Electric Vapor Apparatus
A vapor apparatus for the pulmonary administration of combustible substances includes a vessel capable of holding liquids, a stem for holding a nail assembly, a nail assembly for heating the combustible substances, a user interface for determining heating temperature and heating duration, and an elongate neck for the user's mouth. Other embodiments include a remote interface, a removable neck, a percolator, and sensors for determining attributes of the combustible material. The vapor apparatus may further include a tool for sealing the combustible material and manipulating the combustible material. Fans can be added for forcing air through the apparatus.
Since before the dawn of civilization, humans have been administering herbs and other plants by any effective means possible. First, early man realized that certain foods provided beneficial effects. Over time, the wisest of the tribes discovered that some herbs, roots, and other natural components have curative properties. The administration of compounds through food or water was the most common and intentional methods used by our ancestors. Later, the civilized people discovered the effects of topical applications. Soon, inhalants through pulmonary application were discovered.
The first inhalants were consumed by inhaling smoke, presumably discovered when certain plant matter was burned in a campfire and the tribal “doctor” drew the connection between the inhalation of smoke and the effects on his people. Eventually, methods of harnessing the smoke were developed. Medicine pipes were invented and revered. In some cases, sophisticated traditions were created around the smoking of a pipe. In time, cigarettes were also created.
Almost every culture across the world used local materials and knowledge to create new designs of pipes to achieve an easy and effective method of smoking. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the hookah and water pipe were introduced in Europe following the introduction of tobacco from the new world. The water pipe was introduced in China during the late Ming Dynasty, also for the smoking of tobacco. The addition of water into the smoking device allowed for cooling and filtering of the smoke. Water filtration provided a healthier and preferred smoke.
However, the combustion of smoking materials created numerous carcinogens as well as being difficult for proper and precise administration. Modern medical knowledge of the harmful effects of tobacco smoke in lungs lead to social action and further innovation. Many regions in the United States and around the world have instituted indoor-smoking bans to protect people against the harmful effects of second hand smoke.
Consequently, the vaporizer was invented in the twentieth century. The vaporizer is a great advance over traditional combustion methods. It is a healthier and cleaner alternative, reducing much of the carcinogens, tar, and other unwanted byproducts of smoking. Vaporization also allows for a much more precise and metered administration through pulmonary administration.
BRIEF SUMMARYThis summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a vapor apparatus is provided. The vapor apparatus generally includes a vessel suitable for holding a liquid; an elongate neck removably couplable to the vessel, the elongate neck having an opening at a distal end and adapted to transport airborne particles from the vessel to a user through the opening; an upwardly disposed stem extending from the vessel, the stem in fluid communication with the liquid within the vessel through a vapor tube extension; a power source electrically connected to the vessel; and a nail assembly removably couplable to the distal end of the stem. The nail assembly generally includes a bowl configured to retain a combustible substance; an opening adapted to allow air to flow into the nail assembly; and a vapor tube adjacent to the bowl and adapted to receive airborne particles of the combustible substance. The nail assembly is adapted to heat the combustible substance to a temperature, and the vapor tube is adapted to transport the airborne particles through the vapor tube extension into the vessel.
In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein, the vapor apparatus also includes a base capable of wirelessly charging the power source.
In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein, the vapor apparatus has a user interface controllable through an attached interface and the interface is capable of remote control.
In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein, the vapor apparatus can interface with a software application wirelessly.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, the vapor apparatus has one or more sensors for detecting the attributes of the combustible materials, such attributes selected from: electrical conductivity, weight, mass, type of airborne particles created, color, and heat transfer coefficient.
In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein, the nail assembly of the vapor apparatus includes a thermocouple and a bowl heating device adjacent to the bowl.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, the bowl heating device of the nail assemble of a vapor apparatus is a hot surface igniter.
In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein, the bowl is concave.
In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein, the bowl is made of materials of titanium, ceramic, quartz, glass, or steel.
In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein, the vapor apparatus includes a removable percolator couplable to the vessel.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, the percolator is a double showerhead.
In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein, the elongate neck also includes a fan and a vapor catching device.
In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein, the vapor apparatus also includes a powered airflow device adapted to force airborne particles from the combustible substance through the vapor apparatus.
In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein, the nail assembly of the vapor apparatus includes a sensor capable of determining the temperature of the bowl holding the combustible substance.
In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein, the vapor apparatus includes a liquid temperature measuring device and a liquid cooling device.
In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein, the vapor apparatus includes a carbcap having an upper and a lower portion, the upper portion including a tool coupled to the distal end and adapted to manipulate the combustible substance and the lower portion is a flared end adapter to couple to the nail assembly.
In accordance with one of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the carbcap upper portion and lower portion are threadably couplable.
In accordance with the embodiment described in the present disclosure, the carbcap lower portion includes a hole through the flair where air can penetrate the carbcap.
In accordance with any of the embodiment described herein, the nail assembly of the vapor apparatus is adapted to receive a premeasured pod of combustible substance.
In accordance with one of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the pod contains stored information readable by the vapor apparatus to adjust parameters for use of the vapor apparatus of the pod.
To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.
“BlueTooth” in this context is logic for exchanging data over short distances (using short-wavelength radio transmissions in the ISM band from 2400-2480 MHz) from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks (PANs) with high levels of security. Bluetooth is a wireless protocol for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks. There are two important parameters of Bluetooth devices—class and supported profiles. “Class” signifies the distance at which a Bluetooth connection is possible. Most mobile devices are Class 2, which means they have a range of up to 10 m. Class 1 devices are rare and have a range of up to 100 feet. A “profile” is a type of Bluetooth connection. The most common are the Headset (HSP) and Handsfree (HFP) profiles that enable the device to connect to a wireless headset or handsfree. Some other profiles are OBEX (OBject EXchange), which allows transfer of files, contacts and events; A2DP, which adds support for streaming of stereo sound and AVRC, which allows remote control of playback. Standard IEEE 802.15.1, is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances (using short-wavelength radio transmissions in the ISM band from 2400-2480 MHz) from fixed and mobile devices, creating for example personal area networks with levels of security.
“Combustible Substance” in this context refers to a material intended to be heated to the point of a chemical or thermodynamic reaction or phase change thereby releasing airborne particles such as vapor or smoke. The airborne particles may be inhaled. Such materials may be a solid, liquid, gel, concentrates, oil, organic compound, powder, or like material. Commonly consumed combustibles include tobacco, nicotine oil, essential oils, and cannabis extracts. In other methods, the materials can be aerosolized. Aerosolized particles are created through vaporization, whereby the desired components are intermixed with air without causing an combustion event. For the purposes of this disclosure, combustible substances shall also include methods resulting in aersolization.
“Heat sink” is a passive (non-powered) heat exchanger component that cools a device by dissipating heat into the surrounding air.
“Percolator” in this context refers to a component utilized to increase air-water interaction. In some forms, it is used in smoking devices to increase surface area of air bubbles, thereby allowing for more interaction with the water. Some intended benefits of a percolator include cooling of the airborne particles and/or air, filtration, airflow regulation, and to introduce humidity to the bubbles. Percolator variations are numerous, including: Pedestal, helix, double helix, serpentine, inline, dewar, ring, coil, honeycomb, tree twist, and frit.
“Wireless Charging” or Inductive Charging in this context is technology that allows electrical energy to be sent over a very short distance, without a wire or other direct electrical contact. In phones, it allows a phone to charge by simply placing it on top of a special charging pad. A type of wire coil in the back of the phone aligns with a matching coil in the charging pad, forming a link that send power—and thus charge the battery—even the coils themselves aren't physically touching. Because there can be a small distance between the two coils, the charging pad can be placed slightly below a thin surface, such as a coffee shop table or car console.
DescriptionThe detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, are intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and are not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.
The present application may include references to directions, such as “forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “back,” “upward,” “downward,” “right hand,” left hand,” “in,” “out,” “extended,” “advanced,” “retracted,” “proximal,” “distal,” “central,” etc. These references and other similar references in the present application are only to assist in helping describe and understand the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these directions or locations.
The present application may also reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also in this regard, the present application may use the term “plurality” to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term “plurality” is meant to be any number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc.
Embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to a vapor apparatus such as the type used to administer airborne particles such as vapor or smoke into the human pulmonary system through inhalation. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be used in other applications.
Referring initially to
Air can continue through the elongate neck 106 and through a flair 104. The flair 104 is located on the distal end of the elongate neck 106. The flair 104 is useful for a more comfortable and complete seal between the elongate neck 106 and the user's mouth. In some embodiments, the nail assembly 800 is removable.
In some embodiments, the elongate neck 106 is removable from the lower portion 126. An attachment component 108 allows for connection and a hermetic seal between the elongate neck 106 and the lower portion 126. The elongate neck 106 may be removed and alternate attachments may be utilized. Alternate necks may comprise of different angles, curves, or straight pieces, different thicknesses, flares, and different materials. These variations would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art and are also within the scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the elongate neck 106 contains encapsulated liquid (not shown) that may be chilled or frozen. In another embodiment, the elongate neck 106 is adapted to hold ice. In other embodiments, the elongate neck 106 may be cooled through electric means. In other embodiments, the elongate neck 106 may be cooled through evaporative cooling. Other embodiments of the elongate neck 106 further comprise a fan (not shown) for forcing the air out of the flair 104 for direct administration to the user. Other embodiments for the elongate neck with the fan include a method of coupling to a vapor catching device (not shown) such as a non-rigid bag or balloon (neither shown) for capturing the airborne particles. This embodiment does not possess the flair 104. In yet other embodiments, the elongate neck of the vapor apparatus contains at least one air filter (not shown). In another embodiment, the elongate neck of the vapor apparatus contains a measurement device (not shown) for metering the amount of airborne particles or air exiting the elongate neck 106. The foregoing components that are not shown in the Figures are obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art.
The vessel 126 shown in
In the embodiment shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, the percolator 110 is a double showerhead design. Many different styles and configurations of percolator 110 are contemplated and would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the percolator 110 is removable and interchangeable. A silicon gasket (not shown) may be added to seal the area between the lower portion 126 and the percolator 110.
Now referring to
The vapor apparatus 100 is further comprised of a power source 710 electrically connected to the vessel 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source 710 is a lithium ion battery. Other embodiments suitably use a nickel cadmium power source, or other electric battery, capacitors, or supercapacitors. In yet other embodiments, the vessel 126 is connected to an electrical outlet through a power cable 114. The vapor apparatus 100 may sit on a base 112. The base 112 includes the power cable 114 for electrical connection with other electrical power. The base 112 is capable of wireless charging the power source 710 of the vapor apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the method of wireless charging is inductive charging.
In some embodiments, the vapor apparatus 100 is further comprised of a temperature measuring device (not shown) for measuring the temperature of the liquid and a cooling device for cooling the liquid to a configurable temperature.
Now referring to
The bowl 804 is heated by the heating device 814 to user-configurable temperature. The temperature of the bowl 804 is measured by the thermocouple 820 and the heating device 814 is adjusted to maintain the desired temperature for a configurable duration. In other embodiments, the bowl 804 is heatable by an alternate heat transfer system. In yet other embodiments, the bowl 804 may be cooled to rapidly reduce temperature and mitigate or cease combustible reaction. One embodiment cools the combustible material in the bowl 804 by reversing the air flow through the vapor tube 808, thereby blowing air onto the bowl 804. In other embodiments, a passive cooling system is utilized with a heat sink. The heat insulators are constructed of a material with poor thermal conductivity. One such preferred material is ceramic. However, other materials are contemplated.
The heating device can be capable of heating to various temperatures. In some embodiments, the temperature can range 300 degrees Fahrenheit to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. Other embodiments can use a heating device tailored for specific combustible substances, such as 375 degrees Fahrenheit for combustible substances such as lemongrass and ginger. Other ranges are obvious to one skilled in the art and are within the scope of the present disclosure.
The thermocouple 820 is connected to the thermocouple electrical connections 818 and the user interface. The heating device 814 is electrically connected to the heating device electrical connections 816, the user interface, and the power source 710. In some embodiments, the nail assembly 800 is removable and replaceable. Some embodiments of the nail assembly 800 are capable of receiving premeasured packaged servings (not shown). In some embodiments, the premeasured packaging servings contain information in which the vapor apparatus 100 can interpret to determine the proper attributes to combust the product, which may include heating temperature and heating times.
In other embodiments, the thermocouple is replaced by an alternate temperature measuring device. In some embodiments, the bowl 804 is concave. A concave bowl allows for the combustible substance to collect if it turns viscous. In addition, the combustible substance will collect for more efficient combustion. Other benefits of a concave bowl are apparent.
The thermocouple 818 is able to relay the present temperature to the user interface through the thermocouple electrical connections 818. The user interface can determine whether to activate, deactivate, or modulate the heating device 814 by adjusting a connection between the heating device electrical connections 816 and the power source 710, based upon user configuration.
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In other embodiments, the heat insulators, such as heat insulators 806, 810, and 812, may be decreased in number, merged into less units, or eliminated completely from the nail assembly 800.
In some embodiments, the nail assembly 800 is capable of determining the composition and character of the components and provide proper settings for efficient and proper vaporization. This is done by one or more sensors detecting one or more attributes of the combustible substances such as the electrical conductivity, weight, mass, type of airborne particles created, color, and heat transfer coefficient. Other attributes for determining combustible substance qualities are obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art and are within the scope of the present disclosure.
The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as claimed.
Claims
1. A vapor apparatus, comprising:
- a vessel suitable for holding a liquid;
- an elongate neck removably couplable to the vessel, the elongate neck having an opening at a distal end and adapted to transport airborne particles from the vessel to a user through the opening;
- an upwardly disposed stem extending from the vessel, the stem in fluid communication with the liquid within the vessel through a vapor tube extension;
- a power source electrically connected to the vessel; and
- a nail assembly removably couplable to the distal end of the stem, the nail assembly comprising: a bowl configured to retain a combustible substance; an opening adapted to allow air to flow into the nail assembly; and a vapor tube adjacent to the bowl and adapted to receive airborne particles of the combustible substance,
- wherein the nail assembly is adapted to heat the combustible substance to a temperature, and wherein the vapor tube is adapted to transport the airborne particles through the vapor tube extension into the vessel.
2. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a base capable of wirelessly charging the power source.
3. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a user interface controllable through an attached interface, the interface capable of remote control.
4. The user interface of claim 3, further comprising a wireless data interface for two-way communication between the vapor apparatus and a software application.
5. The vapor apparatus of claim 1 further comprising one or more sensors for detecting combustible material attributes selected from a group consisting of:
- electrical conductivity, weight, mass, type of airborne particles created, color, and heat transfer coefficient.
6. The nail assembly of claim 1, further comprising a thermocouple and a bowl heating device adjacent to the bowl.
7. The nail assembly of claim 6, wherein the bowl heating device is a hot surface igniter.
8. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bowl is concave.
9. The vapor apparatus of claim 8, wherein the bowl is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of: titanium, ceramic, quartz, glass, and steel.
10. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a percolator removably couplable to the vessel.
11. The vapor apparatus of claim 10, wherein the percolator is a double showerhead type.
12. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongate neck further comprising is a fan and a vapor catching device.
13. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a powered airflow device adapted to force airborne particles from the combustible substance through the vapor apparatus.
14. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the nail assembly further comprises at least one sensor capable of determining the temperature of the bowl holding the combustible substance.
15. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a liquid temperature measuring device and a liquid cooling device.
16. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a carbcap having an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion comprises a tool coupled to the distal end and adapted to manipulate the combustible substance, and wherein the lower portion is a flared end adapted to couple to the nail assembly.
17. The carbcap of claim 15, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are threadably couplable.
18. The carbcap of claim 15, wherein the lower portion further comprises a hole through the flair whereby air can penetrate the carbcap.
19. The vapor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the nail assembly is adapted to receive a premeasured pod of combustible substance.
20. The vapor apparatus of claim 19, wherein the pod contains stored information readable by the vapor apparatus to adjust parameters for use of the vapor apparatus with the pod.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 27, 2015
Publication Date: Mar 2, 2017
Applicant: CCNK LLC (Seattle, WA)
Inventors: Nainoa Kuna (Seattle, WA), Charish Correa , Jason Hu (San Francisco, CA), Timothy Hussey (Santa Clara, CA), Jason Labedz (Mountant View, CA)
Application Number: 14/837,698