Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M15/00—Inhalators
  • A61M15/06—Inhaling appliances shaped like cigars, cigarettes or pipes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
  • A24F40/485—Valves; Apertures
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
  • A61M11/04—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised
  • A61M11/041—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
  • A61M11/04—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised
  • A61M11/041—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters
  • A61M11/042—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters electrical
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M15/00—Inhalators
  • A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
  • A61M15/002—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof with air flow regulating means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
  • A61M16/14—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours by mixing different fluids, one of them being in a liquid phase
  • A61M16/16—Devices to humidify the respiration air
  • A61M16/161—Devices to humidify the respiration air with means for measuring the humidity
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P25/00—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
  • A61P25/30—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system for treating abuse or dependence
  • A61P25/34—Tobacco-abuse
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F22—STEAM GENERATION
  • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
  • F22B1/00—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method
  • F22B1/28—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F15/00—Receptacles or boxes specially adapted for cigars, cigarettes, simulated smoking devices or cigarettes therefor
  • A24F15/01—Receptacles or boxes specially adapted for cigars, cigarettes, simulated smoking devices or cigarettes therefor specially adapted for simulated smoking devices or cigarettes therefor
  • A24F15/015—Receptacles or boxes specially adapted for cigars, cigarettes, simulated smoking devices or cigarettes therefor specially adapted for simulated smoking devices or cigarettes therefor with means for refilling of liquid inhalable precursors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/49—Child proofing
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
  • A61M2016/0015—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors
  • A61M2016/0018—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors electrical
  • A61M2016/0024—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors electrical with an on-off output signal, e.g. from a switch
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
  • A61M2016/003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
  • A61M2205/18—General characteristics of the apparatus with alarm
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
  • A61M2205/27—General characteristics of the apparatus preventing use
  • A61M2205/276—General characteristics of the apparatus preventing use preventing unwanted use
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
  • A61M2205/33—Controlling, regulating or measuring
  • A61M2205/3375—Acoustical, e.g. ultrasonic, measuring means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
  • A61M2205/58—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
  • A61M2205/581—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision by audible feedback
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
  • A61M2205/60—General characteristics of the apparatus with identification means
  • A61M2205/609—Biometric patient identification means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
  • A61M2205/80—General characteristics of the apparatus voice-operated command
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
  • A61M2205/82—Internal energy supply devices
  • A61M2205/8206—Internal energy supply devices battery-operated

Definitions

• the invention pertains generally to the field of vaporizers, and specifically to portable electronic vapor producing devices.
• Chemical substances containing therapeutic or medicinal ingredients are traditionally delivered in solid or liquid form, either orally, intravenously, or by absorption through the skin. Chemical substances in liquid form may also be converted, through a combustion or vaporizing process, into a gaseous form that can be delivered orally through inhalation.
• the inhalation of substances in gaseous form may cause a therapeutic, desirable sensation, and may even be psychologically addictive. This is particularly the case when the substance being inhaled contains a physically addictive chemical or drug, such as nicotine or cannabis.
• the process of converting substances into gaseous form through combustion is known to eliminate or diminish the potency of some active ingredients, which may decrease the effectiveness of using the process.
• the combustion process may also result in by-products, such as carbon monoxide, tar, and other known or suspected carcinogens, which may expose both the user and others in the vicinity to health risks.
• Alternative methods to combustion include vaporizing or heating the substance.
• a number of devices are available for users who wish to inhale substances that have been converted into gaseous form through such methods.
• many of these devices often called vaporizers, are not designed to be mobile or to be used with the same transient frequency and simplicity as rolled tobacco or marijuana cigarettes.
• Examples of typical prior art vaporizers include US Patent Number 7,445,007 to Balch et al. for a Thermal Vaporization Method and Apparatus, and US Patent Number 6,761,164 to Amirpour for a Herbal Vaporizer.
• Balch and Amirpour disclose devices powered by connection to a static AC outlet and contain a mouth piece for the user to draw on in order to inhale the vapor that is produced.
• portable vaporizing devices have been used for application with liquid concentrates that contain nicotine as an active ingredient.
• the purpose of these devices is to mimic a cigarette containing rolled tobacco and to deliver nicotine to the user without the health risks associated with the combustion process.
• These devices do not generally contemplate use as a delivery method for substances other than nicotine.
• the mesh cartridge allows users to manually refill the liquid substance. However, this may be hazardous because:
• - liquid may be spilled during the refilling process, potentially contaminating skin and nearby surfaces with active ingredient(s), causing a health hazard both the user and to others in the environment;
• - mesh cartridges that are overfilled may cause the user to experience backwash of the liquid when inhaling through the device, which may result in the user consuming an over dose of the active ingredient(s);
• These devices lack a means for controlling the form (liquid or gaseous), quantity and quality of the active ingredient(s) being delivered to and inhaled by the user; and a means for inserting the active ingredient(s) into the device that does not pose a health risk for the user or risk potential damage to the device itself.
• a portable electronic vapor-producing device that avoids the aforementioned limitations would allow users to inhale the gaseous form of chemical substances for therapeutic or medicinal purposes without being exposed to the health and safety issues associated with existing devices. Such a device would also have the benefit of being a more reliable consumer product as it would be less susceptible to damage through normal use.
• US Patent Application Pub. No. 2012/0090630 to Lik entitled Flameless Electronic Atomizing Cigarette and US Patent No. 7,832,410 to Lik, disclose portable vaporizing devices that rely on airflow or touch sensors.
• US Patent No. 8,156,944 to Han discloses a similar portable vaporizing device that incorporates an airflow sensor and an atomizer.
• PCT Application No. PCT/US2008/059299 to Paterno et al. discloses a portable vaporizing device that relies on producing vapor when air is passed over a coil which has been heated by a rechargeable battery. A mechanism for monitoring usage of the device and battery life is also disclosed.
• each of these portable vaporizing devices it is disclosed that the vapor is produced when air is drawn into a chamber containing a microprocessor that is configured to react to the airflow by triggering the activation of the battery which in turn supplies power to a heating element. The vapor is then drawn further into the chamber and through a reusable cartridge containing a nicotine-based liquid, which is inhaled by the user.
• the present invention generally pertains to a portable electronic vapor- producing device which converts chemical substances in liquid form to a gaseous form so that active ingredient(s) may be inhaled by the user for therapeutic or medicinal purposes.
• An embodiment of the invention includes: a power module; a primary module; and an auxiliary module that may be enclosed separately in exterior hollow casings and fitted together, or enclosed together in one single exterior hollow casing.
• the exterior casing which may be cylindrical or tubular in shape, includes a distal end-cap fitted into the power module end, and a proximal end-cap fitted into the auxiliary module end.
• the power module contains a disposable or rechargeable battery which is insertable or removable through the distal end-cap.
• the primary module includes: an anode assembly; a cask assembly; and a heater assembly.
• the anode assembly includes:
• an anode mount which is moveable between the anode barrel and cathode mount.
• the anode barrel and anode mount both have attracting magnets (of opposite polarity) so that, when the device is not active, the anode mount is pulled within the anode barrel, away from the cathode, and does not contact the cathode mount to close the circuit.
• the cask assembly includes a mesh plug that can be filled with a liquid concentrate through a one-way valve, which is accessible by a cut-out in the exterior casing.
• the heater assembly includes a metal coil which is heated when the device is activated.
• the auxiliary module includes a mouth piece and a monitoring assembly which may optionally include: a printed circuit board; a battery, a LED display; a USB port; a moisture sensor; and thumb print reader.
• a user inhales through the mouth piece in the auxiliary module, which draws air into the device through cut-outs in the exterior casing above and below the anode barrel.
• the pressure of the air flow pulls the anode mount forward so that it comes in contact with the cathode mount to close the circuit and activate the device.
• the components of the auxiliary module's monitoring assembly function together to perform such actions as calculating, storing and displaying data relative to the number of times the device has been activated, the quality and quantity of steamlike vapor produced, and the remaining moisture level of the mesh plug.
• the cask may include a refillable liquid storage container having a storage cavity, a protruding needle, a one-way valve, and mesh plug suitable for absorbing liquid.
• the casing may be configured to prevent the liquid substance in the storage cavity from coming into contact with a user in a liquid form.
• the liquid storage cavity may be separated from the mouthpiece by the heating element.
• the vapor-producing device may include an air intake control switch to regulate the amount of air drawn into the device.
• the liquid may be stored in a container that is not replaceable or removable.
• the power to operate the device may be activated when air is drawn into the anode assembly.
• a portable, battery-operated, electronic vapor-producing device that converts a liquid into gaseous form for inhalation by a user is provided, including: a battery, a cask assembly for holding the liquid, a heating assembly having a heating element for heating the liquid to a gaseous form; and a switch to activate said heating element.
• the liquid may contain an active ingredient convertable into a gaseous form for inhalation by a user for therapeutic or medicinal purposes.
• the device may include a first and second part casing chamber for containing a power supply, such as a battery, cask assembly, heating assembly and switch, wherein the first and second parts are snap-fitable together to form a singular primary casing chamber enclosed by first and second end caps.
• the power supply may be a disposable or rechargeable battery that is insertable and removable by removal of an end cap.
• the switch may include an anode in electrical contact with the battery, a cathode and a moveable connecting member in contact with the anode, the connecting member moveable from a first position wherein there is distance between the connecting member and the cathode, and a second position wherein the moveable member is connected to the cathode, thereby completing a circuit.
• the moveable member may be magnetically attracted to the anode, and configured to move to the second position when air flows through the device.
• the device may include a second switch, actuable by the user, the second switch, when actuated, placing a barrier to prevent actuation of the heating element.
• the second switch may place a barrier between the moveable member and the cathode to prevent actuation of the heating element
• the cask assembly may include a primary cavity containing a needle to prick a liquid-filled capsule placed in the cavity; and a one-way valve through which the liquid in the capsule flows into a secondary cavity containing a cotton mesh plug to absorb and hold the liquid.
• the heating element assembly may be a metal coil surrounded by a mesh and enclosed on exterior cylindrical sides by a ceramic insulation, and through which air may be drawn containing liquid particles to be heated and converted into gaseous form for inhalation.
• the vapor producing device may include a mouth piece having an aperture running the length of the mouth piece through which the user can, with a sucking action, draw air into the casing chamber, by the liquid contained in the cask assembly, and then through the heating assembly where the liquid is converted into a gaseous form that the user is able to inhale.
• the vapor producing device may include a second nonrechargeable battery; a printed circuit board; a microprocessor; a moisture sensor with probe; an LED light; an LED display panel; a button; an airflow sensor; an audio signal; a USB port, and a thumb print reader.
• the switch may include an anode in electrical contact with the battery, a cathode and a ball bearing, the ball bearing moveable from a first position wherein it is not in contact with the anode and the cathode, and a second position wherein the ball bearing is in contact with the anode and the cathode, the ball bearing magnetically biased to said first position.
• the vapor producing device may include a mouthpiece, the battery, switch, cask assembly, and heating assembly may be aligned in a casing.
• the device may include a second heating assembly, the cask assembly positioned between the first and second heating assemblies.
• FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vapor producing device according to the invention.
• Fig- 2 is a disassembled front perspective view thereof
• FIG. 3 is a back perspective view thereof
• Fig. 4 is a partially disassembled back view thereof
• Fig. 5 is a front top perspective exploded view thereof
• Fig. 6 is a back top perspective exploded view thereof
• Fig- 7 is a front perspective disassembled view of the primary module
• Fig. 8 is a front perspective exploded view thereof
• Fig. 9 is a back perspective disassembled view thereof
• Fig. 10 is a back perspective exploded view thereof.
• FIG. 11 is a front disassembled view of an alternate embodiment of the invention..
• the device according to the invention generally, is a portable vapor- producing device which converts liquid substances into gaseous form so that active ingredient(s) contained in the liquid substance can be delivered to and inhaled by the user for therapeutic or medicinal purposes.
• the device may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein, which are exemplary only to disclose the invention in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
• the device incorporates a purpose or intention for its use.
• the intended purpose may vary, but will generally be to convert a liquid substance into a gaseous form that visually appears as a fine mist and that can be inhaled by the user for therapeutic and/or medicinal benefit.
• Use of the device incorporates a user's physical action of inhaling, sucking, or drawing air through the mouth and into the lungs.
• the device includes the use of liquid substances that can be converted into gaseous form through a heating process.
• the type of liquid substance can vary.
• the liquid substance may not contain any active ingredients, or may contain ingredients without any therapeutic or medicinal value.
• the liquid substance may contain one type of active ingredient, or a combination or blend of active ingredients.
• the liquid substance may contain additives for flavor or taste, or may not.
• FIG. 1 and 2 a representative embodiment of the invention is shown, which is a device having a generally cylindrical or tubular shape similar to that of a tobacco cigarette, and including: a distal end-cap (2);
• auxiliary module M3
• exterior casing 38
• proximal end-cap 39
• a representative embodiment is generally tubular in shape, similar to that of a cigarette or cigar, with a length of about 12 cm and a diameter of about 1.5 cm.
• the exterior casings (1 ), (6), (38) of power module (Ml), primary module (M2) and auxiliary module (M3) may be individual parts fitted together by friction fit or threaded screw mechanism (not shown) or may be combined into a single casing, and can be made of any heat-resistant non-alloy or alloy material (e.g.: polycarbonate, aluminum or stainless steel), and can be covered in an aesthetically pleasing surface (not shown) or a heat resistant material, such as Teflon.
• Casing (1), (6), (38) need not be made of metal, and is not required to perform any part of the electrical or electronic functionality of the device.
• the distal end-cap (2) and proximal mouthpiece end-cap (39) may be maintained in place by friction fit, a snap fit, or by threaded screw mechanism (not shown).
• the distal end-cap may contain a LED light (not shown) to indicate when the device is active.
• the power module (Ml ) contains a battery assembly (Al) which includes: a battery mount (3) to hold the battery; a battery flex circuit (4); and a battery (5).
• the battery (5) may be disposable or rechargeable and may be inserted or removed from the battery assembly (Al) by removing the distal end-cap (2) from the exterior casing (1 ) as shown in Fig. 2 or alternatively, through an opening in casing (1).
• the primary module (M2) includes: an anode assembly (A2) whereby power is transmitted to the heater element (37) from battery (5); a cask assembly (A3) wherein liquid is stored; and a heater assembly (A4) wherein the liquid substance is heated to produce vapor for inhalation.
• the anode assembly (A2) includes anode barrel (13), which is hollow, fixed in place, and is in wired contact with battery (5), cathode mount (22), and anode pin mount (16) which moves to contact cathode mount (22).
• Anode barrel (13) and anode pin mount ( 16) both contain magnets of opposite polarity so then when a vacuum is not present they are attracted to each other.
• Switch (20), extending exterior to casing (6) may be present, positionable between cathode mount (22) and anode pin mount (16), so that when actuated by the user by pivoting switch (20), switch (20) blocks cathode mount (22) and anode pin mount (16) from contact and thereby prevents the device from being accidently activated and draining battery power.
• the cask assembly (A3) is located between the anode assembly (A2) and heater assembly (A4).
• the heater assembly (A4) may be located between the anode assembly (A2) and cask assembly (A3).
• more than one heater assembly (A4) may be present.
• the auxiliary module (M3) includes a mouth piece mount (42), a mouth piece airflow tube (43) and a mouth piece and monitoring assembly (A5) which includes: a circuit board (44); a battery flex circuit (45); a battery (46); a LED display (47); and a USB port (48).
• Auxiliary module (M3) casing (38) has an LED display cutout and a USB port cutout. Monitor LED display cover (40) and a Monitor USB Port cover (not shown) may also be present.
• Mouth piece mount (42) may include a top portion, bottom portion and mouth piece moisture probe aperture.
• Mouth piece and monitoring assembly (A5) includes mouth piece airflow tube (43) capped with a plastic or rubber gasket through which vapor can be drawn by a user inhaling or sucking The end of mouth piece airflow tube (43) is positioned at a distance from heating assembly (A4) for safety and to prevent unvaporized liquid from entering a user's mouth.
• Heater assembly (A4) includes vaporizer mount (32) and vaporizer anode lead (34). As shown in Figs. 6 and 8, vaporizer cathode (33), vaporizer heater element (37), first vaporizer mount airflow magnet (35), and second vaporizer mount airflow magnet (36) are also included. Vaporizer heater element (37) may be a metal coil, covered by a fine wire mesh, and encased entirely in a ceramic insulator, except for: (i) its endpoint, into which cold air containing a liquid substance, such as an active ingredient, droplets are drawn; and (ii) the opposite end of element (37) from which vapor is drawn by the user.
• Magnets (35), (36) have an opposite polarity and provide a seal when the device is not in operation, thereby preventing air (with dust, etc.) being blown back into the cask assembly accidentally. Air pressure causes the magnets (35), (36) to separate and thereby allow the air flow to enter cask chamber (30). Magnets (35), (36) also provide another layer of safety against incidental liquid seepage if the device is not in use for a long period of time. In alternative embodiments of the invention, a rubber dam or filter could be substituted, or for magnets (35), (36). In yet another embodiment, cask chamber 30 can be mechanically moved into an open position from a closed position when the device is actuated, for example by a manual switch (not shown) or by completion of the circuit by the anode assembly (A2).
• Cask assembly (A3) includes cask mount (29), cask chamber (30) and one way cask valve (31).
• the cask assembly (A3) also includes a needle (not shown). The user can place a small plastic capsule containing the liquid substance, which may include an active ingredient, into cask chamber (30). The needle will make a small hole in the capsule and allow the liquid substance to drain through one way valve (31) and be absorbed into the cotton mesh plug), or other moisture retaining plug.
• an overflow limit plug may be part of cask assembly (A3). Applying air pressure from the airflow causes the plug to open and allows liquid to exit. After the pressure is normalized, the plug returns to block liquid from exiting cask assembly (A3).
• the anode assembly (A2) includes cathode mount (22) partially covered by cathode mount airflow cover (25) to control the airflow and cathode (23) at the opposite end thereto. Also present are cathode mount airflow magnet (26), a first cathode mount airflow cover guide rod (27) and a second cathode mount airflow cover guide rod (28) for positioning cover (25).
• Anode switch (20), including anode switch guide rod (21), is positioned between cathode mount (22) and the anode barrel (13). Adjacent to anode switch (20) are first anode airflow tube (14) and second anode airflow tube (15) through which the air flows, anode pin mount (16), first anode pin mount magnet (17) and second anode pin mount magnet (18), and anode pin ( 19).
• Anode pin (19) is sized to be received by anode barrel (13), and so that when a vacuum is present, anode pin (19) is still partially within anode barrel (13) and thus in contact with anode barrel (13) and thereby completes the circuit with cathode mount (22).
• anode barrel (13) may be shaped in a ring through which anode pin (19) can move. .
• First anode air intake control switch (8) and second anode air intake control switch (9) are positioned on opposite sides of anode barrel mount (10).
• First anode barrel mount magnet (11) and second anode barrel mount magnet (12) are at an end of anode barrel (13).
• Anode barrel mount magnets (11), (12) and anode pin mount magnets (17), (18) are of opposite polarity so they are configured to attract each other, thus in the absence of an opposing force caused by a vacuum, anode pin (19) is drawn to and rests within anode barrel ( 13) and is out of contact with cathode mount (22).
• primary module (M2) is shown in more detail.
• Anode barrel mount (10) includes top (10a) and bottom (10b). First air intake hole (10c) and second air intake hole (lOd) are aligned with first air intake control and second air intake control switch (9), respectively. Anode barrel mount (10) also includes first airflow aperture (lOd) and second airflow aperture (lOe).
• Anode pin mount (16) includes first anode pin airflow aperture (16a) and second anode pin airflow aperture (16b) to allow air flow.
• Cathode mount (22) includes cathode top portion (22a) and cathode bottom portion (22b).
• Cathode mount (22) has a number of apertures, including guide rod aperture (22c), lead aperture (22f), and first cathode airflow hole (22d) and second cathode airflow hole (22e) to allow air flow through cathode mount (22).
• Cathode mount airflow cover (25) also has apertures, namely first cover guide rod hole (25a) and second cover guide rod hole (25b) to receive guide rods (27), (28).
• Cask mount (29) of cask assembly (A3) includes top portion (29a), bottom portion (29b), cask mount moisture probe aperture (29c) for positioning a moisture probe (not shown); and cask mount anode lead aperture (29d) for positioning wires from cathode (23).
• Cask chamber (30) has a corresponding cask chamber moisture probe aperture (30a) for further positioning the moisture probe. The moisture probe can measure the amount of moisture remaining in the capsule within cask chamber (30).
• Vaporizer mount (32) in vaporizer assembly (A4) includes top portion (32a), bottom portion (32b), vaporizer moisture probe aperture (32c) for positioning the moisture probe, first vaporizer anode lead aperture (32d) and second vaporizer anode lead aperture (32e) for positioning wires from cathode (23), and main airflow aperture, first auxiliary airflow aperture and second auxiliary airflow aperture for controlling air flow though the vaporizer assembly.
• magnets (35), (36) are pushed back and the airflow enters the vaporizer mount and passes through the airflow apertures.
• Mouthpiece and monitoring assembly (A5) has a number of components for effective use of the device.
• mouthpiece and monitor assembly (A5) may include a battery (46) (which may be non-rechargeable), a printed circuit board with a microprocessor (44), an airflow sensor (not shown), an LED light (not shown), LED display (47), a button protruding from the casing of the device (not shown), the moisture probe, and a USB port (48).
• a battery which may be non-rechargeable
• a printed circuit board with a microprocessor 44
• an airflow sensor not shown
• an LED light not shown
• LED display 47
• a button protruding from the casing of the device not shown
• the moisture probe may include a USB port (48).
• Battery (46) supplies power to the other components of mouthpiece and monitor assembly (A5).
• the moisture probe is placed in the mesh plug and is used by the circuit board (44) to determine when to activate the LED light if the mesh plug is dry.
• the airflow sensor may be configured to trigger an audible signal when the user actuates the device by drawing air. This could be used to serve as an alarm should someone be using the device without permission, thereby functioning as a child safety mechanism.
• the microprocessor and circuit board (44) use the LED display (47) to display information to the user such as the battery life remaining, number of inhalations counted, current moisture level, and time device has been in use.
• a nonreehargeable battery (46) it should last for approximately the useable life span of the cotton mesh plug, so that when the battery dies, the device should be replaced, and a notice to the user to that effect can be provided.
• the protruding button can be used by the user to change the LED display, reset the inhalation counter, or turn on and off the audible signal.
• Fig. 1 1 displays an alternative embodiment of the invention, which includes pre-heating chamber (37a).
• Pre-heating chamber (37a) receives the airflow prior to the air entering cask assembly (A3) and vaporizer mount (32). The air is thus pre-heated, and is able to retain more liquid droplets from the cotton mesh plug.
• Pre-heating chamber (37a) may also serve as an extra chamber near cask chamber (30) to receive any liquid seepage from cask chamber (30) and help prevent the liquid substance from flowing through the device.
• a user draws air through mouth piece airflow tube (43).
• the amount of air drawn in is adjustable by setting first and second air intake control switches (8, 9).
• the airflow generates a vacuum, drawing anode pin mount (16) towards cathode mount (22).
• Anode pin mount (16) contacts cathode mount (23) completing the circuit and activating the device.
• first and second anode barrel mount magnets (1 1 , 12) cause anode pin mount (16) to return to a rest position, and break the circuit.
• the circuit activates vaporizer heating element (37), to vaporize the air containing liquid substance droplets from the cotton mesh.
• pre-heating chamber (37a) is activated by the completed circuit and begins to heat the air.
• the hot air then contacts fibers soaked in the liquid substance from capsule.
• the air now containing suspended droplets of the active ingredient, then enters the vaporizer mount (32).
• warm moist air is produced and then delivered through the mouthpiece to the user, appearing as a mist and containing the active ingredient of the liquid substance.
• the capsule may contain a fiber glass rope connecting pre-heating chamber (37a) and vaporizer mount (32).
• the capsule may be sold with vaporizer assembly (A4) and/or pre-heating chamber (37a) as an insertable unit.
• A4 vaporizer assembly
• pre-heating chamber (37a) as an insertable unit.
• the controlled airflow through the device The air enters at one location through air intake holes (10b), (10c) and is directed through the device to pick up liquid droplets contained in the mesh which is then vaporized by heating element (37) before exiting the device through the mouthpiece.
• the airflow is directed through pre-heating chamber (37a) before absorbing moisture from the mesh.
• air intake control switches (8), (9) could be used to adjust the airflow manually.
• the screws could be used to close the air intake holes (10b), (10c), and thus prevent use of the device until opened, which may prevent a child from using the device.
• Adjustable intakes also allow users to replicate the holes present on cigarette filters, to adjust the resistance when inhaling, and replicate the smoking experience.
• FIG. 1 Other embodiments of the invention may have alternatives to anode assembly (A2).
• A2 anode assembly
• a ball bearing, magnetically attracted to a conical storage unit may be drawn by air pressure to connect an anode and cathode to complete the circuit.
• a moveable mechanical switch operable from outside the casing of the device could be used to actuate the circuit.
• Other alternatives include circuits actuable by voice, kinetic action, or even by detection of heat and moisture at the mouthpiece.
• the device may be operable only by a user with the appropriate thumb print or voice command.
• a thumb print reader (not shown) could be placed on the casing of the device, or a microphone included within the electronics.

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• 2011
  • 2011-08-11 CA CA2749077A patent/CA2749077A1/en not_active Abandoned
• 2012
  • 2012-08-13 CA CA2844787A patent/CA2844787C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2012-08-13 KR KR1020147006496A patent/KR20140083983A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2012-08-13 CA CA2896909A patent/CA2896909A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2012-08-13 AU AU2012292915A patent/AU2012292915A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2012-08-13 EP EP12822693.3A patent/EP2741801A4/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2012-08-13 IN IN1839DEN2014 patent/IN2014DN01839A/en unknown
  • 2012-08-13 BR BR112014003243A patent/BR112014003243A2/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2012-08-13 CN CN201280049891.9A patent/CN104023775A/zh active Pending
  • 2012-08-13 JP JP2014525265A patent/JP2014528764A/ja active Pending
  • 2012-08-13 SG SG2014010094A patent/SG2014010094A/en unknown
  • 2012-08-13 WO PCT/CA2012/000767 patent/WO2013020220A1/en active Application Filing

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