CA3175448A1 - Vaporizer pod with conductive base - Google Patents

Abstract

A pod having a conductive base allows for electrodes on a vaping device to be connected, so that a locked out component in the vaping device is connected through a loop-back connection using the conductive base. To accommodate vaping device that make use of an additional bypass detection electrode, the conductive base may have a non-conductive patch created through the application of a coating or film, or through an aperture in the base. A complementary device allows for the delivery of power to a pod when its lockout electrodes are connected by an inserted pod, while a bypass electrode is not electrically connected by the pod to the lockout electrodes.

Description

File#: OMNA 026 Vaporizer Pod with Conductive Base Cross Reference to Related Applications [0001] This is the first application for the instant invention.
Technical Field

[0002] This application relates generally to a pod for use in conjunction with a vaporizer device, and more particularly to a pod having a conductive base, which may be provided through the use of a metal sheathed end cap or a metallic end cap, for use in a vaporizer device having an electrical lockout for a device subsystem.
Background

[0003] Electronic cigarettes and vaporizers are well regarded tools in smoking cessation.
In some instances, these devices are also referred to as an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS). A nicotine based liquid solution, commonly referred to as e-liquid, often paired with a flavoring, is atomized in the ENDS for inhalation by a user. In some embodiments, e-liquid is stored in a cartridge or pod, which is a removable assembly having a reservoir from which the e-liquid is drawn towards a heating element by capillary action through a wick. In many such ENDS, the pod is removable, disposable, and is sold pre-filled.

[0004] In some ENDS, a refillable tank is provided, and a user can purchase a vaporizable solution with which to fill the tank. This refillable tank is often not removable, and is not intended for replacement. A fillable tank allows the user to control the fill level as desired. Disposable pods are typically designed to can-y a fixed amount of vaporizable liquid, and are intended for disposal after consumption of the e-liquid. The ENDS cartridges, unlike the aforementioned tanks, are not typically designed to be refilled. Each cartridge stores a predefined quantity of e-liquid, often in the range of 0.5 to 3m1. In ENDS systems, the e-liquid is typically composed of a combination of any of vegetable glycerine, propylene glycol, nicotine and flavorings. In systems designed for the delivery of other compounds, different compositions may be used. In some examples, an atomizable liquid may be based on propylene glycol as a major component, may use terpenes in place of other flavoring compounds and may be used to deliver cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026

[0005] In the manufacturing of the disposable cartridge, different techniques are used for different cartridge designs. Typically, the cartridge has a wick that allows e-liquid to be drawn from the e-liquid reservoir to an atomization chamber. In the atomization chamber, a heating element in communication with the wick is heated to encourage aerosolization of the e-liquid. The aerosolized e-liquid can be drawn through a defined air flow passage towards a user's mouth.

[0006] Figures 1A, 1B and 1C provide front, side and bottom views of an exemplary pod 50. Pod 50 is composed of a reservoir 52 having an air flow passage 54, and an end cap assembly 56 that is used to seal an open end of the reservoir 52. End cap assembly has wick feed lines 58 which allow e-liquid stored in reservoir 52 to be provided to a wick (not shown in Figure 1). To ensure that e-liquid stored in reservoir 52 stays in the reservoir and does not seep or leak out, and to ensure that end cap assembly 56 remains in place after assembly, seals 60 can be used to ensure a more secure seating of the end cap assembly 56 in the reservoir 52. In the illustrated embodiment, seals 60 may be implemented through the use of o-rings.

[0007] As noted above, pod 50 includes a wick that is heated to atomize the e-liquid. To provide power to the wick heater, electrical contacts 62 are placed at the bottom of the pod 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical contacts 62 are illustrated as circular.
The particular shape of the electrical contacts 62 should be understood to not necessarily germane to the function of the pod 50.

[0008] Because an ENDS device is intended to allow a user to draw or inhale as part of the nicotine delivery path, an air inlet 64 is provided on the bottom of pod 50. Air inlet 64 allows air to flow into a pre-wick air path through end cap assembly 56. The air flow path extends through an atomization chamber and then through post wick air flow passage 54.

[0009] Figure 2 illustrates a cross section taken along line A in Figure 1B.
This cross section of the pod is shown with a complete (non-sectioned) wick 72 and heater 74. End cap assembly 56 resiliently mounts to an end of air flow passage 54 in a manner that allows air inlet 64 to form a complete air path through pod 50. This connection allows airflow from air inlet 64 to connect to the post air flow path through passage 54 through atomization chamber 70. Within atomization chamber 70 is both wick 72 and heater 74.
When power is applied to contacts 62, the temperature of the heater increases and allows for the volatilization of e-liquid that is drawn across wick 72.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026

[0010] Typically the heater 74 reaches temperatures well in excess of the vaporization temperature of the e-liquid. This allows for the rapid creation of a vapor bubble next to the heater 74. As power continues to be applied the vapor bubble increases in size, and reduces the thickness of the bubble wall. At the point at which the vapor pressure exceeds the surface tension the bubble will burst and release a mix of the vapor and the e-liquid that formed the wall of the bubble. The e-liquid is released in the form of aerosolized particles and droplets of varying sizes. These particles are drawn into the air flow and into post wick air flow passage 54 and towards the user.

[0011] In other embodiments of pod 50, variations in the design shown in Figures 1 and 2 are employed in attempts to reduce known issues in assembly and possibly leakage.
Figure 3 illustrates one such pod 50, shown in an inverted orientation with respect to the pod 50 of Figure 1. Figure 3 provides a cross section of pod 50 to allow for discussion of the internal components. As before, a reservoir 52, having a post-wick airflow passage, is employed to store e-liquid. The reservoir 52 is shown without a mouthpiece, but has an open end opposed to the end at which a mouthpiece would be affixed. This open end is sealed, typically after filling with e-liquid, through the insertion of end cap 56. End cap 56 has a pair of wick feed lines 58 that allow e-liquid from the reservoir to enter end cap 56 so that it can be absorbed by wick 72. E-liquid is drawn across wick 72 by capillary forces, and is brought towards heater 74. Heater 74 resides within atomization chamber 70, which is positioned as a part of an airflow passage within pod 50. The airflow passage begins with the inlet 64, passes through atomization chamber 70 and proceeds into the post wick airflow passage 54. Heater 74 is connected to electrical contacts 62 which are used as an interface with the vaping device. Power is applied across contacts 62 to energize heater 74. This results in the volatilization of the e-liquid drawn across the wick 72. As the e-liquid is atomized, it is entrained within an airflow through the airflow passage of pod 50. Where the pod of Figures 1 and 2 makes use of 0-rings to seal the end cap 56 into reservoir 52, the pod of Figure 3 makes use of a resilient sleeve 76 that sits atop end cap 56. Resilient sleeve 76 may be formed of a material such as silicone that is non-reactive to the e-liquid and has a high heat tolerance. Ribs can be formed in the resilient sleeve to encourage better sealing. Additionally, resilient sleeve 76 may provide a sealing interface to the inlet of the post-wick airflow passage 54 to further prevent leaking.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026

[0012] The above designs for pod 50 have been designed for a reservoir that stores the atomizable e-liquid as a free liquid. Efforts are made to mitigate leakage from the interface between the end cap 56 and the reservoir 52. To aid in the reduction or prevention of leaking, the ratio of propylene glycol to vegetable glycerine in the e-liquid can be adjusted to obtain an e-liquid with sufficient viscosity to reduce the likelihood of egress from the interface between the end cap 56 and the reservoir 52. It should be noted that increasing the viscosity of the e-liquid to prevent leakage is a design tradeoff as this makes transport of the e-liquid across the wick 72 more difficult. This may result in the wick 72 drying out during successive uses before it can re-wick the e-liquid.
A dry wick subjected to heating may scorch and provide a so-called burnt hit to a user, which is considered to be a bad user experience. Thus, the e-liquid is typically designed to be sufficiently viscous to reduce or eliminate leaking during normal storage and use, but no more viscous than is required.

[0013] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate the combination of two techniques to reduce e-liquid leakage. Pod 50 of Figures 4A and 4B uses both a cartomizer matrix 78 and a metallic crimp 80 at the reservoir-end cap interface. The function of these elements will now be explained in the context of the overall pod design. While Figure 4A
illustrates a cross section of pod 50, Figure 4B illustrates a bottom view of pod 50. Pod 50 has a reservoir 52 and end cap 56 as before. The end cap 56 contains electrical contacts 62 and acts to seal the open end of reservoir 52. Within end cap 56 is an inlet 64 to an airflow passage through pod 50 that continues into post wick airflow passage 54. In this embodiment, post wick airflow passage 54 may not be a molded feature within the reservoir 52.
Instead, wick 72 and heater 74 may be inserted into a cylinder made of a non-combustible (or combustion resistant) material such as fiberglass, which is then inserted into a cartomizer matrix 78 and then inserted into the reservoir 52. The heater 74 is connected to the contacts 62 so that it can receive power from a vaping device. Such a cartomizer matrix 78 may be formed of any of a number of different materials including those such as cotton, hemp, linen, wool, and nylon. In some embodiments the cartomizer matrix 78 may be made of a fabric that is wrapped into a cylindrical shape, or it may be a sponge formed of fibers such as nylon that may be blown into a mold to form a desired shape.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of a cartomizer matrix 78 may allow for the use of a less viscous e-liquid to be stored within the reservoir without incurring the Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026 same risk of leakage from the pod 50. The cartomizer matrix holds e-liquid using capillary forces. This reduces the propensity of the e-liquid to migrate out of the pod.
Wick 72 is embedded into the matrix 78, and typically exerts a greater wicking force on the e-liquid than the cartomizer matrix 78. Thus, e-liquid will be preferentially drawn across the wick 72, where its less viscous nature allows for faster re-wicking and possibly may allow for greater flavor generation. Thus, the use of a cartomizer matrix 78 can allow for the use of less viscous e-liquids without greatly increasing the likelihood of leakage.

[0014] A separate leakage prevention mechanism, often found in refillable pods, is also illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B. A metal shroud 80 is affixed to the exterior of reservoir 52 and end cap 56. It should be understood that in some discussions, shroud 80 may also be referred to as a sheath. The difference in language is often associated with whether the element is primarily designed to protect the endcap beneath, or whether it is intended to at least partially hide the endcap beneath. Regardless of the design intent, these terms should be considered interchangeable for the purposes of this disclosure. This provides another barrier to e-liquid egress, and also provides a fen-o-magnetic surface so that magnets placed within a vaping device can firmly hold a pod 50 in place within a vaping device. It should be noted that the metal shroud 80 forms a deck around the end cap 56 so as to allow for the contacts 62 to be properly exposed and to minimize the cost of offering this feature. Furthermore, metal shroud 80 is designed to not interfere with the airflow path leading into inlet 64.

[0015] Metal shrouds 80 are often provided on pods that do not make use of a cartomizer matrix, and allow end-user refilling. Metal shroud 80 provides the feeling of a premium product while aiding in the prevention of leaks from an end cap-to-reservoir interface that may not otherwise make use of proper sealing. It may also allow for the pod 50 to be held in a device using magnets. This provides a qualitatively improved pod insertion process, as there is a positive engagement of the pod 50.

[0016] In the design of a typical pod and device, it is common for the electrical contacts to be connected to other elements within the pod. Pod 50, for example, has contacts 62 connected to the heater 74. In some other examples, additional pairs of contacts are used to connect to other pod-based elements including pod-based authentication of content identification integrated circuits. In some embodiments, a single third contact is used to Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026 connect to authentication or identification integrated circuits, with the connection completed by a connection to one of the heater contacts as a common ground.

[0017] In Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 3,151,174 filed March 7, 2022 and entitled -Pod Loopback with Device Lockout" disclosed a design for a pod to function with a device that made use of lockout electrodes configured to connect a disconnected electrical component or subsystem within the device upon insertion of a pod.

[0018] It would therefore be beneficial to have a mechanism to extend the use of an end cap having a metallic component to support lockout features in a device.
Summary

[0019] It is an object of the aspects of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the problems of the above-discussed prior art.

[0020] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pod for storing an atomizable liquid. The pod can engage with a vaporizer device so that it can receive power to allow for the atomization of the atomizable liquid. The pod comprises a reservoir, first and second electrical contacts, and an electrically conductive base. The reservoir allows for the storage of the atomizable liquid. The first and second electrical contacts receive power from the device and are operably connected to a heater configured to atomize the stored atomizable liquid. The electrically conductive base defines a bottom of the pod. The electrically conductive base is electrically isolated from the first and second electrical contacts and provides an electrical path between two points within a defined distance of the center of the base.

[0021] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the electrically conductive base is electrically isolated from other components within the pod. In another embodiment, the atomizable liquid is stored either within a cartomizer matrix within the reservoir or as free liquid within the reservoir. In some embodiments, the first and second electrical contacts are aligned along a major axis of the pod and are each located approximately 7mm from the center of the electrically conductive base. In another embodiment, the defined distance is defined by the area of an annular ring having an inner diameter of approximately 4.90mm and an external diameter of at least approximately 6.86mm.

[0022] In another embodiment, the first and second electrical contacts define a first plane, and optionally the area within the defined distance of the center of the base fat 'us a Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026 second plane parallel to the first plane. In some embodiments, the first and second planes are spaced apart by a distance of at least 0.5mm In another embodiment, the first and second planes are spaced apart by a distance of at least 0.2mm. In a further embodiment, the first and second planes are spaced apart by a distance of at least 0.4mm.
In other embodiments, the first and second planes are spaced apart by a distance between approximately 0.2mm and 0.5mm. In another embodiment, the first and second planes are spaced apart by a distance of approximately 2mm.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the first and second electrical contacts are positioned to interact with electrodes situated between approximately 13.5mm and approximately 15.5mm apart, center to center, on a major axis of the vaporizer device.

[0024] In another embodiment, the two points within the defined distance of the center of the base are configured to interact with first and second lockout electrodes on the vaporizer device. Optionally, the first and second lockout electrodes are situated approximately 3.25mm apart center to center, offset from a major axis of the vaporizer device by approximately 2.52mm.

[0025] In another embodiment, the pod further comprises an end cap for sealing an open end of the reservoir and for securing the first and second electrical contacts, wherein the electrically conductive base defining a bottom of the pod comprises a metallic sheath below the end cap. Optionally the sheath has sidewalls extended along an exterior of the reservoir.

[0026] In another embodiment, the pod comprising an end cap for sealing an open end of the reservoir, wherein the end cap is electrically conductive and defines a bottom of the pod. Optionally, there is also a resilient sleeve positioned between the electrically conductive end cap and an inner surface of the reservoir. In another embodiment, each of the first and second electrical contacts has an electrically isolating sleeve to insulate the contact from the electrically conductive end cap. In some embodiments, the end cap is formed from a metal sheet by a stamping process. In another embodiment, the electrically conductive base comprises an aperture aligned with an inlet to an airflow path through the pod.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the atomizable liquid comprises at least one of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, a flavoring and nicotine. In another embodiment, the atomizable liquid comprises at least one of propylene glycol, a terpene and a cannabinoid.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026

[0028] In a further embodiment, the electrically conductive base further comprises a non-conductive patch substantially preventing electrical conductivity between a position within the patch and the two points. In one optional embodiment the non-conductive patch comprises at least one of: an aperture in the electrically conductive base; and a non-conductive coating applied to the electrically conductive base. In another optional embodiment, the non-conductive patch is an aperture and wherein the aperture is an annular aperture preventing electrical conductivity between a point within the aperture and a point outside the aperture. In a further embodiment, the non-conductive patch is a non-conductive coating, and wherein the non-conductive coating is one of a paint and a sticker.

[0029] In another embodiment, the electrically conductive base further comprises a domed section for preventing electrical contact between an electrode on a vaping device positioned for contact with the domed section and a lockout electrode on a vaping device positioned for contact outside the domed section, wherein the two electrodes have a similar height. In some embodiments, this will render the domed section out of reach of an electrode on the vaporizing device.

[0030] In another embodiment, the electrically conductive base further comprises an aperture exposing a non-conductive material.

[0031] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vaporizing device. The device allows for the atomization of an atomizable liquid stored in a removable pod. The device comprises a battery, a first set of electrodes, a second set of electrodes, a bypass detection electrode, and control circuitry. The battery stores power.
The first first set of electrodes can be used to deliver power to an atomizer within the removable pod. The second second set of electrodes is different than (or distinct from) the first set of electrodes. The second set of electrodes provides an interrupted connection between a component subject to lockout and another element within the vaporizing device. The control circuitry regulates the delivery of power from the battery to at least a first electrode in a first set of electrodes in accordance with receipt of a signal indicative of use and an output from the bypass detection electrode.

[0032] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the first set of electrodes is comprised of a first and a second electrode for delivering power to a heater within a pod, and the second set of electrodes comprises a third and fourth electrode electrically connected to each Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026 other upon insertion of a pod, to connect two components within the device, and the bypass electrode is a fifth electrode. In another embodiment, the second set of electrodes, upon insertion of a pod, connects at least one of: the pressure sensor to the battery; the pressure sensor to the control circuitry; a wireless subsystem to the battery;
a wireless subsystem to an antenna; and a wireless subsystem to a processor.

[0033] In another embodiment, the control circuitry comprises a processor for executing stored instructions to carry out control processes.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the bypass detection electrode is operably connected to the control circuitry, and optionally the bypass detection electrode is connected to one of a battery and a battery controller. In another embodiment, the control circuitry is configured to prevent use of the device when charge is being delivered to a battery. In a further embodiment, the control circuitry is configured to prevent use of the device in accordance with receipt of a signal from the bypass detection electrode.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the first and second sets of electrodes are situated on an exposed face of a cavity sized to receive the removable pod. Optionally, the exposed face has a major axis between approximately 23.7mm and approximately 23.99mm in length and a minor axis between approximately 13.5mm and approximately 14.8mm in length and the first set of electrodes comprises first and second electrodes situated along the major axis and the first and second electrodes are spaced apart from each other by between approximately 13.5mm and approximately 15.5mm center-to-center. In another embodiment, the second set of electrodes comprises third and fourth electrodes spaced apart between approximately 3mm and approximately 3.25mm center-to-center and the second set of electrodes are offset from the major axis by between approximately 2.52mm and approximately 2.6mm. In a further embodiment, the bypass detection electrode is positioned offset from the major axis by 4.15mm. In another embodiment, the second set of electrodes comprises third and fourth electrodes situated along the major axis and spaced apart from each other 6mm center-to-center.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the control circuitry is configured to receive the signal indicative of use from a pressure sensor.

[0037] It should be understood that though reference is provided above to specific embodiments, the features of these embodiments can be mixed with other features described in different embodiments without necessarily departing from the intended Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026 teachings of this disclosure, except where the disclosed embodiments are mutually exclusive. Embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention may also disclose features that work complementarily with features in embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention. It should be understood that embodiments disclosed with respect to the first aspect may be used in conjunction with the second aspect, and the converse also holds.
Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figure in which:
Figure lA is a front view of a prior art pod for use in an electronic nicotine delivery system;
Figure 1B is a side view of the pod of Figure 1A;
Figure 1C is a bottom view of the pod of Figure 1A;
Figure 2 is a cross section of the pod of Figures lA and 1B along cut line A
in Figure 1B;
Figure 3 is a cross section view of an alternate embodiment of the pod illustrated in Figures 1A-C and 2;
Figure 4A illustrates a cross section of a pod having a metallic sheath on the end cap;
Figure 4B illustrates a bottom view of the pod of Figure 4A;
Figure 5A is a functional drawing of a vaping device;
Figure 5B is a top view of an embodiment of the vaping device of Figure 5A
Figure 5C is a top view of an embodiment of the vaping device;
Figure 5D is a top view of an embodiment of the vaping device;
Figure 6A is a cross section of a pod having a conductive shroud according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6B is a bottom view of the pod of Figure 6A;
Figure 7A is a cross section of a pod having a conductive shroud according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7B is a bottom view of the pod of Figure 7A;
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026 Figure 8A is a cross section of a pod having a conductive shroud according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8B is a bottom view of the pod of Figure 8A;
Figure 8C is a cross section of the shroud 116 along cut line 8C in Figure 8B;
Figure 9A is a cross section of a pod having a conductive shroud according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9B is a bottom view of the pod of Figure 9A;
Figure 10A is a cross section of a pod having a metallic end cap according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10B is a bottom view of the pod of Figure 10A;
Figure 11A is a schematic illustration of the electrical configuration of a vaping device;
Figure 11B is a top view of the vaping device of Figure 11A;
Figure 11C is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the vaping device of Figure 11A;
Figure 12A is a bottom view of a pod for use with the vaping device of Figure 11B;
Figure 12B is a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a pod for use with the vaping device of Figure 11B;
Figure 12C is a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a pod for use with the vaping device of Figure 11B;
Figure 12D is a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a pod for use with the vaping device of Figure 11B;
Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of the electrical configuration of an alternate embodiment of a vaping device; and Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of the electrical configuration of an alternate embodiment of a vaping device.

[0039] Where possible, in the above figures, like reference numerals have been used for like elements across the figures.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026 Detailed Description

[0040] In the instant description, and in the accompanying figures, reference to dimensions may be made. These dimensions are provided for the enablement of a single embodiment and should not be considered to be limiting or essential.
Disclosure of numerical range should be understood to not be a reference to an absolute value unless otherwise indicated. Use of the terms about or substantively with regard to a number should be understood to be indicative of an acceptable variation of up to 10%
unless otherwise noted.

[0041] As noted above, vaping devices that provide lockout functionality have been developed to work with pods that can enable the locked out functionality upon insertion.
This can provide enhanced safety, or increased privacy, depending on the component of the vaping device that is subject to lockout. Figure 5 illustrates an example of such a vaping device 150. Vaping device 150 has a body that defines a cavity 152 sized for receiving a compatible pod. The cavity has a base 154, through which are accessible contacts 156 which are typically used to electrically connect with a pod to allow power from the battery 158 to be applied to the heater. The delivery of power from the battery 158 is modulated by switch 164 which is controlled by processor 160 in response to an input from pressure sensor 162. In some embodiments, processor 160 executes a set of control routines that are stored as at least one of software and firmware. In some embodiments, processor 160 may be replaced by control circuitry that may include pressure sensor 162 or a pressure switch. A component subject to lockout 172 has an electrical connection to another part of device 150 that runs through electrodes 166. When electrodes 166 are connected, component 172 is able to be connected to other parts of device 150, but without the insertion of a pod 100 having a loopback contact 110, component 172 remains locked out and a function of device 150 is unavailable.

[0042] It should be understood that a component subject to lockout 172 may have multiple different types of connections that can be selected for routing across electrodes 166. In one embodiment, the component subject to lockout 172 is the pressure sensor 162.
Pressure sensor 162 is typically connected to the battery 158, an electrical ground which may be associated with one of the terminals of the battery 158, and the processor 160.
The connection between the pressure sensor 162 and the battery 158 can be interrupted by Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026 having each of these components connected to one of the lockout electrodes 166. As a result, the pressure sensor 162 is not powered. A pod designed for operation with such a device may contain a loopback contact designed to facilitate a connection between electrodes 166. Accordingly, when a pod designed to electrically bridge the lockout electrodes 166 is inserted into cavity 152, the pressure sensor 162 will be connected to the battery 158, and will thus be responsive to changes in pressure associated with a user drawing on the pod. It should be understood that while in the above discussion, the connection between the pressure sensor 162 and battery 158 is routed through lockout electrodes 166, other embodiments may use lockout electrodes 166 to interrupt other connections, such as the data connection to the processor 160, or the connection to the electrical ground. In other embodiments, the component subject to lockout may be another system including the processor, a wireless subsystem (which may have an interrupted connection to any of the battery, electrical ground, the processor (in one or both directions) and an antenna), or other such systems.

[0043] It should be noted that in one embodiment, lockout electrodes 166 are a different length than electrodes 156. In the illustrated embodiment, lockout electrodes 166 are illustrated as having a longer length than electrodes 156, but in other embodiments they may be shorter or the same length. When the length of lockout electrodes 166 is sufficiently different from the length of electrodes 156, the vertical positioning of the electrical contacts on the pod may define different planes.

[0044] Lockout electrodes 166 are illustrated as being a distance D apart. As can be seen in Figure 5B, when lockout electrodes 166 (and electrodes 156) are aligned along a major axis 180, this distance D is the diameter of a circle 184 that may define the shape of a third contact on the base of a pod that will bridge electrodes 166. When device 150 is designed to work with such a pod, the lockout electrodes can be repositioned to other locations along the circumference of circle 184.

[0045] Figure 5C illustrates one such embodiment in which lockout electrodes 166 are moved off the major axis 180, but are maintained on circle 184. In the illustrated embodiment, lockout electrodes 166 define a line that is parallel to the major axis 180 and have been moved perpendicular to a minor axis 182. This puts the electrodes closer to each other, but still along circle 184.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026

[0046] Figure 5D shows a similar configuration as that shown in Figure 5C, but with the lockout electrodes 166 rotated by 900 so that the line defined between the lockout electrodes 166 is parallel to the minor axis and offset from the center of device 150 along the major axis 180.

[0047] It should be understood that a pod can be designed for reversible insertion into device 150, so that contacts on the base of the pod will align with electrodes 156, and so that a third contact will bridge lockout electrodes 166. Reversibility of a pod, in the current context, is associated with the design of the interface of the pod and device 150.
Given the design of an interface such as that illustrated in any of Figures 5B, 5C and 5D, reversibility is associated with the pod having rotational symmetry about its vertical axis, allowing the pod to be rotated 180 about the vertical axis and be inserted into the device 150. This effectively allows the pod to be oriented correctly when the major axis of the pod is aligned with the major axis of the device 150. Reversibility is a feature that is appreciated by many end users, but it should be understood to be an optional feature, as it is possible to define a keyed interface that only allows insertion of a pod into the device in a single orientation.

[0048] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of pod 100 that is designed to allow for bridging of lockout electrodes 166, while still taking advantage of the benefits of a shroud. Pod 100 makes use of a reservoir 102 having a post wick airflow passage 104 defined therethrough. Reservoir 102 has an open end that is effectively sealed through the insertion of end cap 106. End cap 106 also holds or secures electrical contacts 108, and has an airflow inlet 110 designed to allow an airflow through pod 100 by connecting with post wick airflow passage 104. Reservoir 102 can store the atomizable liquid as a free liquid, or it may make use of a cartomizer matrix within the reservoir to aid in storing the liquid. Wick 112 draws e-liquid from the reservoir 102 towards heater 114 which is electrically connected to contacts 108 so that when device 150 applies a voltage differential across electrodes 156, heater 114 will be activated and the e-liquid drawn across wick 112 will be atomized into an airflow through pod 100. Typically reservoir 102 and end cap 106 are plastic components, often formed through injection molding or another such process. An optional resilient sleeve may be placed between reservoir 102 and end cap 106 to act as a seal.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026

[0049] End cap 106 may make use of a resilient seal to engage reservoir 102 to prevent both leakage and movement of the end cap 106 within reservoir 102. To supplement these functions, or to replace some or all of the resilient seal, a shroud 116 can be applied to the base of pod 100. Shroud 116 can be crimped onto reservoir 102, so that its removal is difficult. Shroud 116 can serve any of a number of purposes including supplementing the functions of any seals and providing a ferromagnetic surface for magnets within device 150 to attract the pod 100. As noted above, shroud 116 may also be referred to as a sheath, and these terms should be considered as interchangeable for the purposes of naming this element that may have a functional role of at least one of protecting and at least partially obscuring the end cap 106. Where in previous examples, a shroud simply provided a deck around the perimeter of the base of pod 100, a bridge 118 is provided by shroud 116. In the illustrated embodiment, bridge 118 includes an aperture through which airflow inlet 110 is accessible. The dimensions of bridge 118 can vary with respect to the overall design, but in an embodiment, the width of bridge 118 (i.e. the length of the measurement across the major axis of pod 100) exceeds the distance D
illustrated in Figure 5A. It should be understood that this allows for all points along the circumference of circle 184 of Figures 5B 5C and 5D to be contacted by bridge 118. This allows for shroud 116 to act as a contact to bridge lockout electrodes 166 upon insertion of pod 100 into device 150.

[0050] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate an alternate embodiment of pod 100. As illustrated in Figure 7A, the structure of pod 100 is largely the same as that discussed with respect to Figures 6A and 6B. However, shroud 116 provides peninsulas 120 situated so that sufficiently large portions of the area coinciding with circle 184 are covered by peninsulas 120. This allows a variety of different device configurations to be accommodated so that lockout electrodes 166 can be electrically connected upon insertion of pod 100.

[0051] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate a further embodiment of pod 100, with a shroud 116 having a shaped bridge 118. Fold lines are illustrated in both Figures 8A and 8B to indicate that the bridge 118 has a raised section 122. This bending of bridge 118 to create an elevated section 122 allows for interaction with a device 150 that uses different electrode lengths for lockout electrodes 166 and electrodes 156.

[0052] Figure 8C illustrates the shroud 116 in cross section along cut line 8C
shown in Figure 8B. It should be noted that different parts of shroud 116 are illustrated with Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026 different colors to aid in understanding and in visual differentiation. Shroud 116 has sidewalls having a height 126 that allow for the shroud 116 to be crimped to the exterior of the pod 100. Bridge 118 extends across the width of a pod 100 (the minor axis of the pod 100). As can be seen with reference to bridge 118, shroud 116 has a thickness 128.
Within bridge 118, as noted in Figure 8B, is an elevated portion 122. This elevated portion 122 is raised above the remainder of bridge 118 and shroud 116 by a height 130.
This height differential 130, allows for the use of a device 150 with different electrode heights. By recessing portion 122, and thus aperture 132 for air inlet 110, lockout electrodes 166 can be at a different height than electrodes 156. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that contacts 108 may be situated at any of a number of different levels.
In one embodiment, the exposed surface of contacts 108 may be at or above the base of bridge 118, but below the base of elevated section 122. In embodiments where the exposed surface of contacts 108 is level with the base of shroud 116 and bridge 118, the height difference 130 may be between 0.5mm and 2mm. In some embodiments, this range forms a minimum height difference. In other embodiments, where the exposed surface of contacts 108 are not coplanar with the base of shroud 116 or bridge 118, the exposed surface of contacts 108 can be considered to define a plane, where the distance between the defined plane and the base of elevated portion122 of bridge 118 is bounded by between 0.5mm and 2.0mm at a minimum, with some embodiments defining this distance as up to 4mm. In other embodiments the distance between the defined plane and the base of the elevated portion 122 may be as small at 0.2mm, and in some embodiments it may be 0.4mm. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the closer the base of the elevated portion 122 is to being coplanar with the plane defined by the exposed surface of contacts 108, the more difficult it may be for a device to be designed to enforce this difference.

[0053] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate a further embodiment of pod 100 in which shroud 116 has a base 124 that is sized to substantively cover the base of pod 100 obscuring much of end cap 106. This base 124 is shaped to avoid interference with air inlet 110 or with contacts 108. Base 124 may be viewed as an oversized bridge 118 combined with an increase in the size of the deck provided by shroud 116.

[0054] The embodiments provided in the figures discussed above make use of a metallic shroud to provide a surface that can engage with electrodes 166 from a device 150. This Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026 allows a pod 100 having a shroud 116 to provide the functionality of a third contact that is substantially isolated from other components within pod 100.

[0055] Figures 10A and 10B illustrate a pod 200 according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Pod 200 has a reservoir 202, a post wick airflow passage 204 that may be integrally formed within reservoir 202 or may be a separate element, a wick 212 with heater 214 positioned for engagement with post wick airflow passage 204.
Reservoir 202 may be used to store a free liquid, or it may make use of a cartomizer matrix to aid in storing the atomizable liquid. Heater 214 is connected to contacts 208 so that when power is applied to the contacts 208, heater 214 will atomize liquid drawn across wick 212.

[0056] End cap 206 is a metallic structure. Where previously discussed pods have made use of a metallic shroud, pod 200 uses a metallic end cap 206. End cap 206 can be fitted with a resilient sleeve 220, to ensure that when inserted into reservoir 202, end cap 206 will seal the open end of reservoir 202 so that the e-liquid within pod 200 does not leak.
To allow contacts 208 to be electrically isolated from the metallic end cap 206, insulating sleeves 222 can be employed.

[0057] In some embodiments, end cap 206 can be formed from a stamped metal, with lips and recesses defined by the stamping process. In some embodiments, air inlet 210 can be recessed, and may define a set of perforations allowing for the creation of a capillary seal.
These features can provide for an end cap 206 that is electrically conductive and allows for the bridging of lockout electrodes 166 when pod 200 is inserted into device 150. In another embodiment, end cap 206 can be machined or formed through additive manufacturing. Features such as a capillary seal within air inlet 210 can be defined during these manufacturing processes. It should be understood that although illustrated here as providing a base with a single height, different heights can be achieved for an area surrounding air inlet 210, much as is shown in Figure 8C for the bridge. This may entail recessing a section during a stamping process, such as a bridge as is shown in Figures 8A-C, or in some embodiments a ring surrounding the air inlet 210, as indicated by dashed ring 224. In some embodiments, the recess is sized to be no smaller than having an inner diameter of 4.90mm and an external diameter of 6.86mm.

[0058] In the above described embodiments of pod 100 and pod 200, a metallic structure at the base of the pod is employed to provide a conductive path between points defined by Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026 the position of lockout electrodes 166 in a device 150. In some embodiments, device 150 positions electrodes 156 along its major axis 180 so that they are equidistant from the midpoint of the pod 100 (intersection of major axis 180 and minor axis 182) and spaced apart a distance between 13.5mm and 15.5mm. The lockout electrodes 166 are placed so that they reside within an annular band centered on the device with an inner diameter of 4.90mm and an external diameter of 6.86mm in some embodiments the lockout electrodes are situated 3.25mm apart and are each offset from the major axis 180 of the device 150 by 2.52mm. In other embodiments, the lockout electrodes may be located along the major axis 180 and spaced apart by 6mm.

[0059] Pod 100 and pod 200 are sized to fit within the cavity 152 of device 150. In some embodiments, pod 100 and pod 200 may be formed with a long side (also referred to as a major axis) dimension of 22.35mm and a short side (also referred to as a minor axis) dimension of 13.17mm. In such an embodiment, the electrical contacts 108 and 208 are positioned so that an exposed face is present on the base of the pod 100, 200 to connect to the electrodes 156. The lateral positioning of the contact 108, 208 is a function of the size of the contact. With larger contacts, the positioning of each contact can be varied so long as the exposed surface of the contact allows for engagement with the electrode 156. The metallic base of pod 100 or pod 200, provided by structures within shroud 116 or end cap 206 respectively, should provide an electrically conductive surface to allow lockout electrodes 166 to be conductively connected. The material choice for the metallic base of pod 100 or pod 200 may vary across embodiments according to the requirements of device 150 and the component to be locked out 172. In some embodiments, device has a pressure sensor 162 that is configured so that its connection to battery 158 is routed through lockout electrodes 166. Battery 158 is expected to provide an output voltage that may vary between approximately 4.2V and 3.0V, and the expected voltage drop across electrodes 166 is expected to be in the range of lmV and 3mV. Thus, the metallic base of pod 100 or pod 200 should provide a suitable resistance such that the voltage drop is less than 3mV, and in some embodiments may be no lower than ImV, between two points that coincide with the locations of the lockout electrodes. It should be understood that the distances disclosed above may vary by up to the greater of 10% or 0.1mm.

[0060] The design of a vaping device 150 having lockout electrodes 166 having different heights than electrodes 156 may, in part, seek to ensure that a pod 100, 200 having one of Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026 a conductive endcap 206 or a conductive shroud 116 covering a conventional non-conductive endcap 106 is properly designed for use with the device 150. If this cannot be determined, as a safety feature, device 150 may remain non-operative. To prevent the use of such a pod 100, 200 a device 250 having an electrical configuration as shown in Figure 11A may be employed. Device 250 has a pair of electrodes 256 connected to opposite ends of a battery 258. A processor 260, upon receipt of a signal from a pressure sensor 262, controls delivery of power from battery 258 to electrodes 256 through use of switch 264. As noted above, in some embodiments, switch 264 can be replaced by, or supplemented with, a signal generator.

[0061] As with the previously illustrated embodiments, when a pod is inserted into the device 150, lockout electrodes 266 will be bridged and a component to be locked out, in this illustrated embodiment pressure sensor 262, is enabled. However, an additional electrode, a fifth electrode 286, is present. This bypass detection electrode 286 is positioned so that if a pod with an otherwise conductive end cap is inserted into device 250, a second electrical pathway is provided for any current introduced by one of the lockout electrodes 266. As such, this fifth electrode 286 may also be referred to as a bypass detection electrode. In the illustrated embodiment, bypass detection electrode 286 acts as an input to a battery charge controller 290. Thus, if a pod is inserted that bridges Vcc to bypass detection electrode 286, for example through connecting through one of lockout electrodes 266, current will flow from the battery 258 through Vcc lockout electrode 266 to electrode 286 and then into battery charge controller 290.

[0062] When charge controller 290 detects an input current, it typically advertises that the device 250 is being charged, in some embodiments this is done through providing a charging indication to the processor 260. Device 250 also typically displays a charging indicator to the user through control of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) or other such display element. When the device 250 is charging, use of the device 250 to vape is often disabled to prevent undue stress on the battery 258. Thus, by connecting bypass detection electrode 286 to the charge controller 290, device 250 can be prevented from activation.
Although schematically illustrated in Figure 11A as being located between one of the power electrodes 256 and lockout electrodes 266, it should be understood that the placement of bypass detection electrode 286 can be varied.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026

[0063] Figure 11B illustrates a top view of a device 250. Pod cavity 252 has a base 254 and is defined by a sidewall of device 250. Cavity 252 is sized and shaped to receive a physically compatible pod. Device 250 has power electrodes 256 for delivering power to a heater within a compatible pod. Lockout electrodes 266 are shown as being situated within an annular ring centered on the middle of the base 254. This optional placement facilitates the connection of these lockout electrodes 266 to a loopback contact on the base of the pod that is positioned to coincide with the illustrated annular ring. Also shown is a placement for a structure 288 designed to allow airflow around the base of an inserted pod to communicate with the pressure sensor 262 within device 250. Structure 288 may in some embodiments comprise a raised pillar having an aperture positioned above the base 254 so that if a liquid pools on base 254 it cannot easily enter the aperture.

[0064] As shown in previous figures, the location of electrodes 256 can be varied. The symmetrical location of these electrodes 256 with respect to the center of the base 254 allows for a simplified design that allows for pod reversibility. Where a pod is designed with a third contact designed to connect the lockout electrodes 266, the location of the lockout electrodes can be varied, but is restricted to a position that will engage with the positioning of the third contact, as illustrated by the dashed lines forming rings. In the illustrated embodiment, the location of the lockout electrodes 256 can be varied within the illustrated ring. The positioning of fifth electrode 286 can also be varied, but is preferably situated outside the area denoted by the annular ring. This positions the fifth electrode 286 in a location that would otherwise not make contact with a surface that would electrically connect the fifth electrode 286 to the lockout electrodes on a pod without a conductive end cap.

[0065] Figure 11C illustrates an alternate embodiment of device 250 in which bypass detection electrode 286 is colocated with pressure sensor protection structure 288. The height of the fifth electrode 286 should be sufficient to ensure contact with the base of the pod when inserted into device 250.

[0066] To allow a metallic endcap to operate in conjunction with device 250, modifications to the profile of the end cap are required. Pod 300, as illustrated in Figures 12A, 12B and 12C provide illustrative designs that would allow a pod 300 having a conductive base 316 to function when inserted into device 250.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026

[0067] Figure 12A illustrates a pod 300 having a non-conductive end cap 306 with a conductive base 316 on the exterior face of the base of the pod 300.
Electrical contacts 308 are set under the conductive base 316, and are surrounded by the non-conductive end cap 306. The surface of conductive base 316 is set away from end cap 306 a sufficient distance to allow for airflow into the pod to pass from the area around the contacts 308.
This optional design feature allows for a distinct airflow inlet to be omitted in conductive base 316. To allow for the fifth electrode 286 to be electrically isolated from the lockout electrodes 266, an aperture 332 is provided, so that bypass detection electrode 286 contacts the non-conductive end cap 306. The aperture 332 may also create an inlet for airflow between the conductive base 316 and the non-conductive end cap 306. It should be understood that in some embodiments, a conventional airflow inlet may be provided through an appropriately situated aperture on conductive base 316. It should be understood that in relation to the electrode configuration of Figures 11B and 11C, lockout electrodes 266 would contact the annular region 342. It should be understood that annular region 342 need not be specially indicated or constructed with respect to the conductive base 316, but is instead illustrated for understanding of the region in which lockout electrodes 266 of Figures 11B and 11C would contact the pod 300.

[0068] Figure 12B illustrates an alternate embodiment of pod 300 in which aperture 332 is replaced by a domed section 334 of conductive base 316. Domed section 334 moves a portion of conductive base 316 so that when pod 300 is inserted into device 250, the fifth electrode 286 will not make contact with the conductive base 316.

[0069] Figure 12C illustrates a further alternate embodiment of pod 300 in which in place of aperture 332 or domed section 334, fifth electrode 286 is prevented from electrical contact with the conductive base through a coating 336 applied to at least a portion of conductive base 316. In some embodiments, coating 336 may be a paint, which in some embodiments may be substantially transparent, while in other embodiments it may be a plastic or other non-conductive coating in the form of a sticker applied to the conductive base 316.

[0070] In another embodiment shown in Figure 12D, conductive base 316 can have a ring 338 that separates base 316 from the section 340. This ring 338 creates distinct surfaces within conductive base 316 that are not in electrical contact with each other, thus Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026 preventing an electrical connection between fifth electrode 286 and the lockout electrodes 266.

[0071] Through any one or more of the application of a coating 336, the use of a domed section 334, an aperture 332, a ring 338 that disrupts the electrical connectivity of sections of conductive base 316, or other such techniques, the conductive base 316 is prevented from electrically connecting the fifth electrode 286 of device 250 to the lockout electrodes 266. In some embodiments, this can be understood to be an electrical separation between the connection of the fifth electrode 286 and the area within the dashed lines forming annular ring 342. By creating a barrier between these two, the electrical connection that would otherwise disable the device 250 is prevented. Aperture 332, domed section 334, coating 336 and ring 338 can each be considered an embodiment of a patch that does not allow for electrical conductivity between positions within the patch and the portions of the base 316 that would otherwise allow for electrical connection to the lockout electrodes 266 (e.g. positions within annular ring 342).

[0072] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in Figures 12A-12D, features 332, 334, 336 and 338 break the symmetry of the pod given their current positions. To enable a pod 300 with a reversible design, each of these features may need to be duplicated and placed in a mirrored position to allow for the pod to be rotated 180 and still provide proper positioning of the features with respect to the corresponding elements in the device 250.

[0073] Figure 13 presentes an alternate electrical configuration for device 250. As shown and discussed in previous Figures, device 250 has electrodes 256 connected to battery 258, with at least part of the connection including a switch 264 that is controlled by processor 260. Lockout electrodes 266 connect a component subject to lockout to another component in the device 250. As illustrated, the component subject to lockout is a pressure sensor 262. While in some embodiments, the connection between the pressure sensor 262 and processor 260 may be routed through lockout electrodes 266, in the illustrated embodiment it is the connection between power from battery 258 (indicated as Vce) that is routed through the lockout electrodes 266. Thus, without insertion of a pod that will electrically connect lockout electrodes 266, the pressure sensor 262 will remain unpowered, and device 250 will not activate.

[0074] As shown in Figure 13, fifth electrode 286 is connected as an input to processor 260. If a pod is inserted into device 250 that connects fifth electrode 286 to at least one of Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026 the lockout electrodes, processor 260 will receive a high voltage signal on at least one of its inputs. This can act as a flag indicating that the device should not activate, much as a signal from a charge controller functions as described in relation to Figure 11.

[0075] Figure 14 illustrates an alternate electrical configuration for device 250, in which fifth electrode 286 is connected to the battery 258. In the presence of a connection between fifth electrode 286 and the lockout electrode 266 connected to battery 258 and represented by Vcc, a pathway taking power from the K, lockout electrode 266 directly back to the battery 258 is provided. This will prevent sufficient power from being delivered to pressure sensor 262 to allow for activation. In some embodiments, this connection will be detected as a short circuit and will trigger a short circuit protection circuit that will prevent the device 250 from operating.

[0076] It should be understood from the above electrical designs, that the addition of a fifth electrode that when connected to at least one of the lockout electrodes can be used to generate a signal indicative of an unauthorized pod. This allows the device 250 to detect a pod that does not have an authorized design. The detection of such a pod may be treated as a safety risk, as the device 250 has not been designed to operate with the pod in question. Accordingly, the device 250 may remain locked out, thus preventing delivery of voltage across the electrodes 256. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments the vaping device 250 may make use of one or both of hardware and software features to perform this lockout.

[0077] Although a pod designed for use with device 250, and thus having both a contact to connect lockout electrodes 266, and a non-conductive surface for engaging with fifth electrode 286 will function, other embodiments, such as those illustrated in Figures 12A-12D may also be used. These pods have a substantially conductive base 316 but have a section designed to prevent electrical engagement with a fifth electrode. This section is electrically isolated from a section corresponding to the location at which lockout electrodes will contact the pod. In some embodiments, the location at which lockout electrodes will contact the pod is defined by an annular ring having an external diameter of 6.86mm and an internal diameter of 4.9mm. In some embodiments, this annular ring is centered on the base of the pod. The provision of a non-conductive surface may include the provision of an aperture in the conductive base, the provision of a non-conductive coating on the non-conductive base, a domed section on the non Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026 conductive base, and other such features that will prevent electrical connection to a fifth electrode.

[0078] In some embodiments, the lockout electrodes may be situated 3.25mm apart (center-to-center) and offset from a major axis of the base on the vaporizer device by a distance of 2.52mm. The fifth electrode may be situated between the two lockout electrodes but further offset from the major axis. In some embodiments, the fifth electrode may be positioned on the minor axis, 4.15mm off the major axis. Such a position may result in the fifth electrode being situated between lockout electrodes, and 1.63mm away from a common axis between the lockout electrodes. A corresponding pod would provide an electrical path between positions corresponding to the position of the lockout electrodes while having a non-conductive section on the conductive base corresponding to the location of the fifth electrode.

[0079] Although presented in the context of use in an electronic nicotine delivery system such as an electronic cigarette (e-cig) or a vaporizer (vape) it should be understood that the scope of protection need not be limited to this space, and instead is delimited by the scope of the claims. Embodiments of the present invention are anticipated to be applicable in areas other than ENDS, including (but not limited to) other vaporizing applications.

[0080] In the instant description, and in the accompanying figures, reference to dimensions may be made. These dimensions are provided for the enablement of a single embodiment and should not be considered to be limiting or essential.The sizes and dimensions provided in the drawings are provided for exemplary purposes and should not be considered limiting of the scope of the invention, which is defined solely in the claims.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23

Claims (41)

File#: OMNA 026

1. A pod for storing an atomizable liquid and for engagement with a vaporizer device for receiving power, the pod comprising:
a reservoir for storing the atomizable liquid ;
first and second electrical contacts for receiving power from the device and operably connected to a heater configured to atomize the stored atomizable liquid;
an electrically conductive base defining a bottom of the pod, electrically isolated from the first and second electrical contacts and providing an electrical path between two points within a defined distance of the center of the base.

2. The pod of claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive base is electrically isolated from other components within the pod.

3. The pod of claim 1 wherein the atomizable liquid is stored within a cartomizer matrix within the reservoir.

4. The pod of claim 1 wherein the atomizable liquid is stored as free liquid within the reservoir.

5. The pod of claim 1 wherein the first and second electrical contacts are aligned along a major axis of the pod and are each located approximately 7mm from the center of the electrically conductive base.

6. The pod of claim 1 wherein defined distance is defined by the area of an annular ring having an inner diameter of approximately 4.90mm and an external diameter of at least approximately 6.86mm.

7. The pod of claim 1 wherein the first and second electrical contacts define a first plane.

8. The pod of claim 7 wherein the area within the defined distance of the center of the base forms a second plane parallel to the first plane.

9. The pod of claim 8 wherein the first and second planes are spaced apart by a distance of at least one of:
at least 0.4mm;
at least 0.5mm;
between approximately 0.2mm and 0.5mm; and approximately 2mm.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23

10. The pod of claim 1 wherein the first and second electrical contacts are positioned to interact with electrodes situated between approximately 13.5mm and approximately 15.5mm apart, center to center, on a major axis of the vaporizer device.

11. The pod of claim 1 wherein the two points within the defined distance of the center of the base are configured to interact with first and second lockout electrodes on the vaporizer device.

12. The pod of claim 11 wherein the first and second lockout electrodes are situated approximately 3.25mm apart center to center, offset from a major axis of the vaporizer device by approximately 2.52mm.

13. The pod of claim 1 further comprising an end cap for sealing an open end of the reservoir and for securing the first and second electrical contacts, wherein the electrically conductive base defining a bottom of the pod comprises a metallic sheath below the end cap.

14. The pod of claim 13 wherein the metallic sheath has sidewalls extended along an exterior of the reservoir.

15. The pod of claim 1 further comprising an end cap for sealing an open end of the reservoir, wherein the end cap is electrically conductive and defines a bottom of the pod.

16. The pod of claim 15 further comprising a resilient sleeve positioned between the electrically conductive end cap and an inner surface of the reservoir.

17. The pod of claim 15 wherein each of the first and second electrical contacts has an electrically isolating sleeve to insulate the contact from the electrically conductive end cap.

18. The pod of claim 15 wherein the end cap is formed from a metal sheet by a stamping process.

19. The pod of claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive base comprises an aperture aligned with an inlet to an airflow path through the pod.

20. The pod of claim 1 wherein the atomizable liquid comprises at least one of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, a flavoring and nicotine.

21. The pod of claim 1 wherein the atomizable liquid comprises at least one of propylene glycol, a terpene and a cannabinoid.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026

22. The pod of claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive base further comprises a non-conductive patch substantially preventing electrical conductivity between a position within the patch and the two points.

23. The pod of claim 22 wherein the non-conductive patch comprises at least one of:
an aperture in the electrically conductive base; and a non-conductive coating applied to the electrically conductive base.

24. The pod of claim 22 wherein the non-conductive patch is an aperture and wherein the aperture is an annular aperture preventing electrical conductivity between a point within the aperture and a point outside the aperture.

25. The pod of claim 22 wherein the non-conductive patch is a non-conductive coating, and wherein the non-conductive coating is one of a paint and a sticker.

26. The pod of claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive base further comprises a domed section for preventing electrical contact between an electrode on a vaping device positioned for contact with the domed section and a lockout electrode on a vaping device positioned for contact outside the domed section, wherein the two electrodes have a similar height.

27. The pod of claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive base further comprises an aperture exposing a non-conductive material.

28. A vaporizing device for atomizing an atomizable liquid stored in a removable pod, the device cornprising:
a battery for storing power;
a first set of electrodes for providing power to an atomizer within the removable pod;
a second set of electrodes, different than the first set of electrodes, providing an interrupted connection between a component subject to lockout and another element within the vaporizing device;
a bypass detection electrode; and control circuitry for regulating the delivery of power from the battery to at least a first electrode in a first set of electrodes in accordance with receipt of a signal indicative of use and an output from the bypass detection electrode.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026

29. The vaporizing device of claim 29 wherein the first set of electrodes is comprised of the first and a second electrode for delivering power to a heater within a pod, and the second set of electrodes comprises a third and fourth electrode electrically connected to each other upon insertion of a pod, to connect two components within the device, and the bypass electrode is a fifth electrode.

30 . The vaporizing device of any one of claims 28 and 29 wherein the second set of electrodes, upon insertion of a pod, connects at least one of:
the pressure sensor to the battery;
the pressure sensor to the control circuitry;
a wireless subsystem to the battery;
a wireless subsystem to an antenna; and a wireless subsystem to a processor.

31. The vaporizing device of any one of claims 28 to 30 wherein the control circuitry comprises a processor for executing stored instructions to carry out control processes.

32. The vaporizing device of any one of claims 28 to 31 wherein the bypass detection electrode is operably connected to the control circuitry.

33. The vaporizing device of claim 32 wherein the bypass detectionelectrode is connected to one of a battery and a battery controller.

34. The vaporizing device of claim 33 wherein the control circuitry is configured to prevent use of the device when charge is being delivered to a battery.

35. The vaporizing device of claim 32 wherein the control circuitry is configured to prevent use of the device in accordance with receipt of a signal from the bypass detection electrode.

36. The vaporizing device of any one of claims 28 to 35 wherein first and second sets of electrodes are situated on an exposed face of a cavity sized to receive the removable pod.

37. The vaporizing device of claim 36 wherein:

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23 File#: OMNA 026 the exposed face has a major axis between approximately 23.7mm and approximately 23.99mm in length and a minor axis between approximately 13.5mm and approximately 14.8mm in length;
the first set of electrodes comprises first and second electrodes situated along the major axis and the first and second electrodes are spaced apart from each other by between approximately 13.5mm and approximately 15.5mm center-to-center.

38. The vaporizing device of any one of claims 36 and 37 wherein the second set of electrodes comprises third and fourth electrodes spaced apart between approximately 3mm and approximately 3.25mm center-to-center and the second set of electrodes are offset from the major axis by between approximately 2.52mm and approximately 2.6mm.

39. The vaporizing device of any one of claims 37 and 38 wherein the bypass detection electrode is positioned offset from the major axis by 4.15mm.

40. The vaporizing device of any one of claims 36, 37 and 39 wherein the second set of electrodes comprises third and fourth electrodes situated along the major axis and spaced apart from each other 6mm center-to-center.

41. The vaporizing device of any one of claims 28 to 40 wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive the signal indicative of use from a pressure sensor.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-23