CN112739401A

CN112739401A - Improved evaporator, system and method for managing concentrate use

Info

Publication number: CN112739401A
Application number: CN201980038378.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·伍德拜恩; P·卡尔菲; W·德米扬诺维奇; G·米切尔; J·基南
Original assignee: Gofire Inc
Current assignee: Keval Laboratories Inc
Priority date: 2018-04-21
Filing date: 2019-04-22
Publication date: 2021-04-30
Also published as: CA3097981A1; CN117462803A; WO2019204812A1; EP3784318A4; EP3784318A1; JP7190025B2; JP2021524793A; KR20210010866A

Abstract

An improved evaporator, system and method for managing the use of a concentrate is disclosed. The evaporator may include a housing to receive a cartridge configured to store a concentrate. The cartridge includes a nozzle at one end having a smart chip for storing an identification code associated with the concentrate. Evaporators, cartridges, systems and methods provide a means for ensuring accurate dosing and management of concentrate use and usage data collection.

Description

Improved evaporator, system and method for managing concentrate use

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application discloses a number of improvements and enhancements to the concentrate evaporators and systems disclosed in the inventor's U.S. patent application serial nos. 15/391,829 and 62/721,699, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an improved evaporator, system and method for managing and optimizing vapor quality of a concentrate, efficiency of the evaporator and user experience.

Background

The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be considered prior art merely because it was mentioned in the background section. Similarly, the problems mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be considered as previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section is only representative of different approaches, which may themselves correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.

Vaporization devices are readily known and used for medical and recreational reasons. Existing evaporation devices allow a user to operate by loading a desired amount of concentrate product (optionally prepackaged in a cartridge unit) into the evaporation chamber of the device. Often, the mechanism for loading the concentrate is complex to operate and, as a result, the user may eventually consume varying amounts of concentrate in some vaporization sessions (vaping sessions). Furthermore, the user is typically unaware of the concentrate used due to the lack of availability of information about the concentrate. Evaporation devices such as Pax 3^TMAnd Firefly 2^TMThere are no cartridge-based systems and therefore rely on the primary package label of the concentrate product as a means of suggesting a concentrate dose for delivery to the user.

With cartridge loaded into evaporatorThere are a variety of methods. However, these methods can be cumbersome and present usability issues such as ineffective cartridge sealing and cleaning capabilities. Many existing evaporators are unable to cleanly and accurately dose concentrates or essential oils for inhalation. Evaporators such as Pax 3^TMManual filling is required and the user must therefore use precision tools (such as a metering syringe) to achieve accurately controlled dosing. These tools are difficult to obtain and can add additional cost to the evaporator. In the case of medical vaporizers, such restrictions do not allow users and physicians to confidently and consistently prescribe and/or develop a dosing regimen of the concentrate that best suits their needs. Some concentrate evaporation devices have addressed the dosing problem by using the suction flow rate as a means of controlling dosing. However, such devices do not adequately provide uniform evaporation of the concentrate, resulting in a mismatch between the prescribed/desired dose and the actual amount received by the user.

Moreover, there is a lack of techniques that allow dosing of different types of materials (i.e. products) intended for the evaporation device. These materials may be, for example, granular, powdered, leaf-like, flower-like, aromatic, medicinal, wax-like, paste-like, thick oil-like, or other physical material capable of being dispensed and delivered through an evaporator device, such as by using an auger mechanism. Also, most raw materials intended for evaporation differ in consistency and have not been standardized in such a way that they can be divided into uniform doses. The dosing of such products is also impaired because they are usually loaded manually. What is needed is an "all-in-one" vaporizer that allows for controlled, uniform dosing and tracking of chemical compounds of a product contained within a cartridge, regardless of the physical form and/or composition of the product.

U.S. patent application No. 15/924172 discloses a method and apparatus for cloud integrated control of drug delivery parameters in an electronic vaporizer. Furthermore, U.S. patent application No. 12/780876 discloses a data recording personal vapor inhaler. Further, U.S. patent application No. 13/840588 discloses an inhaler controlled by a moving device.

In view of the existing vaporizers, it is desirable to maintain operational certainty of the vaporizer, as it is minimally related to vapor sealing, dose integrity, and corresponding direct user feedback. Furthermore, existing evaporators do not provide a feedback system that alerts the user that the concentrate product has completely evaporated or that the concentrate dosing session has been properly completed. Accordingly, there is a need for a concentrate product evaporator that enables a user to administer a concentrate at a desired dosage and also manages, records, tracks, and/or monitors the user's concentrate usage and provides improved operating efficiency.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, a system for managing concentrate usage is disclosed. The system may include a vaporizer, a user device, and a central server. The evaporator may include a housing, where the housing may include a cartridge configured to store a concentrate. The cartridge may include a nozzle with a smart chip at one end and a dosing mechanism at the other end, the smart chip containing an identification code associated with the concentrate. The housing of the evaporator may also include a control unit configured to read the identification code from the smart chip on the nozzle and control the operation of the oven. The oven may be adjacent to the nozzle of the cartridge. The communication unit may be coupled to the control unit, wherein the communication unit may transmit the identification code to the user device. The system may also include a central server having a database for storing a plurality of identification codes for a plurality of concentrate information. The central server may be configured to receive the identification code from the user device. The central server may retrieve the concentrate information corresponding to the received identification code from the database. The central server may transmit the retrieved concentrate information to the user device.

In one embodiment, the dosing mechanism may be adjacent to a suction nozzle of the evaporator. The dosing mechanism may comprise a plunger driver, a pawl and a plunger. As the user rotates the dosing wheel, the plunger driver may drive a plunger within the cartridge to release a predetermined amount of concentrate through the nozzle. The oven may include a coil placed within a heat resistant tube, an air flow channel in communication with ambient air and a suction negative pressure air flow, and a dose diffuser comprising a porous material matrix or mesh (e.g., a gold-plated metal mesh). The control unit may be configured to heat the coil of the oven based on at least one of an ignition button, an in-line pressure sensor, a fan/IR reflector sensor, and an identification code associated with the concentrate. The control unit may heat the coil to evaporate a predetermined amount of the concentrate released through the nozzle onto the porous material matrix or mesh of the dosage diffuser. The user device may be configured to receive at least one user input related to a vaporization session of a user. The user device may transmit at least one instruction to the vaporizer for triggering a vaporization session based on the received user input. Similarly, the user device may be configured to receive at least one user input related to a vaporization session of the user via the central server. The central server may transmit at least one instruction to the vaporizer for triggering and/or managing the vaporization session based on the received central server input. The user device may also be configured to generate session data associated with the vaporization session, and the session data may be transmitted to the central server. The central server may be configured to receive session data from the user device. The central server may be configured to modify the vaporization session for the user based at least in part on the vaporization session data. The central server may update the user profile based on the session data. The user profile may include data associated with one or more vaporization sessions of the user. The user device may also be configured to display a survey relating to the vaporization session of the user. The user device may receive user feedback regarding the survey and transmit the user feedback to the central server. The communication unit of the vaporization device may include a bluetooth low energy (BTLE) module, a WiFi module, or other electronic communication device. The user device may display dosage information based on at least one of the retrieved concentrate information, the user profile, the user's medical history, and the vaporization session.

In another aspect, a method for managing concentrate usage by a user is disclosed. The method may include reading, by a control unit of the evaporator, an identification code associated with the concentrate. The identification code may be transmitted to the user device via the communication unit of the evaporator. The central server may receive the identification code from the user device. The central server may include a database that stores a plurality of identification codes for a plurality of concentrate information. The central server may retrieve the concentrate information corresponding to the received identification code from the database. The retrieved concentrate information may be transmitted to a user device for display to a user.

In another aspect, an evaporator is disclosed that includes a housing. The housing may include a cartridge configured to store a concentrate. The cartridge may include a nozzle having a smart chip with an identification code associated with the concentrate at one end and a dosing mechanism at the other end. The dosing mechanism may be adjacent the mouthpiece and may comprise a plunger driver, a pawl and a plunger. The dosing wheel may actuate the dosing mechanism, wherein the dosing wheel may be rotatably coupled to the plunger driver. The oven may be adjacent to the nozzle of the cartridge and may include a coil disposed within a heat resistant tube, an air flow channel in communication with the ambient air and the suction negative pressure air flow, and a dose diffuser comprising a porous material matrix. The control unit may be configured to heat the coil of the oven based on at least one of an ignition button, an in-line pressure sensor, a fan/IR reflector sensor, and an identification code associated with the concentrate. In an embodiment, the control unit may heat the coil when the user generates a negative pressure by inhaling at the mouthpiece. The coil may be configured to evaporate the extruded concentrate. After the user rotates the dosing wheel, the extruded concentrate can be dispensed through a nozzle onto a porous material matrix or screen of a dosage diffuser. The plunger driver may drive a plunger within the cartridge to release a predetermined amount of concentrate as the dosing wheel rotates.

In an embodiment, the mouthpiece may be removable to slidably receive the cartridge within the housing. The identification code associated with the concentrate may be stored in a memory module comprised of at least one of a Near Field Communication (NFC) device, a QR code, a barcode, a smart chip (e.g., EEPROM), and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, and wherein the memory module is communicatively coupled to the control unit. In an alternative embodiment, the dosing mechanism may be an auger delivery mechanism. The dosing wheel may be a hollow cylinder surrounding the plunger driver such that rotation of the dosing wheel causes rotation of the plunger driver. The plunger driver may be mechanically engaged with the plunger and the pawl. As the user causes rotation of the dosing wheel, the plunger may be driven laterally downwards when the plunger driver is rotated. The pawls may only allow the dosing wheel to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The dosing wheel may click when rotated to a predetermined extent, thereby providing audible feedback to the user. A single click of the dosing wheel may release a predetermined amount of concentrate through the nozzle. The evaporator can also include a communication unit configured to transmit an identification code to a user device, wherein the user device is configured to display information associated with the concentrate based on the identification code.

In another embodiment, the control unit may be configured to receive an instruction from the user device via the communication unit to activate the heating of the coil. The user device may display dosage information based on at least one of the identification code, the user identity, the user medical history, the vaporization session history, and a previous dosage. The vaporizer may also include a power source in communication with the control unit. The power supply may be configured to supply electrical energy to the coil. The vaporizer may also include a power button located on the housing and in communication with the control unit. The power button, when pressed by a user, may allow power to be supplied from the power source to the coil. The vaporizer may also include a conduit proximal to the dose diffuser. The conduit may extend adjacent the cartridge towards the mouthpiece to allow travel of evaporated concentrate when inhaled by a user. The conduit may include a filter downstream for filtering the evaporated concentrate.

In various other aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, an evaporator is provided that enables a user to index (i.e., rotate) a dosing wheel to deliver a predetermined dose of a concentrate product for evaporation. The exemplary vaporizer may record and transmit data related to a user's vaporization session, wherein assurance of the type and amount of concentrate product delivered is enhanced.

The evaporator is provided with a cartridge comprising a reservoir for safely storing the concentrate product. In this way, the stored concentrate is kept away from the heating means of the evaporator to mitigate thermal degradation of the concentrate product that is not desired to be evaporated. The vaporizer also provides a dosing mechanism (e.g., a dosing wheel, plunger, etc.) coupled to the plunger driver of the cartridge. The dosing wheel is configured to be rotated unidirectionally (i.e. in only one direction) by a user using a pawl built into the device to prevent the user from loosening the cartridge and thus withdrawing the plunger from the cartridge canister.

In one aspect, to ensure proper dispensing of the concentrate product, even when the cartridge is removed from the evaporator, a detent configured on the cartridge lock is in rotational communication with a slot on the plunger to limit bi-directional rotation of the plunger driver/plunger. Furthermore, the detents are hidden by the driver when assembled, thus mitigating the ability of the user to disassemble the cartridge for refilling, tampering, etc. In one example, a fixed detent protects the user from receiving concentrate products that are not representative of the manufactured products recorded on the smart chip.

To ensure accurate dispensing and recording (i.e., dose control/integrity) of the concentrate product dosing, an exemplary evaporator includes an infrared emitter and detector pair disposed on each side of the dosing wheel to record the indexed doses of concentrate product via predetermined spacing/size slots on the dosing wheel.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the plunger and the plunger driver are fixedly attached to ensure a predetermined advancement of the plunger into the cartridge canister when the plunger driver is rotated by the dosing wheel. Advancement of the plunger provides a means by which to push the concentrate product contained in the canister out of the nozzle at one end of the cartridge.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the nozzle is configured with a tip seal, wherein the tip seal provides static closure of the nozzle tip end, thus protecting the integrity of the concentrate product held in the cartridge can from oxidation, contamination, erosion, etc. (i.e., damage). In one aspect, the tip seal prevents leakage of the concentrate product from the cartridge canister during handling and/or use, such as during evaporation. And also provides assurance of the amount of dose delivered and prevents confusion in the accuracy of the measurement of the delivered concentrate dose. In another aspect, the tip seal incorporates an elastomeric (TPE, silicone rubber, etc.) septum that seals against an insert in the nozzle. As the dosing wheel rotates, the plunger driver assembly actuates the plunger into the cartridge canister and thereby causes the concentrate product to force the elastomeric septum to deform away from the insert, thus allowing the concentrate to be extruded through the tip seal and nozzle port onto the diffuser.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the evaporator may include a vapor detection system to assess whether the extruded concentrate product has completely evaporated. The IR emitter and detector pair operate in communication to determine whether there is concentrate product vapor in the conduit (i.e., air path) due to inhalation by the user. The vaporizer also notifies the user via the LED illuminated display whether the vaporized concentrate product dose has been completed, while also providing data regarding the session to the system network via signal transmission. The exemplary vaporizer may also provide information (e.g., graphics) generated from the data to the user via a mobile device, computer, or the like, regarding the vaporization session.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a predetermined amount of a dose is recorded on the cartridge via the smart chip. The exemplary vaporizer writes/updates data on the remaining dose in the cartridge onto the smart chip as the dose wheel indexes (i.e., rotates). After the original predetermined amount of concentrate product is emptied/depleted, the vaporizer provides information to the network (i.e., mobile device, laptop, computer, etc.) and user via LED lights or other device signals that the vaporizer cartridge is depleted. Upon depletion, the exemplary vaporizer may restrict further vaporization. In one aspect, the restriction to further evaporation mitigates the risk of the cartridge being refilled and reused.

This section is intended to introduce the concepts disclosed in the specification, rather than to extend the many teachings and variations of those teachings provided in the discussion within this document. Accordingly, the summary of the invention should not be construed as limiting the scope of the appended claims.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within the scope of and be protected by the accompanying claims.

Drawings

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming certain embodiments of the present invention, various embodiments of the invention may be more readily understood and appreciated from the following description of various embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for managing concentrate usage by a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an evaporator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a partial exploded view of an evaporator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 4 and 5 are exploded perspective views of evaporation devices from different angles according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary cartridge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary cartridge for dispensing a non-liquid concentrate (e.g., powder) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8A is a side perspective view of a nozzle of an evaporation device cartridge system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8B is a front view of a nozzle of an evaporation device cartridge system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a septum in an open position;

FIG. 8C is a front view of a nozzle of an evaporation device cartridge system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a septum in a closed position;

fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a dose integrity mechanism of a vaporizing device cartridge system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

10A and 10B are perspective views of a plunger driver illustrating various components of an evaporation device cartridge system on the plunger driver, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

figure 11 is a side view of an oven system of an evaporation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

12A and 12B are perspective views of a dose diffuser of an evaporation device oven system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 12C is a front view of a dose diffuser of an evaporation device oven system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 illustrates various components of a dose expiration and verification system of a vaporizing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a method for managing concentrate usage by a user, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Corresponding or similar reference characters, where possible, will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. Further, when more than one of the same type of element (e.g., "pawl and detent" or "smart chip and EEPROM") may be present, the various elements described herein may be referred to collectively or individually. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to an element in the singular may also be construed as relating to the plural and vice versa and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure to the exact number or type of such elements unless explicitly stated in the appended claims.

The exemplary embodiments described herein are provided for illustrative purposes and are not limiting. Other exemplary embodiments are possible, and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the detailed description is not meant to limit the disclosure. Rather, the scope of the disclosure is to be defined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.

Accordingly, a system for managing concentrate usage is disclosed. The system enables the vaporizer to record and distribute information about vaporization sessions, users, product information (e.g., name), distillate fill batch information, laboratory results, product temperature limits, and other data. The system also provides an evaporator and a cartridge that communicatively cooperate to manage dosage data integrity (e.g., dosage control, unobscured dosing, control of disruption to concentrate storage, etc.).

FIG. 1 shows a system [100] for managing concentrate usage by a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system [100] may include an evaporator [102] having a housing (not shown). The housing may include a cartridge [104] that may be configured to store a concentrate. The cartridge [104] may be a cylindrical container having a nozzle at one end and a dosing mechanism at the other end. The nozzle [218] of the cartridge [104] may have a smart chip with an identification code associated with the concentrate. The housing of the evaporator [102] may also include a control unit [106] configured to read the identification code from the nozzle [218 ]. The control unit [106] may also control the operation of the oven of the evaporator [102 ]. The oven may be adjacent to the nozzle of the cartridge [104 ]. The communication unit [108] may be coupled to the control unit [106], wherein the communication unit [108] may transmit the identification code to the user device [110 ]. In an embodiment, the user device [110] may be a mobile phone, a computer, a laptop computer, etc., and is capable of being operated by the user [111 ]. The communication unit [108] of the vaporization apparatus [102] may include a Bluetooth Low energy (BTLE) module.

The system [100] may also include a central server [112] that includes a database [114 ]. The database [114] may store a plurality of identification codes for a plurality of concentrate information. The central server [112] may be configured to receive the identification code from the user device [110 ]. The central server [112] may retrieve concentrate information corresponding to the received identification code from the database [114 ]. The retrieved concentrate information may be transmitted to a user device [110 ]. In an embodiment, the system [100] may be a public network environment including a plurality of personal computers, laptop computers, various servers such as blade servers, and other computing devices. In another embodiment, the system [100] may be a dedicated network environment with a limited number of computing devices, such as personal computers, servers, laptops, and/or communication devices such as mobile phones and smart phones. The system [100] is operable by one or more users [117] via a central server [112 ].

The system [100] facilitates an improved user experience by providing information on the user device regarding the concentrate, dosage requirements, and the like. In an embodiment, the user device [110] may be configured to receive at least one user input related to a vaporization session of a user, and transmit at least one instruction to the vaporizer [102] based on the received user input for triggering the vaporization session. In another embodiment, the user device [110] may be configured to generate session data associated with the vaporization session and transmit the session data to the central server [112 ]. The central server [112] may also be configured to receive session data from the user device. The central server [112] may update the user profile [116] based on the session data. The user profile [116] may include data associated with one or more vaporization sessions of the user.

In another embodiment, the user device [110] may be configured to display a survey relating to the user's vaporization session. The user may provide his/her feedback on the survey, and the user device [110] may transmit the user feedback to the central server [112 ]. The user device [110] may display dosage information based on at least one of: retrieved concentrate information, user profile [116], user medical history, and vaporization session.

In yet another embodiment, the user device [110] may be configured to capture data from a health/biometric data capture device (e.g., Kardia | Omron of AliveCor), and the user device [110] may transmit the health/biometric data to the central server [112 ].

Since the user device [110] provides information about the dose, the user is enabled to deliberately select his/her dose (micro-dose). In addition, the system [100] may provide notification to the user that they have completed inhaling the administered dose or desired amount of concentrate product.

In one aspect, a vaporizer with on-demand heating, usage tracking, improved user experience, modular components, and ease of cleaning is disclosed. The evaporator may have a housing that houses various components. The housing may include a cartridge configured to store a concentrate. The cartridge may comprise a nozzle at one end and a dosing mechanism at the other end. The nozzle may have a smart chip with an identification code associated with the concentrate. The dosing mechanism may be adjacent the mouthpiece and the dosing mechanism may comprise a plunger driver, a pawl and a plunger. The dosing wheel may actuate the dosing mechanism. The dosing wheel may be located partly outside the housing for manipulation by a user, wherein the dosing wheel may be rotatably engaged to the plunger driver. The oven may be placed adjacent to the cartridge nozzle or elsewhere within the evaporator, and the oven may include a coil placed within a heat resistant tube, an air flow channel in communication with the ambient air and the suction negative pressure air flow, and a dose diffuser comprising a porous material matrix. The control unit may be configured to heat the coils of the oven based on at least one of the in-line pressure sensor, the fan/IR reflector sensor, and the identification code associated with the concentrate.

In an embodiment, the control unit may heat the coil when the user generates a negative pressure by inhaling at the mouthpiece. The coil may be configured to evaporate the extruded concentrate. The extruded concentrate may be dispensed through a nozzle onto a porous material substrate (or similar screen) of a dosage diffuser. When the user rotates the dosing wheel, the plunger driver drives the plunger within the cartridge to release a predetermined amount of concentrate.

Fig. 2-5 show different views of an evaporator [200] according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 2 shows an assembled view of the evaporator [200], and FIG. 3 shows a partially exploded view of the evaporator [200], which shows the internal components of the evaporator [200], and also illustrates an exemplary manner in which each component may be coupled to adjacent components to assemble the evaporator [200 ]. Further, fig. 4 and 5 show exploded perspective views of the evaporation device 200 from two different angles. For illustrative purposes, in the exploded views of fig. 4 and 5, some components are shown exploded in one figure, while other components are shown exploded in another figure. As shown, with combined reference to fig. 2-5, the evaporator [200] includes a housing [202] that encloses its various components and parts. The housing [202] has a generally rectangular cross-section and extends in a longitudinal direction, giving the housing [202] a cubical shape. However, it is contemplated that the housing [202] may have other shapes, such as cylindrical, spherical, etc. The housing [202] may be shaped such that the evaporator [200] may be ergonomically held by a user. The housing [202] may be made of a metallic material or other material having sufficient electrical conductivity and chemical resistance. In one example, the housing [202] is made of an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy.

In one aspect, the housing [202] may include two halves, a first half [204] and a second half [206 ]. The two halves [204], [206] may provide a plurality of grooves and apertures therein to receive and mount the components of the evaporator [200] inside the housing [202 ]. The two halves [204], [206] may be coupled together using fasteners such as screws or the like. In particular, as can be seen from the associated figures, the housing [202] may provide a groove [208] at the junction of the first half [204] and the second half [206 ].

The evaporation device [200] utilizes a cartridge [210] to store a concentrate (not shown) to be evaporated. The cartridge [210] typically includes a predetermined amount of concentrate stored therein. The cartridge [210] may be in the form of a hollow canister having a suitable internal volume to be filled with a predetermined amount of concentrate. In one example, the cartridge [210] is prefilled with 1000mg of concentrate. The term "concentrate" as used herein may include materials in the form of chemicals, distillates and spacers. Examples of concentrates include vaporizable drugs such as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), terpenes, Cannabidiol (CBD) and other ingredients of cannabinoids. Other examples of concentrates include hay, essential oils, waxes, and loose leaves. The cartridge [210] may be generally filled with a homogeneous concentrate or viscous liquid in liquid form, such as wax and oil, which may be extruded from the cartridge [210] from a bottom opening (not shown) of the cartridge [210 ]. The cartridge [210] may include a cartridge housing, a concentrate reservoir [211], a plunger driver [212], and a plunger [214] slidably received within the cartridge housing. The plunger [214] may be disposed within the cartridge [210] housing in the following manner: such that when the plunger driver [212] is rotated, the plunger [214] is pushed laterally downward in the cartridge [210] to push the concentrate toward the bottom opening of the cartridge [210] to be expelled.

In one embodiment, the cartridge [210] includes a memory module [216] that stores an identification code associated with the concentrate. The memory module [216] may be mounted on the cartridge housing exterior. In an example, the memory module [216] may be at least one of a Near Field Communication (NFC) device, a QR code, a barcode, a smart chip, and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The smart chip allows its contents to be erased and reprogrammed using a pulsed voltage. In this example, the identification code stored in the memory module [216] of the cartridge [210] indicates a property of the concentrate therein, such as the type of concentrate, the amount of concentrate, the expiration date (if any) of the concentrate, and the like. In other words, the identification code associated with the cartridge [210] is associated with the concentrate information. The identification code may be in the form of a number or an alphanumeric number. It will be appreciated that the identification code is programmed into the memory module [216] based on testing of the concentrate material in the test facility; and each identification code may be unique to a particular batch of concentrate. When the identification codes are stored in the memory module [216] of the cartridge [210], the same identification codes are stored simultaneously with the corresponding concentrate information in the database of the central server [112], as will be described in detail later.

In the vaporizer [200], a cartridge [210] is detachably mounted in a housing [202 ]. In particular, the cartridge [210] is received and secured in a recess [208] of the housing [202 ]. The cartridge [210] may have any suitable shape, including but not limited to rectangular, cylindrical, etc. The cartridge [210], or particularly the cartridge housing, may be generally shaped to complement the recess [208] in the housing [202] so that the cartridge [210] may be snapped into place inside the recess [208 ]. In some examples, the cartridge [210] may store Digital Rights Management (DRM) code in the memory module [216], indicating whether the cartridge [210] is properly compatible for installation in the vaporizer [200 ]. As shown, the vaporizer [200] may include a nozzle [218] at one end of the cartridge [210 ]. The nozzle [218] may be configured as an outlet for the concentrate from the cartridge [210 ].

In one embodiment, the vaporizer [200] includes a control unit [220] to execute various instructions related to the operation of the vaporizer [200], and also to record various operations of the vaporizer [200] and generate corresponding data. The control unit [220] may include a circuit board on which various electronic components of the evaporator [200] are embedded or connected via wires. The control unit [220] may include a processor for executing various instructions to control the operation of the vaporizer [200 ]. A processor may be a single processing unit or a plurality of processing units working in concert. The control unit [220] may also include, but is not limited to, an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, or any other circuitry capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner. The control unit [220] may also include a memory to store instructions for performing the operation of the vaporizer [200], and also temporarily store data generated from the operation of the vaporizer [200 ].

In one embodiment, the control unit [220] may include coding circuitry positioned proximal to the memory module [216] of the drug cartridge [210] when mounted in the housing [202 ]. The encoding circuitry of the control unit [220] reads the identification code from the cartridge [210 ]. In an example, the encoding circuitry may utilize a communication standard such as Near Field Communication (NFC) or the like to read the identification code from the memory module [216 ]. In some examples, the encoding circuitry may utilize a laser beam or some other form of light source to read an identification code in visual form, such as a barcode, QR code, or the like. The control unit [220] may use the identification code read from the cartridge [210] for further processing, as will be explained in detail later.

In one embodiment, the evaporator [200] includes a communication unit [224] disposed within the housing [202 ]. The communication unit [224] is coupled with the control unit [220] to receive and transmit, among other things, information about the operational settings of the evaporator. The communication unit [224] configures a control unit [220] of the vaporizer [200] in signal communication with the user device [110 ]. In particular, the communication unit [224] transmits an identification code read from the cartridge [210] to the user device [110 ]. In one example, the communication unit [224] is a Bluetooth Low energy (BTLE) module that utilizes a relatively low power 2.4GHz antenna (not shown) to provide a direct link for wireless communication between the vaporizer [200] and the user device [110 ].

The vaporizing device 200 also includes a power source [226] to provide power to its various components. The power source [226] may be in the form of one or more rechargeable batteries disposed within the housing [202 ]. The evaporator [200] may also include a charging port (not shown) disposed on the outer periphery of the housing [202] and electrically connected to a power source [226] located therein. In this case, the user may employ an external power cord (not shown) to connect the charging port with an external power outlet or the like. In an example, the charging port may use the USB standard to charge the power supply [226 ]. In an exemplary embodiment, the same charging port may also be used for data transfer, such as for updating source code in the memory of the control unit [220], for example to change some parameter associated with the operation of the vaporizer [200 ]. In an alternative example, the vaporizer [200] may include a permanently fixed and retractable cord that contacts the power source [226] at one end, and has a plug at the other end that can be plugged into an electrical outlet for recharging.

The vaporizer [200] also includes a dosing wheel [232] typically at the top of the cartridge [210 ]. A dosing wheel [232] may be rotatably disposed within the housing [202 ]. The dosing wheel [232] may be partially external to the housing [202] for manipulation by a user, wherein the dosing wheel [232] may be rotatably coupled to the plunger driver [212 ]. As shown, the cartridge [210] may have a nozzle [218] and a dosing mechanism at the other end. The nozzle [218] may have a diaphragm [603] at the nozzle tip to control the flow of concentrates of different viscosities (see fig. 8B and 8C). The dosing mechanism may include a plunger driver [212], a plunger [214], and a pawl [213 ]. When the user rotates the dosing wheel [232], and the plunger driver [212] drives the plunger [214] within the cartridge [210] to release a predetermined amount of concentrate.

In one embodiment, the dosing wheel [232] is a hollow cylinder that circumscribes the plunger driver [212] such that rotation of the dosing wheel [232] causes rotation of the plunger driver [212 ]. The plunger driver [212] may be mechanically engaged with the plunger [214] and the pawl [213 ]. The pawl [213] may allow the dosing wheel [232] to rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The dosing wheel [232] clicks when rotated to a predetermined extent. A single click of the dosing wheel [232] may release a predetermined amount of concentrate through the nozzle [218 ].

The plunger driver [212] may be configured to directly correlate rotational movement of the dosing wheel [232] with linear movement of the plunger [214 ]; that is, for a given degree of rotation of the metering wheel [232], the plunger [214] moves a certain distance depending on the pitch of the engaged threads and other factors. In this way, the dosing mechanism enables a user to control the amount of concentrate extruded by controlling the rotation of the dosing wheel [232 ].

In an alternative embodiment, the dosing mechanism may be an auger delivery mechanism.

In one or more examples, the dosing circuitry may be arranged to communicate with the control unit [220] so as to work in conjunction therewith. In some examples, the dosing circuitry may form part of the control unit [220 ]. The control unit [220] may receive information from the dosing circuitry regarding the number of doses of concentrate expressed from the cartridge [210 ]. The control unit [220] registers a single dose of concentrate expressed from the cartridge [210] based on the generation of the dose signal. The control unit [220] also records the amount of concentrate dose expressed from the cartridge [210] and writes/programs this information to the memory module [216] of the cartridge [210] using coding circuitry to track the amount of concentrate remaining inside the cartridge [210 ]. Thus, it is possible to find out by the user or in a cartridge refilling facility using any suitable reader the amount of concentrate remaining inside the cartridge [210] that is unloaded from the housing [202] of the evaporator [200 ].

As can be seen from fig. 2 to 5, the housing [202] may have an arcuate cutout [249] at its bottom corner. In one embodiment, the evaporator [200] can include a toaster [250] positioned in the cutout [249 ]. The oven [250] may be coupled to the housing [202] using a suitable fastening arrangement including one or more of screws, pins, nuts and bolts, and the like. The oven [250] includes an oven housing [252] that is assembled as shown in FIG. 4 and disassembled as shown in FIG. 5. The toaster [250] may further include a coil [258] disposed within the toaster case [252 ].

As shown, the oven [250] may be located directly below the nozzle [218] and disposed in fluid communication with the cartridge [210] via the nozzle [218 ]. The oven [250] may include a coil [258] placed within a heat resistant tube, an air flow passage in communication with ambient air and a suction negative pressure air flow, and a dose diffuser [260] comprising a porous material matrix. The dose diffuser [260] may be positioned to collect concentrate expressed from the cartridge [210 ]. Further, the coil [258] may be positioned below the oven [250] and disposed in thermal communication therewith. The coil [258] may be configured to generate thermal energy to vaporize the concentrate in the dose diffuser [260 ]. In one example, the coil [258] is enclosed in a heat resistant tube and has two legs connected to the power source [226] via contacts and a wire extending inside the housing [202 ].

Using these electrical connections, the coil [258] receives electrical energy from the power source [226], which is in turn converted to thermal energy. In one or more examples, the coil [258] may be connected to the power supply [226] via the control unit [220] such that power supplied to the coil [258] from the power supply [226] is controlled by the control unit [220 ]. This configuration enables the control unit [220] to adjust the thermal energy generated by the coil [258] according to the temperature setting of the evaporator [200 ]. In an embodiment, the control unit [220] may be configured to heat the coil [258] of the oven [250] based on at least one of an in-line pressure sensor, a fan/IR reflector sensor, and an identification code associated with the concentrate.

In one example, oven housing [252] may be made of a ceramic material, such as, but not limited to, zirconium. Such ceramic material for the oven housing [252] can capture heat generated by the coil [258] for effective evaporation of the concentrate in the dose diffuser [260] and also provide thermal insulation of the oven housing [252] from the outside. In one example, the porous material substrate may be a mesh (e.g., a gold-plated metal mesh) or made of a metal alloy material such as stainless steel, also commonly referred to as metal foam. The porous material matrix contains a concentrate that is collected within the dose diffuser [260] by virtue of its absorptive properties. The porous material matrix may also be configured to allow air to pass therethrough.

In one example, the evaporator [200] provides a dual filtration system. To this end, the oven [250] may include a filter device located downstream of the oven [250 ]. In general, the filter device may be made of the same material as the porous material matrix. It will be appreciated that the evaporated concentrate passes through the filter device before being supplied for inhalation by the user to remove any toxic substances from the smoke and thereby provide the user with a relatively cleaner evaporated concentrate for inhalation.

In one embodiment, the toaster [250] may further include a toaster cover [266] coupled to the housing [202] using one or more magnets. In one example, the housing [202] may include a magnet, and the oven lid [266] may be constructed using a magnetic plate (e.g., stainless steel plate) such that the magnet in the housing [202] and the magnetic plate of the oven lid [266] attract one another to lock the oven lid [266] with the housing [202 ]. In another example, the toaster cover [266] may include a first set of magnets and the housing [202] may include a second set of magnets, wherein each of the two halves [204, 206] has one magnet such that the first and second sets of magnets attract each other to lock the toaster cover [266] with the housing [202 ]. Furthermore, the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets may be separated by some external pulling force, e.g. provided by a user. As such, the toaster cover [266] is configured to move between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the toaster cover [266] may at least partially enclose the toaster [250], including the dose diffuser [260] and the coil [258 ]. In the open position, the toaster cover [266] may be disposed at an angle of approximately 45 ° with respect to the housing [202] and allow access to the dose diffuser [260 ]. The oven [250] may also include an interlock switch configured to communicate with the control unit [220 ]. The interlock switch generates a safety signal if the oven lid [266] is displaced from the closed position. In addition, the control unit [220] receives a safety signal and may turn off the coil [258] based on the safety signal. In an alternative example, the toaster cover [266] may be connected to the housing [202] by means of latches and compression springs (not shown). The latch and compression spring arrangement not only provides a hinged connection between the oven lid [266] and the housing [202], but also allows the oven lid [266] to remain in an open position, for example when a user has pulled the oven lid [266] to an open position for accessing the dose diffuser [260 ].

Also, as shown, the toaster cover [266] may include a plurality of ventilation openings [272] at the sides and bottom thereof (not shown). Further, in the oven [250], the oven housing [252] may include a plurality of vents therein. The vent may allow fresh air from the atmosphere to enter the oven [250] to circulate in a defined path inside the evaporator [200 ]. Air received in the oven [250] is exposed to the coil [258], which in turn heats the received air. In one example, the coil [258] heats air. In particular, the air may be overheated. The superheated air is received in the evaporation chamber [256] through holes in the dose diffuser [260 ]. The heated air in the evaporation chamber [256] passes through the porous material matrix, thereby evaporating the concentrate absorbed in the dose diffuser [260] by convection effect.

The evaporation device 200 may include a mouthpiece [276] that applies the evaporated concentrate to a user. The mouthpiece [276] may generally be made of any medical grade material, such as silicone, soft rubber, and plastic. In one example, the suction nozzle [276] can be removably mounted to the housing [202] of the evaporator [200 ]. The suction nozzle [276] may be generally located at a top end of the housing [202 ]. The vaporizer [200] may also include a conduit [278] that fluidly communicates the suction nozzle [276] with the vaporization chamber [256] or the dose diffuser [260 ]. As can be appreciated, the conduit [278] provides a path inside the vaporizer [200] for air to flow from the vaporization chamber [256] or the dose diffuser [260] to the suction nozzle [276 ]. Thus, when a user pulls for vapor to pass through the mouthpiece [276], fresh air is drawn into the oven [250] via the vent [272], which carries evaporated concentrate from the evaporation chamber [256] to the mouthpiece [276] via the conduit [278] for consumption by the user. It is contemplated that this configuration of the vents relative to the duct [278] allows cross flow through the oven [250] to facilitate drawing air from outside of the evaporator [200 ]. The conduit [278] may also help to substantially isolate the path for flow of evaporated concentrate from the electronic components of the evaporator [200] so as to avoid any possibility of short circuiting.

In another configuration, the evaporator [200] also allows for direct manual loading of the concentrate into the evaporation chamber [256 ]. To do so, the user may place the toaster cover [266] in an open position such that the evaporation chamber [256] is accessible. In the case of a liquid concentrate, the user may pour or inject the concentrate directly onto the porous material substrate to be absorbed thereby; in the case of non-liquid concentrates, such as wax, powder, dry hemp, etc., the user may first remove the porous material matrix from the evaporation chamber [256] and then place the concentrate directly. In some other cases, the user may obtain a dose diffuser pre-filled with dry herb pods or the like and place such dose diffuser directly in the evaporation chamber without a porous material matrix; thereby providing for convenient use of the non-liquid concentrate. In any case, the heated air from the coil evaporates the concentrate for consumption purposes. In other examples, the cartridge may be designed to store and extrude the non-liquid concentrate into the evaporation chamber.

It is contemplated that due to repeated use, the evaporator [200] will accumulate vapor residue on certain internal components (particularly the conduit [278]), even when properly used. To clean the conduit [278], the user may: the suction nozzle [276] is first removed and then the oven lid [266] is pulled to overcome the attraction of the magnet, causing the oven lid [266] to move to its open position. At this time, the user may dip the pipe cleaner (not shown) in the cleaning solution. It is contemplated that the pipe cleaner may be a Q-tip or the like. The user may use the pipe cleaner with a cleaning solution and slide the pipe cleaner down through the top of the conduit [278] until out the bottom thereof. The user may repeat the above steps until the conduit [278] is completely clean. Further, to clean the evaporation chamber [256], the user may: any loose particles or residual material present therein is first cleaned and then the porous material matrix or screen and dose diffuser [260] are removed from the bottom of the evaporation chamber [256 ]. The user can then use the Q-shaped tip immersed in the cleaning solution and gently wipe off the residue accumulated in the evaporation chamber [256 ]. It is contemplated that the use of the dose diffuser [260] reduces the need for frequent cleaning of the evaporation chamber [256] because residue from the concentrate and excessive accumulation from evaporation builds on the dose diffuser [260] rather than the walls of the evaporation chamber [256], and also allows for easier cleaning because the dose diffuser [260] can be removed from the evaporation chamber [256] for cleaning of the evaporation chamber [256] by moving the oven [266] in an open position. To clean the porous material substrate, the user may: the dose diffuser [260] including the porous material matrix is first ensured to be removed from the evaporation chamber [256], then the porous material matrix is soaked in the cleaning solution for about 15 minutes and then rinsed thoroughly with water, then the porous material matrix is dried and reinstalled. Similarly, to clean the suction nozzle [276], the user may: the suction nozzle [276] is first ensured of removal from the housing [202] by gently pulling the suction nozzle [276] out of the top of the conduit [278], then soaking the suction nozzle [276] in the cleaning solution for about 15 minutes and then thoroughly rinsing with water, then allowing the suction nozzle [276] to dry, and then reloading the suction nozzle [276] back into the evaporator [200 ].

In some embodiments, the vaporizer [200] may include one or more buttons to control one or more user-controlled operations thereof. The vaporizer [200] may also include one or more indicator lights for communicating information about various operations and current settings/parameters of the vaporizer [200 ]. In one example, the indicator light may be an RGB based LED. In the example shown, the vaporizer [200] is shown to include two buttons; a power button [280] and an ignition button [282 ]; and four indicator lights, i.e., a first indicator light, a second indicator light, a third indicator light, and a fourth indicator light. In the vaporizer [200], each of the buttons, when depressed, may generate a specific signal and is arranged in signal communication with a control unit [220 ]; such that the control unit [220] acting as an intermediary may generate specific instructions in response to such signals for signaling the corresponding components to perform certain functions. In addition, the control unit [220] may programmatically control the flashing of the indicator lights to convey specific information to the user. As shown, some of the buttons and indicator lights, particularly the power button [280] and the second and third indicator lights, are embedded directly on the circuit board of the control unit [220 ].

In one exemplary configuration, the user may hold down the power button [280] for 2 seconds to turn the evaporator [200] on/off. In an example, upon turning on the vaporizer [200], a communication unit [224] of the vaporizer [200] begins pairing with the user device [110 ]. Further, upon pairing between the communication unit [224] and the user device [110], a second indicator light may flash and then show a solid blue color when the pairing process is complete. The power button [280] may also be used to check various current settings of the vaporizer [200 ]. For example, clicking the power button [280] once may show the power level of the power supply [226] using a second indicator light; two clicks may operate a third indicator light to indicate a temperature setting, and three clicks may restart the communication unit [224] to re-establish a connection with the user device [110], and may also cause all indicator lights to blink once. An ignition button [282] may be used to operate the coil [258] in the evaporator [200 ]. The user may press and hold the ignition button [282] to heat the coil [258] to a defined temperature setting and continue to hold the ignition button [282] while the concentrate is being inhaled to maintain the evaporator [200] at the defined temperature setting.

Further, in one exemplary configuration, the first indicator light may indicate a power status of the vaporizer [200], i.e., the first indicator light being on indicates that the vaporizer [200] is on, and vice versa. Similarly, the second indicator light may indicate a current charge level of the power supply [226] of the vaporizer [200 ]; such as green indicating a power level greater than 50%, yellow indicating a power level equal to or less than 50%, red indicating a power level equal to or less than 15%, and flashing red indicating a power level less than 5%, and the evaporator [200] requires immediate charging to continue operation. The third indicator light may indicate a temperature setting of the vaporizer [200] such that green may indicate a high temperature setting of the vaporizer [200], blue may indicate a medium temperature setting of the vaporizer [200], and purple may indicate a low temperature setting of the vaporizer [200 ]. A fourth indicator light indicates various states of the vaporizer [200] using different color schemes; such as heating, reaching a defined temperature setting, concentration level in the cartridge [210], alerting the user whether to pull hard, etc. It is contemplated that the control scheme for the buttons [280, 282] and the color scheme for the indicator lights as described herein are not limited to the present disclosure.

Further, in one embodiment, the evaporator [200] includes an anemometer to measure the flow rate of the volume of air therethrough. In an embodiment, the coil [258] as already present in the evaporator [200] is used as an anemometer for air flow measurement purposes; and as such, the terms "anemometer" and "heating element" have been used interchangeably for description. The anemometer may be generally placed at a location inside the duct [278], directly exposed to the air flow therein. In one example, the anemometer operates based on the principle of a hot wire anemometer. In the current embodiment of the anemometer in the evaporator [200], current and voltage measurements are taken directly from the heating element [258] when in operation. In addition, other parameters of the coil [258] are determined, including operating temperature, material composition, and dimensions. These measurements are first used to calculate the resistance of the coil [258] before any flow to establish a calibration offset or "baseline". As air begins to flow through the coil [258], some of the heat is dissipated into the air, and thus the coil [258] is cooled slightly. Since the resistance of a material is directly proportional to its temperature, this change in temperature results in a measurable deviation from the baseline resistance. And the rate of cooling is proportional to the amount of air heated according to joule's law of heating, it can be inferred that the deviation may be proportional to the flow rate. Thus, the flow rate of the volume of air flowing through the evaporator [200] can be determined simply by algorithmically correlating current and voltage to resistance deviations when the coil [258] is operating. The air flow as calculated may be used to estimate the amount of concentrate consumed by the user as compared to the amount of concentrate expelled from the cartridge [210 ].

In one aspect, the suction nozzle [276] is removable to slidably receive the cartridge [210] within the housing [202 ]. The communication unit [224] may be configured to transmit the identification code to the user device [110], wherein the user device [110] is configured to display information associated with the concentrate based on the identification code. The control unit [220] may be configured to receive an instruction from the user device [110] via the communication unit [224] to activate heating of the coil [258 ]. In an exemplary scenario, the user device [110] may display dosage information based on at least one of the identification code, the identity of the user, the medical history of the user, and a previous dosage. In another aspect, there may be a filter downstream of the conduit [278] for filtering the evaporated concentrate.

The vaporizer [200] is configured to provide a hermetic seal when loaded to improve efficiency, while also providing easier access for a user to clean the device before/after use to ensure optimal performance.

Existing evaporators use combustion or convection techniques to evaporate the concentrate oil. The active compounds of the oil concentrate are transported more efficiently via convection without producing unhealthy levels of by-products such as tar (PAH) and carbon monoxide, and as such, this is the evaporation method of choice. However, it is also more difficult to achieve and maintain a constant temperature at/of the oil for efficient evaporation using conventional convection techniques. In addition, the oil has a tendency to flash and wick when exposed to heat, thereby resulting in a decrease in the efficiency of current evaporators. These systems also exhibit overheating after several uses, requiring safety circuitry to protect the user from burns. Available evaporators use various methods to attempt to provide controlled convective heating of the concentrated oil, including flowing hot air into an oil-containing chamber of limited surface area for flashing, distributing the oil over a large metering pad that requires excess heat for evaporation, and batch heating more oil than is needed for a dose that results in inefficient delivery of the vapor. The evaporator [200] employs a concentrate product oven that mitigates wicking, provides an integrated component for improved evaporation efficiency, and provides a simple and precise element for evaporation product micro-dosing control that avoids the aforementioned frustrations.

Existing evaporators have a time lapse between the user actuating the "fire" button (i.e., the evaporator unit power source) and the evaporator unit being ready for the user to inhale the heated vapor of the oil concentrate. The time lapse for currently available vaporizers can range from 5 seconds to 90 seconds, depending on the device and its method of heating. User convenience is compromised because the passage of time requires the user to hold the "fire" button until the device signals that it is ready to inhale. In addition, the user must continue to hold the "fire" button after the passage of time until the desired inhalation/dose is completed. Such device operation results in a significant waste of electrical power and unnecessary evaporator heating.

Referring to fig. 1, a block diagram of a system 100 for managing a user's concentrate usage according to defined operating parameters is shown, as described in the following description, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Continuing with the description of FIG. 1, in an example, the user device [300] may be a laptop computer, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a desktop computer, or the like. The user device [110] is communicatively coupled with the central server [112] over a network. The network may be a wireless network, a wired network, or a combination thereof. The network may also be a single network or a collection of many such separate networks interconnected with each other and acting as a single large network, such as the internet or an intranet. The network may be implemented as one of various types of networks, such as an intranet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), the internet, and so forth.

In an example, the central server [112] can be a server, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a portable computer, a workstation, a mainframe computer, and a laptop computer. In an embodiment, the central server [112] may be a distributed or centralized network system, where different computing devices may host one or more of the hardware or software components of the central server [112 ]. Further, in an example, the central server [112] may be configured as an open Application Programming Interface (API) to facilitate communication with other computer systems, such as a hospital Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. The central server [112] includes a database [114] and user profile data [116 ]. The database [114] includes a plurality of identification codes and corresponding concentrate information. As previously described, each identification code from the plurality of identification codes corresponds to a concentrate and is therefore linked with concentrate information corresponding to the concentrate. In one example, a vendor implementing the central server [112] maintains a database [114 ]. For example, the vendor may use a computing device, such as a user device [110], to generate an identification code for the concentrate. The supplier may then upload the identification code and the concentrate information corresponding to the concentrate to a central server [116] using a computing device. Further, as previously described, for each cartridge [210] filled with a concentrate, an identification code corresponding to the concentrate is stored on the memory module [216] of the cartridge [210 ]. As explained in the following description, assigning an identification code to the cartridge [210] facilitates monitoring and managing the use of concentrate by a user.

In an example, a user may perform one or more vaporization sessions using vaporizer [200 ]. The user may initially register himself/herself with the provider of the vaporizer [200] prior to conducting a vaporization session using the vaporizer [200 ]. To register, a user may install an application associated with the vaporizing device 200 on the user device [110 ]. The application provides a graphical user interface for a user to access services and operations associated with the vaporizer [200 ]. For example, a user may use the application to operate or modify one or more functions of the evaporator [200 ]. In another example, the user may use the application to obtain information about the concentrate stored in the cartridge [210 ]. Once the application is installed, the user device [110] is configured to record user information associated with the user. The user information may include, but is not limited to, the user's name, age, height, weight, gender, and medical history.

In an example, a user device [300] transmits user information to a central server [112] for registering a user. As can be appreciated, user information may be transmitted over a communication link that implements predetermined security protocols and standards for securing the user information. Upon receiving the user information, the central server [112] may be configured to generate a user profile for the user based on the user information. As can be appreciated, once the user profile is generated, the user may not need to register for a subsequent vaporization session. In an example, the user profile may be updated to include additional information in addition to the user information. The additional information may include a session log associated with the user's vaporization session, information about one or more concentrates used by the user, information about the efficacy of the concentrate related to the reason the user used the concentrate in the vaporization session, and one or more recommendations for the user. In an example, the additional information is included in a user profile based on session data related to the current vaporization session and subsequent vaporization sessions, as explained in the following description. In an example, the central server [112] stores the user profile in user profile data [116 ]. In an example, the user profile data [116] may be stored in a single database (not shown). In another example, the user profile data [116] may be stored in a distributed or unlinked database (not shown) communicatively coupled to the central server [112 ]. In the above example, the single database or distributed database stores user information in compliance with a predefined security protocol, such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

As described above, in one example, the user may be informed of the concentrate being used in the cartridge [210 ]. In such cases, the control unit [220] is configured to read the identification code stored in the memory module [216 ]. Upon reading the identification code, the control unit [220] may trigger the communication unit [224] to transmit the identification code to the user device [110 ]. The communication unit [224] transmits the identification code to the user device [110] through an antenna therein. In one embodiment, the user device [110] may obtain an identification code from the user in the case of manual loading of the concentrate. For example, a user may provide an identification code corresponding to the concentrate via user input. In another example, a user may scan an identification code using the user device [110 ]. For example, if the identification code is a barcode, the user may turn on a camera (not shown) of the user device [110] for capturing the barcode.

In an example, a user device [110] is configured to transmit an identification code to a central server [112] for obtaining concentrate information corresponding to a concentrate. Upon receiving the identification code, the central server [112] is configured to retrieve concentrate information corresponding to the identification code from the database [114 ]. The retrieved concentrate information is then transmitted by the central server [112] to the user device [110] for display of the concentrate information to the user. In an alternative example, the communication unit [224] in the evaporator [200] can transmit the identification code directly to the central server [112], e.g., using a Wi-Fi module, cellular module, etc. In addition, the evaporator [200] includes a screen (not shown), such as an electronic ink display, to display the concentrate information directly onto the evaporator [200 ].

In one example, the user device [110] may receive the concentrate information and store it in an internal memory module (not shown) of the user device [110 ]. In an example, upon receiving user input to display the concentrate information, the user device [110] is configured to display the concentrate information to a user via a display screen (not shown) of the user device [110 ]. In one example, the concentrate information displayed may include a name of the concentrate, an amount of concentrate remaining in the cartridge [210], and a chemical composition of the concentrate. Displaying the concentrate information to the user enhances the user's awareness of the concentrate the user is using for the vaporization session. For example, the chemical composition of the concentrate is made known to the user. Thus, the user may choose to continue using the concentrate, or may prefer to change the concentrate based on the chemical composition.

In an example, when a user of the vaporizer [200] attempts to perform a vaporization session, the user may provide at least one user input to the user device [110 ]. For example, the user may provide user input for selecting a reason for performing the vaporization session. In this case, the user device [110] is configured to display to the user a list of reasons for performing the vaporization session. The user may then select a reason from the list of reasons. In another example, the user may provide user input defining a reason for performing the vaporization session. Further, the user device [110] records the reason and may update the list of reasons to include the user-defined reason. Additionally, the user may provide user input for determining the amount of concentrate to be administered during a vaporization session. In addition to determining the amount of concentrate to be applied, the user may operate the evaporator [200] for extruding the determined amount into the evaporation chamber [256 ]. In addition, a user may provide user input for configuring a temperature setting of the evaporator [200 ]. Thereafter, the user may provide user input for triggering a vaporization session. Upon receiving the user input, the user device [110] is configured to transmit at least one instruction to the vaporizer [200] for triggering a vaporization session.

Upon receiving at least one instruction, the evaporator [200] can configure the coil [258] to a configured temperature for evaporating the concentrate at the temperature. In an example, the concentrate information may also include a predetermined temperature setting depending on the concentrate type. Further, the control unit [220] may be configured to control the coil [258] based on a temperature setting in the concentrate information. It will be appreciated that by providing user input via the user device [110], the user may select to override the predetermined temperature setting to a desired temperature setting for a particular vaporization session. The control unit [220] may control the thermal energy generated by the coil [258] based on instructions according to a user input. Once the concentrate evaporates, the user may receive a notification indicating that the evaporator [200] is ready for use. In one example, the notification is displayed by a first indicator light on the vaporizer [200 ]. In another example, the notification is provided by a message on the user device [110 ]. In yet another example, the notification is provided by both the first indicator light and the message.

In an example, when the vaporization session ends, i.e., the user is no longer using the vaporizer [200] for a predetermined time, the user device [110] is configured to generate session data corresponding to the vaporization session. In an example, the session data may include a reason for performing the vaporization session, an amount of concentrate to be administered to the user, and a temperature setting at which the vaporization session is conducted. The user device [110] then transmits the session data to the central server [112 ]. In an example, the central server [112] receives session data from the user device [110 ]. Upon receipt of the session data, the central server [112] is configured to update the user profile [116 ].

In an embodiment, the user device [110] is configured to generate a user questionnaire relating to the user's vaporization session. In an example, the user questionnaire may include one or more questions related to the vaporization session. For example, the user questionnaire may include questions related to the efficacy of the concentrate, the temperature setting of the evaporator [200], and other such questions. The user device [110] may then display the user questionnaire to the user. In another embodiment, the central server [112] may be configured to generate a user questionnaire upon receiving the session data, and may transmit the user questionnaire to the user device [110] for display to the user. In an example, the user questionnaire is displayed to the user after a predetermined time interval (e.g., thirty minutes after the vaporization session).

In another embodiment, the user device [110] may be configured to capture data from a health/biometric data capture device (e.g., Kardia | Omron by AliveCor), and the user device [110] may transmit and/or exchange health/biometric data with the central server [112] or the vaporizer [102 ].

Subsequently, the user device [110] is configured to receive user feedback from the user based on the user questionnaire. In an example, the user questionnaire may include one or more answers to questions included in the user questionnaire. Upon receiving the user feedback, the user device [110] transmits the user feedback to the central server [112 ]. In an example, the central server [112] can store the user feedback in the user profile data [116] and can associate the user feedback with a user profile of the user. In an example, the central server [112] may update the user profile based on the user feedback. For example, the central server [112] may update the additional information based on user feedback.

In one embodiment, the central server [112] is configured to generate recommendations for the user. To this end, the central server [112] identifies a plurality of users based on one or more user parameters associated with the users. The user parameters may include, but are not limited to, the user's age, height, and weight. In identifying the plurality of users, the central server [112] is configured to retrieve user feedback associated with the plurality of users. Once the user feedback is retrieved, the central server [112] is configured to analyze the user feedback to generate suggestions for the user. For example, the central server [112] may identify other concentrates used by multiple users for vaporization sessions similar to the user's vaporization session. Among the other concentrates identified, the central server [112] may identify the concentrate that other users desire based on user feedback. The central server [112] may then generate recommendations related to the concentrate. Once the central server [112] generates the recommendation, the central server [112] transmits the recommendation to the user device [110 ]. The user device [110] may then display the suggestion to the user. In an example, the central server [112] may additionally transmit the generated recommendations to a user device of a registered physician of the user.

Fig. 6 depicts an exemplary cartridge [600] configured to store a concentrate. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cartridge [600] may include a nozzle [601] at one end with a smart chip [602] configured thereon. The smart chip [602] may have an identification code associated with the concentrate. In another embodiment, the exemplary cartridge [600] has assembled thereon a tip seal [603] to prevent leakage of the concentrate product from the cartridge canister [605] during disposal and/or use, for example, during evaporation.

In one aspect, the tip seal [603] comprises a diaphragm [604] that seals against an insert (not shown) in the nozzle. The diaphragm [604] may be an elastomer (TPE, silicone rubber, etc.) or other flexible, elastomeric material. On the other hand, upon rotation of the dosing wheel [232], the plunger driver assembly [212] actuates the plunger [214] into the cartridge canister [605] and thereby causes the concentrate product to force the diaphragm [604] to deform away from the nozzle insert [603] and thus allow the concentrate to be extruded through the tip seal [603] onto the diffuser.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a dosing mechanism [620] is provided at the other end of the cartridge [600 ]. A dosing mechanism [620] may be adjacent the mouthpiece and includes a plunger [621], a plunger driver [623], and a cartridge lock [625 ]. The dosing wheel [232] may actuate a dosing mechanism [620], wherein the dosing wheel [232] is rotatably engaged to a plunger driver [623 ]. Upon rotation of the dosing wheel [232], the plunger driver [623] may drive the plunger [621] within the cartridge canister [605] to release a predetermined amount of concentrate. The dosing wheel is configured to be rotated unidirectionally (i.e., in only one direction) by a user [111] through the use of a pawl [904 ]. Detents [904] prevent the user [111] from loosening the cartridge and thus preventing withdrawal of the plunger from the cartridge canister.

In one aspect, to ensure proper dispensing of the concentrate product, an exemplary detent [904] configured on the cartridge lock [625] is in rotatable communication with a slot on the plunger [621] to restrict bi-directional rotation of the plunger/plunger driver [621, 623 ]. Even when the cartridge [600] is removed from the vaporizer [200 ]. Further, when assembled, the detent [904] is hidden by the plunger driver [623], thus mitigating the ability of the user to disassemble the cartridge [600 ].

In another aspect of the disclosure, the plunger and plunger driver [621, 623] are fixedly attached to ensure a predetermined advancement of the plunger into the cartridge canister [605] when the plunger driver [623] is rotated by the dosing wheel [232 ].

Fig. 7 depicts an alternative embodiment of a cartridge [700] configured for dispensing a generally non-liquid concentrate (e.g., powder, leaf, flower, wax, etc.). The exemplary cartridge [700] provides similar operation as cartridge [600 ]. The cartridge [700] typically dispenses a non-liquid concentrate (e.g., powder) by use of an auger [703 ]. A cartridge [700] comprising a driver [701], a nozzle [710], and a smart chip [712] or the like is communicatively operable within the system [100] to provide dose control and dose integrity data within the network.

FIG. 8A depicts an exemplary nozzle [800] according to embodiments of the present disclosure]. In one aspect of the disclosure, a nozzle [800]]Made of high temperature polymeric materials, such as stainless steel, polysulfone, high temperature liquid crystalline polymers (e.g. Vectra)^TMOr PEEK) or designed to continue exposure to the vaporization temperature (typically<550F) Other materials operating under the conditions of (1). In embodiments of the present disclosure, the evaporation temperature is controlled so as to avoid combustion temperature and/or denaturation of the concentrate product. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the nozzle has a circumferential groove [802 ]]To cooperate with exemplary features configured on the oven seal seat to provide an airtight seal and, as such, eliminate the inflow of air into the oven during negative pressure inhalation by the user. In one aspect, nozzle [800]]Configured to have a stepped and flared feature at the nozzle exit [802]To mitigate wicking of the oil-based concentrate product onto the nozzle.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the nozzle is configured with a septum [804] or other similar configuration to control the flow of concentrate product from the cartridge. An exemplary nozzle [800] is configured on and cooperates with the cartridge [600, 700] to provide dose control and dose integrity, respectively. As shown in fig. 8B and 8C, exemplary nozzle [800] includes a tip seal comprised of a nozzle insert [803] and a septum [804 ]. In the closed position, the example diaphragm [804] seals against an insert in the nozzle. Upon rotation of the dosing wheel [232], the plunger driver [623] actuates the plunger [621] into the cartridge canister [605] and thereby causes the concentrate product to deform the elastomeric septum away from the insert, thus allowing the concentrate to extrude through the top seal [803] onto the diffuser.

As shown in fig. 9, 10B and 13, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the dose integrity mechanism [900] includes an anti-release feature using a detent [904] located in the cartridge dosing mechanism assembly [620 ]. The detent [904] engages a longitudinal slot [906] in the plunger driver [623] and constrains rotational movement of the plunger driver [623] in the opposite direction, thereby preventing a user from inadvertently releasing the plunger driver [623 ]. The exemplary detents [904] provide additional assurance against confusion of several doses delivered via the cartridge [600 ]. In one embodiment, the user cannot disassemble pawl [904] without deactivating cartridge [600] because pawl [904] is recessed within plunger driver [623] (not shown). In addition, the pawl [904] provides counter-winding of the dosing wheel [232] to mitigate confusion in dose tracking and management of the vaporizer [200 ].

In one example, the plunger driver [623] advances down the threaded body of the cartridge lock [625] and exerts downward pressure on the plunger [621 ]. Downward movement of the plunger [621] causes the concentrate product to be extruded from the nozzle [800 ]. By rotating the dosing wheel [232], the pawl [904] is spring tensioned against the cartridge lock [906] and a "click" is made when the pawl [904] stops in the slot [906 ]. The "click" provides audible feedback to the user that the desired amount/dose of concentrate product (e.g., 2.5mg) has been delivered for evaporation.

Figure 11 illustrates an oven system [1100] according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The oven system [1100] includes a coil [258] (not shown) located inside a refractory tube [1102], the refractory tube [1102] focusing an air flow [1104] over the heating coil [258] for efficient heat transfer from the coil [258] to a negative pressure air flow [1104 ]. The tube [1102] may be constructed of ceramic or other material that provides thermal resistance. In one embodiment, ambient air intake [1106] is directed into the negative pressure air stream [1104] around the outside of the tube [1102] to promote enhanced heat transfer from the heating tube [1102 ].

To improve heating efficiency, ambient air intake [1106] is aligned around the exterior of the oven tube to promote further heat transfer from the heating tube [1108] and is redirected back into the negative pressure air stream [1104 ].

The oven system includes a dose diffuser [1200], as shown in fig. 12A-12C. The exemplary diffuser [1200] is a two-piece component designed to effectively evaporate a concentrate product. The outer portion of the diffuser [1200] is made of a heat resistant ceramic material, although other heat resistant materials may be used. The interior portion of the diffuser [1200] is filled with a low density porous stainless steel matrix or screen [1210 ]. For example, the porous stainless steel substrate may be constructed with about 60 pores per inch; however, other mesh sizes may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

The porous material [1210] provides a much higher surface/density ratio than the wire mesh to greatly improve the evaporation efficiency (i.e., more surface area for concentrate dispersion, and less substrate to heat). The porous material [1210] also minimizes air resistance compared to wire mesh.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the example dose diffuser [1210] is configured with three ports. The first port [1211] is directly aligned with the outlet port of the heater chamber to allow heat to be absorbed into the porous matrix [1210] during inhalation by a user. The second port [1213] is positioned proximally on top of the diffuser [1200] opposite the first port [1211 ]. The second port [1211] provides a means for the nozzle [800] to extend into the interior of the diffuser [1200 ].

In one embodiment, the oven seal [1202] provides an air-tight seal between the nozzle [800] and the second port [1213 ]. The sealing seat [1202] cooperates with the nozzle [800] to eliminate air flow into the oven [1100] during negative pressure inhalation by the user. The third port [1215] is directly aligned with the conduit [278] (i.e., the air path for the evaporated concentrate) and provides an air-tight seal between the third port [1215] and the conduit [278 ].

With reference to fig. 13, during operation of the evaporator of the present disclosure, a user squeezes out the concentrate product by indexing the dosing wheel [232] when the oven lid [266] is closed. The concentrate is then deposited into a porous matrix [1210 ]. When the user ignites the device and then draws air through the system, heated air "H" is drawn through the oven [1100], through the inner porous substrate [1210] to the conduit [278] and out through the mouthpiece [276] into the user [111 ].

In an exemplary aspect, heated air "H" is drawn through the inner porous substrate, thereby heating the porous substrate and the deposited concentrate "C". The concentrate then flashes through the porous matrix [1210] in the direction of the air flow "V". For example, when the vapor transition temperature of the oil concentrate is exceeded, the oil concentrate in the porous matrix [1210] continues to thin and turn into vapor. The thermal resistive nature of the evaporator shell [202] effectively contains heat within the porous matrix. Thus, the exemplary apparatus [200] provides the ability to micro-dose the oil concentrate.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the evaporator [200] and cartridge system, e.g., [600], may provide heated air to evaporate the concentrate only when a user applies negative pressure (i.e., inhales) at the mouthpiece. The heating coil [258] is activated to maintain a set temperature at the coil when negative air pressure is sensed in the system by using, for example, an in-line pressure sensor, a fan/IR reflector sensor, or by monitoring changes in power draw.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in fig. 13, the vaporizer apparatus allows a user to intentionally select a desired dose (e.g., a micro-dose) via iterative indexing of a dose wheel [1100 ]. Each index (i.e. encoder wheel configuration) is captured via pairing an IR emitter/detector arrangement with a slot in the dose wheel. In one aspect, the vaporizer device notifies the user that they have completed inhaling the desired/administered dose. According to this aspect, the device provides a hardware/software feedback loop whereby 1) the user presses and holds the "fire" button, wherein the device draws current from the battery through the heating coil to heat the coil to the set temperature, 2) once the set temperature is established and maintained by the PID control system (note: changes in current draw are small and predictable), the user will draw air through the evaporator; 3) the incoming air flow cools the heating coil, requiring the device to respond quickly to a ramp in current in order to maintain the set temperature, and 4) the change in amperage can be detected and thus used to accurately identify when a user inhales from the device.

An IR emitter and detector set are paired on opposite sides of the conduit [278] to detect the presence of vapor in the conduit [278 ]. In an exemplary embodiment, the conduit [278] may be a transparent borosilicate glass air path. When vapor is present in the conduit [278], it scatters IR light and causes less IR light to be collected by the detector. Thus, when the user presses and holds the "fire" button and draws air through the system, the device monitors the air path for the presence of vapor traveling upward, and the device notifies the mobile application that vapor is being drawn. When no vapor is detected after a set period of time while the user is inhaling, the device notifies the mobile application via BLE communication that the dose has been fully inhaled. This completes a feedback cycle that knows how much concentrate product to prepare for delivery (via the dose wheel indexing) and when all concentrate product has been inhaled.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the vaporizer device provides a retained identification code, which may be achieved by mounting a smart chip to a cartridge that is programmed at the time the cartridge is filled. The application may then use the code to access unique information corresponding to the identification code, such as product name, fraction fill lot information, laboratory results, product temperature limits, and the like. Thus, the smart chip, such as an EEPROM, is programmable, and the chip may also be programmed with information by the device during use, such as the dose remaining in the cartridge. This not only helps the user, but also prevents misuse by allowing the device to disable the cartridge in an attempt to use beyond the programmed volume life of the cartridge.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an evaporator [200], a removable nozzle with an integrated diffuser tool is provided, wherein the nozzle [276 ]:

a) to provide for the loading of the cartridge into the cartridge,

b) is removable and replaceable in a manner that allows it to be removed and replaced,

c) an air-tight seal is provided at the top of the conduit,

d) cooperates with a push button latch on the housing body to provide intuitive locking and unlocking of the spout to the housing body,

e) providing a pre-load of the concentrate product,

f) as a tool for removing the dose diffuser.

Fig. 14 shows a method [1400] for administering a concentrate to a user using an evaporator [200 ]. The evaporator [200] may be configured to monitor and control various aspects of the user's concentrate usage. The order in which the method [1400] is described is not intended to be limiting, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method, or an alternative method. In addition, individual blocks may be deleted from the method without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

At step [1402], the control unit of the evaporator reads an identification code associated with the concentrate. At step [1404], the communication unit of the vaporizer can transmit an identification code to the user device. At step [1406], the central server may receive an identification code from the user device, wherein the central server includes a database storing a plurality of identification codes for a plurality of concentrate information. At step [1308], concentrate information corresponding to the received identification code is retrieved from the database. At step [1410], the retrieved concentrate information is transmitted to a user device for display to a user.

In this specification and the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The terms "a" (or "an") and "the" refer to one or more of the entity, including a plurality of referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" may be used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "an embodiment," etc., are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as "about," is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some cases, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Terms such as "first," "second," "upper," "lower," and the like are used to identify one element from another and are not meant to refer to a particular order or number of elements unless otherwise specified.

As used herein, the terms "may" and "may be" indicate the likelihood of occurring within a set of circumstances: possess a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Thus, use of "may" and "may be" indicates that the modifying term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for the indicated capability, function, or use, while taking into account that in some cases the modifying term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some cases an event or capability may be expected to occur, while in other cases no event or capability may occur — this distinction is captured by the terms "may" and "may be".

As used in the claims, the word "comprise" and grammatical variations thereof are also logically encompassed and include varying and varying degrees of phrase such as, for example and without limitation, "consisting essentially of and" consisting of. Ranges are supplied as necessary, and those ranges include all subranges therebetween. It is intended that such range changes will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and wherein the appended claims shall cover those changes where not already dedicated to the public.

The terms "determine," "calculate," and "compute," and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of method, process, mathematical operation or technique.

The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. For example, in the foregoing detailed description, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. Features of embodiments, configurations, or aspects of the disclosure may be combined in alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects in addition to those discussed above. This method of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that: the present disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, claimed features may lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the disclosure.

Advances in science and technology may make possible equivalents and alternatives that are not presently contemplated due to the imprecision of language; such variations are intended to be covered by the appended claims. This written description uses examples to disclose the method, machine, and computer-readable medium, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the same, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The scope of which is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Component list

Title: improved evaporator, system and method for managing concentrate use

100 system

102 evaporator

104 cartridge

106 control unit

108 communication unit

110 user device

111 users

112 central server

114 database

116 user profile data

117 user(s)

200 evaporator

202 casing

204 first half of

206 second half

208 groove

210 cartridge

211 storage tank

212 plunger driver

213 pawl

214 plunger

216 memory module

218 nozzle

220 control unit

224 communication unit

226 power supply

232 dosage wheel

249 incision

250 oven

252 oven case

256 evaporation chamber

258 coil

260 dose diffuser

266 oven cover

272 air vent

276 suction nozzle

278 conduit

280 power supply button

282 ignition button

600 Cartridge

601 nozzle

602 intelligent chip

603 nozzle insert

605 cartridge body and storage tank

610 tip seal assembly

615 nozzle cap

620 dosing mechanism assembly

621 plunger

623 plunger driver

625 cylinder lock

700 cartridge, non-liquid

701 driver

703 spiral drill

706 nut

707 Cartridge body

710 nozzle

712 intelligent chip

800 nozzle

802 groove

803 tip seal

804 diaphragm

805 nozzle insert

807 nozzle port

809 cartridge body

900 dose integrity mechanism

902 plunger

904 pawl

906 canister lock

910 plunger driver

1000 plunger driver

1100 oven system

1200 diffuser

1210 porous substrate

1400 method

1402 step

1404 Process

1406 step

1408 step

1410.

Claims

1. A system for managing concentrate usage, the system comprising:

an evaporator, comprising:

a housing, comprising:

a cartridge configured to store a concentrate, wherein the cartridge comprises a concentrate reservoir, a nozzle at one end, and a dosing mechanism at the other end, a smart chip configured on the nozzle to track and record a concentrate dose in the concentrate reservoir, the smart chip comprising an identification code associated with the concentrate;

a control unit configured to read the identification code from the smart chip and control an operation of an oven;

a vapor detection system comprising an IR emitter and detector configured to detect the concentrate vapor in the conduit when the evaporated concentrate is inhaled by a user; and

a communication unit coupled to the control unit, wherein the communication unit transmits the identification code to a user device;

a central server comprising a database storing a plurality of identification codes for a plurality of concentrate information, wherein the central server is configured to:

receiving the identification code from the user device;

retrieving from the database concentrate information corresponding to the received identification code; and

transmitting the retrieved concentrate information to the user device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the dosing mechanism comprises a plunger driver, a pawl, and a plunger, and wherein upon rotation of a dosing wheel by a user, the plunger driver drives the plunger within the cartridge to release a predetermined amount of the concentrate through the nozzle.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the oven comprises a coil placed within a heat resistant tube, an air flow channel in communication with ambient air and a suction negative pressure air flow, and a dose diffuser comprising a porous material matrix.

4. The system of claims 1 and 3, wherein the control unit is configured to heat the coil of the oven based on at least one of an ignition button, an in-line pressure sensor, a fan/IR reflector sensor, and the identification code associated with the concentrate.

5. The system according to claims 1 and 4, wherein said control unit heats said coil to evaporate said predetermined amount of said concentrate released through said nozzle on said porous material matrix or screen of said dose diffuser.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the user device is configured to:

receiving at least one user input related to a vaporization session of the user; and

transmitting at least one instruction to the vaporizer for triggering the vaporization session based on the received user input.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the user device is configured to:

generating session data associated with the vaporization session; and

transmitting the session data to the central server.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the central server is configured to:

receiving the session data from the user device; and

updating a user profile based on the session data, wherein the user profile includes data associated with one or more vaporization sessions of the user.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the user device is configured to:

displaying a survey related to the vaporization session of the user;

receiving user feedback regarding the survey; and

transmitting the user feedback to the central server.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication unit of the vaporization device comprises a bluetooth low energy (BTLE) and/or WiFi module.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the user device displays dosage information based on at least one of the retrieved concentrate information, the user profile, a user's medical history, and the vaporization session.

12. A method for managing concentrate usage by a user, the method comprising:

reading, by a control unit of the evaporator, an identification code associated with the concentrate;

transmitting, by a communication unit of the vaporizer, the identification code to a user device and/or a system network;

receiving, by a central server, the identification code from the user device, wherein the central server comprises a database storing a plurality of identification codes for a plurality of concentrate information;

transmitting the retrieved concentrate information to the user device for display to a user.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the evaporator comprises:

a housing, comprising:

a cartridge configured to store the concentrate, wherein the cartridge comprises a concentrate storage tank, a nozzle at one end, the nozzle comprising an identification code associated with the concentrate, and a dosing mechanism at the other end;

an oven comprising a coil placed inside a heat resistant tube, an air flow channel in communication with ambient air and a suction negative pressure air flow, and a dose diffuser comprising a matrix of porous material; and

the control unit configured to read an identification code from the nozzle and control operation of an oven, wherein the oven is adjacent to the nozzle of the cartridge; and

the communication unit coupled to the control unit, wherein the communication unit transmits the identification code to the user device.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

receiving at least one user input related to a vaporization session; and

based on the received user input, at least one instruction is transmitted to the vaporizer for triggering the vaporization session.

15. The method according to claims 13 and 15, further comprising:

generating session data associated with the vaporization session; and

transmitting the session data to the central server for updating a user profile, wherein the user profile includes data associated with one or more vaporization sessions of the user.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

displaying a survey related to the vaporization session to the user;

receiving user feedback regarding the survey; and

transmitting the user feedback to the central server.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising displaying dosage information on the user device based on at least one of the retrieved concentrate information, the user profile, a user's medical history, and a vaporization session.

18. An evaporator, comprising:

a housing, comprising:

a cartridge configured to store a concentrate, wherein the cartridge comprises a concentrate reservoir, a nozzle at one end, a smart chip having an identification code associated with the concentrate, and a dosing mechanism at the other end, and wherein the dosing mechanism comprises a plunger driver, a pawl, and a plunger;

actuating a dosing wheel of the dosing mechanism, wherein the dosing wheel is rotatably engaged to the plunger driver;

an oven comprising a coil placed inside a heat resistant tube, an air flow channel in communication with ambient air and a suction negative pressure air flow, and a dose diffuser comprising a porous material matrix; and

a control unit configured to heat the coil of the oven based on at least one of an ignition button, an in-line pressure sensor, a fan/IR reflector sensor, and the identification code associated with the concentrate;

a vapor detection system comprising an IR emitter and detector configured to detect the concentrate vapor in the conduit when the evaporated concentrate is inhaled by a user;

a smart chip configured to track and record a concentrate dose in a concentrate storage tank; and

wherein upon a negative pressure being generated by a user by inhalation through a mouthpiece, the control unit heats the coil, the coil being configured to heat an air flow generated by the negative pressure, and wherein the heated air flow causes the extruded concentrate to evaporate, and wherein after rotation of the dosing wheel by the user, the extruded concentrate is dispensed through the nozzle onto the porous material matrix of the dose diffuser, and the plunger driver drives the plunger within the cartridge to release a predetermined amount of the concentrate.

19. The vaporizer of claim 18, wherein the mouthpiece is removable to slidably receive the cartridge within the housing.

20. The evaporator of claim 18, wherein the identification code associated with the concentrate is stored in a memory module comprised of at least one of a Near Field Communication (NFC) device, a QR code, a barcode, a smart chip, and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, and wherein the memory module is communicatively coupled to the control unit.

21. An evaporator according to claims 1 and 18 wherein the metering mechanism is an auger delivery mechanism.

22. The evaporator of claim 18, wherein the dosing wheel is a hollow cylinder that surrounds the plunger driver such that the rotation of the dosing wheel causes rotation of the plunger driver.

23. The evaporator of claims 18 and 22, wherein the plunger driver is mechanically engaged with the plunger and the pawl, the plunger being driven laterally downward upon rotation of the plunger driver as a result of rotation of the dosing wheel by the user.

24. An evaporator according to claims 18, 22 and 23 wherein the pawls permit unidirectional rotation of the metering wheel in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

25. An evaporator according to claims 18 and 22 wherein the dosing wheel rattles when rotated to a predetermined extent and wherein one click of the dosing wheel releases the predetermined amount of the concentrate through the nozzle.

26. The evaporator of claim 18, further comprising a communication unit configured to transmit the identification code to a user device, wherein the user device is configured to display information associated with the concentrate based on the identification code.

27. The evaporator according to claims 18 and 26, wherein the control unit is configured to receive an instruction from the user device via the communication unit to activate heating of the coil.

28. The vaporizer of claim 26, wherein the user device displays dose information based on at least one of the identification code, the identity of the user, the medical history of the user, and previous doses.

29. The evaporator of claim 18, further comprising a power source in communication with the control unit, wherein the power source is configured to supply electrical energy to the coil.

30. The evaporator as in claims 18 and 29 further comprising a power button located on the housing and in communication with the control unit, wherein the power button, when depressed by the user, allows power to be supplied from the power source to the coil.

31. The vaporizer of claim 18, further comprising a conduit proximal to the dose diffuser, wherein the conduit is connected to the mouthpiece to allow the vaporized concentrate to travel upon inhalation by a user.

32. The evaporator according to claims 18 and 31, further comprising a filter downstream of the conduit for filtering the evaporated concentrate.

33. The cartridge of claim 18, wherein the dosing wheel, plunger driver and plunger rotate in one direction.

34. The evaporator of claim 18, further comprising an infrared emitter and detector pair, wherein the infrared emitter and detector pair records the indexing of the dosing wheel.

35. The nozzle of claim 18 further comprising a tip seal configured to prevent damage to the cartridge reservoir.

36. A cartridge configured to store a concentrate, comprising:

a concentrate storage tank;

a nozzle at one end;

a smart chip configured on the nozzle to track and record a concentrate dose in a concentrate storage tank, the smart chip including an identification code associated with the concentrate, wherein the smart chip is communicatively coupled with a control unit, the control unit configured to read the identification code from the smart chip, the control unit configured to control operation of an evaporator; and

a dosing mechanism at the other end, wherein the dosing mechanism comprises a plunger driver, a pawl, and a plunger.

37. The cartridge of claim 36, wherein the dosing mechanism is communicatively coupled to a dosing wheel to actuate the dosing mechanism, wherein the dosing wheel is rotatably engaged to the plunger driver.

38. The nozzle of claim 36 further comprising a tip seal, wherein the tip seal comprises a septum.

39. The cartridge of claim 36, wherein the dosing wheel, plunger driver and plunger cooperatively rotate unidirectionally.

40. The cartridge of claim 36, wherein the detent is concealed by an assembly of the plunger, plunger driver, and cartridge lock to prevent removal, concentrate refilling, or other damage to the concentrate reservoir.

41. The cartridge of claim 36, wherein the smart chip comprises means for tracking a dose of concentrate from initial manufacture of the cartridge, and

wherein the smart chip further comprises means for preventing refilling of the concentrate storage tank and/or reprogramming of the smart chip.