Patents by Inventor Val Valentine
Val Valentine 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: 20250000178Abstract: A vaporizer device may include various modular components. The vaporizer device may include a first subassembly. The first subassembly may include 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 may include a second subassembly. The second subassembly may include a skeleton defining a rigid tray that retains at least a power source. The vaporizer device may also include a third subassembly. The third subassembly may include 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: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2024Publication date: January 2, 2025Inventors: 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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Patent number: 12117353Abstract: Various embodiments of a heating and temperature sensing assembly of a vaporizer device are described herein. In some embodiments, the heating and temperature sensing assembly may include a support plate made out of a thermally conductive material. The heating and temperature sensing assembly may include a heating element including a first electrically conductive pathway extending along the support plate. The heating element may be configured to heat the support plate for heating the vaporizable material. The heating and temperature sensing assembly may include a temperature sensing element having a second electrically conductive pathway extending along the support plate. The temperature sensing element may be configured to sense a temperature of the support plate. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2019Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.Inventors: Ariel Atkins, Val Valentine
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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: 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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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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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: 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: 20230043830Abstract: A charging system for charging a vaporizer device is described. The charger may be adapted to control the output voltage to the vaporizer device, thus improving charging efficiency and reducing waste heat generation. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2022Publication date: February 9, 2023Inventor: Val Valentine
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Publication number: 20220264944Abstract: Aspects of the current subject matter relate to methods and system for protecting a battery cell and/or a /pack of multiple battery cells serving as a power source of a vaporizer device from developing a short-circuit in a vaporizer device. In one aspect, a vaporizer device is provided. The vaporizer device may include a power source including a battery and a power source lead extending outward from a distal end of the battery. The vaporizer device may further include a printed circuit board (PCB) electrically coupled to the power source via the power source lead extending outward from the battery. The vaporizer device may further include an insulator at least partially surrounding the power source lead. The insulator may be mechanically coupled to at least one of the power source and the PCB.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2022Publication date: August 25, 2022Inventors: Jie Guan, Nicholas R. Marker, Erik A. Vaknine, Val Valentine, Tianren Xu, Qingcheng Zeng
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Publication number: 20220256922Abstract: A vaporizer device may include a shell, a cartridge receptacle, and a skeleton. The cartridge receptacle may be formed from a cartridge interface disposed at least partially inside a sheath. The cartridge interface may be configured to provide a plurality of electrical couplings with a vaporizer cartridge when the vaporizer cartridge is disposed inside the cartridge receptacle. The plurality of electrical couplings may include a first electrical coupling with a heating element of the vaporizer cartridge. The plurality of electrical couplings may further include a second electrical coupling with a cartridge identification chip of the vaporizer cartridge. The skeleton may be coupled with the cartridge interface. The skeleton may be configured to secure the cartridge interface inside the shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2022Publication date: August 18, 2022Inventors: Ariel Atkins, Mackenzie Paige Belt, Christopher L. Belisle, Tsuey Choo Lily Chang, Brandon Cheung, Steven Christensen, Dylan E. Entelis, Nicholas J. Hatton, Alexander M. Hoopai, Eric Joseph Johnson, Jason King, Esteban Leon Duque, YongChao Li, Huei-Huei Liang, Kevin Lomeli, Matthew J. Malone, James Monsees, Nathan N. Ng, Claire O'Malley, Matthew Rios, Christopher James Rosser, Zachary T. Scott, Nihir B. Shah, Andrew J. Stratton, Alim Thawer, Val Valentine, Norbert Wesely, James P. Westley, Hao Yin, XueHai Zhang, XueQing Zhang
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Publication number: 20220240576Abstract: A vaporization device includes a power source comprising a shell including a hermetic chamber. The hermetic chamber having an anode, an anode current collector, a cathode, a cathode current collector, a separator, and an electrolyte disposed therein. The hermetic chamber including the anode, the anode current collector, the cathode, the cathode current collector, and the electrolyte forming a battery serving as a power source for the vaporizer device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2022Publication date: August 4, 2022Inventors: Jie Guan, Val Valentine, Tianren Xu, Qingcheng Zeng
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Publication number: 20220183359Abstract: A vaporizer device includes a fuel cell disposed with a device body and configured to receive a cartridge having a first compartment that holds a vaporizable material, a second compartment that holds a fuel, 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 fluidically, thermally, and/or electrically coupling to a vaporizer device body. Various implementations of the vaporizer cartridge are described that include one or more features for a fuel cell within the cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2022Publication date: June 16, 2022Inventors: Jie GUAN, Val VALENTINE, Qingcheng ZENG
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Publication number: 20220167683Abstract: A vaporizer that includes a metal-air battery, in particular a zinc-air battery is described herein. The metal-air battery can have increased power output relative to conventional batteries. Various embodiments of the vaporizer are described that include one or more features for low environmental impact, disposability, and increased power output. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2022Publication date: June 2, 2022Inventors: Jie GUAN, Val VALENTINE, Qingcheng ZENG
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Publication number: 20220007722Abstract: Cartridges for vaporizer devices are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a cartridge can include a reservoir housing that includes a reservoir chamber configured to selectively hold a vaporizable material, and an atomizer in fluid communication with the reservoir chamber. The atomizer includes a substrate having an array of ordered pores configured to draw a predetermined volume of vaporizable material from the reservoir chamber at a predetermined rate, and at least one heating material configured to selectively heat the at least a portion of the vaporizable material drawn into the substrate to generate a vaporized material. Vaporizer devices are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2021Publication date: January 13, 2022Inventors: Val Valentine, Qingcheng Zeng
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Publication number: 20210321489Abstract: 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: April 26, 2021Publication date: October 14, 2021Inventors: Joseph R. Fisher, JR., Nicholas J. Hatton, Andrew L. Murphy, Hugh Pham, Val Valentine
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Patent number: 10986875Abstract: 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: June 21, 2019Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.Inventors: Joseph R. Fisher, Nicholas J. Hatton, Andrew Lawrence Murphy, Hugh Pham, Val Valentine
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Publication number: 20210112880Abstract: A vaporizer device may include various modular components. The vaporizer device may include a first subassembly. The first subassembly may include 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 may include a second subassembly. The second subassembly may include a skeleton defining a rigid tray that retains at least a power source. The vaporizer device may also include a third subassembly. The third subassembly may include 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: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2020Publication date: April 22, 2021Inventors: 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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Patent number: 10888125Abstract: 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: June 27, 2019Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: 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: 20200120993Abstract: Various embodiments of a heating and temperature sensing assembly of a vaporizer device are described herein. In some embodiments, the heating and temperature sensing assembly may include a support plate made out of a thermally conductive material. The heating and temperature sensing assembly may include a heating element including a first electrically conductive pathway extending along the support plate. The heating element may be configured to heat the support plate for heating the vaporizable material. The heating and temperature sensing assembly may include a temperature sensing element having a second electrically conductive pathway extending along the support plate. The temperature sensing element may be configured to sense a temperature of the support plate. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Inventors: Ariel Atkins, Val Valentine
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Publication number: 20200120991Abstract: 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: October 18, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Inventors: Nicholas J. Hatton, Val Valentine