Abstract: A vapor generator for generating vapors from a solid fuel is described. The vapor generator may comprise a fuel chamber for containing the fuel, an electrical heating element, associated controls, and a battery. The fuel is heated by ambient air drawn past the heating element, and is subsequently conducted into the fuel chamber. A screen may interpose a barrier between the fuel and the heating element, so that fuel is heated only convectively by air and not by direct contact with the heating element. The fuel chamber is modularly detachable from the heating element. Modules including the heating element and the fuel chamber may be joined by a ball and socket arrangement, thereby enabling ready assembly into a unitized assembly, and disassembled to enable the heating elements and related components to be utilized with a pre-existing smoking pipe or cigarette.

Abstract: A vapor generator for generating vapors from a solid fuel is described. The vapor generator may comprise a fuel chamber for containing the fuel, an electrical heating element, associated controls, and a battery. The fuel is heated by ambient air drawn past the heating element, and is subsequently conducted into the fuel chamber. A screen may interpose a barrier between the fuel and the heating element, so that fuel is heated only convectively by air and not by direct contact with the heating element. The fuel chamber is modularly detachable from the heating element. Modules including the heating element and the fuel chamber may be joined by a ball and socket arrangement, thereby enabling ready assembly into a unitized assembly, and disassembled to enable the heating elements and related components to be utilized with a pre-existing smoking pipe or cigarette.