Patents by Inventor Nicholas J. HATTON
Nicholas J. HATTON has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240139616Abstract: A vaporization device that includes an entertainment mode or modes including one or more game modes. The vaporization device may enhance the user experience. The entertainment mode may be engaged by a sequence of predetermined manipulations of the vaporization device. The entertainment mode may include one or more interactive games using the device, and/or one or more display modes. The interactive games may include a pattern-following game, a memory game, a triggered output game, or a chance game. The entertainment mode may also include games that may be played by one or more persons. The entertainment mode may modify the operation (e.g., heater control, appearance, user interface, etc.) of the device while still permitting the vaporization of vaporizable material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2023Publication date: May 2, 2024Inventors: Adam Bowen, Nicholas J. Hatton
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Patent number: 11944130Abstract: A vaporizer device includes various modular components. The vaporizer device includes a first subassembly. The first subassembly includes a cartridge connector that secures a vaporizer cartridge to the vaporizer device and includes at least two receptacle contacts that electrically communicate with the vaporizer cartridge. The vaporizer device includes a second subassembly. The second subassembly includes a skeleton defining a rigid tray that retains at least a power source. The vaporizer device also includes a third subassembly. The third subassembly includes a plurality of charging contacts that supply power to the power source, and an end cap that encloses an end of the vaporizer device.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2020Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.Inventors: Samuel C. Anderson, Wei-Ling Chang, Brandon Cheung, Steven Christensen, Joseph Chun, Joseph R. Fisher, Jr., Nicholas J. Hatton, Kevin Lomeli, James Monsees, Andrew L. Murphy, Claire O'Malley, John R. Pelochino, Hugh Pham, Vipul V. Rahane, Matthew J. Taschner, Val Valentine, Kenneth Wong
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Publication number: 20240090564Abstract: Features relating to a vaporizer body are provided. The vaporizer body may include an outer shell that includes an inner region defined by an outer shell sidewall. A support structure is configured to fit within the inner region of the outer shell. The support structure includes a storage region defined by a top support structure, a bottom support structure, a bottom cap, and a gasket. An integrated board assembly is configured to fit within the storage region of the support structure. The integrated board assembly may include a printed circuit board assembly formed of multiple layers that form a rigid structure and that include an inner, flexible layer. A first antenna is integrated at a proximal end of the flexible layer, and a second antenna is integrated at a distal end of the flexible layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Joshua Fu, Christopher Loental, Marko Markovic, Alexander Weiss, Alexander Ringrose, David Carlberg, Robyn Nariyoshi, Devin Spratt, Nicholas J. Hatton, Yen Jen Chang, Chen Yu Li, Barry Tseng, Prince Wang, Thomas Germann, Andreas Schaefer
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Publication number: 20240081401Abstract: Vaporizer device features capable of improving on current approaches to mitigating against device damage or inoperability occurring from liquid exposure (e.g. exposure to liquid vaporizable material possibly affecting a pressure sensor, internal electronic circuitry, and/or electrical contact pins) are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: Adam Bowen, Nicholas J. Hatton, Kevin Lomeli, Matthew J. Taschner, Alexander Weiss, Bryan White
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Publication number: 20240074000Abstract: A system includes a current source circuit; a system power input; and load switching circuitry coupling the current source circuit and the system power input to an output configured to couple to a vaporizer heating element. The current source circuit, the system power input, and the load switching circuitry form part of an integrated circuit. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: Joseph R. Fisher, JR., Nicholas J. Hatton, Andrew L. Murphy, Hugh Pham, Val Valentine
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Publication number: 20240057659Abstract: A vaporizer device may include a pressure sensor and an ambient pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be configured to measure a first pressure in an air flow path in the vaporizer device. The ambient pressure sensor may be configured to measure a second pressure corresponding to an atmospheric pressure. The vaporizer device may further include a controller. The controller may be configured to transition the vaporizer device to a first standby mode when the first pressure is equal to or greater than the second pressure for a first threshold quantity of time. While the vaporizer device is in the first standby mode, the controller may be further configured to transition the vaporizer device to a second standby mode when the second pressure is a threshold quantity greater than the first pressure and no motion event is detected for a second threshold quantity of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: Joshua Fu, Christopher Loental, Marko Markovic, Alexander Weiss, Alexander Ringrose, David Carlberg, Robyn Nariyoshi, Devin Spratt, Nicholas J. Hatton, Yen Jen Chang, Chen Yu Li, Barry Tseng, Prince Wang, Thomas Germann, Andreas Schaefer
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Patent number: 11872500Abstract: In some embodiments, there is provided a vaporization system including a vaporizer device and a user interface on a remote communication device, wherein the user interface is adapted to control the temperature of the heater and is adapted to further control an entertainment mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2022Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: Pax Labs, Inc.Inventors: Adam Bowen, Nicholas J. Hatton
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Publication number: 20240000134Abstract: A vaporizer device may include a controller and a heater control circuitry. The controller may generate, based at least on a temperature of a heating coil in a cartridge coupled with the vaporizer device, an output signal for controlling a discharge of a battery of the vaporizer device. The battery may be discharged to the heating coil to increase the temperature of the heating coil and cause a vaporization of a vaporizable material contained in the cartridge. The heater control circuitry may determine the temperature of the heating coil. The heater control circuitry may further control, based on the output signal from the controller, the discharge of the battery to the heating coil. The heater control circuitry may be powered by a voltage rail coupled to a voltage regulator configured to regulate an output voltage of the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2023Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: Joshua Fu, Christopher Loental, Marko Markovic, Alexander Weiss, Alexander Ringrose, David Carlberg, Robyn Nariyoshi, Devin Spratt, Nicholas J. Hatton, Yen Jen Chang, Chen Yu Li, Barry Tseng, Prince Wang, Thomas Germann, Andreas Schaefer
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Publication number: 20240000135Abstract: Features relating to a cartridge for use with a vaporizer body are provided. The cartridge mates with the vaporizer body in a cartridge receptacle. The cartridge may include a cartridge body defining a reservoir configured to contain vaporizable material; a mouthpiece coupled to a proximal end region of the cartridge body; at least one proximal absorbent pad wedged within an internal volume of the mouthpiece; a mouthpiece seal with sealing ribs; a cannula defining a vaporization chamber extending through the cartridge body; a resistive heating element; a porous wick configured to draw the vaporizable material in the reservoir towards the vaporization chamber; an internal sealing gasket positioned in a distal end region of the cartridge body; a lower support structure positioned in the distal end region of the cartridge body; and at least one distal absorbent pad configured to wedge within a recess located in the lower support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2023Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: Joshua Fu, Christopher Loental, Marko Markovic, Alexander Weiss, Alexander Ringrose, David Carlberg, Robyn Nariyoshi, Devin Spratt, Nicholas J. Hatton, Yen Jen Chang, Chen Yu Li, Barry Tseng, Prince Wang, Thomas Germann, Andreas Schaefer
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Patent number: 11857718Abstract: On-demand, hand-held vaporizer that operates primarily by convection. The vaporizer is configured to permit very rapid (e.g., within a few seconds) heating of air drawn through an oven chamber to a predetermined or selectable vaporizing temperature to vaporize a material (e.g., loose leaf plant material, etc.) that is held in the oven chamber. The vaporizer provides efficient transfer of air being heated as well as rapid delivery of vaporizable material to a user.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2020Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.Inventors: Ariel Atkins, Adam Bowen, Steven Christensen, Alexander J. Gould, Nicholas J. Hatton, Esteban Leon Duque, Kevin Lomeli, James Monsees, Matthew J. Taschner
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Patent number: 11825877Abstract: Vaporizer devices are disclosed that are configured to detect when a puff is occurring and exclude a pressure change unrelated to the puff based on at least first and second signals. Methods for detecting a puff and excluding a pressure change unrelated to the puff based on at least first and second signals are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2022Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas J. Hatton, Matthew J. Taschner
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Patent number: 11716789Abstract: A system includes a current source circuit; a system power input; and load switching circuitry coupling the current source circuit and the system power input to an output configured to couple to a vaporizer heating element. The current source circuit, the system power input, and the load switching circuitry form part of an integrated circuit. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.Inventors: Joseph R. Fisher, Jr., Nicholas J. Hatton, Andrew L. Murphy, Hugh Pham, Val Valentine
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Patent number: 11698717Abstract: Features relating to vaporizer devices configured to allow for user control of a vaporizer session are provided. Session size selection and temperature selection options allow for a user to select a desired session size and a desired temperature for the vaporizer session. A session control user interface is provided on a user device to allow for user selections and to provide for user viewing of a status of the vaporizer session.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2019Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.Inventors: Eric Amorde, Nicolas Dor, Randall Leberknight, Mario Trujillo, Raffi Aghapekian, James Monsees, Nicholas J. Hatton, Brian M. Warren, Casey S. Yost, Nicholas Achtien, Travis I. Wyatt, Roxolana Wacyk
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Publication number: 20230201488Abstract: A system includes a converter configured to electrically couple to a power source and to a heating element of a vaporizer atomizer. The converter can be further configured to receive a first voltage from the power source and provide a second voltage to the heating element. The converter can be a direct-current to direct-current converter. A power monitor configured to electrically couple to the heating element, measure a current through the heating element, measure a voltage over the heating element, calculate a power and/or resistance, and output a control signal to the converter. The converter can be configured to be controlled by the control signal to vary the second voltage to maintain a target power or a target temperature over the heating element. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2023Publication date: June 29, 2023Inventors: Nicholas J. Hatton, Val Valentine
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Patent number: 11666086Abstract: Features relating to a cartridge for use with a vaporizer body are provided. The cartridge mates with the vaporizer body in a cartridge receptacle. The cartridge may include a cartridge body defining a reservoir configured to contain vaporizable material; a mouthpiece coupled to a proximal end region of the cartridge body; at least one proximal absorbent pad wedged within an internal volume of the mouthpiece; a mouthpiece seal with sealing ribs; a cannula defining a vaporization chamber extending through the cartridge body; a resistive heating element; a porous wick configured to draw the vaporizable material in the reservoir towards the vaporization chamber; an internal sealing gasket positioned in a distal end region of the cartridge body; a lower support structure positioned in the distal end region of the cartridge body; and at least one distal absorbent pad configured to wedge within a recess located in the lower support structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Fu, Christopher Loental, Marko Markovic, Alexander Weiss, Alexander Ringrose, David Carlberg, Robyn Nariyoshi, Devin Spratt, Nicholas J. Hatton, Yen Jen Chang, Chen Yu Li, Barry Tseng, Prince Wang, Thomas Germann, Andreas Schaefer
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Patent number: 11638443Abstract: A vaporizer device may include a controller and a heater control circuitry. The controller may generate, based at least on a temperature of a heating coil in a cartridge coupled with the vaporizer device, an output signal for controlling a discharge of a battery of the vaporizer device. The battery may be discharged to the heating coil to increase the temperature of the heating coil and cause a vaporization of a vaporizable material contained in the cartridge. The heater control circuitry may determine the temperature of the heating coil. The heater control circuitry may further control, based on the output signal from the controller, the discharge of the battery to the heating coil. The heater control circuitry may be powered by a voltage rail coupled to a voltage regulator configured to regulate an output voltage of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Fu, Christopher Loental, Marko Markovic, Alexander Weiss, Alexander Ringrose, David Carlberg, Robyn Nariyoshi, Devin Spratt, Nicholas J. Hatton, Yen Jen Chang, Chen Yu Li, Barry Tseng, Prince Wang, Thomas Germann, Andreas Schaefer
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Patent number: 11632983Abstract: Features relating to a vaporizer body are provided. The vaporizer body may include an outer shell that includes an inner region defined by an outer shell sidewall. A support structure is configured to fit within the inner region of the outer shell. The support structure includes a storage region defined by a top support structure, a bottom support structure, a bottom cap, and a gasket. An integrated board assembly is configured to fit within the storage region of the support structure. The integrated board assembly may include a printed circuit board assembly formed of multiple layers that form a rigid structure and that include an inner, flexible layer. A first antenna is integrated at a proximal end of the flexible layer, and a second antenna is integrated at a distal end of the flexible layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Fu, Christopher Loental, Marko Markovic, Alexander Weiss, Alexander Ringrose, David Carlberg, Robyn Nariyoshi, Devin Spratt, Nicholas J. Hatton, Yen Jen Chang, Chen Yu Li, Barry Tseng, Prince Wang, Thomas Germann, Andreas Schaefer
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Patent number: 11606970Abstract: A vaporizer device may include a pressure sensor and an ambient pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be configured to measure a first pressure in an air flow path in the vaporizer device. The ambient pressure sensor may be configured to measure a second pressure corresponding to an atmospheric pressure. The vaporizer device may further include a controller. The controller may be configured to transition the vaporizer device to a first standby mode when the first pressure is equal to or greater than the second pressure for a first threshold quantity of time. While the vaporizer device is in the first standby mode, the controller may be further configured to transition the vaporizer device to a second standby mode when the second pressure is a threshold quantity greater than the first pressure and no motion event is detected for a second threshold quantity of time.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Fu, Christopher Loental, Marko Markovic, Alexander Weiss, Alexander Ringrose, David Carlberg, Robyn Nariyoshi, Devin Spratt, Nicholas J. Hatton, Yen Jen Chang, Chen Yu Li, Barry Tseng, Prince Wang, Thomas Germann, Andreas Schaefer
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Patent number: 11590296Abstract: A system includes a converter configured to electrically couple to a power source and to a heating element of a vaporizer atomizer. The converter can be further configured to receive a first voltage from the power source and provide a second voltage to the heating element. The converter can be a direct-current to direct-current converter. A power monitor configured to electrically couple to the heating element, measure a current through the heating element, measure a voltage over the heating element, calculate a power and/or resistance, and output a control signal to the converter. The converter can be configured to be controlled by the control signal to vary the second voltage to maintain a target power or a target temperature over the heating element. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2019Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas J. Hatton, Val Valentine
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Publication number: 20230056548Abstract: A vaporization device includes a cartridge having a reservoir that holds a vaporizable material, a heating element, and a wicking element that can draw the vaporizable material to the heating element to be vaporized. The vaporizer cartridge is configured for coupling to a vaporizer device body and containing a vaporizable material. Various embodiments of the vaporizer cartridge are described that include one or more features controlling the delivery of power to a heating element. For example, in order to achieve a target temperature for vaporizing the vaporizable material, the heating element may be powered using a variable boost circuit having a variable output voltage. Alternatively, the heating element may be powered using a current source generating a modulated electrical signal having an adjustable duty cycle. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2022Publication date: February 23, 2023Inventors: Nicholas J. Hatton, Immaneni Hiteshwar Rao