US20240023604A1

US20240023604A1 - Vaporization device with two liquid reservoirs

Info

Publication number: US20240023604A1
Application number: US18/254,218
Authority: US
Inventors: Olivier BOURBONNAIS; Laurent LAFERRIÈRE; Christelle Hélène LUCE
Original assignee: Ditch Labs Inc
Current assignee: Ditch Labs Inc
Priority date: 2020-11-29
Filing date: 2021-11-29
Publication date: 2024-01-25
Also published as: EP4250987A1; WO2022113040A1; CA3200040A1

Abstract

There is provided a portion of a vaporization device, comprising: a body comprising a cartridge-mating portion for removable connection to a cartridge, the cartridge comprising a first reservoir containing a first liquid, a first atomizer for vaporizing the first liquid, a second reservoir containing a second liquid, and a second atomizer for vaporizing the second liquid; a sensor in communication with an air passageway for measuring one of a pressure and a flow rate of air flowing into the air passageway; and a controller for: determining a first vaporization rate for the first liquid and a second vaporization rate for the second liquid based on the one of the measured pressure and the measured flow rate; and controlling a power source for vaporizing the first liquid at the first vaporization rate and vaporizing the second liquid at the second vaporization rate.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/118,958 filed Nov. 29, 2020, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

The present technology pertains to the field of vaporization devices and methods of operation thereof.

BACKGROUND

Vaporization devices (sometimes also referred to as “vaping devices”, “vaporizer devices” or “vapes”) have been frequently used as a cigarette replacement or as a means to wean users off cigarettes. Typically, vaporization devices are handheld battery-operated devices that aerosolize a liquid contained in a liquid reservoir of the device and administer that aerosolized liquid to a user of the device via a user's inhalation. In some instances, such as those when a device is being used in place of a cigarette, the liquid contained in the reservoir will contain nicotine at a known concentration. Thus, when the liquid is aerosolized the nicotine is present in the aerosol as well, and is inhaled by the user. Other substances may also be present in the liquid to mimic the taste and feel of cigarette smoke (if so desires) but without requiring anything to be burned and without having all of the components of actual cigarette smoke. Alternatively, the inhalation may be “flavored” by the liquid to taste and feel nothing like cigarette smoke; for example, a fruit flavor could be used.
Because the concentration of the nicotine in the liquid to be aerosolized and inhaled is known, the amount of nicotine administered to the user via each inhalation is calculatable, controllable and recordable, should such be desired. Vaporization devices typically contain electronic components (e.g., integrated circuits, memory, etc.) which easily allow this to occur. Further a vaporization device may be in communication with a portable electronic computing device carried by a user (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, etc.), which may itself be in communication with a computer server. Such an entire system, including a vaporization device, a portable electronic computing device, and a computer server, can be used in ways in which ordinary (non-electronic) tobacco administration products (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.) cannot. This includes as part of a program to wean smokers off such products and the nicotine (and other substances) that they contain.
While the devices and systems of the prior art may be adequate for their intended functions, improvements are nonetheless possible SUMMARY
According to a first broad aspect, there is provided a portion of a vaporization device, comprising: a body comprising a cartridge-mating portion for removable connection to a cartridge, the cartridge comprising a first reservoir containing a first liquid, a first atomizer for vaporizing the first liquid, a second reservoir containing a second liquid, and a second atomizer for vaporizing the second liquid; a sensor in communication with an air passageway for measuring one of a pressure and a flow rate of air flowing into the air passageway; and a controller connectable to a power source for: determining a first vaporization rate for the first liquid and a second vaporization rate for the second liquid based on the one of the measured pressure and the measured flow rate; and when the cartridge is removably connected to the cartridge-mating portion, controlling the power source for vaporizing the first liquid at the first vaporization rate and vaporizing the second liquid at the second vaporization rate.
In one embodiment, the first liquid comprises an active substance and the second liquid is free from the active substance.
In one embodiment, the active substance comprises one of a nicotine, a nicotine slat, a nicotine compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and a cannabinoid.
In one embodiment, the controller is configured for accessing a database comprising predefined vaporization rates and one of respective pressures and respective flow rates for determining the first vaporization rate and the second vaporization rate.
In one embodiment, the first vaporization rate is equivalent to a first heating temperature for the first liquid and the second vaporization rate is equivalent to a second heating temperature for the second liquid, the controller being configured for determining the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature based on the one of the measured pressure and the measured flow rate.
In one embodiment, the controller is configured for accessing a database comprising predefined temperatures and one of respective pressures and respective flow rates for determining the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature.
In one embodiment, the first heating temperature is equivalent to a first resistance for a first heating element of the first atomizer and the second heating temperature is equivalent to a second resistance for a second heating element of the second atomizer, the controller being configured for determining the first resistance and the second resistance.
In one embodiment, the controller is configured for accessing a database comprising predefined resistances and one of respective pressures and respective flow rates for determining the first resistance and the second resistance.
In one embodiment, the controller is configured for controlling the power source according at least one control loop to achieve the first resistance and the second resistance.
In one embodiment, the at least one control loop comprises at least one proportional-integral-derivative loop.
In one embodiment, the body comprises an air inlet and an air outlet, the air passageway extending between the air inlet and the air outlet.
In one embodiment, the sensor is positioned along the air passageway so as to face the air inlet.
In one embodiment, the air passageway is defined at an interface between the body and the cartridge when the body and the cartridge are connected together.
In one embodiment, the body comprises an air conduct extending from the air passageway and the sensor is in communication with the air conduct.
In one embodiment, the sensor comprises one of an atmospheric sensor, a microphone, a piezoelectric pressure sensor and a pressure transducer.
In one embodiment, the sensor comprises one of an ultrasonic flow sensor and a machinal flow sensor.
According to a second broad aspect, there is provided a method for controlling a vaporization device comprising a first reservoir containing a first liquid, a first atomizer for vaporizing the first liquid, a second reservoir containing a second liquid, and a second atomizer for vaporizing the second liquid, the method comprising: measuring one of a pressure and a flow rate of air flowing into the vaporization device; determining a first vaporization rate for the first liquid and a second amount of a second vaporization rate for the second liquid, based on the one of the measured pressure and the measured flow rate; and controlling the first atomizer for vaporizing the first liquid at the first vaporization rate and the second atomizer for vaporizing the second liquid at the second vaporization rate.
In one embodiment, the first liquid comprises an active substance and the second liquid is free from the active substance.
In one embodiment, the active substance comprises one of a nicotine, a nicotine slat, a nicotine compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and a cannabinoid.
In one embodiment, the step of determining the first vaporization rate and the second vaporization rate comprises accessing a database comprising predefined vaporization rates and one of respective pressures and respective flow rates and retrieving the first vaporization rate and the second vaporization rate according to the one of the measured pressure and the measured flow rate.
In one embodiment, the first vaporization rate is equivalent to a first heating temperature for the first liquid and the second vaporization rate is equivalent to a second heating temperature for the second liquid, the step of determining the first vaporization rate and the second vaporization rate comprising determining the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature based on the one of the measured pressure and the measured flow rate.
In one embodiment, the step of determining the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature comprises accessing a database comprising predefined temperatures and one of respective pressures and respective flow rates and retrieving the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature based on the one of the measured pressure and the measured flow rate.
In one embodiment, the first heating temperature is equivalent to a first resistance for a first heating element of the first atomizer and the second heating temperature is equivalent to a second resistance for a second heating element of the second atomizer, the step of determining the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature comprising determining the first resistance and the second resistance based on the one of the measured pressure and the measured flow rate.
In one embodiment, the step of determining the first resistance and the second resistance comprises accessing a database comprising predefined resistances and one of respective pressures and respective flow rates and retrieving the first resistance and the second resistance based on the one of the measured pressure and the measured flow rate.
In one embodiment, the step of controlling the first atomizer and the second atomizer comprises controlling a power source according at least one control loop to achieve the first resistance and the second resistance.
In one embodiment, the at least one control loop comprises at least one proportional-integral-derivative loop.
According to a third broad aspect, there is provided a cartridge for generating a vapor, the cartridge comprising: a body defining a cavity, the body being provided with an inlet and an outlet; at least one vapor generating assembly comprising: a reservoir for containing a vaporizable liquid, the reservoir being provided with a wick receiving opening on a wall thereof; a wick having a first section inserted into the reservoir through the wick receiving opening and a second section located outside of the reservoir, the second section being in fluidic communication with the inlet and the outlet; and a heating element connectable to a power source for heating the second section of the wick in order to generate vapor.
In one embodiment, the heating element comprises a coil wound around the second section of the wick.
In one embodiment, the wick receiving opening is located on a lateral wall of the reservoir.
In another embodiment, the wick receiving opening is located on a bottom wall of the reservoir.
In one embodiment, the reservoir is provided with an annular cross-sectional shape and extends laterally between an internal tubular wall and an external tubular wall, the internal tubular wall defining an air passageway in fluidic communication with the inlet and the outlet.
In one embodiment, the wick receiving opening is located on the internal tubular wall and the heating element is located within the air passageway.
In one embodiment, the wick is made of one of cotton, an absorbent nonwoven fabric, a polyplastic foam, silica and viscose.
In one embodiment, the cartridge further comprises a porous element inserted into the reservoir, the porous element being connected to the wick.
In one embodiment, the porous element is made of one of cotton, an absorbent nonwoven fabric, a polyplastic foam, silica and viscose.
In one embodiment, the wick and the porous element are integral.
In one embodiment, the porous element and the wick are made of one of cotton, an absorbent nonwoven fabric, a polyplastic foam, silica and viscose.
In the context of the present specification, the words “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. have been used as adjectives only for the purpose of allowing for distinction between the nouns that they modify from one another, and not for the purpose of describing any particular relationship between those nouns. Thus, for example, it should be understood that, the use of the terms “first unit” and “third unit” is not intended to imply any particular type, hierarchy or ranking (for example) of/between the units.
In the context of the present specification, the word “embodiment(s)” is generally used when referring to physical realizations of the present technology and the word “implementations” is generally used when referring to methods that are encompassed within the present technology (which generally involve also physical realizations of the present technology). The use of these different terms is not intended to be limiting of or definitive of the scope of the present technology. These different terms have simply been used to allow the reader to better situate themselves when reading the present lengthy specification.
Embodiments and implementations of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned objects and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.
Additional and/or alternative features, aspects and advantages of embodiments and/or implementations of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first vaporization device, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a first partial cross-sectional view of the vaporization device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a second partial cross-sectional view of the vaporization device of FIG. 1 ; and

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second vaporization device, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The examples and conditional language recited herein are principally intended to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present technology and not to limit its scope to such specifically recited examples and conditions. It will be appreciated that those skilled in the art may devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, nonetheless embody the principles of the present technology and are included within its spirit and scope.
Furthermore, as an aid to understanding, the following description may describe relatively simplified implementations of the present technology. As persons skilled in the art would understand, various implementations of the present technology may be of a greater complexity.
In some cases, what are believed to be helpful examples of modifications to the present technology may also be set forth. This is done merely as an aid to understanding, and, again, not to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. These modifications are not an exhaustive list, and a person skilled in the art may make other modifications while nonetheless remaining within the scope of the present technology. Further, where no examples of modifications have been set forth, it should not be interpreted that no modifications are possible and/or that what is described is the sole manner of implementing that element of the present technology.
FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a vaporization device 10 configured to heat a pre-vapor formulation to generate a vapor. It is to be expressly understood that the device 10 is merely one embodiment, amongst many, of the present technology. Thus, the description thereof that follows is intended to be only a description of an illustrative example of the present technology. This description is not intended to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. In some cases, what are believed to be helpful examples of modifications to device 10 and/or additional embodiments may also be set forth below. This is done merely as an aid to understanding, and, again, not to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. These modifications are not an exhaustive list, and, as a skilled addressee would understand, other modifications are likely possible. Further, where this has not been done (i.e., where no examples of modifications have been set forth), it should not be interpreted that no modifications are possible and/or that what is described is the sole manner of implementing that element of the present technology. As a skilled addressee would understand, this is likely not the case. In addition, it is to be understood that the device 10 may provide in certain instances a simple embodiment of the present technology, and that where such is the case it has been presented in this manner as an aid to understanding. As a skilled addressee would understand, various embodiments of the present technology will be of a greater complexity.
The vaporizer device 10 comprises a main portion 12 and a cartridge portion 14, hereinafter referred to as the cartridge 14, which are removably securable or selectively couplable together. The main portion comprises a body 20 extending longitudinally between a first or top end 22 and a second or bottom end 24 opposite to the first end 20. The body 20 is provided with an internal cavity for receiving therein components such as a power source, sensors, electrical connections, and/or the like, as described in greater detail below. The cartridge 14 comprises a body 30 which extends between a first or top end 32 and a second or bottom end 34. The top end 32 of the cartridge 14 is provided with an opening 36 acting as a mouthpiece for allowing the generated vapor to exit the vaporizer device 10 and the user to inhale the vapor. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , when the main portion 12 and the cartridge 14 are removably connected together, the top end 22 of the main portion 12 and the bottom end 34 of the cartridge 14 are adjacent to one another or in physical contact together at an interface 38 between the top end 22 of the main portion 12 and the bottom end 34 of the cartridge 14.
It should be understood that any adequate means such as natural friction, a lever tab, a snap hook, a magnet, or the like may be used for removable securing the cartridge 14 to the main portion 12.
As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the body 20 of the main portion 12 is provided with at least one internal cavity or chamber in which at least a controller 40 and a power source 42 are contained. As described in greater detail below, the controller 40 is configured to control the operation of the main portion 12 and the cartridge 14 once connected to the main portion 12. The power source 42 is configured to power all of the electrical components of the main portion 12 and the cartridge 14 once connected to the main portion 12. The body 20 comprises at the end 22 thereof a cartridge-mating portion 44 provided with a recess 46 for accommodating some components of the cartridge 14 once connected to the main portion 14, as described below. The body 20 further comprises an opening or inlet 48 on a lateral face thereof and a canal or conduct 50 in fluidic communication with the inlet 48. The conduct 50 extends from the inlet 48 up to the cartridge-mating portion 44 to emerge into the recess 46 so as to allow air to flow from the inlet 48 to the cartridge-mating portion 44.
The body 30 of the cartridge 14 comprises an internal cavity or chamber in which some components of the cartridge 14 are located. The cartridge 12 comprises a first liquid reservoir 60, a second liquid reservoir 62, a first atomizer 64 operatively connected to the first reservoir 60 and a second atomizer 66 operatively connected to the second reservoir 62. The first reservoir 60 is adapted to contain a first vaporizable liquid comprising an active substance at a known concentration. The second reservoir 62 is adapted to contain a second vaporizable liquid being free from active substance, i.e., the second liquid odes not contain the active substance. The second liquid may be referred to as a placebo.
In one embodiment, the active substance comprises nicotine, a nicotine slat, a nicotine compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a cannabinoid, or the like.
The first atomizer 64 is connected to the first reservoir 60 so as to vaporize or aerosolize some of the first liquid contained in the first reservoir 60 upon activation of the first atomizer 64. Similarly, the second atomizer 66 is connected to the second reservoir 62 so as to vaporize some of the second liquid contained in the second reservoir 62 upon activation of the second atomizer 66.
The first and second atomizer 64 and 66 are fluidly connected to the conduct 50, when the main portion 12 and the cartridge 12 are connected together, so that air flowing from the inlet 48 into the conduct 50 may propagate up to the first and second atomizers 64 and 66.
The body 30 of the cartridge 14 further comprises a mixing chamber 70 adjacent to the top end 32 of the body 30 and the mixing chamber 70 is fluidly connected to the mouthpiece 36. The mixing chamber 70 is further fluidly connected to the first and second atomizers 64 and 66 to receive the vapors generated by the first and second atomizers 64 and 66 and mix the receive vapors together.
The main portion 12 is further provided with two sets of electrical connectors 72 and 74 which are each electrically connected to the power source 42. Each of the electrical connector 72, 74 projects from the body 20 of the main portion 12 into the recess 46.
The cartridge 14 is further provided with two sets of electrical connectors 76 and 78 which are electrically connectable to the sets of electrical connectors 72 and 74, respectively. Each of the electrical connector 72, 74 projects from a bottom wall of the body 30 of the cartridge 14. When the main portion 12 and the cartridge 14 are removably secured together, the electrical connectors 76 and 78 of the cartridge 14 are located within the recess 46 of the main portion 12 and are in physical contact with the electrical connectors 72 and 74 so that an electrical connection is created between the electrical connectors 72 and 76 to power the first atomizer 64 and an electrical connection is created between the electrical connectors 74 and 78 to power the second atomizer 66.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second reservoirs 60 and 62 are each provided with a cylindrical shape and each define a respective internal passageway 80, 82. The first passageway 80 is surrounded by the first reservoir 60 and extends along the first reservoir 60. Similarly, the second passageway 82 is surrounded by the second reservoir 62 and extends along the second reservoir 62.
The cartridge 14 further comprises a T-shaped conduct used for fluidly connecting the conduct 50 to the first and second passageways 80 and 82 when the cartridge 14 is removably secured to the main portion 12. The T-shaped conduct comprises three conducts 90, 92 and 94. The first conduct 90 extends between a first end fluidly connectable to the conduct 50 and a second end fluidly connected to the two conducts 92 and 94. Each conduct 92, 94 extends between a first end fluidly connected to the second end of the conduct 90 and a second end fluidly connected to a respective passageway 80, 82. As a result of the fluidic connections between the different conducts, when the cartridge 14 is removably secured to the main portion 12 and a user inhales air via the mouthpiece 36, air enters the conduct 50 via the inlet 48 and propagates in the conduct 90 before splitting and propagating in the conducts 92 and 94. The air then reaches each passageways 80 and 82 and the atomizers 64 and 66 vaporizes some liquid to create a respective vapor. The vapors propagates up to the mixing chamber 70 where they mix before exiting the device 10 via the mouthpiece 36.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first atomizer 64 is electrically connected to the connectors 76 and comprises a wick 100 and a coil 102 wound around a portion of the wick 100. The wick 100 and the coil 102 are located within the passageway 80 and the wick 100 is secured to the reservoir 60 so as to be in physical contact with the first liquid contained therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the first reservoir 60 comprises an internal tubular wall and a spaced apart external tubular wall so that the cross-section of the first reservoir 60 is annular. The space defined between the two tubular walls is closed at both extremities of the tubular walls so that the first liquid may be enclosed between the two tubular walls. The internal tubular wall of the first reservoir is provided with two openings 106 and 108 which face each other and are each sized and shaped to receive therein a respective part of the wick 100 so that both ends of the wick 100 each penetrate into a respective section of the first container 60 to be in physical contact with the first liquid while the central part of the wick 100 covered by the coil 102 is outside of the container 60. It should be understood that the connection between the wick 100 and the internal tubular wall of the reservoir 60 is substantially hermetical so that no first liquid may exit the reservoir between the wick 100 and the internal tubular wall. In one embodiment, a substantially hermetical connection between the reservoir 60 and the wick 100 is achieved by adequately choosing the dimension of the wick-receiving openings 106 and 108 relative to the cross-section dimension of the wick 100 so that a tight connection between reservoir 60 and the wick 100 be achieved. It should also be understood that the sections of the wick 100 that are located within the container 60 are not covered by the coil 102.
While in the illustrated embodiment, the openings 106 and 108 are located on a side or lateral wall of the reservoir 60 adjacent a bottom end thereof, it should be understood that other configurations may be possible as long as the wick 100 be in fluidic communication with the outlet mouthpiece 36. For example, the openings 106 and 108 could be located on the bottom wall of the reservoir 60.
Due to capillary effect and since the wick 100 is made of a porous material, the portion of the first wick 100 covered by the coil 102 becomes saturated with the first liquid. Therefore, when an electrical current propagates through the coil 102, heat is generated and vapor is created due to the heating of the wick 100.
Similarly, the second atomizer 66 is electrically connected to the connectors 78 and comprises a wick 110 and a coil 112 wound around a portion of the wick 110. The wick 110 and the coil 112 are located within the second passageway 82 and the wick 110 is secured to the second reservoir 62 so as to be in physical contact with the second liquid contained therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the second reservoir 62 second comprises an internal tubular wall and a spaced apart external tubular wall so that the cross-section of the second reservoir 62 is annular. The space defined between the two tubular walls is closed at both extremities of the tubular walls so that the second liquid may be enclosed between the two tubular walls. The internal tubular wall of the second reservoir 62 is provided with two openings 116 and 118 which face each other and are each sized and shaped to receive therein a respective part of the wick 110 so that both ends of the wick 110 each penetrate into a respective section of the second container 62 to be in physical contact with the second liquid while the central portion of the wick 110 is located outside of the reservoir 62. It should be understood that the connection between the second wick 110 and the internal tubular wall of the second reservoir 62 is substantially hermetical so that no second liquid may exit the reservoir between the second wick 110 and the internal tubular wall. In one embodiment, a substantially hermetical connection between the reservoir 62 and the wick 110 is achieved by adequately choosing the dimension of the wick-receiving opening 116, 118 relative to the cross-section dimension of the wick 110 so that a tight connection between reservoir 62 and the wick 110 be achieved. It should also be understood that the sections of the wick 110 that are located within the container 62 are not covered by the coil 112.
While in the illustrated embodiment, the opening 116 and 118 are located on a side or lateral wall of the reservoir 62 adjacent a bottom end thereof, it should be understood that other configurations may be possible as long as the wick 110 be in fluidic communication with the outlet mouthpiece 36. For example, the openings 116 and 118 could be located on the bottom wall of the reservoir 62.
Due to capillary effect and since the wick 110 is made of a porous material, the portion of the second wick 110 covered by the coil 112 becomes saturated with the second liquid. Therefore, when an electrical current propagates through the second coil 102, heat is generated and vapor is created due to the heating of the second wick 110.
In the illustrated embodiment, the internal tubular wall of the reservoirs 60 and 62 is recessed to accommodate the wick 100, 110 and the coil 102, 112. However, it should be understood that in at least some embodiment, no recess may be present on the internal wall of the reservoirs 60 and 62.
Since the wick 100, 110 is not aligned with the reservoir 60, 62 nor contained into the reservoir 60, 62, the liquid contained in the reservoir is not heated when the coil 102, 112 is activated and the generated vapor does not propagate through the reservoir 60, 62 and the liquid contained therein to reach the mixing chamber 70. This allows for limiting energy losses and any degradation of the liquid contained in the reservoir 60, 62.
As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the device 10 further comprises a sensor 120 located in the main portion 12. The sensor 120 is configured for measuring of the pressure or the flow rate of the air propagating into the conduct 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the conduct 50 comprises a first conduct section 122 and a second conduct section 124. The first section 122 extends from the inlet 48 transversally through a section of the body 20. The second conduct section 124 extends between a first end fluidly connected to the first conduct section 122 and a second end fluidly connectable to the conduct 90. Furthermore, the second conduct section 124 is angled relative to the first conduct section 122, e.g. the second conduct section 124 is orthogonal to the first conduct section 122 as in the illustrated embodiment.
The sensor 120 is connected to the conduct 50 and positioned at any adequate position along the conduct 50 to measure either the pressure or the flow rate of the air flowing into the conduct 50. It should be understood that the term “pressure” and the expression “flow rate” should be interpreted broadly so as to encompass the pressure and the flow rate, respectively, or a variation of pressure and a variation of flow rate, respectively.
In one embodiment, the sensor 120 is positioned at the junction between the first and second conduct sections 122 and 124 so as to face the inlet 48. Having the sensor 120 facing the inlet 48 allows for a better measurement precision.
In one embodiment, the sensor 120 comprises a pressure sensor. Examples for the pressure sensor comprise an atmospheric sensor, a microphone, a piezoelectric pressure sensor, a pressure transducer, or the like.
In another embodiment, the sensor 120 comprises a flow rate sensor or a flow meter such as an ultrasonic flow sensor, a machinal flow sensor, or the like.
In one embodiment, the cartridge further comprises a first porous element inserted into the first reservoir 60 and/or a second porous element inserted into the second reservoir 64. The first porous element is in fluid communication with the first wick 100 and the second porous element is in fluid communication with the second wick 110. Since the wicks 100 and 110 are made of a porous material, the first liquid contained in the first element may propagate from the first element to the first wick 100 and the second liquid contained in the second porous element may propagate from the second porous element to the second wick 110.
In one embodiment, at least the bottom internal portion of the first reservoir 60 is coated or covered with the first porous element and at least the bottom internal portion of the second reservoir 62 is coated or covered with the second porous element.
In another embodiment, the first and second reservoirs 60 and 62 are filled with porous material such that the first porous element substantially occupies the whole volume of the first reservoir 60 and the second porous element substantially occupies the whole volume of the second reservoir 62.
In one embodiment, the first porous element and the first wick 100 are integral. In the same or another embodiment, the second porous element and the second wick 110 are integral.
The insertion of a porous element into a reservoir 60, 62 allows to more easily transport the liquid to the atomizer 64, 66 regardless of the special orientation of the cartridge 14. For example, the porous elements may rely on capillary action (or any other physical properties that allows the transport of liquid by a material) to facilitate the liquid transport. In operation, capillary forces will draw the liquid into the porous element upon activation of the device 10, even when the capillary force on the liquid is opposed by gravity.
In one instance, the liquid contained in the reservoir 60, 62 is not in contact with the atomizer 64, 66. This may be called a “dry hit.” A dry hit occurs if there is not enough liquid in reservoir 60, 62 and the atomizer 64, 66 is allowed to exponentially increase in temperature. By using the porous element, it is possible to limit “dry hits” by allowing the liquid to reach the wick 100, 110 thanks to capillary action.
It should be understood that the shape of the reservoirs 60 and 62 is exemplary only. For example, the reservoirs 60 and 62 may have a cylindrical shape. In another example, the reservoirs 60 and 62 may be provided with a rectangular cross-sectional shape. It should be understood that the reservoir 60, 62 may be provided with any adequate shape as long as the reservoir comprises at least one opening in a wall thereof for insertion of the wick 100, 110 therein.
Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the controller 40 is configured for controlling the operation of the atomizers 64 and 66 in order to generate an adequate amount of vapor form the first and second liquid. The controller 40 is in communication with the sensor 120 to receive the value of the pressure or flow rate measured by the sensor 120 and is connected to the power source 42 for controlling the electrical power to be delivered to the atomizers 64 and 66. The controller 40 is configured for determining a first vaporization rate for the first liquid and a second vaporization rate for the second liquid, based on the measured pressure or flow rate. The controller 40 is further configured for controlling the power source 42 to allow the first atomizer 64 to generate a first vapor from the first liquid at the determined first vaporization rate and allow the second atomizer 66 to generate a second vapor from the second liquid at the determined second vaporization rate.
The vaporization rate (which may also be referred to as the evaporation rate hereinafter) refers to the quantity of liquid being vaporized by an atomizer per unit of time. For example, the vaporization rate may be expressed as a volume per time unit, e.g., ml per second.
In one embodiment, the controller 40 comprises a memory on which a database is stored. The database comprises for each atomizer 64, 66, vaporization rate values each associated with a respective pressure value or a respective flow rate value. In this case and in order to determine the first and second vaporization rates, the controller 40 accesses the database and retrieves the vaporization rate for the first atomizer 64 that corresponds to the measured pressure or measured flow rate and the vaporization rate for the second atomizer 66 that corresponds to the measured pressure or measured flow rate. In one embodiment, the vaporization rate values and their respective pressure or flow rate values are identical for the two atomizers 64 and 66. In this case, the database comprises a single set of vaporization rates values and corresponding pressure or flow rate values. In another embodiment, the vaporization rate values and their respective pressure or flow rate values are different for the two atomizers 64 and 66 and the vaporization rate values may depend on the particular liquid to be vaporized. In this case, the database comprises two sets of values, i.e., a first set of vaporization rates values and corresponding pressure or flow rate values for the first atomizer 64 and a second set of vaporization rates values and corresponding pressure or flow rate values for the second atomizer 66.
After retrieving the first and second vaporization rates that correspond to the measured pressure or flow rate, the controller 40 controls the power source 42 so that the first atomizer 64 heats the first liquid to generate the first vapor at the determined first vaporization rate and the second atomizer 66 heats the second liquid to generate the second vapor at the second vaporization rate.
In one embodiment, since a given vaporization rate for a liquid can be achieved by heating the liquid at a given temperature, the step of determining the first and second vaporization rates is equivalent to determining a first heating temperature for the first liquid and a second heating temperature for the second liquid. In this case, the controller 40 is configured for determining a first temperature to be achieved by the heating element of the first atomizer 64 and a second temperature to be achieved by the heating element of the second atomizer 66, based on the measured pressure or the measured flow rate.
In one embodiment, the database comprises for each atomizer 64, 66, predefined temperature values each associated with a respective pressure value or a respective flow rate value. In this case and in order to determine the temperatures at which the first and second liquids have to be heated, the controller 40 accesses the database and retrieves a first temperature for the first liquid that corresponds to the measured pressure or measured flow rate and a second temperature for the second liquid that corresponds to the measured pressure or measured flow rate. In one embodiment, the predefined temperatures stored in the database and their respective pressure or flow rate values are identical for the two liquids. In this case, the database comprises a single set of predefined temperatures and corresponding pressure or flow rate values. In another embodiment, the predefined temperatures and their respective pressure or flow rate values are different for the two liquids. In this case, the database comprises two sets of values, i.e., a first set of predefined temperatures and corresponding pressure or flow rate values for the first liquid and a second set of predefined temperatures and corresponding pressure or flow rate values for the second liquid.
After retrieving the first and second temperatures that correspond to the measured pressure or flow rate, the controller 40 controls the heating elements, e.g., the coils 102 and 112, of the first and second atomizers 64 and 66 to heat the first liquid at the first temperature and the second liquid at the second temperature.
In one embodiment, the controller 40 then controls the power source 42 to power the first atomizer 64 so that the first liquid be heated at the first temperature and the second atomizer 66 so that the second liquid be heated at the second temperature.
In one embodiment, the temperature of the heating element of the atomizer 64, 66 can be determined by determining the resistance of the heating element, e.g., the coil 102, 112. Since a heating temperature is associated with a respective resistance of the heating element, a target temperature is achieved when the resistance of the heating element is equal to a given resistance associated with target temperature. In this case, the database may comprise for each hearting temperature a respective resistance value. A control loop such as proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control loop can be used to reach the resistance value associated with the target temperature and thereby heat the liquid at the the target temperature.
In another embodiment, since a given heating temperature can be achieved by applying a respective electrical power to the heating element of an atomizer, the step of determining the first and second heating temperatures comprises determining a first electrical power to be applied to the first atomizer 64 and a second electrical power to be applied to the second atomizer 66. In this case, the controller 40 is configured for determining a first electrical power to be applied to the first atomizer 64 and a second electrical power to be applied to the second atomizer 66, based on the measured pressure or the measured flow rate.
In one embodiment, the database comprises for each atomizer 64, 66, electrical power values each associated with a respective pressure value or a respective flow rate value. In this case and in order to determine the electrical power to be applied to the atomizers 64 and 66, the controller 40 accesses the database and retrieves the electrical power to be applied to the first atomizer 64 that corresponds to the measured pressure or measured flow rate and the electrical power to be applied to the second atomizer 66 that corresponds to the measured pressure or measured flow rate. In one embodiment, the electrical power values to be applied and their respective pressure or flow rate values are identical for the two atomizers 64 and 66. In this case, the database comprises a single set of electrical power values to be applied and corresponding pressure or flow rate values. In another embodiment, the electrical power values to be applied and their respective pressure or flow rate values are different for the two atomizers 64 and 66. In this case, the database comprises two sets of values, i.e., a first set of electrical power values to be applied and corresponding pressure or flow rate values for the first atomizer 64 and a second set of electrical power values to be applied and corresponding pressure or flow rate values for the second atomizer 66.
After retrieving the first and second electrical powers that correspond to the measured pressure or flow rate, the controller 40 controls the power source 42 to provide the first electrical power to the first atomizer 64, e.g., to the coil 102, and the second electrical power to the second atomizer 66, e.g., to the coil 112.
In one embodiment, the atomizers 64 and 66 are activated by the controller 40, i.e., electrical power is provided to the atomizers 64 and 66, only when the measured pressure or flow rate is greater than a trigger threshold.
In one embodiment, the vaporization rates at which the first and second vapors are generated vary in time during an inhalation. In this case, the sensor 120 is configured for measuring the pressure of the air or the flow rate of air substantially continuously or at different or successive time intervals. Each time it receives a new measured pressure or flow rate from the sensor 120, the controller 40 determines a new vaporization rate for the first atomizer 64 and a new vaporization rate for the second atomizer 66 based on the newly received measured pressure or flow rate.
In one embodiment, the controller 40 is configured for comparing the newly received pressure or flow rate to the previously received pressure or flow rate. If the absolute value of the difference between the newly received pressure or flow rate and the previously received pressure or flow rate is less than or equal to a predefined threshold, the controller 40 makes no adjustment and continues operating the first and second atomizers 64 and 66 at the previously determined vaporization rates. If the absolute value of the difference between the newly received pressure or flow rate and the previously received pressure or flow rate is greater than the predefined threshold, the controller 40 determines a new value for the first and second vaporization rates and controls the power source 42 so as that the first and second atomizers generate the first and second vapors at the newly determined vaporization rates, respectively.
In one embodiment, the controller 40 is further configured for determining the amount of active substance being vaporized during the generation of the first vapor. The total amount of active substance that was vaporized during an inhalation is referred to as a total dose D_totassociated with the inhalation. Since the vaporization rate of the first liquid, and therefore the vaporization rate of the active substance contained in the first liquid, may vary in time during a given inhalation (because of a variation of measured pressure or flow rate), the total dose D_totthat was delivered during a given inhalation may be seen as the summation of different doses D_ndelivered during the same given inhalation. Each dose D_ncorresponds to the amount of active substance that was vaporized at a respective vaporization rate K_nduring the time interval or time duration Δt_nduring which the atomizer was operated at the vaporization rate K_n. For example, during a given inhalation that last two seconds, the user may inhales vapor with a first inhalation strength during a first duration Δt₁of the inhalation and then inhales vapor at a second and different inhalation strength during the remaining time Δt₂of the inhalation. In this case, the sensor 120 measured a first pressure of flow rate during the first duration Δt₁and a second and different pressure of flow rate during the second duration first duration Δt₂. Therefore, the controller 40 then determines a first vaporization rate K₁associated with the first duration and a second vaporization rate K₂associated with the second duration Δt₂. The dose D₁of active substance that was delivered during the first duration Δt₁is then equal to: C*K₁*Δt₁, where C is the concentration of active substance in the first liquid. Similarly, the dose D₂of active substance that was delivered during the second duration Δt₂is then equal to: C*K₂*Δt₂. The total dose D_totdelivered during the given inhalation is then equal to: D₁+D₂.
More generally, when the inhalation strength varies T times during a given inhalation having a duration of Δt, the total dose D_totof active substance that was vaporized during the given inhalation can be expressed as follows:
$D_{tot} = \sum_{n = 1}^{T} D_{n} = \sum_{n = 1}^{T} K_{n} C Δ t_{n} with Δ t = \sum_{n = 1}^{T} Δ t_{n}$
where K_nis the vaporization rate of the first liquid during the duration Δt_n.
In one embodiment, the above-described control method allows to adjust the amount of active substance provided to the user to his need for the active substance. It is usually assumed that the more a user needs the active substance, the greater the strength of the inhalation will be. By measuring the pressure of air or the flow rate of the air during an inhalation, it is possible to indirectly measure the strength of the inhalation. In one embodiment, the greater the measured pressure or flow rate is, the greater the associated vaporization rate is. In this case, it is possible to increase the amount of active substance provided to the user when the measured pressure or flow rate is important by providing more electrical energy to the atomizer 64 and thereby heating the wick 100 at a greater temperature.
In one embodiment, the controller 40 is configured for calculating the total amount of active substance being vaporized during an inhalation, i.e., as the inhalation is being performed, and comparing the calculated amount to a maximal amount to be vaporized. As soon as the total amount of active substance that was vaporized during the inhalation reaches the maximal amount, the controller 40 stops the operation of the first atomizer 64 so that the first liquid is no longer vaporized and the user no longer inhales the active substance while continuing the operation of the second atomizer 66 as long as the user inhales vapor. As a result, while he continues inhaling vapor after the maximal amount of active substance has been reached, the user no longer inhales the active substance since only the second atomizer 66 operates and the second liquid is active substance free.
For example, the maximal amount of active substance may be associate with a given time period such as one hour. In this case, the maximal amount represents the maximal amount of active substance that can be vaporized during the given period time independently of the number of inhalations performed by the user during the given period of time. This allows for limiting the amount of active substance to be delivered to the user during the given period of time since only vapor containing no active substance will be generated for the remaining of the given time period as soon as the maximal amount of active substance has been vaporized.
Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3 , it should be understood that the design of the device 10 may vary. For example, the position of the sensor 120 along the air path within the device 10 as long as the sensor 120 may adequately measure the pressure or the flow rate of the air flowing into the device 10. Similarly, the shape and/or position of the air path within the device 10 may vary. For example, the position of the inlet 48 may vary.
FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a vaporization device 200 which comprises a main portion 212 and a cartridge 214 which are removably securable or selectively couplable together. In view of the similarities between the devices 10 and 200, the elements that are identical between the devices 10 and 200 will not be described in the following. The main portion 212 comprises a body 220 provided with an internal cavity for receiving therein different components. The main portion further comprises a half conduct 240 which extends from a lateral face thereof. The half conduct 240 extends transversally along a given portion of the body 220. The body 220 further comprises a conduct 242 which is in fluidic communication with the half conduct 240 and extends longitudinally along a given section of the body 220 towards the bottom end of the body 220. The main portion 212 further comprises a pressure sensor 244 which is positioned so as to measure the pressure within the conduct 242.
The cartridge 214 comprises a body 230 in which two reservoirs 60 and 62, a mixing chamber 70 and two atomizers 64 and 66 are contained. The cartridge 214 further comprises a half conduct 250 which extends from a lateral face of the body 230. The half conduct 250 extends transversally along a given portion of the body 230 and is in fluidic communication with the two atomizers 64 and 66.
When the main portion 212 and the cartridge 214 are connected together, the half conduct 240 and the half conduct 250 connect together to form a full conduct which extends from an inlet 252 located at the interface between the main portion 212 and the cartridge 214.
In operation, air enters the device 200 via the inlet 252 and propagates up to the two atomizers 64 and 66 via the full conduct formed by the two half conducts 240 and 250. The flow of air in the full conduct creates a negative pressure in the conduct 242 which is measured by the sensor 244.
The controller 40 then controls the operation of the atomizers 64 and 66 based on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 244, as described above.
In one embodiment, the sensor 120, 244 may be omitted. In this case, the controller 40 operates the first and second atomizers 64 and 66 each at a respective predefined vaporization rate which does not depend on any measured pressure or flow rate. The predefined vaporization rate for the first and/or second liquid may vary in time during an inhalation and/or from one inhalation to another. Alternatively, the device 10, 200 may only comprise the first reservoir 60 containing the first liquid provided with the active substance and the first atomizer 64 and the second reservoir 62 and the second atomizer 66 may be omitted. In this case, the controller 40 operates the only reservoir containing the first liquid using a predefined vaporization rate.
In an embodiment in which the device 10, 200 comprises a sensor 120, 244 and the controller 40 controls the vaporization of the first and second liquids as described above, the person skilled in the art that atomizers other than the atomizers 64 and 66 may be used and/or the atomizers 64 and 66 may have a different position relative to the reservoirs 60 and 62. For example, the atomizers 64 and 66 could be located within their respective reservoir 60, 62.
In one embodiment, the power source 42 comprises at least one battery and electrical circuitry and may also comprise power control circuitry, current sensing circuitry, voltage sensing circuitry, charging interface, battery charging circuitry, and/or the like. In one embodiment, the cavity of the main portion 12 in which the battery is located is enclosed and non-accessible. In this case, the battery may be a rechargeable battery and the main portion 12 is provided with a connector for recharging the battery. In another embodiment, the cavity may be accessed by removing a cover for example.
In one embodiment, the wick 100, 110 is made of cotton, absorbent nonwoven fabric, polyplastic foam, silica, viscose or the like.
In embodiment in which the reservoir 60, 62 is provided with a porous element therein, the porous element is made of cotton, absorbent nonwoven fabric, polyplastic foam, silica, viscose or the like.
In one embodiment, the reservoirs 60 and 62 have the same volume. In another embodiment, the reservoir 60 and 62 have a different volume.
In some embodiments, the cartridge 14, 214 further has a first liquid temperature sensor arranged to sense a temperature of the first liquid in the first reservoir 60, the first liquid temperature sensor being in electrical connection with the controller 40 when the cartridge 14, 214 is connected to the main body 12, 212.
In some embodiments, the cartridge 14, 214 further has a second liquid temperature sensor arranged to sense a temperature of the second liquid in the second reservoir 62, the second liquid temperature sensor being in electrical connection with the controller when the cartridge 14, 214 is connected to the main body 12, 212.
In some embodiments, the cartridge 14, 214 further comprises a non-transitory information storage medium that, when the cartridge 14, 214 is connected to the main body 12, 212, is electrical communication with and readable by the controller 40.
In some embodiments, the information storage medium of the cartridge 14, 214 contains information readable by the controller 40 related to at least one of the first liquid and the second liquid and to enable a determination of authenticity of the cartridge 14, 214.
In some embodiments, the device 10, 200 includes a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of ambient air entering the device 10, 200.
In some embodiments, the device 10, 200 may include a user-input sensor. The user-input sensor may be composed of an accelerometer in communication with the controller 40. In another embodiment, the user-input sensor may be a gyroscope. For example, when a user wants to use the device 10, 200, the user may unlock the device 10, 200 using the user-input sensor with a finger tap.
In one embodiment, the bodies 20, 220 and 30, 230 may be formed from a thermoplastic material (e.g., high-temperature thermoplastic material). Generally, the bodies 20, 220 and 30, 230 may be formed from a food-safe, chemical (e.g., oil) resistant material. Exemplary materials may include polycarbonate or ABS.
In some embodiments, the cartridge 14, 214 may be configured as a disposable component of the device 10, 200. For example the cartridge 14, 214 may be disposed by end user when the cartridge 14, 214 no longer contains enough of at least one of the first and second liquids. However, rather than having the user physically refill the cartridge 14, 214, the user may purchase a new cartridge 14, 214 for use with the device 10, 200.
In some embodiments, the cartridge 14, 214 may be self-destructing. In other words, the cartridge 14, 214 may be configured such that a user cannot tamper with the cartridge 14, 214 (e.g., refill or re-use the cartridge 14, 214, take liquid out of the cartridge 14, 214, etc.).
In one embodiment, the controller 40 comprises at least one processing unit or processor and an internal data storage unit such as a memory. Instructions configured for executing the above-described control method are stored on the data storage unit and the control method is performed when the instructions are executed by the processor.
In some embodiments, the device 10, 200 comprises a printed circuit board which may include at least one or more of power management unit, current sensing circuitry, voltage sensing circuitry, charging interface, battery charging circuitry, network interface (e.g., radio frequency identification (RFID) module, near-field communication (NFC) module, Bluetooth™ module, low-energy Bluetooth™ (BLE) module, Wi-Fi™ adapter, ZigBee™ module, etc.), a microcontroller, information storage medium and one or more safety mechanisms.
In some embodiments, the temperature of the heating elements of the atomizers 64 and 66 may be measured using the resistance change of the heating elements, and implementing a feedback loop with the controller 40 to adjust the power output to meet the target temperature (e. g., proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control loop). In some embodiments, power management unit may be a metal oxide silicon field effect transistor (MOSFET). The amount of power provided by the power source 42 to the atomizers 64 and 66 affects the amount of aerosolized liquids (vapors) produced by the cartridge 14, 214.
In some embodiments, the controller 40 may extract (fetch) information contained in the information storage medium of the cartridge 12, 212 when the cartridge 12, 212 and the main body 14, 214 are coupled. The information extracted may be the contents of at least one liquid of the liquid reservoirs 60 and 62, or the authenticity of the cartridge 12, 21. If the contents of at least one liquid reservoir 60, 62 is sufficiently depleted, or if the cartridge 12, 212 is not authentic, the controller 40 may prevent the activation of atomizers 64 and 66.
The present technology is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the preceding description or illustrated in the drawings. The present technology is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including”, “comprising”, or “having”, “containing”, “involving” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter as well as, optionally, additional items. In the description the same numerical references refer to similar elements.
It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
As used herein, the terms “about”, “generally”, “substantially” or the like in the context of a given value or range, etc. refers to a value or range, etc. that is within 20%, preferably within 10%, and more preferably within 5% of the given value or range.
As used herein, the term “and/or” is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of the two specified features or components with or without the other. For example, “A and/or B” is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of (i) A, (ii) B and (iii) A and B, just as if each is set out individually herein.
Modifications and improvements to the above-described implementations of the present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting.

Claims

1. A portion of a vaporization device, comprising:

a body comprising a cartridge-mating portion for removable connection to a cartridge, the cartridge comprising a first reservoir containing a first liquid, a first atomizer for vaporizing the first liquid, a second reservoir containing a second liquid, and a second atomizer for vaporizing the second liquid;

a sensor in communication with an air passageway for measuring one of a pressure and a flow rate of air flowing into the air passageway; and

a controller connectable to a power source for:

determining a first vaporization rate for the first liquid and a second vaporization rate for the second liquid based on the one of the measured pressure and the measured flow rate; and

when the cartridge is removably connected to the cartridge-mating portion, controlling the power source for vaporizing the first liquid at the first vaporization rate and vaporizing the second liquid at the second vaporization rate.

2. The portion of the vaporization device of claim 1, wherein the first liquid comprises an active substance and the second liquid is free from the active substance.

3. The portion of the vaporization device of claim 2, wherein the active substance comprises one of a nicotine, a nicotine slat, a nicotine compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and a cannabinoid.

4. The portion of the vaporization device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured for accessing a database comprising predefined vaporization rates and one of respective pressures and respective flow rates for determining the first vaporization rate and the second vaporization rate.

5. The portion of the vaporization device of claim 1, wherein the first vaporization rate is equivalent to a first heating temperature for the first liquid and the second vaporization rate is equivalent to a second heating temperature for the second liquid, the controller being configured for determining the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature based on the one of the measured pressure and the measured flow rate.

6. The portion of the vaporization device of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured for accessing a database comprising predefined temperatures and one of respective pressures and respective flow rates for determining the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature.

7. The portion of the vaporization device of claim 5, wherein the first heating temperature is equivalent to a first resistance for a first heating element of the first atomizer and the second heating temperature is equivalent to a second resistance for a second heating element of the second atomizer, the controller being configured for determining the first resistance and the second resistance.

8. (canceled)

9. The portion of the vaporization device of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured for controlling the power source according at least one control loop to achieve the first resistance and the second resistance.

10. (canceled)

11. The portion of the vaporization device of claim 1, wherein the body comprises an air inlet and an air outlet, the air passageway extending between the air inlet and the air outlet.

12. The portion of the vaporization device of claim 11, wherein the sensor is positioned along the air passageway so as to face the air inlet.

13. The portion of the vaporization device of claim 1, wherein the air passageway is defined at an interface between the body and the cartridge when the body and the cartridge are connected together.

14. The portion of the vaporization device of claim 13, wherein the body comprises an air conduct extending from the air passageway and the sensor is in communication with the air conduct.

15. The portion of the vaporization device of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises one of an atmospheric sensor, a microphone, a piezoelectric pressure sensor and a pressure transducer.

16. (canceled)

17. A method for controlling a vaporization device comprising a first reservoir containing a first liquid, a first atomizer for vaporizing the first liquid, a second reservoir containing a second liquid, and a second atomizer for vaporizing the second liquid, the method comprising:

measuring one of a pressure and a flow rate of air flowing into the vaporization device;

determining a first vaporization rate for the first liquid and a second amount of a second vaporization rate for the second liquid, based on the one of the measured pressure and the measured flow rate; and

controlling the first atomizer for vaporizing the first liquid at the first vaporization rate and the second atomizer for vaporizing the second liquid at the second vaporization rate.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first liquid comprises an active substance and the second liquid is free from the active substance.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the active substance comprises one of a nicotine, a nicotine slat, a nicotine compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and a cannabinoid.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein said determining the first vaporization rate and the second vaporization rate comprises accessing a database comprising predefined vaporization rates and one of respective pressures and respective flow rates and retrieving the first vaporization rate and the second vaporization rate according to the one of the measured pressure and the measured flow rate.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein the first vaporization rate is equivalent to a first heating temperature for the first liquid and the second vaporization rate is equivalent to a second heating temperature for the second liquid, said determining the first vaporization rate and the second vaporization rate comprising determining the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature based on the one of the measured pressure and the measured flow rate.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein said determining the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature comprises accessing a database comprising predefined temperatures and one of respective pressures and respective flow rates and retrieving the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature based on the one of the measured pressure and the measured flow rate, wherein the first heating temperature is equivalent to a first resistance for a first heating element of the first atomizer and the second heating temperature is equivalent to a second resistance for a second heating element of the second atomizer, said determining the first heating temperature and the second heating temperature comprising determining the first resistance and the second resistance based on the one of the measured pressure and the measured flow rate, and wherein said controlling the first atomizer and the second atomizer comprises controlling a power source according at least one control loop to achieve the first resistance and the second resistance.

23-25. (canceled)

26. The method of claim 22, wherein the at least one control loop comprises at least one proportional-integral-derivative loop.

27-37. (canceled)