Abstract: Provided is filter unit for a vaporization pipe having improved reliability and manufacturability and lower cost. The present filter unit comprises a wooden filter housing with a through hole. A metal insert fitting is press fit into the hole. A ceramic foam flame filter is disposed inside the insert fitting. The insert fitting preferably has a step ledge for supporting the ceramic foam filter. The metal fitting preferably has a flange (external to the wood filter housing) for improving the stability of the mechanical connection between the insert fitting and filter housing. This design allows for fast assembly with a minimum of labor. Stress and damage to the wood is minimized. The filter housing can have a vertical/longitudinal wood grain direction (parallel with the filter housing hole), thereby reducing the cost of the wood parts and improving the finished appearance.

Abstract: A vaporizer device that uses a flame for vaporizing flavor and psychoactive compounds from smoking materials such as tobacco. The present device has a filter unit 34 with a porous flame filter 36. The flame filter 36 can be made of open-cell ceramic or metal foam, sintered ceramic or metal granules or other porous, heat resistant materials. In use, flame is supplied to the flame filter, and inhalation causes ambient air to enter the flame filter as well. The flame exhaust and ambient air are mixed within the flame filter and produce an air stream of intermediate temperature. The intermediate temperature air stream is hot enough to vaporize desirable components from the smoking material, but generally is not hot enough to burn the smoking material. The temperature of the air stream can be controlled by adjusting the amount of flame supplied to the flame filter 36.