NICOTINE CESSATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING SAME

Abstract

A system aids in the cessation of a nicotine dependency. The system has a nicotine cessation device having a device housing including a plurality of mouthpieces and associated fluid pod bays. Each fluid pod bay receives a fluid pod having a nicotine fluid of a different concentration. A dosage program is stored that dictates a desired nicotine dosage according to the dosage program. When a user accesses the system, a calculation is made for which fluid pod to activate to deliver vapor having the desired dosage. The housing includes inter-pod channels through which vapor produced from one fluid pod can be delivered to other mouthpieces.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/502,425, filed on Nov. 6, 2023, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/782,781, filed Feb. 5, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,805,812, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/801,134, filed Feb. 5, 2019, the entirety of each which is incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to device and method to promote breaking of a nicotine addiction/dependency and encouraging cessation of smoking or vaping, and more particularly relates to a nicotine cessation device including a plurality of vaping pods wherein each pod has different nicotine concentration, and still more particularly to a method of employing the nicotine cessation device to systematically taper nicotine intake until nicotine is no longer consumed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vaping is the inhaling of an aerosolized fluid (vapor) produced by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or another similar device. Proponents argue that vaping produces a safer delivery of nicotine to its users than cigarettes. However, the combination of flavor, elevated nicotine concentrations and lower price have increased the consumption and the population of adults and young adults consuming nicotine. As is known, nicotine is an addictive chemical commonly associated with cigarette smoking. While there is some question as to nicotine's carcinogenicity, nicotine is frequently inhaled with other known or suspected carcinogens, such as volatile organic compounds like acetaldehyde, formaldehyde and toluene, and heavy metals like cadmium and lead.

Nicotine patches and nicotine gum are used by many people to break their addiction/dependency. Nevertheless, some people still find it difficult to break their addiction through the continued use of conventional methods of breaking an addiction. Moreover, breaking a nicotine addiction increases in difficulty as the consumer's resistance increases when accustomed to higher consumption rates of nicotine. By way of example, someone who smokes one cigarette per day has a significantly easier time breaking the nicotine addiction than someone who smokes four cigarettes per day.

According to the CDC based on 2018 statistics, of the 248 million adults in the United States, 17% are smokers. This is down from 21% which was measured 15 years ago. Of the 28 million young adults aged 12-18, 6% smoke tobacco (about 1.7 million young adults between 12 and 18 years old). Of the 16 million young adults aged 15-18 (high school aged), 25% vape (about 4 million between 15 and 18 years old). Moreover, an average cigarette provides about 12 mg of nicotine during its use, with the average ingestion by the consumer of about 1.1-1.8 mg of nicotine. Thus, for each pack of cigarettes, the user will inhale between 22-36 mg of nicotine. An average adult consumer smokes about 1100 cigarettes per year, which comes out to about 3 cigarettes per day and approximately 4.5 mg nicotine/day. In contrast, typically available vape juice has a nicotine concentration of about 5% nicotine. Thus, a typically available vape juice pod containing about 1 milliliter of vape juice will deliver about 50 mg of nicotine. This is more than 2× the nicotine available in a pack of cigarettes. Moreover, the average vape user consumes a pod every three days. This means that the average vape user is consuming about 16.67 mg nicotine/day, which is 4× that of cigarette users. Consequently, while it appears that safer delivery of addictive nicotine exists in atomized/vaporized e-cigarettes when compared to tobacco cigarettes, vaping is leading to a greater percentage of the young adult population becoming addicted to nicotine, with such addiction being exponentially more difficult to overcome.

Therefore, there is a need for a system and method that provides a safe delivery of lower nicotine concentrations, while incorporating psychological and sociological positive reinforcement training to support the reduction of nicotine consumption as a Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), with the ultimate aim to free a user from their nicotine dependency. The present invention addresses these as well as other needs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a system for aiding in the cessation of a nicotine dependency including a nicotine cessation device. The device includes a device housing comprising a plurality of vapor access ports. Each access port includes a fluid pod bay configured to receive a fluid pod and to energize the vapor fluid within the fluid pod to produce vapor, and a mouthpiece defining a chamber in fluid communication with the fluid pod bay through which vapor is inhaled by a user. The device housing further comprises inter-pod channels formed into the device housing that fluidly connect adjacent vapor access ports, such that vapor produced at one vapor access port flows to an adjacent vapor access port when sufficient negative pressure is applied at the adjacent vapor access port. Each fluid pod of the plurality of fluid pods is configured to receive a vapor fluid having a predetermined concentration of nicotine therein, and each respective fluid pod receives a nicotine fluid concentration that is different than at least one other fluid pod. The system also includes one or more computer processors, one or more computer-readable storage media, and program instructions stored on the computer-readable storage media for execution by at least one of the one or more processors, the program instructions comprising program instructions to execute a method. The method includes storing a dosage program defining an appropriate dosage of nicotine at any given time based, at least in part, upon a predetermined goal of nicotine cessation, and calculating which combination of fluid pods to activate to achieve the appropriate dosage. At least one of the vapor fluid pods has a high concentration and at least one other of the vapor fluid pods has a low concentration. The appropriate dosage is between the high concentration and the low concentration. The appropriate dosage is achieved by activating both the high concentration vapor fluid pod and the low concentration vapor fluid pod and mixing the vapor produced through at least one of the inter-pod channels.

Further embodiments are directed to a method of aiding in cessation of nicotine dependency. The method included storing a dosage program for a user that defines a desired nicotine dosage as a function of time, and providing a nicotine cessation device having two or more mouthpieces and two or more fluid pods. Each mouthpiece is connected to one of the fluid pods held within the nicotine cessation device, and each of the two or more fluid pods contains fluid of a different concentration of nicotine. Vapor produced for one of the mouthpieces is permitted to reach other mouthpieces through inter-pod channels. The method also includes calculating which of the fluid pods to activate to deliver the desired nicotine dosage to the first mouthpiece based, at least in part, upon a concentration of nicotine within the two or more fluid pods.

Yet other embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a nicotine cessation device with a triangular-shaped housing with three sides and three mouthpieces at the points of the triangle. The device also includes three fluid pods within the housing corresponding to the three mouthpieces, a first fluid pod containing a high nicotine concentration, a second fluid pod containing a medium nicotine concentration, and a third fluid pod containing a low nicotine concentration. The device includes a power source coupled to each of the fluid pods to vaporize the fluid within the fluid pods that selectively delivers power to the first fluid pod, second fluid pod, third fluid pod, or any combination of the one or more of the fluid pods according to a dosage program. The dosage program dictating a desired nicotine concentration, and the desired nicotine concentration is between the low nicotine concentration and the high nicotine concentration. A user accesses the nicotine cessation device by inhaling from one of the mouthpieces and in response to the access the dosage program informs the power source which one or more of the three fluid pods to activate to achieve a desired nicotine concentration level by mixing the vapor from the activated fluid pods.

Additional aspects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will in part become apparent to those in the practice of the invention, when considered with the attached figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings form a part of this specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, wherein like reference numerals are employed to indicate like parts in the various views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a nicotine cessation system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a nicotine cessation device configured for use within the nicotine cessation system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a nicotine cessation device housing of the nicotine cessation device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3A is an expanded view of a pod receiving socket of the nicotine cessation device housing shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the nicotine cessation device housing shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an exemplary printed circuit board used within the nicotine cessation device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a top phantom view of a fluid pod configured for use within the nicotine cessation device housing of the nicotine cessation device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a side phantom view of the fluid pod shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view (top) and exploded view (middle and bottom) of the fluid pod shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of system-on-a-chip used within the nicotine cessation device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process of synchronizing a nicotine cessation device to a frontend application in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a graphical representation of three different exemplary dosage programs for use within the nicotine cessation system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method of using the nicotine cessation system shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 13A-13F are exemplary screenshots of the frontend application showing Login/Account Setup for the nicotine cessation system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is an exemplary screenshot of the frontend application during a dosage therapy program;

FIG. 15 is shows a NCD according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a top isometric view of the NCD of FIG. 15 with a portion of the housing removed according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a top view of a single port of a NCD according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a top isometric view of two ports of the NCD according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of a vertical cross-section of an NCD according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart of a method for delivering vapor from a NCD according to a dosage program according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 21 is a block diagram generally illustrating a computing environment in which the invention may be implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to a nicotine cessation device (NCD) that delivers vapor from one or more vapor pods according to a predetermined schedule in an effort to taper down nicotine delivery through the device over time. The NCD is generally triangular and has three ports, each with a mouthpiece and an associated vapor pod within the NCD. The user can access one of the mouthpieces by putting their mouth onto the mouthpiece as they would normally access a vape pen or other similar device, inhale, and receive a precise dosage of vapor from the pods through the mouthpiece.

The NCD includes an onboard processor and memory that can store parameters and operating instructions for the NCD. The memory can store a predefined dosage program that determines how the NCD operates to deliver vapor to the user. One of the parameters of the dosage program is a dosage for each pull on the NCD. When the user accesses the NCD, the NCD calculates a dosage for that pull and delivers the dosage by activating one or more of the pods and delivering the vapor to the mouthpiece for inhalation.

The NCD can calculate the dosage based on characteristics of the vapor fluid that is within each vapor pod. Each pod may have a different percentage of nicotine that roughly correlates to the strength of the vapor produced. In one example the three vapor pods contain vapor fluid having a concentration of 3%, 4%, and 5%, respectively. If the calculation calls for a 3% dosage, the NCD activates the first vapor pod and delivers the vapor. If the calculation calls for a 3.5% dosage, the NCD activates the first vapor pod and the second vapor pod, and the vapors from each are mixed within the NCD and delivered as a mixed vapor to the mouthpiece. There are a multitude of possible dosage percentages, and different concentrations of vapor fluid, and the systems and methods of the present disclosure can activate one, two, or three pods to approximate the desired dosage as directed by the dosage program. The NCD includes inter-pod channels that direct vapor produced at one pod that is near one mouthpiece of the NCD to another mouthpiece that the user accesses for that pull.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and specifically to FIG. 1, a nicotine cessation system according to one aspect of the present invention is generally designated as reference numeral 100. System 100 comprises a nicotine cessation device 102 including a printed circuit board (PCB) 104 which may be integrated as a system-on-a-chip (SoC) and power source 106 disposed within a housing 108. PCB 104 may include a radio module 105, as well as a BLUETOOTH module 110 for wireless communication 112 between nicotine cessation device 102 and an external computing device 114, such as, for example, a smart phone, desktop personal computer (PC), laptop computer, tablet PC, and the like. PCB 104 may also include a Wi-Fi module 116 which also enables wireless communication 118, 120 between nicotine cessation device 102 and external computing device 114, such as via the Internet or cellular network 122. Network 122 may also provide communication 118, 124 between nicotine cessation device 102 and server 126. Modules 110, 116 are not limited to any specific hardware or software configuration, but may rather be implemented as computer executable instructions in any computing or processing environment, including in digital electronic circuitry or in computer hardware, firmware, device driver, or software.

Additionally, external computing device 114, when embodied by a wireless handheld device, such as a smart phone, tablet PC or the like, may include a software application (“app”) stored in a memory of external computing device 114. The app is programmed and configured to program, configure, edit or otherwise customize nicotine cessation system files that are stored in external computing device 114, which will be discussed in greater detail below. The app may be preloaded in the memory of external computing device 114, or may be downloaded from server 126 via network 122. The app may be configured to allow external computing device 114 to download nicotine cessation system files stored on server 126 to the memory of external computing device 114. These downloaded files may then be programmed, configured, edited or otherwise customized as described herein. Using the app, a user may disseminate one or more nicotine cessation system files to one or more multiple external computing devices 114. This may be of particular advantage when access to server 126 requires a subscription or other associated service fee. In yet another example, nicotine cessation system files may be preloaded in the memory of external computing device 114 so that the user does not need to perform any downloading using external computing device 114 or server 126.

By way of example, BLUETOOTH module 110 may include both a BLUETOOTH Link Controller and BLUETOOTH Baseband Controller supporting v4.2 BR/EDR and BLUETOOTH Low Energy (BLE). BLE may then be the method of communication used between nicotine cessation device 102 and the frontend software (app) resident on the user's external computing device 114 (e.g., smartphone). Data sent to and from nicotine cessation device 102 and the frontend application is encoded using the BLE communication profile defined in the Generic Attribute Profile (GATT) called HDP (Health Device Profile). This profile supports Secure Simple Pairing (SSP) between devices and is the method used for pairing nicotine cessation device 102 to external computing device 114. As is part of the HDP, nicotine cessation device 102 communicates on the Multi-Channel Adaptation Protocol (MCAP layer) within BLE. This enables nicotine cessation device 102 to communicate usage records and inventory identification to the frontend application, while the frontend software writes back a set of Usage Map (which instructs how to permit dispensing) within what GATT defines as a characteristic.

Communication between nicotine cessation device 102 and the frontend application incorporates an industry standard for personal health device communications by the IEEE. This provides a unique integration for interoperability with standards based medical monitoring devices that could exist in medical offices and hospitals while limiting the access to secure and proprietary instructions for dosage that is maintained by the frontend application. By way of example, the standard utilized for this communication may be—Medication monitor—0x1048 (4168 decimal)—Defined within IEEE standard: 11073-10472 Health informatics—Personal health device communication—Device specialization—Medication monitor.

Turning now to FIGS. 2-5, nicotine cessation device 102 generally comprises device housing 108 which includes a plurality of pod receiving sockets 130a, 130b, 130c (generally pod receiving socket 130) and a plurality of fluid pods 132a, 1232b, 132c (generally fluid pod 132). Each respective fluid pod 132 is configured to be removably coupled with a respective pod receiving socket 130. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, each respective fluid pod 132 is configured to receive a nicotine fluid having a predetermined concentration of nicotine therein. In a further aspect each respective fluid pod 132 receives a nicotine fluid concentration that is different than at least one other fluid pod 132. By way of example, fluid pod 132a may contain a first vape fluid having a 5% nicotine concentration, while fluid pod 132b may contain a second vape fluid having a 4% nicotine concentration and fluid pod 132c may contain a third vape fluid having a 3% nicotine concentration, the purpose of which will be discussed in greater detail below. Device housing 108 further includes power source 106 and PCB 104 which includes a processor 134 and a memory 136, all of which will be discussed in greater detail below.

With reference to FIGS. 6-8, each fluid pod 132 may generally comprise three elements: a vaporizing coil, vape juice/fluid, and an identification circuit as will be discussed below. To that end, fluid pod 132 includes a pod housing 138 defining a cavity 142 configured to hold the vape juice/fluid 143 therein. Each pod housing 138 has opposing first and second ends 144, 146. First end 144 includes a coil housing 148 communicatively coupled to PCB 104 and power source 106. Upon providing power to coil housing 148 via power source 106, the vape juice/fluid 143a is carried by wick 145 into coil housing 148 where it is heated by vaporizing coil 150 until the fluid vaporizes. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, vaporizing coil 150 may utilize a 36 gauge nichrome 80 wire. Nichrome 80 wire is an alloy of nickel and chromium and has a melting point of about 1,400° C. The resistance of this coil is calculated to be 2.4 Ohms (D×26.510 Ohms per foot). As a result, approximately 6.67 watts of power may be required at 4 v to initiate atomization of vape juice/fluid 143a.

To promote inhalation of the vaporized vape juice/fluid 143a′, second end 146 of pod housing 138 may define at least one output opening 152 therein whereby the vaporized vape juice/fluid 143a′ may exit fluid pod 132. In one aspect of the invention, second end 146 of pod housing 138 is dimensioned to be received between a user's lips during use whereby the vaporized vape juice/fluid 143a′ may be inhaled by the user. In a further aspect, second end 146 may also include a capacitive sensor 154 communicatively coupled to PCB 104. Capacitive sensor 154 may then communicate a signal to PCB 104 when said user's lips engage second end 146 of fluid pod 132 so that each specific fluid pod 132a, 132b, 132c may be individually monitored and measured, as will be described in greater detail below.

To further distinguish fluid pods 132a, 132b, 132c, each fluid pod 132 may include a sensor that can detect and identify the fluid pods 132. In some embodiments the sensor is a resistor 156 located on coil housing 148. Resistor 156 may then provide a signal to PCB 104 identifying the concentration of the vape juice/fluid 143 contained in its respective fluid pod 132. By way of example and without limitation thereto, when fluid pod 132 is inserted into device housing 108, one or more contacts, such as a pogo pin 158, within pod receiving interface 160 within pod receiving socket 130 (see FIG. 3A) may engage with a respective corresponding contact 162 on fluid pod 132 to complete the circuit. An exemplary paradigm is shown below in Table 1.

TABLE 1
Resistor 156 Nicotine Concentration
2k Ohms      5%
4k Ohms      4%
6k Ohms      3%
8k Ohms      2%
10k Ohms     1%
12k Ohms     0%

With additional reference to FIG. 3A, device housing 108 may further include a respective diaphragm 164 coupled to each of the pod receiving sockets 130a, 130b, 130c and being selectively flexible when subject to a vacuum force, such as a draw force upon second end 146 of fluid pod 132 during a vaping inhalation. Each diaphragm 164 is operably coupled to a respective vacuum sensor may 165 mounted within housing 108. In this manner, each diaphragm 164/sensor 165 pair may then individually detect and communicate a draw strength and a draw duration when the vaporized nicotine fluid 143a′ is being drawn through output opening 152 of the selected fluid pod 132 and inhaled by the user, as described above.

In other embodiments the sensor for identifying a vapor concentration can be a pin loopback sensor, also known as a contact bridging sensor. These sensors use simple wiring or conductive traces within the connected device to loop certain pins together. The main device checks if an expected signal path is completed, which confirms the presence and type of the connected block through a known wiring configuration. Different fluid pods activate different signal paths, thereby identifying the vapor and the vapor concentration.

In other embodiments the sensor can be an EEPROM sensor, sometimes known as a 1-wire chip identification sensor. These devices include a small memory chip (I²C or 1-Wire) embedded therein. When connected, the nicotine cessation device 102 communicates digitally with the chip to retrieve a unique serial number and optionally read stored configuration or product data, which can include vapor concentration values. In some embodiments the memory chip can be built into the main electronics for the nicotine cessation device 102, or it can be a separate chip that is embedded elsewhere within the device 102.

In yet other embodiments the sensor can contain an RFID or NFC tag. When the tag is brought close to the main unit in the nicotine cessation device 102 the tag is powered wirelessly and returns a unique identifier associated with a certain pod or type of pods, which can also identify the vapor concentration. This type of sensor is less dependent on physical electrical contacts and is suitable for the sensor to be sealed. This type of sensor also therefore reduces the amount of pogo pins that are required.

As discussed above, device housing 108 may further include a plurality of indicators 166a, 166b, 166c (collectively, “indicator 166”), such as but not limited to multicolor light emitting diodes (LEDs). A respective indicator 166 may be coupled to a respective pod receiving socket 130 or pod receiving interface 160. Each respective indicator 166 may be selectively modulated to visually communicate the nicotine concentration of the vape juice/fluid 143 within the respective fluid pod 132a, 132b, 132c. For instance, as described above, each fluid pod 132 may include a resistor 156 sensible by its respective pod receiving interface 160 and PCB 104. In this manner, indicators 166a, 166b, 166c may illuminate, such as either orange, yellow or green, to visually indicate to the user the relative nicotine concentrations of the vape juice/liquid 143 within their respective fluid pod 132a, 132b, 132c. In one aspect of the present invention, a green indicator (e.g., indicator 166a) may indicate the lowest nicotine concentration, followed by yellow (e.g., indicator 166b), with orange (e.g., indicator 166c) indicating the highest nicotine concentration.

Initially, all of the vape pods are active and the user may choose whichever strength (nicotine concentration) to vape. By way of example, the three vape pods may include the vape industry standard 5% nicotine concentration (orange indicator), a less concentrated 4% nicotine (yellow indicator), or a least concentrated 3% nicotine (green indicator). In a further aspect of the present invention, if an indicator 166 is colored red, the corresponding fluid pod 132 may be temporarily locked out (unable to produce vaporized vape juice/fluid 143a) due to over-use. After some time, depending on where the user is in the dosage therapy, the locked out fluid pod may come back online.

With reference to FIG. 9, nicotine cessation device 102 may further include a number of peripheral devices and associated modules operably coupled to PCB 104 and power source 106, as appropriate. By way of further example, peripheral devices and modules may include real time clock and lower power module 202. In one aspect of the present invention, nicotine cessation device 102 is generally maintained in a low-power sleep mode. The real-time clock (RTC) periodically wakes nicotine cessation device 102 to listen for an initiator. A brief secure connection is established with the BLE Standard. External computing device 114 is considered the BLUETOOTH Sink and the Initiator setting up the periodic control channel. The process of syncing to the frontend app is illustrated in FIG. 10 and has one main event loop 302 that repeats until synchronization is completed.

Radio module 105 includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter (Tx) 105a and RF Receiver (Rx) 105b, a Clock Generator 105c and a packet Switch 105d. In one aspect of the invention, PCB/SoC 104 uses two LX6 cores 104a each running up to 120 MHz while an internal SRAM 104b is divided into 2 parts, fast and slow. The fast SRAM can be accessed by the CPU and when coming out of RTC boot (deep sleep), and the Slow SRAM can be accessed by the co-processor of lower power module 202 during the deep sleep mode. 4 Mbytes (32 Mbits) of Flash may be built in to maintain log storage between periodic BLUETOOTH syncing with the frontend app. Nicotine cessation device 102 may also include an encryption module 204 that incorporates hardware-based acceleration for encryption including AES, RNG, SHA2, RSA which optionally can be used for both storage of data and data transfer to a paired device or medical hub. Additionally, a built-in temperature sensor 206 may provide accurate logging and monitoring of the nicotine cessation device 102 while in use and during wake periods between low power mode sleep intervals. If a temperature of greater than 115 F is measured, the program will shut down to safety mode for 2 minutes before resampling the temperature. During this period, nicotine cessation device 102 will not permit vape usage. During normal operation, ambient temperature is captured by temperature sensor 206.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the nicotine cessation device 102 power systems may be completely contained within nicotine cessation device 102 such that there are no external connections for charging of the power source (rechargeable battery) 106. In accordance with this aspect, battery 106 is not serviceable and should last for multiple days between charges given regular use. More specifically, power source 106 may comprise a Lithium Ion Polymer (LiPo) 3.7 v 420 mAh battery which is installed during manufacturing. A Qi Rx circuit is integrated in nicotine cessation device 102 and coupled with an inductor coil at the center of the nicotine cessation device 102. The inductor coil handshakes with the charging dock (compatible with any Qi charger) to enable the transmitting inductor coil to begin providing a 5 v inductive charge. The inductor coil powers the recharging circuit within nicotine cessation device 102 at a regulated 3.7 v. Thus, the charging dock contains a wireless transmitting coil that may communicate with the receiving coil of nicotine cessation device 102 to charge a lithium battery following standard Qi induction protocol. The charging dock may be equipped with standard micro USB receptacle for connection to 5 v+, Gnd over USB. The charging circuit is driven by the power fed from the Qi circuit. The charging circuit balances power output to both nicotine cessation device 102 and the internal LiPo battery. In one aspect, charging time may be about 60 minutes with a 2 A power source.

As described above, during use when a user inhales from an active fluid pod 132, the vaporizing coil 150 is energized and vape juice/fluid 143a is atomized allowing for inhalation. During this mode, a number of details are recorded by nicotine cessation device 102 and later combined during synchronization with the phone app logs. These details are then communicated back to the backend server 126 to generate a dosage program or incorporate the usage data with an already-existing dosage program. The results of this analysis produce a new or improved dosage program which is updated to the phone app over network 122.

In total, the backend server 126 aggregates and analyzes the following captured data from the nicotine cessation device (NCD) 102 and frontend app to compute changes to the Dosage Program:

• • NCD 102: Start time of Vape;
  • NCD 102: Duration of Vape;
  • NCD 102: Strength of vacuum (how forceful was the draw);
  • NCD 102: Number of BLUETOOTH beacons in the immediate area, and within range;
  • NCD 102: Location (GPS);
  • NCD 102: temp/humidity;
  • NCD 102: Sync Time;
  • NCD 102: Noise level;
  • NCD 102: Elevation;
  • NCD 102: Pod nicotine concentration (PNC),
  • CALC: Overall consumption of dose;
  • CALC: Actual use vs target use.

In a further aspect of the present invention and with reference to FIG. 11, the dosage program may apply medically accepted strategies into stages and translates that into algorithms for reducing nicotine addiction. There are three objectives for users as described above. Users may be looking to complete one of three program modes: 1) I want help to stop smoking; 2) I want help to stop vaping; or 3) I just want to vape more safely. In all three modes of operation above, the dosage program has 4 stages. Each stage represents a period of time that the program behaves with a different objective for the user. Depending on the user's ability to meet the programmed behavior, the stages will advance, or shift to another algorithm that could be more or less aggressive. The four stages are:

• • Stage 1) Initialization Baseline Consumption—nicotine cessation device 102 monitors usage and logs activity with little to no lock out. This phase is to determine the magnitude of the addiction. Heavy consumption will generally lead to Program 1, as shown as curve 402 in FIG. 11, where the target consumption will be very gradual with no sudden drops. Light to moderate consumption will generally lead to Program 2, as shown as curve 404 in FIG. 11, where the target consumption may be reduced more quickly than Program 1. Program 3 (curve 406) may be used with those trying to reduce nicotine consumption without complete lamination, where nicotine concentration is gradually decreased until reaching the lowest nicotine concentration that the user is comfortable consuming;
  • Stage 2) Decrease and calibration—nicotine cessation device 102 will begin to adjust the dosage, and track how well the user is able to adjust their consumption. This phase will be a lightly gradual decrease in most cases;
  • Stage 3) Progression—This stage is where most of the behavioral change is performed and where most progress is expected. The rate of change will still allow for typical swings in progress that comes from addiction, but will be a more rigid stage that the previous two stages; and
  • Stage 4) Landing—If the Program was successful for users that are looking to completely lose the addiction, than this could be a very short stage of the program. For the users that are simply looking to vape safely, this will be a looping between monitoring and reduction, with the ultimate goal of maintaining a daily intake of 3 mg or lower nicotine use. For all other users, the nicotine cessation device 102 will now operate with pods having 0% nicotine concentration.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method 200 that may be implemented using system 100 in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. In particular, as previously mentioned, method 200 is computer-implemented and programmed for execution in a computing environment for aiding in cessation of nicotine dependency. Method 200 generally comprises the steps of 202) providing a nicotine cessation device comprising: i) a device housing including a plurality of pod receiving sockets; ii) a plurality of fluid pods, wherein a respective fluid pod is removably coupled with a respective pod receiving socket of said plurality of pod receiving sockets; iii) a printed circuit board (PCB) including a processor and a memory; and iv) a power source, wherein each respective fluid pod of said plurality of fluid pods is configured to receive a nicotine fluid having a predetermined concentration of nicotine therein, and wherein each respective fluid pod receives a nicotine fluid concentration that is different than at least one other fluid pod; 204) allowing a user to inhale a vaporized portion of a selected nicotine fluid from a selected fluid pod of said plurality of fluid pods; 206) detecting the selected fluid pod and the predetermined concentration of the selected nicotine fluid; 208) measuring one or more of: i) a duration of the inhale; ii) a draw force of the inhale; iii) a length of time between successive inhales; and 210) calculating a nicotine intake for the inhale.

As described above, a user must first initialize the nicotine cessation device 102 prior to its first use. As shown in FIGS. 13A-13F, in a further aspect of the present invention, the frontend application may assist user initiation. It should be noted that FIGS. 13-13F show representative screenshots of the frontend application as displayed on an Apple iPhone smartphone, but it should be further noted that the frontend application may be configured for use with any suitable computer operating system including, but not limited to, OS and Android. After downloading and installing the frontend application, the user needs to complete two tasks, namely pairing the nicotine cessation device 102 with the external computing device (e.g., iPhone) 114 and creating a user account. After viewing the home screen 502 (FIG. 13A), the user will then be asked to Login through a Login screen 504 (FIG. 13B). Before first use, the user sets up an account in an Account Setup screen 506 by inputting an email address 506a and selecting a password 506b (FIG. 13C). The frontend application will then present a second Account Setup screen 508, such as that shown in FIG. 13D, presenting a Challenge question 508a and asking for the length of time the user has smoked and/or vaped 508b. If the nicotine cessation device 102 has not already been paired with the external computing device 114, the frontend application will instruct the user to do so using Account Setup screen 510. See FIG. 13E. The final Account Setup screen 512 asks for the user's age 512a and any additional, optional information 512b the user would like to provide. Once logged in and registered, the user can begin to use the nicotine cessation device 102 as described above to generate and progress along a personalized dosage therapy program.

Turning now to FIG. 14, an exemplary screenshot 550 of the frontend application at some point in time during a user's personalized dosage therapy program. As shown in screenshot 550, the application may actively comment with positive reinforcement 550a, provide tips to support better behavior 550b, chart performance 550c showing actual use 550c′ versus targets 550c″ and illustrate recent usage patterns that may not be as noticeable to the user so that the user may more readily see where performance was better or worse.

FIG. 15 is shows a NCD 600 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The NCD 600 includes two or more fluid pods within that each contain a vapor of a different concentration and provides a vapor having a precise dosage from one or more of the fluid pods. The NCD 600 has a generally triangular shape with three ports 602a, 602b, and 602c. Each port 602 has a mouthpiece 604 through which the user accesses the NCD 600. The NCD 600 also has a housing 606 that contains the internal components of the NCD 600.

FIG. 16 is a top isometric view of the NCD 600 of FIG. 15 with a portion of the housing 606 removed according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The three ports 602a, 602b, and 602c may be similar and in some cases identical. Each port includes a contact plate 610 having a plurality of contacts 612 exposed to the interior of the NCD 600. A region adjacent to the contact plate 610 is a fluid pod bay 620 that receives the fluid pod against the contacts 612. The contacts 612 are used to activate the fluid pods which in response produce vapor for inhalation. The fluid pod bay 620 can include a fastening mechanism to accommodate and secure the fluid pod in place and ensure proper connection with the contact plate 610. Such fastening mechanisms are not shown to avoid obscuring aspects of the present disclosure.

Between each adjacent port 602 is an inter-pod channel 622 that provides fluid communication between adjacent ports. The inter-pod channel 622 can be a passive structure formed into the housing 606. The inter-pod channels 622 allow vapor produced at a first port 602a to be delivered to the other ports 602b or 602c, as needed.

FIG. 17 is a top view of a single port 602 of a NCD 600 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a top isometric view of two ports 602a and 602b of the NCD 600 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Port 602b is shown without a mouthpiece 604, spout plate 630, or contact plate 610. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, in certain embodiments each port of the NCD 600 contains similar elements. Referring now to FIGS. 16-18, the port 602a includes a mouthpiece 604 secured to a housing 606. The contact plate 610 is shown from above to be a relatively thin member positioned between the fluid pod bay 620 and the mouthpiece 604. The NCD 600 includes a spout plate 630 positioned toward a distal side of the contact plate 610. The spout plate 630 includes spacers 632 that are secured against the contact plate 610. The spout plate 630 also includes a spout 634 through which vapor produced by the fluid pod in the fluid pod bay 620 is delivered to the user through the mouthpiece 604.

The contact plate 610 contains contact plate holes 640 that permit vapor produced on the proximal side of the contact plate 610 to reach the distal side for delivery to the mouthpiece 604. Arrows A show how the vapor flows through the contact plate holes 640. There are contact plate holes 640 at either side of the contact plate 610 when the vapor is to be delivered to another of the ports of the NCD 600. Arrows B and C show the flow of vapor to either of the other ports. In some embodiments the vapor produced by the one or more fluid pods moves through the inter-pod channels 622 under the vacuum pressure provided by the user's inhalation at one of the mouthpieces of the NCD 600. The NCD 600 also includes a diaphragm 642 and a resistor 744 for measuring pressure in the NCD 600 created by the user's inhalation, and for measuring the concentration within the vapor, respectively.

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of a vertical cross-section of an NCD 600 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The NCD 600 includes a top 650 that covers the interior portions of the NCD 600 such as the contact plates 610 and the fluid pod bays 620. The top 650 also covers the inter-pod channels 622 such that the vacuum pressure from one mouthpiece 604 is able to draw the vapor through the inter-pod channels 622 and into the mouthpiece 604 where the user's mouth is accessing the NCD 600.

The fluid pods in the fluid pod bays can include different fluids of different concentrations that produce vapor of different strength. The NCD 600 can use the different concentrations to mix vapor to achieve a dosage that is unachievable from a single source. A user may instruct the NCD 600 to deliver a certain dosage in the vapor for each pull of the device, and the NCD 600 can determine how to deliver the desired dosage. The dosage in the vapor produced by the pods is a function of the concentration of the vapor fluid. In an example, if a user requests a dosage produced by a vapor fluid of 3.5% concentration from a NCD 600 which has two pods, one containing vapor fluid of 3% concentration, and another containing vapor fluid of 4% concentration, the NCD 600 calculates that to achieve the 3.5% vapor, the NCD 600 should activate both pods in equal measure to arrive at the 3.5%. Other requests may be more complex and may require activating a third fluid pod. A calculation by the NCD 600 can produce vapor nearer to a desired dosage than what is possible from a single vapor fluid.

The NCD 600 of the present disclosure operates under a dosage program as disclosed in detail above with respect to FIGS. 11 and 12. In some embodiments, at any given time, the NCD 600 can store a desired dosage for the next use of the NCD 600 according to the dosage plan. When the user accesses the NCD 600, one or more fluid pods are activated to deliver to the user a dosage as close to the desired dosage as possible. [In some embodiments the fluid pods can be activated at different power levels, which can provide an additional variable for use in calculating the dosage for the next pull of the NCD 600. In some embodiments the distance of the inter-pod channel 622 causes the effective dosage in the vapor produced in the remote fluid pod to be less than from the same fluid in the near fluid pod. The NCD 600 can take this into account when calculating how and when to activate the fluid pods. In some embodiments the remote fluid pod can be activated a brief moment earlier than the near fluid pod to allow that vapor to enter the inter-pod channels 622 and reach the mouthpiece 604 of the near pod. In other embodiments the stage (1-4) at which the user is presently operating can be used as a factor for how and when to activate the various pods of the NCD 600.]

In some embodiments the desired dosage for a given use is higher or lower than any viable combination vapor from the different fluid pods is able to achieve. The NCD 600 may store a tolerance that allows an imperfect vapor to be produced. In some embodiments if no combination of parameters can achieve a dosage within the tolerance, the NCD 600 will issue a notification or a warning to inform the user of the fact. The dosage program can also be updated.

In some embodiments the NCD 600 is configured to compare a dosage program to the available fluid pods and if the concentrations and other parameters of the fluid pods in the device is not viable in terms of producing the dosage according to the dosage plan reliably, the NCD 600 can inform the user of the fact. In some embodiments the NCD 600 and/or the smartphone (or other suitable computing device) used to execute the dosage program can inform the user which concentrations and types of fluid pods will produce a viable dosage according to the dosage program.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart of a method 660 for delivering vapor from a NCD according to a dosage program according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Portions of the method 600 are performed onboard the NCD 600 device itself, and other portions are performed by a remote computing device, including a remote server or a smartphone. Step 662 is to store user data. The user data is data pertaining to the user's consumption of vapor from the NCD 600 with respect to the user's goal of diminishing or terminating use of the vapor. Other aspects of the user data are the user's location and proximity to others to the extent those items are relevant to the user's cessation plan.

Step 664 is to store the dosage program for the user, which can include in which stage the user is currently, recent consumption of vapor, and other associated parameters. The dosage program and the user data are used by the NCD 600 to instruct the NCD 600 how and what to deliver to the user at any given time. Step 666 is to calculate the “next activation parameters” from the user data, the dosage program, and the contents of the fluid pods in the NCD 600. The parameters include the vapor concentration in the fluid pod(s), the position of the fluid pods relative to the mouthpiece the user accesses for the next activation, and power level to achieve the desired output.

Step 668 is to detect use of the NCD 600 by sensing that the mouthpiece of the NCD 600 is in the user's mouth by sensing deflection of the mouthpiece, wetness, temperature, or any other suitable metric. In some embodiments detecting use is accompanied by a press of a button. At step 670 the mouthpiece that is being used is determined from among the available mouthpieces of the NCD 600. At step 672 the NCD 600 calculates vapor parameters that will result in delivering the vapor dosage and quantity set forth in the dosage program at the time of the use. Calculating the vapor parameters can include identifying the concentrations of vapor fluid in the device and identifying which one or which combination of the fluid pods is best equipped to deliver the appropriate vapor dosage. Other vapor parameters can include how much power to deliver to each of the fluid pods, where higher power delivery creates more vapor. Another vapor parameter can be the location of the fluid pod that is being used relative to the fluid pod or pods that will create the vapor for that use. Other vapor parameters can include external aspects such as the location of the use, the location of the use relative to other vapor users, as this may be relevant to the dosage program of the present disclosure. At 674 the device delivers the vapor. This method 660 can repeat for each use of the device. The dosage program can also be updated after each use in cases where the dosage program is sensitive to the amount and concentrations the user has recently consumed.

FIG. 21 shows an exemplary computing environment 700 that can be used to implement any of the processing thus far described. Computing environment 700 may include one or more computers 712 (such as nicotine cessation device 102, remote computing device 114, server 126) comprising a system bus 724 that couples a video interface 726, network interface 728, a keyboard/mouse interface 734, and a system memory 736 to a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 738. A monitor or display 740 is connected to bus 724 by video interface 726 and provides the user with a graphical user interface to view, edit, and prepare a print order using digital images, including the selection of an identified substrate, or the selection a size and/or display location for a print product. The graphical user interface allows the user to enter commands and information into computer 712 using a keyboard 741 and a user interface selection device 743, such as a mouse, touch screen, or other pointing device. Keyboard 741 and user interface selection device are connected to bus 724 through keyboard/mouse interface 734. The display 740 and user interface selection device 743 are used in combination to form the graphical user interface which allows the user to implement at least a portion of the present invention. Other peripheral devices may be connected to the remote computer through universal serial bus (USB) drives 745 to transfer information to and from computer 712. For example, cameras and camcorders may be connected to computer 712 through serial port 732 or USB drives 745 so that data representative of a digital image or video may be downloaded to system memory 736 or another memory storage device associated with computer 712.

The system memory 736 is also connected to bus 724 and may include read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), an operating system 744, a basic input/output system (BIOS) 746, application programs 748 and program data 750. The computer 712 may further include a hard disk drive 752 for reading from and writing to a hard disk, a magnetic disk drive 754 for reading from and writing to a removable magnetic disk (e.g., floppy disk), and an optical disk drive 756 for reading from and writing to a removable optical disk (e.g., CD ROM or other optical media). The computer 712 may also include USB drives 745 and other types of drives for reading from and writing to flash memory devices (e.g., compact flash, memory stick/PRO and DUO, SD card, multimedia card, smart media xD card), and a scanner 758 for scanning items such as digital images to be downloaded to computer 712. A hard disk drive interface 752a, magnetic disk drive interface 754a, an optical drive interface 756a, a USB drive interface 745a, and a scanner interface 758a operate to connect bus 724 to hard disk drive 752, magnetic disk drive 754, optical disk drive 756, USB drive 745 and scanner 758, respectively. Each of these drive components and their associated computer-readable media may provide computer 712 with non-volatile storage of computer-readable instruction, program modules, data structures, application programs, an operating system, and other data for computer 712. In addition, it will be understood that computer 712 may also utilize other types of computer-readable media in addition to those types set forth herein, such as digital video disks, random access memory, read only memory, other types of flash memory cards, magnetic cassettes, and the like.

Computer 712 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections with each of the system components described above. Network interface 728 provides a communication path 760 between bus 724 and network 122. This type of logical network connection is commonly used in conjunction with a local area network (LAN). Files may also be communicated from bus 724 through a communication path 762 to network 122 using serial port 732 and a modem 764. Using a modem connection between the computer 712 and the other components of system 100 is commonly used in conjunction with a wide area network (WAN). It will be appreciated that the network connections shown herein are merely exemplary, and it is within the scope of the present invention to use other types of network connections between computer 712 and the other components of system 100 including both wired and wireless connections.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the method and apparatus. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.

The constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. As used herein, the terms “having” and/or “including” and other terms of inclusion are terms indicative of inclusion rather than requirement.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof to adapt to particular situations without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for aiding in the cessation of a nicotine dependency, the system comprising:

a nicotine cessation device comprising:

a) a device housing comprising a plurality of vapor access ports, wherein each access port comprises:

a fluid pod bay configured to receive a fluid pod and to energize the vapor fluid within the fluid pod to produce vapor;

a mouthpiece defining a chamber in fluid communication with the fluid pod bay through which vapor is inhaled by a user;

wherein:

the device housing further comprises inter-pod channels formed into the device housing that fluidly connect adjacent vapor access ports, such that vapor produced at one vapor access port flows to an adjacent vapor access port when sufficient negative pressure is applied at the adjacent vapor access port;

each fluid pod of the plurality of fluid pods is configured to receive a vapor fluid having a predetermined concentration of nicotine therein;

each respective fluid pod receives a nicotine fluid concentration that is different than at least one other fluid pod;

b) one or more computer processors;

c) one or more computer-readable storage media;

d) program instructions stored on the computer-readable storage media for execution by at least one of the one or more processors, the program instructions comprising program instructions to:

store a dosage program defining an appropriate dosage of nicotine at any given time based, at least in part, upon a predetermined goal of nicotine cessation;

calculate which combination of fluid pods to activate to achieve the appropriate dosage, wherein:

at least one of the vapor fluid pods has a high concentration;

at least one other of the vapor fluid pods has a low concentration;

the appropriate dosage is between the high concentration and the low concentration; and

the appropriate dosage is achieved by activating both the high concentration vapor fluid pod and the low concentration vapor fluid pod and mixing the vapor produced through at least one of the inter-pod channels.

2. The nicotine cessation device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of vapor access ports, and wherein the inter-pod channels permit vapor produced at one of the fluid pods to reach a mouthpiece of each other vapor access ports.

3. The nicotine cessation device of claim 1 wherein the fluid pods have a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is removably coupled with a respective fluid pod bay, and wherein the second end is configured to deliver vapor to a user of the nicotine cessation device.

4. The nicotine cessation device of claim 1 wherein only the second end of the fluid pods are available at a time to dispense vapor to the user.

5. The nicotine cessation device of claim 1, the device housing further comprising an openable top portion that, when opened, provides access to the fluid pod bays.

6. The nicotine cessation device of claim 1 wherein the inter-pod channels are positioned at a periphery of the nicotine cessation device.

7. The nicotine cessation device of claim 1, the device housing further comprising an openable top portion that, when opened, provides access to the inter-pod channels.

8. The nicotine cessation device of claim 1 wherein the mouthpiece is positioned distally of the chamber, wherein the chamber is positioned distally of the fluid pod bay.

9. The nicotine cessation device of claim 1, further comprising a contact plate positioned between the fluid pod bay and the chamber, the contact plate comprising contacts that are aligned with a corresponding contact in the fluid pod, through which energy is delivered to the fluid pod to vaporize the fluid.

10. The nicotine cessation device of claim 9 wherein the contact plate permits vapor to reach the chamber and the inter-pod channels.

11. The nicotine cessation device of claim 1, further comprising a diaphragm configured to measure fluid pressure within the chambers of the vapor access ports.

12. The nicotine cessation device of claim 1, further comprising a sensor configured to measure a concentration of nicotine in the produced vapor in the chamber.

13. The nicotine cessation device of claim 1 wherein the program instructions further comprise determining if the fluid pods within the fluid pod bays can combine to deliver an appropriate dosage according to the dosage program within a tolerance.

14. A method of aiding in cessation of nicotine dependency comprising the steps of:

storing a dosage program for a user that defines a desired nicotine dosage as a function of time;

providing a nicotine cessation device having two or more mouthpieces and two or more fluid pods, wherein each mouthpiece is connected to one of the fluid pods held within the nicotine cessation device, wherein each of the two or more fluid pods contains fluid of a different concentration of nicotine, and wherein vapor produced for one of the mouthpieces is permitted to reach other mouthpieces through inter-pod channels;

allowing a user to inhale from a first mouthpiece; and

calculating which of the fluid pods to activate to deliver the desired nicotine dosage to the first mouthpiece based, at least in part, upon a concentration of nicotine within the two or more fluid pods.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising energizing at least one of the two or more fluid pods to produce the desired nicotine dosage.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein calculating which of the fluid pods to activate comprises averaging the concentration from the two or more fluid pods.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein activating the fluid pods comprises activating the fluid pods at different power levels, wherein a higher power level creates more vapor, and a lower power level creates less vapor, and wherein calculating which of the fluid pods to activate includes factoring in a power level for each of the fluid pods.

18. A nicotine cessation device, comprising:

a housing having a triangular shape with three sides and three mouthpieces at points of the triangular shape;

three fluid pods within the housing corresponding to the three mouthpieces, a first fluid pod containing a high nicotine concentration, a second fluid pod containing a medium nicotine concentration, and a third fluid pod containing a low nicotine concentration; and

a power source coupled to each of the fluid pods to vaporize the fluid within the fluid pods, the power source being configured to selectively deliver power to the first fluid pod, second fluid pod, third fluid pod, or any one or more of the fluid pods according to a dosage program, the dosage program dictating a desired nicotine concentration, wherein the desired nicotine concentration is between the low nicotine concentration and the high nicotine concentration;

wherein:

a user accesses the nicotine cessation device by inhaling from one of the mouthpieces; and

in response to the access the dosage program informs the power source which one or more of the three fluid pods to activate to achieve a desired nicotine concentration level by mixing the vapor from the activated fluid pods.

19. The nicotine cessation device of claim 18 wherein the housing contains inter-pod channels that permit vapor produced by one of the fluid pods to be inhaled through the other mouthpieces.

20. The nicotine cessation device of claim 18, further comprising a PCB configured to store the dosage program.