VAPORIZER ASSEMBLY FOR CONTACTLESS VAPOR DELIVERY

Abstract

A novel vaporizer assembly is disclosed for operating with a cartridge having a fluid conduit disposed from a proximal to a distal end thereof and a heating element assembly disposed proximate the distal end and fluid conduit passing between the cartridge proximal and distal ends. The cartridge comprising an inner storage volume being configured to store a vaporizable material, wherein the inner storage volume is enclosed by a cartridge housing and the heating element assembly in fluid and thermal communication with the fluid conduit and the storage compartment. The vaporizer assembly includes an electrical power and forced air coupling fluidly and electrically coupled with the cartridge distal, the control circuit assembly for controllably providing of electrical power to the cartridge through the electrical power and forced air coupling port where electrical power is controllably provided to the heating element assembly and the vaporizable material is heated to create a vapor for being emitted into the fluid conduit and for vapor to be emitted from the cartridge with the proximal end of the cartridge oriented gravitationally higher than the distal end of the cartridge for facilitating flow of vaporizable material contained within the inner storage volume towards the distal end of the cartridge and towards the cartridge heating element assembly.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 63/027,894 filed on May 20, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates generally to vaporization of phyto materials, and more specifically to vaporizer assemblies using removable cartridges.

INTRODUCTION

The following is intended to introduce the reader to the detailed description that follows and not to define or limit the claimed subject matter.

Phyto materials extracts are used for various therapeutic and health applications. For instance, cannabis extracts may be used to a variety of treat medical conditions, such as glaucoma, epilepsy, dementia, multiple sclerosis, gastrointestinal disorders and many others. Cannabis extracts have also been used for the general management of pain. These cannabis extracts may be filled into cartridges that are known as 510 cartridges that may then contain a heating and vaporizing system and when heated by a heater they are caused to release an aerosol or vapor which then may be inhaled by a user for therapeutic benefits. Due to COVID pandemic, it may not be preferable to have a vapor delivery system that touches a user's lips to reduce person to person contact and potential spreading of infections.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an aromatherapy vaporization device that overcomes the aforementioned deficiencies.

SUMMARY

The following introduction is provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed description to follow and not to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or sub-combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a vaporizer assembly for receiving of a cartridge having a fluid conduit disposed from a proximal to a distal end thereof, a heating element assembly disposed proximate the distal end and fluid conduit passing between the cartridge proximal and distal ends, the fluid conduit fluidly coupling of the heating element assembly with a proximal port and a distal port formed at opposite ends of the fluid conduit, the cartridge comprising a storage compartment being configured to store a vaporizable material, the storage compartment comprising an inner storage volume wherein the vaporizable material is storable in the inner storage volume, wherein the inner storage volume is enclosed by a cartridge housing and the heating element assembly in fluid and thermal communication with the fluid conduit and the storage compartment, the vaporizer assembly comprising: an assembly body comprising a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end and a primary housing; a control circuit assembly for receiving of electrical power from a power source, both disposed within the primary housing; an electrical power and forced air coupling fluidly and electrically coupled with the cartridge distal, the control circuit assembly for controllably providing of electrical power to the cartridge through the electrical power and forced air coupling port; a fluid delivery channel formed within the assembly body, the fluid delivery channel having a proximal end for being fluidly coupled with a forced air generator and electrically coupled with the control circuit assembly, the fluid delivery channel having a distal end for being fluidly coupled with the electrical power and forced air coupling, wherein when the cartridge distal end is engaged with the electrical power and forced air coupling, the cartridge is substantially enclosed by the primary housing and upon activation of the control circuit assembly, electrical power is controllably provided to the heating element assembly and the vaporizable material is heated to create a vapor for being emitted into the fluid conduit, where the forced air generator is for receiving of ambient air and for compressing the ambient air for delivering of compressed air through the electrical power and forced air coupling for propagating the vapor through the fluid conduit and for the vapor to be emitted from the proximal end of the cartridge, wherein in use, the proximal end of the cartridge is oriented gravitationally higher than the distal end of the cartridge for facilitating flow of vaporizable material contained within the inner storage volume towards the distal end of the cartridge and towards the cartridge heating element assembly.

In some embodiment a fluid delivery member may be provided external to a primary housing of the vaporizer assembly, the fluid delivery member comprising a vapor delivery channel therein, the vapor delivery channel having a proximal end for being fluidly coupled with a proximal end of a cartridge and a vapor delivery channel distal end comprising a vapor delivery port, the vapor delivery port for being disposed proximate a rim or lip of a container having an access opening at a proximal end and a container cavity formed therein, the container cavity terminating at a distal end, wherein upon applying of electrical power to the heating element, the heating element creates a vapor from the vaporizable material and the vaporizable material vapor is emitted into the fluid conduit and the compressed air flows through the fluid conduit and forces the vapor to flow from the cartridge proximal port for flowing through the vapor delivery port and past the container access opening and into the container for the vapor to flow along an inner sidewall of the container and to gather substantially within the cavity of the container.

In some embodiment the container comprises a transparent material comprising one of glass and plastic and allows for the vapor contained within the cavity to be visible from an outside of the container.

In some embodiment the vapor delivery channel proximal end is for frictionally engaging of the proximal end of the cartridge and for this frictionally engagement to fluidly seal the cartridge proximal end with the vapor delivery channel and wherein the electrical power and forced air coupling is for fluidly sealing of the fluid conduit with the fluid delivery channel.

In some embodiment the control circuit assembly comprises a user interface, wherein the control circuit assembly is enabled upon a user interacting with the user interface and upon this interaction the control circuit assembly for applying of electrical power to the heating element and for a waiting period of time to commence prior to the forced air generator being enabled for delivering of compressed air through the fluid conduit.

In some embodiment the electrical power and forced air coupling comprises two electrical connections that are insulated from each other that are coaxial with the fluid conduit.

In some embodiment the electrical power and forced air coupling comprise three electrical connections that are insulated from each other and where at least two are radially spaced from the fluid conduit that is for receiving of the compressed air through the electrical power and forced air coupling, where one of the electrical connections is for propagating of cartridge identifier data electrical signals to the control circuit assembly.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a cartridge having a fluid conduit disposed from a proximal to a distal end thereof, a heating element assembly disposed proximate the distal end and fluid conduit passing between the cartridge proximal and distal ends, the fluid conduit fluidly coupling of the heating element assembly with a proximal port and a distal port formed at opposite ends of the fluid conduit, the cartridge comprising a storage compartment being configured to store a vaporizable material, the storage compartment comprising an inner storage volume wherein the vaporizable material is storable in the inner storage volume, wherein the inner storage volume is enclosed by a cartridge housing and the heating element assembly in fluid and thermal communication with the fluid conduit and the storage compartment, the vaporizer assembly comprising: providing an assembly body having fluid delivery channel formed therein from an ambient air input port to an electrical power and forced air coupling port; providing a forced air generator fluidly coupled with the electrical power and forced air coupling and for receiving of ambient air and for compressing the ambient for delivering of compressed air through the electrical power and forced air coupling port, releasably fluidity and electrically coupling of the cartridge distal end with the electrical power and forced air coupling port; gravitationally orienting the proximal end of the cartridge higher than the distal end of the cartridge for facilitating flow of vaporizable material towards the distal end of the cartridge and towards the cartridge heating element assembly when the cartridge is releasably engaged with the electrical power and forced air coupling port, providing a control circuit assembly for receiving of electrical power from a power source and the control circuit assembly for controllably providing of electrical power to the cartridge through the electrical power and forced air coupling port the compressed air for creating a forced vapor to be emitted from the proximate end of the cartridge.

In some embodiment a fluid delivery member external to a primary housing of the assembly body may be provided, the fluid delivery member comprising a vapor delivery channel therein, the vapor delivery channel having a proximal end for being fluidly coupled with a proximal end of a cartridge and a vapor delivery channel distal end comprising a vapor delivery port, the vapor delivery port for being disposed proximate a rim or lip of a container having an access opening at a proximal end and a container cavity formed therein, the container cavity terminating at a distal end, wherein upon applying of electrical power to the heating element, the heating element creates a vapor from the vaporizable material and the vaporizable material vapor is emitted into the fluid conduit and the compressed air flows through the fluid conduit and forces the vapor to flow from the cartridge proximal port for flowing through the vapor delivery port and past the container access opening and into the container for the vapor to flow along an inner sidewall of the container and to gather substantially within the cavity of the container.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a vaporizer assembly for receiving of a cartridge having a fluid conduit disposed from a proximal to a distal end thereof, a heating element assembly disposed proximate the distal end and fluid conduit passing between the cartridge proximal and distal ends, the fluid conduit fluidly coupling of the heating element assembly with a proximal port and a distal port formed at opposite ends of the fluid conduit, the cartridge comprising a storage compartment being configured to store a vaporizable material, the storage compartment comprising an inner storage volume wherein the vaporizable material is storable in the inner storage volume, wherein the inner storage volume is enclosed by a cartridge housing and the heating element assembly in fluid and thermal communication with the fluid conduit and the storage compartment, the vaporizer assembly comprising: a cartridge support member comprising a first end cap, a body portion and a second end cap, the first end cap for fluidly and electrically coupling with the distal end of the cartridge, where the electrical contacts are for electrically coupling with the heating element assembly of the cartridge, the first end cap coupled with the distal end of the cartridge for being inserted into the body portion, such that the body portion substantially surrounds the cartridge fluid conduit and the storage compartment, the first end cap comprising a first fluid aperture; the second end cap frictionally engaging the cartridge proximal, the second end cap comprising a second fluid aperture and coupled with an opposite end of the body portion opposite the first end cap, the cartridge enclosed and bounded by the first and second end caps and the body portion, the electrical contacts propagating through the body portion where the electrical contacts are disposed both at extreme ends of the first and second end caps with the first and second fluid apertures coupling both end caps with the cartridge fluid conduit; an assembly body comprising a fluid delivery channel formed within, the fluid delivery channel having a distal end for being fluidly coupled with an electrical power and forced air coupling, the electrical power and forced air coupling for electrically and fluidly being coupled with one of the first end cap and the second end cap; a control circuit assembly for receiving of electrical power from a power source; a forced air generator electrically coupled with the control circuit assembly and fluidly coupled with the electrical power and forced air coupling, the forced air generator for receiving of ambient air and for compressing the ambient for delivering of compressed air through the electrical power and forced air coupling upon being activated by the control circuit assembly, wherein the control circuit assembly is for controllably providing electrical power to the heating element assembly when one of: the second end cap is fluidly and electrically coupled with the electrical power and forced air coupling, the cartridge distal end is gravitationally lower than the cartridge proximal end and a vapor delivery port is formed at the first fluid aperture; and the first end cap is fluidly and electrically coupled with the electrical power and forced air coupling, the cartridge proximal end is gravitationally higher than the cartridge distal end and the vapor delivery port is formed at the second fluid aperture.

In some embodiment the cartridge support member comprises a gravity sensor disposed therein, the gravity sensor for determining an orientation of heating element assembly of the cartridge and based on the gravitational orientation the heating element and for providing a, the heating element other than being enabled when the proximal cartridge end is gravitationally lower than the distal cartridge end and the heating element should be enabled when the proximal cartridge end is gravitationally higher than the distal cartridge end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a phyto material cartridge for storing a liquid vaporizable material as is known to those of skill in the art;

FIG. 1B illustrates a vaporizer assembly for receiving of a cartridge in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates a vaporizer assembly for receiving of a cartridge in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention for the cartridge for pivoting about a first axis;

FIG. 2B illustrates a vaporizer assembly for receiving of a cartridge in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention for the cartridge for pivoting about a second axis;

FIG. 3A illustrates a vaporizer assembly and a first orientation of a cartridge support member and in a first mode of operation in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B illustrates a vaporizer assembly and a second orientation of a cartridge support member and in a second mode of operation in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3C illustrates a cartridge support member from a first view;

FIG. 3D illustrates a cartridge support member from a second view;

FIG. 4A illustrates a vaporizer assembly from a rear perspective for receiving of a cartridge in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention with the cartridge inserted into the vaporizer assembly;

FIG. 4B illustrates a vaporizer assembly from a rear perspective for receiving of a cartridge in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention with the cartridge removed from the vaporizer assembly;

FIG. 4C illustrates a vaporizer assembly from a front perspective view and in use with vapor being emitted into a container;

FIG. 4D illustrates a cartridge proximal end engagement member;

FIG. 4E illustrates a vaporizer assembly in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention with a housing of the assembly body being removed for clarity; and

FIG. 5A illustrates a vaporizer assembly in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention from a perspective view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various apparatuses, methods and compositions are described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses, methods and compositions having all of the features of any one apparatus, method or composition described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses, methods or compositions described below. It is possible that an apparatus, method or composition described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus, method or composition described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

The terms “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “embodiments,” “the embodiment,” “the embodiments,” “one or more embodiments,” “some embodiments,” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention(s),” unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprising,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” mean “one or more,” unless expressly specified otherwise.

Embodiments described herein relate generally to vaporization of vaporizable material, such as phyto materials and phyto material products. Although embodiments are described herein in relation to vaporization of phyto material and phyto material products, it will be understood that other vaporizable materials, such as vaporizable nicotine products and/or synthesized vaporizable compounds, or combinations of vaporizable components may be used. For instance, various vaporizable products containing nicotine or plant derived extracts or oils, such as cannabis extract, CBD or terpene extracts and/or synthesized compounds may be used. Phyto material products or phyto material extracts may be derived from phyto materials such as the leaves or buds of cannabis plants.

Various methods of vaporizing phyto materials and phyto material products, such as cannabis products, are known. Phyto material is often vaporized by heating the phyto material to a predetermined vaporization temperature. The emitted phyto material vapor may then be inhaled by a user for therapeutic purposes.

Assemblies that vaporize phyto materials are generally known as vaporizers. In some cases, oils or extracts derived or extracted from the phyto materials may also be vaporized. For cannabis oils or extracts, temperatures in the range of about 450 to 800 degrees Fahrenheit may be applied to vaporize these phyto material products may generate phyto material vapor.

FIG. 1A illustrates a phyto material cartridge 200 for storing a liquid vaporizable material as is known to those of skill in the art. Phyto material products, such as oils and extracts may be provided in various liquid, semi-liquid forms. These liquid phyto material products may be stored in a cartridge such as a 510 cartridge that may be used with a vaporizer assembly. The 510 cartridge is widely known and used in the market. The use of other cartridges is also envisaged which may share similar structures to the described cartridge.

In some cases, a vaporizable material 419 or phyto material extract may be added into the cartridge, and in turn, this cartridge may then be inserted into a vaporizer assembly.

Vaporization of material from a phyto material cartridge may involve airflow through the phyto material cartridge 200. However, it may be difficult to ensure consistent airflow through the cartridge and it further may not be possibly in some cases by a patient because they do not possess the proper lung strength. In some cases, users may wish to receive vapor in a contactless manner from the vaporization assembly with an air pumping mechanism utilized for vapor delivery. In some embodiments users may choose not to put their lips onto articles used for vaporization, such as the phyto material cartridge 200 in order to potentially not spread germs.

Embodiments described herein related generally to methods and assemblies for vaporizing phyto material, in particular liquids containing phyto material such as medical cannabis. In embodiments discussed herein, examples of vaporization assemblies or vaporizer assemblies are described that may be used to vaporize cartridges containing vaporizable products such as liquid phyto material products. The example vaporizer assemblies may be associated with any suitable type of cartridge containing vaporizable liquid materials that is engageable with the vaporizer assemblies, such as the vaporizer assemblies described herein.

Similarly, in embodiments discussed herein, examples of cartridges that are of a particular type that are usable to store liquid vaporizable materials that are vaporizable using vaporizer assemblies are described. The example cartridges and type identification of the cartridge may be associated with any suitable type of vaporizer assembly operable to receive the cartridges, such as the example vaporizer assemblies described herein.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the cartridge 200 may include a heating chamber 206 and a storage compartment 216. A storage interface member 224 may include at least one or a plurality of apertures positioned facing the storage compartment to allow vaporizable material 419 to contact a wicking element 208 for flowing into the heating chamber 206. The cartridge may include a proximal end 200A and a distal end 200B opposite the proximal end 200A. An inhalation aperture 112 may be formed at the proximal end 200A of the cartridge 200. Cartridge housing 202 may extend between a cartridge proximal end 200A and a cartridge distal end 200B opposite the cartridge proximal end 202A. A housing sidewall may extend between the cartridge proximal end 200A and the cartridge distal end 200B.

A cartridge fluid conduit 204 may extend through the cartridge housing 202 from the cartridge proximal end 200A to the cartridge distal end 200B. The cartridge fluid conduit 204 may include a conduit distal port 204A or upstream inlet at the cartridge distal end 200B and it may also include a cartridge conduit outlet or inhalation aperture downstream and proximally disposed from the distal port 204B or inlet and have a conduit proximal port 204A and proximate the cartridge proximal end 200A. Generally, I use of the cartridge 200, vapor propagates proximally from proximate the cartridge distal end 200B towards the cartridge proximal end 200A.

The storage compartment or reservoir may be used to store vaporizable material 419 for use with a vaporizer assembly as herein described. The storage compartment may be enclosed by the outer housing sidewall 214 and between the cartridge distal end 200B and the cartridge proximal end 200A. In the example shown, the storage compartment may be parallel to the fluid conduit. That is, the cartridge fluid conduit 204 may define a passage that extends parallel to the storage compartment 216 and the cartridge fluid conduit 204 may be fluidly and thermally coupled to the heating element assembly 210. The storage compartment and the cartridge fluid conduit 204 may be concentrically disposed about a central axis of the conduit 204. The storage compartment 216 may be an elongated storage compartment.

The heating element assembly 210 may also be used with the wicking element 208. The wicking element 208 may at least partially surround the heating element assembly 210. The wicking element 208 may also be arranged coaxially about the heating element assembly 210 and a distal portion of the storage interface member 224 may be oriented coaxially with the heating element assembly 210. The heating element assembly 210 may be disposed proximate the cartridge distal end 200B.

The heating element assembly 210 may be held in place by the storage interface member 224 against the wicking element 208 which is exposed to the vaporizable material 419 from the storage compartment 216 may be drawn to the heating element assembly 210 by wicking element 208. The vaporizable material 419 in the wicking element 208 may then be heated by the heat emitted by a resistive wire 264 or resistive heating element that may be embedded within the heating element assembly 210. The storage interface member 224 may surround the heating element assembly 210, and the storage interface member 224 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced fluid apertures 234 fluidly connecting the heating element assembly 210 to the inner storage volume 216. The heating element assembly 210 and wicking element 208 may be manufactured using a resistive wire embedded in a porous ceramic material. For example, heating element assembly 210 may be manufactured using a porous ceramic and the porous ceramic acts as the wicking element and may obviate a need for a separate wicking element 208.

The heating element assembly 210 may include the resistive heating element 264, which may be in the form of a plurality of resistive heating wire bands may be positioned between the first and second element ends 210A and 2108, e.g. as shown. The resistive bands 264 may be enclosed with an outer wall 210W of the heating element assembly 210. An outer wall of the heating element assembly 210 may be manufactured from a material having limited thermal conductivity, such as a porous ceramic material. The porous ceramic material may initially provide a partial thermal and electrical insulator that allows the resistive heating element 264 to heat up relatively fast due to the low thermal inertia of the heating element assembly 210.

The plurality of resistive heating wire bands 264 may be in the form of a coiled wire embedded within the porous ceramic heating element assembly 230. In some cases, the wicking element 208 may be formed integrally with the heating element assembly 210. For example, the heating element assembly 210 may be manufactured from a porous material (e.g. porous ceramics) with pores sized to receive the vaporizable material 419. The pores may also allow the emitted vapor to pass therethrough when resistive heating element 264 is energized, where in some embodiments a 40-50% open porosity with a tortuous pore structure with a pore size ranging from 20 to 90 micron. A resistance of resistive heating element 264 may be about 0.9 Ohms to about 1.7 Ohms.

In embodiments where both heating element assembly 210 and wicking element 208 may be manufactured using porous materials, the pore sizes of the heating element assembly 210 and wick 208 may differ. For instance, the wicking element 208 may have pores with a smaller diameter than the pores of heating element assembly 210. For example, a porous ceramic material used with heating element assembly 210 may be macro-porous having pores with a diameter larger than 50-80 microns. The wicking element 208 may have pores with diameters smaller than 50 microns.

When assembled, the wicking element 208 and the heating element assembly 210 may be positioned concentrically about the heating chamber cavity 226. The heating chamber cavity 226 may be fluidly connected with a fluid conduit 204. Vapor emitted from heating the vaporizable material 419 in wick 208 may then be drawn into cartridge fluid conduit 204 through plurality of circumferentially spaced fluid apertures 234 formed within the interface member 224. The cartridge fluid conduit 204 propagating from the distal 200B to the proximal 200A ends of the cartridge 200.

Heating element assembly 210 may be positioned within the heating chamber cavity 226 with the wicking element 208 fluidly coupling the cartridge fluid conduit 204 to the storage compartment 216. Apertures formed within the distal portion of the interface member 224 may place the wicking element 208 in fluid communication with vaporizable material 419 held in the storage reservoir 216. The vaporizable material 419 may thus be drawn towards the heating element assembly 210 by wicking element 208 or directly into the heating element assembly 210 without the wicking element 208 as is known to those of skill in the art.

When energized, the resistive heating element 264 may beat the heating element assembly 210 and this may cause the porous ceramic to draw vaporizable material 419 drawn into the heating element assembly 210 for being heated by the resistive heating element 264. By heating the vaporizable material 419 to the predetermined vaporization temperature, a phyto material vapor 70 may be emitted into the heating chamber 226 and upon an inhalation from the inhalation aperture, the emitted vapor 70 may flow through the cartridge fluid conduit 204 having sidewalls defined by the interface member 224 out towards the cartridge proximal end from the inhalation aperture.

Conventional 510 cartridges 200 as are known to those of skill in the art may have two electrically insulated electrical, an outside of the 510 thread 299a as a ground electrical contact and the air conduit and power port 299b as a positive contact and this positive contact may be for receiving of a pulse width modulated power signal.

Referring to FIG. 1B, a vaporizer assembly 100 for receiving of a cartridge 200 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention is shown from a perspective view with the cartridge 200 inserted within the vaporizer assembly 100. The vaporizer assembly 100 may be formed from an assembly body 102 comprising a proximal end 102p and a distal end 102d opposite the proximal end with a first axis 133x formed between the proximal end 102p and a distal end 102d. The cartridge 200 may be substantially contained within the assembly body 102 and the cartridge may be substantially enclosed by a primary housing 100h.

A fluid delivery channel 103f may be formed at least partially within the vaporizer assembly 100. A fluid delivery member 162 that may be external to the primary housing 100h of the vaporizer assembly 100 may include a vapor delivery channel 103v. The fluid delivery member 162 may contain at least part of the vapor delivery channel 103v. The vapor delivery channel 103v having a proximal end 103p for being fluidly coupled with a proximal end 200A of a cartridge 200 and a vapor delivery channel 103v distal end 103d having a vapor delivery port 104. The cartridge fluid conduit 204 fluidly coupled with the fluid delivery channel 103f and the vapor delivery channel 103v.

In this embodiment, an electrical power and forced air coupling port 105 may be fluidly and electrically coupled with the cartridge distal end 200B. A control circuit assembly 120 for receiving of electrical power from a power source 126 and the control circuit assembly 120 for controllably providing of electrical power to the cartridge 200 and more specifically to the heating element assembly 210 through the electrical power and forced air coupling port 105. A forced air generator 107 may be fluidly coupled with the electrical power and forced air coupling port 105 and for receiving of ambient air 555 through an ambient air input port 556 and for compressing the ambient air for delivering of compressed ambient air through the electrical power and forced air coupling port 105 and into the cartridge fluid conduit 204 through the fluid delivery channel 103f. In some embodiments the forced air generator 107 may be in the form of a diaphragm pump, which may deliver about 20 ml to 500 ml per second of airflow.

In some embodiments when the cartridge 200 is engaged between the proximal end 103p of the vapor delivery channel 103v and the electrical power and forced air coupling, the proximal end 200A of the cartridge is oriented gravitationally higher than the distal end 200B of the cartridge 200 for facilitating flow of vaporizable material 419 towards the distal end 200B of the cartridge and towards the cartridge heating element assembly under an influence of gravity.

A support arm assembly 109 may extend from the vaporizer assembly 100 and may be coupled with a base assembly 110, where the base assembly 110 supports the support arm assembly 109 that supports the fluid delivery channel 103f. In some embodiments the base and arm assembly may be heavy enough or may frictionally engage a support surface for positioning of the vapor delivery port 104 at a distance away from a proximal surface of the base assembly 110, for example by 15 cm or 10 cm or 12 cm. This distance may facilitate positioning of the container 199 for receiving of the vapor 70 emitted from the vapor delivery port 104.

In some embodiments the vapor delivery channel 103v proximal port 103p may be for frictionally engaging of the conduit proximal port 204A of the cartridge 200 and for this frictionally engagement to substantially fluidly seal the cartridge proximal end 200A with the vapor delivery channel 103v. In some embodiments the electrical power and forced air coupling port 105 may be substantially fluidly sealed with the conduit distal port 204A, thus forming an approximately sealed air path originating at the forced air generator 107, through the fluid delivery channel 103f, through the cartridge fluid conduit 204 and further through the proximal port 103p of the vapor delivery channel 103v and further to the distal port 103p and terminating at the vapor delivery port 104.

In some embodiments the control circuit assembly 120 comprises a user interface (UX) 176 electrically coupled therewith, wherein the control circuit assembly 120 is enabled upon a user interacting with the UX and upon this interaction the control circuit assembly for applying of electrical power to the heating element and for a waiting period of time to commence prior to the forced air generator being enabled for delivering of compressed air through the cartridge fluid conduit and the fluid delivery channel 103f. This waiting period of time may facilitate the heating element to heat vaporizable material proximate the heating element prior and to generate an initial vapor into the fluid conduit prior to the delivering of compressed air through the cartridge fluid conduit.

In use, in some embodiments the vapor delivery port 104 is for being disposed proximate a rim or lip of a container 199 having an access opening 199a at a proximal end 199p and a container cavity 199c formed therein, the container cavity terminating at a distal end 199d, wherein upon applying of electrical power to the heating element, the heating element may create a vapor from the vaporizable material 419 and the vaporizable material vapor 70 is emitted into the vapor conduit 103v and the compressed air flows through the fluid conduit 103f and forces the vapor to flow from the conduit proximal port 204A for flowing through the vapor delivery channel 103v and past the container access opening 199a and into the container 199 for the vapor 70 to flow along an inner sidewall 199s of the container 199 and to gather substantially within the cavity 199c of the container. The vapor flowing along the vapor delivery channel 103v may flow at an angle with respect to the fluid conduit of the cartridge. Where the vapor delivery channel 103v may direct vapor moving upwardly in a downward direction.

In some embodiments a user may hold the vaporizer assembly in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention over their mouth with direct vapor delivery with the vapor delivery port 104 disposed within their mouth and where the vapor is delivered in a contactless manner from the vapor delivery port 104 to the user to facilitate users with poor lung health to be able to use this as a means of aromatherapy. Furthermore, the container may have a transparent material, such as glass or plastic and allows for the vapor contained within the cavity to be visible from an outside of the container by the user.

In some embodiments the control circuit assembly 120 may also be used to provide user interface functionality and user feedback, such as audio or visual outputs. The control circuit assembly 120 may also be used to control the operation of vaporization assembly 100, such as monitoring assembly activation and controlling operation of a heating assembly that is onboard vaporization assembly 100 (including heating element type data stored within the removable phyto material cartridges).

In some embodiments the control circuit assembly 120 may also monitor the state of various components of vaporization assembly 100, such as battery discharge levels, a fluid flow sensor 142 activity or other sensor signals, such as potentially a temperature sensor or a sensor used to measure current being provided to the heating element assembly or a gravity sensor, heating element temperature and so forth. In some embodiments the control circuit assembly 120 may also monitor one or more assembly sensors and feedback indicators, examples of which are described in further detail below. The gravity sensor may determine an orientation of the cartridge 200 coupled with the primary housing 100h through the and be used to enable and disable operation of the heating element assembly in dependence upon an orientation of the VD 200 or the cartridge 200.

Cartridge identifier data that may be stored within a memory module disposed within or attached with the cartridge 200 housing. This may include configuration of the removable cartridge assembly (e.g. electrical properties of heating element assembly), a lot number of the removable cartridge assembly, a date of manufacture of the removable cartridge assembly, an expiration date of the vaporizable material 419, information of the apparatus used to fill the removable cartridge assembly, viscosity properties of the vaporizable material 419, etc. This cartridge identifier data may be directly encoded in the memory module or a reference indicator (e.g. unique identification number) may be provided that the control circuit may use as an index to look up some or all of this information, or a combination of the reference number and the directly encoded cartridge identifier data may be provided.

In some embodiments the electrical power and forced air coupling port may comprise three electrical connections that are insulated from each other and where at least two are radially spaced from an air conduit that is for receiving of the compressed air through the electrical power and forced air coupling, where one of the electrical connections is for propagating of cartridge identifier data electrical signals. The control circuit assembly 120 may adjust the operation of the heating element assembly 210 based on the cartridge identifier data, e.g. adjust the temperature, increase/decrease the power supply from energy storage module 128, etc. Control circuit assembly 120 may also perform calculations based on the mass of air flow entering the vaporization assembly 100 (e.g. measured by a fluid flow sensor 142 as propagating through the flow channel 1031) and the cartridge identifier data to achieve a predetermined operating time for the heating element assembly in relation to a mass or duration of inhalation. The control circuit assembly 120 may also perform calculations based on the mass of air flow entering the vaporization assembly 100 in conjunction with cartridge identifier data. The fluid flow sensor 142 may be fluidly coupled with the ambient air intake port 556. The mass of air flowing may be used for dosing determination.

When the cartridge 200 proximal and distal ends are fluidly coupled with the electrical power and forced air coupling port 105 and the fluid delivery channel 103f, the cartridge heating element assembly may be used to vaporize vaporizable material 419 stored in the storage compartment 216, where the vaporizable material 419 may be drawn from storage compartment 216 and into wicking element 208 that is thermally coupled to the heating element assembly 210. The vapor may then flow into the container and subsequently a user may inhale contained vapor from within the container. The vaporizable material 419 may flow towards the distal end 200B of the cartridge and towards the cartridge heating element assembly under an influence of gravity through a viscosity change of the vaporizable material 419 as a result of the storage compartment 216 being thermally coupled to the heating element assembly 210.

In some embodiments, energy storage module 128 may be a rechargeable energy storage module, such as a battery. Vaporization assembly 100 may include a power supply port (e.g. a USB-port or magnetic charging port or wireless charging port, such as Qi wireless charging standard) that allows the energy storage module 128 to be recharged. The energy storage module 128 may optionally be removable to allow it to be replaced.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a second embodiment of the invention is shown. A vaporizer assembly 300 is shown for receiving of a cartridge 200, such as the cartridge 200 shown in FIG. 1A. The vaporizer assembly 300 may be formed from an assembly body 302 comprising a proximal end 302p and a distal end 302d opposite the proximal end with a first axis 333x formed between the proximal end 302p and a distal end 302d.

A fluid delivery channel 303f may be formed within the assembly body 302, the fluid delivery channel 303f having a distal end 303p for being fluidly coupled with a distal end 200A of a cartridge 200 through an electrical power and forced air coupling port 305 and, the cartridge 200, such as the cartridge described in FIG. 1A, having the fluid conduit disposed from the proximal to a distal end thereof, the heating element assembly disposed at the distal end and fluid conduit passing from the proximal to a distal end, a heating assembly formed proximate the distal end, the fluid conduit fluidly coupling of the heating element assembly with a proximal port and a distal port, the cartridge comprising a storage compartment being configured to store a vaporizable material 419, the storage compartment comprising an inner storage volume wherein the vaporizable material 419 is storable in the inner storage volume, wherein the inner storage volume is enclosed by a cartridge housing and the heating element assembly in fluid and thermal communication with the fluid conduit and the storage compartment, the cartridge distal end 303d forming a vapor delivery port 304.

The electrical power and forced air coupling port electrical power and forced air coupling port 305 may be provided and releasably and fluidly and electrically coupled with the cartridge distal end 200B. A control circuit assembly 320 is for receiving of electrical power from a power source (not shown) and the control circuit assembly 320 for providing of electrical power to the cartridge through the electrical power and forced air coupling port 305. A forced air generator 307 may be electrically coupled with the control assembly 120 and fluidly coupled with the electrical power and forced air coupling port and for receiving of ambient air 555 through an ambient air intake port 556 and for compressing the ambient for delivering of compressed air through the electrical power and forced air coupling port via the fluid delivery channel 303f upon being activated by the control assembly 120.

In some embodiments, when the cartridge distal end 200B is engaged with the electrical power and forced air coupling port 305, the proximal end 200A of the cartridge 200 may be oriented gravitationally higher than the distal end 200B of the cartridge for facilitating flow of vaporizable material contained in the cartridge reservoir towards the distal end of the cartridge and towards the cartridge heating element assembly to bathe the heating element assembly in vaporizable material.

Having the cartridge gravitationally oriented as aforementioned, may allow for phyto material extract or vaporizable material 419 to gravitate towards the cartridge heating element assembly.

Referring to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, the cartridge 200 may be oriented in a poseable manner with respect to the vaporizer assembly housing for pivoting about the first axis 333. Referring to FIG. 2B in some embodiments the cartridge may be rotatable or poseable with respect to the vaporizer assembly housing about a second axis 333y. This may facilitate, moving the cartridge upwards and downwards with respect to ground.

A stand and base assembly 309 may protrude distally from the vaporizer assembly 300 and be part of the vaporizer assembly 300 and may extend distally where the stand and base assembly 309 may support a weight of the vaporizer assembly 300. The vaporizer assembly may be provided with a wall mount or other type of mounting system to allow it to mount to vertical or horizontal or inclined surface. In some embodiments, the vaporizer assembly may comprise a capacitive touch sensor electrically coupled with the control assembly as part of the user interface, which may be similar to that shown for the first embodiment, where by user touching the sensor, the operations advice may be activated.

In some embodiments, the user may insert the cartridge assembly 200 by engaging the conduit distal port 204A with the electrical power and forced air coupling port 305 by sliding or engaging the cartridge distal end into a cartridge receptacle 305r formed as part of the electrical power and forced air coupling port 305 and then rotating the cartridge to secure the threads and in some embodiments, it may be e a frictional engagement or in some embodiments using a magnetic coupling comprising at least one magnet for securing the cartridge distal end 200B with the electrical power and forced air coupling port 305. In some embodiments a bayonet fitting may be used.

According to the second embodiment of the invention, the user may orient the cartridge 200 in such a way that they are able to force vapor into their mouth or direct the vapor in a proximal direction as desired and expel the vapor at an angle to the base assembly 309 and away from the base assembly while maintaining the cartridge distal end gravitationally lower than the cartridge proximal end.

In some embodiments, a blower assembly using a fan and motor, such as a vane type compressor may be used to compress ambient air 555 from the ambient air input port 556 into the fluid delivery channel 303f to force air past the heating element assembly of the cartridge and out of the mouthpiece or vapour output port which may be the cartridge proximal end 200A or the conduit proximal port 204A. In some embodiments the blower rotates about one of the first axis 333x and the second axis 333y.

This type of contactless vapour delivery, may work with conventional 510 cartridges, or it may also work with other types of cartridges that are 2 pin or 3 pin or 4 pin as are known in the art. There may be an adapter placed between the cartridge receptacle 305r as part of the electrical power and forced air coupling port 305 and the conduit distal port 204A to facilitate coupling various other types of cartridges to the vaporizer assembly and the electrical power and forced air coupling port 305 in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 3A through 3D illustrate a vaporizer assembly 400 for receiving of a cartridge 200 and in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. The vaporizer assembly 400 may be formed from an assembly body 402 comprising a proximal end 402p and a distal end 402d opposite the proximal end with a first axis 303 formed between the proximal end 302p and a distal end 302d.

A fluid delivery channel 403f may be formed within the assembly body 402, the fluid delivery channel 403f having a distal end 403d for being fluidly coupled with one of a distal end 200B of a cartridge 200 (FIG. 1A) and the proximal end 200A of the cartridge 200 through the use of a cartridge support member 488.

The cartridge support member 488 is shown in detail in FIGS. 3C and 3D, where the cartridge support member 488 may have a second fluid aperture 488sf at its proximal end 488p as well as a first fluid aperture 488ff at its distal end 488d and comprising at least one of a first set and a second set of electrical contacts 488e.

The electrical contacts 488e for electrically coupling with the heating element assembly 210 of the cartridge 200 and further with the resistive heating element 264 thereof. The cartridge support member 488 may further include a first end cap 485, a body portion 486 and a second end cap 487. The first end cap 485 may be for fluidly and electrically coupling with the distal end 200B of the cartridge 200, where the electrical contacts 488e are for electrically coupling with the heating element assembly 210 of the cartridge 200.

The first end cap 485 may thread onto the cartridge distal end 200B or may be magnetically coupled therewith. The first end cap 485 with the distal end 200B of the cartridge may be inserted into the body portion 486, such that the body portion 486 substantially surrounds the cartridge fluid conduit 204 and the storage compartment 216 with the first fluid aperture 488ff fluidly coupled with the cartridge fluid conduit 204.

The second end cap 487 may frictionally engage the cartridge proximal end 200A and may be threaded onto an opposite end of the body portion 486 opposite the first end cap 485. Preferably the cartridge 200 is enclosed and bounded by the first and second end caps and the body portion 486. The electrical contacts 488e via wires or telescopic contacts may propagate through the body portion 486 where the electrical contacts 488e are disposed both at extreme ends of the first and second end caps with the second fluid aperture 488sf and the first fluid aperture 488ff coupling both end caps with the cartridge fluid conduit 204.

When the cartridge is disposed within the cartridge support member 488, the cartridge fluid conduit 204 is fluidly coupled with both the first and second fluid apertures 488ff, 488sf and a support member fluid channel 498 is formed along the length of the cartridge support member 488 between the two end caps.

The cartridge support member 488 may include a gravity sensor 483 disposed therein, the gravity sensor 483 may be for determining an orientation of the cartridge 200 with respect to gravity. The gravitational or orientation sensor 483 that may be disposed within the cartridge support member 488 may be used in order to determine an orientation of the heating element assembly of the cartridge 200. Based on the orientation of the cartridge 200e, the heating element should be other than enabled when the proximal cartridge end is lower than the distal cartridge end and the heating element should be enabled when the proximal cartridge end is higher than the distal cartridge end. The gravitational or orientation sensor may be a ball switch that acts with gravity and a metal ball either closes electrical contacts therein or leaves the electrical contacts therein open based on the orientation thereof.

The electrical contacts 488e may include at least 3 ports, where two ports are for coupling to the cartridge heating element and one port is for coupling with the gravity sensor 483 and more specifically with an output signal generated by the gravity sensor, where the output signal generated by the gravity sensor is provided to the control circuit assembly. In use, either the first end cap 485 or the second end cap 487 are fluidly and eclectically coupled with the electrical power and forced air coupling port 405.

FIG. 3A illustrates a first orientation of the cartridge support member 488 in a first mode of operation where the electrical power and forced air coupling port 405 is fluidly and electrically coupled with the second end cap 487 and a vapor delivery port 404 may be formed proximate the first end cap 485 with forced air for propagating through the cartridge fluid conduit 204 from the proximal 200A to the distal 200B ends of the cartridge 200 and the cartridge distal end is gravitationally lower than the cartridge proximal end and the vapor delivery port is formed at the first fluid aperture. In this figure, the gravitational sensor indicates that the distal end of the cartridge is gravitational lower than the proximal end of the cartridge, thus enabling operation of the heating element assembly.

FIG. 3B illustrates a second orientation of the cartridge support member 488 in a second mode of operation where the electrical power and forced air coupling port 405 is fluidly and electrically coupled with the first end cap 485 and the vapor delivery port 404 may be formed proximate the second end cap 487 with forced air for propagating through the cartridge fluid conduit 204 from the distal 200B to the proximal 200A ends of the cartridge 200. In this figure, the gravitational sensor indicates that the distal end of the cartridge is gravitational lower than the proximal end of the cartridge, thus enabling operation of the heating element assembly.

In some embodiments the connection may be polarized for allowing the cartridge to fit within the cartridge support member 488 in a single orientation and for fluid and electrically coupling of the cartridge therein to maintain the heating element assembly spatial orientation with the heating element assembly being lower than the proximal end of the cartridge. The gravitational sensor may be as a safety mechanism to facilitate the user to other than damage the cartridge by overheating the heating elements when it is not bathed by oil or vaporizable material container in the cartridge reservoir.

A forced air generator 407 may be electrically coupled with a control assembly and fluidly coupled with the electrical power and forced air coupling and for receiving of ambient air and for compressing the ambient for delivering of compressed air through the electrical power and forced air coupling upon being activated by the control assembly. When the cartridge support member 488 is engaged with the electrical power and forced air coupling 405, the proximal end of the cartridge is oriented gravitationally higher than the distal end of the cartridge for facilitating flow of vaporizable material towards the distal end of the cartridge and towards the cartridge heating element assembly in both first and second orientations.

Having the heating element assembly oriented gravitationally lower at the distal end than the proximal end may allow for vaporizable material to flow towards the heating element assembly under the influence of gravity. In order for the heating element assembly term in continuously wicked, the gravitational flow of vaporizable material from the proximal and towards the distal end of the cartridge in the first mode of operation or the second mode of operation should ensure that the heating element assembly is sufficiently bathed in oil to prevent dry heating of the heating element wire contained therein.

FIG. 3A illustrates the distal end of the cartridge and the cartridge vapour and power the coupling for it as well as the vapour and power coupling, may be disposed below a rim of a container 199 such as a wine glass 498. The vaporizer assembly 400 directs vapor 70 from the cartridge into a vessel, such as a glass or drinking glass 499. As the vapor 70 is forced into the glass 499, it is preferable to have the inside of the cavity surface 499s, proximate the vapor delivery port 404. Having the vapor 70 being delivered, along the inner sidewall 499s will assist the vapor 70 to gravitate downwards towards the glass bottom and rotate and spin within the glass so that the minimum amount of vapor 70 is emitted from the access opening 499a. In some embodiments the container 488 may have a curved inner surface with a larger diameter halfway between the proximal and distal ends thereof. Having the VA in accordance with the embodiments of invention may facilitate its use with a conventional wine glass 498, for example

FIG. 4A, illustrates a vaporizer assembly 500 for receiving of a cartridge 200 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention. The vaporizer assembly 500 is shown from a rear perspective view. FIG. 4B illustrates the vaporizer assembly 500 from a rear perspective view in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention from a rear perspective view with the cartridge 200 removed from a cartridge receptacle 523.

The cartridge 200, such as that shown in FIG. 1A, may be for being inserted within the vaporizer assembly 500 within the cartridge receptacle 523. Generally, the vaporizer assembly 500 may be formed from an assembly body 502 comprising a proximal end 502p and a distal end 502d opposite the proximal end with a second axis 533y formed perpendicular to the proximal end 502p and a distal end 502d.

A fluid delivery channel 503f may be formed at least partially within the vaporizer assembly 500 and a vapor delivery channel 503v at least partially within a fluid delivery member 562 that may be external from a primary housing 500h of the vaporizer assembly 500.

FIG. 4C, illustrates the vaporizer assembly 500 from a front perspective view and in use with the vapor being emitted into the container 199, such as container shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4E illustrates the vaporizer assembly 500 with a housing of the assembly body 502 removed for clarity. Referring to FIG. 4E, an electrical power and forced air coupling port 505 may be fluidly and electrically coupled with the cartridge distal end 200B. A control circuit assembly 520 for receiving of electrical power from a power source 526 and the control circuit assembly 520 for providing of electrical power to the cartridge 200 and more specifically to the heating element assembly 210 through the electrical power and forced air coupling port 505. A forced air generator 507 may be fluidly coupled with the electrical power and forced air coupling port 505 through the fluid delivery channel 503f. The electrical power and forced air coupling port 505 for receiving of ambient air 555 through an ambient air input port 556 and for compressing the ambient air 555 for delivering of compressed ambient air 555c through the electrical power and forced air coupling port 505 and into the cartridge fluid conduit 204. In some embodiments the forced air generator 507 may be in the form of a diaphragm pump.

FIG. 4D illustrates a cartridge proximal end engagement member 558 where in some embodiments when the cartridge 200 may be engaged between the proximal end 503p of the vapor delivery channel 503v through an engagement member 558 at the cartridge proximal end 200A and the electrical power and forced air coupling port 505 at the cartridge distal end 200B, the proximal end 200A of the cartridge is oriented gravitationally higher than the distal end 200B of the cartridge 200 for facilitating flow of vaporizable material 419 towards the distal end 200B of the cartridge and towards the cartridge heating element assembly under an influence of gravity. In this embodiment, a longitudinal axis of the cartridge along the cartridge fluid conduit 204 and in some embodiments the cartridge fluid conduit 204 may be parallel with a first axis 533x.

The vapor delivery channel 503v may have a proximal end 504p for being fluidly coupled with the proximal end 200A of the cartridge 200 through the proximal end 503p of the vapor delivery channel 503v. The vapor delivery channel 503v may have a distal end 504d having a vapor delivery port 504. The fluid delivery channel 503f may originate at the forced air generator 507 and fluidly couple with the electrical power and forced air coupling port 505 and with the cartridge fluid conduit 204 and the cartridge proximal end engagement member 558 and further with the vapor delivery channel 503v and terminate at the vapor delivery port 504.

FIG. 5A illustrates a sixth embodiment of the invention where the vaporizer assembly 600 is shown for receiving of a cartridge 200 (FIG. 1A) and the container 199 is shown from a cutaway view. The vaporizer assembly 600 may be formed from an assembly body 602 comprising the proximal end 602p and the distal end 602d opposite the proximal end.

A fluid delivery channel 603 may be formed within the assembly body 602, the fluid delivery channel having the distal end 603d for being fluidly coupled with the proximal end 200A of a cartridge 200 through a forced air coupling port 605f and, the cartridge 200, such as the cartridge described in FIG. 1A. An electrical power and coupling port 605e may be provided and releasably and fluidly and electrically coupled with the cartridge distal end 200B.

A control circuit assembly (not shown) for receiving of electrical power from a power source (not shown) and the control circuit assembly for providing of electrical power to the cartridge through the electrical power and coupling port 605e. A forced air generator (not shown) may be electrically coupled with the control circuit assembly and fluidly coupled with the forced air coupling port 605f, the cartridge fluid conduit 204 and thereafter the electrical power and coupling port 605e. The forced air generator for receiving of ambient air through an ambient air intake port and for compressing the ambient for delivering of compressed air through the forced air coupling port 605f and the cartridge fluid conduit 204 and the electrical power and coupling port 605e upon being activated by the control circuit assembly.

When the cartridge distal end 200B is engaged with the electrical power and coupling port 605e, the proximal end 200A of the cartridge 200 is engaged with the forced air coupling port 605f and the proximal end 200A of the cartridge 200 may be oriented gravitationally higher than the distal end 200B of the cartridge for facilitating flow of vaporizable material towards the distal end of the cartridge and towards the cartridge heating element assembly. Having the cartridge gravitationally oriented as aforementioned, may allow for phyto material extract or vaporizable material 419 to gravitate towards the cartridge heating element assembly.

The user may insert the cartridge assembly 200 into a cartridge receptacle 623 by distally extending a cartridge assembly slide mechanism 689, coupling the cartridge distal end with the electrical power and coupling port 605e and then sliding the cartridge assembly slide mechanism 689 with the inserted cartridge that is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 623 towards the forced air coupling port 605f. The forced air coupling port 605f may frictionally engaged the proximal end if the cartridge and fluidly seal the cartridge proximal end for receiving of compressed air from the forced air generator. A vapor delivery channel 603v may be formed through the electrical power and coupling port 605e and terminating at a vapor delivery port 604.

A stand and base assembly 609 may be part of the vaporizer assembly 600 and may extend distally where the stand and base assembly 609 may support a weight of the vaporizer assembly 600.

A support arm assembly 509, 609 may extend from the vaporizer assembly proximal end 502p, 602p and may be coupled with a base assembly 510, 610, where the base assembly supports fluid delivery member 562, 662. According to the sixth embodiment of the invention, the fluid delivery member 662 may include the forced air coupling port 605f and the cartridge receptacle 623 and the electrical power and coupling port 605e and the vapor delivery port 604. The support arm in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the invention may be oriented such that the proximal end of the cartridge is gravitationally higher than the distal end of the cartridge and the vapor flows distally from the distal end of the cartridge through the electrical power and coupling port 605e to the vapor delivery port 604.

In some embodiments the base and arm assembly may be heavy enough or may frictionally engage a support surface for positioning of the vapor delivery port 504, 604 at a height from support surface of about 15 cm or 10 cm or 12 cm. This height may facilitate positioning of the container 199 for receiving of the vapor 70 emitted from the vapor delivery port 504, 604.

Referring to FIG. 4E, in some embodiments the control circuit assembly 520 comprises a user interface (UX) 576 electrically coupled therewith, wherein the control circuit assembly 520 is enabled upon a user interacting with the user interface and upon this interaction the control circuit assembly for applying of electrical power in a predetermined power to the heating element and in some embodiments for the waiting period of time may facilitate the heating element to heat vaporizable material proximate the heating element prior and to generate an initial vapor into the fluid conduit prior to the delivering of compressed air through the cartridge fluid conduit.

The waiting time period to commence prior to the forced air generator being enabled for delivering of compressed air through the cartridge and the fluid delivery channel. In some embodiments this waiting period may be 0.5 seconds to 1 second.

This waiting time period or gap in time between when the heating element assembly is activated and when the compressor or air pump, starts to provide forced air through the heating element assembly or when already compressed air is pulsed or spring loaded expelled from a reservoir and into the cartridge.

This gap in time may facilitate for the heating element assembly to heat up to a predetermined temperature, such as between 500 and 753 degrees Fahrenheit for vaporizable material to be turned into vapor for flowing through the cartridge fluid flow channel.

In some embodiments, this gap in time may be 0.5 seconds and maybe one second maybe 0.25 seconds. In some environments, the gap time is also tied to a pulse-width modulation profile that is applied to the heating element assembly.

Referring to FIG. 4B, in some embodiments the fluid delivery member 562 may rotate about a second axis 533y, which may be a perpendicular axis with the first axis 533x. The fluid delivery member 562 in some embodiments may rotate 360 degrees about the second axis 533y, in a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction. In some embodiments the fluid delivery member 562 may comprise a retched mechanism that facilitates movement and frictional locking in place of the fluid delivery member 562 every 10 degrees as it is rotated.

Referring to FIGS. 4E and 5A the user interface 576 may include a rotary click dial interface where the dial may rotate about the first axis or the second axis to adjust temperatures of the cartridge heating element. Furthermore, the rotary click dial may be pressed and held to enable operation of the control assembly. In some embodiments the user interface 576 may also include an OLED display 577 (FIG. 5A). In some embodiments the rotary click dial interface and the OLED display may be disposed as part of the base assembly 610 (FIG. 5A).

Referring to FIG. 4E, a spring-loaded electrical power and forced air coupling port 505s may move along the first axis 533x to facilitate loading of various lengths of the cartridges 200 into the cartridge receptacle 523. A biasing spring 595 may be used to bias the spring-loaded electrical power and forced air coupling port 505s towards the cartridge proximal end engagement member 558. In some embodiments the cartridge 200 may be 45 mm in length and in other embodiments the cartridge may be 74 mm in length. A cartridge insertion control arm 595c may be provided which protrudes past a housing and allows for the user to compress the biasing spring 595, connect the cartridge distal end 200B with the spring loaded electrical power and forced air coupling port 505s, and to release the cartridge insertion control arm 595c and for the spring 595 to extend and to press the spring loaded electrical power and forced air coupling port 505s against the cartridge distal and 200B and for the cartridge proximal; end 200A to engage with the cartridge proximal end engagement member 558 for approximately fluidly sealing of the cartridge proximal end with the cartridge proximal end engagement member 558.

Referring to FIG. 5A, a spring-loaded electrical power and coupling port may move distally to facilitate loading of various lengths of the cartridges 200 into the cartridge receptacle 623.

In some embodiments, a lead screw mechanism may be utilized to compress the cartridge 200 between the proximal end 503p of the cartridge proximal end engagement member 558 and the electrical power and forced air coupling port 505. Preferably the lead screw mechanism and the spring mechanism allow for the cartridge 200 to be fluidly coupled between the cartridge proximal end engagement member 558 and the electrical power and forced air coupling port 505.

This forced air generator in accordance with embodiments of the invention, may provide a continuous stream of compressed air therefrom and in some embodiments the stream of compressed air may be in bursts or provided in an other than continuous fashion. In some embodiments there may be an air pulse or a plurality of air pulses. The forced air generator may also include a compressed air mechanism that may use a syringe, which may be spring loaded which may store potential energy and may be released to close the syringe plunger and deliver a puff of air through a heated heating element assembly. In some embodiments the compressed air may be held in a reservoir and until a valve is released that releases the compressed air from the reservoir as a burst through the heating element assembly that has already been energized.

Advantageously in accordance with embodiments of the invention, the end user would be able to take an off the shelf glass, activate the control assembly for heating of the heating element for forced vapor delivery from the cartridge and into the glass.

In some embodiments of the invention, the glass or vapor receptacle 199, may be cup-shaped and in some embodiments it may be transparent to allow the user to see the vapor 70 that is spiraling within the glass (FIG. 3A) as it is being delivered from the embodiments of the invention 100, 500, 600. The user may then be able to adjust the position of the glass as well as potentially rotate of the cartridge about the first or second access to optimize an amount of vapor being retained within the container or within a glass, versus amount of vapor escaping through the access opening 199a.

It is preferable to have a vessel for receiving the vapor, or the container 199, that has an access opening as well as shape that facilitates vapor being retained within the receptacle with minimum amount of vapor being emitted from the access opening 199a during the filling operation of vapor being forced into the receptacle from the vapor delivery port. It also may be further preferable to have the container 199 that is transparent. This may facilitate the user to be able to gauge an amount or volume of vapor that is container within the container 199 after vapor filling operation. Thus, the user may be able to titrate their experience in an amount of vapor they are inhaling from the container, in a potentially similar manner that the user may consume a standard alcoholic drink.

In some embodiments, the user may touch a button as part of the user interface for operating the forced air generator is set to operate for a fixed amount of time to deliver certain dose or the forced air generator is able to operate with the fluid flow sensor to determine the mass airflow in determining a dose delivered into the container 199. The forced air generator may be calibrated to deliver an approximately one milligram dose and may operate for 4 seconds to deliver a 4 to 5 milligram dose by vapor 70 weight and with a heating element assembly resistance being about 0.9 Ohms to 1.6 Ohms.

Advantageously, the aforementioned embodiments of the invention offer a vapor delivery system or a vaporizer assembly that offers contactless vapor delivery, which may be preferable for use post the COVID pandemic to reduce potential spreading of infections.

While the above description describes features of example embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. For example, the various characteristics which are described by means of the represented embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with each other. Accordingly, what has been described above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed concept and non-limiting. It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

1. A vaporizer assembly for receiving of a cartridge having a fluid conduit disposed from a proximal to a distal end thereof, a heating element assembly disposed proximate the distal end and fluid conduit passing between the cartridge proximal and distal ends, the fluid conduit fluidly coupling of the heating element assembly with a proximal port and a distal port formed at opposite ends of the fluid conduit, the cartridge comprising a storage compartment being configured to store a vaporizable material, the storage compartment comprising an inner storage volume wherein the vaporizable material is storable in the inner storage volume, wherein the inner storage volume is enclosed by a cartridge housing and the heating element assembly in fluid and thermal communication with the fluid conduit and the storage compartment, the vaporizer assembly comprising:

an assembly body comprising a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end and a primary housing;

a control circuit assembly for receiving of electrical power from a power source, both disposed within the primary housing;

an electrical power and forced air coupling fluidly and electrically coupled with the cartridge distal, the control circuit assembly for controllably providing of electrical power to the cartridge through the electrical power and forced air coupling port;

a fluid delivery channel formed within the assembly body, the fluid delivery channel having a proximal end for being fluidly coupled with a forced air generator and electrically coupled with the control circuit assembly, the fluid delivery channel having a distal end for being fluidly coupled with the electrical power and forced air coupling,

wherein when the cartridge distal end is engaged with the electrical power and forced air coupling, the cartridge is substantially enclosed by the primary housing and upon activation of the control circuit assembly, electrical power is controllably provided to the heating element assembly and the vaporizable material is heated to create a vapor for being emitted into the fluid conduit,

where the forced air generator is for receiving of ambient air and for compressing the ambient air for delivering of compressed air through the electrical power and forced air coupling for propagating the vapor through the fluid conduit and for the vapor to be emitted from the proximal end of the cartridge,

wherein in use, the proximal end of the cartridge is oriented gravitationally higher than the distal end of the cartridge for facilitating flow of vaporizable material contained within the inner storage volume towards the distal end of the cartridge and towards the cartridge heating element assembly.

2. A vaporizer assembly according to claim 1 comprising:

a fluid delivery member external to a primary housing of the vaporizer assembly, the fluid delivery member comprising a vapor delivery channel therein, the vapor delivery channel having a proximal end for being fluidly coupled with a proximal end of a cartridge and a vapor delivery channel distal end comprising a vapor delivery port, the vapor delivery port for being disposed proximate a rim or lip of a container having an access opening at a proximal end and a container cavity formed therein, the container cavity terminating at a distal end, wherein upon applying of electrical power to the heating element, the heating element creates a vapor from the vaporizable material and the vaporizable material vapor is emitted into the fluid conduit and the compressed air flows through the fluid conduit and forces the vapor to flow from the cartridge proximal port for flowing through the vapor delivery port and past the container access opening and into the container for the vapor to flow along an inner sidewall of the container and to gather substantially within the cavity of the container.

3. A vaporizer assembly according to claim 2 wherein the container comprises a transparent material comprising one of glass and plastic and allows for the vapor contained within the cavity to be visible from an outside of the container.

4. A vaporizer assembly according to claim 1 wherein the vapor delivery channel proximal end is for frictionally engaging of the proximal end of the cartridge and for this frictionally engagement to fluidly seal the cartridge proximal end with the vapor delivery channel and wherein the electrical power and forced air coupling is for fluidly sealing of the fluid conduit with the fluid delivery channel.

5. A vaporizer assembly according to claim 1 wherein the control circuit assembly comprises a user interface, wherein the control circuit assembly is enabled upon a user interacting with the user interface and upon this interaction the control circuit assembly for applying of electrical power to the heating element and for a waiting period of time to commence prior to the forced air generator being enabled for delivering of compressed air through the fluid conduit.

6. A vaporizer assembly according to claim 1 wherein the electrical power and forced air coupling comprises two electrical connections that are insulated from each other that are coaxial with the fluid conduit.

7. A vaporizer assembly according to claim 1 wherein the electrical power and forced air coupling comprise three electrical connections that are insulated from each other and where at least two are radially spaced from the fluid conduit that is for receiving of the compressed air through the electrical power and forced air coupling, where one of the electrical connections is for propagating of cartridge identifier data electrical signals to the control circuit assembly.

8. A vaporizer assembly for receiving of a cartridge having a fluid conduit disposed from a proximal to a distal end thereof, a heating element assembly disposed proximate the distal end and fluid conduit passing between the cartridge proximal and distal ends, the fluid conduit fluidly coupling of the heating element assembly with a proximal port and a distal port formed at opposite ends of the fluid conduit, the cartridge comprising a storage compartment being configured to store a vaporizable material, the storage compartment comprising an inner storage volume wherein the vaporizable material is storable in the inner storage volume, wherein the inner storage volume is enclosed by a cartridge housing and the heating element assembly in fluid and thermal communication with the fluid conduit and the storage compartment, the vaporizer assembly comprising:

providing an assembly body having fluid delivery channel formed therein from an ambient air input port to an electrical power and forced air coupling port;

providing a forced air generator fluidly coupled with the electrical power and forced air coupling and for receiving of ambient air and for compressing the ambient for delivering of compressed air through the electrical power and forced air coupling port,

releasably fluidity and electrically coupling of the cartridge distal end with the electrical power and forced air coupling port;

gravitationally orienting the proximal end of the cartridge higher than the distal end of the cartridge for facilitating flow of vaporizable material towards the distal end of the cartridge and towards the cartridge heating element assembly when the cartridge is releasably engaged with the electrical power and forced air coupling port,

providing a control circuit assembly for receiving of electrical power from a power source and the control circuit assembly for controllably providing of electrical power to the cartridge through the electrical power and forced air coupling port

the compressed air for creating a forced vapor to be emitted from the proximate end of the cartridge.

9. A vaporizer assembly according to claim 8 comprising:

a fluid delivery member external to a primary housing of the assembly body, the fluid delivery member comprising a vapor delivery channel therein, the vapor delivery channel having a proximal end for being fluidly coupled with a proximal end of a cartridge and a vapor delivery channel distal end comprising a vapor delivery port, the vapor delivery port for being disposed proximate a rim or lip of a container having an access opening at a proximal end and a container cavity formed therein, the container cavity terminating at a distal end, wherein upon applying of electrical power to the heating element, the heating element creates a vapor from the vaporizable material and the vaporizable material vapor is emitted into the fluid conduit and the compressed air flows through the fluid conduit and forces the vapor to flow from the cartridge proximal port for flowing through the vapor delivery port and past the container access opening and into the container for the vapor to flow along an inner sidewall of the container and to gather substantially within the cavity of the container.

10. A vaporizer assembly for receiving of a cartridge having a fluid conduit disposed from a proximal to a distal end thereof, a heating element assembly disposed proximate the distal end and fluid conduit passing between the cartridge proximal and distal ends, the fluid conduit fluidly coupling of the heating element assembly with a proximal port and a distal port formed at opposite ends of the fluid conduit, the cartridge comprising a storage compartment being configured to store a vaporizable material, the storage compartment comprising an inner storage volume wherein the vaporizable material is storable in the inner storage volume, wherein the inner storage volume is enclosed by a cartridge housing and the heating element assembly in fluid and thermal communication with the fluid conduit and the storage compartment, the vaporizer assembly comprising:

a cartridge support member comprising a first end cap, a body portion and a second end cap,

the first end cap for fluidly and electrically coupling with the distal end of the cartridge, where the electrical contacts are for electrically coupling with the heating element assembly of the cartridge, the first end cap coupled with the distal end of the cartridge for being inserted into the body portion, such that the body portion substantially surrounds the cartridge fluid conduit and the storage compartment, the first end cap comprising a first fluid aperture;

the second end cap frictionally engaging the cartridge proximal, the second end cap comprising a second fluid aperture and coupled with an opposite end of the body portion opposite the first end cap, the cartridge enclosed and bounded by the first and second end caps and the body portion, the electrical contacts propagating through the body portion where the electrical contacts are disposed both at extreme ends of the first and second end caps with the first and second fluid apertures coupling both end caps with the cartridge fluid conduit;

an assembly body comprising a fluid delivery channel formed within, the fluid delivery channel having a distal end for being fluidly coupled with an electrical power and forced air coupling, the electrical power and forced air coupling for electrically and fluidly being coupled with one of the first end cap and the second end cap;

a control circuit assembly for receiving of electrical power from a power source;

a forced air generator electrically coupled with the control circuit assembly and fluidly coupled with the electrical power and forced air coupling, the forced air generator for receiving of ambient air and for compressing the ambient for delivering of compressed air through the electrical power and forced air coupling upon being activated by the control circuit assembly,

wherein the control circuit assembly is for controllably providing electrical power to the heating element assembly when one of:

the second end cap is fluidly and electrically coupled with the electrical power and forced air coupling, the cartridge distal end is gravitationally lower than the cartridge proximal end and a vapor delivery port is formed at the first fluid aperture; and

the first end cap is fluidly and electrically coupled with the electrical power and forced air coupling, the cartridge proximal end is gravitationally higher than the cartridge distal end and the vapor delivery port is formed at the second fluid aperture.

11. A vaporizer assembly according to claim 10 wherein the cartridge support member comprises a gravity sensor disposed therein, the gravity sensor for determining an orientation of heating element assembly of the cartridge and based on the gravitational orientation the heating element and for providing a, the heating element other than being enabled when the proximal cartridge end is gravitationally lower than the distal cartridge end and the heating element should be enabled when the proximal cartridge end is gravitationally higher than the distal cartridge end.