiment, a cup can include one or more
openings 516 fluidically disposed within an airflow path in or
through at least a portion of a vaporizer, such as between one or
more air inlets and one or more air outlets. In at least one
embodiment, a vaporizer can include one or more retainers 518
configured to limit movement of a porous body in one or more
directions, such as up, down, horizontally, or otherwise. In at
least one embodiment, a cup can be disposed at least partially
within a chamber and at least one of one or more retainers can
extend radially inwardly from an interior surface or other portion
of the cup, such as to at least optionally contact a side or other
portion of a porous body for supporting the positioning thereof,
such as relative to a heater or other portion of the vaporizer. At
least one of the one or more retainers can be configured to
optionally contact at least a portion of a porous body, such as
when a porous body is disposed in a chamber for heating.
[0095] In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can include one or
more heaters 520, which can include one or more heaters disposed at
least partially within a chamber. A heater can have a bottom
surface and a chamber can have a bottom interior surface, and a
vaporizer can include one or more gaps 522 between the bottom
surface of the heater and the bottom interior surface of the
chamber. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of one or
more gaps can be an air gap. As another example, at least a portion
of one or more gaps can have another substance disposed therein,
such as a solid, liquid, gas, or combination of any of them. In at
least one embodiment, at least a portion of one or more heaters can
be adapted for contacting at least a portion of a porous body,
directly, indirectly, or otherwise. In at least one embodiment, one
or more heaters can be adapted for at least partially holding or
supporting one or more porous bodies, which can include having a
top surface or other surface(s) configured to support a porous
body. In at least one embodiment, one or more porous bodies can be
removably disposed atop a heater for vaporization. In at least one
embodiment, a vaporizer or one or more components thereof can be
adapted for at least partially resisting removal, dislodgment or
improper positioning of one or more porous bodies relative to a
heater, such as by way of having or including one or more
retainers.
[0096] In at least one embodiment, a heater can be or include a
ceramic disk 524 having electrically resistive material disposed
thereon or therein. In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can
include one or more electrical conductors coupled to a heater. In
at least one embodiment, a heater can be at least partially
structurally or otherwise supported by at least one electrical
conductors, such as a wire, post, connector, or other conductor for
electrical communication among a heater and a power source.
[0097] In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can include one or
more electrical conductors 526 coupled to a heater and a heater can
be fluidically insulated (e.g., by air) from all vaporizer
components other than the one or more electrical conductors (and
one or more porous bodies in contact with the heater, if present).
Advantageously, in at least one embodiment, a suspended or
fluidically insulated heater according to the disclosure can be
adapted for heating one or more porous bodies to achieve
heat-not-burn vaporization without overheating one or more other
portions or components of a vaporizer. In at least one embodiment,
a vaporizer can include one or more electrical conductors coupled
to a heater and a heater can be configured to not touch any portion
of the chamber and/or one or more other vaporizer components. In at
least one embodiment, a vaporizer according to the disclosure can
be adapted for operation with a presently available 510 power
source.
[0098] In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can include a heater
disposed at least partially within a cup. A heater can have a
bottom surface and the cup can have a bottom interior surface, and
a vaporizer can include one or more gaps, such as one or more air
gaps, between the bottom surface of the heater and the bottom
interior surface of the cup. In at least one embodiment, a
vaporizer can include one or more air gaps between one or more
sides of a heater and one or more adjacent surfaces or other
portions of a vaporizer or component thereof, such as a chamber or
cup, which can be or include gaps on any or all sides of a heater.
In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can include one or more
electrical conductors coupled to the heater and the heater can be
at least partially structurally supported by at least one of the
one or more electrical conductors. In at least one embodiment, a
vaporizer can include one or more electrical conductors coupled to
a heater and a heater can be fluidically insulated from all
vaporizer components other than the one or more electrical
conductors. In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can include one
or more electrical conductors coupled to a heater and a heater can
be configured to not touch any portion of the cup. In at least one
embodiment, a vaporizer can include one or more electrical
conductors coupled to a heater, a cup can have one or more openings
therein and at least one of the one or more electrical conductors
can be disposed at least partially in or through at least one of
the one or more openings.
[0099] In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can include one or
more tubes 528 or other flow directors coupled to a cup and having
one or more airflow paths in fluid communication with an interior
volume of the cup. In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can
include one or more heat sinks 530. In at least one embodiment, one
or more heat sinks can be at least partially tubular. In at least
one embodiment, a vaporizer can include one or more air holes in a
heat sink, such as inlets, outlets, or other openings. In at least
one embodiment, a vaporizer can include one or more airflow paths
532 through at least a portion of a heat sink. A heat sink can
include one or more fins 534 and one or more air holes disposed
next to, in, between, or otherwise relative to at least one of the
one or more fins. One or more air holes can be in fluid
communication with one or more airflow paths, which can be or
include one or more flow paths in, thru, or to a heat sink, cup
and/or chamber, separately or in combination, in whole or in
part.
[0100] In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can include a body
having one or more portions, such as a first portion 502a and a
second portion 502b (and/or other portions). In at least one
embodiment, one or more body portions, such as first and second
portions, can be configured for removably coupling with one
another, in whole or in part, such as for allowing or otherwise
supporting insertion and removal of one or more porous bodies into
or out of a vaporizer or portion thereof. In at least one
embodiment, a first portion can have a first end comprising a
mouthpiece or configured to be coupled to a mouthpiece and one or
more other ends, such as a longitudinally opposite second end. In
at least one embodiment, a second portion can have a first end
configured to be removably coupled with the second end or another
end of the first portion and a longitudinally opposite second end
or other end configured to couple with a power source, directly,
indirectly, or otherwise. A body can be configured to couple with
any power source 536 according to an implementation of the
disclosure, whether now known or future developed, including, but
not limited to, a conventional 510 power source, which can include
having one or more threaded or other couplers 538.
[0101] In at least one embodiment, a first portion can include one
or more retainers configured to optionally contact a porous body
disposed within the chamber. A first portion can include a cap 540,
such as a coupler or other body portion, having one or more airflow
paths 542 therein or therethrough, such as for forming at least a
portion of one or more airflow paths in or through the vaporizer.
In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can include a first portion
and a second portion configured to slidingly and sealingly engage
one another, which can, but need not, include utilization of one or
more seals, such as an O-ring, gasket, or other seal. In at least
one embodiment, a second portion can include a chamber and a heat
sink. A first portion can be configured to be at least partially
uncoupled from a second portion, such as for accessing a chamber.
One or more porous bodies can be disposed at least partially within
a chamber, such as removably or otherwise, for heating and
vaporization of one or more substances stored or otherwise disposed
in or on the porous body(ies).
[0102] In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can include a body
having a first portion and a second portion, an air inlet for
airflow into the body, an air outlet for airflow out of the body, a
chamber disposed fluidically between the inlet and the outlet,
wherein the chamber can be configured to hold a porous body having
fluid disposed therein, and a heater disposed within the chamber
fluidically between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the heater
can be configured to heat a porous body having fluid disposed
therein. A heater can be suspended within a chamber, such as atop
or otherwise relative to one or more electrical conductors, and
configured to support a porous body on a surface of the heater. In
at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can include one or more porous
bodies removably coupled with or otherwise disposed within the
chamber. In at least one embodiment, a vaporizer can include one or
more cups disposed at least partially between a portion of the
chamber and a portion of the heater. In at least one embodiment, a
vaporizer can include one or more electrical conductors disposed in
or through a portion of a cup. In at least one embodiment, a
vaporizer can include one or more electrical conductors disposed in
or through one or more openings in a cup. A porous body can be or
include a porous tab or vaporizable substance storage device as
shown or described herein or in any of Applicant's other patent
applications (e.g., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/380,948
filed Apr. 10, 2019).
[0103] In at least one embodiment, a porous body or vaporizable
substance storage device 512 (see, e.g., tab 350 as described
above) can be adapted for receiving and retaining one or more
vaporizable substances, which can be or include oil, water,
oil-based substances, water-based substances, or other liquids or
fluids (e.g., electronic cigarette fluid ("e-juice"), whether
having nicotine therein or otherwise), separately or in
combination, in whole or in part. In at least one embodiment, a
porous body 512 can be coated or otherwise treated for supporting
retainment of liquid therein, such as by at least partially
resisting or preventing egress of a stored substance from body 512
between loading and vaporization, whether by leakage, change in
temperature or pressure, evaporation, or otherwise. In at least one
embodiment, a porous body 512 can be at least partially filled with
a vaporizable substance and at least partially coated or sealed for
at least temporarily resisting unintentional leakage of the
vaporizable substance from the device. In at least one embodiment,
one or more coatings 544, such as a sealant or other sealer, can be
applied on or to an exterior and/or other surface(s) of a porous
body 512, which can include mixing, rolling, brushing, adhering,
heating, drying, spraying, dripping, or other application steps,
separately or in combination, in whole or in part.
[0104] In at least one embodiment, a coating 544 for a porous body
512 can be or include at least one of powdered alumina, silicon, a
mixture of alumina and silicon, salt, CBD isolate, powdered sugar,
gelatin, xanthan gum, guar gum, starch, rice starch, potato starch,
corn starch, flour, tapioca flour, ethyl cellulose, sodium
alginate, sodium bicarbonate, alum, diatomaceous earth, graphite,
ultrafine graphite, charcoal, activated charcoal, clay, calcium
carbonate, edible clay, baking powder, edible baking powder(s),
wax, carnauba wax, pod material, plant based coatings, animal based
coatings, fat derivatives, glycerin, sugar, glycol, thickening
agents, and propylene glycol, separately or in combination, in
whole or in part.
[0105] In at least one embodiment, one or more porous devices can
be utilized for processing, treating, or otherwise manipulating one
or more vaporizable substances, which can be or include, for
example, any of the vaporizable substances disclosed herein, such
as, for example, cannabis oil, THC oil, CBD oil, or other cannabis
extracts in at least partially liquid form. Device can include one
or more porous bodies, which can have any size, shape, pore size,
or pore shape according to an implementation of the invention, such
as, but not limited to, one or more of those discussed above with
reference to device 100. As another example, in at least one
embodiment, which is but one of many, body can be larger than one
or more of the exemplary embodiments discussed above (but need not
be) and can be adapted for supporting production of one or more
crystals, which can include numerous crystals, such as crystals
produced in commercial quantities, which can include any quantity
or quantities according to an implementation of the invention. Body
can include one or more pores, such as openings, voids or spaces,
for receiving or otherwise communicating with substance, which can
include allowing at least a portion of substance to enter or flow
at least partially into one or more pores. One or more pores can be
of any size according to an implementation of the invention, which
can include any of the pore sizes described elsewhere herein. Body
can be sized and shaped for holding or otherwise supporting one or
more quantities of substance, such as oil, on one or more surfaces
of body, such as exterior surface, an interior surface or other
surfaces, separately or in combination, in whole or in part. For
example, in at least one embodiment, device or body can be
rectangular, slab, or brick-shaped, but this need not be the case
and alternatively, or collectively, device or body can be any shape
for cooperating with substance as described herein. Similarly,
device or body can be of any size according to an implementation of
the invention, such as, for example, a slab of 12 inches by 20
inches by 1 inch, or about that size, or larger, or smaller. Device
or body can be any size for cooperating with substance as described
herein, which size (or shape) can, but need not, depend on one or
more factors such as facility size, machine size, oven size,
material availability, oil quantity, volume, weight, cost and/or
other factors that can vary from implementation to
implementation.
[0106] In at least one embodiment, substance can be or include
cannabis oil, which can comprise a plurality of chemicals and
compounds, such as THC, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and
terpenes, among other substances. Body can comprise one or more
pores for allowing a portion of substance to move therein or
therethrough and preventing another portion of substance from
moving therein or therethrough. For example, in at least one
embodiment, body can include one or more pores having a pore size
or dimension larger than a molecule or other portion of substance
and smaller than another molecule or other portion of substance. In
this manner, body or pores can operate as a filter for separating
one or more components of substance from one or more other
components of substance.
[0107] In at least one embodiment, a method of creating, making,
producing or forming one or more THCA crystals can include
disposing oil in contact with a porous body, heating at least one
of the oil and at least a portion of the body, and allowing at
least a portion of the oil to move into one or more pores of the
body. A method can include causing or supporting movement of oil
into a porous body by capillary action. A porous body can be
adapted or configured for moving at least a portion of an oil, such
as cannabis oil, into at least a portion of the body by capillary
action. A porous body can include a plurality of pores, which can
be or include a matrix of pores or a plurality of matrices of
pores. A method can include heating oil and heating a porous body,
separately or in combination, in whole or in part. A method can
include supporting movement of a portion of an oil into a porous
body and supporting prevention of movement of a portion of the oil
into the porous body. A method can include creating, forming, or
producing THCA crystals by disposing oil in contact with a porous
body, heating at least one of the oil and the body, and supporting,
allowing, or causing one or more components of the oil to move into
the body. A method can include retaining one or more components of
the oil, which can include TCHA crystals and/or terpenes, on or
near one or more surfaces of the body. A method can include
supporting, allowing, or causing one or more components of the oil
to crystalize. A method can include subjecting at least one of oil
and a porous body to a vacuum or partial vacuum. A method can
include heating at least one of oil and a porous body. A method can
include disposing at least one of oil and a porous body in a
pressure vessel. A method can include heating at least one of oil
and a porous body in an oven, which can be or include a vacuum
oven. A method can include separating one or more components, such
as terpenes or crystals, from a porous body, which can, but need
not, include utilization of a solvent (e.g., alcohol). A method can
include facilitating or otherwise supporting formation of one or
more crystals, such as THCA crystals, with a catalyst. In at least
one embodiment, a device or body can be at least partially formed
from or contain a catalyst for supporting or encouraging
crystallization. In at least one embodiment, a method can include
heating oil and a porous body to 225 degrees F. or about 225
degrees F. In at least one embodiment, a method can include heating
oil and a porous body for 30 minutes, about 30 minutes, less than
30 minutes, or more than 30 minutes, continuously, intermittently,
or otherwise. In at least one embodiment, device or body can have
or include a pore size of 0.5-1 micron, about 0.5 micron to about 1
micron, larger, smaller, or another pore size described elsewhere
herein, separately or in combination, in whole or in part.
[0108] Other and further embodiments utilizing one or more aspects
of the systems and methods described herein can be devised without
departing from the spirit of Applicants' disclosure. For example,
the systems and methods disclosed herein can be used alone or to
form one or more parts of other vaporizers or vaporizing systems.
Further, the various methods and embodiments of the vaporizers can
be included in combination with each other to produce variations of
the disclosed methods and embodiments. Discussion of singular
elements can include plural elements and vice-versa. References to
at least one item followed by a reference to the item can include
one or more items. Also, various aspects of the embodiments can be
used in conjunction with each other to accomplish the goals of the
disclosure.
[0109] Unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise,"
"include," and "has" (including variations and conjugations
thereof, such as "comprises," "including," "have" and so forth)
should be understood to imply the inclusion of at least the stated
element or step or group of elements or steps or equivalents
thereof, and not the exclusion of a greater numerical quantity or
any other element or step or group of elements or steps or
equivalents thereof. The devices, apparatuses and systems can be
used in a number of directions and orientations. The order of steps
can occur in a variety of sequences unless otherwise specifically
limited. The various steps described herein can be combined with
other steps, interlineated with the stated steps, and/or split into
multiple steps. Similarly, elements have been described
functionally and can be embodied as separate components and/or can
be combined into components having multiple functions.
[0110] The embodiments have been described in the context of
preferred and other embodiments and not every embodiment of
Applicants' disclosure has been described. Obvious modifications
and alterations to the described embodiments are available to those
of ordinary skill in the art having the benefits of the present
disclosure. The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not
intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of
Applicants' disclosures, but rather, in conformity with the patent
laws, Applicants intend to fully protect all such modifications and
improvements that come within the scope or range of equivalents of
the following claims.
* * * * *