BE1026673B1 - CARTRIDGE FOR A VAPORIZER DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

A vaporizer device includes a cartridge for a vaporizer device. For example, the vaporizer cartridge and / or its features may improve management of leakage of vaporizable material from the vaporizer cartridge, regulation of airflow into and / or near the vaporizer cartridge, heating vaporizable material in the vaporizer cartridge, the management of condensate in the vaporizer cartridge, and / or other vaporizer cartridge assembly features. Systems, methods and related articles of manufacture are also described.

Description

TITLE: Cartridge for a vaporizer device

DESCRIPTION Cross Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority over provisional application US 62/915 005, filed October 14, 2019 and entitled "Cartridge for a vaporizer device", provisional application US 62/812 161 filed February 28, 2019 and entitled “Cartridge for a vaporizer device”, the provisional application US 62/747 099 filed on October 17, 2018 and entitled “Wick feed and heating elements in a vaporizer device”, the provisional application US 62 / 812,148, filed on February 28, 2019 and entitled “Tank overflow control with constriction points”, the provisional application US 62/747,055 filed on October 17, 2018 and entitled “Tank overflow control ", The provisional application US 62/747 130 filed on October 17, 2018 and entitled" Collection and recycling of vaporizer condensate "and the patent application US 16/653 455, filed on October 15, 2019 and entitled" Élémen t heater ”, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Invention The subject described relates generally to the characteristics of a cartridge for a vaporizer, and in some examples relates to the management of leakage of liquid vaporizable material, the control of air flow into and near a cartridge, heating the vaporizable material to result in the formation of an aerosol and / or other assembly features of the cartridge and of a device to which it can be connected. separable way. Field Vaporizer devices which are generally referred to herein as vaporizers include devices which heat vaporizable material (eg liquid, plant material, certain other solids, wax, etc.) to a temperature sufficient to releasing one or more compounds from the vaporizable material in a form (eg, gas, aerosol, etc.) which can be inhaled by a user of the vaporizer.

Certain vaporizers, for example those in which at least one of the compounds released from the vaporizable material is nicotine, may be useful as an alternative to smoking combustible cigars.

Summary For summary purposes, certain aspects, advantages and novel features have been described herein.

It should be understood that all of these advantages cannot be achieved according to any of the particular embodiments.

Thus, the subject described may be implemented or performed in a manner which achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages without achieving all of the advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

The various features and headings described here may be incorporated together or separately, except where this is not feasible on the basis of this description and what those skilled in the art understand from it.

In one aspect, a vaporizer includes a reservoir configured to contain liquid vaporizable material.

The reservoir is at least partially defined by at least one wall and the reservoir includes a storage chamber and an overflow volume.

The vaporizer further includes a manifold disposed in the overflow volume.

The manifold includes a capillary structure configured to retain a volume of liquid vaporizable material in fluid contact with the storage chamber.

The capillary structure includes a microfluidic feature configured to prevent air and liquid from deflecting relative to each other while filling and emptying the manifold.

In a related aspect which can be included in a vaporizer according to the preceding aspect, a microfluidic gate for regulating the flow of liquid vaporizable material between a storage chamber and an adjoining overflow volume in a vaporizer comprises a a plurality of openings connecting the storage chamber and the manifold and a pinch point between the plurality of openings.

The plurality of openings include a first channel and a second channel.

The first channel has more capillary entrainment than the second channel.

Optionally, the microfluidic door may include a rim with an opening between the storage chamber and the manifold that is flatter on a first side facing the storage compartment than a second, more rounded side facing the manifold.

In another related aspect which can be incorporated with other aspects, a manifold configured for insertion into a vaporizer cartridge includes a capillary structure configured to retain a volume of liquid vaporizable material in fluid contact with a storage chamber of vaporizer. the vaporizer cartridge.

The capillary structure includes a microfluidic feature configured to prevent air and liquid from deflecting relative to each other during filling and emptying the manifold.

In optional variations, one or more of the following features may also be included in any feasible combination.

For example, a main passageway can be included to provide a fluid connection between the storage chamber and an atomizer configured to convert the liquid vaporizable material to a gas phase state.

The main passageway can be formed through the collector structure.

The main passageway may include a first channel configured to allow liquid vaporizable material to flow from the storage chamber to a wick member in the atomizer.

The first channel may have a transverse shape with at least one irregularity configured to allow liquid in the first channel to bypass an air bubble blocking the remainder of the first channel.

The capillary structure can include a secondary pathway that includes a microfluidic feature, and the microfluidic feature can be configured to allow liquid vaporizable material to travel along a length of the pathway only with a minimum. meniscus which completely covers a transverse surface of the secondary passageway.

The cross-sectional area can be small enough so that, for a material from which the walls of the secondary passageway are formed and a composition of the liquid vaporizable material, the liquid vaporizable material preferably wets the passageway. around the entire perimeter of the secondary passageway.

The storage chamber and the manifold may be configured to maintain a continuous column of liquid vaporizable material in the manifold in contact with the liquid vaporizable material in the storage chamber so that a reduction in pressure in the storage chamber relative to ambient pressure causes the continuous column of liquid vaporizable material in the manifold to be at least partially sucked into the storage chamber.

The secondary passageway may include a plurality of spaced constriction points having a smaller cross-sectional area than the portions of the secondary passageway between the constricting points.

Constraints may have a flatter surface directed along the secondary passageway to the storage compartment and a rounder surface directed along the secondary passageway away from the storage compartment.

A microfluidic door can be positioned between the collector and the storage compartment.

The microfluidic door may include a rim with an opening between the storage chamber and the manifold that is flatter on a first side facing the storage compartment than a second, more rounded side facing the manifold.

The microfluidic gate may include a plurality of openings connecting the storage chamber and the manifold and a pinch point between the plurality of openings.

The plurality of openings may include a first channel and a second channel, wherein the first channel has higher capillary entrainment than the second channel.

An air meniscus - liquid vaporizable material reaching the pinch point can be routed to the second channel due to the upper capillary entrainment in the first channel so that an air bubble is formed to s 'escape into the liquid vaporizable material in the storage chamber.

The liquid vaporizable material may include one or more of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.

A manifold may include a main passageway providing a fluid connection between the reservoir and an atomizer configured to convert the liquid vaporizable material into a gas phase state, in which the main passageway is formed through a structure of the vaporizer. collector.

In optional variations, the capillary structure can include a secondary pathway comprising the microfluidic feature and the microfluidic feature can be configured to allow liquid vaporizable material to travel along a length of the pathway. secondary only with a meniscus that completely covers a transverse surface of the secondary passageway.

The cross-sectional area can be small enough so that, for a material from which the walls of the secondary passageway are formed and a composition of the liquid vaporizable material, the liquid vaporizable material preferably wets the secondary passageway around. of the entire perimeter of the secondary passageway.

The storage chamber and the manifold may be configured to maintain a continuous column of liquid vaporizable material in the manifold in contact with the liquid vaporizable material in the storage chamber so that a reduction in pressure in the storage chamber by. relative to ambient pressure causes the continuous column of liquid vaporizable material in the manifold to be at least partially sucked into the storage chamber.

The secondary passageway may include a plurality of spaced constriction points having a smaller cross-sectional area than the portions of the secondary passageway between the constricting points.

Constraints may have a flatter surface directed along the secondary passageway to the storage compartment and a rounder surface directed along the secondary passageway away from the storage compartment.

In yet another related aspect, a vaporizer cartridge includes a cartridge housing, a storage chamber disposed within the cartridge housing and configured to contain liquid vaporizable material, an inlet configured to allow air to enter. in an internal air flow path in the cartridge housing, an atomizer configured to cause the conversion of at least some of the liquid vaporizable material into an inhalable state, a manifold as described in the previous aspect .

In optional variations, such a vaporizer cartridge may include one or more features as described herein, such as a wick member positioned in the internal air flow path and in fluid communication with the reservoir.

The wick member can be configured to suck liquid vaporizable material from the storage chamber by capillary action.

A heating element can be positioned to cause heating of the wick element to result in the conversion of at least some of the liquid vaporizable material sucked from the storage chamber to a gaseous state.

The inhalable state may include an aerosol formed by the condensation of at least some of the liquid vaporizable material from the gaseous state.

The cartridge housing may include a monolithic hollow structure having a first open end, and a second end opposite the first end.

The collector can be received by insertion into the first end of the monolithic hollow structure.

In yet another related aspect, there is provided a reservoir for a cartridge usable with a vaporizer device.

In one embodiment, the reservoir includes a storage chamber (eg, reservoir) for storing vaporizable material, as well as an overflow volume separable from the storage chamber and in communication with the storage chamber. storage via a vent leading to a passageway in the overflow volume.

The passage through the overflow volume may lead to an orifice connected to the ambient air.

The storage chamber or reservoir may also include a first wick feed, and optionally a second wick feed, respectively implemented as a first cavity and a second cavity crossing a second cavity. collector placed inside the cartridge.

The manifold may include one or more support structures which form the passageway through the overflow volume.

The first and second cavities can regulate the flow of vaporizable material to a wick housing configured to receive a wick member.

The wick member positioned in the wick housing or the wick member housing may be configured to absorb vaporizable material flowing through the first and second wick feeds such that, in thermal interaction with an atomizer, the vaporizable material absorbed in the wick member is converted into at least one of a vapor or an aerosol and flowing through an outlet tunnel structure formed through the manifold and the storage chamber to reach an opening in the mouthpiece.

The mouthpiece can be formed near the storage chamber.

The manifold may have a first end and a second end.

The first end can be coupled to the opening in the mouthpiece and the second end, opposite the first end, can be configured to accommodate a wick or a wick member.

A bit housing according to some embodiments may include a set of teeth protruding outwardly from the second end to at least partially receive the bit member, and one or more compression ribs positioned proximate the first. or second wick feeds and extending from the second end of the manifold to compress the wick member.

In yet another related aspect, a vent may be provided to maintain a state of equilibrium pressure in the cartridge storage chamber and to prevent pressure build-up in the storage chamber to a point. which would cause vaporizable material to flood the wick housing.

The equilibrium pressure state can be maintained by providing a liquid seal at the vent opening positioned at a point where the storage chamber communicates with a passageway in a volume. overflow in the cartridge.

The liquid seal is established and maintained at the vent by maintaining sufficient capillary pressure so that the menisci of vaporizable material are formed at a portion of the vent leading to the passageway. in the overflow volume.

The capillary pressure for the menisci of vaporizable material can be regulated, for example, by vent structures which form a main channel and a secondary channel which effectively construct a fluidic valve to regulate at least one pinch point at one of. the main channel or the secondary channel.

Depending on the implementation, the main channel and the secondary channel may have progressively narrowed geometries so that as the menisci continue to recede, capillary entrainment of the main channel decreases at a rate greater than that of. capillary entrainment of the secondary channel.

A gradual reduction in the capillary drives of the main and secondary channels reduces the free space vacuum in the storage chamber.

In yet another related aspect, the primary channel purge pressure drops below the secondary channel purge pressure due to the gradual reduction in the capillary drives of the primary and secondary channels relative to each other. .

The meniscus in the main channel continues to purge as the main channel purge pressure changes, while the meniscus in the secondary channel remains static.

The purge pressure involving the receding contact angle of the main channel may drop below the flood pressure involving the advancing contact angle of the secondary channel, causing the main and secondary channels to fill with the vaporizable material.

Therefore, in response to a condition of increased pressure inside the storage chamber, vaporizable material flows into the manifold passageway (i.e., overflow volume) through the vent, in which the vent is constructed to maintain a liquid seal at the pinch point, desirably, at all times.

In some embodiments, the vent is constructed to promote a liquid seal at the opening from which vaporizable material flows between the storage chamber of the reservoir and the passageway. of the collector in the overflow volume.

In yet another related aspect, one or more wick feed channels may be provided to regulate the direct flow of vaporizable material to the wick.

A first wick feed channel can be formed through the manifold positioned in the overflow volume and independent of the main and secondary channels of the above-mentioned control valve.

The manifold may include a support structure which forms the first channel or additional wick feed channels.

The wick can be positioned in the wick housing so that the wick is configured to absorb vaporizable material flowing through the first channel.

Depending on the implementation, the first channel may have a cross-shaped cross section or have a partial dividing wall. The shape of the first channel may provide one or more non-major subchannels and one or more major subchannels which are larger in diameter than the non-major subchannels.

Depending on the implementation, when a primary or non-primary subchannel is limited or clogged (eg, due to air bubble formation), vaporizable material may flow through a sub. —Alternative channel or a main channel. In a cross-shaped wick feed, a main subchannel may extend through the center of the cross-shaped wick feed. When the main subchannel is restricted due to the formation of a gas bubble in part of the main subchannel, vaporizable material flows through at least one of the non-main subchannels.

In some embodiments, the manifold may have a first end and a second end, the first end facing the storage chamber and the second end facing away from the storage chamber and configured to include the housing. wick. A second wick feed may be implemented as a second channel to allow vaporizable material stored in the storage chamber to flow to the wick at the same time as vaporizable material flows through the first. wick feed. The second wick feed may have a cross-shaped cross section.

In one or more aspects, a reservoir for a cartridge usable with a vaporizer device may include a storage chamber configured to contain vaporizable material. The reservoir may be in operative relationship with an atomizer configured to convert vaporizable material from a liquid phase to a vapor or aerosol phase for inhalation by a user of the vaporizer device. The cartridge may also include an overflow volume to retain at least some portion of the vaporizable material, for example when one or more factors cause vaporizable material in the reservoir chamber to flow through the excess volume. -full in the cartridge.

One or more factors may include the cartridge being exposed to a state of pressure, which is different from a first state of ambient pressure (eg, in changing from a first state of pressure to a second state of pressure). . In some aspects, the overflow volume may include a passageway that connects to an air control opening or port leading to the exterior of the cartridge (i.e., to ambient air). The passageway in the overflow volume can also be in communication with the reservoir chamber so that the passageway can serve as an air vent to allow pressure equalization in the tank chamber.

In response to a negative pressure event in the ambient environment of the cartridges, vaporizable material can be drawn from the reservoir chamber to the atomizer and converted to vapor or aerosol phases, reducing the volume of vaporizable material remaining in the chamber. tank storage chamber.

The storage chamber may be coupled to the overflow volume by means of one or more openings between the storage chamber and the overflow volume, for example so that one or more openings lead to one or more. passageways through the overflow volume.

The flow of vaporizable material into the passageway through the opening can be controlled by means of the capillary properties of a fluidic vent leading to one or more passageways or the capillary properties of the passageways themselves.

In addition, the flow of vaporizable material in one or more passageways can be reversible, allowing vaporizable material to be displaced from the overflow volume back into the reservoir chamber.

In at least one embodiment, the flow of vaporizable material may be reversed, in response to the change in the state of pressure (eg, when a second state of pressure in the cartridge returns to a first state of pressure. pressure). The second state of pressure can be associated with a negative pressure event.

A negative pressure event can be the result of a drop in ambient pressure relative to that of one or more volumes of air retained in the reservoir chamber or other part of the cartridge.

Alternatively, a negative pressure event can arise from the compression of an internal volume of the cartridge due to mechanical pressure on one or more external surfaces of the cartridge.

A heating element can include a heating part and at least two legs.

The heating part can include at least two teeth spaced apart from each other.

The heater portion may be preformed to define an interior volume configured to receive the wick element such that the heater secures at least a portion of the wick element to the heater.

The heating portion can be configured to contact at least two separate surfaces of the wick member.

The at least two legs can be coupled to the at least two teeth and spaced from the heating part.

The at least two legs can be configured to electrically communicate with a power source.

Energy is configured to be supplied to the heater from the power source to generate heat, thereby vaporizing vaporizable material stored in the wick member.

In some implementations, the at least two legs include four legs.

In some implementations, the heater portion is configured to contact at least three separate surfaces of the wick member.

In some implementations, the at least two teeth include a first lateral tooth portion, a second lateral tooth portion opposed to the first lateral tooth portion, and a platform tooth portion connecting the first lateral tooth portion with the second side tooth part.

The platform tooth part can be positioned

born approximately perpendicular to a portion of the first lateral tooth portion and the second lateral tooth portion.

The first side tooth portion, the second side tooth portion, and the platform tooth portion define the interior volume in which the bit member is positioned.

In some implementations, the at least two legs are positioned away from the heating part by a bridge.

In some implementations, each of the at least two legs includes a cartridge contact positioned at one end of each of the at least two legs.

The cartridge contact can electrically communicate with the power source.

The cartridge contact can be angled and extend away from the heating part.

In some implementations, the at least two teeth include a first pair of teeth and a second pair of teeth.

In some implementations, the teeth of the first pair of teeth are evenly spaced from each other.

In some implementations, the teeth of the first pair of teeth are spaced apart by a width.

In some implementations, the width is greater at an inner region of the heating element adjacent to the platform tooth portion than the width at an outer region of the heating element adjacent to. an outer edge of the first lateral tooth portion opposite the inner region.

In some implementations, the vaporizer device is configured to measure a resistance of the heating element at each of the four legs to regulate a temperature of the heating element.

In some implementations, the heating element includes a heat shield configured to isolate the heating portion of a body from the vaporizer device.

In some implementations, the vaporizer device further includes a heat shield configured to surround at least a portion of the heater element and isolate the heater portion of a body from a wick housing configured to surround at least a portion of the heater. wick element and heating element.

In some implementations, the heating part is folded between the heating part and the at least two legs to insulate the heating part from the at least two legs. In some implementations, the heating portion further comprises at least one tab which extends from one side of the at least two teeth to allow easier entry of the wick member into the interior volume of the wick. the heating part. In some implementations, the at least one tab extends away from the interior volume at an angle.

In some implementations, the at least two legs include a capillary feature. The capillary characteristic can cause a sudden change in capillary pressure to thereby prevent the flow of vaporizable material beyond the capillary characteristic.

In some implementations, the capillary feature includes one or more bends in the at least two legs. In some implementations, the at least two legs extend at an angle towards the interior volume of the heating part, the at least two bent legs defining the capillary characteristic.

In some implementations, a vaporizer device includes a reservoir containing the vaporizable material, a wick member in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a heater element. The heating element includes a heating part and at least two legs. The heating part can include at least two teeth spaced apart from each other. The heating portion may be preformed to define an interior volume configured to receive the wick element such that the heating portion secures at least a portion of the wick element to the heating element. The heating portion can be configured to contact at least two separate surfaces of the wick member. At least two legs can be coupled to the at least two teeth and spaced from the heating part. The at least two legs can be configured to electrically communicate with a power source. Energy is configured to be supplied to the heater from the power source to generate heat, thereby vaporizing vaporizable material stored in the wick member.

A method of forming an atomizer assembly for a vaporizer device may include the step of attaching a wick member to an interior volume of a heater element. The heating element may include a heating part comprising at least two teeth spaced apart from each other, and at least two legs spaced apart from the heating part.

The legs can be configured to electrically communicate with a power source for the vaporizer device. The heater portion is configured to contact at least two surfaces of the wick member. The method may also include the step of coupling the heater element to a wick housing configured to surround at least a portion of the wick member and the heater. The fixing step can also include sliding the wick element in the interior volume of the heating element.

In some implementations, a vaporizer device includes a heating portion comprising one or more heater traces integrally formed and spaced apart from each other, the one or more heater traces being configured to be in contact with the heater. minus a portion of a wick member of the vaporizer device, a connector portion configured to receive energy from a power source and direct energy to the heater portion, and a cladding layer having a cladding material which is different from a material of the heating part. The cladding layer can be configured to reduce the contact resistance between the heating element and the power source, thereby locating the heating of the heating element on the heating part.

In certain aspects of the present invention, problems associated with condensate that collects along one or more internal channels and outlets (eg, along a mouthpiece) of certain vaporizer devices can be addressed by including a or more features described herein or comparable / equivalent approaches, as one skilled in the art would understand. Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods for capturing condensate of vaporizable material in a vaporizer device.

In some variations, one or more of the following features may optionally be included in any feasible combination.

Aspects of the present invention relate to a cartridge for a vaporizer device. The cartridge may include a reservoir including a reservoir chamber defined by a reservoir barrier. The reservoir can be configured to contain vaporizable material in the reservoir chamber. The cartridge may include a vaporization chamber in communication with the reservoir and may include a wick member configured to draw vaporizable material from the reservoir chamber to the vaporization chamber for vaporization by a heating element. The cartridge may include an air flow pathway which extends through the vaporization chamber.

The cartridge can include at least one capillary channel adjacent to the air flow path. Each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel can be configured to receive fluid and direct fluid from a first location to a second location via capillary action.

In an aspect consistent with the current description, each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel can be progressively narrowed in size. The gradual shrinkage in size can result in increased capillary entrainment through each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel. Each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel may be formed by a groove defined between a pair of walls.

The at least one capillary channel may fluidly communicate with a wick.

The first location can be adjacent to one end of the airflow path and a mouthpiece.

The at least one capillary channel can collect fluid condensate.

In a related aspect, a vaporizer device may include a vaporizer body including a heater element configured to heat vaporizable material.

The vaporizer device may include a cartridge configured to be removably coupled to the vaporizer body.

The cartridge may include a reservoir including a reservoir chamber defined by a reservoir barrier.

The reservoir can be configured to contain vaporizable material in the reservoir chamber.

The cartridge may include a vaporization chamber in communication with the reservoir and may include a wick member configured to draw vaporizable material from the reservoir chamber to the vaporization chamber for vaporization by the heating element.

The cartridge may include an air flow passageway which extends through the vaporization chamber.

The cartridge can include at least one capillary channel adjacent to the air flow path.

Each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel can be configured to receive fluid and direct fluid from a first location to a second location via capillary action.

Each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel can gradually narrow in size.

The gradual shrinkage in size can result in increased capillary entrainment through each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel.

Each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel may be formed by a groove defined between a pair of walls.

The at least one capillary channel may fluidly communicate with a wick.

The first location may be adjacent to one end of the air flow pathway and a mouthpiece.

The at least one capillary channel can collect fluid condensate. In a related aspect, a method of a cartridge of a vaporizer may include the step of collecting condensate in a first capillary channel of at least one capillary channel of the cartridge. Each of the at least one capillary channel can be configured to receive fluid and direct fluid from a first location to a second location via capillary action. The cartridge may include a reservoir including a reservoir chamber defined by a reservoir barrier. The reservoir can be configured to contain vaporizable material in the reservoir chamber. The cartridge may include a vaporization chamber in communication with the reservoir and may include a wick member configured to draw vaporizable material from the reservoir chamber to the vaporization chamber for vaporization by a heating element. The cartridge may include an air flow passageway which may extend through the vaporization chamber. The at least one capillary channel may be adjacent to the air flow path. The method may include the step of directing the collected condensate to the vaporization chamber and along the first capillary channel.

The method may include the step of vaporizing, at the vaporization chamber, the collected condensate. The first capillary canal may gradually narrow in size. Each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel may be formed by a groove defined between a pair of walls. The at least one capillary channel may fluidly communicate with a wick. The first location may be adjacent to one end of the air flow pathway and a mouthpiece.

Details of the one or more variations of the invention described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the invention described herein will emerge more clearly from the description and the drawings and from the claims.

The invention described is not, however, limited to any of the particular embodiments described.

Brief Description of the Drawings The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of this disclosure, represent certain aspects of the invention described herein and in conjunction with the description, help to explain the principles associated with the implementations described. , as proposed below.

[Fig. 1] illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary vaporizer device, according to one or more implementations; [Fig. 2A] illustrates a plan view of an exemplary vaporizer body and insertable vaporizer cartridge, depending on one or more implementations; [Fig. 2B] represents a perspective view of the vaporizer device of FIG. 2A according to one or more implementations; [Fig. 2C] shows a perspective view of the cartridge of Figure 2A, according to one or more implementations; [Fig. 2D] shows another perspective view of the cartridge of Figure 2C, according to one or more implementations; [Fig. 2E] illustrates a diagram of a reservoir system configured for a vaporizer cartridge and / or a vaporizer device to improve airflow in the vaporizer device, according to one or more implementations; [Fig. 2F] illustrates a diagram of a reservoir system configured for a vaporizer cartridge or vaporizer device to improve airflow through the vaporizer device, according to one or more implementations; [Fig. 3A] [Fig. 3B] illustrate an exemplary sectional plan view of a cartridge having a storage chamber and an overflow volume, according to one or more implementations; [Fig. 4] illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary implementation of a cartridge according to Figures 3A and 3B, according to one or more implementations; [Fig. 5] illustrates a side plan sectional view of a selected slit portion of a cartridge, according to one or more implementations; [Fig. 6A] illustrates a top sectional view of an exemplary cartridge structure, according to one or more implementations; [Fig. 6B] illustrates a side perspective view of the exemplary cartridge of Figure 6A, in one or more implementations; [Fig. 7A] [Fig. 7B] [Fig. 7C] [Fig. 7D] illustrate exemplary embodiments of a cartridge connection port having male or female construction, depending on one or more implementations; [Fig. 8] illustrates a top plan view of the cartridge with an exemplary pattern or logo, according to one or more implementations; [Fig. 9A] [Fig. 9B] illustrate sectional perspective and plan views of a slit portion of an exemplary cartridge, according to one or more implementations; [Fig. 10A] [Fig. 10B] illustrate closed and exploded perspective views of an exemplary cartridge implementation with a separable structure to house a collector mechanism, according to one or more implementations; [Fig. 10C] [Fig. 10D] [Fig. 10E] illustrate front and side perspective views of exemplary cartridge structural components with a flow management manifold having one or more flow channels, in one or more implementations; [Fig. 11A] illustrates a side plan view of an exemplary single vent, single channel manifold structure, in one or more implementations;

[Fig. 11B] is a side plan view of an exemplary cartridge with a translucent housing structure containing an exemplary manifold, such as that shown in Figure 11A, in one or more implementations;

[Fig. 11C]

[Fig. 11D]

[Fig. 11E] illustrate side perspective and plan views of exemplary manifold structures with management constriction devices.

flow flow integrated into the flow channels, according to one or more implementations;

[Fig. 11F]

[Fig. 11G] illustrate front and side views of an exemplary manifold structure with flow management constriction devices.

ment in the flow channels of the collector, according to one or more implementations;

[Fig. 11H] illustrates a close-up view of an example manifold structure.

please with one or more vents that can regulate the flow of liquid between a storage chamber and an overflow volume in a cartridge, depending on one or more implementations;

[Fig. 111]

[Fig. 119]

[Fig. 11K] illustrate perspective views of an exemplary manifold structure with flow management regulation, according to one or more

members implemented;

[Fig. 11L]

[Fig. 11M]

[Fig. 11N] illustrate front plan and close-up views of an exemplary flow management mechanism in the collector structure,

according to an implementation;

[Fig. 110] [Fig. 11P] [Fig. 11Q] [Fig. 11R] [Fig. 11S] [Fig. 117] [Fig. 11U] [Fig. 11V] [Fig. 11W]

[Fig. 11X] illustrate photos as the flow of vaporizable material collected in the exemplary manifold of Figures 11L through 11N is managed to accept the correct purge as the meniscus of vaporizable material stored in the overflow volume continues to recede, according to one or more implementations;

[Fig. 12A]

[Fig. 12B] illustrate examples of manifold structures with several channels and single vent, according to one or more implementations;

[Fig. 13] illustrates an exemplary dual vent, multi-channel manifold structure in one or more implementations;

[Fig. 14A]

[Fig. 14B] illustrate side sectional and perspective plan views of an exemplary manifold structure for a cartridge with dual wick feed, in one or more implementations; [Fig. 15A]

[Fig. 15B]

[Fig. 15C] illustrate additional side plan perspective and sectional views of an exemplary manifold structure for a dual wick feed structure, in one or more implementations;

[Fig. 16A]

[Fig. 16B]

[Fig. 16C] illustrate a sectional side plan view of an exemplary cartridge, a side plan view of an exemplary wick member housed in a manifold structure, and a perspective view of the cartridge.

exemplary touch with the collector structure, respectively, according to one or more implementations;

[Fig. 17A]

[Fig. 17B] illustrate a perspective view of a first side of a car-

key and a sectional view of a second side of the cartridge having a wick member that protrudes into the storage chamber, according to one or more implementations;

[Fig. 18A]

[Fig. 18B]

[Fig. 18C]

[Fig. 18D] illustrate an example of a heating element and an air flow passageway in a vaporizer cartridge according to one or more implementations;

[Fig. 19A]

[Fig. 19B]

[Fig. 19C] illustrate an example of a heating element and an air flow path in a vaporizer cartridge, according to one or more implementations;

[Fig. 20A]

[Fig. 20B]

[Fig. 20C] illustrate an example of a heating element and an air flow path in a vaporizer cartridge, according to one or more implementations;

[Fig. 21A]

[Fig. 21B] illustrate side views of exemplary manifold structures.

which include one or more ribs or bead profiles that support certain manufacturing techniques for securing the manifold to a storage chamber in the cartridge;

[Fig. 22A] [Fig. 22B] illustrate an example of a heating element, according to one or more implementations; [Fig. 23] illustrates an example of part of a wick housing, according to one or more implementations; [Fig. 24] illustrates an example of an identification chip, according to one or more implementations; [Fig. 25] illustrates perspective, front, side and exploded views of an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge;

[Fig. 26A] illustrates perspective, front, side, bottom, and top views of an exemplary embodiment of a manifold with a V-shaped vent;

[Fig. 26B] [Fig. 26C] illustrate perspective and sectional views of exemplary manifold structures from different viewing angles, with a focus on structural details for securing the placement of a bit member and bit housing by. relative to an atomizer towards one end of a cartridge, according to one or more implementations;

[Fig. 26D]

[Fig. 26F]

[Fig. 26F] illustrate top plan views of exemplary wick feed mechanisms formed or structured through the manifold, in one or more implementations;

[Fig. 27A]

[Fig. 27B] illustrate front views of exemplary flow management mechanisms in the collector structure, according to one or more implementations;

[Fig. 28] illustrates a front view of an exemplary cartridge containing an exemplary manifold structure;

[Fig. 29A]

[Fig. 29B]

[Fig. 29C] illustrate perspective, front and side views, respectively.

Eventually, an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge;

[Fig. 30A]

[Fig. 30B] [Fig. 30C]

[Fig. 30D]

[Fig. 30E]

[Fig.

SOF] illustrate perspective views of an exemplary cartridge at different fill levels, according to one or more embodiments;

[Fig. 31A]

[Fig. 31B]

[Fig. 31C] illustrate front views of an exemplary cartridge as filled and assembled according to one embodiment;

[Fig. 32A]

[Fig. 32B]

[Fig. 32C] illustrate front, top and bottom views of an exemplary cartridge air path;

[Fig. 33A]

[Fig. 33B] illustrate front and top views of an exemplary cartridge with an air flow path, liquid supply channels, and a condensate collection system;

[Fig. 34A] [Fig. 34B] illustrate front and side views of an exemplary cartridge body with an external air flow path;

[Fig. 35]

[Fig. 36] illustrate a perspective view of part of an exemplary cartridge with a manifold structure having an air gap at the lower rib of the manifold structure;

[Fig. 37A]

[Fig. 37B]

[Fig. 37C] illustrate top views of various exemplary wick feed forms for a cartridge; [Fig. 37D] [Fig. 37E] are exemplary embodiments of a manifold with a dual wick feed implementation; [Fig. 38] illustrates a close-up view of one end of the wick feed which is positioned proximate the wick and configured to at least partially receive the wick; [Fig. 39] illustrates a perspective view of an example manifold structure.

please having a square design wick feed in combination with an air gap at one end of the overflow passageway;

[Fig. 40A] illustrates a rear view of the manifold structure with four separate ejection sites, for example;

[Fig. 40B] illustrates a side view of the collector structure showing in particular a clip-like end portion of a wick feed which can hold the wick firmly in the path of the wick feed, for example;

[Fig. 40C] illustrates a top view of the manifold structure with wick feed channels for receiving vaporizable material from the cartridge storage chamber and leading vaporizable material to the wick which is held in position at the end of the wick. wick feed channels through the protruding ends of the wick feed channels;

[Fig. 40D] illustrates a front plan view of the manifold structures.

As shown, an air gap cavity may be formed at the lower portion of the manifold structure at the end of a lower rib of the manifold structure where the overflow passageway of the manifold leads to an end. air regulation vent in communication with the ambient air;

[Fig. 40E] illustrates a bottom view of the manifold structure with wick feed channels terminating in the clip-like protrusion, which are configured to hold the wick in position on each end; [Fig. 41 A]

[Fig. 41B] illustrate top and side plan views of the collector structure with two gripper-shaped end portions of the two corresponding wick feeds;

[Fig. 42A] [Fig. 42B] illustrate different perspective, top and side views of an exemplary manifold with different structural implementations; [Fig. 43A] illustrates various perspective, top, and side views of an exemplary wick housing, according to one or more embodiments;

[Fig. 43B] illustrates the manifold and wick housing components of an exemplary cartridge in which a protruding tab is configured in the structure of the wick housing to be received by insertion into a receiving notch or recess in a receptacle. corresponding lower part of the collector;

[Fig. 44A] illustrates an exploded perspective view of an embodiment

tion of a cartridge, compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 44B] illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of a cartridge compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 44C] illustrates a perspective view from below of one embodiment of a cartridge compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 45] is a schematic view of a heating element intended for use in a vaporizer device compatible with the implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 46] shows a schematic view of a heating element for use in a vaporizer device compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 47] is a schematic view of a heating element intended for use in a vaporizer device compatible with the implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 48] is a schematic view of a posi-

tioned in a vaporizer cartridge for use in a vaporizer device compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 49] shows a heating element and a wicking element compatible with the embodiments of the present invention;

[Fig. 50] shows a heating element and a wicking element compatible with the embodiments of the present invention; [Fig. 51] shows a heating element and a wick element posi-

contained in a vaporizer cartridge compatible with the implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 52] shows a heater and wick element positioned in a vaporizer cartridge compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 53] shows a heating element positioned in a vaporizer cartridge compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 54] shows a heating element in an unfolded position compatible with embodiments of the present invention;

[Fig. 55] shows a heating element in a folded position compatible with embodiments of the present invention;

[Fig. 56] shows a heating element in a folded position compatible with embodiments of the present invention; [Fig. 57] shows a heating element in an unfolded position com-

compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 58] shows a heating element in a partially folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 59] shows a heating element in a partially folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 60] shows a heating element in a partially folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 61] shows a heating element in a partially folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 62] shows a heating element in a partially folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 63] shows a heating element in an unfolded position compatible with embodiments of the present invention;

[Fig. 64] shows a heating element in a folded position compatible with embodiments of the present invention; [Fig. 65] shows a heating element in a partially folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 66] shows a heating element in a partially folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 67] shows a heating element in a partially folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 68] shows a heating element in a partially folded position and a wick element compatible with embodiments of the present invention;

[Fig. 69] shows a heating element in a folded position and a wick element compatible with embodiments of the present invention;

[Fig. 70] shows a heating element in a folded position and a wick element compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 71] shows a heating element in an unfolded position com-

compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 72] shows a heating element in an unfolded position compatible with embodiments of the present invention; [Fig. 73] shows a heating element in an unfolded position compatible with embodiments of the present invention;

[Fig. 74] shows a heating element in an unfolded position compatible with embodiments of the present invention; [Fig. 75] shows a heating element coupled with a portion of a vaporizer cartridge compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 76] shows a heating element and wicking element positioned in a vaporizer cartridge compatible with embodiments of the present invention;

[Fig. 77] shows a heating element in a partially folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 78] shows a heating element in a partially folded position and a wick element compatible with embodiments of the present invention;

[Fig. 79] shows a heating element having a plated portion, in an unfolded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 80] shows a heating element having a plated portion, in a folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 81] shows a heating element having a plated portion posi-

housed in a vaporizer cartridge compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 82] shows a perspective view of a heating element in a folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 83] shows a side view of a heating element in a folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 84] shows a front view of a heating element in a folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 85] shows a perspective view of a heating element in a folded position and a wick element compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 86] shows a heating element positioned in a vaporizer cartridge compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 87] is a perspective view of a heating element in a folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 88] shows a side view of a heating element in a folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 89] shows a top view of a heating element in a folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 90] shows a front view of a heating element in a folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 91] shows a perspective view of a heating element in an unfolded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 92] shows a top view of a heating element in an unfolded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 93A] is a perspective view of a heating element in a folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 93B] is a perspective view of a heating element in a folded position compatible with implementations herein.

vention;

[Fig. 94] shows a side view of a heating element in a folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 95] shows a top view of a heating element in a folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 96] shows a front view of a heating element in a folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 97A] shows a perspective view of a heating element in an unfolded position compatible with implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 97B] shows a perspective view of a heating element in an unfolded position compatible with implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 98A] shows a top view of a heating element in an unfolded position compatible with implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 98B] shows a top view of a heating element in an unfolded position compatible with implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 99] is a perspective view of an atomizer assembly compatible with implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 100] is a perspective view from below of an atomizer assembly compatible with implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 101] is an exploded perspective view of an atomizer assembly compatible with implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 102] shows a perspective view of a heat shield compatible with the implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 103A] is a side sectional view of an atomizer assembly compatible with implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 103B] shows another side sectional view of an atomizer assembly compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 104] schematically represents a heating element compatible with the implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 105] is a perspective view of a heating element in a folded position compatible with the implementations of the present invention.

vention;

[Fig. 106] shows a side view of a heating element in a folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 107] shows a perspective view of a heating element in a folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 108] shows a side view of a heating element in a folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 109] shows a top view of a substrate material with a heating element compatible with the implementations of the present invention;

[Fig. 110] shows a top view of a heating element in an unfolded position compatible with the implementations of the present invention.

tion;

[Fig. 111A] is a top perspective view of an atomizer assembly compatible with implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 111B] shows a close-up view of a portion of a wick housing of an atomizer assembly compatible with implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 112] is a perspective view from below of an atomizer assembly compatible with implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 113] is an exploded perspective view of an atomizer assembly compatible with implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 114A] [Fig. 114B]

[Fig. 114C] show a method of assembling an atomizer compatible with embodiments of the present invention; [Fig. 115A] [Fig. 115B] [Fig. 115C] show a method of assembling an atomizer compatible with the implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 116] is a flowchart illustrating the characteristics of a method for forming and implementing a heating element compatible with the implementations of the present invention; [Fig. 117] illustrates one embodiment of a vaporizer cartridge; [Fig. 118] illustrates one embodiment of a mouthpiece for a vaporizer cartridge and / or a vaporizer device; [Fig. 119A] illustrates a side sectional view of a vaporizer cartridge condensate recirculation system; [Fig. 119B] illustrates a first perspective view of the condensate recycling system of Figure 119A; and [Fig. 119C] illustrates a second perspective view of the condensate recycling system of Figure 119A.

Where appropriate, the same reference numbers or similar reference numbers designate the same structures, characteristics, aspects or elements or structures, characteristics, aspects or similar or equivalent elements according to one or more implementations. Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments A vaporizer configured to convert liquid vaporizable material to gas phase and / or aerosol phase (e.g., gas phase suspension and particulate phase material in air which is in local equilibrium relative between phases) may typically include a reservoir or storage vessel (also referred to herein as a reservoir, storage compartment, or storage volume) containing a volume of liquid vaporizable material, an atomizer (which may also be referred to as the term atomizer assembly), a heating element (e.g. an electrically resistive element through which electric current is passed to result in the conversion of electric current into thermal energy) which heats the vaporizable material liquid to result in the conversion of at least some part of the vaporizable liquid material to the gas phase and an element wick (which may be referred to simply as a wick, but which generally refers to an element or combination of elements which exerts a capillary force to draw liquid vaporizable material from the reservoir to the location where it is heated by the action of the heating element). The resulting vaporizable liquid gas-phase material may, in some cases (depending on a variety of factors) then (and optionally almost immediately) begin to condense at least partially as an aerosol in the air. air passing through, on, near, around, etc. of the atomizer.

As the liquid vaporizable material in the wick member is heated and converted to the gas phase (and then optionally to aerosol), the volume of the liquid vaporizable material in the reservoir is reduced.

In the absence of a mechanism to allow the introduction of air or some other substance into the void space (for example a part of the reservoir volume not occupied by the liquid vaporizable material) created in the reservoir when the volume of liquid vaporizable material therein is reduced by gas / aerosol phase conversion, a reduced pressure condition (eg at least partial vacuum) results in the reservoir.

This state of reduced pressure can undesirably affect the efficiency of the wicking element in sucking vaporizable material from the storage compartment or reservoir near the heating element, to be vaporized in the gas phase as the pressure partial vacuum works against the capillary pressure created in the wick element.

More particularly, a state of reduced pressure in the reservoir can result in insufficient saturation of the wick and ultimately a lack of sufficient vaporizable material that is supplied to the atomizer for reliable operation of the vaporizer. To counteract the state of reduced pressure, ambient air may be allowed to enter the tank to equalize the pressure between the inside of the tank and the ambient pressure. Allowing air to re-fill the void space in the reservoir which is created by the vaporized liquid vaporizable material can take place in some vaporizers by passing air into the reservoir through the wick element. However, this method may generally require the wick element to be at least partially dry. Since a dry wick member cannot be readily obtained and / or may not be desirable for reliable operation of the vaporizer, another typical approach is to provide a vent to allow pressure equalization. between ambient conditions and in the tank.

The presence of air in the void space of a tank, whether through the wick or through another vent or vent structure, can create one or more other problems. For example, once the air pressure in the empty space of the tank is equalized (or at least about to be equalized) with the ambient pressure, and in particular when the empty space filled with l The air increases in volume relative to the total tank volume, creating a negative pressure differential (for example, the air in the void space being at a pressure greater than the ambient pressure) between the air under vacuum and ambient conditions, may lead to leakage of liquid vaporizable material from the reservoir, for example through the wick, through any vent that is provided, etc. A negative pressure differential between the air in the tank and the present ambient pressure can be created by one or more factors, for example the heating of the air in the empty space (for example by maintaining the tank. - see in one hand, by passing the vaporizer from a cold zone to a hot zone, etc.), the mechanical forces which can deform the shape and thus reduce the internal volume of the tank (for example the pressure on a part of the vaporizer causes deformation of the tank volume, etc.), a rapid drop in ambient pressure (for example as may occur in an airplane cabin during air movement, when a car or a train entering or exiting a tunnel, when a window is opened or closed while a vehicle is moving at high speed, etc.) or the like.

Leaks of liquid vaporizable material from a reservoir of a vaporizer such as those described above are generally undesirable, as leaked liquid vaporizable material can create an unintentional mess (for example by staining clothes or others. articles near the vaporizer), can make its way into a vaporizer inhalation path and thus be ingested by a user, can interfere with the operation of the vaporizer (for example by fouling a pressure sensor, by affecting the operating capacity of electrical circuits and / or switches, by fouling the charging ports and / or the connections between a cartridge and a vaporizer body, etc.) or the like.

Leakage of liquid vaporizable material can thus interfere with the functionality and cleanliness of the vaporizer.

Examples of vaporizers include, without limitation, electronic vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) or devices and systems with the same structural or functional characteristics or capabilities or characteristics or similar or equivalent structural or functional capacities.

Figure 1 shows an example block diagram of an example vaporizer 100. Vaporizer 100 may include a vaporizer body 110 and a vaporizer cartridge 120 (also referred to simply as vaporizer cartridge 120). The vaporizer body 110 may include a power source 112 (eg, a battery which may be rechargeable), and a controller.

command 104 (eg, a programmable logic device, processor, or circuitry capable of executing logic code) for controlling the distribution of heat to atomizer 141 to cause vaporizable material (not shown) to be converted to 'a condensed form (for example a solid, a liquid, a solution, a suspension, an at least partially untreated plant material, etc.) to a gas phase, or more generally, so that the vaporizable material is converted into a form inhalable or a precursor of an inhalable form.

In this context, an inhalable form can be a gas or an aerosol, or some other form suspended in air.

A precursor of an inhalable form may comprise a gas phase state of the vaporizable material which at least partially condenses to form an aerosol at a given time (optionally immediately or almost immediately or alternatively with a certain delay or after a certain amount of cooling) after the formation of the gas phase state.

The controller 104 may be part of one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) compatible with some implementations and may be used to control certain characteristics of the vaporizer body 110 in combination.

ciation with one or more sensors 113. As shown, vaporizer body 110, in some implementations of the present invention, may include one or more sensors 113, vaporizer body contacts 125, gasket 115, and optionally a cartridge receptacle 118 configured to receive at least a portion of a vaporizer cartridge 120 for coupling with vaporizer body 110 by one or more of a variety of attachment structures.

As discussed above with reference to Figures 7A through 7D, a male or female receptacle construction or some of its combinations can be used to couple the vaporizer cartridge 120 with the vaporizer body 110. For example, in some implementations. In accordance with the present invention, an inner portion of a first end of the cartridge may be received in a cartridge receptacle 118 of the vaporizer body 110 while an outer portion of the first end of the cartridge at least partially covers a certain portion of an exterior surface of a structure of the vaporizer body 110 which forms the cartridge receptacle 118. Such an arrangement for coupling a vaporizer cartridge 120 to a vaporizer body 110 may allow a method of. Convenient, easy-to-use assembly which also provides sufficient mechanical coupling resistance to prevent unintentional separation of the 120 e vaporizer cartridge t of the vaporizer body 110. Such a configuration can also provide the resistance desirable to flex the vaporizer formed by coupling the vaporizer cartridge 120 to the vaporizer body 110. With respect to the vaporizer body contacts 125, it should be understood that these The latter may also be referred to as "receptacle contacts 125", particularly in implementations where the corresponding cartridge contacts 124 (discussed below) are part of a vapor cartridge. sator 120 which is inserted into a receptacle or receptacle-like structure on the vaporizer body 110. However, the terms "vaporizer body contacts 125" and / or "receptacle contacts 125" are also used herein as aspects of the present invention are not limited thereto (and can be used to provide various advantages in systems different from those in which) the coupling electrical connection between a vaporizer cartridge 120 and a vaporizer body 110 may take place between the contacts in a cartridge receptacle 118 on the vaporizer body 110 and on a portion of the vaporizer cartridge 120 which is inserted into the cartridge receptacle. key 118. In some examples, the vaporizer cartridge 120 may include a reservoir 140 for containing a liquid vaporizable material and a mouthpiece 130 for delivering a dose of an inhalable form of the vaporizable material.

The mouthpiece may optionally be a separate component of the structure which forms the reservoir 140, or alternatively it may be formed from the same part or the same component which forms at least part of the one or more. multiple walls of reservoir 140. The liquid vaporizable material in reservoir 140 may be a carrier solution in which active or inactive ingredients can be suspended, dissolved or held in solution, or a pure liquid form of the vaporizable material itself.

According to one implementation, a vaporizer cartridge 120 may include an atomizer 141 which may include a wick or a wick element as well as a heater (eg, a heater). As mentioned above, the wick member can include any material which can cause fluid to be absorbed by capillary pressure by the wick to transport an amount of a liquid vaporizable material to a portion. of the atomizer 141 which includes the heating element.

The wick and the heating element are not shown in Figure 1, but are described and discussed in more detail herein with reference at least to Figures 3A, 3B and 4. In summary, the wick element can be configured to. sucking liquid vaporizable material from a reservoir 140 configured to contain liquid vaporizable material, so that liquid vaporizable material can be vaporized (i.e. converted to a gas phase state) by heat distributed from the heater element to the wick element and the liquid vaporizable material is drawn into the wick element.

In some implementations, air can enter a reservoir 140 through the wick member or other opening to at least partially equalize the pressure in the reservoir 140 in response to the liquid vaporizable material which. is withdrawn from reservoir 140 during vapor and / or aerosol formation.

As shown in Figure 1, the pressure sensor (and any of the other sensors) 113 can be positioned or coupled (eg, by electrical, electronic, physical or wireless connection) to the controller 104. Controller 104 may be a printed circuit board assembly or other type of circuit board.

To take measurements accurately and maintain the durability of the vaporizer 100, it may be beneficial to provide a resilient gasket 115 to separate an air flow path from other parts of the vaporizer 100. The gasket d The seal 115, which may be a gasket, may be configured to at least partially surround the pressure sensor 113 so that the connections of the pressure sensor 113 to the internal circuits of the vaporizer can be separated from a portion of the exposed pressure sensor to the air flow path.

The liquid vaporizable material used with the vaporizer 100 may be provided in a vaporizer cartridge 120 which can be refillable when empty or disposable in favor of a new cartridge containing additional vaporizable material of the same type or. a different type.

A vaporizer can be a vaporizer using a cartridge or a multi-purpose vaporizer that can be used with or without a cartridge.

For example, a multipurpose vaporizer may include a heating chamber (eg, an oven) configured to receive vaporizable material directly into the heating chamber and also to accommodate a cartridge or other replaceable device having a reservoir, volume or. another functional or structural equivalent for at least partially containing a usable amount of vaporizable material.

In an example of a vaporizer using a cartridge, the seal 115 may also separate parts of one or more electrical connections between the vaporizer body 110 and the vaporizer cartridge 120. These arrangements of the gasket 115 in vaporizer 100 may be helpful in reducing potential impacts-

on vaporizer components resulting from interactions with one or more environmental factors, such as condensed water, vaporizable material that leaks from a tank and / or condenses after vaporization, in order to reduce vaporization. air leakage from a conged air flow path in the vaporizer or the like.

Unwanted air, liquid, or other fluid passing through or in contact with the vaporizer 100 circuits can cause various undesirable effects, such as altered pressure readings, or can result in the buildup of material. unwanted (eg moisture, vaporizable material and / or the like) in parts of vaporizer 100 where unwanted material can cause a bad pressure signal, degradation of the pressure sensor or other electrical components or electric and / or shorter vaporizer life.

Leaks in the seal 115 can also result in a user inhaling air that has passed over parts of the vaporizer 100 containing or made of materials not suitable for inhalation.

Vaporizers configured to generate at least a portion of an inhalable dose of non-liquid vaporizable material via heating of non-liquid vaporizable material may also be within the scope of the disclosed invention.

For example, instead of or in addition to a liquid vaporizable material, the vaporizer cartridge 120 may comprise a mass of plant material or other non-liquid material (eg, a solid form of the vaporizable material itself. even such as a "Wax") which is processed and formed to have direct contact with at least part of one or more resistive heating elements (or to be heated by radiation and / or convection by a heating element), which may optionally be included in a vaporizer cartridge 120 or part of a vaporizer body 110. The solid vaporizable material (eg one which comprises plant material) may emit only a portion of the plant material as that vaporizable material (eg so that some part of the plant material remains as waste after the vaporizable material has been emitted for inhalation) or may be able to have all of the material so the aid which may be vaporized for inhalation. A liquid vaporizable material may also be capable of being completely vaporized or may include some portion of liquid material which remains after all of the material suitable for inhalation has been consumed. When configured with the vaporizable material and heater in vaporizer cartridge 120, vaporizer cartridge 120 can mechanically and electrically couple to vaporizer body 110, which can include a processor, source. supply 112 and one or more vaporizer body contacts 125 to connect to corresponding cartridge contacts 124 to complete a circuit with the resistive heating element included in vaporizer cartridge 120. A variety of applications can be implemented. variety of vaporizer configurations with one or more of the features described herein. In some implementations, vaporizer 100 may include a power source 112 as part of vaporizer body 110 while a heater may be disposed in vaporizer cartridge 120 configured to mate with vaporizer body.

110. Configured as such, vaporizer 100 may include electrical connection features to complete a circuit that includes controller 104, power source 112, and heater included in vaporizer cartridge 120. The termination features may, in some implementations of the present invention, include at least two cartridge contacts 124 on a bottom surface of the vaporizer cartridge 120 and at least two contacts 125 disposed near a base of the vaporizer receptacle. vaporizer cartridge 100, such that cartridge contacts 124 and receptacle contacts 125 make the electrical connections when vaporizer cartridge 120 is inserted into and coupled with cartridge receptacle 118. In some implementations of the vaporizer cartridge 120. In the present invention, the vaporizer body contacts 125 may be compressible pins (eg, POGO pins) which are retracted under the pressure of corresponding cartridge contacts 124 when a vaporizer cartridge is inserted and secured in cartridge receptacle 118. Other configurations are also contemplated. For example, brush contacts can be used which can make electrical connections to the corresponding contacts on a coupling part of a vaporizer cartridge. Such contacts do not need to make an electrical connection with the cartridge contacts on a lower end of the vaporizer cartridge 120, but can rather be coupled by being pushed out from one or more. side walls of cartridge receptacle 118 against cartridge contacts 124 on a portion of one side of vaporizer cartridge 120 which is in the receptacle when vaporizer cartridge 120 is properly seated in cartridge receptacle 118.

The circuit terminated by the electrical connections can allow the distribution of electric current to the resistive heating element and can further be used for additional functions such as to measure a resistance of the resistive heating element for use for heating purposes. determining or regulating the temperature of the resistive heating element based on a thermal coefficient of resistivity of the resistive heating element, to identify a vaporizer cartridge 120 based on one or more electrical characteristics of a resistive heating element or the other circuits of the vaporizer cartridge 120. In some examples, at least two cartridge contacts 124 and at least two vaporizer body contacts 125 (eg receptacle contacts for implementation in which part of a vaporizer cartridge 120 is inserted into a cartridge receptacle 118) can be configured in. ur electrically connect in either of at least two orientations. In other words, one or more circuits configured for the operation of vaporizer 100 may be terminated by inserting (or other assembly) of at least a portion of a vaporizer cartridge 120 into cartridge receptacle 118 within. a first orientation of rotation (e.g., about an axis along which the end of the vaporizer cartridge having the vaporizer cartridge 120 is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 of the vaporizer body 110) such that a first cartridge contact of the at least two cartridge contacts 124 is electrically connected to a first receptacle contact of the at least two receptacle contacts 125 and a second cartridge contact of the at least two cartridge contacts 124 is electrically connected to a second receptacle contact of the at least two receptacle contacts

125. Further, the one or more circuits configured for operation of vaporizer 100 may be terminated by inserting (or other assembly) of vaporizer cartridge 120 into cartridge receptacle 118 within one second. orientation of rotation such that the first cartridge contact of the at least two cartridge contacts 124 is electrically connected to the second receptacle contact of the at least two receptacle contacts 125 and the second cartridge contact of the at least two cartridge contacts 124 is electrically connected to the first receptacle contact of the at least two receptacle contacts 125. A vaporizer cartridge 120 may be reversibly inserted into a cartridge receptacle 118 of the vaporizer body 110, as further provided. detailed here. In an example of a fastening structure for coupling a vaporizer cartridge 120 to a vaporizer body 110, the vaporizer body 110 may include a snap (eg, notch, protrusion, etc.) projecting towards the end. interior from an interior surface of cartridge receptacle 118. One or more exterior surfaces of vaporizer cartridge 120 may include corresponding recesses (not shown in Figure 1) which may fit or snap into place. on these notches when one end of the vaporizer cartridge 120 is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 on the vaporizer body 110. The vaporizer cartridge 120 and the vaporizer body 110 can be coupled, for example, by inserting one end of the vaporizer cartridge 120 into the cartridge receptacle 118 of the vaporizer body 110. The snap into the vaporizer body 110 may fit into and / or may be n held in the recesses of the vaporizer cartridge 120 to hold the vaporizer cartridge 120 in place when assembled.

Such a snap-in assembly - recess can provide sufficient support to hold vaporizer cartridge 120 in place to ensure sufficient contact between the at least two cartridge contacts 124 and the at least two receiving contacts. lock 125, while allowing the release of the vaporizer cartridge 120 from the vaporizer body 110 when a user pulls, with reasonable force, on the vaporizer cartridge 120 to disengage the vaporizer cartridge 120 from the cartridge receptacle 118 In addition to the above discussion regarding the electrical connections between the vaporizer cartridge 120 and the vaporizer body 110 which is reversible such that at least two rotational orientations of the vaporizer cartridge 120 within the receptacle of the vaporizer. cartridge 118 may be possible, in some implementations of the vaporizer 100, the shape of the vaporizer cartridge 120 or at least one shape of the end of the Vaporizer cartridge 120 which is configured for insertion into cartridge receptacle 118, may have at least two orders of rotational symmetry.

In other words, the vaporizer cartridge 120 and at least the mechanical coupling characteristics and electrical contacts on the insertable end of the vaporizer cartridge 120 can be symmetrical upon a 180 ° rotation. about the axis along which the vaporizer cartridge 120 is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118. In such a configuration, the circuits of the vaporizer 100 can withstand an identical operation regardless of which the symmetrical orientation takes place. of the vaporizer cartridge 120. It should be understood that the entire insertable end of the cartridge is not necessarily symmetrical in all implementations of the present invention.

For example, a vaporizer cartridge 120 which has mechanical characteristics rotationally symmetrical to cooperate with corresponding characteristics inside or outside of a cartridge receptacle 118, which is formed and sized to fit inside the cartridge receptacle 118 of the vaporizer body 110 and which also has cartridge electrical contacts 124 with rotational symmetry and internal circuits (which may optionally be in either or both among the vaporizer cartridge 120 and the vaporizer body 110) which are compatible with the reversal of electrical contacts, is compatible with the present description even though all the shape and appearance of the insertable end of the because-

spray button 120 is not rotationally symmetrical.

As mentioned above, in some exemplary embodiments, the vaporizer cartridge 120, or at least one end of the vaporizer cartridge 120, is configured for insertion into the cartridge receptacle 118 and may have an end. non-circular cross section transverse to the axis along which the vaporizer cartridge 120 is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118. For example the non-circular cross section may be approximately rectangular, approximately elliptical (eg. example having an approximately oval shape), not rectangular but with two sets of opposite sides parallel or approximately parallel (for example having a non-parallelogram shape) or other shapes having a rotational symmetry of at least two orders. In this context, having approximately one shape indicates that a basic resemblance to the shape described is clearly apparent, but that the sides of the shape in question need not be completely linear and the vertices n do not need to be completely protruding. Some amount of rounding of both or each of the edges or vertices of the cross shape is contemplated in describing any of the non-circular cross sections referred to herein.

The at least two cartridge contacts 124 and the at least two receptacle contacts 125 can take different forms. For example, one or both sets of contacts may include conductive pins, tabs, posts, receiving holes for pins or posts or the like. Certain types of contacts may include springs or other pushing features to provide better physical and electrical contact between the contacts on the vaporizer cartridge and the vaporizer body. The electrical contacts can be gold plated and / or can include other materials.

A vaporizer 100 compatible with implementations of the present invention can be configured to connect (eg, with a wireless or wired connection) to one or more computer devices in communication with the vaporizer 100. To this end, controller 104 may include communications equipment 105. Controller 104 may also include memory 108. A computer device may be a component of a vaporizer system which also includes vaporizer 100. , and may include independent communication hardware, which can establish a wireless communication channel with communication hardware 105 of the vaporizer.

100.

A computing device used as part of the vaporizer system may include a generic computing device (eg, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, another wearable device such as a smartwatch or the like) that runs software to produce a computer. user interface to allow a user of the device to interact with a vaporizer 100. In other implementations, a device used as part of the vaporizer system may be dedicated hardware such as a remote control or a remote control. other wireless or wired device having one or more physical or software interface controls (eg configurable on a screen or other display device and selectable through user interaction with a touch screen or other input device such as a mouse, pointer, trackball, cursor buttons or the like). The vaporizer 100 can also include one or more inputs 117 or devices to provide information to the user.

A computer device that is part of a vaporizer system, as defined above may be used or any of one or more functions, such as dosage control (eg dose monitoring). , dose setting, dose limitation, user tracking, etc.), session control (e.g. session monitoring, session setting, session limitation, user tracking, etc.), controlling nicotine delivery (eg switching between nicotine and non-nicotine vaporizable material, adjusting an amount of nicotine delivered, etc.), obtaining location information ( e.g. location of other users, malls / retail locations, vaping places, relative or absolute location of the vaporizer itself, etc.), vaporizer customization (e.g. naming vaporizer, blocking / protect the vaporizer a with a password, adjust one or more parent controls, associate the vaporizer with a user group, register the vaporizer with a manufacturer or warranty maintenance organization, etc.), engagement in social activities (eg social network communications, interaction with one or more groups, etc.) with other users or the like.

The terms "session", "session", "vaporizer session" or "steam session" can be used to refer to a period of time spent using the vaporizer.

The period may include a period of time, a number of doses, an amount of vaporizable material, or the like.

In example in which a computing device provides signals relating to the activation of the resistive heating element, or in other examples to the coupling of a computing device with a vaporizer 100 for the implementation of the various control functions or Alternatively, the computing device executes one or more sets of computer instructions to provide a user interface and underlying data manipulation.

In one example, detection by the computing device of user interaction with one or more user interface elements may cause the computing device to signal vaporizer 100 to activate the heating element, at full operating temperature. for the creation of an inhalable vapor / aerosol dose.

Other functions of vaporizer 100 may be controlled by user interaction with a user interface on a computing device in communication with vaporizer 100. In some embodiments, vaporizer cartridge 120 for use with a body. Vaporizer 110 may include atomizer 141 having a wick element and a heater element.

Alternatively, one or both of the wick element and the heater element may (may) be part of the vaporizer body 110. In implementations where any part of the atomizer 141 ( for example a heater or wick element) is part of the vaporizer body 110, the vaporizer 100 can be configured to deliver liquid vaporizable material from a reservoir 140 in the vaporizer cartridge to the wick and other parts. atomizer, such as, for example, a wick element, a heating element, etc. Hair structures that include a wick member are understood by those skilled in the art to be only one of the potential embodiments usable with other features described herein. Heating element activation can be caused by automatic detection of the puff on the basis of one or more signals generated by one or more sensors 113, such as for example a pressure sensor or sensors arranged to detect. pressure along the air flow path relative to ambient pressure (or can measure absolute pressure changes), one or more vaporizer motion sensors 100, one or more vaporizer flow sensors vaporizer 100, a capacitive lip sensor of vaporizer 100; in response to sensing a user's interaction with one or more input devices 116 (e.g., buttons or other tactile controls of vaporizer 100), receiving signals from a communicating computing device with vaporizer 100 or other approaches to determine that a puff is taking place or is imminent.

The heating element may be or may include one or more of a conductive heater, a radiant heater, a convection heater. One type of heating element can be a resistive heating element, which can be made with or include at least one material (eg, a metal or alloy, eg, a nickel-chromium alloy, or a non-metallic resistor) configured to dissipating electrical energy in the form of heat when electrical current is passed through one or more resistive segments of a heating element.

In some implementations, the atomizer 141 may include a heating element which comprises a resistive coil or other heating element wound around, positioned in, integrated in a volumetric form of, compressed in thermal contact with, positioned in. proximity to, configured to heat air to cause convection heating or otherwise arranged to deliver heat to a wick member to cause liquid vaporizable material sucked by wick member of a tank 140 to be vaporized for l successive inhalation by a user in a gaseous and / or condensed phase (for example particles or aerosol drops). Other wick element, heater, or atomizer assembly configurations may also be possible, as discussed in more detail below.

After the conversion of the vaporizable material to the gas phase, and depending on the type of vaporizer, the physical and chemical properties of the vaporizable material or other factors, at least some of the vaporizable material in the gas phase may condense in particulate form in at least partial local equilibrium with the gas phase which is part of an aerosol, which may form some or all of an inhalable dose delivered by vaporizer 100 for a puff delivered or drawn onto the vaporizer.

It should be understood that the interaction between the gaseous and condensed phases in an aerosol generated by a vaporizer can be complex and dynamic, such as factors such as ambient temperature, relative humidity, chemistry (e.g. acid-base interactions, protonation or its lack of a compound released from the vaporizable material on heating, etc.), flow conditions in air flow paths (both at the (inside the vaporizer and in the airways of a human or other animal), mixing a vaporizable material in the gas phase or aerosol phase with other air streams, or the like may affect one or more several of the physical and / or chemical parameters of an aerosol.

In certain vaporizers, and in particular in vaporizers for the distribution of several materials

Vaporizable volatile compounds, the inhalable dose may exist predominantly in the gas phase (ie, the formation of particles in the condensed phase may be very limited).

As mentioned herein, some vaporizers may also (or alternatively may) be configured to create an inhalable dose of vaporizable material in the gas phase and / or in the aerosol phase at least in part by heating a non-vaporizable material. liquid, such as for example a vaporizable material in solid phase (for example a wax or the like) or a plant material (for example tobacco leaves or pieces of tobacco leaves) containing the vaporizable material. In these vaporizers, a resistive heating element may be part of or incorporated into or in thermal contact with the walls of an oven or other heating chamber in which the non-liquid vaporizable material is placed.

Alternatively, a resistive heating element (s) may be used to heat the air passing through or beyond the non-liquid vaporizable material to cause convection heating of the material. non-liquid vaporizable material. Still in other examples, a resistive heating element (s) can (can) be arranged in intimate contact with the plant material so that the direct conduction heating of the plant material takes place from within a mass of plant material (eg, as opposed to heating by conduction inward from the walls of an oven).

The heating element can be activated by means of a controller 104, which may be part of a vaporizer body 110. The controller 104 can cause current to pass through the power source 112. by a circuit comprising the resistive heating element, which may be part of a vaporizer cartridge 120. The controller 104 may be activated in association with a user puff (eg aspiration, inhalation, etc.) on a mouthpiece 130 of vaporizer 100 which can cause air to flow through an air inlet, along an air flow path which passes through an atomizer 141. An atomizer 141 may include a wick in combination with a heating element, for example.

The air flow, caused by the user's puff, can pass through one or more zones or condensation chambers in and / or downstream of the atomizer 141 and then to an air outlet in the mouthpiece. Incoming air passing along the airflow path can thus pass on, through, near, around, etc. atomizer 141, so that vaporizable material in the gas phase (or other inhalable form of vaporizable material) is entrained in the air due to atomizer 141 which converts a certain amount of vaporizable material into ga phase - zeuse. As mentioned above, the entrained vaporizable gas phase material can condense as it passes through the remainder of the airflow path so that an inhalable dose of the vaporizable material in the form of a vapor. The aerosol can be delivered through the air outlet (eg, through a mouthpiece 130 for inhalation by a user). The temperature of a resistive heating element of a vaporizer 100 may depend on one or more factors, including an amount of electrical energy delivered to the resistive heating element or a duty cycle at which the energy is distributed, heat transfer by conduction and / or radiation to other parts of the vaporizer 100 or to the environment, specific heat transfer to air and / or liquid or to vaporizable material in the gas phase (e.g. raising the temperature of a vaporizable material to its point of vaporization or by raising a temperature of a gas such as air and / or air mixed with the vaporized vaporizable material), latent heat losses due to vaporization of vaporizable material from the wick and / or atomizer 141 as a whole, convective heat losses due to air flow (e.g. air moving over the element heater or the atomizer 141 in its set ble when a user

hale the vaporizer 100), etc.

As mentioned above, to reliably activate the heating element or heat the heating element to a desired temperature, a vaporizer 100 may, in some implementations, use signals from a pressure sensor. to determine when a user inhales.

The pressure sensor can be positioned in the air flow path or can be connected (for example, by a passageway or other path) to an air flow path connecting an inlet so that the air enters the device and an outlet through which the user inhales the resulting vapor and / or the resulting aerosol so that the pressure sensor undergoes pressure changes simultaneously with the passage of air through the vaporizer 100 of the air inlet at the air outlet.

In some implementations, the heating element may be activated in conjunction with a user's puff, for example by automatic detection of the puff, for example by the pressure sensor which detects a change in pressure in the flow path. air.

Referring to Figures 1, 2A and 2B, the vaporizer cartridge 120 may be releasably inserted into the vaporizer body 110 by means of the cartridge receptacle 118. As seen in Figure 2A which illustrates a plan view of a vaporizer body 110 in proximity to a vaporizer cartridge 120, a reservoir 140 of the vaporizer cartridge 120 may be formed as a whole or in part from a translucent material such that a level of the liquid vaporizable material 102 in the vaporizer cartridge 120 may be visible.

The vaporizer cartridge 120 can be configured so that the level of vaporizable material 102 in the reservoir 140 of the vaporizer cartridge 120 remains visible through a window in the vaporizer body 110 when the vaporizer cartridge 120 is. received in cartridge receptacle 118. Alternatively or in addition, a level of liquid vaporizable material 102 in reservoir 140 can be observed through a transparent or translucent outer wall or window formed in an outer wall of the cartridge. vaporizer 120. Air Flow Path Embodiments Referring to Figures 2C and 2D, an exemplary vaporizer cartridge 120 is illustrated in which an air flow path 134 is created during a puff by a vaporizer. user onto vaporizer 100. Air flow path 134 can direct air to a vaporization chamber 150 (see, for example, Figure 2D) contained in a housing of the vaporizer. wick where air is combined with the inhalable aerosol for delivery to a user via a mouthpiece 130, which may also be part of the vaporizer cartridge 120. The vaporizer chamber 150 can include and / or surround at less partially an atomizer 141 compatible with the remainder of the present description.

For example, when a user pulls on the vaporizer 100, the air flow path 134 may pass between an outer surface of the vaporizer cartridge 120 (eg, window 132) and an internal surface of the vaporizer. a cartridge receptacle 118 on the vaporizer body 110. Air may then be drawn into an insertable end 122 of the cartridge, through the vaporization chamber 150 which includes or contains the heating element and the wick element, and exits through an outlet 136 of the mouthpiece 130 for dispensing the inhalable aerosol to a user.

Other airflow path configurations are also within the scope of this description, including but not limited to those discussed in more detail below.

Figure 2D shows additional features that may be included in a vaporizer cartridge 120 compatible with the present invention.

For example, vaporizer cartridge 120 may include a plurality of cartridge contacts (such as cartridge contacts 124) disposed on insertable end 122, which is configured to be inserted into cartridge receptacle 118 of a. vaporizer body 110. Cartridge contacts 124 may optionally be part of a single piece of metal which forms a conductive structure (such as conductive structure 126) connected to either end of a member. resistive heating. The conductive structure may optionally form opposite sides of a heating chamber and may optionally serve as heat shields and / or heat sinks to reduce heat transmission to the outer walls of the vaporizer cartridge 120. Further details from this aspect are described below. Figure 2D also shows a cannula 128 (which is an example of a more general concept also referred to herein as an air flow path) in the vaporizer cartridge 120 which defines part of the air flow path. air flow 134 passing between a heating chamber (also referred to herein as an atomizer chamber, a vaporization chamber, or the like), which may be formed at least in part by the conductive structure 126 and the mouthpiece

130. This configuration causes air to descend around the insertable end 122 of the vaporizer cartridge 120 into the cartridge receptacle 118 and then return in the opposite direction after passing around the insertable end 122 ( for example an end opposite the end which includes the mouthpiece 130) of the vaporizer cartridge 120 as it enters the cartridge body towards the vaporization chamber 150. The air flow path 134 then moves into the interior of vaporizer cartridge 120, through one or more tubes or internal channels (such as cannula 128) and through one or more outlets (such as outlet 136) formed in the mouthpiece mouth 130. Pressure equalization vent As mentioned above, removal of vaporizable material 102 from reservoir 140 (eg via capillary suction by the wick member) can create at least partial vacuum (eg. reduced pressure cr in a part of the reservoir which has been emptied by the consumption of the liquid vaporizable material) relative to the ambient air pressure in the reservoir 140, and this vacuum may interfere with the capillary action provided by the wick element.

This reduced pressure may, in some examples, be large enough to reduce the effectiveness of the wicking member to draw liquid vaporizable material 102 into vaporization chamber 150, thereby reducing the efficiency of vaporizer 100 to vaporize a vaporizer. desired amount of vaporizable material 102, such as when a user draws a puff on vaporizer 100. In extreme cases, a vacuum created in reservoir 140 may arise from the inability to draw all of vaporizable material 102 into the chamber. vaporization 150, thereby leading to incomplete use of vaporizable material 102. One or more vent features may be included in association with a vaporizer reservoir 140 (regardless of the positioning of reservoir 140 in a vaporizer cartridge 120 or elsewhere in a vaporizer) to allow to at least partially equalize (optionally completely equalize) the pressure in the network Review 140 with the ambient pressure (for example the ambient air pressure outside the tank 140) to reduce this problem.

In some cases, while allowing pressure equalization in reservoir 140 improves the efficiency of dispensing liquid vaporizable material into atomizer 141, it does so by bringing in the void, otherwise empty volume (e.g. space emptied by the use of the liquid vaporizable material) in the reservoir 140, to be filled with air.

As discussed in more detail below, this air-filled void volume can then undergo pressure changes relative to ambient air, resulting, under certain conditions, in the leakage of liquid vaporizable material out of reservoir 140. and finally on the outside of a vaporizer cartridge

120 and / or some other part of a vaporizer that contains reservoir 140. Implementations of the present invention can also provide advantages and benefits relating to this problem.

Various features and devices which overcome these problems are described below.

For example, various features are described herein for regulating the air flow as well as the flow of vaporizable material, which may provide advantages and improvements over existing approaches, while also introducing additional benefits such as described here.

The vaporizer devices and / or cartridges described herein include one or more features that control and enhance the flow of air through the device and / or vaporization chamber, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of vaporizing the vaporizable material. liquid by the vaporizer device without introducing any additional characteristics that may lead to leakage of liquid vaporizable material.

Figures 2E and 2F show diagrams of the first and second embodiments, respectively, of reservoir systems 200A, 200B configured for a vaporizer cartridge (such as vaporizer cartridge 120) and / or a vaporizer device (such as. than vaporizer 100) to improve pressure equalization and airflow through the vaporizer.

More specifically, the tank systems 200A, 200B shown in Figures 2E and 2F improve the pressure regulation in the tank 240 so that a vacuum created in the tank 240 is released after a user has pulled the handle. vaporizer while reducing or even eliminating the incidence of leakage of liquid vaporizable material through the vent structure.

This allows the capillary action of the porous material (eg, wick member) associated with the reservoir 240 and the vaporization chamber 242, to continue to effectively draw vaporizable material 202 from the reservoir 240 into the vaporization chamber 242. after each puff.

As shown in Figures 2E and 2F, the reservoir systems

200A, 200B include reservoir 240 configured to contain liquid vaporizable material 202. Reservoir 240 is sealed on all sides by reservoir walls 232 except by a wick housing area which extends between reservoir 240 and vaporization chamber 242. A heater or heater may be contained in vaporization chamber 242 and coupled to the wick member.

The wick member is configured to provide the capillary action which draws vaporizable material 202 from reservoir 240 to vaporization chamber 242 to be aerosolized by the heater.

The aerosol is then combined with the airflow 234 moving along an airflow path 238 of the vaporizer for inhalation by a user.

Reservoir systems 200A, 200B also include an air flow restrictor 244 which restricts the air flow passage 234 along the vaporizer air flow path 238, as when a user pulls the vaporizer.

The restriction of air flow 234 caused by the air flow restrictor 244 may allow a vacuum to be formed along a portion of the air flow path 238 downstream from the air flow path. air flow restrictor 244. The vacuum created along the air flow path 238 can assist in sucking the aerosol formed in a vaporization chamber 242 (eg, a chamber containing at least a portion. atomizer 141) along air flow path 238 for inhalation by a user.

At least one airflow restrictor 244 can be included in each of the tank systems 200A, 200B and the airflow restrictor 244 can include any number of features to restrict airflow. 234 along the air flow path 238. As shown in Figures 2E and 2F, each of the tank systems 200A, 200B may also include a vent 246 configured to selectively allow the passage of air. in the tank 240 to increase the pressure in the tank 240, in order to release the tank

240 of negative pressure (vacuum) to ambient pressure, resulting in vaporizable material 202 being drawn out of reservoir 240, as discussed above.

At least one vent 246 may be associated with the reservoir 240. The vent 246 may be an active or passive valve and the vent 246 may include any number of features to allow air to pass into the reservoir 240 for. releasing the negative pressure created in reservoir 240. For example, one embodiment of vent 246 may include a vent passageway that extends between tank 240 and the flow passageway. air 238 and includes a diameter (or more generally, a cross-sectional area) which is sized so that a fluid tension (also referred to as surface tension) of the vaporizable material 202 prevents the vaporizable material 202 from spreading. pass through the passageway when the pressure is equalized on the vent 246 (eg, the pressure in the reservoir 240 is approximately the same as the pressure in the air flow passageway 238). However, the diameter (or more generally the cross-sectional area) of the vent 246 and / or the vent passageway can be sized so that a vacuum pressure created in the reservoir 240 can overcome the stress. of vaporizable material 202 in the vent 246 or the vent passageway to cause an air bubble to be released into the reservoir 240 from the vent in response to a sufficiently low pressure in the reservoir 240 compared to at ambient pressure.

Therefore, a volume of air can pass through the air flow passageway 238 to the reservoir 240 and release the vacuum pressure.

Once the volume of air is added to the reservoir 240, the pressure is again more closely equalized on the vent 246, thus allowing the surface tension of the vaporizable material 202 to prevent the entry of air into it. reservoir 240, as well as preventing the escape of vaporizable material from reservoir 240 through the vent passage.

In an exemplary embodiment, a diameter of the vent 246 or the vent passageway may be in the range of approximately 0.3mm to 0.6mm, and may also include diameters within a range of. range of approximately 0.1 to 2 mm. In some examples, the vent 246 and / or the vent passageway may be non-circular, so that it may be characterized by a non-circular cross section along a direction of fluid flow in. the vent passageway.

In such an example, the cross-section is not defined by a diameter, but rather by a cross-sectional area. Generally speaking, if the cross-sectional shape of the vent 246 and / or the vent passageway is circular or non-circular, in some implementations of the present invention it may be advantageous for the cross-sectional area of the vent to be circular or non-circular. vent 246 differs along its path between exposure to ambient air pressure and the interior of reservoir 240. For example, a portion of vent 246 closer to exterior ambient pressure may advantageously have a smaller cross-sectional area (eg, a smaller diameter in the example where the vent 246 has a circular cross-section) relative to a portion of the vent 246 closer to the interior of the reservoir 240. The smaller cross-sectional area closer to the exterior of the system can provide greater resistance to the discharge of liquid vaporizable material while the larger cross-sectional area closer to the interior of tank 240 may provide greater resistance to the discharge of liquid vaporizable material. The relatively reduced resistance to venting an air bubble from vent 246 into reservoir 240. In some implementations of the present invention, the transition from the smallest cross-sectional area to the largest cross-sectional area may advantageously not be continuous, but rather involve a discontinuity along a length of vent 246 and / or the vent passageway. Such a structure may be useful in providing greater overall resistance for discharge of liquid material than for balancing tank pressure by releasing air bubbles from vent 246 because the greater cross-sectional area near the reservoir may have lower capillary entrainment compared to the smaller cross-sectional area exposed to ambient air.

The material of the vent 246 and / or the vent passageway can also help control the vent 246 and / or the vent passageway, such as by affecting an angle of contact between the vents. walls of the vent 246 and / or the passageway of the vent and vaporizable material 202. The contact angle can have an effect on the surface tension created by the vaporizable material 202 and then affects the differential of. threshold pressure that may be created on vent 246 and / or the vent passageway before a volume of fluid is allowed to pass through vent 246, as described above.

Vent 246 can include a variety of shapes / sizes and configurations that are within the scope of this description.

In addition, various embodiments of cartridges and parts of cartridges which include one or more of a variety of vent features are described in more detail below.

The positioning of the vent 246 (eg, a passive vent) and the airflow restrictor 244 relative to the vaporization chamber 242 assists in the effective operation of the reservoir systems 200A, 200B. for example, improper positioning of vent 246 or air flow restrictor 244 may result in unintentional leakage of vaporizable material 202 from reservoir 240. This description discusses the actual positioning of the airflow. vent 246 and air flow restrictor 244 relative to vaporization chamber 242 (containing wick). For example, a small pressure differential or no pressure differential between a passive vent and the wick can result in an effective reservoir system to reduce the vacuum pressure in the reservoir and result in the effective capillary action of the wick. the bit while preventing leakage.

The configurations of the reservoir system having the actual positioning of Vévent 246 and of the airflow restrictor 244 relative to the vaporization chamber 242 are described in more detail below.

As shown in Figure 2E, the air flow restrictor 244 can be positioned upstream of the vaporization chamber 242 along the air flow passageway 238 and the vent 246 is positioned along the air flow path 238. reservoir 240 so that it provides fluid communication between reservoir 240 and a portion of the air flow path 238 which is downstream of vaporization chamber 242. Thus, when a user When the vaporizer is pulled on the vaporizer, negative pressure is created downstream of the air flow restrictor 244 so that the vaporization chamber 242 experiences negative pressure.

Similarly, a side of the vent 246 in communication with the air flow passageway 238 also experiences negative pressure.

Thus, a small to no amount of pressure differential is created between the vent 246 and the vaporization chamber 242 during the puff (eg when the user draws or sucks air from the vaporizer). However, after the puff, the capillary action of the wick draws vaporizable material 202 from reservoir 240 to vaporization chamber 242 to refill vaporizable material 202 that was vaporized and inhaled from the previous puff.

For this reason, a vacuum or negative pressure is created in the reservoir 240. A pressure differential then occurs between the reservoir 240 and the air flow passageway 238. As discussed above. , the vent 246 can be configured such that a pressure differential (eg, a threshold pressure difference) between the reservoir 240 and the air flow passageway 238 allows a volume of. air to pass through the air flow path 238 into the reservoir 240, thereby reducing the vacuum in the reservoir 240 and returning to an equalized pressure on the vent 246 and a stable reservoir system 200A.

In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 2F, the air flow restrictor 244 can be positioned downstream of the vaporization chamber 242 along the air flow path 238 and above. '' vent 246 may be positioned along reservoir 240 so that it provides fluid communication between reservoir 240 and a portion of the air flow path 238 which is upstream of the vaporization chamber 242. Thus, when a user pulls on the vaporizer, the vaporization chamber 242 and the vent 246 experience little or no pressure or negative pressure as a result of the puff, thus resulting in a small pressure differential at no pressure. pressure differential between vaporization chamber 242 and vent 246. Similar to the case of Figure 2E, the pressure differential created over vent 246 is a result of the capillary action of the wick sucking vaporizable material 202 into it. the vaporized chamber tion 242 after the puff.

For this reason, a vacuum or negative pressure is created in the reservoir 240. A pressure differential then occurs across the vent 246. As discussed above, the vent 246 can be configured such that a pressure differential occurs. pressure differential (eg, a threshold pressure difference) between reservoir 240 and air flow path 238 or the atmosphere allows a reduced volume of air to pass through reservoir 240. thus creating a vacuum in the tank 240. This will equalize the pressure on the vent 246 and stabilize the tank systems 200B.

Vent 246 can have different configurations and features and can be positioned in a variety of positions along vaporizer cartridge 120 to achieve different results.

For example, one or more vents 246 may be positioned adjacent to or form part of the vaporization chamber 242 or the wick housing.

In such a configuration, the one or more vents 246 can provide fluid communication (eg, air) between reservoir 240 and vaporization chamber 242 (through which air flow passes when user pulls on the vaporizer and thus becomes part of the airflow path). Similarly, as described above, a vent 246 placed adjacent to or forming part of the vaporization chamber 242 or the wick housing can allow air from the interior of the vaporization chamber 242 to move. into reservoir 240 via vent 246 to increase the pressure within reservoir 240, thereby effectively reducing the vacuum pressure created due to vaporizable material 202 being drawn into vaporization chamber 242. Thus, the vacuum pressure created by vaporizable material 202 is drawn into vaporization chamber 242. Releasing the vacuum pressure allows continued cost-effective and efficient capillary action of vaporizable material 202 in vaporization chamber 242 via the wick to create the vapor inhalable during subsequent puffs on the vaporizer by a user. The section below provides several exemplary embodiments of a vented vaporization chamber element (eg, an atomizer assembly) which includes a wick housing 1315, 178 (which houses the vaporization chamber. ) and at least one vent 596 coupled to or forming part of wick housing 1315, 178 to achieve the above effective discharge from reservoir 140. Embodiments of Open Face Cartridge Assembly Referring to Figures 3A and 3B , there is shown an example of a sectional plan view of a cartridge 1320 according to an alternative embodiment, in which the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece or mouthpiece area 1330, a reservoir 1340 and an atomizer (not shown individually). The atomizer may include a heater element 1350 and a wick element 1362, together or separately, depending on the implementation, such that the wick element 1362 is thermally or thermodynamically coupled to the element. heater 1350 to vaporize vaporizable material 1302 drawn into or stored in the wick member

1362.

Plates 1326 may be included in one embodiment, to provide an electrical connection between a heater element 1350 and a power source 112 (see Figure 1). An air flow path 1338, defined through or on one side of reservoir 1340, may connect to an area in a cartridge 1320 which accommodates the wick element 1362 (eg, a wick housing not shown. separately) to an opening that leads to the mouthpiece or mouthpiece area

1330 to provide a path for vaporizable material 1302 to vaporize to travel from heater area 1350 to mouthpiece area 1330.

As proposed above, wick element 1362 can be coupled to an atomizer or heater 1350 (eg a resistive heater or coil) which is connected to one or more electrical contacts (eg 1326 plates). . Heating element 1350 (and other heating elements described herein according to one or more implementations) may have different shapes and / or configurations and may include one or more heaters 1350, 500 or their characteristics, such as proposed in more detail below with respect to Figures 44A-116.

According to one or more exemplary implementations, the heater element 1350 of the cartridge 1320 may be made (eg, stamped) from a sheet of material and crimped around at least a portion of an element of the cartridge. 1362 wick or angled to provide a preformed element configured to receive 1362 wick element (e.g. 1362 wick element is pushed into heater 1350 and / or heater 1350 is held in tension and is pulled over the element wick 1362).

Heater 1350 may be bent so that heater 1350 secures wick element 1362 between at least two or three parts of heater 1350. Heater 1350 may be bent to conform to a shape of at least part of the wick element

1362. The configurations of the heater 1350 allow for a more consistent and higher quality manufacturing of the heater 1350. Consistency in the build quality of the heater 1350 can be particularly important during phased and phased manufacturing processes. / or automatic. For example, heater 1350 in one or more implementations helps reduce tolerance issues that can occur during manufacturing processes, when assembling a 1350 heater having multiple components.

Heating element 1350 may also improve the accuracy of measurements taken from heating element 1350 (eg, resistance, current, temperature, etc.) due at least in part to co- improved buildability inheritance of the heater 1350 which has reduced tolerance problems.

A heating element 1350 made (eg, stamped) from a sheet of material and crimped around at least a portion of a wick element 1362 or bent to provide a preformed element desirably helps to minimize damage. heat losses and helps ensure that the 1350 heater behaves as intended, to be heated to the proper temperature.

Additionally, discussed in more detail below with respect to an included embodiment relating to a heater element formed from crimped metal, the heater element 1350 may be completely and / or selectively plated with one or more materials for improve the thermal performance of the heater 1350. Plating all or part of the heater 1350 can help minimize heat loss.

The plating can also help concentrate heat on part of the 1350 heater, providing a 1350 heater that is heated more efficiently and further reducing heat loss.

Selective plating can help direct the current supplied to the 1350 heater to the correct location.

Selective plating can also help reduce the amount of plating material and / or costs associated with manufacturing the 1350 heater. In addition to or in combination with the exemplary heaters described and / or discussed below , the heater element may include a flat heater element 1850 (see Figures 18A-18D) positioned in a vaporizer cartridge 1800 including two air flow passageways 1838, a folded heater element 1950 (see Figures 19A -19C, 22A-22B and 44A-116) positioned in a vaporizer cartridge 1900 comprising two air flow passageways 1938, and a folded heater element 2050 (see Figures 20A-20C) positioned in a 2000 vaporizer cartridge comprising a single air flow passage 2038. As mentioned above, a heater element 1350, in one embodiment, may contain a wick element 1362. For example, a wick element 1362 can extend e near or adjacent to the 1326 plates and through resistive heaters in contact with 1326 plates. A wick housing may surround at least a portion of a 1350 heater and connect a 1350 heater directly or indirectly to an air flow passageway

1338. The vaporizable material 1302 can be aspirated by a wick element 1362 through one or more passageways connected to a reservoir 1340. In one embodiment, one or two of a main passageway 1382 or a passageway. secondary passage 1384 can be used to help route or distribute vaporizable material 1302 to one or both ends of a wick member 1362 or radially along a wick member 1362. Manifold embodiments too —Full As proposed in more detail below, in particular with reference to Figures 3A and 3B, the exchange of air and liquid vaporizable material in and out of a cartridge reservoir 1340 can be advantageously controlled, and a volumetric efficiency of the vaporizer cartridge (defined as a volume of liquid vaporizable material that is ultimately converted to an inhalable aerosol relative to a total volume of the cartridge itself) can also optionally be improved by incorporating a structure designated as a manifold 1313. In some implementations, a cartridge 1320 may include a reservoir 1340 which is partially defined by at least one wall (which may optionally be a wall which is shared. with an outer shell of the cartridge) configured to contain liquid vaporizable material

1302. Reservoir 1340 may include storage chamber 1342 and overflow volume 1344, which may include or may contain manifold 1313. Storage chamber 1342 may contain vaporizable material 1302 and overflow volume 1344 can be configured to collect or retain at least some of the vaporizable material 1302, when one or more factors cause the vaporizable material 1302 in the reservoir storage chamber 1342 to move into the overflow volume 1344. In some cases In practice of the present invention, the cartridge may be initially filled with liquid vaporizable material so that the void space in the manifold is pre-filled with liquid vaporizable material.

In exemplary embodiments, the volumetric size of the overflow volume 1344 can be configured to be equal to, approximately equal to, or greater than an amount of increase in the volume of the contents (eg, material). vaporisable 1302 and air) contained in storage chamber 1342, when the volume of the contents in storage chamber 1342 expands due to a maximum expected pressure change that the tank can undergo with respect to the pressure ambient.

Depending on changes in ambient pressure or temperature or other factors, a 1320 cartridge may undergo a change from a first state of pressure to a second state of pressure (eg, a first relative pressure differential. between the inside of the tank and the ambient pressure and a second relative pressure differential between the inside of the tank and the ambient pressure). In some aspects, the overflow volume 1344 may have an opening to the outside of the cartridge 1320 and may be in communication with the reservoir storage chamber 1342 so that the overflow volume 1344 can be used. vent channel to provide pressure equalization in the 1320 cartridge and / or manifold and at least temporarily retain and optionally reversibly return liquid vaporizable material which may exit the storage chamber in response to differential changes in pressure between the storage chamber and the ambient air. As described here, a pressure differential relates to an absolute pressure difference between an internal part of the tank and the ambient air. Vaporizable material 1302 can be drawn from storage chamber 1342 to the atomizer and converted to vapor or aerosol phase, reducing the volume of vaporizable material remaining in storage chamber 1342 and the absence of a cer - a mechanism for returning air to the storage chamber to equalize the pressure there with the ambient pressure, can lead to the condition of at least partial vacuum, discussed previously here.

Again with reference to Figures 3A and 3B, the reservoir 1340 may be implemented to include first and second separable zones, so that the volume of the reservoir 1340 is divided into a reservoir storage chamber 1342 and a volume. overflow 1344 from the tank. Storage chamber 1342 may be configured to store vaporizable material 1302 and may be coupled to wick element 1362 via one or more main passageways 1382. In some examples, a main passageway 1362 may be very short in length. length (eg a hole opening from a space containing a wick element or other parts of an atomizer). In other instances, the main passageway may be part of a longer containment fluid path between the storage chamber and the wick member. The overflow volume 1344 can be configured to store and contain portions of vaporizable material 1302 which can overflow from the storage chamber 1342 in a second state of pressure in which the pressure in the storage chamber 1342 is greater than. ambient pressure, as discussed in more detail below.

In a first state of pressure, the vaporizable material 1302 may be stored in the storage chamber 1342 of the reservoir 1340. The first state of pressure may exist, for example, when the ambient pressure is approximately the same or greater than the pressure at l. inside the cartridge 1320. In this first state of pressure, the structural and functional properties of the primary passageway 1382 and the secondary passageway 1384 are such that vaporizable material 1302 can flow from the chamber. storage 1342 to the wick element 1362 by means of the main passage 1382, for example by the capillary action of the wick element to draw liquid near the heating element which serves to convert the liquid vaporizable material in the gas phase.

In one embodiment, in the first state of pressure, no or limited amounts of vaporizable material 1302 flows through secondary passageway 1384. In the second pressurized state, vaporizable material 1302 may flow from the storage chamber 1342 in the overflow volume 1344 of the reservoir 1340 which for example comprises a manifold 1313 to prevent or limit an undesirable (eg excessive) flow of vaporizable material 1302 out of the reservoir. The second state of pressure can exist or be caused, for example, when an air bubble expands in the storage chamber 1342 (for example due to the ambient pressure becoming lower than the pressure inside the storage chamber. cartridge 1320).

Advantageously, the flow of vaporizable material 1302 can be regulated by supplying entrained vaporizable material 1302 from storage chamber 1342 by increasing pressure to the overflow volume 1344. Manifold 1313 in the volume overflow may include one or more capillary structures which contain at least some (and preferably all) of the excess liquid vaporizable material pushed out of the storage chamber 1342 without allowing the liquid vaporizable material to reach an outlet from manifold 1313. Manifold 1313 also advantageously includes capillary structures which allow liquid vaporizable material pushed into manifold 1313 by the excess pressure in storage chamber 1342 relative to ambient pressure to be reversibly sucked into the storage chamber 1342 when the pressure is equal to or is reduced in the storage chamber tockage 1342 relative to ambient pressure. In other words, the secondary passageway 1384 of the manifold 1313 may have microfluidic characteristics or properties which prevent air and liquid from deviating from each other during filling and filling. emptying of manifold 1313. That is, the microfluidic characteristics can be used to manage the flow of vaporizable material 1302 both inside and outside of manifold 1313 (ie. ie providing reverse flow characteristics) to prevent or reduce leakage of vaporizable material 1302 or trapping of air bubbles in storage chamber 1342 or overflow volume 1344. Depending on the settings In practice, the above-mentioned microfluidic characteristics or properties can be related to the size, shape, surface coating and capillary properties of the wick element 1362, the main passageway 1382 and the secondary passageway

1384. For example, the secondary passageway 1384 in the manifold 1313 may optionally have different capillary properties than the main passageway 1382 which leads to the wick element 1362 to allow a certain volume of the vaporizable material 1302 to pitch. - Ser from the storage chamber 1342 in the overflow volume 1344, during the second state of pressure. In an exemplary implementation, the overall resistance of manifold 1313 to allow liquid to exit is greater than the overall wick resistance, for example to allow vaporizable material 1302 to flow primarily through the main passageway 1382 to wick element 1362 during the first state of pressure. Wick element 1362 can provide a capillary path through or into wick element 1362 for vaporizable material 1302 stored in reservoir 1340. The capillary path (eg, main passageway 1382) can be large enough to accommodate. allow wicking action or capillary action to replace liquid vaporizable material 1302 in [wick element 1362, and may be small enough to prevent leakage of vaporizable material 1302 out of cartridge 1320 during a pressure event negative.

The wick housing or the 1362 wick element can be treated to prevent leakage.

For example, cartridge 1320 can be coated after filling to prevent leakage or evaporation through the wick element 1362. Any suitable coating can be used, including a heat vaporizable coating. (eg wax or other material) eg.

When a user inhales through a mouthpiece area 1330, for example, air flows into cartridge 1320 through an inlet or opening in operative connection with wick element 1362. Heater 1350 can be activated by switching on. response to a signal generated by one or more sensors 113 (see Figure 1). The one or more sensors 113 may include at least one of a pressure sensor, motion sensor, flow sensor, or other mechanism capable of detecting changes in the flow path. air 1338. When the heater 1350 is activated, the heater 1350 may have an increase in temperature due to the current flowing through the plates 1326. Or through another electrically resistive part of the element. heater that is used to convert electrical energy into thermal energy.

In one embodiment, the heat generated can be transferred to at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 in the wick member 1362 through the transfer of heat by conduction, convection, or radiation so that at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 sucked into the wick member 1362 is vaporized.

Depending on the implementation, the air entering the cartridge 1320 flows over (or around, near, etc.) the wick element 1362 and the elements heated in the heater element 1350 and releases from liquid vaporizable material 1302 in air flow passage 1338, where vapor may optionally be condensed and dispensed as an aerosol, for example through an opening in the mouthpiece area

1330.

Referring to Figure 3B, the storage chamber 1342 may be connected to the air flow passage 1338 (i.e. via the secondary passage 1384 of the overflow volume. 1344) to allow liquid vaporizable material entrained from storage chamber 1342 by the increased pressure in storage chamber 1342 from ambient pressure to be retained without escaping from the vaporizer cartridge. While the implementations described herein relate to a vaporizer cartridge containing a 1340 reservoir, it should be understood that the approaches described are also compatible with and contemplated for use in a vaporizer that does not have a separable cartridge.

Again with reference to the example, the air admitted to the storage chamber 1342 may expand due to a pressure differential from the ambient air. Expansion of this air in the void space of storage chamber 1342 can cause liquid vaporizable material to travel through at least some portion of secondary passageway 1384 into manifold 1313. The microfluidic characteristics of the path secondary passage 1384 can cause liquid vaporizable material to travel along a length of secondary passageway 1384 in manifold 1313 only with a meniscus which completely covers the cross-sectional area of the secondary passageway. - condaire 1384 transverse to the direction of flow along the length.

In some implementations of the present invention, the microfluidic characteristics may include a sufficiently small cross-sectional area so that, for the material from which the walls of the secondary passageway are formed and the composition of the vaporizable material. liquid, the liquid vaporizable material preferably wets the secondary passageway 1384 around an entire perimeter of the secondary passageway 1384. For an example in which the liquid vaporizable material comprises one or more of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin , the wetting properties of such a liquid are advantageously considered in combination with the geometry of the second passageway 1384 and the materials from which the walls of the secondary passageway are formed.

In this way, since the sign (for example positive, negative or equal) and the magnitude of the pressure differential between the storage chamber 1340 and the ambient pressure vary, a meniscus is maintained between the liquid in the flow path. secondary passage and air entering from the ambient atmosphere, and liquid and air cannot move past each other.

Since the pressure in the storage chamber 1342 drops sufficiently from the ambient pressure and if there is sufficient vacuum volume in the storage chamber 1342 to allow it, the liquid in the secondary passageway 1384 of manifold 1313 can be withdrawn into storage chamber 1342 sufficiently, to cause the meniscus of liquid - attack air to reach a door or orifice between secondary passageway 1384 of manifold 1313 and storage chamber 1342. A at that time, if the pressure differential in storage chamber 1342 from ambient pressure is negative enough to overcome the surface tension holding the meniscus at the door or orifice, the meniscus is devoid of the door or orifice walls and forms one or more air bubbles which are released into the storage chamber 1342 with sufficient volume to equalize the pressure of the storage chamber accordingly rt at ambient pressure.

When the air admitted to the storage chamber 1340, as discussed above (or alternatively and present here) experiences a high pressure condition relative to the ambient pressure (e.g. due to a drop in ambient pressure as may occur). produce in an airplane cabin or other places at high altitude, when a window of a moving vehicle is open, when a train or vehicle exits a tunnel, etc. or an elevation internal pressure in the storage chamber 1340 as may occur due to local heating, the mechanical pressure which deforms a shape and thus reduces a volume of the storage chamber 1340, etc. or the like), it can be reversed the process described above.

The liquid passes through the door or orifice in the secondary passage 1384 of the manifold 1313 and a meniscus forms at the leading edge of a column of liquid passing through the secondary passage 1384 to prevent the air to deflect and flow against the direction of the progress of the liquid.

Maintaining this meniscus due to the presence of the microfluidic properties mentioned above, when the high pressure in storage chamber 1340 is subsequently reduced, the column of liquid is withdrawn into the storage chamber, optionally until the meniscus reaches the staff or the orifice.

If the pressure differential sufficiently favors the ambient pressure over the pressure in the storage chamber, the bubble forming process described above takes place until the pressures equalize.

In this way, the manifold serves as a reversible overflow volume which accepts liquid vaporizable material pushed out of the storage chamber under greater storage chamber pressure transients from ambient pressure and allows a certain part (and desirably all or at most) of this overflow volume to return to the storage compartment for subsequent distribution to an atomizer for conversion to an inhalable form.

Depending on the implementation, the storage chamber 1342 may or may not be connected to the wick element 1362 via the secondary passage 1384. In embodiments in which a second end of the passageway secondary 1384 leads to wick element 1362, vaporizable material 1302 which may exit secondary passageway 1384 at the second end (opposite a first end defining the point of connection to the chamber of storage 1342) may additionally saturate the wick element

1362. The storage chamber 1342 can optionally be positioned closer to an end of the reservoir 1340 which is near the mouthpiece area 1330. The overflow volume 1344 can be positioned near one end. of the reservoir 1340 closer to the heating element 1350, for example between the storage chamber 1342 and the heating element 1350. The exemplary embodiments shown in the Figures should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the in - Vention claimed as to the position of the various components described here. For example, the overflow volume 1344 can be positioned on the top, center or bottom of the cartridge 1320. The location and positioning of the storage chamber 1342 can be adjusted relative to the position of the cartridge. overflow volume 1344, so that the storage chamber 1342 can be positioned on the top, middle or bottom of the cartridge 1320 in one or more variations. In one implementation, when vaporizer cartridge 1320 is filled to capacity, the volume of liquid vaporizable material may equal the internal volume of storage chamber 1342 plus overflow volume 1344 (which may, in some examples, be the volume of the secondary passage 1384 between the door or the orifice connecting the secondary passage 1384 to the storage chamber 1340) and an outlet of the secondary passage 1384. In others In terms, a vaporizer cartridge compatible with implementations of the present invention may be stock filled with the liquid vaporizable material such that all or at least part of the internal volume of the manifold is filled with the vaporizable material. liquid. In such an example, the liquid vaporizable material is delivered to an atomizer, if necessary, for delivery to a user. The dispensed liquid vaporizable material can be sucked through the storage chamber 1340, thereby causing the liquid in the secondary passage 1384 of the manifold 1313 to be sucked back into the storage chamber 1340, since the air does not. cannot enter the secondary passageway 1384 due to the meniscus maintained by the microfluidic properties of the secondary passageway 1384 which prevent air from flowing past the liquid vaporizable material into the secondary passageway 1384. After a sufficient amount of liquid vaporizable material has been supplied to the atomizer from the storage chamber 1340 (eg for vaporization and user inhalation) to bring up the volume of origin of manifold 1313 to be sucked into storage chamber 1340, the action discussed above occurs - air bubbles may be released through a door or orifice between secondary passage 1384 and storage chamber kage to equalize the pressure in the storage compartment as more liquid vaporizable material is used. When the air which has thus entered the storage compartment experiences a high pressure relative to the ambient pressure, the liquid vaporizable material exits the storage chamber 1340 through the door or the orifice in the secondary passageway until that the high pressure condition in the storage compartment no longer exists, at which point the liquid vaporizable material in the secondary passageway 1384 can be sucked back into the storage chamber

1340. In some embodiments, the overflow volume 1344 is large enough to contain a percentage of vaporizable material 1302 stored in storage chamber 1342, optionally up to approximately 100%. In one embodiment, manifold 1313 is configured to contain at least 6% to 25% of the volume of vaporizable material 1302 that can be stored in storage chamber 1342. Other ranges are possible.

The manifold structure 1313 can be configured, constructed, molded, fabricated, or positioned in the overflow volume 1344, in different shapes and having different properties, to allow the overflowing portions of the vaporizable material 1302 to be. received, contained or stored at least temporarily, in the overflow volume 1314 in a controlled manner (e.g. by means of capillary pressure), thereby preventing vaporizable material 1302 from leaking from the cartridge 1320 or from excessively saturating the wick element 1362. It should be understood that the above description concerning a secondary passageway is not intended to be limited to a single secondary passageway.

1384. One or optionally more than one secondary passageway may be connected to storage chamber 1340 via one or more door or port. In some implementations of the present invention, a single door or port may connect to more than one secondary passageway, or a single secondary passageway may share in addition to one secondary passageway for provide additional overflow volume or other benefits.

In some implementations of the present invention, an air vent 1318 may connect the overflow volume 1344 to the air flow path 1338 which ultimately leads to the ambient air environment. outside of cartridge 1320. This air vent 1318 may allow a path for air or bubbles that may have been formed or trapped in manifold 1313 to escape through the vent. air 1318, for example during a second state of pressure when the secondary passageway 1384 is filled with the overflow of the vaporizable material 1302.

In some aspects, the air vent 1318 can serve as a reverse vent and provide pressure equalization in the cartridge 1320 during a return to the first pressurized state from the second pressurized state as the excess. full of vaporizable material 1302 returns to storage chamber 1342 from overflow volume 1344. In this implementation, since ambient pressure is greater than the internal pressure in cartridge 1320, ambient air may flow out. through air vent 1318 into secondary passageway 1384 and effectively assist in pushing vaporizable material 1302 temporarily stored in overflow volume 1344 in a reverse direction back into storage chamber 1342. In one or more embodiments, the secondary passageway 1384 in the first state of pressure may include air.

In the second state of pressure, vaporizable material 1302 may enter the secondary passageway 1384, for example through an opening (i.e. the vent) at the interface point between the storage chamber 1342 and. the overflow volume 1344. For this reason, the air in the secondary passage 1384 is displaced and can exit through the air vent 1318. In some embodiments, the air vent 1318. air 1318 can serve as or include a control valve (eg, selective osmosis membrane, microfluidic gate, etc.) which allows air to exit the overflow volume 1344, but prevents material vaporizable 1302 from exiting the secondary passage 1384 into the air flow passage 1338. As mentioned previously, the air vent 1318 can serve as the air exchange port to allow air entering and exiting manifold 1313, for example when manifold 1313 is filled during a pressure event born gative and empties following the negative pressure event (that is, during a transition between the first and second pressure states previously discussed). Therefore, vaporizable material 1302 can be stored in manifold 1313 until the pressure inside cartridge 1320 is stabilized (eg when the pressure returns to ambient pressure or meets a desired equilibrium). or until the vaporizable material 1302 is removed from the overflow volume 1344 (eg by means of vaporization in an atomizer). Thus, the level of vaporizable material 1302 in overflow volume 1344 can be controlled by controlling the flow of vaporizable material 1302 in and out of manifold 1313 as air pressure changes. In one or more embodiments, the overflow of vaporizable material 1302 from storage chamber 1342 into overflow volume 1344 may be reversed or may be reversible depending on changes detected in the environment (eg. example, when a pressure event which causes the overflow of the vaporizable material 1302 decreases or is terminated). As mentioned above, in some implementations of the present invention, in a state in which the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 becomes relatively less than the ambient pressure (for example as it passes from the aforementioned second state of pressure again in the first state of pressure), the flow of vaporizable material 1302 can be reversed in a direction which causes vaporizable material 1302 to return from overflow volume 1344 to the pressure chamber. storage 1342 of the reservoir 1340. Thus, depending on the implementation, the overflow volume 1344 may be configured to temporarily contain the overflowing portions of the vaporizable material 1302 during a second state of pressure. depending on the implementation, during or after a return to a first state of pressure, at least some of the overflow of the vaporizable material 1302 retained in the manifold 1313 returns to the storage chamber 1342.

In order to regulate the flow of vaporizable material 1302 into cartridge 1320, in other implementations of the present invention, manifold 1313 may optionally include an absorbent or semi-absorbent material (eg, a material having properties. sponge type) to permanently or semi-permanently collect or contain the overflow of vaporizable material 1302 moving through secondary passageway 1384. In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the absorbent material is included in manifold 1313, the reverse flow of vaporizable material 1302 from overflow volume 1344 to storage chamber 1342 may not be as practical or possible compared to embodiments which are implemented without (or without too much absorbent material in manifold 1313. Therefore, the reversibility or rate of reversibility of vaporizable material 1302 in storage chamber 1342 can be controlled by co. taking more or less densities or volumes of absorbent material into manifold 1313 or controlling the texture of the absorbent material, where these characteristics result in a higher or lower absorption rate, immediately or over longer periods of time .

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary implementation of a cartridge 1320. As shown, the body of the cartridge 1320 can be made with two parts that can be connected (or separated), such as a first part 1422 (eg the upper case) and a second part 1424 (eg the lower case) which can be assembled together according to a top-down architectural implementation model or a method of construction. 'assembly.

This separable architecture simplifies the assembly and manufacturing processes and may not involve assembling or building several smaller parts to build a larger part.

Instead, as in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4, the larger parts (e.g. a first part 1422 and a second part 1424) can be joined to form, for example, cartridge features (e.g. , liner) and smaller internal cartridge components (eg, opposing rib-shaped elements which form one or more of a manifold 1313, a reservoir 1340, a storage chamber 1342, an overflow volume. 1344, etc.). Referring to Figure 4, a heater element 1450 may be positioned in a cavity or housing provided between a first portion 1422 and a second portion 1424 of the cartridge body 1420. In one example, a sponge or other material absorbent 1460 can also be positioned in a mouthpiece area 1430 in order to collect excess liquid vaporizable material (for example as can be formed by condensation of vaporized material and / or vapor of water). (water to form larger drops which can create an unpleasant sensation when ingested during inhalation) traveling through an air flow passageway 1438. Therefore, the assembly or disassembly of the additional components (e.g. a heating element 1450 or a sponge 1460) can be achieved in a simple and efficient manner, in which a large number of machine parts or assembly automation may not be required. e for the construction of the 1320 cartridge from a small set of components in a housing in two separable parts joined together in the implementation example described here.

The separable two part construction described herein can provide one or more of the following exemplary advantages or improvements over an alternative implementation: fewer parts, lower assembly or manufacturing costs (eg, method of construction). embodiment illustrated in Figure 4 requires four parts to be fabricated and assembled), no tooling requirements or reduced tooling requirements, no low-tie, brittle, deep tooling cores or or- Tillage with low draft, brittle, limited deep, rib structures that are relatively shallow.

Depending on the implementation, ultrasonic or laser welding techniques can be used to create a solid state weld between a first part 1422 and a second part 1424 of a cartridge 1420. Ultrasonic welding is used. a commonly used process for plastics in which high frequency ultrasonic acoustic vibrations are locally applied to workpieces (e.g. a first part 1422 and a second part 1424) which are held together under pressure to create a weld. solid state. Laser welding is a welding process used to join pieces of metal or thermoplastics together using a laser beam which provides a concentrated heat source (eg a laser beam), allowing deep welds, narrow at high weld rates. Referring to Figure 5, there is illustrated a sectional plan view of a selected portion of a cartridge 1320. With reference to both Figures 4 and 5, a first portion 1422 (not shown in Figure 5). ) and a second part 1424 of the cartridge 1420 can be molded from plastic parts by means of injection molding (eg a top-to-bottom implementation pattern). In an exemplary embodiment, a line of undercut tooling technique can be used to allow separation of the mold halves (e.g., a first part 1422 and a second part 1424, as shown in Figure 4) allowing each part to be ejected without any obstruction to the creation of undercuts and further allowing sensitive mold cavitation, to help shorten the tooling cycle and allow for a more efficient manufacturing time and process. Referring to Figures 6A and 6B, there is respectively a top sectional view and a side perspective view of a cartridge

1320. As shown, a filling port 610 may be implemented in one or more embodiments of the cartridge 1320 to allow the storage chamber 1342 to be filled with the reservoir, for example by means of a filling needle. 622. As shown, the filling needle 622 can be easily and conveniently inserted into the filling port 610, for example by means of a filling passageway 630 leading to a storage chamber 1342 ( or overflow volume 1344), depending on the implementation. Therefore, the vaporizable material 1302 can be injected into a reservoir 1340 through a fill passage 630, using a fill needle 622 for example. In some embodiments, the refill passageway 630 can be constructed or positioned on a side of the cartridge 1320, for example, opposite to the side where the airflow passageway 1338 is positioned.

Figures 7A through 7D illustrate alternative designs for a cartridge connection port. Figures 7A and 7B are perspective views and Figures 7C and 7D are side sectional plan views of alternate connection port embodiments, which may include, for example, male or female engagement portions. . Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 7A-7D, a cartridge 1320 can be implemented in different configurations at the end where the cartridge 1320 engages the vaporizer body 110. In one embodiment, as shown in the FIGS. Figures 1 and 2, the vaporizer body 110 may include a cartridge receptacle 118 for releasably receiving a cartridge 1320 with a male port 710 (see Figures 7A and 7C), so that in a fixed state , the cartridge contacts 124 positioned in the male port of the cartridge 1320 are received by corresponding receptacle contacts 125 in a cartridge receptacle 118 by snapping, for example. A counterpart configuration can be directed to a 1320 cartridge having a female port 712 (see Figures 7B and 7D) to receive one end of a vaporizer body 110, which includes receptacle contacts 125. Referring to Figure 8 shows a top plan view of a 1320 cartridge. In one example, the 1320 cartridge can be implemented using a two-part construction, separable, where a relief (e.g., the owner's mark , serial number, patent number, etc.) or optionally decorative or ornamental features may be imprinted on the outer walls of the 1320 cartridge by means of a molding process. The molding process allows flexibility in the design of the external shape or affixed logos.

exterior chables or ornamental designs without affecting the positioning or formation of internal functional components (eg, tank 1340, storage chamber 1342, or overflow volume 1344).

In particular, the JUUL® trademark, as shown in Figure 8, is a registered trademark of JUUL LABS, Inc. a Delaware corporation, headquartered in San Francisco, California. All rights are reserved by the owner or the assignee of the mark. Use of the exemplary mark in Figure 8 should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention disclosed to include such proprietary design or mark. Some embodiments may be unbranded or contain no ornamental or external design features. Thus, Figure 8 provides an illustration of a molded relief which, without limitation, may appear to be a mark or design on one or more sides of a 1320 cartridge.

Referring to Figures 9A and 9B, there are illustrated perspective and sectional plan views of an exemplary cartridge 1320, where a first portion 1422 of cartridge 1320 is separated from a second portion 1424 (see also Figure 4). In one or more embodiments, the cartridge 1320 can be designed and manufactured by means of part division. That is, depending on the implementation, several split sections of one part are connected together to make a whole part, as shown by means of the example in Figure 4.

Referring to Figure 9A, part division may allow an electrical contact apparatus to be molded and a member retainer to be heated in a wick housing area 910 of cartridge 1320. As shown in more detail in Figure 9B, one or more vent holes 920 may be drilled or positioned, by injection molding or other suitable method, in the body of the cartridge 1320 in an area close to the wick housing area 910 to help identify vapor discharge or air flow to the wick, for example to help control condensation in the 1320 cartridge or to affect capillary forces.

Referring to Figures 10A and 10B, assembled and exploded perspective views, respectively, of an alternate exemplary embodiment of a cartridge 1320 are illustrated. As previously mentioned, a top model implementation. at the bottom can be used to construct an open face cartridge structure, for example, with two attachable (or detachable) housings comprising a first part 1422 and a second part 1424. As shown, the first part 1422 (eg the upper case) and the second part 1424 (eg the lower case) can provide a two part construction having one or more internal cavities which can be used to house at least one of a heater 1350. , wick element 1362, or plates 1326. It should be understood that alternative assembly methods may be used to result in structures having some or all of the characteristics of. written here.

In particular, in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 10A and 10B, instead of or in addition to using cavities and diaphragm walls to form internal structures (e.g., a reservoir 1340 in Figure 3A) of the cartridge, some features such as the secondary passageway 1384 (see Figure 3A) can be implemented in a removable or attachable manifold 1313 which can be constructed independently as a separate piece and can be subsequently encapsulated between a first part 1422 and second part 1424 (eg, see Figures 10A and 10B) or alternatively inserted into an optionally monolithic hollow cartridge body adapted to receive a manifold 1313 from one open end (see Figures 10C, 10D, 11B, 13, 16C, 17A, 22F). Referring to Figures 10A through 43B, various implementations are described which may utilize a manifold 1313, as configured, designed, manufactured, fabricated or constructed completely or partially independent of a cartridge housing 1320. It should be noted that the implementations described are offered by way of example. In alternative implementations or embodiments, a manifold 1313 may be formed, as shown in Figures 10A through 14B, having a construction which, at least structurally, is semi-dependent or completely independent of the building. construction of other 1320 cartridge components.

In some interchangeable implementations, different embodiments or types of manifold 1313, as shown in Figures 10A through 14B, may be inserted or encapsulated, for example, in a standardized cartridge housing 1320. As proposed in more detail herein, since some of the primary functionality for controlling the flow of vaporizable material 1302 in cartridge 1320 can be achieved by manipulating manifold structure 1313 or its material properties, savings. and other yields and advantages can be derived from having a construction which allows for interchangeable manifold models 1313 which can accommodate different cartridge housings, for example.

Referring to Figures 10C and 10D, for example, in some implementations, instead of a separable two part construction shown in Figures 10A and 10B, a cartridge 1320 may have a cartridge housing formed with a monolithic hollow structure. having a first end and a second end. The first end (ie a first end, also referred to as a receiving portion of the cartridge housing) may be configured to receive, by insertion, at least one manifold 1313. In one embodiment As an embodiment, the second end of the cartridge housing can serve as a mouthpiece with a port or opening. The orifice or opening may be located opposite the receiving end of the cartridge housing where the manifold 1313 can be inserted by insertion.

In some embodiments, the opening may be connected to the receiving end by means of an air flow path 1338 which may extend through the body of the cartridge 1320 and the manifold 1313. , for example.

As in other cartridge embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, an atomizer, for example one comprising a wick element and a heating element as discussed elsewhere herein, can be positioned adjacent to or at least partially in the path. air flow passage 1338 so that an inhalable form or optionally a precursor of the inhalable form of the liquid vaporizable material can be released from the atomizer into the air passing through the passageway 1338 air flow to the orifice or opening.

Embodiments of the Air Exchange Port Referring to Figures 11A and 11B, illustrative plan side views of a one-door and one-channel manifold 1313 are shown. In these exemplary embodiments, a door 1102 is shown. can be provided at the level of an opening towards a first part (for example the upper part) of the manifold 1313 where the manifold 1313 is in contact or in communication with the storage chamber 1342 of the tank (see also Figures 3A and 3B previously discussed). A door 1102 may dynamically connect the storage chamber 1342 to an overflow volume 1344 formed by a second portion (eg, a central portion) of the manifold 1313. In one embodiment, the second portion of the manifold 1313 may have a ribbed or multi-fin shaped structure forming an overflow channel 1104 which describes a spiral, gradually tapers or tilts in a direction away from the door 1102 and towards an air exchange port 1106, such as shown in Figure 11A, to drive or cause vaporizable material 1302 to travel to air exchange port 1106 after vaporizable material 1302 has entered overflow volume 1344 through door 1102. The air exchange port 1106 can be connected to the ambient air by means of an air path or an air flow passageway which is connected to the mouthpiece.

This air path or air flow path is not explicitly shown in Figure 11 A.

In some implementations, the manifold 1313 is configured to have a central opening or tunnel through which an air flow channel leading to the mouthpiece is implemented, as proposed in more detail below. below (eg see the opening designated by reference number 1100 in Figure 11D). The air flow channel can be connected to the air exchange port 1106, so that the volume inside the overflow passage of the manifold 1313 is connected to the air ambient via the air exchange port 1106 and also connected to the volume in the storage chamber 1342 via the door 1102. Thus, according to one or more embodiments, the door 1102 can be used as a flow valve. regulation for primarily regulating the liquid and air flow between the overflow volume 1344 and the storage chamber 1342. The air flow port 1106 can be used to primarily regulate the flow of air. air (and occasionally liquid flow) between the overflow volume 1344 and an air path leading to the mouthpiece, for example.

The overflow channel 1104 can be diagonal, vertical, or horizontal to the elongated body of the cartridge 1320. The vaporizable material 1302, as the cartridge 1320 is filled, can have at least one initial interface with the manifold. 1313 by means of the gate 1102. Indeed, an initial interface between the vaporizable material 1302 and the gate 1102 can, for example, prevent the possibility of the air trapped in the overflow channel 1104 entering a cartridge zone. where vaporizable material 1302 is stored (eg, storage chamber 1342). Further, such an interface can initiate a first capillary interaction between the vaporizable material 1302 and the walls of the overflow channel 1104, at a state of equilibrium, to allow a limited amount of vaporizable material 1302 to flow into. the overflow channel 1104 to obtain or maintain the state of equilibrium.

Steady state refers to a state in which vaporizable material 1302 does not flow in or out of overflow volume 1344, or a state wherein such forward or reverse flows are negligible.

At least in some embodiments, the capillary action (or interaction) between the walls of the overflow channel 1104 and the vaporizable material 1302 is such that a state of equilibrium can be maintained when the cartridge 1320 is. in the first state of pressure, when the pressure inside the storage chamber 1342 is approximately equal to the ambient pressure.

The establishment of a state of equilibrium and of the additional capillary interaction between vaporizable material 1302 and the walls of the overflow channel 1104 can be established or configured by adapting or adjusting the volumetric size of the excess channel. -full 1104 along the length of the canal.

As proposed here in more detail, the diameter (which is used herein to generally refer to a measure of the size of the cross section of the overflow channel 1104, including embodiments of the present invention in which the channel of the overflow channel 1104, may be narrowed to a predetermined interval or points or along the length of the entire channel to allow a sufficiently robust capillary interaction which provides forward and reverse flow of vaporizable material 1302 into and out of manifold 1313, depending on pressure changes and further to allow large overall volume of the overflow channel while still maintaining points for the formation of a meniscus to prevent air from flowing past the liquid into the overflow channel 1104. As discussed in more detail herein, the diameter of the channel l overflow 1104 can be small or narrow enough so that the

Combination of the surface tension, caused by the cohesion in the vaporizable material 1302, and wetting forces between the vaporizable material 1302 and the walls of the overflow channel 1104 can act to cause the formation of a meniscus which separates liquid from air in a dimension transverse to the flow axis of overflow channel 1104 so that air and liquid cannot cross.

It should be understood that the menisci have an inherent curvature, therefore the reference to a dimension transverse to the direction of flow is not intended to imply that the air-liquid interface is planar in that dimension or in any other dimension. .

Wick element 1362 can be a thermal or thermodynamic connection with a heater 1350 (see Figures 3B and 11B, for example) to induce the generation of steam from heating the vaporizable material 1302, as discussed in detail. previously with reference to Figures 3A and 3B.

Alternatively, the air exchange port 1106 may be constructed to provide a gas escape path but to prevent the flow of vaporizable material 1302 out of the overflow channel 1104. Referring to FIG. Both in Figures 11A and 11B, the forward or reverse flow of vaporizable material 1302 in manifold 1313 can be controlled (e.g. improved or decreased) by implementing appropriate structures (e.g. microchannel configurations) to introduce or take advantage of. capillary properties which may exist between the vaporizable material 1302 and the retaining walls of the overflow channel 1104. For example, factors associated with length, diameter, internal surface texture (eg rough by relative to smooth), protrusions, directional progressive narrowing of channel structures, constrictions or the material used to build or cover the surface of the door 1102, to the overflow channel ein 1104 or air exchange port 1106, can positively or negatively affect the rate at which liquid is drawn into or moves through the overflow channel 1104 by means of capillary action or other influential forces acting on the cartridge 1320. One or more of the factors mentioned above, depending on the implementation, can be used to control the movement of the vaporizable material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 to introduce a desirable degree of reversibility, when vaporizable material 1302 is collected in the channel structures of manifold 1313. Thus, in some embodiments, the flow of vaporizable material 1302 in manifold 1313 may be completely reversible or semi-reversible. reversible by selectively controlling the various factors mentioned above and depending on the changes in the state of pressure inside or outside the cartridge 1320. As shown in s In Figures 3A, 3B, 11A and 11B, in one or more embodiments, the manifold 1313 may be formed, constructed or configured to have a one channel and one vent structure.

In such embodiments, overflow channel 1104 may be a continuous passageway, tube, channel, or other structure for connecting door 1102 to air exchange port 1106, optionally positioned near wick element 1362 (eg see also Figures 3A and 3B showing a single overflow channel 1104 elongated in overflow volume 1344). Therefore, in such embodiments, vaporizable material 1302 may enter or exit manifold 1313 through gate 1102 or a singularly constructed channel, where vaporizable material 1302 flows in a first direction as manifold 1313 is filled and in a second direction when manifold 1313 is purged.

To help maintain a state of equilibrium or as a function of implementation, to regulate the flow of vaporizable material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104, the shape and structural configuration of the overflow channel 1104 , the door 1102 or the air exchange port 1106 can be adapted or modified to balance the flow of vaporizable material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 at different pressure states.

In one example, the overflow channel 1104 may be progressively narrowed so that the progressively narrowed end (ie the end with a smaller opening or diameter) leads to the door. 1102. In one implementation, the end not progressively narrowed (ie the end of the overflow channel 1104 with a larger opening or diameter) can lead to the overflow. air exchange port 1106 which can be connected to the ambient environment outside the cartridge 1320 or to the air flow path from which vaporized material 1302 vaporized is delivered to the mouthpiece buccal (see for example Figure 3a, the air vent 1318 connected to the air flow passage 1338). In one embodiment, the non-progressively narrowed end can also lead to an area near the wick housing, so that if the vaporizable material 1302 exits the overflow channel 1104, the vaporizable material 1302 can be used to. saturate wick element 1362. A progressively narrowed channel structure, depending on the implementation, can reduce or increase the flow restriction in manifold 1313. For example, in one embodiment in which the wick channel. overflow 1104 is gradually narrowed towards the gate 1102, a favorable capillary pressure towards a reverse flow is induced in the overflow channel 1104, so that the direction of the flow of vaporizable material 1302 is out of the manifold 1313 and in the storage chamber 1342 when the pressure state changes (for example, when a negative pressure event is suppressed or reduced). In particular, providing the overflow channel 1104 with a smaller opening can prevent the free flow of vaporizable material 1302 into the manifold 1313. A non-progressively narrowed configuration for the overflow channel 1104 in the manifold. a direction to the air exchange port 1106 provides efficient storage of vaporizable material

1302 in manifold 1313 during a second state of pressure (e.g. a negative pressure state) when vaporizable material 1302 flows into manifold 1313 from narrower sections of overflow channel 1104 into larger volumetric sections of the overflow channel 1104. Thus, the diameter and shape of the manifold structure 1313 can be implemented such that the flow of vaporizable material 1302 through the door 1102 and into the overflow channel 1104 is regulated at a desirable rate, during a second pressure state (e.g. a negative pressure event) to prevent vaporizable material 1302 from flowing too freely (e.g. above a certain flow rate or threshold) in manifold 1313 and also to promote reverse flow again in storage chamber 1342 in a first state of pressure (eg when the negative pressure event is reduced). It should be noted that the combination of the interactions between the vent 1002, the overflow channel 1104 in the manifold 1313 which make up the overflow volume 1344 and the air exchange orifice 1106, in a embodiment, provides the proper evacuation of air bubbles which may be introduced into the cartridge due to various environmental factors as well as the controlled flow of vaporizable material 1302 in and out of the overflow channel. full 1104. Mouthpiece Embodiments Referring to Figure 11B (see also Figures 10C, 10D), in some embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 1320 which includes the storage chamber 1342 may be. configured to also include a mouthpiece that can be used by the user to inhale vaporized material 1302 vaporized.

An air flow passageway 1338 may extend through the storage chamber 1342, thereby connecting a vaporization chamber.

Depending on the implementation, the air flow passageway 1338 may be a straw or hollow cylinder-shaped structure, for example which forms a channel within the storage chamber 1342 to allow storage. passage of vaporized material 1302 vaporized.

While the air flow passage may have a circular or at least approximately circular transverse shape, it should be understood that other transverse shapes for the air flow passage are also within the scope of this present invention. description.

A first end of the air flow passage 1338 may be connected to an opening at a first "mouthpiece" end of the storage chamber 1342 from which a user can inhale the material. vaporizable 1302 vaporized.

A second end of the air flow passage 1338 (opposite the first end) may be received in an opening at a first end of the manifold 1313, as discussed in more detail herein.

Depending on the implementation, the second end of the air flow passage 1338 may extend completely or partially through a receiving cavity which extends through the manifold 1313 and connects to a wick housing, where the 1362 wick element can be accommodated.

In some configurations, the air flow path 1338 may be an integral part of a monolithic molded mouthpiece which includes the storage chamber 1342 where the air flow path 1338 extends. through the storage chamber 1342. In other configurations, the air flow path 1338 may be a stand-alone structure which can be separately inserted into the storage chamber 1342. In some configurations, the path of not The airflow path 1338 may be a structural extension of manifold 1313 or cartridge body 1320 as extending internally from the opening in the mouthpiece portion, for example.

Without limitation, a variety of different structural configurations may be possible to connect the mouthpiece (and airflow path 1338 inside the mouthpiece) to the exchange port. air 1106 in manifold 1313. As provided herein, manifold 1313 may be inserted into the body of cartridge 1320, which may also serve as a storage chamber 1342. In some embodiments, the passageway of airflow 1338 can be constructed as an internal sleeve which is an integral part of a monolithic cartridge body, so that an opening in a first end of manifold 1313 can receive a first end of the structure. cuff forming the air flow passageway 1338. Referring to Figures 18A-18D, certain embodiments may include a vaporizer cartridge 1800 comprising a double cylindrical mouthpiece 1830 connected to two vaporizer paths. air flow passage 1838. In such embodiments, a larger dose of vaporized material 1302 may be dispensed compared to a simple cylindrical mouthpiece. A cylindrical 1830 double mouthpiece, depending on the implementation, can also advantageously provide a smoother and more satisfying vaping experience. Fluid Gate Embodiments Referring to Figures 10A through 11H, depending on the implementation, different factors may be taken into consideration to help monitor and regulate the forward and reverse flow of vaporizable material 1302 therein. and outside of manifold 1313. Some of these factors may include the configuration of the capillary drive of a fluidic vent, referred to herein as gate 1102. The capillary drive of gate 1102 may be, for example , less than that of wick element 1362. Additionally, the flow resistance of manifold 1313 may be greater than that of wick element 1362. Overflow channel 1104 may have surfaces smooth or corrugated internals to regulate the flow of vaporizable material 1302 through the manifold

1313. The overflow channel 1104 can be formed with a progressively narrowed curve to provide the right capillary interaction and forces which limit the flow through the door 1102 and into the overflow volume 1344 during a first state. pressure to promote reverse flow through gate 1102 and out of overflow volume 1344 during a second state of pressure.

Additional modifications to the shape and structure of the manifold components 1313 may be possible to help further regulate or fine-tune the flow of vaporizable material 1302 into or out of the manifold 1313. For example, a slightly curved spiral channel configuration (ie opposite to the channel with coils or protruding edges) as shown in Figures 11A through 11H may allow additional features to be included. , such as one or more vents, channels, openings, or constraining structures, in manifold 1313 at predetermined intervals along overflow channel 1104. As discussed in more detail herein, such additional features Structures or configurations may help provide a higher level of flow regulation for vaporizable material 1302 along overflow channel 1104 or through gate 1102, for example.

It should be noted that regardless of the different structural elements and implementations discussed throughout this description, certain features and functionality (eg capillary interaction among different components) may be implemented in the collector structure. 1313 to help regulate the flow of vaporizable material 1302 in (1) one-channel and one-vent structures, (2) multi-channel and one-vent structures, or (3) multi-channel structures nals and several vents, for example. Referring to Figures 10E, 11A, 11C, 11D and 11E, exemplary structural configurations are shown for the manifold 1313 in some variations. As shown, a fully or partially inclined spiral surface may be provided to define one or more sides of the internal volume of the overflow channel 1104 of the manifold.

1313, so that vaporizable material 1302 can flow freely due to capillary pressure (or the force of gravity) through the overflow channel 1104 when vaporizable material 1302 enters the overflow channel 1104 One or more, optionally central, channels or tunnels, such as a central tunnel 1100, may be configured along the longitudinal height of the manifold 1313, having two opposing openings.

At the first end, a center shaft or center tunnel 1100 through manifold structure 1313 may interact with or connect to a housing area in which a wick member 1362 or atomizer may be positioned. At the second end, the central tunnel 1100 may interact with, connect to, or receive one end of a conduit or tube which forms an air flow passageway 1338 in the portion of. mouthpiece of the cartridge 1320. A first end of the air flow passage 1338 may connect (for example by means of the insert) to the second end of the central tunnel 1100. A second end of the air flow passage. the air flow passage 1338 may include an opening or port formed in the mouthpiece area.

According to one or more embodiments, the vaporizable material 1302 vaporized generated by an atomizer can enter the first end of the central tunnel 1100 in the manifold 1313, pass through the central tunnel 1100 and further exit the second end of the central tunnel. 1100 in the first end of the air flow passageway

1338. The vaporized material 1302 vaporized can then travel through the air flow passageway 1338 and exit through the mouthpiece opening formed at the second end of the air flow passageway. 'tune 1338.

Manifold 1313 can be configured as a stand-alone part with a construction or structure that can be inserted into the body of cartridge 1320 (eg, see Figures 10C, 11B, 11C-11E).

Following insertion, an air seal may be formed between the inner walls of the shell body of the cartridge 1320 and the outer flanges of the groove-like structure of the manifold 1313 which forms the spiral inclined surface. In other words, three walls of the overflow channel 1104, as enclosed by the surface of the inner walls of the shell body of the cartridge 1320, form an overflow channel 1104 upon insertion of the manifold 1313 into it. the cartridge body 1320. Therefore, an overflow channel 1104 can be formed by means of the internal walls of the cartridge body 1320 enclosing the internal walls of the rib-like structure. As shown, a door 1102 may be positioned at one end of the overflow channel 1104, toward where the storage chamber 1342 is positioned, to control and provide the entry and exit of vaporizable material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 in the manifold 1313. An air exchange port 1106 can be positioned towards another end of the overflow channel 1104, preferably opposite the end where the door 1102 is positioned. Door 1102 can regulate the flow of vaporizable material 1302 into and out of overflow channel 1104 into the manifold.

1313. The air exchange port 1106 can, via an ambient air connection path, regulate the flow of air into and out of the overflow channel 1104 in order to regulating the air pressure in the manifold 1313, and in turn in the storage chamber 1342 of the cartridge 1320, as discussed in more detail herein. In some embodiments, the air exchange port 1106 may be configured to prevent vaporizable material 1302 which may have filled the overflow channel 1104 of the manifold 1313 (for example following a pressure event. negative pressure) to exit from the overflow channel 1104. In one implementation, the air exchange port 1106 may be configured to cause vaporizable material 1302 to exit to a path leading to the area. in which the wick element 1362 is housed. The implementation can help prevent leakage of vaporizable material 1302 into an air flow pathway (eg, the central tunnel 1100) that leads to the mouthpiece, during a negative pressure event, for example. In some implementations, the air exchange port 1106 may have a membrane which allows the entry and exit of gaseous material (eg, air bubbles) but prevents vaporizable material 1302 from entering and exiting. enter and exit manifold 1313 through air exchange port 1106. Referring to Figures 11C through 11H, the flow of vaporizable material 1302 into and out of manifold 1313 through door 1102 can be directly associated with the volumetric pressure inside the overflow channel 1104. Thus, the flow inside and outside the manifold 1313, through the door 1102, can be controlled by means of the manipulation of the hydraulic diameter of the overflow channel 1104 so that reducing the overall volume of the overflow channel 1104 (for example uniformly or at the time of the introduction of several constriction points) can lead to increased pressure in the overflow channel 1104 and adjustment of the flow rate in the c manifold 1313. Therefore, in at least one implementation, the hydraulic diameter of the overflow channel 1104 can be reduced (eg, narrowed, pinched, restricted or limited), either uniformly or by introducing one or more pressure points. constriction 1111a, along the length of the spiral path of the overflow channel

1104. Figures 11C through 11E, by way of example, show two partial-length and three full-length levels constructed on one or more of the sides of manifold 1313, with each level at full length, on the side shown in the Figures, which has three constriction points 11114, for example. It should be noted that, in different implementations, more or less levels or constriction points 1111a can be implemented, defined, constructed or introduced to adjust the volumetric pressure in the manifold 1313. A constriction point 1111 a, to for illustrative purposes is evidently indicated by a circle in the center level of manifold 1313. Constriction points 1111a can be formed or introduced along the length of overflow channel 1104 in a variety of areas. - nières and forms.

In the following part, exemplary embodiments with different constriction points or shapes are described to better illustrate certain features.

It should be noted, however, that these exemplary embodiments should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claimed invention to any particular configuration or form.

Referring to Figure 11C, in an exemplary implementation, a constriction point 1111a may be formed by means of bosses, raised edges, protrusions or protrusions (hereinafter referred to as "protrusions". ) extending from the ceiling or floor or side wall surfaces (or any or all of these) of the overflow channel 1104 (i.e. the blades of the manifold 1313). The shape of the protrusions can be defined as a boss, finger, tooth, fin, edge or any other shape which limits a cross section to a direction of flow in the overflow channel. .

In the illustration of Figure 11C, the cross-sectional side view of a protrusion is shown to be similar to the shape of a protruding fin, for example, where the distal end of the protrusions are progressively narrowed to. 'at an edge.

As shown in Figure 11C, the pointed or cantilever edge of the protruding fin shape may be rounded.

However, in other embodiments, the cantilever edge can be gradually narrowed to a protruding end.

The protrusion, size, relative location and frequency of placement of the protrusions in the overflow channel 1104 can be manipulated to continue to fine tune a meniscus separating liquid and air so that 'it forms inside the overflow channel 1104.

For example, as shown in Figure 11C, the protrusions may have a rounded face on one side and a flat face on the opposite side.

The rounded face of the protrusions may face (i.e. face towards) the outflow of vaporizable material 1302 (i.e. flow out of manifold 1313 and into chamber 1342), while the flat face of the protrusions can face the internal flow of vaporizable material 1302 (i.e. flow into manifold 1313 and from storage chamber 1342) at through gate 1102. As mentioned, in different implementations, the formation of the protrusions along the overflow channel 1104 can be manipulated in terms of number, size, shape, location and. frequency for fine-tuning the hydraulic flow of vaporizable material 1302 into and out of manifold 1313. For example, if it is desirable to instead maintain flow into the overflow channel— full 1104 at a higher flow rate than the outgoing flow, then the protrusions can be formed to have a flat surface facing the outgoing flow and a rounded surface facing the incoming flow to facilitate the formation and retention of a meniscus resistant to the outflow of liquid (e.g. away from the chamber of storage 1340) while facilitating the release of the meniscus from the side of the protrusion again facing the storage compartment 1340. In this way, a series of these protrusions can function as a kind of "hydraulic ratchet" system in which the Return liquid flow into the storage compartment is microfluidically encouraged over the outflow from the storage compartment.

This effect can be achieved, at least in part, by the relative tendency of a meniscus to detach on the side of the storage chamber from the projections than on the opposite side.

Referring again to Figure 11C, in an exemplary implementation, in addition to (or instead of) protrusions extending from the floor or ceilings of the overflow channel 1104, some protrusions may appear. extending from the inner walls of the overflow channel 1104. As shown more clearly in Figure 11F, a protrusion may extend from an inner wall of the overflow channel 1104 at the same constriction point 1111a, where two additional protrusions extend from the floor and ceiling of the overflow channel 1104 to form a C-shaped constriction point 1111a. The exemplary implementation illustrated in Figures 11D and 11F can more effectively adjust the microfluidic properties of the overflow channel 1104 to encourage the liquid flow to retract to the storage chamber 1340 from the setting. work of Figure 11C, because the hydraulic diameter of the overflow channel 1104 is more constrained (i.e., narrowed) at the constriction point 1111a shown in Figures 11D and 11F.

The protrusions formed along the overflow channel 1104 need not be uniform in shape, size, frequency or symmetry. That is, depending on the implementation, different constriction points 1111a or 1111b may be implemented in different sizes, designs, shapes or locations or a different frequency along the overflow channel. solid 1104. In one example, the shape of a constriction point 1111a or 1111b may be similar to the shape of the letter C with a round internal diameter. In some embodiments, instead of forming an internal diameter such as a rounded C-shape, the internal wall of the constriction point may have corners (eg, protruding corners) such as those shown in Figures 11F and 11G.

In some examples, the overflow channel 1104, at a first level, may have protrusions extending from the ceiling of the overflow channel 1104, while at a second level, the protrusions may extend from the ceiling of the overflow channel 1104. from the floor of the overflow channel 1104. At a third level, the protrusions may extend from the internal walls, for example. Variations of the above implementations may be possible by adjusting or changing the number of protrusions and the shapes of the protrusions or the positioning of the protrusions in different sequences or levels to help control the microfluidic effect on the lattice. Flow in both directions in overflow channel 1104. In one example, constriction points 1111a can be implemented on one or more (or all) levels, sides or widths of manifold 1313, for example.

With reference to Figures 11E and 11G, in addition to defining the constraint points 1111a along a longer length of the overflow channel 1104, or a wider side of the header 1313, one or more points Additional constriction 1111b can be defined along the narrower side of manifold 1313. Thus, the exemplary implementation in Figures 11E and 11G may improve the adjustment of resistance to or encouragement of detachment of the. meniscus in a desired direction in the overflow channel 1104 compared to the implementation in Figure 11D, because the overall hydraulic diameter (or flow volume) of the overflow channel 1104 is more limited due to the addition of additional constriction points 1111b.

Referring to Figures 11F and 11G, for clarity, each solid level in the illustrated example may include three constriction points 1111b on each side, in addition to the two additional constriction points 1111b, for example.

Thus, manifold 1313 of Figure 11D may include a total of 18 constriction points, while manifold 1313 of Figure 11E may include a total of 26 constriction points.

In this example, the embodiments illustrated in Figure 11E provide improved microfluidic flow regulation (eg in the outward direction) due to capillary pressure which is enhanced at the multiple constriction points. 1111a and 1111b.

Referring to Figure 11H, in some embodiments, door 1102 may be constructed to include an opening or opening configuration which, similarly to a constriction point 1111a or 1111b, has a progressively narrowed edge. , a ledge or flange that is flatter in one direction. For example, the rim of the door opening 1102 may be formed to be flat on one side (eg, the side facing the storage chamber 1342) and rounded on the other side (eg, the side facing opposite the storage chamber 1342). In such a configuration, the microfluidic forces encouraging flow back to storage chamber 1340 over the remote flow of storage chamber 1340 can be enhanced due to easier meniscus detachment from the side. less rounded compared to the more rounded side. Therefore, depending on the implementation and variations in the structure or construction of the constriction points and gate 1102, the resistance to flow of vaporizable material 1302 out of manifold 1313 may be greater than the resistance to the flow of vaporizable material 1302. resistance to flow of vaporizable material 1302 into manifold 1313 and to storage chamber

1340. In some implementations, the door 1102 is constructed to maintain a liquid seal so that a layer of vaporizable material 1302 is present in the middle where the storage chamber 1342 communicates with the excess channel. -full 1104 in the overflow volume 1344. The presence of a liquid seal can help maintain a pressure balance between the storage chamber 1342 and the overflow volume 1344 to promote a sufficient level. vacuum (e.g. partial vacuum) in storage chamber 1342 to prevent vaporizable material 1302 from completely draining into overflow volume 1344, as well as to prevent wick element 1362 from being deprived of adequate saturation. In one or more exemplary implementations, a single passageway or channel in manifold 1313 may be connected to storage chamber 1342 by means of two vents, so that the two vents maintain a seal of. liquid tightness regardless of the positioning of cartridge 1320. The formation of a liquid tight seal at door 1102 can also help prevent air in manifold 1313 from entering the storage chamber. 1342 even when cartridge 1320 is held diagonally to the horizon or when cartridge 1320 is positioned with the mouthpiece facing down. Indeed, if the air bubbles coming from the manifold 1313 enter the tank, the pressure inside the storage chamber 1342 is equalized with respect to that of the ambient pressure. That is, the partial vacuum within the storage chamber 1342 (e.g. created as a result of the evacuation of vaporizable material 1302 by the wick feeds 1368) is shifted, if the air Ambient flows into storage chamber 1342. Referring to Figures 111 through 11K, perspective views of alternate door configurations 1102 for the manifold structure are provided.

1313. The alternate configurations may provide advantages in managing and controlling the flow of air and / or liquid vaporizable material 1302. In some scenarios, the headspace vacuum may not be maintained when the empty space (ie the free space above the vaporizable material 1302) in the storage chamber 1342 is in contact with the door 1102. For this reason, as mentioned previously, the gasket liquid seal established at door 1102 may be broken. This effect may be due to the door 1102 which is unable to maintain a fluidic film as the manifold 1313 is evacuated and the headspace contacts the door 1102, leading to a loss of partial headspace vacuum. In some embodiments, the headspace in storage chamber 1342 may have ambient pressure, and if there is a hydrostatic offset between gate 1102 and the atomizer in cartridge 1320, the contents of the storage chamber. 1342 storage drains into the atomizer, resulting in wick box flooding and leakage. In order to prevent leakage, one or more embodiments can be implemented to eliminate the hydrostatic offset between the gate 1102 and the atomizer and maintain the functionality of the gate 1102 when the storage chamber 1342 is nearly evacuated. .

As shown in the exemplary embodiments of Figures 111 and 11J, miniaturized dividing walls or labyrinth-like structures 1190 can be constructed around gate 1102 to establish a high drive connection between gate 1102 and the gate. overflow channel 1104 in manifold 1313 to maintain the liquid seal at door 1102. In the example of Figure 11J, a ditch-shaped structure 1190 is shown as a means to improve further maintaining the liquid seal at door 1102 according to one or more implementations. Controlled Fluidic Gate Embodiment Figures 11L and 11N illustrate plan and close-up views of a controlled fluidic gate 1102 in the manifold structure 1313, in one or more implementations. As shown, the passageway or overflow channel 1104 in the manifold 1313 can be connected to the storage chamber 1342 by means of a controlled V-shaped or horn-shaped fluidic gate 1102, by example so that the V-shaped door 1102 has at least two (and desirably three) openings which are connected to the storage chamber

1342. As discussed in more detail herein, a liquid seal may be maintained at door 1102 regardless of the vertical or horizontal orientation of cartridge 1320.

As shown in Figure 11L, on a first side of the vent, a vent path can be maintained between the overflow channel 1104 and the door 1102 through which air bubbles can escape from the channel. overflow 1104 in the manifold in the tank. On a second side, one or more high drive channels connected to the reservoir may be provided to encourage pinching at a pinch point 1122 to maintain a liquid seal which prevents the flow. premature venting of air bubbles out of the overflow channel 1104 and into the reservoir, as well as unwanted entry of air or vaporizable material 1302 into the overflow channel 1104 from the reservoir.

Depending on the implementation, the high drive channels, shown as an example on the right side of Figure 11L, are preferably kept sealed due to capillary pressure exerted by the liquid vaporizable material 1302 in the cartridge reservoir.

The low entrainment channels formed on the opposite side (i.e. shown on the left side in Figure 11L) can be configured to have relatively lower capillary entrainment compared to the high entrainment channels but still have a sufficient capillary entrainment so that in a first state of pressure a liquid seal is maintained in both the high entrainment channels and the low entrainment channels.

Therefore, in the first state of pressure (for example when the pressure inside the tank is approximately equal to or greater than the ambient air pressure), then a liquid seal is maintained at the same time. in the low entrainment and high entrainment channels, preventing air bubbles from flowing into the reservoir.

On the contrary, in a second state of pressure (for example when the pressure inside the tank is lower than the ambient air pressure), the air bubbles formed in the overflow channel 1104 (for example by means of the entry into the air exchange orifice 1106) or more generally an edge of the leading meniscus of an interface vaporizable liquid material - air can move upwards and towards the door controlled fluidics 1102. When the meniscus reaches the pinch point 1122 positioned between the low entrainment and high entrainment channels of the vent 1104, air is preferably routed through the low entrainment channel or channels, in due to a higher capillary resistance that is present in the high drive channel (s).

Once the bubbles have passed through the low drag channel portion of gate 1102, the air bubbles enter the reservoir and equalize the pressure inside the reservoir with that of the ambient air.

Thus, the air exchange port 1106 in combination with the controlled fluidic gate 1102 allows ambient air entering the overflow channel 1104 to pass into the reservoir, until a state of. equilibrium pressure is established between the tank and the ambient air.

As mentioned previously, this process can be referred to as tank ventilation.

Once an equilibrium pressure state is established (e.g. a transition from a second pressurized state to a first pressurized state) then a liquid seal is again established at the pinch point 1122 , due to the presence of liquid in both the high entrainment channels and the low entrainment channels which are fed by the liquid vaporizable material 1302 stored in the tank.

Figures 110 through 11X show pictures when the airflow, collected in exemplary manifold 1313 of Figures 11L through 11B, is managed to accept good ventilation as the meniscus of vaporizable material 1302 continues to recede.

Figure 110 illustrates a receding meniscus where, as vaporizable material 1302 is withdrawn from the reservoir into the wick, the partial headspace vacuum increases in resistance.

This is sufficient to overcome the receding capillary drive of the meniscus, again moving the meniscus through the manifold to the point of constriction where the meniscus sees the highest pressure differential as dictated by the geometry.

Figure 11P illustrates how the meniscus passes through a first seal in gate 1102, as the meniscus approaches gate 1102. At this first seal, the partial vacuum of free space is maximized when it corresponds to the smallest geometry in the gate structure 1102, and the partial vacuum in the reservoir continues to grow up to this point.

Figure 11Q illustrates how several menisci recede when the free space reaches the maximum partial vacuum. The menisci are at their narrowest curvature on their principal planes and at these locations the drain pressures of all three channels are equal and all three menisci recede simultaneously, as opposed to receding only one. channel. Since the curvatures of these three menisci now increase as they recede, the sustained pressure difference across them decreases and the partial vacuum of free space then begins to decrease.

Figure 11R illustrates how the secondary menisci begin to fill the capillary channels. The taper on these channel geometries is such that as the menisci continue to recede, the capillary drive of the main channel decreases at a higher rate than that of the secondary channels. This gradual reduction in capillary drive reduces the partial vacuum of free space maintained. When the main meniscus drain pressure drops below the secondary channel drain pressure, that meniscus continues to drain while the other menisci remain static. The drain pressure, involving the receding contact angle of the main channel, can drop below the flood pressure, involving the advancing contact angle of the secondary channels, causing them to fall apart. fill again, as shown in the Figures.

Figure 11S illustrates how the secondary menisci of one of the two menisci in each secondary duct reaches a point of tangency when the two menisci merge into one. This combined meniscus has an increased curvature and therefore a lower capillary entrainment. The higher entrainment of the main meniscus can cause the system to react momentarily by turning the main meniscus into a forward meniscus. The successive retreat of the main meniscus probably takes place with the secondary meniscus maintained at this location.

Figure 11T illustrates how the secondary meniscus moves toward the manifold.

In a scenario where the storage chamber is full of liquid, the main meniscus continues to recede, further reducing the partial vacuum of free space as its curvature increases.

When the partial vacuum drops below the advancing capillary pressure of the secondary meniscus, the secondary meniscus begins to drive once more to close the gap.

In a scenario where the storage chamber is empty or nearly empty, the liquid seal at door 1102 is stable until the bubble ruptures, connecting the free space to the surrounding area. is lying.

Figure 11U illustrates how the secondary meniscus closes the seal at gate 1102. As the secondary meniscus advances until it meets the apex of the wedge in the primary channel, the geometry is designed to encourage the meniscus. secondary to be shared to fill both the gate 1102 and the manifold channels 1313. These two newly formed menisci can serve to isolate the free space from the ambient air and thus a partial vacuum of free space. can be reestablished, ensuring that leakage through the liquid supply channels is reduced.

Since the newly formed menisci have smaller curvatures than before separation, the newly formed menisci continue to proceed into the channels due to increased capillary entrainment.

Figures 11V through 11X illustrate bubble release in storage chamber 1342. The pressure in cartridge 1320 at this point reaches stability as the air bubble trapped in the main meniscus channel is ejected by the imbalance created by the cells. menisci of advancement and retreat.

The vaporizable material 1302 is then allowed to enter and move the bubble through the upper right channel.

Therefore, while a high entrainment channel structure can be provided via a closed ditch near gate 1102, a smaller ditch can instead be used to reduce the risk of trapped bubbles. In some implementations, the progressively narrowed channels can be designed to increase the drive to the controlled vent. By taking into consideration the pinch of the two advancing menisci, the reservoir tank wall and the channel bottom can be configured to continue to provide drive, while the side walls provide a pinch location for the menisci. . In one configuration, the net entrainment of the advancing menisci does not exceed that of the receding menisci, thus keeping the system statically stable. Embodiments of the Multi-Door, Multi-Channel Manifold Referring to Figures 12A and 12B, there is illustrated an exemplary side perspective view and an exemplary side plan view of the embodiments of a single vent manifold structure and. multiple channels

1200. As shown in Figure 12A, manifold 1200 is formed to have a single gate 1202 and multiple channels 1204 (a) through 1204 (j). As shown in Figure 12A, according to one or more implementations, the door 1202 may be positioned for example in the center or midway of the longitudinal width of the manifold 1313 to allow vaporizable material 1302 to enter at least one. first channel 1204 (a) of manifold 1313 and gradually diffuse into and through additional channels 1204 (b) - 1204 (j). The position of door 1202 can be altered to suit the implementation which is in the center, side or corner or some other location along the length or width of the manifold 1313. A manifold structure to single vent and multiple channels 1200 may have the added advantage of allowing vaporizable material 1302 to enter through a single door 1202 at a first rate and diffuse at a second rate (e.g., faster rate than the first rate. ) through multiple channels (1204 (a) —1204 (j) of manifold 1200. Advantageously, a single gate, multiple channel 1200 manifold structure allows for controlled flow (eg, limited flow). ) of vaporizable material 1302 from storage chamber 1342 into overflow volume 1344 (see Figure 3A) and further allows less controlled (e.g. less restricted) flow once vaporizable material 1302 is in volume overflow 1344. In cer In some embodiments, a multi-level, multi-channel structure can be implemented such that, as shown in Figure 12B, for example, the flow of vaporizable material 1302 into a first set of channels 1204 (a ) —1204 (f) is at a second rate and the flow of vaporizable material 1302 in a second set of channels 1204 (g) -1204 (k) is at a third rate.

The third rate may be faster or slower than the second rate.

Therefore, in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 12B, the vaporizable material 1302 can flow through the gate 1202 at a first rate, through the channels 1204 (a) -1204 (f) at a second rate. xth rate, and through channels 1204 (g) —1204 (k) at a third rate.

In one or more embodiments, the second rate may be faster than the first rate and the third rate, for example, so that vaporizable material 1302 may have limited flow through gate 1202, less flow limited to through the first set of channels (eg level 1) and relatively more limited flow in the second set of channels (eg level 2). This tiered configuration can help improve flow through manifold 1200 but maintain a controllable restriction against rapid flow of vaporizable material 1302 to wick element 1362, once vaporizable material 1302 has entered the manifold. 1200. In the dual level embodiment shown in Figure 12B, the first set of channels 1204 (a) -1204 (f) (eg level 1) may have a reversible configuration such that the vaporizable material 1302 collected in the first set of channels can return to reservoir 1340. The second set of channels 1204 (g) —1204 (k) (eg, level 2), on the contrary, cannot have reversible configurations.

In such embodiments, due to the proximity of the second set of channels to wick element 1362, vaporizable material 1302 is primarily drawn from the second set of channels and then from the first set of channels (e.g., level 1 serving as a reserve compartment). Having a reversible and non-reversible construction, as discussed above, can help provide further improvements over the other embodiments discussed here.

In some multilevel embodiments, by configuring the second set of channels 1204 (g) -1204 (k) to be non-reversible, one can have an additional guarantee that the wick element 1362 will not hurt. supplied as vaporizable material 1302 may be available in close proximity to wick element 1362 when stored in the second set of channels 1204 (g) - 1204 (k) during an overflow event.

Further, the possibility that a strong flow of vaporizable material 1302 into the wick housing during a negative pressure event may be prevented in multi-level implementations, because, as previously anticipated, the second set of channels 1204 (g) —1204 (k) can be configured to have more restrictive flow compared to the first set of channels 1204 (a) -1204 (f). Further, due to reversibility, the first set of channels 1204 (a) -1204 {f) cannot contain a relatively large volume of vaporizable material 1302. In some embodiments, in order to increase or limit the volume. reversibility or flow of vaporizable material 1302 into the first set of channels 1204 (a) -1204 (f) or the second set of channels 1204 (g) - 1204 (k), the absorbent material (e.g. sponges) may be introduced in one or two channel zones.

Referring to Figure 13, there is illustrated an exemplary side perspective view of a manifold structure with multiple vents and multiple channels 1300, according to one or more implementations. As shown, manifold 1300 can be positioned within a cartridge such that manifold 1300 has two vents 1301. This implementation can allow vaporizable material 1302 to flow into channels 1204 at a time. relatively faster flow rate, especially compared to a single vent manifold 1200 shown in Figures 21A and 12B.

Wick Feed Embodiments Referring again to Figures 10C, 10D, 11B, in some variations, manifold 1313 may be configured to be inserted by a receiving end of storage chamber 1342. The end of the manifold 1313 which is opposite the end which is received by the storage chamber 1342 can be configured to receive a wick member 1362. For example, the fork-shaped protrusions can be formed to securely receive. bit member 1362. A bit housing 1315 can be used to further secure bit member 1362 in a fixed position between the protrusions. This configuration can also help prevent wick element 1362 from significantly swelling and weakening due to excessive saturation.

Referring to Figures 11C, 11D and 11E, depending on the implementation, one or more of additional conduits, channels, tubes or cavities may move through the manifold 1313 and may be constructed or configured as paths that feed wick element 1362 with vaporizable material 1302 stored in storage chamber 1342. In some configurations, such as those discussed in more detail here, the wick feed conduits, tubes or the cavities (i.e., 1368 wick feeds) may extend approximately parallel to the center tunnel 1100. In at least one configuration, several wick feeds may be found which extend diagonally across the top. along the length of manifold 1313, for example independently or in connection with a wick exchange, including one or more other wick feeds.

In some embodiments, a plurality of wick feeds can be interactively connected in a multi-link configuration so that an exchange of the feed paths, possibly crossing each other, can lead to the wick housing area. wick.

This configuration can help prevent complete blockage of the wick feed mechanism if, for example, one or more of the feed paths in the wick feed exchange are blocked by means of the formation. gas bubbles or other types of obstruction.

Advantageously, the instrumentation of the multiple feed paths can allow the vaporizable material 1302 to travel safely through one or more paths (or a crossing to a different but open path) to the housing area of the feed. bit, even if some of the paths or some of the paths in the bit feed exchange are completely or partially plugged or blocked.

Depending on the implementation, a wick feed path may be formed to be tubular, for example, with a circular or multifaceted cross-diameter shape.

For example, the hollow cross section of the wick feed may be triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, or any other suitable geometric shape.

In one or more embodiments, the transverse perimeter of the wick feed may be in the shape of a hollow cross, for example so that the arms of the cross have a narrower width relative to the diameter of the transverse portion. center of the cross from which the arms extend.

More generally, a wick feed channel (also referred to herein as the first channel) may have a transverse shape with at least one irregularity (eg, protrusion, side channel, etc.) which provides an alternate path. for liquid vaporizable material to flow therein in the event that an air bubble blocks the remainder of the cross-sectional surface of the wick feed.

The cross-shaped cross section of the present example is an example of this structure, but one skilled in the art understands that other shapes are also contemplated and achievable based on the present description.

A cross-shaped conduit or tube implementation that is formed through a wick feed path can overcome obstruction problems because a cross-shaped tube can essentially be considered. as comprising five separate trajectories (eg a central trajectory formed at the hollow center of the cross and four additional trajectories formed in the hollow arms of the cross). In such an implementation, a blockage in the supply tube by a gas bubble, for example, probably forms at the central part of the cross-shaped tube, leaving auxiliary paths (i.e. 'that is to say paths which pass through the arms of the tube in the form of a cross) open for flow.

In one or more aspects, the wick feed paths may be wide enough to allow free movement of vaporizable material 1302 through the feed paths and toward the wick.

In some embodiments, the flow through the wick supply can be improved or accommodated by dividing the relative diameter of certain portions of the wick supply to enhance the capillary pull or pressure on the vaporizable material 1302 itself. moving through a bit feed path.

In other words, depending on shape and other structural or material factors, some wick feed paths may rely on gravitational and capillary forces to induce movement of the vaporizable material 1302 toward the end. bit housing part.

In the implementation of cross-shaped tube, for example, the trajec-

Feeding tubes which pass through the arms of the cross-shaped tube can be configured to feed the wick by means of capillary pressure instead of relying on the force of gravity. In such an implementation, the central part of the cross-shaped tube may feed the wick due to the force of gravity, for example as the flow of vaporizable material 1302 in the arms of the cross-shaped tube can be supported by capillary pressure. Note that the cross-shaped tube described herein is intended to provide an exemplary embodiment. The concepts and functionality implemented in this exemplary embodiment can be extended to wick feed paths with different transverse shapes (eg, tubes with hollow star-shaped sections having two or more arms. extending from a central tunnel extending along a bit feed path).

Referring to Figure 11C, an exemplary manifold construction 1313 is illustrated in which two wick feeds 1368 are positioned on two opposite sides of the center tunnel 1100 so that vaporizable material 1302 can enter the feeds and flow out. directly to the cavity area at the other end of manifold 1313, where the wick housing is formed.

Wick feed mechanisms can be formed through manifold 1313 so that at least one wick feed path into manifold 1313 can be formed as a multi-faceted cross-diameter hollow tube. For example, the hollow cross section of the wick feed may be in the form of the plus sign (for example, a hollow cross shaped wick feed, if viewed from a top sectional view). ), so that the arms of the cross have a narrower width compared to the diameter of the central crossing portion of the cross from which the arms extend.

A conduit or tube with the cross-shaped diameter formed through a wick feed path can overcome obstruction problems because a tube with a cross-shaped diameter can be considered to include five. separate trajectories (eg a central trajectory formed at the hollow center of the cross and four additional trajectories formed in the hollow arms of the cross). In such an implementation, a blockage in the supply tube by a gas bubble (eg an air bubble) probably forms at the central portion of the cross-shaped tube.

Such central positioning of the gas bubble ultimately leaves the auxiliary paths (i.e. the paths which pass through the arms of the cross-shaped tube) which remain open for the flow of vaporizable material 1302, even. when the central path is blocked by the gas bubble.

Other implementations for a wick feed passageway structure which are possible may accomplish the same or a similar objective as described above with respect to trapping or doing gas bubbles. to prevent trapped gas bubbles from completely blocking the wick feed passageway.

Adding more vents to the 1300 manifold structure may allow for faster flow rates, depending on the implementation, when a relatively larger collective volume of vaporizable material 1302 can be moved when additional vents are available. .

Thus, although not explicitly shown, embodiments with more than two vents (e.g. implementations with a triple vent, implementations with a quadruple vent, etc.) are also within the scope of the invention. described.

Referring to Figures 14A and 14B, certain embodiments may include a collector structure 1400 with two feeds for the wick.

In such embodiments, the wick may have a higher level of saturation and less possibility of underfeeding compared to an embodiment in which a single feed is provided.

Referring to Figures 15A, 15B and 15C, there are provided side plan perspective and sectional views of an exemplary manifold structure for a dual feed bit 1562. As shown, a bit or bit 1562 may be. disposed or housed in cartridge 1500 such that at least two separate wick feeds 1566 and 1568 are provided to allow vaporizable material 1302 to move to an area of cartridge 1500 where wick 1562 is housed.

As previously noted, a two-wick feed may have the advantage of providing wick 1562, for example, twice the flow of vaporizable material 1302 compared to a single-wick feed, alternatively. Advantageously, a dual-wick feed implementation provides great power to the 1562 wick and helps prevent a dry 1562 wick if, for example, one of the wick feeds becomes blocked. As shown, a lower portion of wick 1562 may extend downward into an area of cartridge 1500 which forms the heating chamber or atomizer.

Referring to Figures 16A, there is provided a sectional side plan view of an exemplary cartridge in which a dual horn or dual feed bit 1562 is positioned in a manifold structure. Figure 16B is a side sectional plan view of an exemplary manifold structure in which a bit 1562 may be accommodated. Figure 16C provides an exemplary perspective view of the cartridge, in one or more implementations. As shown, a first end of bit 1562 may have two feeds, horns, or flanged ends to at least partially engage two or more bit apertures in a partition 1513 such that at least one of the flanged ends tangentially engages, for example, a volume in storage chamber 1542, or for example extends at least partially into the volume in storage chamber 1542. In one or more implementations, the cartridge 1500 may include a reservoir with a storage chamber 1542 for storing vaporizable material 1302. A secondary volume 1510 separable from storage chamber 1542 may also be formed within cartridge 1500. Secondary volume 1510 may be formed. in communication with the storage chamber 1542 via one or more wick feeds 1590. The secondary volume 1510 can be configured to house at least one wick 1562. The wick 1562 can be co-ordinated. nfigured to absorb vaporizable material 1302 moving through the wick feed 1590 so that, in thermal interaction with an atomizer, vaporizable material 1302 is absorbed into wick 1562 and is converted to at least one. one of vapor or aerosol. Wick 1562 may be at least partially confined by one or more heating elements of an atomizer positioned in secondary volume 1510. A partition 1513 to at least partially separate storage chamber 1542 from secondary volume 1510 may be provided. so that the flow of vaporizable material 1302 through wick feeds 1590 is controllable. At least a first portion of the wick feed 1590 may be formed by at least one or more openings in the partition 1513. At least a second portion of the wick feed 1590 may include a passageway for vaporizable material. connecting the one or more openings in partition 1513 to the secondary volume

1510. An air flow passageway 1538 may be provided to connect the secondary volume 1510 to a mouthpiece so that the vaporizable material 1302, which has been converted to vapor, exits the secondary volume 1510 towards the mouthpiece. buccal through the air flow passage 1538. Referring to Figures 16A, 16B, 16C, 17A and 17B, there is provided a perspective view of a first side of a cartridge and a sectional view. a second side of the cartridge having a wick 1562 which protrudes into the storage chamber 1542. The wick 1562 may include at least a first end 1592 and a second end 1594, the first end 1592 being proximate to the separation 1513 and the second end extending distally in a direction opposite to the first end 1592. A first end 1592 of the wick may at least partially protrude through a wick opening in the partition 1530 to accommodate the wick. extend at least partially ent in a volume in the storage chamber 1542. In one aspect, the first end 1592 of the bit 1562 may at least partially protrude through a wick opening in the partition 1530 to at least tangentially engage a volume in storage chamber 1542. Figure 26A illustrates perspective, front, side, bottom, and top views of an exemplary embodiment of a manifold 1313 with a V-shaped door 1102 As shown in Figures 25 and 26, manifold 1313 may be mounted within a hollow cavity in cartridge 1320 together with additional components (eg, wick element 1362, element heater 1350 and wick housing 1315). Wick element 1362 can be positioned between a second end of manifold 1313 with heater 1350 wrapped around wick element 1362. During assembly, manifold 1313, wick element 1362 and the heater 1350 can be fitted together and covered by the wick housing 1315 before being inserted into the cavity inside the cartridge

1320. The wick housing 1315 can be inserted together with the other components mentioned in one end of the cartridge 1320 which is opposite the mouthpiece to hold the components inside in a pressure-tight manner. or pressure adjusted. The seal or fit of the 1315 wick housing and manifold

1313 within the inner walls of the cartridge receiving sleeve 1320 is desirably sealed enough to prevent leakage of vaporizable material 1302 held in the cartridge reservoir 1320. In some embodiments , the pressure seal between the wick housing 1315 and the manifold 1313 and the inner walls of the cartridge receiving sleeve 1320 is tight enough to prevent manual removal of the components with bare hands.

Referring to Figures 10C, 10D, 11B, 26B and 26C, in some variations, a manifold 1313 may be configured to be inserted by insertion through a receiving end of a storage chamber 1342. As shown in Figures 26B. and 26C, the end of the manifold 1313 which is opposite the end which is received by the storage chamber 1342 can be configured to receive a wick member 1362. For example, fork-shaped protrusions 1108 can be formed for securely receive the wick element 1362. A wick housing 1315, as shown in the bottom sectional views of Figures 26B and 26C, can be used to further secure the wick element 1362 in a fixed position between the forked protrusions 1108. This configuration can also help prevent substantial swelling and weakening of the wick element 1362 due to excessive saturation.

Referring to Figure 26B, in one embodiment, a drill bit member 1362 can be constrained or compressed in certain locations along its length (eg, toward the longitudinal distal ends of the bit member 1362 positioned. directly below the wick feeds 1368) by means of compression ribs 1110 to help prevent leakage, for example, by maintaining a greater area of saturation of the vaporizable material 1302 towards the ends of the wick element 1362, so that the central portion of wick element 1362 remains drier and less prone to leakage.

In addition,

the use of the compression ribs 1110 can further compress the wick element 1362 into the atomizer housing to prevent leakage into the atomizer.

Referring to Figures 26D through 26F, there is illustrated top plan views of exemplary wick feed mechanisms formed by or structured through manifold 1313, in one or more implementations.

As shown in Figure 26D, at least one wick feed path 1368 into manifold 1313 may be formed as a multi-faceted cross-diameter hollow tube.

For example, the hollow cross section of the 1368 wick feed path may have the shape of the plus sign (for example, a hollow cross shaped wick feed if viewed from a top sectional view) , so that the arms of the cross have a narrower width compared to the diameter of the central crossing portion of the cross from which the arms extend.

Referring to Figure 26E, a conduit or tube with a cross-shaped diameter formed through a 1368 bit feed path can overcome clogging problems because a tube with a cross-shaped diameter can be thought of as comprising five separate trajectories (eg a central trajectory formed at the hollow center of the cross and four additional trajectories formed in the hollow arms of the cross). In such an implementation, a blockage in the feed tube by means of a gas bubble (e.g. an air bubble) is probably formed at the central part of the cross-shaped tube, as shown. in Figure 26E.

Such central positioning of the gas bubble ultimately leaves the auxiliary paths (i.e. the paths which pass through the arms of the cross-shaped tube) which remain open for the flow of vaporizable material 1302, even. when the central path is blocked by the gas bubble.

Referring to Figure 26F, other implementations for a 1368 wick feed path structure which are possible, may achieve the same or a similar objective as described above with respect to the trapping of wick bubbles. gas or to avoid trapped gas bubbles completely blocking the wick feed path 1368. As shown in the exemplary illustration of Figure 26F, one or more drop-shaped protrusions 1368a / 1368b) (e.g. similar formally one or more separate nipples with a 1368 wick feed path between them) may be formed at one end of the 1368 wick feed path through which the vaporizable material 1302 s 'flows from storage chamber 1342 into manifold 1313 to help drive vaporizable material 1302 through the wick feed path 1368, if a gas bubble is trapped in the region center of the wick feed path 1368. In this way, a reasonably controllable and compatible flow of vaporizable material 1302 can be continuously diffused to the wick, preventing a scenario in which the wick is inadequately saturated with the vaporizable material 1302. Heater Element Embodiments Referring to Figures 18A through 18D, the vaporizer cartridge 1800 may also include a heater element 1850 (eg, a flat heater), as mentioned above.

The heater 1850 includes a first portion 1850A positioned approximately parallel to the air flow passageways 1838 and a second portion 1850B positioned approximately perpendicular to the air flow passageways 1838. As shown, the first portion 1850A of the heater element 1850 can be positioned between opposing portions of a manifold 1813. When the heater element 1850 is activated, there is an increase in temperature. due to current flow through the heater 1850 to generate heat, for example.

Heat can be transferred to a quantity of vaporizable material 1302 by heat transfer by conduction, convection and / or radiation so that at least a portion of vaporizable material 1302 is vaporized. Heat transfer can take place for vaporizable material 1302 in the reservoir, vaporizable material 1302 sucked from manifold 1813 and / or vaporizable material 1302 sucked into a wick retained by heater 1850. Air passing through the device. vaporizer flows along an air path over heater element 1850, loosening vaporized vaporizable material 1302 from heater element 1850 and / or wick. The vaporizable material 1302 vaporized may be condensed due to cooling, pressure changes, etc., so that it exits the mouthpiece 1830 through at least one of the air flow passageways 1838 in aerosol form for inhalation by a user.

Referring to Figures 19A through 19C, a vaporizer cartridge 1900 may include a folded heater element 1950 and two air flow passageways 1938. As mentioned above, heater element 1950 may be crimped around. of a wick 1962 or preformed to receive the wick 1962. The heating element 1950 may include one or more teeth 1950A. The 1950A teeth can be positioned in a heating portion of the 1950 heater element and are designed so that the resistance of the 1950A teeth corresponds to the appropriate amount of resistance to influence the localized heating in the 1950 heater to heat more efficiently and more effectively the vaporizable material 1302 of the 1962 wick.

Teeth 1950A form fine segments or traces of path heating in series and / or parallel to provide the desired amount of resistance. The particular geometry of teeth 1950A can be desirably selected to produce a particular localized resistance to heat the heater 1950. For example teeth 1950A can include one or more different tooth configurations and characteristics described and discussed in this section. more detailed below.

When heating element 1950 is activated, the temperature increases due to the flow of current through heating element 1950 to generate heat.

Heat is transferred to a quantity of vaporizable material 1302 by heat transfer by conduction, convection and / or radiation so that at least a portion of vaporizable material 1302 is vaporized.

Heat transfer can take place over vaporizable material 1302 in the reservoir, vaporizable material 1302 sucked from manifold 1913 and / or vaporizable material 1302 sucked into wick 1962 retained by heater 1950. In some applications. As such, the vaporizable material 1302 can be vaporized along one or more edges of the teeth 1950A.

The air passing through the vaporizer device flows along the air path over the heater element 1950, loosening the vaporized material 1302 vaporized from the heater element 1950 and / or the wick 1962. The material vaporizable 1302 vaporized may be condensed due to cooling, pressure changes, etc., so that it exits the mouthpiece by at least one of the air flow passageways 1938 in aerosol form for inhalation by a user.

Referring to Figures 20A to 20C, a vaporizer cartridge 2000 may include a folded heater element 2050 and a single air flow path 2038 (eg, center). As mentioned above, the heater 2050 can be crimped around a bit 2062 or preformed to receive the bit 2062. The heater 2050 can include one or more teeth 2050A.

The 2050A teeth can be positioned in a heating portion of the 2050 heater and are designed so that the resistance of the 2050A teeth is the appropriate amount of resistance to influence the localized heating in the 2050 heater to heat more efficiently and more effectively the vaporizable material of the wick 2062.

Teeth 2050A form fine segments or traces of path heating in series and / or parallel to provide the desired amount of resistance.

The particular geometry of teeth 2050A can be desirably selected to produce a particular localized resistance to heat the heater element 2050. For example, teeth 2050A can include one or more of different tooth configurations described in more detail. detailed below.

When the 2050 heater is activated, the temperature increases due to the current flowing through the 2050 heater to generate heat.

Heat is transferred to an amount of vaporizable material 1302 through heat transfer by conduction, convection and / or radiation so that at least a portion of vaporizable material 1302 is vaporized.

Heat transfer can occur on vaporizable material 1302 in the tank, vaporizable material 1302 sucked from manifold 2013 and / or vaporizable material 1302 sucked into wick 2062 retained by heater 2050. In some cases implemented, the vaporizable material 1302 can be vaporized along one or more edges of the teeth 2050A.

Air passing through the vaporizer device flows along the air path over heating element 2050, loosening vaporized vaporizable material 1302 from heating element 2050 and / or wick 2062. The vaporizing material 1302 vaporized sand can be condensed due to cooling, pressure changes, etc., so that it exits the mouthpiece through at least one of the air flow passageways in the form of an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

Referring to Figures 10C, 11B and 21A, in some embodiments, manifold 1313 can be configured to include a flat rib 2102 which extends outward at the lower perimeter of manifold 1313 to create. a suitable surface to weld the manifold 1313 to the internal walls of the storage chamber 1342, after the manifold 1313 has been inserted into a receiving cavity or receptacle in the storage chamber 1342. Depending on the implementation, an option Perimeter weld or tack weld can be used to firmly secure manifold 1313 in a receiving cavity or receptacle in storage chamber 1342. In some embodiments, a friction-tight, leak-proof coupling can be established. without using welding techniques.

In some embodiments, an adhesive material may be used in place of or in addition to the coupling techniques mentioned above.

Referring to Figures 11B and 21B, in one or more aspects, a weld bead profile 2104 may be formed around the perimeter of the spiral ribs of the manifold 1313 which define an overflow channel 1104, so that the profile of weld bead 2104 can withstand high-speed injection molding process.

The geometry of the weld bead profile 2104 can be designed in a variety of ways so that the manifold 1313 can be inserted into a receiving cavity or receptacle in the storage chamber 1342 in a friction-tight manner. where vaporizable material 1302 can flow through overflow channel 1104 without any leakage along weld bead profile 2104. Referring to Figures 22A, 22B and 82-86, a vapor cartridge The sator 2200 may include the folded heater element, such as the heater 500 and two air flow passageways 2238. As mentioned above, the heater 500 may be crimped around a wick 2262. or preformed to receive the wick 2262. The heater 500 may include one or more teeth 502. The teeth 502 may be positioned in a heater portion of the heater 500 and are designed so that the resistance of the teeth 502 corresponds to the quantity appropriate resistance to influence the localized heating in the heater 500 to more efficiently and effectively heat the vaporizable material 1302 of the wick 2262. The teeth 502 form fine segments or traces of serial path heating and / or in parallel to provide the desired amount of resistance.

The particular geometry of the teeth 502 can be desirably selected to produce a particular localized resistance to heat the heater 500. For example, the teeth 502 and the heater 500 may include one or more different configurations and tooth characteristics described in more detail below.

In some implementations, the teeth 502 include a platform tooth portion 524 and side tooth portions 526. The platform tooth portion 524 is configured to contact one end of the bit 2262 and the portions. Side teeth 526 are configured to contact opposing sides of bit 2262. Platform tooth portion 524 and side tooth portions 526 form a pocket which is formed to receive bit 2262 and / or conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wick 2262. The pocket allows the wick 2262 to be secured and retained by the heater 500 without the pocket.

In some implementations, side tooth portions 526 and platform tooth portion 524 retain bit 2262 via compression.

Platform tooth portion 524 and side tooth portions 526 contact bit 2262 to provide multidimensional contact between heater 500 and wick 2262. Multidimensional contact between heater 500 and wick wick 2262 provides a more efficient and / or faster transfer of vaporizable material 1302 from the vaporizer cartridge reservoir to the heater (via wick 2262) for vaporization.

The heating element 500 may include one or more tabs 506 extending from the teeth 502, and the cartridge contacts 124 formed at the end portion and / or forming part of at least one of the one. or more legs 506. The heating element 500 shown in Figures 22A to 22B and 82 to 86 comprises four legs 506 by way of example. At least one of the tabs 506 may include and / or define one of the cartridge contacts 124 which is configured to contact a corresponding contact of the receptacle contacts 125 of the vaporizer. In some implementations, a pair of tabs 506 (and the cartridge contacts 124) may contact only one of the receptacle contacts.

125.

The tabs 506 may be spring loaded to allow the tabs 506 to maintain contact with the receptacle contacts 125. The tabs 506 may include a portion that is curved to help maintain contact with the receptacle contacts 125. The biasing Spring loaded tabs 506 and / or the curvature of tabs 506 can help increase and / or maintain constant pressure between tabs 506 and receptacle contacts 125. In some implementations, tabs 506 are coupled with a support. 176 to help increase and / or maintain constant pressure between tabs 506 and receptacle contacts 125. Bracket 176 may include plastic, rubber or other materials to help maintain contact between tabs 506 and the receptacle contacts. receptacle contacts 125. In some implementations, support 176 is formed as part of legs 506.

Tabs 506 may contact one or more wiper contacts which are configured to clean the connection between cartridge contacts 124 and other contacts or the power source.

112. For example, the wiper contacts include at least two parallel but offset bosses which frictionally engage and slide against each other in a direction which is parallel or perpendicular to the direction of insertion. .

In some implementations, the tabs 506 include retainer portions 180 which are configured to be folded around at least a portion of a bit housing 178 which surrounds at least a portion of the bit 2262. The retainer portions 180 form one end of tabs 506. Retainers 180 help secure heater 500 and wick 2262 to wick housing 178 (and to vaporizer cartridge). When the heater 500 is activated, the temperature increases due to the current flowing through the heater 500 to generate heat. Heat is transferred to an amount of vaporizable material 1302 through heat transfer by conduction, convection and / or radiation so that at least a portion of vaporizable material 1302 is vaporized. Heat transfer can take place on vaporizable material 1302 in the reservoir, vaporizable material 1302 sucked from manifold 2213 and / or vaporizable material 1302 sucked into wick 2262 retained by heater 500.

In some implementations, the vaporizable material 1302 can be vaporized along one or more edges of the teeth 502. Air passing through the vaporizer device flows along the air path over the heater element. 500, loosening vaporized 1302 vaporizable material from heating element 500 and / or 2262 wick. Vaporized 1302 vaporizable material can be condensed due to cooling, pressure changes, etc., so that it comes out. from the mouthpiece through at least one of the airflow passageways 2238 in the form of an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

Figure 23 illustrates a sectional view of the bit housing 178, compatible with embodiments of the present invention. Wick housing 178 may include a wick support rib 2296 which extends from an outer shell of wick housing 178 toward wick 2262 when assembled. The 2296 Bit Support Rib helps prevent warping of the 2262 bit during assembly. Figure 24 illustrates an example of the wick housing 178 including an identification chip 2295. The identification chip 2295 can be held at least in part by the wick housing 178. The identification chip 2295 can be retained. be configured to communicate with a corresponding chip reader located on the vaporizer.

Figure 25 illustrates perspective, front, side, and exploded views of an exemplary embodiment of a 1320 cartridge with press-fitted components. As shown, cartridge 1320 may include a mouthpiece-reservoir combination formed as a sleeve with an air flow passageway 1338 defined through the sleeve. An area in cartridge 1320 houses manifold 1313, wick element 1362, heater 1350, and wick housing 1315. An opening at a first end of manifold 1313 leads to the passageway. airflow 1338 into the mouthpiece and provides a path for vaporized vaporizable material 1302 to travel from the heater area 1350 to the mouthpiece from which a user inhales. Additional and / or Alternate Fluidic Vent Embodiments Referring to Figures 27A through 27B, close-up front plan views of exemplary flow management mechanisms are illustrated in manifold structure 1313. Similar to Discussing the flow management mechanism with reference to Figures 11M and 11N, the flow management vent mechanisms 2701 or 2702 can be implemented in different forms in different embodiments. In the example of Figure 27A, the passageways or the overflow channel 1104 in the header 1313 may be connected to the storage chamber by means of a fluidic vent 2701, for example, so that the vent 2701 includes at least two openings which are connected to the cartridge storage chamber.

As previously proposed, a liquid seal can be maintained at the vent 2701 regardless of the positioning of the cartridge. On the one hand, a vent path can be maintained between the overflow channel and the 2701 vent. On the other hand, the high drive channels can be implemented to encourage pinching in order to maintain a liquid seal.

Figure 27B illustrates an alternate vent structure 2702 with three openings which are connected to the cartridge storage chamber with a pinch path that prevents rupture of the liquid seal between vent 2701 and the storage room.

Figure 28 illustrates a photo where the flow of vaporizable material collected in the exemplary manifold of Figures 27A or 27B is managed to accept good ventilation in the cartridge storage chamber, depending on one implementation.

As shown, the vent construction 2701 in Figure 27A can be distinguished from the vent construction 2702 in Figure 27B, in that the later vent construction 2702 provides an open area on one side, instead of the wall structure shown in Figure 27A.

This more open implementation provides improved microfluidic interaction between vaporizable material 1302 and the open side of vent 2702. Referring to Figures 29A-29C, perspective, front, and side views of one embodiment are illustrated. exemplary realization of a cartridge.

The cartridge, as shown, can be assembled from a plurality of components including a manifold, a heater, and a wick housing to hold the cartridge components in place when the components are inserted into a body of a. cartridge.

In one embodiment, laser welding can be performed at a circumferential junction positioned approximately at the point at which one end of the collector structure meets the wick housing.

Laser welding prevents the flow of liquid vaporizable material 1302 from the manifold into the heating chamber where the atomizer is placed.

Referring to Figures 30A to 30F, there are illustrated perspective views of an exemplary cartridge at different fill capacities.

As previously mentioned, the volumetric size of the overflow volume can be configured to be equal to, approximately equal to or greater than the amount of increase in volume of the contents, contained in the storage chamber.

When the volume of the contents in the storage chamber expands due to one or more environmental factors, if the volume of the contents, contained in the storage chamber is X, when the pressure inside the chamber storage increases to Y, then Z amounts of vaporizable material 1302 can be moved from the storage chamber into the overflow volume.

Thus, in one or more embodiments, the overflow volume is configured to be at least large enough to contain Z amounts of vaporizable material 1302. Figure 30A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge body having a reservoir which, when filled, houses the storage of a volume of approximately 1.20 ml of vaporizable material 1302, for example.

Figure 30B illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary fully assembled cartridge, in which the storage chamber and manifold overflow passageways house a combined volume of approximately 1.20 ml of vaporizable material 1302. when both are met, for example.

Figure 30C illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary fully assembled cartridge when the manifold overflow passageway is filled to an approximate volume of 0.173 ml, for example.

Figure 30D illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary fully assembled cartridge when the storage chamber is filled to an approximate volume of 0.934 ml, for example.

Figure 30E illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary fully assembled cartridge with wick feed channels and an air flow passageway in the mouthpiece shown in a sectional view; wick feed channels having a volume of approximately 0.094 ml, for example.

Figure 30F illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary fully assembled cartridge with an overflow air channel incorporated into a portion of the manifold to the lower rib, the air flow air channel having an approximate volume of 0.043 ml, for example.

Figures 31A-31C illustrate front views of an exemplary cartridge, according to one embodiment, in which a two-needle fill application is performed to fill the cartridge reservoir (Figure 31A). before the manifold and a closure cap are inserted into the cartridge body (Figure 31B) to form a fully assembled cartridge (Figure 31C). Figures 34A and 34B show front and side views of an exemplary cartridge body with an external air flow path.

In some embodiments, one or more doors, also referred to as air inlet holes, may be provided on the vaporizer body 110. The inlet holes may be positioned within an air inlet hole. air inlet channel with width, height and depth, which is dimensioned to prevent the user from unintentionally blocking the individual air inlet holes, when the user holds the vaporizer 100. In In one aspect, the air inlet channel construction may be long enough so as not to block or significantly limit the flow of air through the air inlet channel, when for example the fingers of 'a user is blocking an area of the air inlet channel.

In some configurations, the geometric construction of the air inlet channel may provide at least one of a minimum length, a minimum depth or a minimum width, for example to ensure that a user cannot overlap or overlap. completely block the air inlet holes in the air inlet channel with one hand or other part of the body.

For example, the length of the air inlet channel may be longer than the width of an average human finger and the width and depth of the air inlet channel may be such that when the finger d When a user is squeezed on top of the channel, the skin folds created do not interface with the air inlet holes inside the air inlet channel.

The air inlet channel can be constructed or shaped as having rounded edges or shaped to wrap around one or more corners or areas of the vaporizer body 110, so that the air inlet channel air cannot easily be covered by a user's finger or body part.

In some embodiments, an optional cover may be provided to protect the air inlet channel so that a user's finger does not block or completely restrict the flow of air into the inlet channel. air.

In an exemplary implementation, the air inlet channel may be formed at the interface between the vaporizer cartridge 120 and the vaporizer body 110 (for example at the receptacle area - see Figure 1). In such an implementation, the air inlet channel can be protected from blockage due to the air inlet channel being formed within the receptacle area.

This implementation can also allow a configuration in which the air inlet channel is concealed from view.

Figures 32A-32C illustrate front, top, and bottom views of an exemplary cartridge body, respectively, with a condensate trap 3201 incorporated within the air path.

Referring to Figure 33A, air or vapor can flow in an air flow path through the cartridge.

The airflow path may extend longitudinally from a port or opening in the mouthpiece, inside along the body of the cartridge so that the vaporizable material 1302 inhaled through the mouthpiece passes through a condensate collector 3201. As shown in Figure 33B, in addition to the condensate collector 3201, condensate recycle channels 3204 (eg, microfluidic channels) can be formed. mes to move from the opening in the mouthpiece to the wick, for example.

The condensate collector 3201 acts on the vaporized 1302 vaporizable material which is cooled and transformed into drops in the mouthpiece to collect and route the condensate drops to the condensate recirculation channels 3204. The recirculation channels of condensate 3204 collects and returns condensate and large drops of vapor to the wick, and prevents the liquid vaporizable material formed in the mouthpiece from being deposited in the user's mouth, during the user's puff or l inhalation through the mouthpiece.

3204 condensate recycle channels can be implemented as microfluidic channels to trap liquid drop condensates and thereby eliminate direct inhalation of vaporizable material, in liquid form, and avoid unwanted taste or taste. in the user's mouth.

Additional and / or alternative embodiments of the condensate recycling channels, and / or one or more other features for controlling, collecting and / or recycling the condensate in a vaporizer device are described and shown in relation to Figures 117. at 119C.

The condensate recirculation channels (and / or one or more other features described and shown in relation to Figures 117 to 119C) can alone or in combination with one or more features of the vaporizer cartridge, help control, collect. and / or recycle the condensate in a vaporizer device.

Referring to Figures 35 and 36, there are illustrated perspective views of a portion of an exemplary cartridge where the manifold structure 1313 includes an air gap 3501 at the lower rib of the manifold structure.

The positioning of the air gap 3501 can coincide with the location where the air exchange port is positioned in the manifold structure 1313. As previously proposed, the manifold structure 1313 can be configured to have a central opening through which an air flow channel leading to the mouthpiece is implemented.

The air flow channel can be connected to the air exchange port, so that the volume inside the overflow passage of the manifold 1313 is connected to the ambient air via the air exchange port and also connected to the volume in the storage chamber via a vent.

In one or more embodiments, the vent can be used as a control valve to primarily regulate the flow of liquid between the overflow passageway and the storage chamber.

The air exchange port can be used to primarily regulate the air flow between the overflow passageway and an air path leading to the mouthpiece, for example.

The combination of the interactions between the vent, the overflow passageway manifold channels and the air exchange port provide good wick saturation and good ventilation of air bubbles which may be introduced into the cartridge due to various environmental factors as well as the controlled flow of vaporizable material 1302 in and out of the manifold channels.

The presence of an air gap 3501 at the air exchange ports allows a more robust ventilation process as it prevents the liquid vaporizable material 1302 stored in the manifold from infiltrating the wick housing area .

Figures 37A through 37C illustrate top views of various exemplary wick feed shapes and configurations for a cartridge according to one or more embodiments.

As shown, Figure 37A illustrates a cross-shaped wick feed cross section in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 37B illustrates a wick feed with an approximately rectangular cross section.

Figure 37C illustrates a wick feed with an approximately square cross section.

As previously proposed, depending on the implementation, one or more wick feeds 3701 may be constructed as conduits, channels, tubes or cavities which move through the collector structure 1313 below the collector structure. form of trajectories which feed the wick with the vaporizable material 1302 stored in the storage chamber. In some configurations, wick feeds 3701 may extend approximately parallel to center channel 3700 in manifold 1313.

Depending on the implementation, a wick feed path may be formed to be tubular, for example, with a substantially rectangular or square cross-sectional shape, as shown in Figures 37B and 37C. A variable-width cross-shaped conduit or tube formed through a wick feed path can overcome obstruction problems, if these shapes provide a multi-path configuration which allows vaporizable material 1302 to move. through the wick feed even if an air bubble is formed in a certain area of the wick feed. In such implementations, a blockage in the wick feed tube is likely formed at a portion of the wick feed tube, leaving auxiliary paths (eg, alternate paths). open for flow.

In one or more aspects, the wick feed paths may be wide enough to allow free movement of vaporizable material 1302 through the feed paths and toward the wick. In some embodiments, the flow through the wick supply can be improved or accommodated by designing the relative diameter of certain portions of the wick supply to enhance the capillary pull or pressure on the vaporizable material 1302 which. moves through the bit feed path. In other words, depending on shape and other structural or material factors, some wick feed paths may rely on gravitational or capillary forces to induce movement of the vaporizable material 1302 towards the end. bit housing part.

Figures 37D and 37E illustrate exemplary embodiments of a manifold 1313 with a dual wick feed implementation 3701. At least one of the wick feeds 3701 may be formed to include a partial interior wall.

The partial interior wall can be configured to divide the volume of the interior of a 3701 wick supply into two separate volumes (i.e., ventricles) as shown in the sectional perspective views of Figures 37D and 37E.

The partial wall implementation allows liquid vaporizable material 1302 to flow easily from the reservoir to the wick accommodation area to saturate the wick.

In some implementations, the partial wall in a single wick supply essentially forms two ventricles in the single wick supply.

The ventricles in the wick feed can be disjointed by means of the partial wall and be used separately to allow vaporizable material 1302 to flow to the wick housing.

In such embodiments, if a gas bubble is dislodged in one of the ventricles in the wick feed, the other ventricle may remain open.

A ventricle can be volumetrically large to provide sufficient flow of vaporizable material 1302 to the wick for adequate saturation.

Therefore, in embodiments in which two wick feeds 3701 are used, effectively four ventricles may be available to carry the flow of vaporizable material 1302 to the wick.

Thus, in the event of gas bubbles forming in one, two, or even three ventricles, at least a fourth ventricle is operable to direct the flow of vaporizable material 1302 to the wick, reducing the chances of dehydration of the wick. wick.

Referring to Figure 38, a close-up view of one end of the wick feed which is positioned proximate the wick (eg, at the end configured to at least partially receive the wick) where optionally at least a portion of the wick is sandwiched between two or more teeth extending from the end of the wick feed.

Figure 39 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary manifold structure having a square design wick feed in combination with an air gap at one end of the overflow passageway.

Referring to Figures 40A through 40E, rear, side, front, and bottom views, respectively, of an exemplary manifold structure are illustrated. Figure 40A shows a rear view of the manifold structure with four separate ejection sites, for example. Figure 40B illustrates a side view of the collector structure showing in particular a clip-like end portion 4002 of a wick feed which can firmly hold the wick in the path of the wick feed, eg. example. As shown in Figure 40C, the portion of the cartridge body which extends inwardly toward the cartridge body from the mouthpiece, may be received through a central channel 3700 in the manifold structure forming a passageway. of the respiratory tract so that the vaporized material 1302 vaporized escapes from the atomizer towards the mouthpiece.

Figure 40C illustrates a top view of the manifold structure with wick feed channels 4001 for receiving vaporizable material from the cartridge storage chamber and leading vaporizable material to the wick which is held in position. at the end of the wick feed channels 4001 by the protruding ends of the wick feed channels 4001 forming the gripper-shaped end portion 4002.

Figure 40D illustrates a front plan view of the manifold structures. As shown, an air gap cavity may be formed at the bottom of the manifold structure at the end of a lower rib of the manifold structure where the overflow passageway of the manifold leads to a. air regulation vent 3902 in communication with the ambient air. The portion of the cartridge body which extends from the mouthpiece may be received through the central channel 3700 in the manifold structure forming a passageway of the respiratory tract for the vaporizable material 1302 to vaporize. 'escapes from the atomiser towards the mouthpiece.

Figure 40E illustrates a bottom view of manifold structure 1313 where two wick feed channels terminate in two gripper-shaped end portions 4002 configured to hold the gripper in position at the end. lower end of manifold 1313. As shown, optionally, a segmented rim, flange, or lip 4003 may be formed on the surface of the lower end of manifold 1313, where manifold 1313 connects to the top. plug 760 at the time of assembly.

Lip 4003 provides a pressure-tight engagement between the top of the plug 760 and the bottom of the manifold 1313, functioning in a manner similar to a flexible O-ring, so that the correct seal can be made. established during assembly.

In one embodiment, the lower end of the manifold 1313 may be laser welded to the top of the plug 760. Figures 41A and 41B illustrate top and side plan views of one embodiment. alternatively the collector structure having two of the clip-like end portion 4002 and two corresponding wick feeds.

As shown, this alternate embodiment is shorter in height than the embodiment illustrated in Figure 40A.

This reduced height provides improved functionality by structurally changing the shape of manifold 1313 and the length of the passageway in manifold 1313 into which vaporizable material 1302 flows.

Thus, depending on the implementation, the length of vaporizable material 1302, the passageway through manifold 1313 may be shorter in some embodiments to provide more efficient capillary pressure and better water management. flow of the vaporizable material 1302 in the passage way of the manifold 1313.

Figures 42A and 42B illustrate various perspective, top, bottom and side views of an exemplary manifold 1313 with different structural implementations.

For example, the embodiment shown in Figure 42A includes constriction points which include vertically positioned C-shaped walls.

In contrast, in the embodiment shown in Figure 42B, the C-shaped walls are positioned diagonally to promote the more controlled flow of vaporizable material 1302 along the manifold passageway 1313. As shown. in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 42B, the C-shaped walls are positioned diagonally with respect to the lower blade of the manifold, and positioned vertically with respect to the blade portions in the manifold which tilt. down.

As mentioned earlier, the flow inside and outside the manifold 1313 is regulated by manipulating the hydraulic diameter of the overflow channel 1104 in the manifold 1313 by the introduction of one or more constriction points, which effectively reduce the overall volume of the overflow channel 1104. As shown, the introduction of several constriction points in the overflow channel 1104 divides the overflow channel into several segments within. which vaporizable material 1302 can flow in a first or second direction, for example to or away from the air regulating vent 3902, respectively.

The introduction of the constriction points helps to establish and control the state of capillary pressure in the overflow channel 1104 so that the hydraulic flow of vaporizable material 1302 to the regulating vent. Air 3902 is minimized to a pressurized state when the pressure in the cartridge reservoir is equal to or less than ambient air.

In a pressurized state in which the pressure in the reservoir is less than the ambient pressure (for example, beyond a first threshold), the constriction points are configured to control the capillary pressure or the hydraulic flow of the material. vaporizable 1302 into the overflow channel 1104 so that ambient air can enter the overflow channel 1104 through the air regulating vent 3904 and rises to the controlled fluidic door 1102 in the tank to ventilate (i.e. establish a state of equilibrium pressure in) the cartridge.

In some embodiments or scenarios, the ventilation method mentioned above may not involve or require the entry of ambient air into the air control vent 3904. In some exemplary scenarios, at Instead of or in addition to the air entering the air regulating vent 3904, air bubbles or gases trapped within the overflow channel 1104 may rise to the controlled fluidic door 1102 for help establish a state of equilibrium pressure in the cartridge by venting the reservoir as air bubbles are introduced into the reservoir from the overflow channel 1104 through the controlled fluidic gate 1102, as proposed in more detail with reference to Figures 11M and 11N, for example.

The design of the constriction points and C-shaped walls in the path of the overflow channel 1104, as shown in Figures 42A and 42B, promotes a more controlled flow of vaporizable material 1302 in the overflow channel. 1104 by better managing capillary pressure along the path of the overflow control channel 1104. Figure 43A illustrates various perspective, top, bottom, and side views of a wick housing. 1315 copy, according to one or more embodiments.

As shown, one or more perforations or holes may be formed in the lower portion of the wick housing 1315 to accept air flow through a wick positioned in the wick housing 760 of the wick housing 1315. A sufficient number of holes promotes adequate airflow into wick housing 760 and provides the correct and timely vaporization of vaporizable material 1302 absorbed in the wick in response to heat generated by the positioned heater element. near or around the wick.

Figure 43B illustrates the manifold 1313 and wick housing 760 components of an exemplary cartridge 1320, according to one or more embodiments.

As shown, wick housing 1315 (which includes the wick housing portion of the cartridge) may be implemented to include a protruding member or tab 4390. Tab 4390 may be configured to extend from there. 'upper end of bit housing 1315 which, during assembly, couples with a receiving end of manifold 1313. Tab 4390 may include one or more facets that match or match one or more facets in a notch receiving cavity or receiving cavity 1390, for example, in the lower portion of manifold 1313. Receiving cavity 1390 may be configured to removably receive tab 4390 for snap-on engagement, for example.

Snap engagement can help hold manifold 1313 and wick housing 1315 together during or after assembly.

In some embodiments, tab 4390 can be used to direct the orientation of bit housing 1315 during assembly.

For example, in one embodiment, one or more vibrating mechanisms (eg, vibrating bowls) can be used to temporarily store or organize the various components of the 1320 cartridge. In some implementations, the tab 4390 may be useful in orienting the top of the bit housing 1315 for a mechanical gripper for the purpose of easy engagement and proper automatic assembly.

Additional and / or Alternate Heating Element Embodiments As mentioned above, the vaporizer cartridge compatible with embodiments of the present invention may include one or more heating elements.

Figures 44A through 116 illustrate embodiments of a heater element compatible with implementations of the present invention.

While the features described and shown in relation to Figures 44A to 116 may be included in different embodiments of the vaporizer cartridges described above and / or may include one or more features of the different embodiments of the vaporizer cartridges. Described above, the characteristics of the heating elements described and shown in relation to Figures 44A to 116 may additionally and / or alternatively be included in one or more other exemplary embodiments of vaporizer cartridges, such as those described. below.

A heating element compatible with implementations of the present invention may be desirably formed to receive a wick member and / or crimped or compressed at least partially around the wick member.

The heating element can be bent so that the heating element is configured to secure the wick element between at least two or three parts of the heating element.

The heating element can be bent to conform to a shape of at least a portion of the wick element.

The heating element can be more easily fabricated over typical heating elements.

The heating element compatible with implementations of the present invention can also be made with an electrically conductive metal suitable for resistive heating and in some implementations the heating element can include the selective plating of another material for resistive heating. allow the heating element (and thus the vaporizable material) to be heated more efficiently.

Figure 44A illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of vaporizer cartridge 120, Figure 44B illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of vaporizer cartridge 120, and Figure 44C illustrates a view. in perspective from below of an embodiment of the vaporizer cartridge 120. As shown in the FIGS.

Figures 44A through 44C, the vaporizer cartridge 120 includes a housing 160 and an atomizer assembly (or atomizer) 141. The atomizer assembly 141 (see Figures 99 through 101) may include an atomizer element. wick 162, a heater 500, and a wick housing 178. As explained in more detail below, at least a portion of the heater 500 is positioned between housing 160 and wick housing 178 and is exposed to be coupled with a portion of the vaporizer body 110 (eg, electrically coupled with the receptacle contacts 125). The wick housing 178 can have four sides.

For example, the wick housing 178 may include two opposing short sides and two opposing long sides.

The two opposing long sides may each include at least one (two or more) recess 166 (see Figures 99, 111A). The recesses 166 may be positioned along the long side of the bit housing 178 and adjacent to the respective intersections between the long sides and the short sides of the bit housing 178. The recesses 166 can be formed to removably mate with a corresponding feature (eg, a spring) on the vaporizer body 110 for securing the vaporizer cartridge 120 to the vaporizer body 110 in the cartridge receptacle 118. The recesses 166 provide a mechanically stable attachment means for coupling the cartridge to vaporizer 120 to vaporizer body 110. In some implementations, wick housing 178 also includes an identification chip 174 which can be configured to communicate with a corresponding chip reader positioned on the vaporizer.

The identification chip 174 may be glued and / or otherwise secured to the wick housing 178, such as to a short side of the wick housing 178. The wick housing 178 may in addition or in addition. This includes a chip recess 164 (see Figure 100) which is configured to receive the identification chip 174. The chip recess 164 may be surrounded by two, four or more walls.

The chip recess

164 can be formed to affix the identification chip 174 to the wick housing 178. As mentioned above, the vaporizer cartridge 120 can generally include a reservoir, an air path, and an atomizer assembly 141. In certain configurations, the heating element and / or the atomizer described according to the implementations of the present invention may be implemented directly in a vaporizer body and / or may not be removable from the vaporizer body.

In some implementations, the vaporizer body may not include a removable cartridge.

Various advantages and benefits of the present invention may relate to improvements over the present vaporizer configurations, methods of manufacture and the like.

For example, a heating element of a vaporizer device compatible with implementations of the present invention may be desirably made (eg, stamped) from a sheet of material and crimped around at least one. at least part of a wick element or folded to provide a preformed element configured to receive "wick element (eg, the wick element is pushed into the heater element and / or the heater element). is held in tension and is pulled over the wick element.) The heating element can be bent so that the heating element fixes the wick element between at least two or three parts of the heating element.

The heater element can be bent to conform to a shape of at least a portion of the wick element.

The heating element configuration allows for a more compatible and improved quality manufacture of the heating element.

The compatibility of the manufacturing quality of the heating element can be particularly important during phased and / or automatic manufacturing processes.

For example, the heating element compatible with implementations of the present invention helps to reduce the tolerance problems that can occur during manufacturing processes when assembling a heating element having multiple components. .

In some implementations, the accuracy of the measurements taken of the heating element (eg, resistance, current, temperature, etc.) may be improved, due at least in part to the improved compatibility when measuring. the manufacture of a heating element having reduced tolerance problems.

Greater accuracy in measurements can provide an improved user experience when using the vaporizer device.

For example, as mentioned above, vaporizer 100 may receive a signal to activate the heating element, at full operating temperature for the creation of an inhalable dose of vapor / aerosol or at a lower temperature. to start heating the heating element.

The temperature of the vaporizer heating element can depend on a number of factors, as mentioned above, and many of these factors can be made more predictable by removing potential variations during manufacture and assembly. - blocking of atomizer components.

A heating element made (eg, stamped) from a sheet of material and crimped around at least a portion of a wick element or folded to provide a preformed element, desirably helps to minimize heat loss and helps ensure that the heating element behaves in a predictable manner to be heated to the proper temperature.

In addition, as mentioned above, the heating element can be completely and / or selectively plated with one or more materials to improve the thermal performance of the heating element.

Plating all or part of the heating element can help minimize heat loss.

Plating can also help focus the heated portion of the heating element in the correct location, providing a heated heating element more efficiently and further reducing heat loss.

Selective plating can help direct the current supplied to the heating element to the correct location.

Selective plating can also help reduce the amount of plating material and / or costs associated with manufacturing the heater.

Once the heating element is formed into the correct shape via one or more of the methods discussed below, the heating element can be crimped around the wick element and / or folded into the correct position to receive the element. wick.

The wick member may, in some implementations, be a fibrous wick, formed as an at least approximately flat pad or with other transverse shapes such as circles, ovals, etc.

A flat pad can allow the rate at which vaporizable material is drawn into the wick member to be regulated more precisely and / or accurately.

For example, a length, width and / or thickness can be adjusted for optimum performance.

A wick member forming a flat pad can also provide a superior transfer surface, which can allow increased flow of vaporizable material from the reservoir into the wick member for vaporization by the heater (in other words). , a greater mass transfer of the vaporizable material), and of the wick element so that the air flow passes through the latter.

In such configurations, the heating element can be in contact with the wicking element in multiple directions (for example, on at least two sides of the wicking element) to increase the efficiency of the material aspiration process. vaporizable in the wicking and vaporizing element of the vaporizable material.

The flat pad can also be more easily formed and / or cut, and thus can be more easily assembled with the heating element.

In some implementations, as discussed in more detail below, the heater element may be configured to contact the wick element only from one side of the wick element.

The wick element can comprise one or more rigid or compressible materials, such as cotton, silica, ceramic and / or the like.

Compared to some other materials, a cotton wick element may allow an increased and / or more controllable flow of vaporizable material from the reservoir of the vaporizer cartridge into the wick element for vaporization.

In some implementations, the wick member forms an at least approximately flat pad which is configured to contact the heater element and / or be secured between at least two portions of the heater element.

For example, the at least one approximately flat tampon may have at least a first pair of opposing sides which are approximately parallel to each other.

In some implementations, the at least approximately flat pad may also have at least a second pair of opposing sides which are approximately parallel to each other, and approximately perpendicular to the first pair of opposing sides.

Figures 45-48 show schematic views of a heater 500 compatible with implementations of the present invention.

For example, Figure 45 illustrates a schematic view of a heater 500 in an unfolded position.

As shown, in the unfolded position, the heater 500 forms a planar heater.

The heating element 500 may be initially formed with a substrate material.

The substrate material is then cut and / or stamped to the correct shape via various mechanical processes, including but not limited to stamping, laser cutting, photoetching, chemical etching and / or the like.

The substrate material can be made of an electrically conductive metal suitable for resistive heating.

In some implementations, the heater 500 includes a nickel-chromium alloy, a nickel alloy, stainless steel and / or the like.

As discussed below, the heater element 500 may be plated with a coating in one or more locations on a surface of the substrate material to improve, limit or otherwise modify the resistivity of the heater element in one or more locations. or more locations in the substrate material (which may be all or part of the heater 500).

The heating element 500 includes one or more teeth 502 (eg, heating segments) positioned in a heating portion 504, one or more connecting portions or tabs 506 (eg, one, two or more) positioned in a region of transition 508 and a cartridge contact 124 positioned in an electrical contact region 510 and formed at an end portion of each of the one or more tabs 506. Teeth 502, tabs 506, and cartridge contacts 124 can be formed together.

For example, teeth 502, tabs 506, and cartridge contacts 124 form parts of heater 500 which is stamped and / or cut from the substrate material.

In some implementations, the heater 500 also includes a heat shield 518 which extends from one or more of the legs 506 and may also be integrally formed with the teeth 502, the legs 506. and cartridge contacts 124. In some implementations, at least a portion of heater portion 504 of heater element 500 is configured to interface with vaporizable material drawn into the wick member from. reservoir 140 of vaporizer cartridge 120. Heater portion 504 of heater 500 may be shaped, sized, and / or otherwise processed to create a desired resistance.

For example, the teeth 502 punched in the heating part 504 can be designed so that the resistance of the teeth 502 corresponds to the appropriate amount of resistance to influence the localized heating in the heating part 504 to heat the material more efficiently and effectively. vaporizable from the wick element.

Teeth 502 form fine segments or traces of path heating in series and / or parallel to provide the desired amount of resistance.

Teeth 502 (eg, traces) can include different shapes, sizes and configurations.

In some configurations, one or more of the teeth 502 may be spaced apart to allow vaporizable material to wick out of the wicking element and from there spray from the side edges of each of the teeth.

502. The shape, length, width, composition, etc. among other properties of teeth 502 can be optimized to maximize efficiency to generate an aerosol by vaporizing vaporizable material from within the heater portion of heater 500 and to maximize efficiency. electric. The shape, length, width, composition, etc. among other properties of teeth 502 can be additionally or alternatively optimized to evenly distribute heat along the length of teeth 502 (or part of teeth 502, such as at heating portion 504). For example, the width of the teeth 502 may be uniform or variable along the length of the teeth 502 to control the temperature profile on at least the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500. In some examples, the length of the teeth. teeth 502 can be controlled to achieve a desired resistance along at least a portion of the heater 500, such as at the heater portion 504. As shown in Figures 45 to 48, the teeth 502 each have the same. size and the same shape. For example, teeth 502 include an outer edge 503 which is approximately aligned and has a generally rectangular shape, with either flat or square outer edges 503 (see also Figures 49 to 53) or rounded outer edges 503 (see Figures 54). and 55). In some implementations, one or more of the teeth 502 may include outer edges 503 that are not aligned and / or may be sized or shaped differently (see Figures 57-62). In some implementations, teeth 502 may be evenly spaced or have variable spacing between adjacent teeth 502 (see Figures 87 through 92). The particular geometry of the teeth 502 can be desirably selected to produce a particular localized resistance to heat the heater portion 504, and to maximize the performance of the heater 500 to heat the vaporizable material and generate aero-

ground.

The heating element 500 can comprise parts of wider and / or thicker geometry, and / or of different composition compared to the teeth 502. These parts can have electrical contact zones and / or more conductive parts and / or may include features for mounting the heater element 500 in the vaporizer cartridge.

Heater 500 legs 506 extend from one end of each outermost tooth 502A.

The tabs 506 form part of the heating element 500 which has a width and / or a thickness which is typically wider than a width of each of the teeth 502. But in some implementations, the tabs 506 have a width and / or a thickness which is typically wider than a width of each of the teeth 502. But in some implementations, the tabs 506 have a width and / or a thickness that is the same or narrower than the width of each of the teeth 502. The tabs 506 couple the heater 500 to the wick housing 178 or another portion of the vaporizer cartridge 120, so that the element heater 500 is at least partially or completely enclosed by housing 160. Legs 506 provide the rigidity to encourage heater 500 to be mechanically stable during and after manufacture.

The tabs 506 also connect the cartridge contacts 124 with the teeth 502 positioned in the heater portion 504. The tabs 506 are formed and sized to allow the heater 500 to maintain the electrical requirements of the heater. heater 504. As shown in Figure 48, tabs 506 move heater 504 away from one end of vaporizer cartridge 120 when heater 500 is assembled with vaporizer cartridge 120. As discussed above. Further detailed below, at least with respect to Figures 82-98 and 130-104, the tabs 506 may also include a capillary feature 598, which limits or prevents fluid from flowing out of the heater 504. to the other parts of the heating element 500.

In some implementations, one or more of the legs 506 include one or more positioning features 516. The positioning features 516 can be used for the relative positioning of the heater 500 or its pendant parts and parts thereof. / or after assembly by interacting with other (eg, adjacent) components of vaporizer cartridge 120. In some implementations, positioning features 516 can be used during or after fabrication to properly position the vaporizer material. substrate for cutting and / or stamping the substrate material to form the heating element 500 or after processing the heating element 500. The positioning features 516 can be sheared and / or cut before crimping or bending. heater 500. In some implementations, heater 500 includes one or more heat shields 518. The shields The heat shields 518 form a portion of the heating element 500 which extends laterally from the legs 506. When bent and / or crimped, the heat shields 518 are positioned offset in a first direction and / or one side. - second direction opposite to the first direction in the same plane, with respect to the teeth 502. When the heating element 500 is assembled in the vaporizer cartridge 120, the heat shields 518 are configured to be positioned between the teeth 502 ( and the heater portion 504) and the body (eg, the plastic body) of the vaporizer cartridge 120. The heat shields 518 can help insulate the heater portion 504 from the body of the vaporizer cartridge 120. The heat shields 518 help to minimize the effects of heat emanating from the heating portion 504 on the vaporizer cartridge body 120 to protect the structural integrity of the vaporizer cartridge body 120 and to prevent er melting or other deformation of the vaporizer cartridge 120. The heat shields 518 can also help to maintain a constant temperature at the heating part.

504 by retaining heat in the heating portion 504, thereby preventing or limiting heat loss as vaporization takes place. In some implementations, vaporizer cartridge 120 may also or alternatively include a heat shield 518A which is separate from heater 500 (see Figure 102). As mentioned above, the heater 500 includes at least two cartridge contacts 124 which form an end portion of each of the tabs 506. For example, as shown in Figures 45 to 48, the cartridge contacts 124 may form the portion of the tabs 506 which is bent along a fold line 507. The cartridge contacts 124 may be bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the tabs 506. In some implementations , cartridge contacts 124 may be bent to other angles, such as an angle of approximately 15 degrees, 25 degrees, 35 degrees, 45 degrees, 55 degrees, 65 degrees, 75 degrees or other ranges. between them, in relation to the legs

506. The cartridge contacts 124 may be bent towards or away from the heater part 504, depending on the implementation. Cartridge contacts 124 may also be formed on another portion of heater 500, such as along a length of at least one of tabs 506. Cartridge contacts 124 are configured to be exposed to water. environment, when assembled into vaporizer cartridge 120 (see Figure 53). Cartridge contacts 124 may form guide pins, tabs, posts, receiving holes or surfaces for pins or posts or other contact configuration. Certain types of cartridge contacts 124 may include springs or other pushing features to provide better physical and electrical contact between cartridge contacts 124 on the vaporizer cartridge and receptacle contacts 125 on the vaporizer body. 110. In some implementations, the cartridge contacts 124 include wipe contacts that are configured to clean the connection between the cartridge contacts 124 and other contacts or power source.

For example, the wipe contacts include two parallel but offset bosses that frictionally engage and slide relative to each other in a direction that is parallel or perpendicular to the direction of insertion.

The cartridge contacts 124 are configured to interface with the receptacle contacts 125 disposed near a base of the vaporizer cartridge receptacle 100 so that the cartridge contacts 124 and the receptacle contacts 125 make electrical connections. This occurs when the vaporizer cartridge 120 is inserted into and mated with the cartridge receptacle 118. The cartridge contacts 124 may communicate electrically with the power source 112 of the vaporizer device (such as via the receptacle contacts 125, etc. .). The circuit terminated by these electrical connections can allow the distribution of electric current to the resistive heating element to heat at least part of the heating element 500 and can furthermore be used for additional functions, such as for example to measure. a resistance of the resistive heating element for use in determining and / or controlling a temperature of the resistive heating element based on a thermal coefficient of resistivity of the resistive heating element, to identify a cartridge on the basis one or more electrical characteristics of a resistive heating element or the other circuits of the vaporizer cartridge, etc.

Cartridge contacts 124 can be treated, as explained in more detail below, to provide improved electrical properties (eg, contact resistance) using, for example, conductive plating, heat treatment. surface and / or deposited materials.

In some implementations, heater 500 can be processed through a variety of crimping and / or bending operations to form heater 500 into a desired three-dimensional shape.

For example, the heater 500 may be preformed to receive or be crimped around a wick member 162 to secure the wick member between at least two portions (eg, approximately parallel portions) of the heater. 500 (as between opposing parts of the heating part 504). To crimp the heater 500, the heater 500 can be bent along fold lines 520 toward each other.

Folding the heater 500 along the fold lines 520 forms a platform tooth portion 524 defined by the region between the fold lines 520 and the side tooth portions 526 defined by the region between the fold lines 520 and the outer edges 503 of the teeth 502. The platform tooth portion 524 is configured to contact one end of the bit member 162. The lateral tooth portions 526 are configured to contact the opposing sides. of the bit member 162. The platform tooth portion 524 and the side tooth portions 526 form a pocket which is formed to receive the bit member 162 and / or conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wick element 162. The pocket allows the wick element 162 to be secured and retained by the heater 500 within the pocket.

The platform tooth portion 524 and the side tooth portions 526 contact the wick element 162 to provide multidimensional contact between the heating element 500 and the wick element 162. The multidimensional contact between the element heater 500 and the wick element 162 provides a more efficient and / or faster transfer of vaporizable material from reservoir 140 to vaporizer cartridge 120 through

Heated tie 504 (via wick element 162) for vaporization.

In some implementations, portions of the legs 506 of the heater 500 may also be folded along fold lines 522 spaced apart from each other.

Folding the leg portions 506 of the heater 500 along the fold lines 522 away from each other positions the legs 506 in a position away from the heater portion 504 (and teeth 502) of the heater. heating element 500 in a first and / or second direction opposite to the first direction

(for example in the same plan). Thus, folding the leg portions 506 of the heater 500 along the fold lines 522 spaced apart from each other moves the heater portion 504 away from the body of the vaporizer cartridge 120. Figure 46 illustrates a diagram. of the heating element 500 which has been folded along the fold lines 520 and the fold lines 522 around the wick member 162. As shown in Figure 46, the wick member is positioned in the formed pocket. by bending the heating element 500 along the fold lines 520 and 522. In some implementations, the heating element 500 can also be folded along the fold lines 523. For example, the cartridge contacts 124 can be folded. folded toward each other (on and off the page shown in Figure 47) along fold lines 523. The cartridge contacts 124 can be exposed to the environment to contact the receptacle contacts, then that the residual parts of heater 500 are positioned in vaporizer cartridge 120 (see Figures 48 and 53). In use, when a user takes a puff on the mouthpiece 130 of the vaporizer cartridge 120 when the heater 500 is assembled in the vaporizer cartridge 120, the air flows into the cartridge. spray button and along an air path.

In association with the user's puff, the heating element 500 can be activated, for example by automatic detection of the puff via a pressure sensor, by detecting a push of a button by the user. user, by signals generated from a motion sensor, flow sensor, capacitive lip sensor and / or other approach capable of detecting that a user is taking or is on the point of taking a puff or inhaling to cause the air to enter the vaporizer 100 and move along at least the air path.

Power can be supplied by the vaporizer device to heater 500 at cartridge contacts 124, when heater 500 is activated.

When the heater 500 is activated, it results in an increase in temperature due to the flow of current through the heater 500 to generate heat.

Heat is transferred to a quantity of vaporizable material by conduction, convection and / or radiation heat transfer, so that at least part of the vaporizable material vaporizes.

Heat transfer can take place over vaporizable material in the reservoir and / or vaporizable material sucked into wick element 162 retained by heater 500. In some implementations, vaporizable material can be vaporized. along one or more edges of teeth 502, as mentioned above.

The air passing through the vaporizer device flows along the air path over the heater 500, loosening the vaporized vaporizable material from the heater 500. The vaporized vaporizable material may be condensed due to the vaporization. cooling, pressure changes, etc., so that it exits the mouthpiece 130, in the form of an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

As mentioned above, the heater 500 can be made of different materials, such as nickel-chromium alloy, stainless steel, or other resistive heater materials.

Combinations of two or more materials may be included in the heater 500, and such combinations may include both homogeneous distributions of two or more materials throughout the heater or other configurations within. which relative amounts of two or more materials are spatially heterogeneous.

For example, teeth 502 may have portions that are more resistive and thus be designed to get hotter than other sections of teeth or heater 500. In some implementations, at least teeth 502 (such as that in the heating part 504) may comprise a material which exhibits high conductivity and heat resistance.

The heating element 500 can be completely or selectively plated with one or more materials.

Since the heating element 500 is made of a thermal and / or electrically conductive material, such as stainless steel, a nickel-chromium alloy, or other thermally and / or electrically conductive alloy, the heating element 500 may experience stress. electrical or heat losses in the path between cartridge contacts 124 and teeth 502 in heater portion 504 of heater 500. To help reduce heat and / or electrical losses, at least part of the element heater 500 may be plated with one or more materials to reduce resistance in the electrical path leading to heater portion 504. In some implementations compatible with the present invention, it is advantageous for heater portion 504 (e.g., teeth 502 ) remains unplated, with at least a portion of tabs 506 and / or cartridge contacts 124 being plated with a plating material that reduces resistance (e.g. eg each or both volume resistance or contact resistance) in these parts. For example, the heating element 500 may include different parts which are plated with different materials. In another example, the heater 500 may be clad with layered materials. Plating at least part of the heater 500 helps focus the current flow on the heater 504 to reduce electrical and / or thermal losses in other parts of the heater

500. In some implementations, it is desirable to maintain a low resistance in the electrical path between the cartridge contacts 124 and the teeth 502 of the heater 500 to reduce electrical and / or thermal losses in the path. electric and to compensate for the voltage drop which is concentrated on the heating part

504. In some implementations, cartridge contacts 124 can be selectively plated. Selective plating of cartridge contacts 124 with certain materials can minimize or eliminate contact resistance at the point where measurements are taken and electrical contact is made between cartridge contacts 124 and receptacle contacts.

Providing a low resistance on cartridge contacts 124 can provide more accurate voltage, current and / or resistance measurements and readings, which can be beneficial in accurately determining the true current temperature of the part. heater 504 of heater 500. In some implementations, at least a portion of the cartridge contacts 124 and / or at least a portion of the tabs 506 may be plated with one or more external plating materials 550 For example, at least a portion of the cartridge contacts 124 and / or at least a portion of the tabs 506 may be plated with gold, another material which provides low contact resistance, such as platinum, gold. palladium, silver, copper or the like.

In some implementations, in order to secure the low resistance outer cladding material to heater 500, a surface of heater 500 may be plated with an adherent cladding material.

In these configurations, the adherent plating material may be deposited on the heater surface 500 and the outer plating material may be deposited on the adherent plating material, defining first and second plating layers, respectively.

The adherent cladding material comprises a material with adhesive properties when the outer cladding material is deposited on the adherent cladding material.

For example, the adherent plating material can include nickel, zinc, aluminum, iron, their alloys, or the like.

Figures 79 through 81 show examples of heater 500 in which cartridge contacts 124 have been selectively plated with the adherent plating material and / or the outer plating material.

In some implementations, the surface of the heating element 500 can be prepared to deposit the outer cladding material on the heating element 500 using an unplated primer rather than plating the surface of the heating element 500 with the adherent veneer material.

For example, the surface of the heating element 500 can be prepared using etching rather than depositing the adherent plating material.

In some implementations, all or part of the tabs 506 and the cartridge contacts 124 may be plated with the adherent plating material and / or the outer plating material.

In some examples, the cartridge contacts 124 may include at least a portion which has an outer plating material having a greater thickness than the residual portions of the cartridge contacts 124 and / or the legs 506 of the heater 500. In some implementations, the cartridge contacts 124 and / or the tabs 506 may have a greater thickness relative to the teeth 502 and / or the heater portion 504. In some implementations, rather than forming the element heating 500 with a single substrate material and plating the substrate material, heater 500 can be formed with different materials which are coupled together (eg, via laser welding, diffusion processes, etc. ). The materials of each part of the heater 500 that is coupled can be selected to provide little or no resistance at cartridge contacts 124 and high resistance at teeth 502 or heater 504 by. relative to other parts of the heater 500. In some implementations, the heater 500 may be electroplated with silver ink and / or spray applied with one or more plating materials, such as the adherent veneer material and the outer veneer material.

As mentioned above, the heater 500 can include different shapes, sizes, and geometries to more efficiently heat the heater portion 504 of the heater 500 and more efficiently vaporize the vaporizable material.

Figures 49 to 53 illustrate an example of a heater 500 compatible with implementations of the present invention.

As shown, the heater 500 includes the one or more teeth 502 positioned in the heater portion 504, the one or more legs 506 extending from the teeth 502, the cartridge contacts 124 formed at the portion. end of each of the one or more tabs 506, and the heat shields 518 extending from the one or more tabs 506. In this example, each of the teeth 502 has the same shape and size or similar shape and size.

Teeth 502 have a square and / or flat outer edge 503. In Figures 49-52, teeth 502 have been crimped around a bit member 162 (eg, a flat pad) to secure bit member 162. in tooth pocket 502. Figures 54 through 55 illustrate another example of a heater 500 compatible with implementations of the present invention in an unfolded position (Figure 54) and a folded position (Figure 55). As shown, the heater 500 includes the one or more teeth 502 positioned in the heater portion 504, the one or more legs 506 extending from the teeth 502, the cartridge contacts 124 formed at the portion. end of each of the one or more legs 506, and the heat shields 518 extending from the one or more legs 506. In this example, each of the teeth 502 have the same size and shape or similar size and shape and teeth 502 have a rounded and / or semi-circular outer edge 503. Figure 56 illustrates another example of a heater 500 in a folded position compatible with implementations of the present invention which is similar to the element. exemplary heater 500 shown in Figures 54 to 55, but in this example each of the teeth 502 has the same shape and size or similar shape and size and the teeth 502 have a square and / or flat outer edge 503. Figures 57 at 62 ill Further examples of the heater 500 are shown in which at least one of the teeth 502 has a size, shape, or position that is different from the remaining teeth 502.

For example, as shown in Figures 57-58, the heating element 500 comprises the one or more teeth 502 positioned in the heating portion 504, the one or more tabs 506 extending from the teeth 502, and the one or more teeth 502. cartridge contacts 124 formed at the end portion of each of the one or more tabs 506. In this example, teeth 502 include a first set of teeth 505A and a second set of teeth 505B.

The first and second sets of teeth 505A, 505B are offset from each other.

For example, the outer edges 503 of the first and second sets of teeth 505A, 505B are not aligned with each other.

As shown in Figure 58, when the heater part 504 is in the folded position, the first set of teeth 505A appears to be shorter than the second set of teeth 505B in the first part of the heater 500, and the first set of teeth 505A appears to be longer than the second set of teeth 505B in the second portion of the heating element 500. As shown in Figures 59 to 60, the heating element 500 includes the one or more teeth 502 positioned within. the heater portion 504, the one or more legs 506 extending from the teeth 502, and the cartridge contacts 124 formed at the end portion of each of the one or more legs 506. In this, For example, teeth 502 include a first set of teeth 509A and a second set of teeth 509B.

The first and second sets of teeth 509A, 509B are offset from each other.

For example, the outer edges 503 of the first and second sets of teeth 509A, 509B are not aligned.

Here, the second set of teeth 509B includes a single outermost tooth 502A.

As shown in Figures 59-60, when the heater portion 504 is in the folded position, the first set of teeth 509A appears to be longer than the second set of teeth 509B.

In addition, in Figures 59 to 60, the teeth 502 are not bent.

Instead, teeth 502 are positioned over a first portion and a second portion of heater 500 which is positioned approximately parallel to and opposite to the first portion.

The first set of teeth positioned on the first part of the heating element

500 is separated from the second set of teeth positioned on the second part of the heater 500 by a platform portion 530 which is positioned between and spaced from both the first and the second set of teeth.

The platform portion 530 is configured to contact one end of the wick member 162. The platform portion

530 includes a cutout portion 532. The cutout portion 532 can provide

ning additional edges along which vaporizable material can be vaporized from the time heater 500 is activated.

As shown in Figures 61 to 62, the heating element 500 com-

takes the one or more teeth 502 positioned in the heating part

fante 504, the one or more legs 506 extending from the teeth

502 and cartridge contacts 124 formed at the end portion of each of the one or more tabs 506. In this example,

teeth 502 include a first set of teeth 509A and a second set of teeth

cond tooth set 509B.

The first and second sets of teeth

509A, 509B are offset from each other.

For example, the outer edges

503 of the first and second sets of teeth 509A, 509B are not aligned with each other.

Here, each of the first and second set of teeth 509A, 509B includes two teeth 502. As shown in Figures 61 to 62, when the heater part 504 is in the folded position,

the first set of teeth 509A appears to be shorter than the second set of teeth 509B.

In addition, in Figures 61 to 62, the teeth 502 are not bent.

Instead, the teeth 502 are positioned on a first part and a second part (which is parallel and opposite to the first part), of the heating element 500. The first set of teeth positioned on the first part is separated from the second set of teeth positioned on the second part by a platform part which is positioned between and remote from the first and second sets of teeth.

The platform portion is configured to contact one end of the wick member 162. The platform portion includes a cutout portion. The cutout portion can provide additional edges along which vaporizable material can be vaporized from the time the heater 500 is activated. Figures 63-68 illustrate another example of a heater 500 compatible with implementations of the present invention in an unfolded position (Figure 63) and a folded position (Figures 64-68). As shown, the heating element 500 comprises the one or more teeth 502 positioned in the heating part 504, the one or more legs 506 extending from the teeth 502, the cartridge contacts 124 formed at the level of. the end portion of each of the one or more legs 506, and the heat shields 518 extending from the one or more legs 506. In this example, the heater 500 is configured to be crimped around and / or folded to receive a wick member 162 of cylindrical shape or a wick member 162 having a circular cross section. Each of the teeth 502 includes apertures 540. The apertures 540 can provide additional edges along which vaporizable material can be vaporized from the time the heater 500 is activated. The openings 540 also reduce the amount of material used to form the heater 500, reducing the weight of the heater 500 and the amount of material used for the heater 500, thereby reducing material costs.

Figures 69-78 illustrate a heater 500 compatible with embodiments of the present invention, wherein the heater 500 is compressed against one side of the wick member 162. As shown, the heater element 500 includes the one or more teeth 502 positioned in the heater portion 504, the one or more tabs 506 extending from the teeth 502, and the cartridge contacts 124 formed at the end portion of each of the one or more multiple tabs 506. In these examples, tabs 506 and cartridge contacts 124 are configured to bend in a third direction, rather than a first - second direction which is perpendicular to the third direction. In such a configuration, the teeth 502 of the heater portion 504 form a planar platform which is oriented outwardly from the heater element 500 and is configured to be compressed against the wick member 162 (e.g., d 'one side of the wick element 162).

Figures 71-74 illustrate several examples of the heater 500 compatible with implementations of the present invention including teeth 502 configured in different geometries. As mentioned above, teeth 502 form a planar platform which is compressed against one side of wick member 162 in use. The legs 506 rather than the teeth 502, being folded in the folded position.

Figure 75 illustrates an exemplary heater element 500 shown in Figure 71, assembled with a component of vaporizer cartridge 120, such as a wick housing (eg, wick housing 178) which accommodates the element. wick 162 and heater 500 and Figure 76 illustrates heater 500 assembled with an exemplary vaporizer cartridge 120 compatible with implementations of the present invention. As shown, the cartridge contacts 124 are bent towards each other in a lateral direction.

Figures 77 and 78 illustrate the example of the heating element 500 in which the teeth 502 form a platform which is configured to be compressed against the wick element 162. Here, the legs 506 may form shaped structures. spring which causes the teeth 502 to be compressed against the wick member 162 when an inward lateral force is applied to each of the tabs 506. For example, Figure 78 illustrates an example of the teeth 502 which are. compressed against wicking element 162 when energy (e.g. current) is supplied to heater 500, such as through cartridge contacts

124. Figures 82 to 86 illustrate another example of a heater element 500 compatible with implementations of the present invention.

As shown, the heating element 500 includes the one or more teeth 502 positioned in the heating portion 504, the one or more tabs 506 extending from the teeth 502, and the cartridge contacts 124 formed at the level of the. end portion and / or as part of each of the one or more tabs 506. In this example, each of the teeth 502 has the same shape and size or similar shape and size and is spaced apart from the others at equal distances.

Teeth 502 have a rounded outer edge 503. As shown in Figure 85, teeth 502 have been crimped around a bit member 162 (eg, a flat pad) to secure bit member 162 in the socket. pocket formed by teeth 502. For example, teeth 502 may be bent and / or crimped to define the pocket in which bit member 162 is located.

The teeth 502 include a platform tooth portion 524 and side tooth portions 526. The platform tooth portion 524 is configured to contact one side of the bit member 162 and the side tooth portions 526 are formed. configured to contact opposing sides of bit member 162. Platform tooth portion 524 and side tooth portions 526 form the pocket which is formed to receive bit member 162 and / or conform. in the form of at least a portion of the wick element 162. The pocket allows the wick element 162 to be secured and retained by the heating element 500 in the pocket.

In some implementations, the side tooth portions 526 and the platform tooth portion 524 retain the bit member 162 via compression (e.g., at least a portion of the bit member 162 is compressed between the portions. side teeth 526 and / or the platform tooth portion 524). The platform tooth portion 524 and the side tooth portions 526 contact the wick element 162 to provide multidimensional contact between the heating element 500 and the wick element 162. The multidimensional contact between the element heater 500 and wick element 162 provide more efficient and / or faster transfer of vaporizable material from reservoir 140 of vaporizer cartridge 120 to heater 504 (via wick element 162) to be vaporized. The one or more legs 506 of the exemplary heater 500 shown in Figures 82 through 86 include four legs 506. Each of the legs 506 may include and / or define a cartridge contact 124 which is configured to contact it. a corresponding receptacle contact 125 of the vaporizer 100. In some implementations, each pair of tabs 506 (and the cartridge contacts) may contact a single receptacle contact 125. The tabs 506 may be spring loaded to allow tabs 506 to maintain contact with the receptacle contacts 125. The tabs 506 may include a portion that extends along a length of the tabs 506 that is curved to help maintain contact with the receptacle contacts 125. The tabs 506 may include a portion that extends along a length of the tabs 506 that is curved to help maintain contact with the receptacle contacts 125. The Spring biasing of the tabs 506 and / or the curvature of the tabs 506 may help to increase and / or maintain the pressure constant between the tabs 506 and the receptacle contacts 125. In some cases When implemented, the tabs 506 are coupled with a support 176 which helps to increase and / or maintain the pressure constant between the tabs 506 and the receptacle contacts 125. The support 176 may include plastic, rubber, or plastic. other materials, to help maintain contact between tabs 506 and receptacle contacts 125. In some implementations, support 176 is formed as part of the tabs.

506. Tabs 506 may contact one or more wiper contacts which are configured to clean the connection between cartridge contacts 124 and other contacts or power source. For example, the wiper contacts include at least two parallel, but offset, bosses that frictionally engage and slide against each other in a direction that is parallel or perpendicular to the direction of insertion.

As shown in Figures 82-98, the one or more legs 506 of heater 500 include four legs 506. Figures 91-92, 97A-98B and 109-110 show examples of heater 500. in the unfolded position.

As shown, the heater 500 is H-shaped, defined by the four legs 506 and teeth 502. This configuration allows resistance to be measured more accurately on the heater, and reduces variability in resistance measurements. , thus allowing a more efficient aerosol generation and a better quality aerosol generation.

The heating element 500 includes two pairs of opposing legs 506.

The teeth 502 are coupled (eg intersect) with each of the pairs of opposing legs 506 at or near a center of each of the pairs of opposing legs 506.

The heating part 504 is positioned between the pairs of opposing legs 506.

Figure 109 illustrates an example of heater 500 before heater 500 has been stamped and / or otherwise formed from substrate material 577. Excess substrate material 577A may be coupled with heater 500 at one, two or more 577B coupling locations.

For example, as shown, excess substrate material 577A may be coupled with heater 500 at two coupling locations 577B, near opposite side ends 173 of the platform portion of the heater. and / or the heater portion 504 of the heater 500. In some implementations, the heater 500 may be first stamped into the substrate material 577 and then removed from the substrate material 577A by. excess at coupling locations 577B (eg, twisting, pulling, swabbing, cutting, etc. heater 500).

As mentioned above, to crimp the heater 500, the heater 500 can be bent or bent along the fold lines 523, 522A, 522B, 520 towards or away from each other (see for example Figure 98A). Although the fold lines are illustrated in Figure 98A, the heater elements 500 exemplified and shown in Figures 44A-115C can be crimped, folded, or bent along the fold lines. Folding the heater 500 along the fold lines 520 forms a platform tooth portion 524 defined by the region between the fold lines 520 and / or between the side tooth portions 526 defined by the region. between the fold lines 520 and the outer edges 503 of the teeth 502. The platform tooth portion 524 may contact one end and / or support an end of the bit member 162. The side tooth portions 526 may contacting opposing sides of the wick element 162. The platform tooth portion 524 and the side tooth portions 526 define an interior volume of the heating element which forms a pocket formed to receive the wick element 162 and / or conform to the shape of at least part of the wick element 162. The interior volume allows the wick element 162 to be fixed and retained by the heating element 500 in the pocket. The platform tooth portion 524 and the side tooth portions 526 contact the wick member 162 to provide multidimensional contact between the heater 500 and the wick member.

162. The multidimensional contact between heater 500 and wick member 162 provides more efficient and / or faster transfer of vaporizable material from reservoir 140 from vaporizer cartridge 120 to heater 504 (see Fig. wick element 162) to be sprayed on. In some implementations, portions of the legs 506 of the heater 500 may also be bent along the fold lines 522A, 522B. Folding the leg portions 506 of the heater 500 along the fold lines 522 away from each other, positions the legs 506 in a position remote from the heater portion 504 (and teeth 502) of the heater 500 in a first and / or second direction opposite to the first direction (for example in the same plane). Thus, the folding of the leg portions 506 of the heating element 500 along the fold lines 522 away from each other, the heater portion 504 away from the body of the vaporizer cartridge 120. The folding of the leg portions 506 along fold lines 522A, 522B forms bridge 585. In some implementations, bridge 585 helps reduce or eliminate overflow of vaporizable material from heater 504, as due to capillary action.

Bridge 585 also helps insulate heater 504 from legs 506 so that heat generated at heater 504 does not reach legs 506. This also helps locate heat from the heater element. 500 within the heater portion 504. In some implementations, the heater 500 may also be angled along the fold lines 523 to define the cartridge contacts 124. The cartridge contacts 124 may be exposed to environment or may otherwise be accessible (and may be positioned within an interior of a part of the cartridge, such as the outer shell) to contact the receptacle contacts, while other parts, such as the outer shell. that the heating part 504 of the heating element 500, are positioned in an inaccessible part of the vaporizer cartridge 120, such as the wick housing.

In some implementations, the tabs 506 include retaining portions 180 which are configured to be angled around at least a portion of a wick housing 178 which surrounds at least a portion of the wick member 162 and. heating element 500 (such as heating part 504). Retainer portions 180 form one end of tabs 506. Retainer portions 180 help secure heater 500 and wick member 162 to wick housing 178 (and vaporizer cartridge 120). The retaining portions 180 may alternatively be bent away from at least a portion of the bit housing.

178. Figures 87 through 92 illustrate another example of a heater element 500 compatible with implementations of the present invention.

As shown, the heating element 500 includes the one or more teeth 502 positioned in the heating portion 504, the one or more tabs 506 extending from the teeth 502, and the cartridge contacts 124 formed at the level of the. end portion and / or as part of one or more tabs 506. Teeth 502 may be bent and / or crimped to define the pocket in which a wick member 162 (eg, a flat pad) sits.

The teeth 502 include a platform tooth portion 524 and side tooth portions 526. The platform tooth portion 524 is configured to contact one side of the bit member 162 and the lateral tooth portions. 526 are configured to contact the other opposing sides of the bit member 162. The platform tooth portion 524 and the side tooth portions 526 form the pocket which is formed to receive the bit member 162 and / or conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wick element 162. The pocket allows the wick element 162 to be secured and retained by the heating element 500 within the pocket.

In this example, teeth 502 have different shapes and sizes and are spaced from each other at the same or varying distances.

For example, as shown, each of the lateral tooth portions 526 includes at least four teeth 502. In a first pair 570 of adjacent teeth 502, each of the adjacent teeth 502 is spaced an identical distance from an internal region 576 positioned nearby. from the platform tooth portion 524 to an outer region 578 positioned near the outer edge 503. In a second pair 572 of adjacent teeth 502, the adjacent teeth 502 are spaced a varying distance from the inner region 576. to the outer region 578. For example, the adjacent teeth 502 of the second pair 572 are spaced apart by a width that is greater at the inner region 576 than at the outer region 578. These configurations may help to maintain. maintaining a constant and uniform temperature along the length of the teeth 502 of the heater 504. Maintaining a constant temperature along the length of the teeth 502 can provide a better quality aerosol, where the maximum temperature can be maintained more evenly over the entire heater 504. As mentioned above, each of the tabs 506 may include and / or define a cartridge contact 124 which is configured to contact it. a corresponding receptacle contact 125 of the vaporizer

100. In some implementations, each pair of tabs 506 (and cartridge contacts 124) may contact a single receptacle contact 125. In some implementations, tabs 506 include retainers 180. which are configured to be angled and generally extend away from the heater portion 504. The retaining portions 180 are configured to be positioned in a corresponding recess in the wick housing 178. The retaining portions 180 form one end of tabs 506. Retainers 180 help secure heater 500 and wick member 162 to wick housing 178 (and vaporizer cartridge 120). The retainer portions 180 may have a tip portion 180A which extends from one end of the retainer portion 180 to the heater portion 504 of the heater element 500. This configuration reduces the possibility that the portion retainer either in contact with another portion of the vaporizer cartridge 120 or a cleaning device for cleaning the vaporizer cartridge 120. The outer edge 503 of the teeth 502 in the heater portion 504 may include a tab 580. The tab 580 may include one, two, three, four or more tabs 580. The tongue 580 may extend outward from the outer edge 503 and extend away from a center of the heating element 500. For example, the tongue 580 may be positioned along an edge of the heater. the heating element 500 surrounding an internal volume defined by at least the lateral tooth portions 526 to receive the wick element 162. The tongue 580 may extend outwardly away from the internal volume of wick element 162. Tab 580 may also extend remotely in a direction opposite to platform tooth portion 524. In some implementations, tabs 580 positioned on opposite sides of the wick. internal volume of the wick element 162 may extend apart from each other.

This configuration helps to widen the opening leading to the internal volume of the wick member 162, thereby helping to reduce the likelihood that the wick member 162 will catch, tear, and / or be damaged when in use. assembled with the heating element 500. Due to the material of the wick element 162, the wick element 162 can easily catch, tear and / or be damaged when assembled (eg. positioned in or inserted into) with the heating element 500. Contact between the wick element 162 and the outer edge 503 of the teeth 502 can also damage the heating element.

The shape and / or positioning of the tab 580 may allow the wick element 162 to be more easily positioned within or in the pocket (eg, the internal volume of the heating element 500) formed by the wicker elements. teeth 502, thereby preventing or reducing the likelihood that the wick element 162 and / or the heater element will be damaged.

Thus, the tabs 580 help to reduce or prevent damage caused to the heater 500 and / or the wick member 162 as a result of the wick member 162 coming into thermal contact with the wick member 162. heating element 500. The shape of the tongue 580 also helps to minimize the impact on resistance.

resistance of the heater 504. In some implementations, at least a portion of the cartridge contacts 124 and / or at least a portion of the tabs 506 may be plated with one or more outer plating materials 550 to re - Reduce the contact resistance at the point where the heater 500 contacts the receptacle contacts 125. Figures 93A through 98B illustrate another example of a heater 500 compatible with implementations of the present invention.

As shown, the heater 500 includes the one or more teeth 502 positioned in the heater portion 504, the one or more legs 506 extending from the teeth 502, and the cartridge contacts 124 formed at the portion of the heater. end and / or forming part of each of one or more tabs 506. Teeth 502 may be bent and / or crimped to define the pocket in which a wick member 162 (eg, a flat pad) sits.

The teeth 502 include a platform tooth portion 524 and side tooth portions 526. The platform tooth portion 524 is configured to contact one side of the bit member 162 and the lateral tooth portions. 526 are configured to contact other opposing sides of the bit member 162. The platform tooth portion 524 and the side tooth portions 526 form the pocket which is formed to receive the bit member 162 and / or conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wick element 162. The pocket allows the wick element 162 to be secured and retained by the heating element 500 in the pocket.

In this example, teeth 502 have the same shape and size and are spaced apart from each other by equal distances.

Here, teeth 502 include a first side tooth portion 526A and a second side tooth portion 526B which are spaced apart by platform tooth portion 524. Each of the first and second side tooth portions 526A, 526B includes a region inner 576 positioned near the platform tooth portion 524 to an outer region 578 positioned near the outer edge 503. At the outer region 578, the first lateral tine portion 526A is approximately positioned. parallel to the second tooth portion 526A.

At the inner region 576, the first lateral tooth portion 526A is positioned offset from the second tooth portion 526B and the first and second lateral tooth portions 256A, 526B are not parallel. . This configuration can help maintain a constant and uniform temperature along the length of the teeth 502 of the heater part.

504. Maintaining a constant temperature along the length of the teeth 502 can provide a better quality aerosol, when the maximum temperature can be maintained more evenly over the entire heater 504.

As mentioned above, each of the tabs 506 may include and / or define a cartridge contact 124 which is configured to contact a corresponding receptacle contact 125 of the vaporizer.

100. In some implementations, each pair of tabs 506 (and cartridge contacts 124) may contact a single receptacle contact 125. In some implementations, tabs 506 include retainers 180. which are configured to be angled and extend generally away from the heater portion 504. The retainer portions 180 are configured to be positioned in a corresponding recess in the wick housing 178. The retainer portions 180 form one end of the tabs 506. The retainers 180 help secure the heater 500 and wick member 162 to the wick housing 178 (and vaporizer cartridge 120). The retainer portions 180 may have a tip portion 180A which extends from one end of the retainer portion 180 to the heater portion 504 of the heater 500. This configuration reduces the likelihood that the retainer portion either in contact with another part of the vaporizer cartridge 120 or a cleaning device for cleaning the vaporizer cartridge 120.

The outer edge 503 of the teeth 502 in the heating portion 504 may include a tongue 580. The tongue 580 may extend outward from the outer edge 503 and extend away from a center of the tooth. heating element 500. The tongue 580 may be formed to allow the wicking element 162 to be more easily positioned in the pocket formed by the teeth 502, thereby preventing or reducing the likelihood of the wicking element 162 being caught on it. the outer edge 503. The shape of the tab 580 helps to minimize the impact on the resistance of the heater part 504. In some implementations, at least a portion of the cartridge contacts 124 and / or at least a portion tabs 506 may be plated with one or more outer cladding materials 550 to reduce contact resistance at the point where heater 500 contacts receptacle contacts 125. Figures 99 to 100 illustrate an example of the contact resistance. 'atomizer set 141, with heater 500 assembled with wick housing 178, and Figure 101 illustrates an exploded view of atomizer assembly 141, compatible with implementations of the present invention.

The wick housing 178 can be made from plastic, polypropylene and the like.

The wick housing 178 includes four recesses 592 in which at least a portion of each of the legs 506 of the heater 500 can be positioned and secured.

As shown, wick housing 178 also includes an opening 593 providing access to an internal volume 594, in which at least heater portion 504 of heater 500 and wick member 162 are positioned.

Wick housing 178 may also include a separate heat shield 518A, which is shown in Figure 102. Heat shield 518A is positioned within internal volume 594 in wick housing 178 between the walls of the wick housing. wick 178 and the heater 500. The heat shield 518A is formed to at least partially surround the heater portion 504 of the heater 500 and to move the heater 500 away from the side walls of the wick housing 178. L ' heat shield 518A can help insulate the heater portion 504 from the body of the vaporizer cartridge 120 and / or wick housing 178. Heat shield 518A helps to minimize the effects of heat from the heater portion 504 on vaporizer cartridge body 120 and / or wick housing 178 to protect the structural integrity of vaporizer cartridge body 120 and / or wick housing 178 and to prevent melting or other deformation of vaporizer cartridge 120 and / or wick housing 178. Heat shield 518A can also help maintain a constant temperature at heater portion 504 by retaining heat in heater portion 504, thereby preventing or limiting heat loss.

The heat shield 518A includes one or more slots 590 (eg, three slots) at one end, which align with one or more slots (eg, one, two, three, four, five, six, or seven or more slots) 596 formed in a portion of the wick housing 178 opposite the opening 593, such as a base of the wick housing 178 (see Figures 100 and 112). The one or more slots 590, 596 allow the leakage of the pressure caused by the flow of the liquid vaporizable material in the heating part 504 and the vaporization of the vaporizable material, without affecting the liquid flow of the vaporizable material.

In some implementations, flooding may occur between heater element 500 (eg, legs 506) and an outer wall of wick housing 178 (or between portions of heater 500). For example, liquid vaporizable material can build up due to capillary pressure between the legs 506 of the heater 500 and the outer wall of the wick housing 178, as indicated by the liquid path 599. In many cases such cases, there may be sufficient capillary pressure to suck liquid vaporizable material out of reservoir and / or heater 504. To help limit and / or prevent liquid vaporizable material from escaping from the volume Internal of wick housing 178 (or heater 504), wick housing 178 and / or heater 500 may include a capillary feature which causes a sudden change in capillary pressure, thereby forming a liquid barrier. which prevents the liquid vaporizable material from passing the characteristic without the use of an additional seal (for example, a hermetic seal). The capillary feature may define a capillary break, formed by a protrusion, bend, curved surface, or other surface in wick housing 178 and / or heating element 500. The capillary feature allows for positioning of an element. conductive (eg, heater 500) in both a wet region and a dry region.

The capillary feature can be positioned over and / or form part of the heater 500 and / or the wick housing 178 and causes an abrupt change in capillary pressure.

For example, the capillary characteristic may include a bend, a protrusion, a curved surface, a bent surface or other surface characteristic which causes a sudden change in capillary pressure between the heating element and the wick housing, the wick housing. along a length of the heating element, or other component of the vaporizer cartridge.

The capillary feature may also include a protrusion or other portion of the heater element and / or wick housing that widens a capillary channel, such as the capillary channel formed between portions of the heater element, between the heater element. and the wick housing, and the like, which is sufficient to reduce the capillary pressure in the capillary channel (for example, the capillary feature moves the heating element away from the wick housing) so that the capillary channel does not suck liquid in the capillary channel.

Thus the capillary characteristic prevents or restricts the flow of liquid along a liquid path past the capillary characteristic, at least in part, due to the sudden change and / or reduction in capillary pressure.

The size and / or shape of the capillary feature (e.g., bend, protrusion, curved surface, bent surface, protrusion, and the like) may depend on a wetting angle formed between the materials, such as the heating element and the wick housing or other walls of a capillary channel formed between the components, may depend on a material of the heating element and / or the wick housing or other com - laying, and / or may depend on a size of a space formed between two components, such as the heating element and / or the wick housing defining the capillary channel, among other properties.

By way of example, Figures 103A and 103B illustrate the wick housing 178 having a capillary characteristic 598 which causes a sudden change in capillary pressure.

Capillary feature 598 prevents or restricts the flow of liquid along liquid path 599 past capillary feature 598 and helps prevent or limit liquid pooling between tabs 506 and wick housing 178. Capillary feature 598 on wick housing 178 moves the heater 500 (eg, a component made from metal, etc.) away from wick housing 178 (eg, a component made from plastic, etc.). ), thus reducing the capillary resistance between the two components.

The capillary feature 598 shown in Figures 103A and 103B also includes a protruding edge at one end of an angled surface of the wick housing which restricts or prevents the flow of liquid beyond the feature. capillary 598. As shown in Figure 103B, the legs 506 of heater 500 may also be angled inward toward the interior volume of heater 500 and / or wick housing 178. The angled legs 506 can form a capillary feature which helps to limit or prevent the flow of liquid over an outer surface of the heating element and along the legs 506 of the heating element 500. As another example, the element heater 500 may include a capillary feature (eg, bridge 585) that is formed with the one or more legs 506 remote from heater 504 (see Figures 82 through 98). Bridge 585 can be formed by bending heater element 500 along fold lines 520, 522. In some implementations,

bridge 585 helps reduce or eliminate overflow of vaporizable material from heater 504, due to capillary action. In some examples, such as the heater elements 500 shown in Figures 93A through 98B, the bridge 585 is angled and / or includes an elbow to help limit the flow of fluid out of the heater 504. As another example, the heater 500 may include a capillary feature 598 which defines a salient point to cause a sudden change in capillary pressure, thereby preventing the flow of liquid vaporizable material beyond the specification. capillary 598. Figure 104 shows an example of the heater 500 having the capillary characteristic 598, compatible with implementations of the present invention. As shown in Figure 104, the capillary feature 598 may form an end of the bridge 585 which extends outwardly away from the heater portion by a distance which is greater than a distance between the legs 506 and the heater portion 504. The end of the bridge 585 may be a protruding edge to further aid in preventing the passage of liquid vaporizable material through the legs 506 and / or out of the heater portion 504, thereby reducing leakage. and increasing the amount of vaporizable material that remains in the heating part

504. Figures 105-106 illustrate a variation of the heater 500 shown in Figures 87-92. In this variation of the heater 500, the legs 506 of the heater 500 include a bend at the level. an inflection region 511. The bend in the legs 506 may form a capillary feature 598, which helps to prevent the flow of liquid vaporizable material beyond the hair feature 598. For example, the capillary feature. elbow can create an abrupt change in capillary pressure, which can also help limit or prevent the flow of liquid vaporizable material past the elbow and / or pooling between the tabs 506 and the housing of the elbow. wick 178, and may help limit or prevent the flow of liquid vaporizable material out of heater portion 504. Figures 107-108 illustrate a variation of heater elements 500 shown in Figures 93A-98B. In this variation of the heater 500, the legs 506 of the heater 500 include a bend at an inflection region 511. The bend in the legs 506 can form a capillary feature 598, which helps prevent flow of liquid vaporizable material beyond capillary characteristic 598. For example, the elbow can create an abrupt change in capillary pressure, which also helps to limit or prevent the flow of liquid vaporizable material beyond elbow and / or the bundle between tabs 506 and wick housing 178, and can help limit or prevent the flow of liquid vaporizable material out of heater 504. Figures 111A through 112 illustrate another example. of atomizer assembly 141, with heater 500 assembled to wick housing 178 and heat shield 518A, and Figure 113 shows an exploded view of atomizer assembly 141, compatible with implementations of e the present invention. The wick housing 178 can be made from plastic, polypropylene and the like. The wick housing 178 includes four recesses 592 into which at least a portion of each of the legs 506 of the heater 500 can be positioned and secured. In recesses 592, wick housing 178 may include one or more wick housing retaining features 172 (see Figure 115A) which aid in securing heater 500 to wick housing 178, for example. via a snap-fit arrangement between at least a portion of the legs 506 of the heater 500 and the wick housing retaining features

172. The wick housing retaining features 172 can also help move the heater 500 away from a surface of the housing.

wick housing 178, to help prevent heat from acting on the wick housing and melting a portion of the wick housing 178. As shown, the wick housing 178 also includes an opening 593 providing access. to an internal volume 594, in which at least the heating part 504 of the heating element 500 and the wick element 162 are positioned.

The wick housing 178 may also include one or more other cutouts which help move the heater 500 away from a surface of the wick housing 178 to reduce the amount of heat that is in contact with the surface of the wick housing. 178. For example, bit housing 178 may include cutouts 170. Cutouts 170 can be formed along an outer surface of bit housing 178 near opening 593. Cutouts 170 can be formed along an outer surface of drill bit housing 178 near opening 593. Cutouts 170 can be formed. also include a capillary feature, such as capillary feature 598. The capillary feature of the cutouts 170 may define a surface (eg, a curved surface) that intersects points of tangency between adjacent (or intersecting) walls (such as the edges). wick housing walls). The curved surface may have a radius which is sufficient to reduce or eliminate capillarity formed between adjacent outer walls of the wick housing.

Referring to Figures 111A through 112, the wick housing 178 may include a tab 168. The tab 168 can help to properly position and / or orient the wick housing during assembly of the vaporizer cartridge, relative to one or more of the wick. several other components of the vaporizer cartridge.

For example, the added material forming the tab 168 shifts the center of mass of the bit housing 178. Due to the offset center of mass, the bit housing 178 can rotate or slide in a certain orientation to align with a corresponding feature. another component of the vaporizer cartridge during assembly.

Figures 114A-114C illustrate an exemplary process for forming the atomizer assembly 141 of the vaporizer cartridge 120, comprising the wick housing 178, the wick element 162, and the heater 500, compatible with the. embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 114A, the wick element 162 can be inserted into the pocket formed in the heating element 500 (eg, formed by the side tooth portions 526 and the platform tooth portion 524). In some implementations, the wick member 162 expands after being attached to the heater 500, when vaporizable material is introduced into the wick member 162. Figure 114B shows the wick member 162 and heater 500 which are coupled to wick housing 178 and Figure 114C shows an example of wick member 162 and heater 500 assembled with wick housing 178. At least a portion of the wick element 162 and heater 500 assembled with wick housing 178. - heater 500, such as heater 504, may be positioned within the internal volume of wick housing 178. Tabs 506 (eg, retainers 180) of heater 500 can be positioned within mate with the outer walls of bit housing 178, for example, via a snap-fit arrangement.

In particular, the retaining portions 180 of the tabs 506 may mate with and be positioned at least partially in the recesses in the bit housing 178. Figures 115A-115C illustrate another exemplary method for forming an assembly of wick. Atomizer 141 of vaporizer cartridge 120, comprising wick housing 178, wick element 162, and heater 500, compatible with embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 115A, the heater 500 can be coupled to the wick housing 178, for example, by inserting or positioning the at least part of the heater 500, such as the heater 504 in the volume. internal of the wick housing 178. The tabs 506 (eg, retaining portions 180) of the heater 500 may mate with the outer walls of the wick housing 178, for example via a snap-fit arrangement.

In particular, the retaining portions 180 or another portion of the tabs 506 may mate with and be positioned at least partially in the recesses in the wick housing 178, for example, by coupling with the retaining features. wick housing 172. As shown in Figure 115B, the wick element 162 can be inserted into the pocket formed in the heating element 500 (e.g., formed by the side tooth portions 526 and the flat tooth portion. - form 524. In some implementations, the wick member 162 is compressed when the wick member 162 is coupled with the heater 500. In some implementations, the wick member 162 mounts in the wick member 162. heater 500 and expands after being attached to heater 500, when vaporizable material is introduced into wick member 162. Figure 115C shows an example of wick member 162 and heater 500. assembled with log wick element 178 to form atomizer assembly 141. Figure 116 illustrates an exemplary method 3600 for assembling heater element 500 compatible with implementations of the present invention.

Process flow chart 3600 illustrates the characteristics of a process, which may optionally include some or all of the following part.

In block 3610, there is provided a planar substrate having resistive heating properties.

In block 3612, the planar substrate can be cut and / or stamped to the desired geometry.

In block 3614, at least a portion of the heater 500 may be plated.

For example, as mentioned above, one or more layers of a cladding material (eg, an adherent cladding material and / or an outer cladding material) can be deposited on at least a portion of the cladding material. an outer surface of the heater 500. In block 3616, the heater 504 (eg, teeth 502) may be angled and / or crimped around a wick member to match the shape of the wick. wick element and for securing the wick element to the heating element.

In block 3618, the cartridge contacts 124, which in some implementations form an end portion of the tabs 506 of the heater 500, may be angled in a first or second direction along a plane or a third direction which is perpendicular to the first or second direction.

In block 3620, the heater 500 may be assembled into a vaporizer cartridge 120 and fluid communication can be caused between the wick member 162 and a reservoir of vaporizable material.

In block 3622, vaporizable material can be drawn into wick member 162, which can be positioned in contact with at least two surfaces of heater portion 504 of heater 500. In block 3624, means for Heating may be provided on the cartridge contacts 124 of the heating element to heat the heating element 500, at least the heating part 504. The heating causes vaporization of the vaporizable material.

In block 3626, the vaporized vaporizable material is entrained in a flow of air to a mouthpiece of the vaporization cartridge in which the heating element is positioned.

Embodiments of Condensate Control, Collection and Recycle Figures 117 through 119C illustrate embodiments of a vaporizer cartridge including one or more features for controlling, collecting and / or recycling condensate in a vaporizer device. .

While the features described and shown in relation to Figures 117 to 119C may be included in the different embodiments of the vaporizer cartridges described above and / or may include one or more features of the different embodiments of the above. vaporizer cartridges described above, the features of the vaporizer cartridges described and shown in relation to Figures 117-119C may additionally and / or alternatively be included in one or more other exemplary embodiments of the vaporizer cartridges, such as those described below.

A typical approach by which a vaporizer device generates an inhalable aerosol from vaporizable material involves heating the vaporizable material in a vaporizer chamber (or heater chamber) to cause the vaporizable material to be converted. in the gas (or vapor) phase. A vaporization chamber generally refers to an area or volume in the vaporizer device within which a source of heat (for example by conduction, convection and / or radiation) causes heating of a vaporizable material to. producing a mixture of air and vaporized vaporizable material to form a vapor for inhalation by a user of the vaporizer.

Since the introduction of vaporizer devices on the market, vaporizer cartridges containing free liquid (that is, liquid held in a reservoir and not retained by porous material) have gained in popularity. .

Products on the market may have cotton pads or no feature to collect condensate produced by the generation of steam in a vaporizer device.

Condensation liquid can form a film on the walls of an air path and can travel up to the mouthpiece with the potential to leak into a user's mouth, which can cause an experience of loss. - pleasant.

Even though the wall film does not leak from the mouthpiece, it can be carried away by the air flow creating large drops which can be sucked into the user's mouth and throat, resulting in a unpleasant experience for the user.

The problems associated with using a cotton swab to absorb such condensate include the inefficiency as well as additional manufacturing and assembly costs to incorporate the cotton swab into part of a. vaporizer device.

Additionally, the build-up and loss of condensate and / or non-vaporizable vaporizable material can ultimately result in an inability to suck all vaporizable material into the vaporization chamber, thereby wasting vaporizable material.

Thus, improved vaporizer devices and / or vaporizer cartridges are desired.

Vaporizing the vaporizable material into an aerosol, as described in more detail below, can result in the collection of condensate along one or more internal channels and outlets (e.g. along a mouthpiece). buccal) from some vaporizers.

For example, such condensate may include vaporizable material which has been sucked from a reservoir, formed into an aerosol, and condensed in the condensate before exiting the vaporizer.

Additionally, vaporizable material that bypassed the vaporization process can also accumulate along one or more internal channels and / or air outlets.

This can result in condensate and / or unvaporized vaporizable material exiting the mouthpiece outlet and settling in a user's mouth, thus creating both an unpleasant experience for the user as well as the reduction in the amount of inhalable aerosol available.

In addition, the build-up and loss of condensate can ultimately result in the inability to suck all of the vaporizable material from the reservoir into the vaporization chamber, thereby wasting the vaporizable material.

For example, when particles of vaporizable material accumulate in the internal channels of an air tube downstream of a vaporization chamber, the effective cross section of the flow passage path. The air narrows, thereby increasing the air flow and thereby applying trails to the accumulated fluid, thereby amplifying the potential to drive fluid out of the internal channels and through the mouthpiece outlet.

Various features and devices which improve or overcome these problems are described below.

As mentioned above, sucking the vaporizable material from the reservoir and vaporizing the vaporizable material into an aerosol can result in the vaporizable material condensate which collects from my.

nière adjacent to and / or in one or more outlets formed in the mouthpiece. This can result in the condensate coming out of the outlets and settling in the user's mouth, creating both an unpleasant experience for the user as well as reducing the amount of consumable steam available. Various features of vaporizer devices are described below which improve or overcome these problems. For example, various features are described here for controlling condensate in a vaporizer device, which can provide advantages and improvements over existing approaches, while also introducing additional benefits, as described herein. For example, features of a vaporizer device are described which are configured to collect and contain condensate that forms and collects adjacent to an outlet of the mouthpiece, thereby preventing condensate from exiting through the outlet.

Alternatively or additionally, the suction of vaporizable material 102 from reservoir 140 and vaporization of vaporizable material into an aerosol can result in the collection of condensate in one or more internal tubes or channels (such as an internal tube or channels. air) from a vaporizer device. As will be described in more detail below, features of the vaporizer device are described which are configured to trap condensate and prevent particles of vaporizable material from exiting through the air outlet of the vaporizer cartridge.

Figure 117 illustrates one embodiment of a vaporizer cartridge 120 including a finned condensate collector 352 configured to collect and contain condensate which forms or collects adjacent to an outlet of the mouthpiece. mouth or other region of the vaporizer cartridge 120 thereby preventing condensate from exiting through the outlet. As shown in Figure 117, the finned condensate collector 352 may be disposed in a chamber near the outlet 136 in a mouthpiece 130 so that the aerosol passes through the finned condensate collector 352 prior to discharge. exit by exit 136.

Figure 118 illustrates one embodiment of a mouthpiece 330 including one embodiment of a finned condensate collector 352 having a plurality of microfluidic fins 354. The mouthpiece 330 may be configured for a cartridge of condensate. vaporizer (such as vaporizer cartridge 120) and / or vaporizer device (such as vaporizer 100) with microfluidic fins 354 housed in finned condensate collector 352 to improve collection and contain it - ment in the vaporizer cartridge.

As shown in Figure 118, the microfluidic fins 354 include an assembly of walls 355 or other narrow projections and grooves 353 which have microfluidic properties.

In an exemplary embodiment, each wall in the wall assembly 355 can be positioned parallel, or substantially parallel to the others so that the space between each wall creates the grooves 353 which define capillary channels.

Walls 355 either define or form one or more capillary channels or grooves which are configured to collect fluid or other condensate.

Mouthpiece 330 shown in Figure 118 can enhance or modify the collection and containment of condensate in the reservoir so that condensate flowing out of an air tube outlet 332 (such as an air tube outlet). (air or cannula 128, as shown in Figure 117) can become trapped or collect between microfluidic fins 354 when the user inhales the vaporizer device.

As mentioned, the microfluidic fins define one or more capillary channels through which fluid is collected via a capillary force formed when the fluid is positioned in the capillary channel (s). To keep the fluid trapped by the finned condensate collector 352 without being drawn out by the drag of the heater element, the capillary force of the microfluidic fins can be greater than the drag of the heater element by providing narrow grooves or channels in which the fluid is positioned.

For example, an effective groove width may be 0.3mm and / or a range of approximately 0.1mm to approximately 0.8mm.

An advantage of this configuration is to limit the need to manufacture additional parts, thus reducing the number of parts without loss of function.

In one embodiment, the finned condensate collector and mouthpiece can be fabricated as a monolithic body using a mold, (eg, a plastic mold). In addition, the finned condensate collector and the mouthpiece may be separate structures which are welded together, which collectively form the finned condensate collector.

Other manufacturing processes and other materials are within the scope of this description.

In other embodiments, the microfluidic fins can be formed as a separate part and fit into the mouthpiece.

For example, microfluidic fins can be formed in any part of the vaporizer device or vaporizer cartridge to collect and contain condensate.

The microfluidic fins can be formed with the mouthpiece or can be formed as a second plastic part and mounted in the mouthpiece.

In addition to collecting in the mouthpiece, condensate of vaporizable material can accumulate in one or more airflow pathways or internal channels of a vaporizer device.

Various features and devices which ameliorate or overcome these problems are described below.

For example, various features are described here for recycling condensate in a vaporizer device, such as embodiments of a condensate recycling system, as will be described in more detail below.

Figures 119A through 119C illustrate one embodiment of a condensate recycle system 360 of a vaporizer cartridge (such as vaporizer cartridge 120) and / or a vaporizer device (such as vaporizer 100). The Condensate Recycle System 360 can be configured to collect condensate from vaporizable material and return the condensate to the wick for reuse.

The condensate recirculation system 360 may include an internally grooved air tube 334 creating an air flow passageway 338 which extends from the mouthpiece to the vaporization chamber 342 and may be configured to collect condensate from vaporizable material and direct it (via capillary action) back to the wick for reuse.

A function of the grooves may include having condensate of vaporizable material being trapped or otherwise positioned in the grooves.

The condensate, once positioned in the grooves, descends towards the wick due to the capillary action created by the wick element.

Drainage of condensate in the grooves can at least partially be achieved via capillary action.

If there is condensation inside the air tube, particles of vaporizable material will fill the grooves rather than forming or building a condensate wall inside the air tube if the grooves were absent. .

When the grooves are filled enough to establish fluid communication with the wick, the condensate will drain through and from the grooves and can be reused as vaporizable material.

In some embodiments, the grooves can be gradually narrowed so that the grooves are narrower towards the bit and wider towards the mouthpiece.

Such gradual narrowing can encourage fluid to move to the vaporization chamber as more condensate collects in the grooves, via greater capillary action at the narrower point.

Figure 119A shows a sectional view of the air tube 334. The air tube 334 includes an air flow passageway 338 and one or more internal grooves having a decreasing hydraulic diameter to the vaporization chamber 342. . The grooves are dimensioned and formed.

so that the fluid (such as condensate) disposed in the grooves can be transported from a first location to a second location via capillary action.

The internal grooves include air tube grooves 364 and chamber grooves 365. The air tube grooves 364 can be disposed inside the air tube 334 and can gradually narrow by. so that the cross section of the air tube grooves 364 at the first end 362 of the air tube may be larger than the cross section of the air tube grooves 364 at a second end 363 of the tube air.

The chamber grooves 365 may be disposed proximate to the second air tube end 363 and coupled with the air tube grooves 364. The internal grooves may be in fluid communication with the wick and configured to allow. the wick to continuously drain the condensate of vaporizable material from the internal grooves, thus preventing the build-up of a condensate film in the air flow path 338. The condensate can preferably enter the grooves. internal due to capillary entrainment of the internal grooves.

The capillary entrainment gradient in the internal grooves directs fluid migration to wick housing 346, where vaporizable material condensate is recycled again saturating the wick.

Figures 119B and 119C show an internal view of the condensate recycle system 360, as viewed from the first air tube end 362, and the second air tube end 363, respectively.

The first end 362 of the air tube may be disposed near the mouthpiece and / or the air outlet.

Second air tube end 363 may be disposed proximate to vaporization chamber 342 and / or wick housing 346, and may be in fluid communication with chamber grooves 365 and / or wick.

The air tube grooves 364 may have a first diameter 366 and a second diameter 368. The second diameter 368 may be narrower than the first diameter 366.

As discussed above, when the effective cross-sectional area of the air flow path narrows, either by accumulation of condensate in the air flow path or by design, as discussed herein, the flow of air moving through the air tube increases, applying trails to the accumulated fluid (eg, condensate). Fluid exits the air outlet when the trails pulling fluid toward the user (eg, in response to inhalation on the vaporizer) are greater than the capillary forces pulling fluid toward the wick.

In order to overcome this problem and encourage condensate away from the mouthpiece outlet and back to vaporization chamber 342 and / or wick, a progressively narrowed air flow pathway is provided so that a cross section of the air tube grooves 364 near the vaporization chamber 342 is narrower than a cross section of the air tube grooves 364 near the mouthpiece .

Further, each of the internal grooves narrows so that the width of the internal grooves near the first air tube end 362 may be wider than the width of the internal grooves near the second tube end 363. air.

Thus, the progressively narrowing passageway increases the capillary entrainment of the air tube grooves 364 and encourages the movement of fluid from the condensate to the chamber grooves 365. Further, the chamber grooves 365 in the vicinity of the second air tube end 363 may be wider than the width of the chamber grooves 365 near the wick.

That is, each groove channel gradually narrows as it approaches the wick in addition to the air flow path which itself narrows towards the wick end.

In order to maximize the efficiency of the capillary action provided by the condensate recycle system design, the air tube transverse size relative to the groove size can be taken into consideration.

While capillary entrainment may increase as the groove width narrows, it can result in smaller groove sizes in the condensate overflowing the grooves and plugging the air tube. Thus, the groove width can range from approximately 0.1mm to approximately 0.8mm. In some embodiments, the geometry or number of grooves may vary. For example, the grooves may not necessarily have a decreasing hydraulic diameter towards the bit. In some embodiments, a decreasing hydraulic diameter towards the wick can improve the performance of the capillary drive, but other embodiments may be considered. For example, the internal grooves and channels may have a substantially straight structure, a progressively narrowed structure, a helical structure and / or other arrangements.

In some embodiments, the features required to create the capillary entrainment may be integral with the housing structure of the aerosol generation unit (eg, the vaporization chamber), the mouthpiece and / or an aerosol generator. part of a separate plastic part (such as the finned condensate collector, discussed here).

Terminology When a characteristic or an element is designated here as being "On" another characteristic or element, it (he) can be directly on the other characteristic or element or intermediate characteristics and / or elements can also be present. . In contrast, when a feature or feature is referred to as being "directly on" another feature or feature, there are no features or intervening elements present. It should also be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as "connected", "attached" or "coupled" to another feature or element, it may be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element, or intermediate features or elements may be present.

In contrast, when a feature or element is designated as “directly related”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intermediate characteristics or elements present.

Although described or shown in relation to one embodiment, the characteristics and elements thus described or shown may be applicable to other embodiments.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that references to a structure or feature which is arranged "adjacent" to another feature, may have portions which overlap or are underlying relative to the original. - adjacent characteristic.

The terminology used here is intended to describe particular embodiments and particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting.

For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "a" and "the", "la" can be intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It should be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", when used in the present disclosure, specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or components mentioned, but do not exclude the presence. or the addition of one or more other characteristics, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups.

As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any or all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as "/". In the above descriptions and in the claims, phrases such as "at least one of" or "one or more" may occur followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features.

The term "and / or" can also occur in a list of two or more elements or characteristics.

Unless implicitly or explicitly stated otherwise by the context in which it is used, such expression is intended to mean any of the elements or characteristics listed individually or any of the elements or characteristics mentioned in combination with any of the other elements or characteristics mentioned.

For example, the expressions "at least one of To and B", "one or more of and B"; and "A and / or B" are each intended to mean "A alone, B alone or A and B together". A similar interpretation is also provided for lists comprising three or more items.

For example, the expressions "at least one of A, Bet C"; "One or more of A, Bet C>"; and "A, B and / or C" are each intended to mean "A alone, B alone, C alone, To and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or To and B and C together.

The use of the term "based on" above and in the claims is intended to mean "based at least, in part, on", so that a feature or element not mentioned is also allowed. . Spatial terms such as "front", "rear", "under", "below", "lower", "over", "upper" and the like may be used herein to facilitate description for. describe a relationship of an element or characteristic with another (other) element (s) or characteristic (s), as illustrated in the Figures.

It should be understood that the terms relating to space are intended to encompass the various orientations of the device in use or in operation in addition to the orientation illustrated in the Figures.

For example, if a device in the Figures is inverted, the elements described as being "under" or "below" other elements or characteristics are then oriented "on" the other elements or characteristics.

Thus the exemplary term "under" can encompass both over and under orientation.

Otherwise, the device may be oriented (rotated 90 degrees or other orientations) and the space descriptors used here are interpreted accordingly.

Similarly, the terms "up", "down", "vertical", "horizontal" and the like can be used for the purpose of explanation, unless otherwise specified.

Although the terms "first" and "second" can be used herein to describe different characteristics / elements (including stages), these characteristics / elements should not be limited by these terms, unless stated otherwise.

These terms can be used to distinguish one characteristic / element from another characteristic / element.

Thus, a first characteristic / first element discussed below can be referred to as a second (second) characteristic / second (second) element, and similarly, a second characteristic / second element addressed (e) below can be qualified as the first characteristic / first element without departing from the teachings provided here.

As used herein in the disclosure and claims including in the examples and unless otherwise indicated, all numerals may be read as if they were preceded by the term "about" or "approximately", and even though the term n ' does not appear expressly.

The expression "approximately" OR "approximately" may be used when describing quantity and / or position to indicate that the value and / or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and / or of positions.

For example, a numeric value can have a value that represents +/- 0.1% of stated value (or range of values), +/- 1% of stated value (or range of values), +/- 2 % of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc.

Numerical values given herein are also to be understood as comprising about or approximately this value, unless otherwise indicated.

For example, if the value "10" is described, then "about 10" is also described.

Any numeric range here is intended to include all of the sub-ranges built in here.

It should also be understood that when a value is described, that "less than or equal to" the value,

"Greater than or equal to the value", and the possible ranges between the values are also described, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

For example, if the value "X" is described, the value "less than or equal to X" as well as the value "greater than or equal to X" (for example, when X is a numeric value) are also described.

It should be understood that throughout the request, data is provided in a number of different formats and in that this data represents end points and start points, and ranges for any combination of points of data.

For example, if a particular data point "10" and a particular data point "15" can be described, it should be understood that values greater than, greater than or equal, less than, less than or equal, and equal to 10 and 15 can be considered as described as well as values between 10 and 15. It should be understood that each unit between two particular units can also be described.

For example, if 10 and 15 can be described, then 11, 12, 13 and 14 can also be described.

Although various alternative embodiments are described above, any number of changes to the different embodiments can be made without departing from the teachings.

For example, the order in which the various described process steps are performed, can often be changed in alternate embodiments, and in other alternate embodiments, one or more process steps may be. completely ignored.

Optional features of different device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in others.

Therefore, the foregoing description is intended primarily for exemplary purposes and should not be construed to limit the scope of the claims.

One or more aspects or characteristics of the present invention described here can be implemented in digital electronic circuits, integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC),

user programmable pre-broadcast networks (FPGAs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof.

These different aspects or characteristics may include implementation in one or more computer programs which may be executed and / or interpreted on a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, which may be special purpose or general, coupled to receive. data and instructions, and for transmitting data and instructions to a storage system, at least one input device and at least one output device.

The programmable system or computer system may include clients and servers.

A client and a server can be remote from each other and can interact through a communications network.

The relationship of client and server takes place by virtue of computer programs that run on the respective computers and have a client-server relationship between them.

These computer programs, which may also be referred to as programs, software, software applications, applications, components, or code, include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in an advanced procedural language. , an object oriented language, a functional programming language, a logic programming language and / or an assembly / machine language.

As used herein, the term "machine readable medium" relates to any computer program product, apparatus and / or device, such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, memory, and programmable logic circuits ( PLD), used to deliver machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, comprising a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal.

The term "machine readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor. The machine-readable medium can store such machine instructions in a non-transient manner, such as whether it was non-transient solid-state memory or a magnetic hard disk drive or any equivalent storage medium. The machine-readable medium may alternatively or additionally store such machine instructions in a transient manner, as, for example, if it were a processor cache memory or other random access memory associated with one or more cores. of physical processors. The examples and illustrations included herein represent, by way of illustration and not limitation, specific embodiments in which the present invention described may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments can be used and derived, so that structural and logical substitutions and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

These embodiments of the present invention may be referred to individually or collectively by the term "invention" simply for convenience and without intentionally limiting the scope of the present application to a single invention or a single inventive concept, if one considers. describes more than one in fact.

Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same goal may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any or all of the adaptations or variations of the various embodiments. The combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described here, will emerge more clearly to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description.

The present invention described has been proposed here with reference to one or more features or embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that, despite the detailed nature of the embodiments,

As exemplified herein, changes and modifications may be applied to the embodiments without limiting or departing from the generally intended scope.

These adaptations and combinations as well as the others of the embodiments provided herein are within the scope of the present invention described, as defined by the elements and features described and their full set of equivalents.

Part of the disclosure of this patent document may contain material which is subject to copyright protection.

The owner has not objected to the reproduction by any one of the patent document or patent disclosure, when it appears in the patent and the patent file or filings of the Trademark Office, but reserves all copyrights.

Certain trademarks referred to here may be common law or registered trademarks of the applicant, of the assignee or of third parties affiliated or not affiliated with the claimant or the assignee.

Use of these marks is intended to provide sufficient disclosure by way of example and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention described exclusively to the material associated with such marks.

Claims (106)

Claims A vaporizer comprising: a reservoir configured to contain a liquid vaporizable material, the reservoir at least partially defined by at least one wall, the reservoir comprising a storage chamber and an overflow volume; a manifold disposed in the overflow volume, the manifold comprising a capillary structure configured to retain a volume of liquid vaporizable material in fluid contact with the storage chamber, the capillary structure comprising a microfluidic feature configured to prevent deflection of the air and liquid relative to each other while filling and emptying the manifold. 2. The vaporizer of claim 1, further comprising a main passageway forming a fluid connection between the storage chamber and an atomizer configured to convert the liquid vaporizable material into a gas phase state. 3. A vaporizer according to claim 2, wherein the main passageway is formed through a structure of the manifold. 4. A vaporizer according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the main passageway comprises a first channel configured to allow the flow of liquid vaporizable material from the storage chamber to a wick element in the atomizer, the first channel having a cross-sectional shape with at least one irregularity configured to allow liquid in the first channel to deflect an air bubble blocking the remainder of the first channel. 5. A vaporizer according to claim 4, wherein the cross-sectional shape resembles a cross. 6. A vaporizer according to any preceding claim, wherein the capillary structure comprises a secondary passageway comprising the microfluidic characteristic, and wherein the microfluidic characteristic is configured to allow the liquid vaporizable material to travel along a path. length of the secondary passageway only with a meniscus that completely covers a cross-sectional area of the secondary passageway. A vaporizer according to claim 6, wherein the cross-sectional area is small enough that, for a material from which the walls of the secondary passageway are formed and a composition of the liquid vaporizable material, the liquid vaporizable material wets. preferably the secondary passageway around an entire perimeter of the secondary passageway. 8. A vaporizer according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage chamber and the manifold are configured to maintain a continuous column of liquid vaporizable material in the manifold in contact with the liquid vaporizable material in the storage chamber so that A reduction in pressure in the storage chamber from ambient pressure causes the continuous column of liquid vaporizable material in the manifold to be at least partially sucked into the storage chamber. 9. The vaporizer of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the secondary passageway comprises a plurality of spaced constriction points having a smaller cross-sectional area than the portions of the secondary passageway between the points of constriction. constriction. 10. The vaporizer of claim 9, wherein the constriction points have a flatter surface directed along the secondary passageway to the storage compartment and a rounder surface directed along the secondary passageway away from the storage compartment. storage compartment. 11. A vaporizer according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a microfluidic door between the manifold and the storage compartment, the microfluidic door comprising a rim of an opening between the storage chamber and the manifold which is flatter on the surface. a first side facing the storage compartment and a second more rounded side facing the collector. 12. The vaporizer of claim 11, wherein the microfluidic door comprises a plurality of openings connecting the storage chamber and the manifold and a pinch point between the plurality of openings, the plurality of openings comprising a first channel and a. second channel, in which the first channel has more capillary entrainment than the second channel. 13. The vaporizer of claim 12, wherein a meniscus of air - liquid vaporizable material reaching the pinch point is routed to the second channel due to the greater capillary entrainment in the first channel so that a bubble occurs. air is formed to escape into the liquid vaporizable material in the storage chamber. 14. A vaporizer according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid vaporizable material comprises one or more of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. 15. A microfluidic door for regulating the flow of a liquid vaporizable material between a storage chamber and an adjoining overflow volume in a vaporizer, the microfluidic door comprising: a plurality of openings connecting the storage chamber and the manifold. , the plurality of openings comprising a first channel and a second channel, wherein the first channel has greater capillary entrainment than the second channel; and a pinch point between the plurality of openings. 16. A microfluidic door according to claim 15, wherein the microfluidic door comprises a rim of an opening between the storage chamber and the collector which is flatter on a first side facing the storage compartment than a more rounded second side. facing the collector. 17. Manifold configured for inserton in a vaporizer cartridge; the manifold comprising: a capillary structure configured to retain a volume of liquid vaporizable material in fluid contact with a storage chamber of the vaporizer cartridge, the capillary structure comprising a microfluidic feature configured to prevent deflection of air and liquid l 'relative to each other while filling and emptying the collector. 18. A collector according to claim 17, further comprising the microfluidic gate according to any one of claims 15 and 16. 19. A manifold according to any one of claims 17 to 18, further comprising a main passageway forming a fluid connection between the reservoir and an atomizer configured to convert the liquid vaporizable material to a gaseous phase state, in which the path main passage is formed through a collector structure. 20. A manifold according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the capillary structure comprises a secondary passageway comprising the microfluidic characteristic, and wherein the microfluidic characteristic is configured to allow the liquid vaporizable material to travel along it. a length of the secondary passageway only with a meniscus which completely covers a transverse surface of the secondary passageway. 21. The manifold of claim 20, wherein the cross-sectional area is small enough that, for a material from which walls of the secondary passageway are formed and a composition of the liquid vaporizable material, the liquid vaporizable material is preferably wetted. the secondary passageway around the entire perimeter of the secondary passageway. 22. A manifold according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the storage chamber and the manifold are configured to maintain a continuous column of the liquid vaporizable material in the manifold in contact with the liquid vaporizable material in the storage chamber. such that a reduction in pressure in the storage chamber from ambient pressure causes the continuous column of liquid vaporizable material in the manifold to be at least partially sucked into the storage chamber. 23. A manifold according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the secondary passageway comprises a plurality of spaced constriction points having a smaller cross-sectional area than portions of the secondary passageway between the constriction points. 24. The manifold of claim 23, wherein the constriction points have a flatter surface directed along the secondary passageway to the storage compartment and a more rounded surface directed along the secondary passageway away from the storage compartment. storage compartment. 25. A vaporizer cartridge comprising: a cartridge housing; a storage chamber disposed in the cartridge housing and configured to contain liquid vaporizable material; an inlet configured to allow air to enter an internal airflow path in the cartridge housing; an atomizer configured to cause conversion of at least some of the liquid vaporizable material into an inhalable state; and a manifold according to any one of claims 17 to 24. 26. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 25, wherein the atomizer comprises: a wick member positioned in an internal air flow path and in fluid communication with the reservoir, the wick member being configured to aspirate the wick. liquid vaporizable material from the storage chamber under capillary action; and a heating element positioned to cause heating of the wick element to result in the conversion of at least some of the liquid vaporizable material sucked from the storage chamber into a gaseous state. 27. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 26, wherein the inhalable state comprises an aerosol formed by condensing at least some of the liquid vaporizable material from the gaseous state. 28. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the cartridge housing comprises a monolithic hollow structure having a first open end and a second end opposite the first end. 29. A vaporizer cartridge according to claim 28, wherein the manifold is received, by insertion, in the first end of the monolithic hollow structure. 30. A vaporizer comprising a vaporizer body and the vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein the vaporizer body and the vaporizer cartridge can be releasably attached to form the vaporizer. 31. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 25 to 30, wherein the heating element comprises: a heating part comprising at least two teeth spaced apart from each other, the heating part being preformed to define a volume. interior configured to receive the wick element such that the heater secures at least a portion of the wick element to the heater, the heater portion being configured to contact at least two separate surfaces of the wick element. wick element; and at least two legs coupled to the at least two teeth and spaced apart from the heater part, the at least two legs being configured to electrically communicate with a power source, wherein power is configured to be supplied to the heater part from the power source to generate heat, thereby vaporizing vaporizable material stored in the wick member. 32. A vaporizer cartridge according to claim 31, wherein the at least two legs include four legs. 33. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 32, wherein the heater portion is configured to contact at least three separate surfaces of the wick member. 34. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the at least two teeth comprise: a first side tooth portion; a second side tooth portion opposite the first side tooth portion; and a platform tooth portion connecting the first lateral tooth portion with the second lateral tooth portion, the platform tooth portion being positively positioned approximately perpendicular to a portion of the first lateral tooth portion and the second tooth portion side, wherein the first side tooth portion, the second side tooth portion and the platform tooth portion define the interior volume in which the bit member is positioned. 35. A vaporizer cartridge according to claim 34, wherein the at least two legs are positioned at a distance from the heating part by a bridge. 36. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein each of the at least two legs includes a cartridge contact positioned at one end of each of the at least two legs, the cartridge contact being configured. for electrically communicating with the power source, the cartridge contact being angled and extending away from the heater. 37. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein the at least two teeth include a first pair of teeth and a second pair of teeth. 38. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 37, wherein the teeth of the first pair of teeth are regularly spaced from each other. 39. A vaporizer cartridge according to claim 37 or claim 38, wherein the teeth of the first pair of teeth are spaced apart by a width. 40. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 39, wherein the width is greater at an internal region of the heating element adjacent to the platform tooth portion than the width at an external region of the. heating element adjacent to an outer edge of the first side tooth portion opposite the inner region. 41. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 32 to 40, wherein the vaporizer device is configured to measure a resistance of the heating element at each of the four legs to regulate a temperature of the heating element. 42. A vaporizer according to any one of claims 31 to 41, further comprising a heat shield configured to isolate the heating part of a body of the vaporizer device. 43. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 31 to 42, wherein the vaporizer device further comprises a heat shield configured to surround at least a portion of the heater element and isolate the heater portion of a body from. a wick housing configured to surround at least a portion of the wick element and the heater element. 44. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 31 to 43, wherein the heating part is folded between the heating part and the at least two legs to insulate the heating part from the at least two legs. 45. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 31 to 44, wherein the heating part further comprises at least one tab which extends from one side of the at least two teeth to allow easier entry of the vaporizer. wick element in the internal volume of the heating part. 46. The vaporizer of claim 45, wherein the at least one tab extends away from the interior volume at an angle. 47. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 31 to 46, wherein the at least two tabs include a capillary feature, the capillary feature causing a sudden change in capillary pressure to thereby prevent flow of the vaporizable material beyond. of the capillary characteristic. 48. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 47, wherein the capillary feature comprises one or more elbows in the at least two legs. 49. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 47 to 48, wherein the at least two legs extend at an angle towards the interior volume of the heating part, the at least two angled legs defining the capillary characteristic. 50. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 25 to 30, wherein the heating element comprises: a heating part comprising one or more heating traces integrally formed and spaced from each other, the one or more traces. the heater being configured to be in contact with at least a portion of the wick member of the vaporizer device; a connection part configured to receive energy from a power source and direct the energy to the heating part; and a cladding layer having a cladding material which is different from a material of the heating part, the cladding layer being configured to reduce the contact resistance between the heating element and the power source, thereby locating heat of the heating element on the heating part. 51. A vaporizer cartridge according to claim 50, wherein the plating layer comprises one or more layers deposited on the connection portion. 52. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 50 to 51, wherein the plating layer is integrally formed with the connecting portion. 53. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein the plating layer comprises an adherent plating layer and an outer plating layer. 54. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 53, wherein at least the outer cladding layer is configured to reduce the contact resistance between the heater element and the power source. 55. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 53 to 54, wherein the adherent plating layer is deposited on the heating element to adhere the outer plating layer to the heating element. 56. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 50 to 55, wherein the material of the heating part comprises a nickel-chromium alloy. 57. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 50 to 56, wherein the plating layer comprises gold. 58. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims to 57, further comprising a wick housing, the wick housing comprising: an outer wall; and an interior volume defined by the outer wall, the interior volume being configured to receive a portion of a heating element and a wick element of the vaporizer device. 59. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 58, wherein the heating element comprises a heating part and a connection part, the heating part being configured to heat the vaporizable material stored in the wick element to generate an aerosol, the part. connection being configured to communicate electrically with a power source for supplying energy to the heating part, and in which the part of the heating element is the heating part. 60. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 58 to 59, wherein the outer wall is configured to be positioned between the heating part and the connection part. 61. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 58 to 60, wherein the outer wall comprises two opposite short sides and two opposite long sides. 62. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 61, wherein each of the two opposing long sides includes a recess configured to removably couple the vaporizer cartridge to a corresponding feature of the vaporizer body. 63. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 62, wherein the recess is positioned near an intersection between a long side of the two opposite long sides and a short side of the two opposite short sides. 64. A vaporizer cartridge according to claim 63, wherein each of the two opposing long sides comprises two recesses. 65. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 61 to 64, wherein the outer wall further comprises a base positioned approximately perpendicular to the two opposing short sides and the two opposing long sides. 66. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 65, wherein the base comprises one or more slots, wherein the air pressure caused by the flow of vaporizable material into the heating portion is configured to escape through the one or more. slits. 67. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 61, wherein at least one of the two opposing short sides includes a chip recess configured to receive an identification chip. 68. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 67, wherein the chip recess comprises at least two walls configured to surround and retain the identification chip. 69. A vaporizer cartridge according to claim 68, wherein the at least two walls include at least four walls. 70. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 58 to 69, wherein the outer wall comprises: two opposite short sides; two opposite long sides; a base positioned approximately perpendicular to the two opposite short sides and the two opposite long sides; and an opening opposite the base. 71. A vaporizer cartridge according to claim 70, further comprising an outer rim surrounding the opening and extending away from the opening. 72. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 71, wherein the outer wall comprises a capillary feature, the capillary feature causing a sudden change in capillary pressure between the heating element and wick housing to thereby prevent flow of vaporizable material to the wick. beyond the capillary characteristic. 73. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 72, wherein the capillary feature comprises a curved surface formed at the intersection between at least one of the two opposed long sides and the outer rim. 74. The vaporizer cartridge of claim 73, wherein the curved surface has a radius which is sufficient to break points of tangency between the outer surface and the outer rim. 75. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 72 to 74, wherein the capillary feature is positioned in a cutout in the outer wall, the cutout being configured to space the heater element from the outer wall, thereby preventing build-up. excess heat from reaching the outer wall. 76. A vaporizer cartridge according to any one of claims 58 to 75, further comprising a cutout in the outer wall configured to move the heating element away from the outer wall, thereby preventing excess heat from reaching the outer wall. . 77. A manifold component of a vaporizer for use with a liquid vaporizable material, the manifold component comprising: a fluid passage; an external port disposed at a first end of the fluid passage and configured to be in fluid communication with ambient air outside the vaporizer; and a control vent disposed at a second end of the fluid passage remote from the first end and configured to manage flow between the fluid passage and a reservoir of the vaporizer configured to contain the liquid vaporizable material, the a control vent configured to provide at least: a first fluid resistance to the pinching of an air bubble in the reservoir when the air is in the fluid passage adjacent to the control vent and a void volume in the reservoir the tank is at a pressure lower than the ambient air outside the vaporizer; and a second fluid resistance to the passage of liquid vaporizable material through the control vent into the fluid passage when the void volume in the reservoir is at a pressure greater than the ambient air outside the vaporizer; at least a first wick feed implemented as a first channel to allow vaporizable material stored in the storage chamber to flow to a wick placed in a wick housing positioned in the overflow volume , the vent maintaining a state of equilibrium in the storage chamber to prevent pressure build-up in the storage chamber to a point which would cause flooding of the wick housing with vaporizable material. 78. The manifold component of claim 77, wherein the equilibrium state is maintained by providing a liquid seal at the opening of the vent where the storage chamber communicates with the passageway in the vent. overflow volume. 79. The manifold component of claim 78, wherein the liquid seal is established and maintained at the vent by maintaining sufficient capillary pressure to form menisci of vaporizable material at a portion of the vent. 'vent leading to the passageway in the overflow volume. 80. The manifold component of claim 79, wherein the capillary pressure for the menisci of vaporizable material is controlled by V-shaped structures forming a main channel and a secondary channel constructing the valve to control at least one pinch point at the end. level of one of the main channel or the sub channel. 81. A manifold component according to claim 80, wherein the main channel and the secondary channel have progressively narrowed geometries, so that as the menisci continue to recede, capillary entrainment of the main channel decreases more rapidly than the capillary entrainment of the main channel. secondary channel. 82. The manifold component of claim 81, wherein a gradual reduction in the capillary drives of the main and secondary channels reduces a partial free space vacuum maintained in the storage chamber. 83. The manifold component of claim 82, wherein a main channel drain pressure drops below a secondary channel drain pressure due to the gradual reduction in the capillary entrainments of the main and secondary channels relative to each other. to others. 84. The manifold component of claim 83, wherein the meniscus in the main channel continues to purge as the main channel drain pressure changes, while the meniscus in the secondary channel remains static. 85. The manifold component of claim 84, wherein the drain pressure involving the receding contact angle of the main channel can drop below the flood pressure involving the advancing contact angle of the secondary channel, causing the main and secondary channels to fill with the vaporizable material. 86. The manifold component of claim 85, wherein in response to increased pressure within the storage chamber, vaporizable material flows into the manifold passageway through the vent, wherein the vent is manufactured to maintain the liquid seal at all times. 87. A cartridge for a vaporizer device, the cartridge comprising: a reservoir comprising a reservoir chamber defined by a reservoir barrier, the reservoir being configured to maintain vaporizable material in the reservoir chamber; a vaporization chamber in communication with the reservoir and including a wick member configured to draw vaporizable material from the reservoir chamber into the vaporization chamber to be vaporized by a heating element; an air flow passageway which extends through the vaporization chamber; and at least one capillary channel adjacent to the air flow passageway, each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel being configured to receive fluid and direct fluid from a first location to a second location via the capillary action. 88. The cartridge of claim 87, wherein each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel gradually narrows in size. 89. The cartridge of claim 88, wherein the shrinkage in size causes an increase in capillary entrainment through each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel. 90. A cartridge according to any one of claims 87 to 89, wherein each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel is formed by a groove defined between a pair of walls. 91. A cartridge according to any one of claims 87 to 90, wherein the at least one capillary channel fluidly communicates with a wick. 92. The cartridge of claim 91, wherein the first location is adjacent one end of the air flow passageway and a mouthpiece. 93. A cartridge according to any one of claims 87 to 92, wherein the at least one capillary channel collects fluid condensate. 94. A vaporizer device comprising: a vaporizer body comprising a heating element configured to heat vaporizable material; and a cartridge configured to be removably coupled to the vaporizer body, the cartridge comprising: a reservoir including a reservoir chamber defined by a reservoir barrier, the reservoir being configured to contain vaporizable material in the reservoir chamber; a vaporization chamber in communication with the reservoir and including a wick member configured to draw vaporizable material from the reservoir chamber into the vaporization chamber to be vaporized by the heating element; an air flow passageway which extends through the vaporization chamber; and at least one capillary channel adjacent to the air flow passageway, each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel being configured to receive fluid and direct fluid from a first location to a second location via the capillary action. 95. A vaporizer device according to claim 94, wherein each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel gradually narrows in size. 96. The vaporizer device of claim 95, wherein the shrinkage in size causes an increase in capillary entrainment through each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel. 97. A vaporizer device according to any one of claims 94 to 96, wherein each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel is formed by a groove defined between a pair of walls. 98. A vaporizer device according to any one of claims 94 to 97, wherein the at least one capillary channel fluidly communicates with a wick. 99. The vaporizer device of claim 98, wherein the first location is adjacent one end of the air flow passageway and a mouthpiece. 100 A vaporizer device according to any one of claims 94 to 99, wherein the at least one capillary channel collects fluid condensate. 101. A method comprising the following steps: collecting a condensate in a first capillary channel of at least one capillary channel of a cartridge of a vaporization device, each of the at least one capillary channel being configured to receive a fluid and direct the fluid. fluid from a first location to a second location via capillary action, the cartridge comprising: a reservoir including a reservoir chamber defined by a reservoir barrier, the reservoir being configured to contain vaporizable material in the reservoir chamber; a vaporization chamber in communication with the reservoir and including a wick member configured to draw vaporizable material from the reservoir chamber into the vaporization chamber to be vaporized by a heating element; and an air flow passageway which extends through the vaporization chamber, the at least one capillary channel being adjacent to the air flow passageway; and directing the collected condensate to the vaporization chamber and along the first capillary channel. 102. The method of claim 101, further comprising the step of vaporizing, at the vaporization chamber, the collected condensate. 103. The method of any one of claims 101 to 102, wherein the first capillary channel gradually narrows in size. 104. A method according to any one of claims 101 to 103, wherein each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel is formed by a groove defined between a pair of walls. 105. The method of any of claims 101 to 104, wherein the at least one capillary channel fluidly communicates with a wick. 106. The method of claim 105, wherein the first location is adjacent one end of the air flow passageway and a mouthpiece.