US20100319716A1

US20100319716A1 - smoking device using a laser diode as a source of ignition

Info

Publication number: US20100319716A1
Application number: US12/489,437
Authority: US
Inventors: Chris Tao
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-06-23
Filing date: 2009-06-23
Publication date: 2010-12-23

Abstract

A smoking device, such as a water pipe or a bong, having an integrated laser diode ignition source. The laser diode ignition source provides a long-lasting life span, and does not require the smoker to use a fuel-based lighter that is not recyclable and requires continuous refilling of the fuel cartridge. Furthermore, the laser diode ignition source does not leave any undesirable aftertaste to the organic material. The ignition source is located within a housing, protected from the environment and wind. The ignition source applies a high intensity laser beam to ignite organic material, such as smokable substances, locating within a bowl adjacent to the ignition source.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to smoking devices, and more particularly, to an improved water pipe or bong which utilizes a laser diode as an ignition source.
2. Description of Related Art
In the smoking of organic materials including some rare and expensive tobaccos, it is found that inhaled smoke oftentimes tends to be somewhat harsh, hot and irritating to the lungs of a smoker. Accordingly, it is desirable that the smoke from these materials be tempered and treated prior to its being inhaled. Devices known as “water pipes” and “bongs” have been used to effect tempering and treatment of smoke.
A water pipe ordinarily includes an upstanding housing which defines a water chamber near its base. A burning bowl is operably connected to the housing for introducing smoke into the water chamber. A mouthpiece communicates with the water chamber for drawing smoke from the burning bowl through the water chamber. As the smoke travels through the water, it tends to be cleaned of ash and certain other contaminants, and may be cooled slightly to render it more suitable for inhaling. In some instances, liquids other than water have been used in the water chamber.
A bong is ordinarily quite similar in construction to a water pipe, the principal difference being that the bong has no mouthpiece communicating with its water chamber but rather utilizes a housing having an open upper end which may be pressed against facial portions around the mouth of a smoker. As the smoker inhales, smoke from a burning bowl is drawn through water or other liquid disposed in a chamber at the lower end of the housing. A small diameter air admission hole may be formed through the wall of the housing at a level above that of the liquid. This hole may be maintained closed by a simple flap valve or may be held closed by the smoker during initial stages of a draw, whereupon the smoker may open the air admission hole toward the end of a draw to ease the draw as smoke from the chamber is inhaled.
Traditional smoking devices use an ignition source, such as a lighter or a match, to burn the organic materials. One problem with traditional smoking devices is that they can be cumbersome and difficult to light in windy environments. Smokers are forced to buy more expensive ignition sources, such as butane torches, which produce a more intense and steady flame even in the presence of some wind. However, even with butane torches, there may be difficulty in igniting the organic materials if the wind is particularly strong, such as on the high seas, at the beach, on a lake, in the woods, or anywhere windy or wet conditions prevail.
Additionally, smokers are required to carry with them a separate ignition source whenever they desire to use the smoking device. Thus, if a lighter or a match cannot be found, the smoker cannot use the smoking device.
Another problem with traditional smoking devices is that smokers must use two hands, one hand to hold the smoking device, and the other hand to ignite the organic material. Thus, a smoker does not have a free hand when using the smoking device. There exist self-lighting bongs which allow a smoker to use the smoking device with a single hand. However, these self-lighting bongs utilize an open, exposed flame to ignite the organic material, and smokers still experience problems of lighting in windy environments.
Yet another problem with traditional smoking devices is that they can require the use of fuel-based lighters, such as butane. The fuel leaves an aftertaste in the organic material, which is not desirable to the smoker.
Furthermore, with the heightened awareness of global warming and environmental concerns, consumers are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Traditional lighters, such as butane lighters, continue to contribute to the rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere as a staggering 3 billion lighters find their way to a landfill each year. The butane lighter's unrecyclable status has become a growing concern for environmentalists.
Therefore, there is a need for a smoking device that is dependable even in windy or wet conditions, that is easy to use, does not leave a fuel aftertaste in the organic material, and is environmentally friendly compared to traditional smoking devices.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a smoking device, comprising: a pipe having an open upper end and a lower end, the open upper end configured to receive a user's mouth; a liquid chamber attached to the lower end of the pipe; an inlet tube attached to the liquid chamber, the inlet tube having a hollow opening; a bowl configured to be inserted into the hollow opening of the inlet tube; and an ignition source attached to the bowl, the ignition source configured to deliver energy in a direction towards the bowl.
In another embodiment, the invention is directed to an organic material igniting device, comprising: a housing; a switch coupled to the housing; a laser diode located within the housing; and a bowl connected to the housing about a rotational axis, wherein the housing is rotatable to expose an opening in the bowl, wherein the laser diode is configured to emit laser energy in a direction towards the bowl upon activation of the switch.
In yet another embodiment, the invention is directed to an ignition source assembly, comprising: a housing; a switch positioned adjacent to the housing; a laser diode coupled to the switch; a power source coupled to the laser diode; and a means for securing the housing to a bowl for holding organic material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other embodiments of the disclosure will be discussed with reference to the following exemplary and non-limiting illustrations, in which like elements are numbered similarly, and where:

FIG. 1 is a view of a smoking device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an organic material holding assembly;

FIG. 3 is a view of an organic material holding assembly;

FIG. 4 is a view of an ignition housing;

FIG. 5 is a view of an organic material holding assembly with a tab switch;

FIG. 6 is a view of an organic material holding assembly with a depressible ignition housing;

FIG. 7 is view of an open ignition housing attached to a bowl;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an ignition housing having a battery chamber;

FIG. 9 is a view of an ignition housing having a battery chamber;

FIG. 10 is a view of a locking mechanism between an ignition housing and a bowl;

FIG. 11 is a view of a closed organic material holding assembly;

FIG. 12 is a view of an open organic material holding assembly;

FIG. 13 is a view of a smoking device according to another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 14 is a view of an ignition housing attached to a smoking pipe;

FIG. 15 is a view of a smoking pipe with a bowl;

FIG. 16 is a view of an exploded smoking pipe with a bowl;

FIG. 17 is a view of an exploded smoking pipe with a detachable bowl; and

FIG. 18 is a view of an ignition housing attached to a smoking pipe according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a view of a smoking device according to an embodiment on the invention. The smoking device 100 includes a tube 102, a chamber 104, inlet tube 106, and an organic material holding assembly 108. In an embodiment, the tube 102 has a cylindrical shape and includes an open end 112 configured to receive a smoker's mouth. The open end 112 can be fitted with a removable mouthpiece to comfortably accommodate the mouth of a smoker. The tube 102 has a lower end that is disposed vertically upon the chamber 104. In an embodiment, the tube 102 and the chamber 104 include mating threads (not shown) and are detachably attached to one another. The tube 102 and the chamber 104 can be secured together by screwing the tube 102 into the chamber 104, or vice versa. The smoker may thereby inhale and create a suction force upon the contents of the tube 102, in a manner and for a purpose hereinafter described in detail.
The chamber 104 is hollow and can be filled with water or another liquid, in preparation for use by the smoker. The unfilled volume within the chamber 104 creates a smoke chamber (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the chamber 104 has a cylindrical shape so that a smoker's hand can easily grip and hold the smoking device 100. However, the chamber 104 can be of any shape, such as, but not limited to, a square, triangle, rectangle, oval, or any other multi-sided or rounded shape.
The chamber 104 includes an inlet tube 106, which receives an organic material holding assembly 108. The organic material holding assembly 108 has a bowl (described in more detail below) which is removably insertable into the inlet pipe 106. The organic material holding assembly 108 is configured to hold organic materials, such as, but not limited to, tobacco, smokable substances, and therapeutic marijuana. The organic material holding assembly 108 further includes an ignition source (described in more detail below). In an embodiment, power is supplied to the ignition source via a power cord 110, which can be plugged into a power socket or an external power source. In another embodiment, the holding assembly 106 can include a battery (as shown in FIG. 8) or a portable power source, so that the smoking device 100 is not required to be plugged into a power socket for use.
In yet another embodiment, the holding assembly 106 can include a battery, as well as a power cord 110 connected to a wall charging device (not shown). Thus, the holding assembly 106 serves as a battery charger for the battery or batteries housed within the holding assembly 106.
The power cord 110 can include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector, allowing the holding assembly 106 to receive power and signals from other USB-enabled devices, such as, but not limited to, computers, personal digital assistants, cellular phones, iPhone, iPods, Blackberry, Treo, and other mobile communication and computing devices. Furthermore, the USB connector can receive signals from other USB-enabled devices, which allows for remote activation of the ignition source. In another embodiment, the holding assembly 106 includes a wireless communication means, such as a Bluetooth or infrared transmitter and receiver, capable of receiving wireless signals from a remote device.
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an organic material holding assembly. The organic material holding assembly 108 includes an ignition housing 202 and a bowl 208. The ignition housing 202 includes a depressible switch 204. Upon depression by, for example, the smoker's finger or thumb, the switch 204 activates an ignition source (described in more detail below) that is located within the ignition housing 202. In another embodiment, the switch 204 can be located on a side of the ignition housing 202. In yet another embodiment, the switch can be a button, tab, sliding mechanism, or trigger than can be used to activate the ignition source. The ignition housing 202 can further include a locking mechanism to prevent accidental or unwanted operation of the switch 204 and/or the ignition source. The ignition housing 202 includes air holes 212 located on a lower rim 210 of the ignition housing 202. In an embodiment, the ignition housing 202 is made of plastic, glass, hardened ceramic, or metal.
The ignition housing 202 is attached to a ring 206, which is configured to secure the ignition housing 202 to the bowl 208. In a preferred embodiment, the ring 206 is made from a metallic material, such as stainless steel. However, the ring 206 can also be made from a high-durability rigid rubber or plastic material that can withstand charring from intense heat from the ignition source.
The ring 206 includes mating holes 216, which are configured to receive a mating socket 214 located on the ignition housing 202. The mating socket 214 can be positioned between the mating holes 216, and can be secured in place with fasteners 218. Fasteners 218 can include nuts, bolts, screws, threads, or any other components which can secure the mating socket 214 to the mating holes 216. In a preferred embodiment, the fasteners 218 are cylindrical or rod-shaped as to allow rotational movement of the mating socket 214 between the mating holes 216. The rotational movement allows the ignition housing 202 to be opened in order to expose the bowl 208, as shown in FIG. 7. The fasteners 218 can be tightened or loosened to provide a desired stiffness at the rotation axis between the ignition housing 202 and the ring 206.
The connected ignition housing 202 and ring 206 assembly is attached to the bowl 208 by placing the ring 206 into the bowl opening 220. In an embodiment, a protection ring (not shown) made or rubber or rigid plastic can be placed between the ring 206 and the bowl opening 220. The protection ring can protect the bowl 208 from any scratches, scrapes, or damage caused by friction from the ring 206.
In an embodiment, the bowl 208 is made of glass, hardened ceramic, or metal, and can be shaped in a pipe form as shown in FIG. 2. The bowl 208 is configured to hold the organic material. The bowl 208 can be made from a clear material so that the contents of the bowl 208 can be viewed during use of the smoking device 100.
In an embodiment, the organic material holding assembly 108, which includes the ignition housing 202 and the bowl 208 as described above, is removable from the inlet tube 106. The organic material holding assembly 108 is a portable, replaceable, removable, and interchangeable component for the smoking device. In another embodiment, the bowl 108 is permanently affixed to the chamber 104, and only the ignition housing 108 is removable from the bowl 108. In yet another embodiment, the organic material holding assembly 108 is permanently affixed to the chamber 104, thus allowing the smoking device 100 to have a built-in ignition source, such as a laser diode.
FIG. 3 is a view of an assembled organic material holding assembly. The organic material holding assembly 108 can include a locking mechanism (described in more detail below) that secures the ignition housing 202 onto the ring 206, and prevents accidental or unwanted opening of the organic material holding assembly 108. In an embodiment, the rotation axis 314 between the ignition housing 202 and the ring 206 can be a molded plastic or rubber material, such as hardened elastic, instead of mechanical fasteners 218, which allows the ignition housing 202 to rotate and open to expose the bowl opening 220. Thus, the ignition housing 202 and the ring 206 can be a single component, instead of two separate components as shown in FIG. 2.
The air holes 212 allow airflow from the organic material holding assembly 108 into the bowl 208. In an embodiment, the air holes 212 may be maintained closed by a valve or switch (not shown) during initial stages of a draw, whereupon the smoker may open the air holes 212 toward the end of a draw to ease the draw as smoke from the tube 102 is inhaled.
FIG. 4 is a view of an ignition housing. In an embodiment, the lower rim 210 of the ignition housing 202 can have a toothed pattern 404. The toothed pattern 404 forms air holes or grooves near a junction where the ignition housing 202 and the ring 206 meet, which operate in a similar fashion as the air holes 212. The ignition housing 202 includes an ignition source 402, which is preferably a laser diode. Upon activation by the switch 204, the ignition source 402 emits a high intensity laser beam to ignite the organic material in the bowl 208. In another embodiment, multiple laser diodes, such as an array of laser diodes, can be used as an ignition source. The ignition source 402 can emit a steady-state laser beam, or alternatively, can emit a pulsed laser beam. In an embodiment, the ignition housing 202 includes a selection switch (not shown) which allows the smoker to select between a steady-state and pulsed laser beam emission mode.
The laser diode can be any type of laser diode that is manufactured from aluminum gallium arsenide, aluminum gallium phosphide, aluminum gallium indium phosphide, gallium arsenide phosphide, gallium phosphide, gallium nitride, indium gallium nitride, silicon carbide, silicon, sapphire, zinc selenide, diamond, aluminum nitride, aluminum gallium nitride and combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, the ignition source 402 is an infrared laser having 1.5 W of power. However, a laser diode of 10 mW to 10 W, and more preferably, at least 50 mW to 5 W, is desirable to adequately light the organic material in the bulb 208. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, a 808 nm infrared diode is used as the ignition source 402 for cost and efficiency reasons. However, laser diodes having other wavelengths, such as 980 nm, can be used as an ignition source as well.
In contrast to fuel-based lighters, which leave an undesirable aftertaste in the organic material, the laser beam leaves no aftertaste. The smoking device 100 provides the smoker the pure taste of the organic material.
In an embodiment, the ignition source 402 can be, for example, a 50 mW laser diode, which has an average specified life of about 3,000 to 5,000 hours of continuous use. This translates to at least four to seven months, as the laser diode incorporated into the smoking device 100 will not be in a continuous active laser emitting state. Thus, the smoking device 100 allows a smoker to use the ignition source 402 for many months, possibly upwards of a year, without replacing the ignition source 402. This life span is much longer than a typical butane lighter, which, based on the frequency of use by the smoker, can last for a matter of days or weeks. A laser diode ignition source does not require the smoker to throw away depleted butane lighters and buy new butane fuel cartridges on a very frequent basis, thus reducing the overall carbon footprint created by the smoker every time the smoking device 100 is used.
In another embodiment, the ignition source 402 can include an electric coil heat source, similar to that found in an automobile cigarette lighter. Upon activation by the switch 204, the electrical coils are heated, which in turn, emit high intensity heat to the organic material in the bowl 208. In an embodiment, the ignition source 402 can be coupled to a timer that activates the ignition source for a set period of time, such as 5 seconds. Thus, the user is not required to continually depress the switch 204 in order for the ignition source 402 to be activated.
In yet another embodiment, the ignition housing 202 can include a replaceable butane fuel cartridge or tank, and a butane flame mechanism. Upon activation by the switch 204, the butane flame mechanism emits a high intensity butane flame to the organic material in the bowl 208. The butane flame mechanism is completely encased within the ignition housing 202 so that it is not exposed to the environment.
FIG. 5 is a view of an organic material holding assembly with a tab switch. The tab switch 502 is similar to a switch on many conventional butane lighters. The tab switch 502 can be depressed by the smoker's finger or thumb. FIG. 6 is a view of an organic material holding assembly with a depressible ignition housing. The ignition source is activated by depressing the ignition housing 602. The ignition housing is completely or semi-depressible or deformable, and includes a contact member 604. Upon application of pressure to the contact member 604 by the smoker's finger or thumb, the ignition housing 602 depresses towards the ring 206 and the bowl 208, activating the ignition source located within the ignition housing 602.
FIG. 7 is view of an open ignition housing attached to a bowl. In an embodiment, the ignition housing 202 can be rotated or flipped open, exposing the bowl opening 220. By exposing the bowl opening 220, the organic material inside the bowl 208 can be removed, and the bowl 208 itself can also be cleaned. Furthermore, by exposing the bowl opening 220, organic material can be placed inside the bowl 208.
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an ignition housing having a battery chamber. The ignition housing 800 includes a switch 204, an ignition source 402, a battery chamber 802, a circuit board 804, a cover 808, and a case 810. The switch 204 is electrically or mechanically coupled to the battery 806 through circuitry located on the circuit board 804. In an embodiment, the ignition source 402, such as a laser diode as described above, is inserted into a case 810 to protect the ignition source 402 from breakage or damage. The battery 806 can be an alkaline battery, lead-acid battery, lithium-ion battery, or any other rechargeable or disposable battery. In a preferred embodiment, a rechargeable battery is used so as to minimize waste and further reduce the carbon footprint of using the smoking device 100. In an embodiment, the cover 808 is secured to the ignition housing 800 using a locking mechanism 812. The ignition housing 800 can have any type of mechanism to secure a battery, and is not limited to the chamber 802 design shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a view of an ignition housing having a battery chamber. The battery 806 is inserted into the battery chamber 802, and the ignition source 402 is inserted into a case 810.
In an embodiment, the ignition housing 800 can include audible or visual indicators to indicate that the ignition source has been activated. The audible or visual indicators can further indicate that the organic material in the bowl has been ignited or heated to a sufficient degree. The visual indicator can include, but is not limited to, different colored or blinking LED lights, where a green color can indicate an “off” status, and a red color can indicate an “on” status of the ignition source. The audible indicator can include, but is not limited to, an alarm, beep, tone, or other sound to provide an alert.
FIG. 10 is a view of a locking mechanism between an ignition housing and a bowl. The bowl 208 and the ignition housing 202 each include a first connecting member 1008 and a second connecting member 1010. Each of the connecting members 1008, 1010 are connected to each other via fasteners 218 as described above. In a preferred embodiment, the fasteners 218 are cylindrical or rod-shaped as to allow rotational movement between the first connecting member 1008 and the second connecting member 1010. The rotational movement allows the ignition housing 202 to be opened in order to expose the interior of the bowl 208, as shown in FIG. 7. The fasteners 218 can be tightened or loosened to provide a desired stiffness at the rotation axis between the ignition housing 202 and the bowl 208.
The locking mechanism 812 includes a hook 1004 attached to a lever 1002. The hook 1004 is configured to lock with a lip 1014 on the first connecting member 1008. The lever 1002 is attached to the second connecting member 1008. To engage the locking mechanism 812, the hook 1004 is connected to the lip 1014, and the lever 1002 is depressed downwards towards the bowl 208, causing the hook 1004 and the lip 1014 to become tightly secured to one another. To disengage the locking mechanism 812, the lever 1002 is lifted upwards in a direction away from the bowl 208, releasing the hook 1004 from the lip 1014.
FIG. 11 is a view of a closed organic material holding assembly. The ignition housing 800 has a closed cover 808 that is secured by the engaged locking mechanism 812. The ignition housing 800 is secured to the bowl 208 by the engaged locking mechanism 812. FIG. 12 is a view of an open organic material holding assembly. The locking mechanism 812 is disengaged, exposing an opening in the bowl 208.
In an embodiment, the ignition housing 800 includes an ignition lock (not shown), that prevents unauthorized or unwanted activation of the ignition source. The ignition lock can be a manual lock, which requires a key in order for power to be activated in the ignition housing 800. In another embodiment, the lock can be mechanical, and requires a user to input a password or code on a remote device that is coupled to the smoking device or ignition housing 800.
In another embodiment, the ignition lock can be controlled by a timer, whereby unlocking the ignition lock allows activation of the ignition source for a set period of time. After the set period of time, the ignition lock automatically re-locks, requiring the user to unlock the device to resume use.
FIG. 13 is a view of a smoking device according to another embodiment of the invention. The organic material holding assembly 1302 is inserted into the inlet tube 106 as described above for FIG. 1. In another embodiment, the ignition device and ignition source are not integrated with a bowl, but instead, are directly integrated with the smoking device, such as a bong. Thus, the ignition source is built-in and permanently or removably coupled to the smoking device.
FIG. 14 is a view of an ignition housing attached to a smoking pipe. A smoking pipe 1404 includes a mouthpiece 1406 and a bowl 1402. The ignition housing 800 is removably attached to the bowl 1402. In an embodiment, the ignition housing 800 and bowl 1402 contain complimentary threads, so that the ignition housing 800 can be screwed into the bowl 1402. In another embodiment, the ignition housing 800 is push or snap-fitted into the bowl 800.
FIG. 15 is a view of a smoking pipe with a bowl. To use, the ignition housing 800 is removed from the bowl 1402, exposing an interior of the bowl 1402 so that organic material can be placed within the bowl 1402. Once organic material has been placed within the bowl 1402, the ignition housing 800 is attached to the bowl.
FIG. 16 is a view of an exploded smoking pipe with a bowl. In an embodiment, the smoking pipe 1404 is modular and can be detached into a separate mouthpiece 1406, first pipe portion 1506, second pipe portion 1504, filter 1502, and bowl 1402. The modular design allows the smoking pipe 1404 to easily be broken down for storage and transport. In an alternative embodiment, the smoking pipe 1404 is a single molded component that is not modular.
FIG. 17 is a view of an exploded smoking pipe with a detachable bowl. The smoking pipe 1706 includes a detachable bowl 1702 and a gripper 1704 placed between the bowl 1702 and the smoking pipe 1706. The gripper 1704 can be made from rubber, and is preferably silicon-based. The gripper 1704 prevents the bowl 1702 from damaging the smoking pipe 1706 due to friction.
FIG. 18 is a view of an ignition housing attached to a smoking pipe according to another embodiment of the invention. The ignition housing 800 described in this invention can be attached to any type of smoking device, and is not limited to the smoking pipes and bongs depicted in the figures herein.
While the principles of the disclosure have been illustrated in relation to the exemplary embodiments shown herein, the principles of the disclosure are not limited thereto and include any modification, variation or permutation thereof.

Claims

1. A smoking device, comprising:

a pipe having an open upper end and a lower end, the open upper end configured to receive a user's mouth;

a liquid chamber attached to the lower end of the pipe;

an inlet tube attached to the liquid chamber, the inlet tube having a hollow opening;

a bowl configured to be inserted into the hollow opening of the inlet tube; and

an ignition source attached to the bowl, the ignition source configured to deliver energy in a direction towards the bowl.

2. The smoking device of claim 1, wherein the ignition source is a laser diode.

3. The smoking device of claim 1, wherein the ignition source is encased within a housing.

4. The smoking device of claim 1, wherein the ignition source is activated by a switch.

5. The smoking device of claim 1, wherein the ignition source is coupled to a power source.

6. The smoking device of claim, wherein the ignition source is an electric coil.

7. An organic material igniting device, comprising:

a housing;

a switch coupled to the housing;

a laser diode located within the housing; and

a bowl connected to the housing about a rotational axis, wherein the housing is rotatable to expose an opening in the bowl, and

wherein the laser diode is configured to emit laser energy in a direction towards the bowl upon activation of the switch.

8. The organic material holding assembly of claim 7, further including a locking mechanism to secure the housing to the bowl.

9. The organic material holding assembly of claim 7, wherein the housing includes a battery power source.

10. The organic material holding assembly of claim 7, wherein the housing is coupled to a power cord.

11. The organic material holding assembly of claim 7, wherein the housing includes air holes.

12. The organic material holding assembly of claim 7, wherein the bowl is made of glass, metal, or ceramic.

13. The organic material holding assembly of claim 7, further including a protective ring between the housing and the bowl.

14. The organic material holding assembly of claim 7, wherein the housing is depressible and configured to activate the switch.

15. An ignition source assembly, comprising:

a housing;

a switch positioned adjacent to the housing;

a laser diode coupled to the switch;

a power source coupled to the laser diode; and

a means for securing the housing to a bowl for holding organic material.

16. The ignition source assembly of claim 15, wherein the laser diode is configured to emit laser energy in a direction towards the bowl upon activation of the switch.

17. The ignition source assembly of claim 15, wherein the power source is a battery located within the housing.

18. The ignition source assembly of claim 15, wherein the power source is an external power source.

19. The ignition source assembly of claim 15, wherein air holes are formed near a junction of the housing and the bowl.

20. The ignition source assembly of claim 15, wherein the switch is selected from the group consisting of a button, a tab, a sliding mechanism, and a trigger.