U.S. patent application number 17/384856 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-11 for portable vaporizing device, cartridge and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Puff Corporation. Invention is credited to Avinash BAJPAI, Roger SAYRE, Roger VOLODARSKY.
Application Number | 20210345679 17/384856 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005739056 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210345679 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VOLODARSKY; Roger ; et
al. |
November 11, 2021 |
PORTABLE VAPORIZING DEVICE, CARTRIDGE AND METHODS
Abstract
A portable vaporizing device and/or cartridge comprises a
product chamber capable of holding a vaporizable product therein,
and a porous valve element configured to be heated to flow the
vaporizable product therethrough and generate vapor from the
vaporizable product, and optionally including a heat transfer
element to heat the vaporizable product as it flows through the
product chamber towards the porous valve element.
Inventors: |
VOLODARSKY; Roger; (Los
Angeles, CA) ; BAJPAI; Avinash; (Los Angeles, CA)
; SAYRE; Roger; (Los Angeles, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Puff Corporation |
Los Angeles |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005739056 |
Appl. No.: |
17/384856 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16665274 |
Oct 28, 2019 |
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17384856 |
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PCT/US19/49858 |
Sep 6, 2019 |
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16665274 |
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62728512 |
Sep 7, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 15/06 20130101;
A61M 2205/3368 20130101; A61M 2205/8206 20130101; A61M 15/0025
20140204; A61M 11/042 20140204; A61M 11/044 20140204; A24F 40/10
20200101; A61M 2205/3653 20130101; A24F 40/46 20200101; A24F 40/485
20200101; F16K 99/0025 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 40/485 20060101
A24F040/485; F16K 99/00 20060101 F16K099/00; A24F 40/46 20060101
A24F040/46; A61M 15/00 20060101 A61M015/00; A61M 15/06 20060101
A61M015/06 |
Claims
1. A portable vaporizing device comprising: a vaporizable product
receiving chamber configured to receive a vaporizable product
therein, the vaporizable product receiving chamber comprising one
or more chamber walls defining an product flow path between upper
and lower opposing ends of the vaporizable product receiving
chamber; a heat transfer element extending at least partly along
the product flow path, and configured to transfer heat to
vaporizable product received in the product receiving chamber to at
least partially melt and/or reduce the viscosity of vaporizable
product as it flows via gravitational pull from the upper end to
the lower end along the product flow path; and a porous valve
element located towards the lower end of the vaporizable product
receiving chamber, the porous valve element comprising: a porous
valve body comprising porous material configured to allow heated
vaporizable product having a predetermined viscosity to pass
therethrough; at least one first porous entry surface of the porous
valve body configured to receive the heated vaporizable product
from the product flow path into the porous valve body; and at least
one porous vaporizing surface of the porous valve body configured
to flow the heated vaporizable product out of the porous valve
body, wherein the heat transfer element and porous valve element
are configured to be placed in thermal contact with at least one
heating element to provide heating of the heat transfer element and
porous valve element during operation of the portable vaporizing
device to heat the vaporizable product to the predetermined
viscosity, wherein the porous valve element is configured to be
heated by the at least one heating element to cause the heated
vaporizable product having the predetermined viscosity from the
product receiving chamber to flow into and through the porous valve
body, and to cause the heated vaporizable product to at least
partially vaporize in the vicinity of the at least one porous
vaporizing surface while exiting the porous valve body, and wherein
the porous valve body comprises a thermal conductivity of at least
0.5 W/m*K to retain and transfer heat to the vaporizable
product.
2. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heat
transfer element is configured to be heated at a position along the
product flow path to a predetermined temperature of at least
125.degree. F., 135.degree. F., a least 145.degree. F., at least
150.degree. F., at least 165.degree. F., at least 170.degree. F.,
at least 180.degree. F., at least 195.degree. F., at least
200.degree. F., at least 215.degree. F., at least 225.degree. F.,
and/or at least 250.degree. F.
3. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heat
transfer element is configured to be heated at the position along
the product flow path to the predetermined temperature within a
time period of no more than 10 seconds, no more than 25 seconds, no
more than 50 seconds, no more than 75 seconds, no more than 100
seconds, and/or no more than 150 seconds.
4. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heat
transfer element is configured to be heated at the position along
the product flow path to achieve a change in temperature at the
predetermined position as compared to prior to heating onset of at
least 50.degree. F., at least 60.degree. F., at least 75.degree. F.
and/or at least 100.degree. F., in no more than 10 seconds, no more
than 25 seconds, no more than 50 seconds, no more than 75 seconds,
no more than 100 seconds, and/or no more than 150 seconds.
5. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the
position at which the predetermined temperature is achieved is at
one or more of a top end of the heat transfer element and an area
along the length of the heat transfer element.
6. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the
position at which the predetermined temperature is achieved extends
along at least 10%, at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 75%, at
least 90%, and/or at least 95% of the length of the heat transfer
element.
7. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the
predetermined viscosity of the vaporizable product in the vicinity
of the at least one first porous entry surface, as heated by the
heat transfer element and porous valve element is no more than 20
P, no more than 18 P, no more than 15 P, no more than 10 P, no more
than 5 P, no more than 2 P, no more than 1.5 P, no more than 1.25
P, no more than 1 P, no more than 0.75 P, and/or no more than 0.5
P.
8. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the at
least one first porous entry surface of the porous valve body is
configured to be heated to a temperature of at least 125.degree.
F., at least 135.degree. F., a least 145.degree. F., at least
150.degree. F., at least 165.degree. F., at least 170.degree. F.,
at least 180.degree. F., at least 195.degree. F., at least
200.degree. F., at least 215.degree. F., at least 225.degree. F.,
and/or at least 250.degree. F.
9. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the porous
valve element is configured to be heated to the predetermined
temperature within a time period of no more than 10 seconds, no
more than 25 seconds, no more than 50 seconds, no more than 75
seconds, no more than 100 second, and/or no more than 150
seconds.
10. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the porous
valve element is configured to be heated to achieve a change in
temperature as compared to prior to heating onset of at least
50.degree. F., at least 60.degree. F., at least 75.degree. F.
and/or at least 100.degree. F., in no more than 10 seconds, no more
than 25 seconds, no more than 50 seconds, no more than 75 seconds,
no more than 100 seconds, and/or no more than 150 seconds.
11. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a
part of the at least one porous vaporizing surface of the porous
valve body is a same surface that is configured to be placed in
thermal contact with the at least one heating element.
12. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a
portion of the porous vaporizing surface is on an opposing surface
of the porous valve body from the at least one first porous entry
surface.
13. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein a net flow
direction of the vaporizable product into the at least one first
porous entry surface of the porous valve body is aligned with
and/or no more than 45.degree. offset from a major axis of flow of
the vaporizable product through the product receiving chamber.
14. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein a major
axis of flow of the vaporizable product is along a longitudinal
direction of the product receiving chamber, and wherein at least a
portion of the at least one porous vaporizing surface of the porous
valve element is substantially perpendicular to and/or at least
45.degree. offset from the major flow axis.
15. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the porous
vaporizing surface of the porous valve element comprises a first
surface that is substantially perpendicular to a major axis of flow
of the vaporizable product along the longitudinal direction of the
product receiving chamber, at least a portion of which first
surface is configured to be placed in thermal contact with the at
least one heating element, and wherein the porous vaporizing
surface further comprises a second surface about a periphery of the
porous valve body.
16. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first
surface of the porous vaporizing surface that is configured to be
placed in thermal communication with the at least one heating
element comprises one or more grooves and/or channels formed
therein.
17. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first
surface of the porous vaporizing surface that is configured to be
placed in thermal communication with the at least one heating
element comprises a substantially planar surface having one or more
grooves and/or channels formed therein.
18. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first
surface of the porous valve body that is in thermal contact with
the at least one heating element, and comprises a surface area of
at least 10 mm.sup.2, at least 15 mm.sup.2, and/or at least 18
mm.sup.2, and wherein the at least one heating element is in
contact with at least 50%, at least 65%, at least 75%, at least
85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, and/or substantially the entirety
of a first surface comprising a planar section of the vaporizing
surface of the porous valve body opposing the porous valve entry
surface.
19. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein a
thickness of the porous valve body as measured between the first
surface of the porous vaporizing surface and the at least one first
porous entry surface, is at least 1.5 mm, at least 2 mm, and/or at
least 3.5 mm, and no more than 10 mm, no more than 8 mm, and/or no
more than 4 mm.
20. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a
portion of the at least one at least one first porous entry surface
of the porous valve body is configured to be exposed to the
vaporizable product in the product receiving chamber.
21. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least
one of the porous valve element and the heat transfer element
configured to be held in a compressive relationship with the at
least one heating element.
22. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heat
transfer element and porous valve element comprise separate
structures.
23. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heat
transfer element and porous valve element comprise a unitary
structure.
24. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heat
transfer element extends beyond the at least one first porous entry
surface of the porous valve body in a direction along the major
axis of flow in the product receiving chamber.
25. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heat
transfer element extends along at least 25%, at least 35%, at least
50%, at least 65%, at least 75%, at least 85%, and/or at least 90%
of the major flow axis through the product receiving chamber.
26. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heat
transfer element and/or porous valve element are configured to heat
the vaporizable product to a temperature of at least 135.degree.
F., a least 145.degree. F., at least 150.degree. F., at least
165.degree. F., at least 170.degree. F., at least 180.degree. F.,
at least 195.degree. F., at least 200.degree. F., at least
215.degree. F., at least 225.degree. F., and/or at least
250.degree. F., along at least 25%, at least 35%, at least 50%, at
least 65%, at least 75%, at least 85% and/or at least 90% of the
major flow axis through the product receiving chamber.
27. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein a length
of the product receiving chamber along the major flow axis is at
least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, and/or at least 20 mm.
28. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the porous valve element comprises a porous body
having a porous material comprising at least one selected from the
group consisting of porous glass, porous ceramic, porous quartz,
and porous sintered metal.
29. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the porous valve element comprise a porous body
having a porous material comprising at least one selected from the
group consisting of porous borosilicate glass, porous alumina, and
porous silicon carbide.
30. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the porous valve element comprises a porous body
having a porous material comprising porous borosilicate glass.
31. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the porous valve element comprises a porous body
having a thermal conductivity of at least 0.5 W/m*K, at least 0.8
W/m*K, at least 1 W/m*K, at least 1.15 W/m*K, and/or at least 1.2
W/m*K, and less than 300 W/m*K, less than 200 W/m*K, less than 100
W/m*K, less than 50 W/m*K, less than 25 W/m*K, less than 10 W/m*K,
and/or less than 5 W/m*K.
32. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the porous valve element comprises a porous body
having a specific heat of less than 1200 J/kg*K, less than 1000
J/kg*K, and/or less than 900 J/kg*K, and greater than 500 J/kg*K,
greater than 750 J/kg*K, and/or greater than 800 J/kg*K.
33. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the porous valve element comprises a porous body
having a porosity of at least 25%, at least 35%, and/or at least
50%, and less than 95%, less than 85% and/or less than 75%.
34. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the porous valve element comprises a porous body
having an average pore size of at least 2 microns, at least 3
microns, at least 4 microns, at least 5 microns, at least 8
microns, and/or at least 10 microns, and less than 25 microns, less
than 18 microns, less than 16 microns, less than 10 microns and/or
less than 8 microns.
35. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the porous material comprises a median pore size in
the range of from 2 to 20 microns, 3 to 6 microns, 8-20 microns, 4
to 5.5 microns and/or 10-16 microns.
36. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the porous valve element comprises a porous material
with a first porosity, and the heat transfer element comprises a
porous material with a second porosity that is less than the first
porosity.
37. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the heat transfer element comprises at least one
selected from a glass, a ceramic, and a metal.
38. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the heat transfer element comprises at least
selected from the group consisting of alumina, silicon carbide,
stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, graphite and aluminum
nitride.
39. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the heat transfer element comprises at least one
selected from the group consisting of alumina and silicon
carbide.
40. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the heat transfer element comprises a body having a
thermal conductivity of at least 0.5 W/m*K, at least 0.8 W/m*K, at
least 1 W/m*K, at least 1.15 W/m*K, and/or at least 1.2 W/m*K, and
less than 300 W/m*K, less than 200 W/m*K, less than 100 W/m*K, less
than 50 W/m*K, less than 25 W/m*K, less than 10 W/m*K, and/or less
than 5 W/m*K.
39. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the heat transfer element comprises a body having a
specific heat of less than 1200 J/kg*K, less than 1000 J/kg*K,
and/or less than 900 J/kg*K, and greater than 500 J/kg*K, greater
than 750 J/kg*K, and/or greater than 800 J/kg*K.
41. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the device is a refillable cartridge or a single use
cartridge.
42. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the device is configured to receive a refillable
cartridge or single use cartridge comprising the vaporizable
product receiving chamber, and wherein the device further comprises
a mouthpiece configured to receive the vapor that exits the
vaporizable product receiving chamber via the porous valve
element.
43. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the heat transfer element comprises an elongate
heat-conducting column that extends along a predetermined length of
the vaporizable product receiving chamber.
44. The portable vaporizing device according to claim 43 wherein
the elongate heat-conducting column is disposed within the
vaporizable product chamber.
45. The portable vaporizing device according to claim 43 wherein
the elongate heat-conducting column is disposed externally to the
vaporizable product chamber, and/or comprises one or more sidewalls
of the vaporizable product chamber.
46. The portable vaporizing device according to claim 43, wherein
the elongate heat-conducting column comprises a plurality of fins
extending radially outwardly from a central axis of the elongate
heat-conducting column.
47. The portable vaporizing device according to claim 46, wherein
the elongate heat-conducting column comprises 4 fins that are
positioned substantially equidistant about the central axis of the
elongate heat-conducting column, and that extend outwardly from the
central axis of the elongate heat conducting column, and wherein
the fins further extend longitudinally along a length of the
product receiving chamber.
48. The portable vaporizing device of claim 46, wherein the
plurality of fins extend at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 75%,
at least 80% and/or at least 95% along the length of the product
receiving chamber.
49. The portable vaporizing device according to claim 43, wherein
the elongate heat-conducting column comprises a first section
comprising bulging portion along a central axis of the elongate
heat-conducting column, the bulging portion comprising a greater
radius from the central axis than one or more second sections along
the central axis of the elongate heat conducting column.
50. The portable vaporizing device according to claim 49, wherein
the elongate heat-conducting column comprises a neck region
proximate to the porous valve element along the central axis of the
column, the neck region having a thinner diameter than other
regions of the column along the central axis of the heat conducting
column.
51. The portable vaporizing device according to claim 50, wherein
the elongate heat-conducting column tapers in diameter from a first
maximum diameter to a second minimum diameter than is smaller than
the first at the neck region proximate the porous valve
element.
52. The portable vaporizing device according to claim 51, wherein
the elongate heat conducting column has a diameter or at least 2.5
mm, at least 3 mm and/or at least 3.5 mm proximate a base of the
elongate heat conducting column and a diameter at a neck region of
less than 4 mm, less than 3 mm and/or less than 2.5 mm.
53. The portable vaporizing device according to claim 45, wherein
the plurality of fins comprise portions that extend at least 25%,
at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 85% and/or at least 95% of a
cross-sectional width of the product receiving chamber.
54. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the porous valve element comprises an annular
fitting having a first portion comprising the porous entry surface
that is configured to fit within the one or more walls defining the
product chamber, and a second portion extending beyond the end of
the one or more walls, the second portion having a peripheral
region with a diameter greater than that of the first portion,
wherein the vaporizable product travels through the first portion
of the porous valve element to the second portion and the vapor
formed from the vaporizable product exits the porous valve element
through the one or more of a peripheral surface of the peripheral
region, or through the second surface formed on the base of the
second portion.
55. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the porous valve element comprises an annular
fitting having a central aperture formed therethrough, at least a
portion of which annular fitting is disposed within the one or more
walls of the product receiving chamber, and wherein the central
aperture forms a reservoir configured to receive the vaporizable
product therein.
56. The portable vaporizing device according to claim 55, wherein
the heat transfer element comprises an elongate column having a
base configured to fit through aperture in the valve, to be placed
in thermal contact with the at least one heating element.
57. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the heat transfer element and porous valve element
are configured to be heated by the same heating element or by
different heating elements.
58. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the porous valve element is configured to be heated
by a first heating element in thermal contact with the vaporizing
surface of the porous valve element, and heat transfer element is
heated by a second heating element in contact with a base surface
of the heat transfer element that is at a same side of the device
as the vaporizing surface of the porous valve element.
59. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the porous valve element is heated by a first
heating element in thermal contact with the vaporizing surface of
the porous valve element, and the heat transfer element is heated
by a second heating element that extends along an internal length
of the heat transfer element.
60. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the first and/or second heating elements comprise
one or more of a rod heater, a ring heater, a disc heater, a plate
heater, a coil heater, a pancake coil, an/or wherein the first and
second heating elements are external or internal to one or more of
the porous valve element and/or heat transfer element.
61. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the vaporizable product comprises any one or more of
a liquid, a wax and/or a material that is substantially solid at
room temperature.
62. The portable vaporizing device according to claim 33, wherein
the vaporizable product comprises any one or more of hash,
cannabidiol, and a cannabis oil distillate.
63. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the product flow path comprises a substantially
linear flow path or a convoluted flow path from the upper end to
the lower end of the product chamber.
64. A method of using the portable vaporizing device according to
any preceding claim, comprising: heating the porous valve element
and flow path heat transfer element to flow the product through the
product chamber and pass the vaporizable product through the porous
valve element and generate a vapor therefrom; and inhaling the
generated vapor.
65. A method of manufacturing a cartridge for a vaporizable
product, the method comprising filling the portable vaporizing
device of any of claims 1-64 with the vaporizable product.
66. A portable vaporizing device comprising: a vaporizable product
receiving chamber configured to receive a vaporizable product
therein, the vaporizable product receiving chamber comprising one
or more chamber walls defining a product flow path between upper
and lower opposing ends of the vaporizable product receiving
chamber; and a porous valve element located towards the lower end
of the vaporizable product receiving chamber that is configured to
heat the vaporizable product to a predetermined viscosity, the
porous valve element comprising: a porous valve body comprising
porous material configured to allow heated vaporizable product
having the predetermined viscosity to pass therethrough; at least
one exposed first porous entry surface of the porous valve body
that is configured to be placed in direct thermal contact with
vaporizable product in the product chamber to transfer heat
thereto, the at least one first porous entry surface being
configured to receive the heated vaporizable product from the
product flow path into the porous valve body, and the exposed first
porous entry surface comprising a porous material having a thermal
conductivity of at least 0.5 W/m*K; and at least one porous
vaporizing surface configured to flow the heated vaporizable
product therethrough such that the vaporizable product is at least
partially vaporized in the vicinity of the at least one porous
vaporizing surface while exiting the porous valve body, wherein a
portion of the at least one porous vaporizing surface is on a side
of the porous valve body opposite the first porous entry surface,
and the portion of at least one porous vaporizing surface is
configured to be placed into direct contact with at least one
heating element to provide heating of the porous valve element
during operation of the portable vaporizing device.
67. The device according to claim 66, wherein the porous valve
element comprises a disc-shaped body at a bottom end of the product
chamber and seals a bottom opening of the product chamber.
68. The device according to claim 66, wherein the at least one
heating element comprises a heating plate and/or heating ring that
is placed in a compressed relationship with the vaporizing surface
of the porous valve element.
69. The device according to any of claims 66-68, wherein the porous
valve element is configured to be heated to a predetermined
temperature of at least 135.degree. F., a least 145.degree. F., at
least 150.degree. F., at least 165.degree. F., and/or at least
170.degree. F., at least 180.degree. F., at least 195.degree. F.,
at least 200.degree. F., at least 215.degree. F., at least
225.degree. F., and/or at least 250.degree. F.
70. The device according to any of claims 66-69, wherein the porous
valve element is configured to be heated to the predetermined
temperature within a time period of no more than 10 seconds, no
more than 25 seconds, no more than 50 seconds, no more than 75
seconds, no more than 100 seconds, and/or no more than 150
seconds.
71. The device according to any of claims 66-70, wherein the porous
valve element is configured to be heated to achieve a change in
temperature as compared to prior to heating onset of at least
50.degree. F., at least 60.degree. F., at least 75.degree. F.
and/or at least 100.degree. F., in no more than 10 seconds, no more
than 25 seconds, no more than 50 seconds, no more than 75 seconds,
no more than 100 seconds, and/or no more than 1500 seconds.
72. The device according to any of claims 66-71, wherein the
position at which the predetermined temperature is achieved is at
one or more of the first porous entry surface and vaporizing
surface.
73. The device according to any of claims 66-72, wherein the
predetermined viscosity of the vaporizable product in the vicinity
of the at least one first porous entry surface, as heated by the
porous valve element is no more than 20 Poise, no more than 18
Poise, no more than 15 Poise, no more than 10 Poise, no more than 5
Poise, no more than 2 Poise, no more than 1.5 Poise, no more than
1.25 Poise, no more than 1 Poise, no more than 0.75 Poise, and/or
no more than 0.5 Poise.
74. The device according to any of claims 66-73, wherein a net flow
direction of the vaporizable product into the at least one first
porous entry surface of the porous valve body is aligned with
and/or no more than 45.degree. offset from a major axis of flow of
the vaporizable product through the product receiving chamber.
75. The device according to any of claims 66-74, wherein a major
axis of flow of the vaporizable product is along a longitudinal
direction of the product receiving chamber, and wherein at least a
portion of the at least one porous vaporizing surface of the porous
valve element is substantially perpendicular to and/or at least
45.degree. offset from the major flow axis.
76. The device according to any of claims 66-75, wherein the porous
vaporizing surface of the porous valve element comprises a first
surface that is substantially perpendicular to a major axis of flow
of the vaporizable product along the longitudinal direction of the
product receiving chamber, at least a portion of which first
surface is configured to be placed in thermal contact with the at
least one heating element, and wherein the porous vaporizing
surface further comprises a second surface about a periphery of the
porous valve body.
77. The device according to any of claims 66-76, wherein the first
surface of the porous vaporizing surface that is configured to be
placed in thermal communication with the at least one heating
element comprises one or more grooves and/or channels formed
therein.
78. The device according to any of claims 66-77, wherein the first
surface of the porous vaporizing surface that is configured to be
placed in thermal communication with the at least one heating
element comprises a substantially planar surface having one or more
grooves and/or channels formed therein.
79. The device according to any of claims 66-78, wherein the first
surface of the porous valve body that is in thermal contact with
the at least one heating element comprises a surface area of at
least at least 10 mm.sup.2, at least 15 mm.sup.2, and/or at least
18 mm.sup.2, and wherein the at least one heating element is in
contact with at least 50%, at least 65%, at least 75%, at least
85%, at least 90%, and/or at least 95% of the first surface of the
porous valve body.
80. The device according to any of claims 66-79, wherein a
thickness of the porous valve body as measured between the first
surface of the porous vaporizing surface and the at least one first
porous entry surface, is at least at least 1.5 mm, at least 2 mm,
and/or at least 3.5 mm, and no more than 10 mm, no more than 8 mm,
and/or no more than 4 mm.
81. The device according to any of claims 66-80, wherein a length
of the product receiving chamber along the major flow axis is at
least at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, and/or at least 20 mm.
82. The portable vaporizing device according to any of claims
66-81, wherein the porous valve element comprises a porous body
having a porous material comprising at least one selected from the
group consisting of porous glass, porous ceramic, porous quartz,
and porous sintered metal.
83. The portable vaporizing device according to any of claims
66-82, wherein the porous valve element comprise a porous body
having a porous material comprising at least one selected from the
group consisting of porous borosilicate glass, porous alumina, and
porous silicon carbide.
84. The portable vaporizing device according to any of claims
66-83, wherein the porous valve element comprises a porous body
having a porous material comprising porous borosilicate glass.
85. The portable vaporizing device according to any of claims
66-84, wherein the porous valve element comprises a porous body
having a thermal conductivity of at least 0.5 W/m*K, at least 0.8
W/m*K, at least 1 W/m*K, at least 1.15 W/m*K, and/or at least 1.2
W/m*K, and less than 300 W/m*K, less than 200 W/m*K, less than 100
W/m*K, less than 50 W/m*K, less than 25 W/m*K, less than 10 W/m*K,
and/or less than 5 W/m*K.
86. The portable vaporizing device according to any of claims
66-85, wherein the porous valve element comprises a porous body
having a specific heat of less than 1200 J/kg*K, less than 1000
J/kg*K, and/or less than 900 J/kg*K, and greater than 500 J/kg*K,
greater than 750 J/kg*K, and/or greater than 800 J/kg*K.
87. The portable vaporizing device according to any of claims
66-86, wherein the porous valve element comprises a porous body
having a porosity of at least 25%, at least 35%, and/or at least
50%, and less than 95%, less than 85% and/or less than 75%.
88. The portable vaporizing device according to any of claims
66-87, wherein the porous valve element comprises a porous body
having an average pore size of at least 2 microns, at least 3
microns, at least 4 microns, at least 5 microns, at least 8
microns, and/or at least 10 microns, and less than 25 microns, less
than 18 microns, less than 16 microns, less than 10 microns and/or
less than 8 microns.
89. The portable vaporizing device according to any of claims
66-88, wherein the porous material comprises a median pore size in
the range of from 2 to 20 microns, 3 to 6 microns, 8-20 microns, 4
to 5.5 microns and/or 10-16 microns.
90. The portable vaporizing device according to any of claims
66-89, wherein the device is a refillable cartridge or a single use
cartridge.
91. The portable vaporizing device according to any of claims
66-90, wherein the device is configured to receive a refillable
cartridge or single use cartridge comprising the vaporizable
product receiving chamber, and wherein the device further comprises
a mouthpiece configured to receive the vapor that exits the
vaporizable product receiving chamber via the porous valve
element.
92. The portable vaporizing device according to any of claims
66-91, wherein the porous valve element comprises an disc-shaped
fitting having a first portion comprising the porous entry surface
that is configured to fit within the one or more walls defining the
product chamber, and a second portion extending beyond the end of
the one or more walls, the second portion having a peripheral
region with a diameter greater than that of the first portion,
wherein the vaporizable product travels through the first portion
of the porous valve element to the second portion and the vapor
formed from the vaporizable product exits the porous valve element
through the one or more of a peripheral surface of the peripheral
region, or through the second surface formed on the base of the
second portion.
93. The portable vaporizing device according to any of claims
66-92, wherein the vaporizable product comprises any one or more of
a liquid, a wax and/or a material that is substantially solid at
room temperature.
94. The portable vaporizing device according to any of claims
66-93, wherein the vaporizable product comprises any one or more of
hash, cannabidiol, and a cannabis oil distillate.
95. The portable vaporizing device according to any of claims
66-94, wherein the product flow path comprises a substantially
linear flow path or a convoluted flow path from the upper end to
the lower end of the product chamber.
96. A method of using the portable vaporizing device according to
any of claims 66-95, comprising: heating the porous valve element
to flow the product through the product chamber and pass the
vaporizable product through the porous valve element and generate a
vapor therefrom; and inhaling the generated vapor.
97. A method of manufacturing a cartridge for a vaporizable
product, the method comprising filling the portable vaporizing
device of any of claims 66-96 with the vaporizable product.
98. The portable vaporizing device according to any preceding
claim, wherein the device comprises: a gas flow chamber configured
to receive vaporized product exiting the product chamber via the
porous valve element, and direct the vaporized product towards a
mouthpiece comprising an inhalation outlet that allows for
inhalation of the vaporized product.
99. The portable vaporizing device according to claim 98, wherein
the gas flow chamber is external to the product chamber, and
re-directs a flow of vaporized product from a bottom end of the gas
flow chamber where product is received from the vaporizing surface
of the porous valve element, to a top end of the gas flow chamber
to flow the vaporized product to the mouthpiece.
100. The portable vaporizing device according to claim 99, wherein
the gas flow chamber is external to and laterally surrounds the
product chamber.
101. The portable vaporizing device according to any of claims
98-100, wherein the gas flow chamber is defined by sidewalls of a
housing of the device.
102. The portable vaporizing device according to any of claims
98-101, wherein the gas flow chamber receives vaporized product
exiting the porous valve element in a lateral direction.
103. The portable vaporizing device of any preceding claim, wherein
the device comprises the at least one heating element, and is
configured to receive a cartridge comprising the product chamber
such that the heating surfaces of the porous valve element and/or
heat transfer element are placed in direct physical contact with
the one or more heating elements.
104. The portable vaporizing device of any preceding claim, wherein
the device comprises a power source configured to deliver at least
about 15 watts of power to the at least one heating element.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
16/665,274, filed Oct. 28, 20219, which is a continuation
application from PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US19/49858, filed
on Sep. 6, 2019, which claims benefit of priority from U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/728,512 filed on Sep. 7, 2018,
each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Aspects of the present invention relate to a cartridge for
use with a vaporizable product, as well as a portable vaporizing
device configured to accept the portable cartridge to generate an
inhalable vapor therefrom, and methods of use and manufacture
therefore.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Electronic portable vaporizers are used for aroma and/or
inhalation therapy of vaporized oils such as cannabis, lavender,
chamomile or any other plant material. More specifically,
"pre-fill" vaporizers include cartridges containing a heating
element and fibrous wick, usually cotton. By capillary action,
which is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without
the assistance of external forces like gravity, the oil is moved
from a wet area through the fibrous material to a dry area in which
the oil can be vaporized by the heating element before inhalation.
Vaporizers are regarded by the public as one of the easiest and
healthiest ways to inhale cannabis; however the current technology
used in pre-filled vaporizers results in a decrease in both quality
of oil and in overall health benefit.
[0004] In the pre-fill vaporizer industry, a common problem that is
encountered is that the cannabis product intended for inhalation is
produced in a solid or semi-solid form, and/or may simply be too
viscous to be moved through a wick via capillary action out of the
wet chamber. One means of addressing this problem is to add
substances that can thin the cannabis product, such as propylene
glycol (PG), which is used as a thinning agent and/or diluent in a
number of products. However, it is believed that such substances
added to the cannabis product can have a deleterious effect on the
lungs upon inhalation thereof, and thus are best avoided.
[0005] Pre-filled vaporizer cartridges are one of the most popular
products for inhalation of cannabis products. They are user
friendly, discrete, and generally regarded as a healthy alternative
to smoking. However, for the reasons described above, current
pre-filled vaporizers suffer from limitations in terms of the types
of cannabis products that can be safely used, and the quality of
experience with these products.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for portable vaporizers and/or
cartridges therefor that expand the range of cannabis products that
can be satisfactorily vaporized and inhaled, without requiring the
addition of potentially dangerous additives to "thin" the products.
There is also a need for portable vaporizers and/or cartridges that
provide an improved experience in the inhalation of highly viscous
and/or semi-solid products that have previously been difficult to
convert to a vaporized form, and/or that are not capable of being
readily absorbed into a wicking material.
SUMMARY
[0007] According to one embodiment, a portable vaporizing device
comprises a vaporizable product receiving chamber configured to
receive a vaporizable product therein, the vaporizable product
receiving chamber comprising one or more chamber walls defining an
product flow path between upper and lower opposing ends of the
vaporizable product receiving chamber; a heat transfer element
extending at least partly along the product flow path, and
configured to transfer heat to vaporizable product received in the
product receiving chamber to at least partially melt and/or reduce
the viscosity of vaporizable product as it flows via gravitational
pull from the upper end to the lower end along the product flow
path; and a porous valve element located towards the lower end of
the vaporizable product receiving chamber, the porous valve element
comprising a porous valve body comprising porous material
configured to allow heated vaporizable product having a
predetermined viscosity to pass therethrough; at least one first
porous entry surface of the porous valve body configured to receive
the heated vaporizable product from the product flow path into the
porous valve body; and at least one porous vaporizing surface of
the porous valve body configured to flow the heated vaporizable
product out of the porous valve body, wherein the heat transfer
element and porous valve element are configured to be placed in
thermal contact with at least one heating element to provide
heating of the heat transfer element and porous valve element
during operation of the portable vaporizing device to heat the
vaporizable product to the predetermined viscosity, wherein the
porous valve element is configured to be heated by the at least one
heating element to cause the heated vaporizable product having the
predetermined viscosity from the product receiving chamber to flow
into and through the porous valve body, and to cause the heated
vaporizable product to at least partially vaporize in the vicinity
of the at least one porous vaporizing surface while exiting the
porous valve body, and wherein the porous valve body comprises a
thermal conductivity of at least 0.5 W/m*K to retain and transfer
heat to the vaporizable product.
[0008] According to yet another embodiment, a portable vaporizing
device comprises a vaporizable product receiving chamber configured
to receive a vaporizable product therein, the vaporizable product
receiving chamber comprising one or more chamber walls defining a
product flow path between upper and lower opposing ends of the
vaporizable product receiving chamber; and a porous valve element
located towards the lower end of the vaporizable product receiving
chamber that is configured to heat the vaporizable product to a
predetermined viscosity, the porous valve element comprising:
[0009] a porous valve body comprising porous material configured to
allow heated vaporizable product having the predetermined viscosity
to pass therethrough; at least one exposed first porous entry
surface of the porous valve body that is configured to be placed in
direct thermal contact with vaporizable product in the product
chamber to transfer heat thereto, the at least one first porous
entry surface being configured to receive the heated vaporizable
product from the product flow path into the porous valve body, and
the exposed first porous entry surface comprising a porous material
having a thermal conductivity of at least 0.5 W/m*K; and at least
one porous vaporizing surface configured to flow the heated
vaporizable product therethrough such that the vaporizable product
is at least partially vaporized in the vicinity of the at least one
porous vaporizing surface while exiting the porous valve body,
wherein a portion of the at least one porous vaporizing surface is
on a side of the porous valve body opposite the first porous entry
surface, and the portion of at least one porous vaporizing surface
is configured to be placed into direct contact with at least one
heating element to provide heating of the porous valve element
during operation of the portable vaporizing device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The following drawings form part of the present
specification and are included to further demonstrate certain
aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better
understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in
combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments
presented herein.
[0011] FIGS. 1A-1C are exploded views of an embodiment of a
cartridge for a vaporizable product, according to aspects
herein;
[0012] FIGS. 2A-2B are profile views of an embodiment of a heat
transfer element according to aspects herein;
[0013] FIGS. 3A-3C are isometric views of different embodiments of
heat transfer elements for a vaporizable product, according to
aspects herein;
[0014] FIGS. 4A-4C are sectional views of different embodiments of
cartridges according to aspects herein;
[0015] FIGS. 5A-5C are top views of the cartridge embodiments
depicted in FIGS. 4A-4C;
[0016] FIGS. 6A-6C are side views of the cartridge embodiments
depicted in FIGS. 4A-4C;
[0017] FIGS. 7A-7C are isometric views of the cartridge embodiments
depicted in FIGS. 4A-4C;
[0018] FIGS. 8A-8C are alternative isometric views of the cartridge
embodiments depicted in FIGS. 7A-7C;
[0019] FIGS. 9A-9C are profile views of different embodiments of
heat transfer elements according to aspects herein;
[0020] FIG. 10 depicts views of an embodiment of a porous valve
element according to aspects herein;
[0021] FIGS. 11A-11C depict isometric, and cross-sectional views of
embodiments of cartridges according to aspects herein;
[0022] FIGS. 12A-12D are cross-sectional views of different
embodiments of cartridges and heating elements to heat the
cartridges, according to aspects herein;
[0023] FIGS. 13A-13B are sectional views of a vaporizing device
suitable for use with a cartridge according to aspects herein;
[0024] FIGS. 14A-14B are exploded views of a vaporizing device
suitable for use with a cartridge according to aspects herein;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a graph showing change in viscosity for
increasing temperature for hash, distillate and cannabidiol;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a graph showing temperature over time for heating
in different embodiments of cartridges according to aspects
herein;
[0027] FIG. 17 depicts embodiments of heating elements suitable for
use with a vaporizing device according to aspects herein;
[0028] FIG. 18 is a graphical representation of a substance's
viscosity in relation to temperature;
[0029] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the cartridge
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the cartridge according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 21 is a schematic view of the cartridge according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of wick and grooves;
[0033] FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of embodiments of the
center column; and
[0034] FIG. 24 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the
invention showing the mouthpiece, heating element, and
cartridge.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] Aspects of the invention as described herein are directed to
a portable vaporizing device 100 for forming an inhalable vapor
from vaporizable products, such as aromatic products, therapeutic
products and/or products with physiological effects. Examples of
such products can include herbs, such as tobacco, cannabis,
lavender, chamomile, and other types of plant material. In one
embodiment, a vaporizable product can comprise a cannabinoid, such
as for example one or more of cannabidiol (a generally
non-psychoactive therapeutic substance) and tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC) (a psychoactive therapeutic substance). The vaporizable
products may in some embodiments be in the form of an oil and/or
wax product comprising the vaporizable products, e.g., as extracted
from plant material containing the products, and may optionally be
provided in combination with carriers or other additives. According
to one aspect, the vaporizable products may be hash, which is a
viscous resin containing tetrahydrocannabinol and other
cannabinoids, extracted from the cannabis plant. According to yet
another aspect, the vaporizable products may be cannabidiol in an
oil or other liquid form. According to yet a further aspect, the
vaporizable products can comprise a distillate product formed by
distillation of an extract from the cannabis plant, typically in an
oil and/or liquid form. In certain embodiments, the vaporizable
product may be one that has a relatively high viscosity, such as a
product having a viscosity of at least 5 Poise, and even at least
10 Poise or higher at room temperature.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C and 13A-13B, embodiments of a
portable vaporizing device 100 for inhalation of a vaporizable
product are shown. The device 100 comprises a vaporizable product
receiving chamber 114 configured to receive a vaporizable product
therein. According to certain embodiments, the device 100 is
capable of being used with one or more cartridges 112 having the
product receiving chamber 114 therein. The cartridges 112 may be
removable and/or refillable, or can comprise single-use cartridges.
In another embodiment, the device 100 can comprise a permanent
product receiving chamber incorporated into the structure thereof,
and which is not intended for removal from the device 100 but that
may optionally be refilled with product. According to yet another
embodiment, the cartridge itself can be considered to be a portable
vaporizing device 100, that can be utilized either by itself (e.g.,
in an embodiment where the cartridge contains a built in heater),
or with a complementary device to provide heating of the product
within the cartridge 112 and any other components to facilitate
inhalation of the vapor formed from the vaporizable product.
[0037] Referring to the embodiments as shown in FIGS. 1A-9C, the
portable vaporizing device 100 and/or cartridge 112 comprises the
vaporizable product receiving chamber 114 comprises one or more
chamber walls 116 defining an product flow path 118 between upper
and lower opposing ends 120a, 120b of the vaporizable product
receiving chamber (see, e.g., FIGS. 1A-1C and 4A-4C). In the
embodiments as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the chamber walls 116 comprise
sidewalls 122 in a tube shape surrounding a circumference of the
product receiving chamber 114, although other shapes for the
sidewalls may also be provided, such as rectangular, prismatic, or
irregular shapes. The chamber walls 116 can further define an upper
opening 121a of the product chamber at the upper end 120a of the
chamber 114, and a lower opening 121b at the lower end 120b of the
product chamber 114 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4A-4C). The product flow path
118 generally extends from the upper end 120a of the product
chamber 114 to the lower end 120b of the product chamber, and
corresponds to the path taken by the product in the chamber as it
moves via gravitational pull from the upper to the lower end of the
product chamber. While the product flow path 118 as shown in FIGS.
4A-4C is depicted as being fairly linear from the top to the bottom
end of the product chamber, the product flow path 118 can also in
certain embodiments be convoluted, such as in a spiral, zig-zag, or
other flow architecture, according to a design of the device 100.
According to certain embodiments, the product chamber may be
configured such that it can be filled with vaporizable product at
the upper opening 121a, and such that the vaporizable product flows
upon activation of the vaporizing device 100 towards the lower
opening 121b.
[0038] Referring again to the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1C and 4A-4C,
the device 100 and/or cartridge 112 can comprise a heat transfer
element 124 that extends at least partly along the product flow
path 118 in the product chamber 114. The heat transfer element 124
is configured to transfer heat to vaporizable product received in
the product receiving chamber 114, to at least partially melt
and/or reduce the viscosity of vaporizable product as it flows via
gravitational pull from the upper end 120a to the lower end 120b of
the chamber 114 along the product flow path 118. That is, in the
case of vaporizable substances such as hash, cannabidiol and/or
distillate, or other flowable substances, the heat transfer element
124 may be capable of heating the product within the product
chamber 114, such that the product can be made flowable and/or be
maintained in a flowable form as it passes along the product flow
path 118. The flow path may be a substantially linear flow path, or
can comprise a convoluted flow path from the upper end to the lower
end of the product chamber.
[0039] According to certain embodiments, the device 100 and/or
cartridge 112 comprises a porous valve element 126 located towards
the lower end 120b of the chamber 114. The porous valve element 126
may form at least a portion of a bottom wall of the product
receiving chamber 114, to contain the vaporizable product within
the chamber 114 when the device 100 is not in operation. Referring
to FIGS. 4A-4C and 10, the porous valve element 126 comprises a
porous valve body 128 formed of a porous material configured to
allow heated vaporizable product having a predetermined viscosity
to pass therethrough.
[0040] That is, according to certain embodiments, the porous valve
body 128 may have a porosity and/or pore size that allows
vaporizable product to pass thorough the pores of the body when the
product reaches a sufficiently low viscosity through heating
thereof, or the product otherwise has a sufficiently low viscosity.
For products such as distillate, the amount of heating required may
be relatively little, as the viscosity of the product drops quickly
with increasing temperature. However, for higher viscosity
products, such as for example hash and cannabidiol, heating to
higher temperatures may be required to reach a sufficiently low
viscosity. In this way, in certain embodiments, the porous valve
body 128 may act as a valve structure that allows product
therethrough when an appropriately low viscosity is achieved, but
contains product within the chamber when the viscosity exceeds a
predetermined viscosity at which the product is able to pass
through the pores of the porous valve body. In alternative
embodiments, such as for very low viscosity products capable of
passing through the porous valve body at room temperature or with
substantially no heating, an alternative mechanism for containing a
flow of the product from the chamber may be provided. The porous
valve element 126 can absorb product having the predetermined
viscosity via capillary action, and this capillary action may also
serve to contain the product within or outside of the porous valve
element 126 when it is not activated (e.g., when it is not being
heated)
[0041] Referring again to the embodiments as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C
and 10, the porous valve element 126 further comprises at least one
first porous entry surface 130 of the porous valve body 128
configured to receive the heated vaporizable product from the
product flow path 118 into the porous valve body 128. As depicted
in the embodiments of FIGS. 4A-4C, the first porous entry surface
comprises a substantially planar surface that is configured to
contact the product at the lower end 120b of the product chamber
114, although alternative embodiments for the first entry surface
may also be provided. The porous valve element 126 also comprises
at least one porous vaporizing surface 132 of the porous valve body
128 that is configured to flow the heated vaporizable product out
of the porous valve body 128. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.
4A-4C and 10, at least a portion of the porous vaporizing surface
132 is on an opposite side of the valve body 128 from the first
porous entry surface 130.
[0042] Furthermore, in the embodiment as depicted in these FIGS.
4A-4C, at least a portion of the porous valve body 128 is
configured to be fitted within the walls 116 of the product chamber
114, and at least a portion of the porous valve body 128 extends
beyond the walls 116 of the product chamber 124, such that least a
portion of the porous vaporizing surface 132 may extend beyond the
walls 116 of the product chamber. In the embodiment as shown in
FIGS. 4A-4C, the porous valve body comprises an upper portion 134a
that is sized to fit within the walls 116, and a lower portion 134b
that extends beyond the walls 116 and also has a greater width than
the walls 116. For example, the lower portion 134b may form a lower
lip that extends both below and beyond a width of the walls 116. In
the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4C and 10, the valve body 128
comprises a generally annular shape, with an upper portion 134a
comprising an upper ring-shaped portion having a first diameter
sized to fit within the walls 116, and a lower portion 134b
comprising an lower ring-shaped portion having a second diameter
than is larger than the first, and that exceeds a diameter of the
walls 116. For example, the lower ends of the walls 116 may abut a
top surface of the lower portion of the valve body, such that it
can act to plug the lower end of the product chamber 114. Other
configurations and/or shapes may also be provided, such as
rectangular and/or square shapes for the wall and/or valve body
cross-section.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 12A-12D, according to embodiments herein,
at least one or both of the heat transfer element 124 and porous
valve element 126 are configured to be placed in thermal contact
with at least one heating element 136, such as the same or
different heating elements 136. In one embodiment, the at least one
heating element 136 may be a part of a removable cartridge 112 that
is provided to the vaporizing device. That is, the at least one
heating element 136 may be removable as a part of the cartridge
from the vaporizing device 100. In another embodiment, the heating
element 136 forms a part of the vaporizing device 100, and a
removable cartridge 112 having the porous valve element 126 and/or
heat transfer element is configured to be received within the
vaporizing device in a configuration such that the porous valve
element 126 and/or heat transfer element 124 are placed into
thermal contact with the at least one heating element 136 in the
vaporizing device 100 (see, e.g., FIG. 13A).
[0044] According to embodiments herein, one or both of the heat
transfer element 124 and porous valve element 126 can be placed
into thermal communication with the at least one heating element
136 to provide heating of the heat transfer element 124 and porous
valve element 136 during operation of the portable vaporizing
device 100, such as to heat the vaporizable product to the
predetermined viscosity at which the vaporizable product is capable
of flowing through the porous valve element, and/or to provide a
predetermined rate of flow through the porous valve element 126.
For example, the porous valve element 126 can be configured to be
heated by the at least one heating element 136 to cause the heated
vaporizable product having the predetermined viscosity from the
product receiving chamber 114 to flow into and through the porous
valve body 128. The porous valve element 126 can also be configured
such that the heated vaporizable product flowing through the porous
valve body at least partially vaporize in the vicinity of the at
least one porous vaporizing surface 132 while exiting the porous
valve body 128, thereby creating a vaporized product suitable for
inhalation. In one embodiment, one or both of the porous valve
element and heat transfer element are placed into direct physical
contact with the at least one heating element, which may be the
same or different heating elements, in order to transfer heat from
the heating element(s) to the porous valve element and heat
transfer element.
[0045] According to one embodiment, the heat transfer element 124
is configured to be heated by the at least one heating element 136
at a position of the heat transfer element 124 along the product
flow path 118 to a predetermined temperature of at least
125.degree. F., and even higher, to provide the predetermined
viscosity of the vaporizable product in the chamber 114. For
example, according to certain embodiments, the heat transfer
element is configured to be heated at the position along the
product flow path to a predetermined temperature of at least
125.degree. F., at least 135.degree. F., a least 145.degree. F., at
least 150.degree. F., at least 165.degree. F., at least 170.degree.
F., at least 180.degree. F., at least 195.degree. F., at least
200.degree. F., at least 215.degree. F., at least 225.degree. F.,
and/or at least 250.degree. F., to heat the vaporizable product in
the product chamber. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the
heat transfer element 124 is configured to be heated at the
position along the product flow path 118 to the predetermined
temperature within a time period of no more than 10 seconds, no
more than 25 seconds, no more than 50 seconds, no more than 75
seconds, no more than 100 second, and/or no more than 150 seconds.
In one embodiment, the predetermined temperature may be obtained
within 1 heating cycle and no more than 3 heating cycles ("hits"),
during which power is applied to the heating element(s) to heat the
valve element and/or heat transfer element, which heating cycle(s)
may have a duration of about 10 seconds each. Thus, the heat
transfer element 124 can be configured in certain embodiments to
provide rapid heating of the vaporizable product to achieve and
maintain flowability of the vaporizable product in the product
chamber 114. According to yet another embodiment, the heat transfer
element 124 is configured to be heated at the position along the
product flow path 118 to achieve a change in temperature at the
predetermined position, as compared to prior to heating onset, of
at least 50.degree. F., at least 60.degree. F., at least 75.degree.
F. and/or at least 100.degree. F., in no more than 10 seconds, no
more than 25 seconds, no more than 50 seconds, no more than 75
seconds, no more than 100 seconds, and/or no more than 150
seconds.
[0046] According to one embodiment, the position on the heat
transfer element 124 at which the predetermined temperature is
achieved is at one or more of a top end 138a of the heat transfer
element and an area of the surface 140 along the length L of the
heat transfer element 124 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1A-1C). For example,
the position at which the predetermined temperature is achieved can
extend along at least 10%, at least 25%, at least 50%, at least
75%, at least 90%, and/or at least 95% of the length L of the heat
transfer element 124.
[0047] According to one embodiment, the porous valve element 126 is
configured such that the at least one first porous entry surface
130 of the porous valve body 128 is configured to be heated to a
predetermined temperature of at least 125.degree. F., at least
135.degree. F., a least 145.degree. F., at least 150.degree. F., at
least 165.degree. F., at least 170.degree. F., at least 180.degree.
F., at least 195.degree. F., at least 200.degree. F., at least
215.degree. F., at least 225.degree. F., and/or at least
250.degree. F. Furthermore, according to certain embodiments, the
porous valve element is configured to be heated such that the at
least one first porous entry surface 130 of the porous valve body,
and/or the vaporizing surface, is heated to the predetermined
temperature within a time period of no more than 10 seconds, no
more than 25 seconds, no more than 50 seconds, no more than 75
seconds, no more than 100 seconds, and/or no more than 150 seconds.
According to yet another embodiment, the porous valve element is
configured such that a change in temperature at the at least one
first porous entry surface 130 and/or vaporizing surface achieves a
change in temperature as compared to prior to heating onset of at
least 50.degree. F., at least 60.degree. F., at least 75.degree. F.
and/or at least 100.degree. F., in no more than 10 seconds, no more
than 25 seconds, no more than 50 seconds, no more than 75 seconds,
no more than 100 seconds, and/or no more than 150 seconds.
[0048] Furthermore, according to certain aspects, the device 100
and/or cartridge having the heat transfer element and/or porous
valve element is configured to heat the vaporizable product during
operation of the device to a temperature of at least 125.degree.
F., 135.degree. F., a least 145.degree. F., at least 150.degree.
F., at least 165.degree. F., at least 170.degree. F., at least
180.degree. F., at least 195.degree. F., at least 200.degree. F.,
at least 215.degree. F., at least 225.degree. F., and/or at least
250.degree. F. The heat transfer element and/or porous valve
element can be configured to heat the vaporizable product during
operation of the device to such temperatures along at least 25%, at
least 35%, at least 50%, at least 65%, at least 75%, at least 85%
and/or at least 90% of the major flow axis through the product
receiving chamber.
[0049] According to certain embodiments, the predetermined
viscosity of the vaporizable product in the vicinity of the at
least one first porous entry surface 130, as heated by one or more
of the heat transfer element 124 and porous valve element 126, is
significantly less than a room temperature viscosity of the
vaporizable product. For example, the predetermined viscosity may
be no more than 20 Poise, no more than 18 Poise, no more than 15
Poise, no more than 10 Poise, no more than 5 Poise, no more than 2
Poise, no more than 1.5 Poise, no more than 1.25 Poise, no more
than 1 Poise, no more than 0.75 Poise, and/or no more than 0.5
Poise. For example, a viscosity of a hash material may be about 10
P when heated to a temperature of 195.degree. F., and for a less
viscous cannabidiol material, the viscosity when heated to this
temperature may be about 1 P.
[0050] Returning to FIGS. 12A-12D, in one embodiment, at least a
part of the at least one porous vaporizing surface 132 is a same
surface that is configured to be placed in thermal contact with the
at least one heating element 136. That is, a same surface at which
the vaporizable product exits the porous valve body 128 may be a
same surface that is in thermal contact with the at least one
heating element, to provide heating at the vaporizing surface. For
example, referring to the embodiment in FIGS. 12A-12D, at least a
portion of the vaporizing surface 132 is on an opposing surface of
the porous valve body 128 from the first porous entry surface 130.
The portion of the vaporizing surface 132 is placed in contact with
a heating element 136 to provide heating of the surface. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 12A, the heating element 136 is provided
in contact with an interior surface portion 142 of the vaporizing
surface 132 that is a part of an aperture 144 extending inside a
central region of the porous valve element 126. In the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 12B-12D, the portion of the vaporizing surface 132
that is opposite the porous entry surface 130 (e.g., that portion
of the vaporizing surface 132 parallel to the porous entry surface
13) is placed in contact with the heating element 136, to transfer
hear to the valve element 126 via that portion of the vaporizing
surface 132.
[0051] According to one embodiment, the flow of the vaporizable
product through the product chamber and to the porous valve element
126 can be configured to provide an optimum flow of the vaporizable
product for generation of vapor for inhalation. For example,
referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, the components of the cartridge 112
and/or device 100 may be configured such that a net flow direction
of the vaporizable product into the at least one first porous entry
surface 130 of the porous valve body 128 is aligned with and/or no
more than 45.degree. offset from a major axis of flow of the
vaporizable product through the product receiving chamber. The
major axis of flow may be the net direction that the product flows
through the product receiving chamber, such as in a direction
extending from the top end to the bottom end of the product
receiving chamber 114 as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. That is, the first
porous entry surface may be substantially and even entirely
perpendicular to the major axis of flow of the vaporizable product
through the product chamber, and/or substantially perpendicular to
a longitudinal axis A of the product chamber 114. For example, in a
case where a major axis of flow of the vaporizable product is along
a longitudinal direction of the product receiving chamber, and at
least a portion of the at least one porous vaporizing surface of
the porous valve element can be substantially perpendicular to
and/or at least 45.degree. offset from the major flow axis.
Furthermore, in another embodiment, the porous valve can comprise
an annular ring about a periphery of the product chamber at the
lower end thereof, in which case a flow of the product may be
downwards through the product chamber, and then laterally through
the porous valve element surrounding the sides of the product
chamber at the lower end.
[0052] According to certain embodiments the porous vaporizing
surface 132 of the porous valve element 126 comprises a first
surface 146 that is substantially perpendicular to a major axis of
flow of the vaporizable product along the longitudinal direction of
the product receiving chamber 114, at least a portion of which
first surface 146 is configured to be placed in thermal contact
with the at least one heating element 136 (see, e.g., FIG. 10). The
porous vaporizing surface 132 can further comprise one or more
second surfaces 148 at which the vaporizable product can exit the
porous body, but which are not placed in thermal contact with the
heating element 136. For example, the porous vaporizing surface 132
can comprise one or more second surfaces 148 located about a
periphery of the porous valve body through which vaporizable
product can exit the porous valve body.
[0053] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, in one
embodiment, wherein the first surface 146 of the porous vaporizing
surface 132 that is configured to be placed in thermal
communication with the at least one heating element 136 comprises
one or more grooves and/or channels 150 formed therein. The grooves
and/or channels 150 may facilitate exit of the vaporized product at
the portion of the vaporizing surface that is contacted with the at
least one heating element 136, such as for example to allow a flow
path for vaporizable product away from the porous valve element.
For example, according to one embodiment, the first surface 146
that is placed in thermal contact with the at least one heating
element 136 may comprise an otherwise planar surface having one or
more grooves and/or channels 150 formed therein. The width and
length of the grooves and/or channels can be selected to provide
for selected flow properties of the vaporized product and heating
of the vaporizing surface 132.
[0054] The surface area of the first surface 146 that is placed in
thermal contact with the heating element may also be selected to
provide good heating of the porous valve element. For example, the
heating element 136 may be placed in contact with a planar section
of the first surface opposing the porous entry surface of the
porous valve body, and may be in contact with at least 50%, at
least 65%, at least 75%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%,
and/or substantially the entirety of the planar opposing section of
the vaporizing surface, wherein the planar section of the first
surface opposing the porous entry surface has a surface area of at
least 10 mm.sup.2, at least 15 mm.sup.2, and/or at least 18
mm.sup.2. Furthermore, even in case where the first surface has
channels or grooves formed therein, an area of the first surface
about the grooves and/or channels that makes contact with the
heating element may be at least 10 mm.sup.2, at least 15 mm.sup.2,
and/or at least 18 mm.sup.2. The dimensions of the porous valve
element can also be selected to provide good heating, for example a
thickness of the porous valve body as measured between the first
surface of the porous vaporizing surface and the at least one first
porous entry surface, is at least 1.5 mm, at least 2 mm, and/or at
least 3.5 mm, and no more than 10 mm, no more than 8 mm, and/or no
more than 4 mm.
[0055] According to one embodiment, at least a portion, and even
the entirety, of the at least one first porous entry surface 130 of
the porous valve body is configured to be exposed to the
vaporizable product in the product receiving chamber 114. That is,
the first porous entry surface may be in direct contact with the
vaporizable product in the chamber, without any intervening layers
(e.g., without a separate cotton or other wicking layer in between
the surface and product), such that the product enters the entry
surface 130 directly upon heating to the predetermined temperature,
without passing through any other filtering or cover materials.
That is, the first porous entry surface is uncovered and is in
direct contact with the vaporizable product in the product
chamber.
[0056] According to one embodiment, at least one of the porous
valve element 126 and the heat transfer element 124 are configured
to be held in a compressive relationship with the at least one
heating element 136. That is, the porous valve element 126 and/or
heat transfer element 124 may be pressed against the heating
element 136, such that the elements exert a compressive strain on
one another to maintain a fitted relationship with one another.
[0057] According to one embodiment, as shown in embodiment of FIGS.
1A-1C, the heat transfer element 124 and porous valve element 126
comprise separate structures, and may be formed of the same or
different materials. According to another embodiment, the heat
transfer element 124 and porous valve element 126 comprise a single
unitary and/or monolithic structure formed of the same
material.
[0058] Referring to the embodiments as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the
heat transfer element 124 can extend beyond the at least one first
porous entry surface 130 of the porous valve body, such as into an
interior region 152 of the product receiving chamber 114. In one
embodiment, the heat transfer element 124 can extend along a
central axis A of the product chamber, such as along the major flow
axis of product through the product receiving chamber. In yet
another embodiment, the heat transfer element 124 can extend along
the exterior of the product chamber 114, such as adjacent to or as
a part of the sidewalls 112 defining the product chamber 114.
According to one embodiment, the heat transfer element may extend
along at least 25%, at least 35%, at least 50%, at least 65%, at
least 75%, at least 85%, and/or at least 90% of the major flow axis
through the product receiving chamber. A length of the product
receiving chamber along the major flow axis, according to certain
aspects, can be at least at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, and/or at
least 20 mm, such as about 22 mm. In the embodiments as shown in
FIGS. 4A-4C, the heat transfer element 124 extends along
substantially the entire length of the product chamber 114, from a
position close to the upper end 120a of the product chamber, to at
least the porous valve element 126. In the embodiments as shown in
FIGS. 4A-4C, the heat transfer element 124 further extends through
a central aperture 144 in the porous valve element 126 to allow
thermal contact of the bottom end 138b of the heat transfer element
with a heating element 136 to heat the heat transfer element
124.
[0059] According to certain embodiments, the porous valve body 128
of the porous valve element 126 comprises a porous material that
provides suitable heat transfer characteristics to heat the
vaporizable product in the product receiving chamber 114. For
example, according to one embodiment, the porous valve element 126
comprises a porous body 128 having a porous material comprising at
least one selected from the group consisting of porous glass,
porous ceramic, porous quartz, and porous sintered metal. As yet
another example, the porous valve element 126 can comprise a porous
body 128 having a porous material comprising at least one selected
from the group consisting of porous borosilicate glass, porous
alumina, and porous silicon carbide. As yet another example, the
porous valve element 126 can comprise a porous body 128 having a
porous material comprising porous borosilicate glass. According to
certain aspects, the porous valve body 128 may be formed of a
material having a sufficiently high thermal conductivity, to
provide for heating of the valve body 128 and transfer of heat to
the vaporizable product. In one embodiment, the porous valve body
comprises a porous material having a thermal conductivity of at
least 0.5 W/m*K, at least 0.8 W/m*K, at least 1 W/m*K, at least
1.15 W/m*K, and/or at least 1.2 W/m*K. In yet a further embodiment,
the thermal conductivity may be at least 10 W/m*K, at least 15
[0060] W/m*K, at least 30 W/m*K, at least 50 W/m*K, and/or at least
70 W/m*K. According to certain embodiments, the thermal
conductivity of the porous valve body 128 may be less than 300
W/m*K, less than 200 W/m*K, less than 100 W/m*K, less than 50
W/m*K, less than 25 W/m*K, less than 10 W/m*K, and/or less than 5
W/m*K. For example, the thermal conductivity may be in the range of
from 0.5 to 5 W/m*K, such as 1.0 to 2.0 W/m*Km, and/or may be in a
range of from 10 to 50 W/m*K, such as from 15 to 27
[0061] W/m*K, and/or may be in a range of from 50 to 200 W/m*K,
such as from 70 to 170 W/m*K. Furthermore, according to certain
aspects, the porous valve body 128 can comprise a specific heat of
less than 1200 J/kg*K, less than 1000 J/kg*K, and/or less than 900
J/kg*K, and greater than 500 J/kg*K, greater than 750 J/kg*K,
and/or greater than 800 J/kg*K.
[0062] Examples of materials and parameters that may be suitable
for the porous valve body 128 are provided in Table I below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Thermal Conductivity Specific Heat Porous
Material (W/m*K) (J/kg*K) Porous Borosilicate Glass 1.2 830 Porous
Alumina Ceramic 15-27 880 Porous Silicon Carbide 70-170 750
Ceramic
[0063] By way of comparison, cotton has a thermal conductivity of
0.03 W/m*K, and a specific heat of 1300-1500 J/kg*K.
[0064] According to certain aspects, a porosity of the porous valve
body 128 and/or the pore size of the porous valve body may be
selected to provide for a flow of the vaporizable product through
the porous valve element. For example, a porosity of the porous
valve element may be at least 25%, at least 35%, and/or at least
50%, and less than 95%, less than 85% and/or less than 75%. As
another example, the pore size may be selected such that the porous
valve body has an average pore size of at least 2 microns, at least
3 microns, at least 4 microns, at least 5 microns, at least 8
microns, and/or at least 10 microns, and less than 25 microns, less
than 18 microns, less than 16 microns, less than 10 microns and/or
less than 8 microns. As another example, the average pore size may
be in the range of from 2 microns to 20 microns, such as from 2
microns to 8 microns, and even from 3 to 6 microns, such as from 4
microns to 5.5 microns, and as another example may be in the range
of from 8 microns to 20 microns, such as from 10 microns to 16
microns. The porosity and/or pore size may also be selected at
least in part in relation to a vaporizable product to be used in
the device. For example, in the case of a thicker and/or more
viscous product, such as hash, the porosity and/or pore size may be
selected to be on the larger side, to provide for a suitable flow
of the material through the porous valve element. As another
example, in the case of a less viscous product, such as distillate,
a lower porosity and/or pore size may be selected to control flow
through the porous valve body.
[0065] According to certain embodiments, the heat transfer element
124 comprises a material selected to provide suitable thermal
characteristics for the transfer of heat to the vaporizable product
in the chamber 114. According to certain aspects, the heat transfer
element 124 is substantially non-porous and/or has a porosity that
is less than that of the porous valve body 128. The heat transfer
element 124 can also be selected of the same or a different
material than the porous valve body. For example, according to
certain embodiments, the heat transfer element comprises at least
one selected from a glass, a ceramic, and a metal. As yet another
example, the heat transfer element can comprise a material
corresponding to at least selected from the group consisting of
alumina, silicon carbide, stainless steel, titanium, aluminum,
graphite and aluminum nitride. In yet another example, the heat
transfer element can comprise a material corresponding to at least
one selected from the group consisting of alumina and silicon
carbide. In one embodiment, the heat transfer element 124 can
comprise a body having a thermal conductivity of at least 0.5
W/m*K, at least 0.8 W/m*K, at least 1 W/m*K, at least 1.15 W/m*K,
and/or at least 1.2 W/m*K. For example, the thermal conductivity
may be at least 10 W/m*K, at least 15 W/m*K, at least 30 W/m*K, at
least 50 W/m*K, at least 70 W/m*K, at least 100 W/m*K, at least 125
W/m*K, at least 150 W/m*K and/or at least 160 W/m*K. According to
certain embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer
element 124 may be less than 300 W/m*K, less than 200 W/m*K, less
than 100 W/m*K, less than 50 W/m*K, and/or less than 25 W/m*K. For
example, a thermal conductivity of the heat transfer element 124
may be in the range of from 10 to 300 W/m*K, such as from 10 to 35
W/m*K, and even 15 to 27 W/m*K, such as from 50 to 200 W/m*K,
including 70 to 170 W/m*K, such as from 10 to 20 W/m*K, including
about 12-16 W/m*K, such as from 20 to 30 W/m*K, including 23 to 26
W/m*K, such as from 160 to 245 W/m*K, including 164-237 W/m*K, such
as from 160-175 W/m*K, including 165 to 170 W/m*K, and/or such as
from 130 to 195 W/m*K, including 140 to 180 W/m*K. Furthermore,
according to certain embodiments, the heat transfer element
comprises a body having a specific heat of less than 1200 J/kg*K,
less than 1000 J/kg*K, and/or less than 900 J/kg*K, and greater
than 500 J/kg*K, greater than 750 J/kg*K, and/or greater than 800
J/kg*K.
[0066] Examples of materials and parameters that may be suitable
for the heat transfer element 124 are provided in Table II
below.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE II Thermal Heat Transfer Element Conductivity
Specific Heat Material (W/m*K) (J/kg*K) Alumina Ceramic (99%) 15-27
880 Silicon Carbide Ceramic 70-170 750 Stainless Steel 14 502
Titanium 25 544 Aluminum 164-237 921 Graphite 168 720 Aluminum
Nitride 140-180 740
[0067] Furthermore, according to certain embodiments, the materials
suitable for the heat transfer element 124 may also be suitable for
use as the material for the porous valve body when provided in a
porous form.
[0068] According to certain embodiments, the material used for the
heat transfer element and/or porous valve element 126 may be
selected according to heat transfer characteristics suitable for
the vaporizable product being used. For example, for a thicker
and/or more viscous product, such as hash, a material may be used
for one or more of the heat transfer element and/or porous valve
element that has higher heat transfer properties, such as a higher
thermal conductivity, whereas a material having lower heat transfer
properties such as lower thermal conductivity may be used in case
where the product is less thick and/or has a lower viscosity, such
as for cannabidiol and/or distillate. Examples of suitable
combinations for different product types are provided in Table III
below, although the possible combinations of materials/structures
encompassed herein is not limited to the examples below.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE III Porous Heat Heat Valve Pore Transfer
Transfer Product Type Element Size Element Element (Cartridge Type)
Material Porosity (microns) Material Structure Cannabidiol Porous
50% 4-5.5 Alumina 4 Fins (Cartridge C) Borosilicate Distillate
Porous 50% 4-5.5 Alumina Bulge (Cartridge D) Borosilicate Hash
Porous 50% 10-16 Silicon 4 Fins (Cartridge H) Borosilicate
Carbide
[0069] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 3A-3C, 4A-4C and
6A-6C, according to certain aspects, the heat transfer element 124
comprises an elongate heat-conducting column 154 that extends along
a predetermined length L of the vaporizable product receiving
chamber 114. In these embodiments as shown, the elongate
heat-conducting column 154 is disposed within the product chamber
114. In other embodiments, the elongate heat-conducting column is
disposed externally to the product chamber 114, and/or comprises
one or more sidewalls 122 of the vaporizable chamber 114. The
elongate heat-conducting column 154 may heat the product along the
product flow path to reduce the viscosity and/or at least partially
melt the product, for example to maintain flowability of the
product in the chamber.
[0070] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, according to certain embodiments,
the structure and configuration of the elongate heat-conducting
column 154 can be selected to provide predetermined heat
characteristics with the product chamber 114. For example,
referring to FIGS. 3A and 3C, according to one embodiment, the
elongate heat-conducting column comprises a plurality of fins 156
extending radially outwardly from a central axis C of the elongate
heat-conducting column. For example, the elongate heat-conducting
column can comprises 4 fins that are positioned substantially
equidistant about the central axis C of the elongate
heat-conducting column, and that extend outwardly from the central
axis of the elongate heat conducting column, and where the fins
further extend longitudinally along a length of the column and/or
product receiving chamber 114. The fins 156 may provide an
increased surface area structure that provides greater thermal
contact with the vaporizable product as it passes through the
product chamber. The shape and size of the fins can also be
selected in accordance with desired heating characteristics, as
well as in relation to the material used for the column and product
characteristics. For example, referring to FIG. 3A, which may be an
embodiment suitable for a cannabidiol product, the fins may extend
a significant distance down the length of the column, as compared
to FIG. 3C depicting an embodiment suitable for a hash product,
where a higher thermal conductivity column may have fins that
terminate slightly more highly above the end of the column, to
provide a space above the porous valve element. Other
configurations of the fins may also be provided, including more or
fewer fins, shorter fins, longer fins, thicker or thinner fins,
etc. Also, alternate high surface area structures other than fins
can be provided, such as spiral features or projections that extend
from the column 154. In one embodiment, the plurality of fins
extend at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 80%
and/or at least 95% along the length of the product receiving
chamber, to provide heating of the product in the product chamber.
Furthermore, according to certain embodiments, the plurality of
fins comprise portions that extend at least 25%, at least 50%, at
least 75%, at least 85% and/or at least 95% of a cross-sectional
width of the product receiving chamber, such as across a diameter
of the product receiving chamber.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 3B, in one embodiment, the elongate
heat-conducting column 154 comprises a first section 158 comprising
bulging portion 160 along a central axis of the elongate
heat-conducting column 154, the bulging portion 160 comprising a
greater radius from the central axis than one or more second
sections 162 along the central axis of the elongate heat conducting
column. The building portion 160 may serve to extend the column
into the product flow path such that the vaporizable product is
brought into contact with the column as it flows through the
product chamber to heat the vaporizable product. The embodiment as
shown in FIG. 3B may be suitable, for example for a lower viscosity
material, such as distillate, which is to be heated but may not
require as high of temperatures as cannabidiol or hash to flow
through the porous valve element. Furthermore, in certain
embodiments, the bulging portion 160 may only extend along a
section of the product flow path in the chamber, and may not extend
along the entire flow path. For example, the bulging portion 160
may be located towards the lower end of the column in a bottom
section of the product chamber, so as to provide heating of the
product before the product comes into contact with the porous valve
element.
[0072] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 3A-3C and FIGS. 4A-4C,
the elongate heat-conducting column 154 can comprises a neck region
164 towards the bottom end 138b of the column 154, and configured
to be proximate to the porous valve element, along the central axis
of the column. According to certain aspects, the neck region 164
has a thinner diameter than other regions of the column 154 along
the central axis of the heat conducting column. According to some
embodiments the neck region may provide less heating of the product
in that region, for example to control a temperature of the product
flowing from the upper end 120a of the product chamber towards the
porous valve element 126, such that the product achieves the
predetermined viscosity in the vicinity of the porous valve
element. For example, the neck region may allow the product to cool
slightly such that the flow of the product into the porous valve
element can be controlled. In one version, the neck region 164
comprises a region where the elongate heat-conducting column tapers
in diameter from a first maximum diameter to a second maximum
diameter than is smaller than the first at the neck region
proximate the porous valve element. For example, a diameter of the
fins 156 may taper down to the diameter of a central column body
166 from which they extend, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In one
embodiment, the elongate heat conducting column has a diameter or
at least 2.5 mm, at least 3 mm and/or at least 3.5 mm proximate a
base of the elongate heat conducting column and a diameter at a
neck region of less than 4 mm, less than 3 mm and/or less than 2.5
mm. A length of the neck region may also be relatively small in
comparison to a length of the column having the fins and/or other
protruding region.
[0073] Without being limited to any one particular embodiment for
any particular product, it is noted that FIGS. 2A-2B, 3A, 4B, 5B,
6B, 7B, 8B, and 9C, depict embodiments that may be suitable for a
vaporizable product comprising cannabidiol.
[0074] FIGS. 3B, 4C, 5C, 6C, 7C, 8C, and 9B, depict embodiments
that may be suitable for a vaporizable product comprising
distillate. FIGS. 3C, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A and 9A depict embodiments
that may be suitable for a vaporizable product comprising hash.
However combinations of these structures may also be provided, and
the structures may also be used with any vaporizable product.
[0075] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C and 10, in one embodiment, the
porous valve element 126 comprises an annular fitting 168 having a
first or upper portion 143a comprising the porous entry surface
130, and which is configured to fit within the one or more walls
122 defining the product chamber 114. In one embodiment, the
annular fitting 168 can further comprise a second or lower portion
143a that is configured to extend beyond the end of the one or more
walls 122, such that the vaporized product can exit the chamber in
a lateral direction via peripheral surfaces 170 of the lower
portion. Alternatively and/or additionally, the vaporized product
may exit the chamber through a base surface 172 of the annular
fitting, where both the bottom surface and/or peripheral surfaces
may form portions of the vaporizing surface 132 of the porous valve
element. According to one embodiment, the second portion 143a of
the porous valve body may have a peripheral region with a diameter
greater than that of the first portion, wherein the vaporizable
product travels through the first portion of the porous valve
element to the second portion and the vapor formed from the
vaporizable product exits the porous valve element through the one
or more of a peripheral surface of the peripheral region, or
through the surface 172 formed on the bottom of the second portion.
According to yet another embodiment, the annular fitting 168 can
comprise a single portion having substantially the same diameter
throughout the thickness thereof, such as a disc-like ring, where
the fitting 168 can either be fitted entirely within the sidewalls
of the product chamber, or can at least partly extend from the
product chamber. Furthermore, which an annular or ring-like fitting
is described and shown, the porous valve element is not limited
thereto, and may comprise further shapes, such as cuboid shapes or
other shapes, and may be sized to accommodate a shape and/or
structures within the product chamber, which may comprise a
circular cross-section or other shapes, such as a rectangular
cross-section or an irregular cross-sectional shape.
[0076] According to one embodiment, referring to FIG. 10 and FIGS.
4A-4C, the porous valve element can comprise an annular fitting 168
having a central aperture 144 formed therethrough (e.g. through a
thickness thereof), wherein the central aperture 144 forms a
reservoir 174 configured to receive the vaporizable product
therein. For example, product flowing towards the porous valve
element can collect in the reservoir 174 and may enter the porous
valve body via one or more interior surfaces 176 on the interior of
the aperture 144. The flow of the product into the porous valve
body may thus be through porous entry surface 132 comprising the
interior surface portion 176 and a top surface portion 178 that is
perpendicular to the flow of the product through the chamber.
According to one embodiment, the heat transfer element can
comprises an elongate column having a bottom end or base 138b
configured to fit through aperture 144 in the valve, such that it
can be placed in thermal contact with the at least one heating
element 136. The sides of the lower portion of the column can
define the reservoir in cooperation with the internal surfaces of
aperture in the porous valve element. Also, the heat transfer
element can comprise one or more annular stopper rings 180 or other
features that can be placed flush with the interior surfaces of the
aperture, such as to block a flow of product through the aperture
144 and out of the chamber.
[0077] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 12A-12D, according to
certain aspects, the heat transfer element 124 and porous valve
element 126 are configured to be heated by the same heating element
136 or by different heating elements. For example, in the
embodiments as shown in FIGS. 12A-12B, both the heat transfer
element 124 and porous valve element 126 are heated by the same
heating element, by being placed in thermal communication (e.g.,
direct physical contact) with the heating element 136. In the
embodiment as shown in FIG. 12A, the bottom surface 182 of the heat
transfer element is placed in direct contact with a surface 184 of
a heating element 136, such as an upper surface 186 of a heating
rod, and the interior portions 176 of the vaporizing surface 132 of
the valve element, within the valve aperture, are contacted with a
surface 184 corresponding to the side surface portions 188 of the
heating element such as the side surfaces of the heating rod
contacting the heat transfer element. Thus, the heat transfer
element and porous valve element may be simultaneously heated by
the same heating element. In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 12B,
the heat transfer element comprises a side surface 190 that is
placed in contact with a side surface portion 188 of the surface of
a heating plate 136, the upper surface 186 of which heating plate
is placed in contact with the bottom portion 172 of the vaporizing
surface such that the porous valve element and heat transfer
element are simultaneously heated by the heating plate. In the
embodiment as shown in FIG. 12B, the heating plate comprises a
donut shape, to at least partially encircle the base of the heat
transfer element. As an alternative, the heating element 136 can
comprise a heating plate that has an upper surface 186 that
contacts the bottom surfaces of both the porous valve element and
heat transfer element, to transfer heat thereto.
[0078] According to yet another embodiment, as shown in FIGS.
12C-12D, the porous valve element and heat transfer element are
heated by separate first and second heating elements 136a, 136b.
For example, according to certain embodiments, the porous valve
element is configured to be heated by a first heating element 136a
in thermal contact with the vaporizing surface of the porous valve
element, and heat transfer element is heated by a second heating
element 136b in contact with a base surface of the heat transfer
element that is at a same side of the device as the vaporizing
surface of the porous valve element, as shown for example in FIG.
12C. For example, the first heating element may be a donut shaped
heating plate that surrounds a periphery of the base of the heat
transfer element and contacts the bottom portion of the vaporizing
surface with an upper surface thereof, whereas the second heating
element can comprise a plate with an upper surface placed in
contact with the end surface of the heat transfer element. In the
embodiment as shown in FIG. 12D, a first heating element 136a can
comprise a donut shaped plate heater as in FIG. 12C, but the second
heating element 136b can comprise a rod heater inserted into a
ceramic sheath comprising the heat transfer element. That is,
according to one embodiment, the porous valve element can be heated
by a first heating element in thermal contact with the vaporizing
surface of the porous valve element, and the heat transfer element
can be heated by a second heating element that extends along an
internal length of the heat transfer element. Other configurations
of heating elements and configurations of contact with the porous
valve element and heat transfer element can also be provided that
are other than those specifically described and/or shown herein.
Furthermore, the one or more heating elements 136 can comprise a
variety of different heating elements, including one or more of a
rod heater, a ring heater, a disc heater, a plate heater, a coil
heater, a pancake coil (see, e.g., FIG. 17), and/or the first and
second heating elements are external or internal to one or more of
the porous valve element and/or heat transfer element.
[0079] According to certain embodiments, the vaporizable product
used in the device 100 and/or cartridge 112 can be any one or more
of a liquid, a wax and/or a material that is substantially solid at
room temperature. For example, the vaporizable product comprises
any one or more of hash, cannabidiol, and a cannabis oil
distillate.
[0080] Referring to the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 11A-11B,
according to certain aspects, a portable vaporizing device and/or
cartridge may be provided that does not include a heat transfer
element such as a heat conducting column, but instead provides
heating via the porous valve element 126. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 11A-11C, the porous valve element can comprise a disc-like
fitting at a lower end 120b of the product chamber 114. Similarly
to the annular fitting described with respect to FIGS. 4A-4C above,
the disc-like fitting can in certain embodiments comprise upper and
lower portions 134a, 134b, where the lower portion 134b extends
beyond the walls of the chamber and can have a diameter greater
than that of the upper portion, and the vaporizing surface 132
includes both a bottom portion 172 and peripheral portions 170
through which vaporized product can exit the product chamber via
the porous valve element, as shown in FIG. 11B. In another
embodiment, the disc-like fitting is sized to fit within the
annular walls of the chamber, and comprises a bottom surface 172
that acts as the vaporizing surface 132 to pass vapor therethrough,
as shown in FIG. 11C. As another embodiment, the disc-like fitting
may serve as a stopper to close the bottom opening of the product
chamber. The disc-like fitting may also comprise grooves and/or
channels 150 formed in the vaporizing surface thereof, to promote
the passage of vaporized product away from the vaporizing surface,
as discussed elsewhere herein for other embodiments of the porous
valve element.
[0081] Referring to FIGS. 11A-11C, according to one embodiment of a
portable vaporizing device and/or cartridge that uses the porous
valve element as the source of heating of the vaporizable product
(e.g., without a heat transfer element), the device and/or
cartridge comprises the vaporizable product receiving chamber 114
configured to receive the vaporizable product therein, the
vaporizable product receiving chamber comprising one or more
chamber walls 122 defining a product flow path between upper and
lower opposing ends of the vaporizable product receiving chamber,
and the porous valve element 126 located towards the lower end 120b
of the vaporizable product receiving chamber that is configured to
heat the vaporizable product to the predetermined viscosity. The
porous valve element can comprise the porous valve body comprising
porous material configured to allow heated vaporizable product
having the predetermined viscosity to pass therethrough.
[0082] According to certain embodiments, the porous valve further
comprises at least one exposed first porous entry surface of the
porous valve body that is configured to be placed in direct thermal
contact with vaporizable product in the product chamber to transfer
heat thereto. The at least one first porous entry surface is
configured to receive the heated vaporizable product from the
product flow path into the porous valve body. In one embodiment,
the exposed first porous entry surface comprising a porous material
having a thermal conductivity of at least 0.5 W/m*K to allow for
adequate heating of the exposed first porous entry surface 130 and
heating of the product in thermal contact with the exposed first
porous entry surface 130. As similarly discussed above, by
"exposed" surface it is meant that the first porous entry surface
is in direct contact with the vaporizable product in the chamber,
without any intervening layers, such that the product enters the
entry surface 130 directly upon heating to the predetermined
temperature, without passing through any other filtering or cover
materials. That is, the first porous entry surface is uncovered and
is in direct contact with the vaporizable product in the product
chamber.
[0083] According to certain embodiments, the at least one porous
vaporizing surface is configured to flow the heated vaporizable
product therethrough such that the vaporizable product is at least
partially vaporized in the vicinity of the at least one porous
vaporizing surface while exiting the porous valve body.
Furthermore, referring to FIGS. 11A-11C, a portion (e.g., the
bottom portion 172) of the at least one porous vaporizing surface
is on a side of the porous valve body opposite the first porous
entry surface, and the portion of the at least one porous
vaporizing surface is configured to be placed into direct contact
with at least one heating element to provide heating of the porous
valve element during operation of the portable vaporizing
device.
[0084] The portable vaporizing device and/or cartridge having the
product chamber and porous valve element 126 (e.g., without the
heat transfer element 124) can comprise any of the other features,
characteristics, parameters and/or structures otherwise described
herein, such as any described herein with respect to FIGS. 1A-10
and 12A-14B. For example, in one embodiment, the bottom portion of
the vaporizing surface of the porous valve element may be placed in
a compressed relationship with at least one heating element, such
as a heating plate and/or heating ring. As another example, the
porous valve element may also be capable of being heated to any of
the temperatures and/or at the heating rates described elsewhere
herein as being obtainable therewith, and/or to achieve the
predetermined viscosities described elsewhere herein. As yet
another example, the porous valve element can comprise any of the
materials or properties described elsewhere herein, such as for
example a porous borosilicate material.
[0085] According to one embodiment, a method of using the portable
vaporizing device and/or cartridge comprises heating the porous
valve element and flow path heat transfer element to flow the
product through the product chamber and pass the vaporizable
product through the porous valve element and generate a vapor
therefrom, and inhaling the generated vapor. The method can also
optional comprise providing a cartridge comprising product to a
portable vaporizing device, and operating the device, such as by
providing power to the one or more heating elements, to heat the
porous valve element and flow path heat transfer element to cause
the vaporizable product through the porous valve element and
generate a vapor therefrom. In a case where the portable vaporizing
device and/or cartridge comprises the porous valve element but does
not include a heat transfer element, the method can include simply
heating the porous valve element to flow the product through the
product chamber and pass the vaporizable product through the porous
valve element and generate a vapor therefrom, and inhaling the
generated vapor. According to yet another embodiment, a method of
manufacturing a cartridge for a vaporizable product, can comprise
at least partly and even entirely filling the product chamber of
the cartridge and/or device described herein with the vaporizable
product.
[0086] Referring to FIGS. 13A-13B and 14A-14B, embodiments of a
portable vaporizing device 100 comprising the product chamber 114
and porous valve element 126, and optionally with the heat transfer
element 124, is described. For example, the portable vaporizing
device 100 may be configured to receive a removable single--use or
refillable cartridge 112 comprising the product chamber 114 and
porous valve element 126, with optional heat transfer element, such
as any of those disclosed herein. Referring to FIG. 13A, in one
embodiment, the device comprises a housing 200 that is configured
to accommodate the product chamber and porous valve element (and
optionally heat transfer element) therein. For example, the housing
200 can be configured to accommodate a cartridge 112 therein, with
an openable cap 202 portion that can be opened or closed to refill
the housing with fresh cartridges.
[0087] According to one embodiment, the portable vaporizing device
further comprises a gas flow chamber 204 configured to receive
vaporized product exiting the product chamber 114 via the porous
valve element 126, and direct the vaporized product towards a
mouthpiece 206 (e.g., in the cap 202) comprising an inhalation
outlet 208 that allows for inhalation of the vaporized product. In
one embodiment, the gas flow chamber 204 is external to the product
chamber 114, and re-directs a flow of vaporized product from a
bottom end 210b of the gas flow chamber 204 where product is
received from the vaporizing surface of the porous valve element,
to a top end 210a of the gas flow chamber 204 to flow the vaporized
product to the mouthpiece 206. In one embodiment, the gas flow
chamber 204 is external to and laterally surrounds the product
chamber 114. For example, the gas flow chamber 204 may be at least
partly defined by the space in between the sidewalls 212 of the
housing, and the product chamber sidewalls 122, to form a conduit
therebetween for the passage of vaporized product. In one
embodiment, the gas flow chamber 204 is configured to receive
vaporized product exiting the porous valve element in a lateral
direction, and re-direct the flow of vaporized product upwardly and
external to the product chamber to the mouthpiece.
[0088] In certain embodiments, the portable vaporizing device may
also comprise a power source 212, such as a battery configured to
provide power to the heating element(s) 136 to cause the heating
element(s) to heat during operation of the device. In one
embodiment, operation of the device, such as by pushing a switch,
causes power to be delivered to the heating elements during a
heating cycle, which may for example by about 10 seconds, to
vaporize the product. According to yet another embodiment, the
device 100 comprises one or more heating elements that may be
permanently or semi-permanently affixed therein, and where the
device is configured to receive a cartridge such that the surfaces
of the porous valve element and/or heat transfer element that are
to be heated are placed in direct physical contact with the one or
more heating elements. The device may also be capable of providing
the heating elements in compressed relation with respect to the
porous valve element and/or heat transfer element, such that a
close fit can be provided.
[0089] The portable vaporizing device and/or cartridge may thus be
capable of providing good vaporization of product to provide an
enhanced experience therewith.
Examples
[0090] In the present example, three different cartridge types were
assembled and tested to determine a heating efficiency and profile
for the heat transfer element provided in each cartridge, and for
the heating of the product type provided in the cartridge.
Cartridges C, D and H having the porous valve element and heat
transfer element reported in Table III above were filled with
cannabidiol product, distillate product, and hash product,
respectively. The cartridges were subjected to heating cycles of
about 10 seconds each (about 7-10 seconds heating followed by 7-10
seconds of "cooling"), and the temperatures at the top end of the
heat transfer element in each cartridge were measured before,
during and after each cycle.
[0091] As can be seen from FIG. 17, the cartridge H containing hash
product and using a silicon carbide heat transfer element achieved
a temperature after a first heating cycle of about 130.degree. F.,
a second cycle of over 170.degree. F., with increasing temperatures
with each cycle, indicating that the heat transfer element retained
heat over the cycles. A maximum temperature reached during the 10
cycles that were performed as 291.degree. F., with an overall
change in temperature from the starting temperature of 212.degree.
F. The cartridge C containing cannabidiol product and using an
alumina heat transfer element achieved a somewhat lower temperature
after a first heating cycle of a little under 120.degree. F., a
second cycle of over 120.degree. F., with increasing temperatures
with each cycle, indicating that the heat transfer element retained
heat over the cycles. A maximum temperature reached during the 10
cycles that were performed as 220.degree. F., with an overall
change in temperature from the starting temperature of 139.degree.
F. The cartridge D containing distillate product and using an
alumina heat transfer element similiarly achieved a somewhat lower
temperature after a first heating cycle of a little under
120.degree. F., a second cycle of over 120.degree. F., with
increasing temperatures with each cycle, indicating that the heat
transfer element retained heat over the cycles. A maximum
temperature reached during the 10 cycles that were performed as
217.degree. F., with an overall change in temperature from the
starting temperature of 134.degree. F. Accordingly, the cartridge
and/or device can be devised with different heat transfer element
materials and/or structures, to provide a predetermined heating
profile for heating and/or vaporizing of a product contained in the
product chamber. For example for a very thick and viscous material
such as hash, a higher thermal conductivity material such as
silicon carbide can be used, to provide sufficient heating of the
hash product to render it sufficiently flowable. For less viscous
and/or thinner materials, such as distillate and/or cannabidiol, a
lower thermal conductivity material such as alumina can be used, so
as to provide sufficient flow characteristics without exceeding a
predetermined rate of flow through the porous valve element (e.g.,
without causing excess flow resulting in leakage of the product
liquid form as opposed to vaporized form from the porous valve
element). Furthermore, FIG. 15 shows a comparison of the change in
viscosity for increasing temperature for hash, distillate and
cannabidiol, showing that reduced viscosities can be obtained at
much lower temperatures for cannabidiol and distillate as compared
to hash.
[0092] Specific embodiments are further described below.
[0093] Referring to FIGS. 18-24, according to one embodiment the
oil to be vaporized is housed in a container, reservoir, or
cartridge (1) consisting of a tube (2) or extruded hollow shape and
sealed on its proximal end with a wick (4); an embodiment may also
include a ceramic column (3) running through both the wick (4) and
the tube (2); an embodiment may also include silicone or cotton
seals (5) between the wick and tube and also between the wick and
center column; an embodiment may also include a cap (6) sealed to
the tube (2) on the opposite end form the wick (4).
[0094] The porous wick (4) can be made of a ceramic foam or porous
glass (quartz or borosilicate), and the column (3) can be made of a
metal, glass, or ceramic material. Additionally, to begin the
vaporization process a heat supply is required, referred to as the
heating element (10), but also includes any heat source or heated
surface.
[0095] In one embodiment of the design the interaction between the
wick (4), column (3) and the heat source is a key aspect to the
functionality of this invention. The heating element (10), which
can be made of any conductive material, is in contact with both the
wick (4) and column (3), transferring heat to both. The heating
element can either be assembled together with the wick, column, and
tube or it can exist as a separate part to be moved in and out of
contact. If the heating element is a separate part it can be
effective when in contact with the interior or the exterior of the
wick, while in contact with the column. Heat transfer also occurs
from the heating element through the wick (4) and into the column
(3).
[0096] In one embodiment the wick (4) transfers heat to the oil
within the container. Oil in contact with the heated wick will
decrease in viscosity, allowing it to flow through the wick via
capillary action and gravity. In one embodiment of the design the
wick (4) has grooves (7) on the face contacting the heat source.
This increases the area of exposed heating element where
vaporization occurs, resulting in increased vapor production.
[0097] Depending on the viscosity of the oil a center column (3)
may not be required, however for thicker oils a center column is
needed and may vary in geometry depending on oil viscosity. The
center column may have two functions, increase flow rate to the
heat source and reduce wasted oil in the container that may be
trapped in the tube opposite from the heat source.
[0098] In one embodiment, the center column (3) comes in direct
contact with the heat source. As heat spreads through the center
column within the container, heat transfers to the oil causing it
to melt and flow. An important design element can be the center
column within the container near the wick. Decreased viscosity just
before entering the wick increases flow rate to the heating element
which can create more vapor. In an embodiment of the invention a
short center column (8) can be used to increase flow rate just
before entering the wick.
[0099] Thicker or crystalized substances require more heat to reach
a wickable viscosity. This can be achieved by increasing the
surface area between the center column (3) and the oil. In an
embodiment of the invention the center column is a rod in the
center of the tube (2). Various rod lengths and diameters may be
used to increase the surface contact between the center column and
oil. In an embodiment of the invention, the center column may
contain fins (7) that extend to the container inner wall. These
fins increase the surface area and allow heat to transfer to the
oil more efficiently.
[0100] An embodiment of an application of this invention includes
the cartridge (1) assembled in to a heating chamber (12) containing
a heating element (10). The vaporization process is activated by
this heating element when current is applied to it, the current is
provided by a battery that is connected to the heating element (10)
and attached to the heating chamber (12). Heat is transferred
through the wick and column and into the oil container, decreasing
the viscosity of the solid oil substance so that it can move
through the container and be absorbed by the wick. The liquefied
oil is absorbed into the wick by capillary action and gravity,
where it is then vaporized and inhaled through a mouthpiece (11)
that is attached to the heating chamber (12).
[0101] Regarding the wick (4), it has been determined that a pore
size of 10-160 micrometers with porosity of 40-60% may be effective
for movement of liquid materials via capillary action. During
testing, pore sizes above 160 micrometers may allow too high a flow
rate of oil, and result in poor vapor production due to an
oversaturation of the heat supply source. Tests performed with pore
sizes below 10 micrometers in certain instances did not allow a
high enough oil flow rate. However, the pore size may vary
depending on the viscosity of the substance.
[0102] Accordingly aspects of the invention add the capability of
vaporizing organic solid oil substances without additives using a
wicking system. Embodiments may replace current designs, providing
both oil storage and oil delivery activated by heat.
* * * * *