CN112739401B

CN112739401B - Smart evaporator and system for concentrate products

Info

Publication number: CN112739401B
Application number: CN201980038378.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·伍德拜恩; P·卡尔菲; W·德米扬诺维奇; G·米切尔; J·基南
Original assignee: Keval Laboratories Inc
Current assignee: Keval Laboratories Inc
Priority date: 2018-04-21
Filing date: 2019-04-22
Publication date: 2024-06-25
Anticipated expiration: 2039-04-22

Abstract

An improved evaporator, system and method for managing concentrate use are disclosed. The evaporator may include a housing to receive a cartridge configured to store a concentrate. The cartridge includes a nozzle at one end with a smart chip for storing an identification code associated with the concentrate. The vaporizer, cartridge, system and method provide means for ensuring accurate dosing and management of concentrate usage and usage data collection.

Description

Smart evaporator and system for concentrate products

Cross reference to related applications

Various improvements and enhancements to the concentrate evaporator and system disclosed in the inventors' U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 15/391,829 and 62/721,699, which are incorporated herein by reference, are disclosed.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an improved evaporator, system and method for managing and optimizing the vapor quality of a concentrate, the efficiency of the evaporator and the user experience.

Background

The subject matter discussed in the background section is not admitted to be prior art solely by virtue of its inclusion in the background section. Similarly, the problems mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be construed as previously recognized in the art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents a different approach, which may itself correspond to an implementation of the claimed technology.

Evaporation devices are readily known and used for medical and recreational reasons. Existing evaporation devices allow a user to operate by loading a desired amount of concentrate product (optionally pre-packaged in a cartridge unit) into the evaporation chamber of the device. Typically, the mechanism for loading the concentrate is complex to operate and as a result, the user may eventually consume an unequal amount of concentrate in some vaporization sessions (vaping sessions). Furthermore, the user is often unaware of the concentrate used due to the lack of availability of information about the concentrate. Evaporation devices such as Pax 3 ™ and Firefly 2 ™ are not cartridge-based systems and therefore rely on the primary packaging indicia of the concentrate product as a means of suggesting the concentrate dose delivered to the user.

There are a number of ways to load the cartridge into the evaporator. However, these methods can be cumbersome and present usability problems such as ineffective cartridge sealing and cleaning capabilities. Many existing evaporators are not capable of cleaning and accurately dosing concentrate or concentrated essential oils for inhalation. The vaporizer, such as Pax 3 ™, requires manual filling, so the user must use a precision tool (such as a metering syringe) to achieve accurately controlled dosing. These tools are difficult to obtain and can bring additional costs to the evaporator. In the case of medical vaporizers, such limitations do not allow users and doctors to confidently and consistently give and/or prescribe a concentrate dosage regimen that best suits their needs. Some concentrate evaporation devices have addressed dosing problems by utilizing the inhalation flow rate as a means of controlling dosing. However, such devices do not adequately provide for uniform evaporation of the concentrate, resulting in a mismatch between the dose that is opened/desired and the actual amount received by the user.

Furthermore, there is a lack of technology that allows for dosing of different types of materials (i.e. products) intended for the evaporation device. These materials may be, for example, granular, powdered, loose-leaf, flower, aromatic, medicinal, waxy, pasty, thick oil, or other physical materials capable of being dispensed and delivered by an evaporator device, such as by using an auger mechanism. Also, most raw materials intended for evaporation differ in consistency and have not been standardized in a manner that can be divided into uniform doses. The dosing of such products is also compromised because they are typically hand-loaded. What is needed is an "all in one" vaporizer that allows for controlled, uniform dosing and tracking of chemical compounds of a product contained within a cartridge, regardless of the physical form and/or composition of the product.

U.S. patent application No. 15/924172 discloses a method and apparatus for cloud-integrated control of drug delivery parameters in an electronic vaporizer. Furthermore, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/780876 discloses a data recording personal vapor inhaler. Furthermore, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/840588 discloses an inhaler controlled by a moving device.

In view of the existing vaporizer, it is desirable to maintain operational certainty of the vaporizer as it is minimally related to vapor sealing, dose integrity, and corresponding direct user feedback. Furthermore, existing evaporators do not provide a feedback system that alerts the user that the concentrate product has evaporated completely or that the concentrate dosing session has been completed properly. Accordingly, there is a need for a concentrate product vaporizer that enables a user to administer a concentrate at a desired dosage, and that also manages, records, tracks, and/or monitors the user's use of the concentrate, and provides improved operating efficiency.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, a system for managing concentrate use is disclosed. The system may include a vaporizer, a user device, and a central server. The evaporator may include a housing, wherein the housing may include a cartridge configured to store a concentrate. The cartridge may include a nozzle with a smart chip at one end and a dosing mechanism at the other end, the smart chip containing an identification code associated with the concentrate. The housing of the evaporator may further comprise a control unit configured to read the identification code from the smart chip on the nozzle and control the operation of the oven. The oven may be adjacent to the nozzle of the cartridge. The communication unit may be coupled to the control unit, wherein the communication unit may transmit the identification code to the user device. The system may also include a central server having a database for storing a plurality of identification codes for a plurality of concentrate information. The central server may be configured to receive an identification code from the user device. The central server may retrieve the concentrate information corresponding to the received identification code from the database. The central server may transmit the retrieved concentrate information to the user device.

In one embodiment, the dosing mechanism may be adjacent to the mouthpiece of the vaporiser. The dosing mechanism may comprise a plunger driver, a pawl and a plunger. As the user rotates the dosing wheel, the plunger driver may drive a plunger within the cartridge to release a predetermined amount of concentrate through the nozzle. The oven may include a coil placed within a heat resistant tube, an air flow channel in communication with ambient air and an intake negative pressure air flow, and a dose diffuser comprising a porous material matrix or screen (e.g., gold plated metal mesh). The control unit may be configured to heat the coil of the oven based on at least one of an ignition button, an in-line pressure sensor, a fan/IR reflector sensor, and an identification code associated with the concentrate. The control unit may heat the coil to evaporate a predetermined amount of the concentrate released through the nozzle on the porous material matrix or screen of the dose diffuser. The user device may be configured to receive at least one user input related to a vaporization session of the user. The user device may transmit at least one instruction to the vaporizer for triggering the vaporization session based on the received user input. Similarly, the user device may be configured to receive at least one user input related to the user's vaporization session via the central server. The central server may transmit at least one instruction to the evaporator for triggering and/or managing the vaporization session based on the received central server input. The user device may also be configured to generate session data associated with the vaporization session, and the session data may be transmitted to a central server. The central server may be configured to receive session data from the user device. The central server may be configured to modify the user's vaporization session based at least in part on the vaporization session data. The central server may update the user profile based on the session data. The user profile may include data associated with one or more vaporization sessions of the user. The user device may also be configured to display surveys related to the user's vaporization session. The user device may receive user feedback regarding the survey and transmit the user feedback to the central server. The communication unit of the evaporation device may comprise a bluetooth low energy (BTLE) module, a WiFi module or other electronic communication device. The user device may display the dosage information based on at least one of the retrieved concentrate information, the user profile, the user's medical history, and the vaporizing session.

In another aspect, a method for managing use of a concentrate by a user is disclosed. The method may include reading, by a control unit of the evaporator, an identification code associated with the concentrate. The identification code may be transmitted to the user device through the communication unit of the evaporator. The central server may receive the identification code from the user device. The central server may include a database that stores a plurality of identification codes for a plurality of concentrate information. The central server may retrieve the concentrate information corresponding to the received identification code from the database. The retrieved concentrate information may be transmitted to the user device for display to the user.

In another aspect, an evaporator is disclosed that includes a housing. The housing may include a cartridge configured to store a concentrate. The cartridge may include a nozzle with a smart chip at one end and a dosing mechanism at the other end, the smart chip having an identification code associated with the concentrate. The dosing mechanism may be adjacent the nozzle and may include a plunger driver, a pawl and a plunger. The dosing wheel may actuate the dosing mechanism, wherein the dosing wheel may be rotatably engaged to the plunger driver. The oven may be adjacent to the nozzle of the cartridge and may include a coil disposed within a heat resistant tube, an air flow channel in air flow communication with ambient air and suction negative pressure, and a dose diffuser comprising a porous material matrix. The control unit may be configured to heat the coil of the oven based on at least one of an ignition button, an in-line pressure sensor, a fan/IR reflector sensor, and an identification code associated with the concentrate. In an embodiment, the control unit may heat the coil when the user generates negative pressure by inhaling at the suction nozzle. The coil may be configured to evaporate the extruded concentrate. After the user rotates the dosing wheel, the extruded concentrate can be dispensed through a nozzle onto a porous material matrix or screen of the dose diffuser. When the dosing wheel rotates, the plunger driver may drive a plunger within the cartridge to release a predetermined amount of concentrate.

In an embodiment, the mouthpiece may be removable to slidably receive the cartridge within the housing. The identification code associated with the concentrate may be stored in a memory module comprised of at least one of a Near Field Communication (NFC) device, a QR code, a bar code, a smart chip (e.g., EEPROM), and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, and wherein the memory module is communicatively coupled to the control unit. In an alternative embodiment, the dosing mechanism may be an auger delivery mechanism. The dosing wheel may be a hollow cylinder surrounding the plunger driver such that rotation of the dosing wheel causes rotation of the plunger driver. The plunger driver may mechanically engage the plunger and the pawl. As the user causes rotation of the dosing wheel, the plunger may be driven laterally downwards when the plunger driver is rotated. The pawl may only allow the dosing wheel to rotate in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The dosing wheel may click when rotated to a predetermined degree, providing audible feedback to the user. One click of the dosing wheel may release a predetermined amount of concentrate through the nozzle. The evaporator may further comprise a communication unit configured to transmit an identification code to the user device, wherein the user device is configured to display information associated with the concentrate based on the identification code.

In another embodiment, the control unit may be configured to receive instructions from the user device via the communication unit to activate heating of the coil. The user device may display the dose information based on at least one of an identification code, a user identity, a user medical history, a vaporization session history, and a previous dose. The evaporator may also include a power source in communication with the control unit. The power source may be configured to supply electrical energy to the coil. The evaporator may also include a power button located on the housing and in communication with the control unit. The power button may allow power to be supplied from the power source to the coil when pressed by a user. The evaporator may further comprise a conduit proximal to the dose diffuser. The conduit may extend adjacent the cartridge towards the mouthpiece to allow travel of vaporized concentrate when inhaled by a user. The conduit may include a filter located downstream for filtering the vaporized concentrate.

In various other aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, a vaporizer is provided that enables a user to index (i.e., rotate) a metering wheel to deliver a predetermined dose of a concentrate product for vaporization. An exemplary vaporizer may record and transmit data related to a user's vaporizing session, wherein assurance of the type and amount of concentrate product delivered is enhanced.

The evaporator is provided with a cartridge comprising a cartridge tank for safely storing the concentrate product. In this way, the stored concentrate is kept away from the evaporator heating means to mitigate thermal degradation of the concentrate product that is not desired to be evaporated. The vaporizer also provides a dosing mechanism (e.g., dosing wheel, plunger, etc.) coupled to the plunger driver of the cartridge. The dosing wheel is configured to be turned unidirectionally (i.e. in only one direction) by the user by using a pawl built into the device to prevent the user from releasing the cartridge and thus withdrawing the plunger from the cartridge can.

In one aspect, to ensure proper dispensing of the concentrate product, a pawl configured on the cartridge lock rotatably communicates with a slot on the plunger to limit bi-directional rotation of the plunger driver/plunger even when the cartridge is removed from the evaporator. In addition, the pawl is hidden by the driver when assembled, thus alleviating the ability of a user to disassemble the cartridge for refilling, tampering, etc. In one example, the fixed detent protects the user from receiving a concentrate product that is not representative of the manufactured product recorded on the smart chip.

To ensure accurate dispensing and recording (i.e., dose control/integrity) of the dosage of the concentrate product, the exemplary evaporator includes an infrared emitter and a pair of detectors disposed on each side of the metering wheel to record the indexed dose of concentrate product via predetermined spaced/sized slots on the metering wheel.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the plunger and the plunger driver are fixedly attached to ensure that the plunger is advanced into the cartridge can predetermined when the plunger driver is rotated by the dosing wheel. Advancement of the plunger provides a means by which the concentrate product contained in the canister is expelled from the nozzle at one end of the cartridge.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the nozzle is configured with a tip seal, wherein the tip seal provides a static closure of the nozzle port end, thus protecting the integrity of the concentrate product held in the cartridge can from oxidation, contamination, erosion, etc. (i.e., damage). In one aspect, the tip seal prevents leakage of the concentrate product from the cartridge can during handling and/or use, e.g., during evaporation. And also provides assurance of the amount of delivered dose and prevents confusion of the accuracy of measurement of the delivered dose of concentrate. In another aspect, the tip seal incorporates an elastomeric (TPE, silicone rubber, etc.) diaphragm that seals against an insert in the nozzle. When the metering wheel rotates, the plunger driver assembly actuates the plunger into the cartridge can and thereby deforms the concentrate product forcing the elastomeric diaphragm away from the insert, thus allowing the concentrate to be extruded through the tip seal and nozzle port onto the diffuser.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the evaporator may include a vapor detection system to evaluate whether the extruded concentrate product has completely evaporated. The IR emitter and detector pair is communicatively operated to determine whether there is concentrate product vapor in the conduit (i.e., air path) due to inhalation by the user. The vaporizer also informs the user via the LED lighting display whether the vaporized concentrate product dosage has been completed, while also providing data about the session to the system network via signaling. The exemplary vaporizer may also provide information (e.g., graphics) generated from the data about the vaporizing session to the user via a mobile device, computer, or the like.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined amount of dose is recorded on the cartridge via a smart chip. The exemplary vaporizer writes/updates data regarding the remaining dose in the cartridge to the smart chip as the dose wheel is indexed (i.e., rotated). After the original predetermined amount of concentrate product is emptied/exhausted, the evaporator provides information of the evaporator cartridge exhaustion to the network (i.e., mobile device, laptop computer, etc.) and the user via LED lights or other device signals. Upon depletion, the exemplary vaporizer may restrict further vaporization. In one aspect, the constraint on further evaporation mitigates the risk of the cartridge being refilled and reused.

This section is intended to introduce concepts disclosed in the present specification rather than an exhaustive list of the many teachings and variations to those teachings provided in the expanded discussion within this document. Accordingly, the summary of the invention should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of the appended claims.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the accompanying claims, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

Drawings

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming that which is regarded as particular embodiments of the present invention, various embodiments of the invention may be more readily understood and appreciated from the following description of various embodiments of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for managing usage of a concentrate by a user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an evaporator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of an evaporator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 4 and 5 are exploded perspective views of an evaporation device from different angles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary cartridge [210] according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary cartridge [700] for dispensing non-liquid concentrates (e.g., powder, leaves, etc.) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8A is a side perspective view of a nozzle [218/800] of an evaporation device cartridge system according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8B is a front view of a nozzle [218/800] of an evaporation device cartridge system, showing a septum [804] in an open position, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a dose integrity mechanism [900] of an evaporation device cartridge system according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a side view of an oven system [1000] of an evaporation plant according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

11A and 11B are perspective views of a dose diffuser [1100] of an evaporation device oven system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11C is a front view of a dose diffuser [1100] of an evaporator oven system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates various components of a dose run-out and verification system of an evaporation device according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a method [1300] for managing a user's usage of a concentrate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Corresponding or similar reference numerals will be used, where possible, to designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the figures. Furthermore, when more than one element of the same type (e.g., "detent and detent" or "smart chip and EEPROM") may be present, reference may be made to the various elements described herein, either collectively or individually. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It is noted that any reference to an element in the singular can also be construed to relate to the plural and vice versa, without limiting the scope of the disclosure to the exact number or type of such elements unless explicitly recited in the appended claims.

The exemplary embodiments described herein are provided for illustrative purposes and are not limiting. Other exemplary embodiments are possible, and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the detailed description is not meant to limit the disclosure. Rather, the scope of the present disclosure is to be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Accordingly, a system for managing the use of a concentrate is disclosed. The system enables the vaporizer to record and dispense information regarding vaporization sessions, users, product information (e.g., names), distillate fill batch information, laboratory results, product temperature limits, and other data. The system also provides a vaporizer and cartridge that communicatively cooperate to manage dose data integrity (e.g., dose control, unobscured dosing, control of disruption of concentrate storage, etc.).

FIG. 1 illustrates a system [100] for managing use of a concentrate by a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system [100] may include an evaporator [102] having a housing (not shown). The housing may include a cartridge [104] that may be configured to store a concentrate. The cartridge [104] may be a cylindrical container with a nozzle at one end and a dosing mechanism at the other end. The nozzle of cartridge [104] may have a smart chip with an identification code associated with the concentrate. The housing of the evaporator [102] may further comprise a control unit [106] configured to read the identification code from the nozzle. The control unit [106] may also control the operation of the oven of the evaporator [102]. The oven may be adjacent to the nozzle of the cartridge [104]. The communication unit [108] may be coupled to the control unit [106], wherein the communication unit [108] may transmit the identification code to the user device [110]. In an embodiment, the user device [110] may be a mobile phone, a computer, a laptop computer, etc., and is operable by the user [111 ]. The communication unit [108] of the evaporation device [102] may comprise a bluetooth low energy (BTLE) module.

The system [100] may also include a central server [112] that includes a database [114]. The database [114] may store a plurality of identification codes for a plurality of concentrate information. The central server [112] may be configured to receive an identification code from the user device [110]. The central server [112] may retrieve the concentrate information corresponding to the received identification code from the database [114]. The retrieved concentrate information may be transmitted to the user device 110. In an embodiment, the system [100] may be a public network environment including a plurality of personal computers, laptops, various servers such as blade servers, and other computing devices. In another embodiment, the system [100] may be a private network environment with a limited number of computing devices (such as personal computers, servers, laptops, and/or communication devices such as mobile phones and smart phones). The system [100] is operable by one or more users [117] via a central server [112 ].

The system [100] facilitates an improved user experience by providing information on the user device regarding the concentrate, the dosage requirements, etc. In an embodiment, the user device [110] may be configured to receive at least one user input related to a vaporization session of a user and to transmit at least one instruction to the evaporator [102] based on the received user input for triggering the vaporization session. In another embodiment, the user device [110] may be configured to generate session data associated with the vaporization session and transmit the session data to the central server [112]. The central server [112] may also be configured to receive session data from the user device. The central server [112] may update the user profile [116] based on the session data. The user profile [116] may include data associated with one or more vaporization sessions of the user.

In another embodiment, the user device [110] may be configured to display a survey related to the user's vaporization session. The user may provide feedback of his/her investigation and the user device [110] may transmit the user feedback to the central server [112]. The user device [110] may display the dose information based on at least one of: retrieved concentrate information, user profile [116], user medical history, and vaporization session.

In yet another embodiment, the user device [110] may be configured to capture data from a health/biometric data capture device (e.g., kardia |omron of AliveCor), and the user device [110] may transmit the health/biometric data to the central server [112].

Since the user device [110] provides information about the dose, the user is enabled to deliberately select his/her dose (micro-dosing). In addition, the system [100] can provide a notification to the user that they have completed inhaling the administered dose or desired amount of the concentrate product.

In one aspect, a vaporizer is disclosed having on-demand heating, usage tracking, improved user experience, modular components, and that can be easily cleaned. The evaporator may have a housing that houses various components. The housing may include a cartridge configured to store a concentrate. The cartridge may comprise a nozzle at one end and a dosing mechanism at the other end. The nozzle may have a smart chip with an identification code associated with the concentrate. The dosing mechanism may be adjacent the nozzle and the dosing mechanism may include a plunger driver, a pawl and a plunger. The dosing wheel may actuate the dosing mechanism. The dosing wheel may be located partially outside the housing for manipulation by a user, wherein the dosing wheel may be rotatably engaged to the plunger driver. The oven may be placed adjacent the cartridge nozzle or elsewhere within the evaporator, and the oven may include a coil placed within the heat resistant tube, an air flow channel in air flow communication with ambient air and suction negative pressure, and a dose diffuser comprising a porous material matrix. The control unit may be configured to heat the coil of the oven based on at least one of an in-line pressure sensor, a fan/IR reflector sensor, and an identification code associated with the concentrate.

In an embodiment, the control unit may heat the coil when the user generates negative pressure by inhaling at the suction nozzle. The coil may be configured to evaporate the extruded concentrate. The extruded concentrate may be dispensed through a nozzle onto a porous material substrate (or similar screen) of a dose diffuser. When the user rotates the dosing wheel, the plunger driver drives a plunger within the cartridge to release a predetermined amount of concentrate.

Fig. 2-5 illustrate different views of an evaporator [200] according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 2 shows an assembled view of the evaporator [200] and FIG. 3 shows a partially exploded view of the evaporator [200] showing the internal components of the evaporator [200] and also illustrating an exemplary manner in which each component may be coupled to an adjacent component to assemble the evaporator [200]. Further, fig. 4 and 5 show exploded perspective views of the evaporation device 200 from two different angles. For purposes of illustration, in the exploded views of fig. 4 and 5, some components are shown exploded in one figure, while other components are shown exploded in another figure. As shown, referring in combination to fig. 2-5, the evaporator [200] includes a housing [202] enclosing its various assemblies and components. The housing [202] has a generally rectangular cross-section and extends in a longitudinal direction, imparting a cubic shape to the housing [202]. However, it is contemplated that the housing [202] may have other shapes, such as cylindrical, spherical, etc. The housing [202] may be shaped such that the evaporator [200] may be ergonomically held by a user. The housing [202] may be made of a metallic material or other material having sufficient electrical conductivity and chemical resistance. In one example, the housing [202] is made of an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy.

In one aspect, the housing [202] may comprise two halves, a first half [204] and a second half [206]. The two halves [204], [206] may provide a plurality of grooves and apertures therein to receive and mount components of the evaporator [200] inside the housing [202 ]. The two halves [204], [206] may be coupled together using fasteners such as screws or the like. In particular, as can be seen from the associated figures, the housing [202] can provide a recess [208] at the junction of the first half [204] and the second half [206].

The evaporation device [200] uses a cartridge [210] to store a concentrate (not shown) to be evaporated. The cartridge [210] typically includes a predetermined amount of concentrate stored therein. The cartridge [210] may be in the form of a hollow canister having a suitable internal volume to be filled with a predetermined amount of concentrate. In one example, cartridge [210] is prefilled with 1000 mg of concentrate. The term "concentrate" as used herein may include materials in the form of chemicals, distillates, and separators. Examples of concentrates include vaporizable drugs, other ingredients such as terpenes. Other examples of concentrates include dried herbs, essential oils, waxes, and loose leaves. The cartridge [210] may be typically filled with a homogeneous concentrate in liquid form or a viscous liquid, such as wax and oil, which may be extruded from the cartridge [210] from a bottom opening (not shown) of the cartridge [210 ]. The cartridge [210] may include a cartridge housing, a concentrate reservoir [211], a plunger driver [212], and a plunger [214] slidably received within the cartridge housing. The plunger 214 may be disposed within the cartridge 210 housing in the following manner: such that when the plunger driver [212] rotates, the plunger [214] is pushed laterally downward in the cartridge [210] to push the concentrate toward the bottom opening of the cartridge [210] to be extruded.

In one embodiment, the cartridge [210] includes a memory module [216] that stores an identification code associated with the concentrate. The memory module 216 may be mounted on the outside of the cartridge housing. In an example, the memory module [216] may be at least one of a Near Field Communication (NFC) device, a QR code, a bar code, a smart chip, and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The smart chip allows its contents to be erased and reprogrammed using a pulsed voltage. In this example, the identification code stored in the memory module [216] of the cartridge [210] indicates the nature of the concentrate therein, such as the type of concentrate, the amount of concentrate, the expiration date (if any) of the concentrate, and the like. In other words, the identification code associated with the cartridge [210] is related to the concentrate information. The identification code may be in the form of a number or an alphanumeric number. It will be appreciated that the identification code is programmed into the memory module [216] based on testing of the concentrate substance in the test facility; and each identification code may be unique to a particular batch of concentrate. When the identification code is stored in the memory module [216] of the cartridge [210], the same identification code is stored simultaneously with the corresponding concentrate information in a database of the central server [112], as will be described in detail later.

In the evaporator [200], a cartridge [210] is detachably mounted in a housing [202 ]. In particular, the cartridge [210] is received and secured in the recess [208] of the housing [202 ]. The cartridge [210] may have any suitable shape including, but not limited to, rectangular, cylindrical, etc. The cartridge [210], or in particular the cartridge housing, may be generally shaped to complement the recess [208] in the housing [202] so that the cartridge [210] may be snapped into place inside the recess [208 ]. In some examples, the cartridge [210] may store Digital Rights Management (DRM) code in the memory module [216] indicating whether the cartridge [210] is properly compatible for installation in the evaporator [200 ]. As shown, the evaporator [200] may include a nozzle [218] at one end of the cartridge [210 ]. The nozzle [218] may be configured to outlet the concentrate from the cartridge [210 ].

In an embodiment, the evaporator [200] includes a control unit [220] to execute various instructions related to the operation of the evaporator [200] and also to record various operations of the evaporator [200] and generate corresponding data. The control unit [220] may include a circuit board on which various electronic components of the evaporator [200] are embedded or connected via wires. The control unit [220] may include a processor for executing various instructions to control the operation of the evaporator [200 ]. The processor may be a single processing unit or a plurality of processing units working in concert. The control unit [220] may also include, but is not limited to, an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, or any other circuitry capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner. The control unit [220] may further include a memory to store instructions for performing the operation of the evaporator [200] and also temporarily store data generated from the operation of the evaporator [200 ].

In an embodiment, when installed in the housing [202], the control unit [220] may include encoding circuitry positioned proximal to the memory module [216] of the cartridge [210 ]. The encoding circuitry of the control unit [220] reads the identification code from the cartridge [210 ]. In an example, the encoding circuitry may utilize a communication standard such as Near Field Communication (NFC) or the like to read the identification code from the memory module [216 ]. In some examples, the encoding circuitry may utilize a laser beam or some other form of light source to read an identification code in visual form, such as a bar code, QR code, or the like. The control unit [220] may use the identification code read from the cartridge [210] for further processing, as will be explained in detail later.

In one embodiment, the evaporator [200] includes a communication unit [224] disposed within a housing [202 ]. The communication unit [224] is coupled with the control unit [220] to receive and transmit, among other things, information about the operational settings of the evaporator. The communication unit [224] configures the control unit [220] of the evaporator [200] to be in signal communication with the user device [110]. In particular, the communication unit [224] transmits the identification code read from the cartridge [210] to the user device [110]. In an example, the communication unit [224] is a bluetooth low energy (BTLE) module, utilizing a relatively low power 2.4 GHz antenna (not shown) to provide a direct link for wireless communication between the evaporator [200] and the user device [110].

The evaporation apparatus 200 also includes a power supply [226] to provide power to its various components. The power source [226] may be in the form of one or more rechargeable batteries disposed within the housing [202 ]. The evaporator [200] may also include a charging port (not shown) disposed on the outer periphery of the housing [202] and electrically connected to a power source [226] located therein. In this case, the user may employ an external power cord (not shown) to connect the charging port with an external power outlet or the like. In one example, the charging port may use the USB standard to charge the power supply [226 ]. In an exemplary embodiment, the same charging port may also be used for data transfer, such as for updating source code in the memory of the control unit [220], for example to change some parameters associated with the operation of the evaporator [200 ]. In an alternative example, the evaporator [200] may include permanently fixed and retractable wires that contact the power source [226] at one end, and the other end has a plug that can be plugged into an electrical outlet for charging.

The evaporator [200] also typically includes a dosing wheel [232] at the top of the cartridge [210 ]. The dosing wheel [232] may be rotatably disposed within the housing [202 ]. The metering wheel [232] may be located partially outside the housing [202] for manipulation by a user, wherein the metering wheel [232] may be rotatably engaged to the plunger driver [212]. As shown, the cartridge [210] may have a nozzle [218] and a dosing mechanism at the other end. The nozzle [218] may have a diaphragm [804] at the nozzle tip to control the flow of the different viscosity concentrates (explained later with respect to FIG. 8B). The dosing mechanism may include a plunger driver [212], a plunger [214] and a pawl [213]. When the user rotates the dosing wheel [232] and the plunger driver [212] drives the plunger [214] within the cartridge [210] to release a predetermined amount of concentrate.

In one embodiment, the metering wheel [232] is a hollow cylinder that is externally connected to the plunger driver [212], such that rotation of the metering wheel [232] causes rotation of the plunger driver [212 ]. The plunger driver [212] may mechanically engage the plunger [214] and the pawl [213 ]. The pawl [213] may allow the dosing wheel [232] to rotate in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The dosing wheel [232] clicks when rotated to a predetermined degree. One click of the dosing wheel [232] can release a predetermined amount of concentrate through the nozzle [218 ].

The plunger driver [212] may be configured to directly relate the rotational movement of the dosing wheel [232] to the linear movement of the plunger [214 ]; that is, for a definite degree of rotation of the dosing wheel [232], the plunger [214] moves a distance depending on the pitch of the engaged thread and other factors. In this way, the dosing mechanism enables a user to control the amount of concentrate extruded by controlling the rotation of the dosing wheel [232 ].

In an alternative embodiment, the dosing mechanism may be an auger delivery mechanism.

In one or more examples, dosing circuitry may be provided in communication with the control unit [220] to cooperate therewith. In some examples, dosing circuitry may form part of the control unit [220 ]. The control unit [220] may receive information from the dosing circuitry regarding the amount of doses of concentrate extruded from the cartridge [210 ]. The control unit [220] registers a single dose of concentrate extruded from the cartridge [210] based on the generation of the dose signal. The control unit [220] also records the amount of concentrate dose that is expelled from the cartridge [210] and uses the encoding circuitry to write/program this information onto the memory module [216] of the cartridge [210] in order to track the amount of concentrate remaining inside the cartridge [210 ]. Thus, it is possible to find the amount of concentrate remaining inside the cartridge [210] detached from the housing [202] of the evaporator [200] by a user or in a cartridge refilling facility using any suitable reader.

As can be seen from fig. 2 to 5, the housing [202] may have an arcuate cutout [249] at its bottom corner. In one embodiment, the evaporator [200] may include an oven [250] positioned in a cutout [249]. The oven [250] may be coupled to the housing [202] using a suitable fastening arrangement including one or more of screws, pins, nuts, bolts, and the like. Oven [250] includes oven housing [252] assembled as shown in FIG. 4 and disassembled as shown in FIG. 5. Oven [250] may also include a coil [258] disposed inside oven housing [252 ].

As shown, the oven [250] may be located directly below the nozzle [218] and placed in fluid communication with the cartridge [210] via the nozzle [218 ]. The oven [250] may include a coil [258] disposed within a heat resistant tube, an air flow channel in communication with ambient air and suction negative pressure air flow, and a dose diffuser [260] comprising a porous material matrix. The dose diffuser [260] may be positioned to collect the concentrate extruded from the cartridge [210 ]. Further, the coil [258] may be positioned below the oven [250] and disposed in thermal communication therewith. The coil [258] may be configured to generate thermal energy to evaporate the concentrate in the dose diffuser [260]. In one example, the coil [258] is enclosed in a heat resistant tube and has two legs connected to the power source [226] via contacts and leads extending inside the housing [202 ].

Using these electrical connections, the coil [258] receives electrical energy from the power source [226], which in turn is converted to thermal energy. In one or more examples, the coil [258] may be connected to the power supply [226] via the control unit [220], such that power supplied from the power supply [226] to the coil [258] is controlled by the control unit [220 ]. This configuration enables the control unit [220] to adjust the thermal energy generated by the coil [258] according to the temperature setting of the evaporator [200 ]. In an embodiment, the control unit [220] may be configured to heat the coil [258] of the oven [250] based on at least one of an in-line pressure sensor, a fan/IR reflector sensor, and an identification code associated with the concentrate.

In one example, the oven housing [252] may be made of a ceramic material, such as, but not limited to, zirconium. Such ceramic material for the oven housing [252] may capture heat generated by the coil [258] for effectively evaporating the concentrate in the dose diffuser [260] and also provide insulation for the oven housing [252] from the outside. In one example, the porous material matrix may be a mesh (e.g., gold-plated metal mesh) or made of a metal alloy material such as stainless steel, also commonly referred to as metal foam. The porous material matrix contains a concentrate that is collected within the dose diffuser [260] by its absorption properties. The porous material matrix may also be configured to allow air to pass therethrough.

In one example, the evaporator [200] provides a dual filtration system. To this end, the oven [250] may include a filter device downstream of the oven [250 ]. Typically, the filter device may be made of the same material as the porous material matrix. It will be appreciated that the vaporised concentrate passes through the filter means to remove any toxic substances from the flue gas before being supplied for inhalation by the user and thereby provide the user with a relatively cleaner vaporised concentrate for inhalation.

In one embodiment, the oven [250] may further comprise an oven cover [266] coupled to the housing [202] using one or more magnets. In one example, the housing [202] may include magnets and the oven cover [266] may be constructed using magnetic plates (e.g., stainless steel plates) such that the magnets in the housing [202] and the magnetic plates of the oven cover [266] attract each other to lock the oven cover [266] to the housing [202]. In another example, the oven cover [266] may include a first set of magnets and the housing [202] may include a second set of magnets, wherein the two halves [204, 206] each have one magnet such that the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets attract each other to lock the oven cover [266] to the housing [202]. Furthermore, the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets may be separated by some external pulling force provided by the user, for example. In this way, the oven cover [266] is configured to move between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the oven cover [266] may at least partially enclose the oven [250], including the dose diffuser [260] and the coil [258]. In the open position, the oven cover [266] may be disposed at an angle of about 45 ° relative to the housing [202] and allow access to the dose diffuser [260]. The oven [250] may also include an interlock switch configured to communicate with the control unit [220 ]. The interlock switch generates a safety signal if the oven cover [266] is displaced from the closed position. In addition, the control unit [220] receives the safety signal and may turn off the coil [258] based on the safety signal. In an alternative example, the oven cover [266] may be connected to the housing [202] by means of a latch and compression spring (not shown). The latch and compression spring arrangement not only provides a hinged connection between the oven cover [266] and the housing [202], but also allows the oven cover [266] to remain in an open position, such as when a user has pulled the oven cover [266] to an open position for access to the dose diffuser [260].

Moreover, as shown, the oven cover [266] may include a plurality of vents [62] at its sides and bottom (not shown). Further, in the oven [250], the oven housing [252] may include a plurality of vents therein. The vent may allow fresh air from the atmosphere to enter the oven [250] to circulate in a defined path inside the evaporator [200 ]. The air received in the oven [250] is exposed to the coil [258], which in turn heats the received air. In one example, the coil [258] heats air. In particular, the air may overheat. The superheated air is received in the evaporation chamber [256] through apertures in the dose diffuser [260 ]. The heated air in the evaporation chamber [256] passes through the porous material matrix, thereby evaporating the concentrate absorbed in the dose diffuser [260] by convection effects.

The vaporizing device 200 may include a mouthpiece [276] that applies vaporized concentrate to a user. The suction nozzle [276] may generally be made of any medical grade material, such as silicone, soft rubber, and plastic. In one example, the suction nozzle [276] can be removably mounted to the housing [202] of the evaporator [200 ]. The suction nozzle [276] may be generally located at the top end of the housing [202]. The evaporator [200] may also include a conduit [278] that places the mouthpiece [276] in fluid communication with the evaporation chamber [256] or the dose diffuser [260 ]. As can be appreciated, the conduit [278] provides a path inside the evaporator [200] for air to flow from the evaporation chamber [256] or the dose diffuser [260] to the mouthpiece [276]. Thus, when a user pulls for vapor through the mouthpiece [276], fresh air is drawn into the oven [250] via the vent [272], which carries vaporized concentrate from the vaporization chamber [256] to the mouthpiece [276] via conduit [278] for consumption by the user. It is contemplated that this configuration of vents relative to the duct 278 allows for cross flow through the oven [250] to facilitate drawing air from outside the evaporator [200 ]. The conduit [278] may also help substantially isolate the path for flow of vaporized concentrate from the electronic components of the vaporizer [200] in order to avoid any possibility of shorting.

In another configuration, the evaporator [200] also allows direct manual loading of concentrate into the evaporation chamber [256 ]. To this end, a user may place the oven cover [266] in an open position such that the evaporation chamber [256] is accessible. In the case of liquid concentrates, the user may pour or inject the concentrate directly onto the porous material substrate to be absorbed thereby; in the case of non-liquid concentrates, such as waxes, powders, etc., the user may first remove the porous material matrix from the evaporation chamber [256] and then place the concentrate directly. In some other cases, a user may obtain a dose diffuser pre-filled with dry herb pods or the like and place such a dose diffuser directly into an evaporation chamber without a porous material matrix; thus providing convenient use of the non-liquid concentrate. In any case, the heated air from the coil will evaporate the concentrate for consumption purposes. In other examples, the cartridge may be designed to store and extrude non-liquid concentrate into the evaporation chamber.

It is contemplated that the evaporator [200] will accumulate vapor residue on certain internal components (particularly the conduit [278 ]) due to repeated use, even when properly used. To clean the catheter [278], the user may: the suction nozzle [276] is first removed and then the oven cover [266] is pulled to overcome the attractive force of the magnet such that the oven cover [266] moves to its open position. At this time, the user may dip the pipe cleaner (not shown) in the cleaning solution. It is contemplated that the pipe cleaner may be a Q-tip or the like. The user may use the pipe cleaner with a cleaning solution and slide the pipe cleaner down through the top of the conduit [278] until it exits from the bottom thereof. The user may repeat the above steps until the catheter [278] is completely cleaned. Furthermore, to clean the vaporization chamber [256], the user can: any loose particles or residual material present therein is first removed and then the porous material matrix or mesh and the dose diffuser [260] are removed from the bottom of the evaporation chamber [256 ]. The user may then use the Q-tip immersed in the cleaning solution and gently wipe away the residue accumulated in the evaporation chamber 256. It is contemplated that the use of the dose diffuser [260] reduces the need for frequent cleaning of the evaporation chamber [256] because residue from the concentrate and excessive accumulation from evaporation build up on the dose diffuser [260] rather than on the walls of the evaporation chamber [256] and also allows for easier cleaning because the dose diffuser [260] can be removed from the evaporation chamber [256] for cleaning the evaporation chamber [256] by moving the oven [266] in the open position. To clean the porous material matrix, the user may: the dosage diffuser [260] including the porous material matrix is first secured removed from the evaporation chamber [256], then the porous material matrix is immersed in a cleaning solution for about 15 minutes and then rinsed thoroughly with water, then the porous material matrix is dried and reinstalled. Similarly, to clean the suction nozzle [276], the user may: the removal of the suction nozzle [276] from the housing [202] is ensured by first pulling the suction nozzle [276] gently from the top of the conduit [278], then immersing the suction nozzle [276] in the cleaning solution for about 15 minutes and then thoroughly rinsing with water, then drying the suction nozzle [276], and then reloading the suction nozzle [276] back into the evaporator [200 ].

In some embodiments, the evaporator [200] may include one or more buttons to control one or more user-controlled operations thereof. The evaporator [200] may also include one or more indicator lights for communicating information regarding various operations and current settings/parameters of the evaporator [200 ]. In an example, the indicator light may be an RGB-based LED. In the example shown, the evaporator [200] is shown to include two buttons; a power button [280] and an ignition button [282]; and four indicator lamps, namely, a first indicator lamp, a second indicator lamp, a third indicator lamp and a fourth indicator lamp. In the evaporator [200], each of the buttons can generate a specific signal upon depression and is arranged in signal communication with the control unit [220 ]; such that the mediating control unit [220] may generate specific instructions in response to such signals for signaling the corresponding component to perform certain functions. In addition, the control unit [220] may programmatically control the flashing of the indicator light to convey specific information to the user. As shown, some of the buttons and indicator lights, particularly the power button [280] and the second and third indicator lights, are embedded directly on the circuit board of the control unit [220 ].

In one exemplary configuration, the user may hold the power button [280] for 2 seconds to turn the evaporator [200] on/off. In one example, upon turning on the evaporator [200], the communication unit [224] of the evaporator [200] begins pairing with the user device [110 ]. In addition, the second indicator light may blink when pairing is performed between the communication unit [224] and the user device [110], and then appear pure blue when the pairing process is completed. The power button [280] may also be used to check various current settings of the evaporator [200]. For example, clicking the power button [280] once may use a second indicator light to show the power level of the power source [226 ]; the two clicks may operate a third indicator light to indicate a temperature setting, and the three clicks may restart the communication unit [224] to reestablish a connection with the user device [110], and may also cause all indicator lights to flash once. The ignition button 282 may be used to operate the coil 258 in the evaporator 200. The user may press the ignition button [282] and hold down to heat the coil [258] to a defined temperature setting and continue to hold down the ignition button [282] while the concentrate is being inhaled to maintain the evaporator [200] at the defined temperature setting.

Further, in one exemplary configuration, the first indicator light may indicate a power state of the evaporator [200], i.e., the first indicator light being on indicates that the evaporator [200] is on, and vice versa. Similarly, a second indicator light may indicate a current charge level of the power supply [226] of the evaporator [200 ]; such as green indicating a power level greater than 50%, yellow indicating a power level equal to or less than 50%, red indicating a power level equal to or less than 15%, and flashing red indicating a power level less than 5%, and the evaporator [200] requires immediate charging to continue operation. The third indicator light may indicate a temperature setting of the evaporator [200] such that green may represent a high temperature setting of the evaporator [200], blue may represent a medium temperature setting of the evaporator [200], and purple may represent a low temperature setting of the evaporator [200 ]. The fourth indicator light indicates various states of the evaporator [200] using different color schemes; such as heating, reaching a defined temperature setting, a level of concentrate in the cartridge [210], warning the user whether to pull hard, etc. It is contemplated that the control schemes for the buttons [280, 282] and the color schemes for the indicator lights as described herein are not limited to this disclosure.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the evaporator [200] includes an anemometer to measure the flow rate of a volume of air passing therethrough. In an embodiment, a coil [258] as already present in the evaporator [200] is used as an anemometer for air flow measurement purposes; and as such, the terms "anemometer" and "heating element" have been used interchangeably for description. The anemometer may typically be placed at a location inside the duct [278] directly exposed to the air flow therein. In one example, the anemometer operates based on the principles of a hot wire anemometer. In the current embodiment of the anemometer in the evaporator [200], current and voltage measurements are taken directly from the heating element [258] at the time of operation. In addition, other parameters of the coil [258] are determined, including operating temperature, material composition, and dimensions. These measurements are first used to calculate the resistance of the coil [258] prior to any flow to establish a calibration offset or "baseline". As air begins to flow through the coil [258], some of the heat is dissipated into the air and thus the coil [258] cools slightly. Since the resistance of a material is proportional to its temperature, this temperature change results in a measurable deviation from the baseline resistance. And the cooling rate is proportional to the quantity of air being heated, according to joule heating law, it can be deduced that the deviation is probably proportional to the flow rate. Thus, the flow rate of the volume of air through the evaporator [200] can be determined simply by algorithmically correlating the current and voltage with the resistance deviation when the coil [258] is operated. The air flow as calculated may be used to estimate the amount of concentrate consumed by the user as compared to the amount of concentrate extruded from the cartridge [210 ].

In one aspect, the mouthpiece [276] is removable to slidably receive the cartridge [210] within the housing [202 ]. The communication unit [224] may be configured to transmit the identification code to the user device [110], wherein the user device [110] is configured to display information associated with the concentrate based on the identification code. The control unit [220] may be configured to receive instructions from the user device [110] via the communication unit [224] to activate heating of the coil [258 ]. In an exemplary scenario, the user device [110] may display dose information based on at least one of an identification code, an identity of the user, a medical history of the user, and a previous dose. In another aspect, a filter for filtering the vaporized concentrate may be present downstream of the conduit [278 ].

The evaporator [200] is configured to provide an airtight seal when loaded to improve efficiency while also making it easier for a user to access to facilitate cleaning the device before/after use to ensure optimal performance.

Existing evaporators use combustion or convection techniques to evaporate the concentrated oil. The active compounds of the concentrated oil are more efficiently transported via convection without producing unhealthy levels of byproducts such as tar (PAH) and carbon monoxide, and as such, this is the evaporation method of choice. However, it is also more difficult to achieve and maintain a constant temperature at/of the oil for efficient evaporation using conventional convection techniques. In addition, the oil tends to flash and wick when exposed to heat, resulting in a reduction in the efficiency of current evaporators. These systems also exhibit overheating after several uses, requiring safety circuitry to protect the user from burns. Available evaporators use various methods to attempt to provide controlled convective heating of concentrated oil, including flowing hot air into an oil-containing chamber of limited surface area for flashing, distributing the oil over a large metering pad that requires excessive heat for evaporation, and batch heating of more oil than is required for doses that result in inefficient delivery of vapor. The evaporator [200] employs a concentrate product oven that mitigates wicking, provides an integrated component for improved evaporation efficiency, and provides a simple precision element for evaporation product micro-dosing control that avoids the frustration described above.

Existing evaporators have a time lapse between the user activating the "fire" button (i.e., the evaporator unit power supply) until the evaporator unit is ready for the user to inhale the heated vapor of concentrated oil. The time lapse of the currently available evaporator may range from 5 seconds to 90 seconds depending on the device and its heating method. User convenience is compromised because the user is required to keep pressing the "fire" button over time until the device signals that it is ready to inhale. In addition, the user must continue to hold the "fire" button after the passage of time until the desired inhalation/dose is completed. Such device operation results in significant power wastage and unnecessary evaporator heating.

Referring to fig. 1, a block diagram of a system 100 for managing user concentrate use is shown, according to defined operating parameters, as described in the following description, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Continuing with the description of FIG. 1, in one example, the user device [300] may be a laptop computer, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a desktop computer, or the like. The user device 110 is communicatively coupled with a central server 112 through a network. The network may be a wireless network, a wired network, or a combination thereof. The network may also be a single network or a collection of many such single networks interconnected with each other and functioning as a single large network (e.g., the internet or an intranet). The network may be implemented as one of different types of networks, such as an intranet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), the internet, and so forth.

In one example, the central server [112] may be a server, desktop computer, notebook computer, portable computer, workstation, mainframe computer, and laptop computer. In an embodiment, the central server [112] may be a distributed or centralized network system in which different computing devices may host one or more of the hardware or software components of the central server [112 ]. Further, in an example, the central server [112] may be configured as an open Application Programming Interface (API) to facilitate communication with other computer systems, such as a hospital Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. The central server [112] includes a database [114] and user profile data [116]. The database [114] includes a plurality of identification codes and corresponding concentrate information. As previously described, each identification code from the plurality of identification codes corresponds to a concentrate and is thus linked to concentrate information corresponding to the concentrate. In one example, a provider implementing the central server [112] maintains a database [114]. For example, the vendor may use a computing device such as the user device [110] to generate an identification code for the concentrate. The vendor may then upload the identification code and the concentrate information corresponding to the concentrate to a central server using a computing device [116]. Further, as previously described, for each cartridge [210] filled with concentrate, an identification code corresponding to the concentrate is stored on the memory module [216] of the cartridge [210 ]. As explained in the following description, assigning an identification code to the cartridge [210] facilitates monitoring and managing the use of the concentrate by the user.

In an example, a user may perform one or more vaporization sessions using the vaporizer [200 ]. The user may initially register himself/herself with the provider of the evaporator [200] before conducting a vaporization session using the evaporator [200 ]. For registration, a user may install an application associated with the evaporation device 200 on the user device [110 ]. The application provides a graphical user interface for a user to access services and operations associated with the evaporator [200 ]. For example, a user may use the application to operate or alter one or more functions of the evaporator [200 ]. In another example, the user may use the application to obtain information about the concentrate stored in the cartridge [210 ]. Once the application is installed, the user device [110] is configured to record user information associated with the user. The user information may include, but is not limited to, the user's name, age, height, weight, gender, and medical history.

In one example, the user device [300] transmits user information to the central server [112] for registering the user. As can be appreciated, the user information can be transmitted over a communication link implementing predetermined security protocols and standards for securing the user information. Upon receiving the user information, the central server [112] may be configured to generate a user profile for the user based on the user information. As can be appreciated, once the user profile is generated, the user may not need to register for a subsequent vaporization session. In an example, the user profile may be updated to include additional information in addition to the user information. The additional information may include a session log associated with the user's vaporization session, information about one or more concentrates used by the user, information about efficacy of the concentrates related to the reason for the user's use of the concentrates in the vaporization session, and one or more recommendations for the user. In an example, based on session data related to a current vaporization session and a subsequent vaporization session, additional information is included in the user profile, as explained in the following description. In one example, the central server [112] stores the user profile in user profile data [116 ]. In one example, the user profile data [116] may be stored in a single database (not shown). In another example, the user profile data [116] may be stored in a distributed or unlinked database (not shown) that is communicatively coupled to the central server [112 ]. In the above examples, a single database or a distributed database stores user information in compliance with predefined security protocols, such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

As described above, in one example, a user may learn of the concentrate being used in cartridge [210 ]. In such cases, the control unit [220] is configured to read the identification code stored in the memory module [216 ]. Upon reading the identification code, the control unit [220] may trigger the communication unit [224] to transmit the identification code to the user device [110]. The communication unit 224 transmits the identification code to the user device 110 via an antenna therein. In one embodiment, the user device [110] may obtain an identification code from the user in the case of manual loading of the concentrate. For example, the user may provide an identification code corresponding to the concentrate via user input. In another example, a user may use the user device [110] to scan an identification code. For example, if the identification code is a bar code, the user may turn on a camera (not shown in the figure) of the user device [110] for capturing the bar code.

In an example, the user device [110] is configured to transmit an identification code to the central server [112] for obtaining concentrate information corresponding to the concentrate. Upon receipt of the identification code, the central server [112] is configured to retrieve the concentrate information corresponding to the identification code from the database [114 ]. The retrieved concentrate information is then transmitted by the central server [112] to the user device [110] for display of the concentrate information to the user. In an alternative example, the communication unit [224] in the evaporator [200] can transmit the identification code directly to the central server [112] using, for example, a Wi-Fi module, a cellular module, or the like. In addition, the evaporator [200] includes a screen (not shown), such as an electronic ink display, to display the concentrate information directly onto the evaporator [200 ].

In one example, the user device [110] may receive and store the concentrate information in an internal memory module (not shown) of the user device [110 ]. In one example, upon receiving a user input for displaying the concentrate information, the user device [110] is configured to display the concentrate information to the user through a display screen (not shown) of the user device [110 ]. In one example, the displayed concentrate information may include the name of the concentrate, the amount of concentrate remaining in the cartridge [210], and the chemical composition of the concentrate. Displaying the concentrate information to the user enhances the user's awareness of the concentrate that the user is using for the vaporization session. For example, the user is made aware of the chemical composition of the concentrate. Thus, the user may choose to continue using the concentrate, or may prefer to change the concentrate based on chemical composition.

In an example, when a user of the evaporator [200] attempts to perform a vaporization session, the user may provide at least one user input to the user device [110 ]. For example, the user may provide user input for selecting a reason for performing the vaporization session. In this case, the user device [110] is configured to display a list of reasons for performing the vaporisation session to the user. The user may then select a reason from the list of reasons. In another example, the user may provide user input defining a reason for performing the vaporization session. Further, the user device [110] records the cause and may update the cause list to include user-defined causes. Additionally, the user may provide user input for determining the amount of concentrate to apply during the vaporization session. In addition to determining the amount of concentrate to be administered, the user may operate the evaporator [200] for extruding the determined amount into an evaporation chamber [256 ]. In addition, the user may provide user input for configuring the temperature settings of the evaporator [200 ]. Thereafter, the user may provide user input for triggering the vaporization session. Upon receiving the user input, the user device [110] is configured to transmit at least one instruction to the evaporator [200] for triggering the vaporisation session.

Upon receipt of at least one instruction, the evaporator [200] may configure the coil [258] to a configured temperature for evaporating the concentrate at that temperature. In one example, the concentrate information may also include a predetermined temperature setting, depending on the concentrate type. Furthermore, the control unit [220] may be configured to control the coil [258] based on the temperature setting in the concentrate information. It will be appreciated that by providing user input via the user device [110], the user may choose to override the predetermined temperature setting to the desired temperature setting for a particular vaporisation session. The control unit [220] may control the thermal energy generated by the coil [258] based on instructions input by a user. Once the concentrate evaporates, the user may receive a notification indicating that the evaporator [200] is ready for use. In one example, the notification is displayed by a first indicator light on the evaporator [200 ]. In another example, the notification is provided by a message on the user device [110 ]. In yet another example, the notification is provided by both the first indicator light and the message.

In an example, when the vaporization session is over, i.e., the user is no longer using the vaporizer [200] for vaporization for a predetermined time, the user device [110] is configured to generate session data corresponding to the vaporization session. In an example, the session data may include the reason for performing the vaporization session, the amount of concentrate applied to the user, and the temperature setting at which the vaporization session is performed. The user device 110 then transmits the session data to the central server 112. In one example, a central server [112] receives session data from a user device [110 ]. Upon receiving the session data, the central server [112] is configured to update the user profile [116].

In an embodiment, the user device [110] is configured to generate a user questionnaire related to the user's vaporization session. In an example, the user questionnaire may include one or more questions related to the vaporization session. For example, the user questionnaire may include questions related to the efficacy of the concentrate, the temperature setting of the evaporator [200], and other such questions. The user device 110 may then display a user questionnaire to the user. In another embodiment, the central server [112] may be configured to generate a user questionnaire upon receipt of the session data, and may transmit the user questionnaire to the user device [110] for display to the user. In one example, a user questionnaire is displayed to the user after a predetermined time interval (e.g., thirty minutes after the vaporization session).

In another embodiment, the user device [110] may be configured to capture data from a health/biological data capture device (e.g., kardia |omron of AliveCor company), and the user device [110] may communicate and/or exchange health/biological data with the central server [112] or the evaporator [102 ].

The user device [110] is then configured to receive user feedback from the user based on the user questionnaire. In an example, the user questionnaire may include one or more answers to questions included in the user questionnaire. Upon receiving the user feedback, the user device [110] transmits the user feedback to the central server [112]. In an example, the central server [112] may store the user feedback in the user profile data [116] and may associate the user feedback with the user profile of the user. In one example, the central server [112] may update the user profile based on user feedback. For example, the central server [112] may update the additional information based on user feedback.

In one embodiment, the central server [112] is configured to generate recommendations for the user. To this end, the central server [112] identifies a plurality of users based on one or more user parameters associated with the users. The user parameters may include, but are not limited to, the user's age, height, and weight. Upon identifying a plurality of users, the central server [112] is configured to retrieve user feedback associated with the plurality of users. Once the user feedback is retrieved, the central server [112] is configured to analyze the user feedback to generate suggestions for the user. For example, the central server [112] may identify other concentrates used by multiple users for a vaporization session similar to the user's vaporization session. Among other concentrates identified, the central server [112] may identify other user-desired concentrates based on user feedback. The central server [112] may then generate advice regarding the concentrate. Once the central server [112] generates the recommendation, the central server [112] transmits the recommendation to the user device [110]. The user device 110 may then display the suggestion to the user. In an example, the central server [112] may additionally transmit the generated advice to the user's user device of the registered physician.

Fig. 6 depicts an exemplary cartridge [210] configured to store a concentrate. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the cartridge [210] may include a nozzle [218] at one end with a smart chip [216] disposed thereon. The smart chip [216] may have an identification code associated with the concentrate. In another embodiment, the exemplary cartridge [210] has assembled thereon a tip seal [602] to prevent leakage of the concentrate product from the cartridge can [604] during handling and/or use, e.g., during evaporation.

In one aspect, the tip seal [602] includes a diaphragm [606/804] that seals against a nozzle insert [603 ]. The diaphragm [606] may be an elastomer (TPE, silicone rubber, etc.) or other flexible, resilient material. On the other hand, upon rotation of the dosing wheel [232], the plunger driver assembly [212] actuates the plunger [214] into the cartridge can [604] and thereby causes the concentrate product to deform the diaphragm [804] away from the nozzle insert [603] by a downward actuation force, through the diaphragm [804] and thus allows concentrate to be extruded through the tip seal [602] onto the diffuser.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a dosing mechanism [900] is provided at the other end of the cartridge [210 ]. The dosing mechanism [900] may be adjacent the nozzle and include a plunger [214], a plunger driver [212] and a cartridge lock [608]. The dosing wheel may actuate the dosing mechanism, wherein the dosing wheel is rotatably engaged to the plunger driver [212]. Upon rotation of the metering wheel, the plunger driver [212] may drive the plunger [214] within the cartridge can [604] to release a predetermined amount of concentrate. The dosing wheel is configured to be turned unidirectionally (i.e. in only one direction) by a user by using a pawl. The detent prevents the user from unclamping the cartridge [210] and thus prevents [214] from withdrawing the plunger [214] from the cartridge can [604 ].

In one aspect, to ensure proper dispensing of the concentrate product, an exemplary detent may be configured on the cartridge lock [608] to rotatably communicate with a slot on the plunger [214 ]. Engagement of the pawl on the cartridge lock [608] with the slot on the plunger [214] constrains bi-directional rotation of the plunger/plunger driver [214/212] even when the cartridge [210] is removed from the evaporator. In addition, the pawl is hidden by the plunger driver [212] at assembly, thus alleviating the ability of a user to disassemble the cartridge [600 ]. The nozzle [218/800] extrudes the concentrate product stored in the cartridge tank [604] onto the oven.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the plunger [214] and the plunger driver [212] are fixedly attached to ensure a predetermined advancement of the plunger [214] into the cartridge can [604] when the plunger driver [212] is rotated by the dosing wheel.

Fig. 7 depicts an alternative embodiment of a cartridge [700] configured for dispensing a generally non-liquid concentrate (e.g., powder, leaves, flowers, wax, etc.). The exemplary cartridge [700] provides similar operation as the cartridge [210 ]. The cartridge [700] typically dispenses a non-liquid concentrate (e.g., powder) by use of an auger [702 ]. A cartridge [700] including a driver [704], a nozzle [706], a smart chip [216], and the like is communicatively operable within the system [100] to provide dose control and dose integrity data within a network. The auger [702] is moveable laterally downward into the cartridge can [710] when rotated by the driver [704], wherein the driver [704] is rotatable by a user through the nut [712 ].

Fig. 8A depicts an exemplary nozzle [800] according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one aspect of the disclosure, the nozzle [800] is made of a high temperature polymeric material, such as stainless steel, polysulfone, high temperature liquid crystal polymer (e.g., vectra ™ or PEEK) or other materials designed to operate under conditions of continuous exposure to vaporization temperatures (typically < 550F). In embodiments of the present disclosure, the vaporization temperature is controlled so as to avoid combustion temperature and/or denaturation of the concentrate product. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the nozzle has a circumferential groove [802] to cooperate with exemplary features configured on the oven seal mount [1116], as shown in FIG. 11B, to provide an airtight seal, and as such, eliminate the inflow of air into the oven during negative pressure inhalation by the user. In one aspect, the nozzle [218/800] is configured with a stepped and flared feature [802] (i.e., circumferential groove [802 ]) at the nozzle outlet to mitigate wicking of the oil-based concentrate product onto the nozzle.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the nozzle [218/800] is configured with a septum [804] or other similar configuration to control the flow of the concentrate product from the cartridge. An exemplary nozzle [218/800] is configured on and cooperates with the cartridge [210/700] thereon to provide dose control and dose integrity, respectively. As shown in FIG. 8B, an exemplary nozzle [218/800] includes a tip seal that includes a nozzle insert [806] and a diaphragm [804]. In the closed position, the example diaphragm [804] seals against an insert in the nozzle. Upon rotation of the dosing wheel [232], the plunger driver [212] actuates the plunger [214] into the cartridge can [604] and thereby deforms the concentrate product away from the insert, thus allowing the concentrate to be extruded through the top seal [804] onto the diffuser.

Reference will be made again to fig. 4 and 6 for the explanation of fig. 9. As shown in fig. 9, the dose integrity mechanism [900] includes a tamper-proof feature using a pawl [902] located in the dosing mechanism [900] according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A pawl [902] located in the cartridge lock [608] mates with a longitudinal slot [904] located in the plunger [214] and constrains rotational movement of the plunger driver [212] in the opposite direction, thereby preventing the user from inadvertently releasing the plunger driver [212]. The exemplary pawl [902] provides additional assurance that confusion of several doses delivered via the cartridge [210] is prevented. In one embodiment, the user cannot disassemble the pawl [902] without disabling the cartridge [210] because the pawl [902] is recessed within the plunger driver [212]. In addition, the pawl [902] provides for reverse wrap of the metering wheel to mitigate confusion in dose tracking and management of the evaporator [200 ].

In one example, the plunger driver [212] advances the plunger [214] down the threaded body of the cartridge lock [608 ]. Downward movement of the plunger [214] causes the concentrate product to be extruded from the nozzle [218 ]. By rotating the dosing wheel [232], the pawl [902] is spring tensioned against the plunger [214] and makes a "click" when the pawl [902] comes to rest in the longitudinal slot [906] of the plunger [214 ]. The "click" sound provides audible feedback to the user that the desired amount/dose of concentrate product (e.g., 2.5 mg) has been delivered for evaporation.

Fig. 10 illustrates an oven system [1000] according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The oven system [1000] includes a coil [258] (not shown) located inside a heat resistant tube [1002], the heat resistant tube [1002] focusing the air flow [1004] on the heating coil [258] for efficient transfer of heat from the coil [258] to the negative pressure air flow [1006]. The tube 1002 may be constructed of ceramic or other materials that provide thermal resistance. In one embodiment, ambient air intake is directed into the negative pressure air stream [1006] around the exterior of the tube [1002] to promote enhanced heat transfer from the heating coil [258 ].

To improve heating efficiency, the ambient air intake is aligned around the outside of the oven tube to facilitate further heat transfer from the heating coil [258] and redirected back into the negative pressure air stream [1006 ].

The oven system [1000] includes a dose diffuser [1100], as shown in fig. 11A-11C. The exemplary diffuser [1100] is a two-piece component designed to effectively evaporate a concentrate product. The outer portion of the diffuser [1100] is made of a heat resistant ceramic material, but other heat resistant materials may be used. The inner portion of the diffuser [1100] is filled with a low density porous stainless steel matrix or screen [1120]. For example, the porous stainless steel substrate [1120] may be configured to have about 60 pores per inch; however, other grid sizes may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

The porous material [1120] provides a much higher surface to density ratio than a wire mesh to greatly improve evaporation efficiency (i.e., a larger surface area for concentrate spreading, and less substrate to heat). The porous material [1120] also minimizes air resistance compared to wire mesh.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the exemplary dose diffuser [1100] is configured with three ports. The first port [1112] is directly aligned with the outlet port of the heater chamber to allow heat to be absorbed into the porous matrix during inhalation by a user. A second port [1114] is positioned proximally on top of the diffuser [1100] opposite the first port [1112 ]. The second port [1110] provides a means for the nozzle [218/800] to extend into the interior of the diffuser [1100 ].

In one embodiment, oven seal [1116] provides a hermetic seal between nozzle [218/800] and second port [1114 ]. Oven seal [1116] cooperates with nozzle [218/800] to eliminate air flow into oven [1000] during user negative pressure inhalation. The third port (outlet port) 1114 is directly aligned with the conduit [278] (i.e., the air path of the vaporized concentrate) and provides an airtight seal between the third port [1114] and the conduit [278 ].

By referring to fig. 11C, during operation of the evaporator [200] of the present disclosure, a user extrudes a concentrate product by indexing the metering wheel [232] when the oven cover [266] is closed. The concentrate is then deposited into a porous matrix [1120 ]. When the user ignites the evaporator [200] and then draws in air through the conduit [278], the heated air "H" is drawn through the oven [1100], through the internal porous matrix [1120] to the conduit [278] and out into the user [111] through the mouthpiece [276 ].

In an exemplary aspect, heated air "H" is drawn through the inner porous matrix, thereby heating the porous matrix and deposited concentrate "C". The concentrate is then flashed through the porous matrix [1120] in the direction of air flow "V". For example, when the vapor transition temperature of the concentrated oil is exceeded, the concentrated oil in the porous matrix [1120] continues to dilute and turn into vapor. The thermal resistive nature of the housing [202] effectively contains heat within the porous matrix [1120 ]. In this way, the exemplary device [200] provides the ability to micro-dose concentrated oil.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the evaporator [200] and, for example, the cartridge [210/700] may provide heated air to evaporate the concentrate only when a user applies a negative pressure (i.e., inhalation) at the mouthpiece. The heating coil [258] is activated to maintain a set temperature at the coil when a negative air pressure is sensed in the evaporator [200] by using, for example, an in-line pressure sensor, a fan/IR reflector sensor, or by monitoring changes in power draw.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in fig. 12, the evaporator device allows a user to intentionally select a desired dose (e.g., micro-dose) via iterative indexing of the dose wheel [232 ]. Each index (i.e., encoder wheel configuration) is captured via pairing the IR emitter [1202 ]/detector [1204] arrangement with a slot in the dose wheel [232 ]. In one aspect, the vaporizer [200] informs the user that they have completed inhalation of the desired/administered dose. According to this aspect, the apparatus provides a hardware/software feedback loop whereby 1) the user presses and holds the "fire" button, wherein the evaporator [200] draws current from the battery through the heating coil [258] to heat the coil to the set temperature, 2) once the set temperature is established and maintained by the PID control system (note: the change in current draw is small and predictable), the user will draw air through the evaporator; 3) The incoming air flow cools the heating coil [258], requiring the device to respond quickly to a ramp up in current in order to maintain the set temperature, and 4) the change in amperage can be detected and thus used to accurately identify when a user is inhaling from the device.

The IR emitter [1202] and detector [1204] sets are paired on opposite sides of the conduit [278] to detect the presence of vapor in the conduit [278 ]. In an exemplary embodiment, the conduit [278] may be a transparent borosilicate glass air path. When vapor is present in the conduit [278], it scatters IR light and causes less IR light to be collected by the detector. Thus, when the user presses and holds the "fire" button and draws air through the system, the evaporator [200] monitors the presence of vapor traveling up the air path and the device notifies the mobile application that vapor is being drawn. When no vapor is detected after a set period of time when the user inhales, the device notifies the mobile application via BLE communication that the dose has been inhaled completely. This completes a feedback loop that knows how much concentrate product is to be prepared for delivery (indexing via the dose wheel) and when all of the concentrate product is inhaled.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the evaporator device [200] provides a reserved identification code that can be implemented by mounting the smart chip [216/708] onto a cartridge that is programmed at the time of cartridge filling. The application may then use the code to access unique information corresponding to the identification code, such as product name, fraction filled batch information, laboratory results, product temperature limits, and the like. Thus, a smart chip [216/708] such as an EEPROM is programmable, which can also be programmed with information during use by the device, such as the dose remaining in the cartridge canister [604/710 ]. This not only helps the user, but also prevents misuse by allowing the device to deactivate the cartridge when it is attempted to be used beyond the programmed volume life of the cartridge.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vaporizer [200], a removable mouthpiece with integrated diffuser tool, wherein the mouthpiece [276]:

a) Providing for loading of the cartridge into the container,

B) Is removable and replaceable and is provided with a plurality of removable and replaceable,

C) A hermetic seal is provided at the top of the conduit,

D) Cooperating with a push button latch on the housing body to provide intuitive locking and unlocking of the mouthpiece to the housing body,

E) A pre-load of the concentrate product is provided,

F) As a tool for removing the dose diffuser.

Fig. 13 shows a method [1300] for applying a concentrate to a user using a vaporizer [200 ]. The evaporator [200] can be configured to monitor and control various aspects of the user's usage of the concentrate. The order in which the method [1300] is described is not intended to be limiting, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method, or an alternative method. In addition, individual blocks may be deleted from the method without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

At step 1302, a control unit of the evaporator reads an identification code associated with the concentrate. At step 1304, the communication unit of the evaporator may transmit the identification code to the user device. At step [1306], the central server may receive an identification code from the user device, wherein the central server includes a database storing a plurality of identification codes for a plurality of concentrate information. At step [1308], the concentrate information corresponding to the received identification code is retrieved from the database. At step 1310, the retrieved concentrate information is transmitted to the user device for display to the user.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, an evaporator, system and method for preventing concentrate abuse, maintaining dose integrity, and improved oven systems are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, information such as user profile, dose information, consumed concentrate, remaining concentrate, etc. is stored at least in the smart chips and/or control units in the evaporator, user device and server.

In an exemplary embodiment, this information is used to control the operation of the evaporator. For example, if the information stored in the smart chip allows the user to consume x mg/ml per day. And based on the use stored in the smart chip, it is clear that the user has consumed said x mg/ml. In this case, even if the user rotates the dosing wheel of the evaporator, the oven system will not heat up to prevent the user from misusing the concentrate.

In an embodiment, the oven system is controlled by at least one of a smart chip, a control unit, a server, a user device, and a doctor of the user.

In another aspect, the remaining concentrate information is utilized by at least one of the smart chip, the control unit, the user device, and the server to control the oven system. For example, a zero dose remaining is determined based on the remaining concentrate information. The evaporator will not evaporate with the (empty) cartridge in the device. Furthermore, the cartridge will never be reusable. This mitigates the risk of someone refilling and reusing the cartridge with a different concentrate than the one originally programmed at the time of manufacture/filling.

In this specification and the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that shall have the following meanings. The terms "a" (or "an") and "the" refer to one or more of the entity, thereby including a plurality of the indicated objects, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "an embodiment," etc., are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximating language may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as "about" is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some cases, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Terms such as "first," "second," "upper," "lower," and the like are used for identifying one element from another and are not meant to refer to a particular order or number of elements unless otherwise specified.

As used herein, the terms "may" and "may be" indicate the likelihood of occurring within a set of circumstances: possessing a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or defining another verb by expressing one or more of a capability (ability), capability (capability), or likelihood associated with the defined verb. Thus, the use of "may" and "may be" indicates that the modified term is clearly appropriate, capable, or suitable for the indicated capability, function, or use, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, an event or capability may be expected to occur in some cases and not in others-this distinction is captured by the terms "may" and "may be".

As used in the claims, the word "comprising" and grammatical variants thereof are also logically encompassed and include varying and varying degrees of phrase such as, for example, but not limited to, "consisting essentially of. Ranges are supplied as necessary, and those ranges include all subranges therebetween. It is contemplated that variations within these ranges will suggest themselves to those of ordinary skill in the art, and wherein the appended claims are intended to cover those variations without specific use by the public.

The terms "determine," "calculate," and "compute," and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of method, process, mathematical operation, or technique.

The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to one or more of the forms disclosed herein. For example, in the foregoing detailed description, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. Features of embodiments, configurations, or aspects of the present disclosure may be combined in alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of the present disclosure should not be construed to reflect the following intent: this disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, the features of the claimed subject matter is less than all of the features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this disclosure.

Advances in science and technology may make possible equivalents and alternatives that are not currently contemplated due to language inaccuracy; such variations are intended to be covered by the appended claims. This written description uses examples to disclose methods, machines, and computer-readable media, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the same, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The scope of the patent is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Element list

Title: improved evaporator, system and method for managing concentrate use

100. System and method for controlling a system

102. Evaporator

104. Cartridge cartridge

106. Control unit

108. Communication unit

110. User device

111. User' s

112. Central server

114. Database for storing data

116. User profile data

117 User(s)

200. Evaporator

202. Shell body

204. First half part

206. Second half part

208. Groove

210. 700 Cartridge

211. Storage tank

212. Plunger driver

213. 902 Pawl

214. Plunger piston

216. Memory module and intelligent chip

218. 800 Nozzle

220. Control unit

224. Communication unit

226. Power supply

232. Metering wheel

249. Incision

250. Oven with a baking oven

252. Oven shell

256. Evaporation chamber

258. Coil

260. Dose diffuser

266. Oven cover

272. Vent opening

276. Suction nozzle

278 Catheter

280. Power button

282. Ignition button

602. Tip seal

603. Nozzle insert

604. 710 Cartridge can

606. 804 Diaphragm

608. Cartridge lock

610. Nozzle cap

700. Cartridge cartridge

702. Spiral drill

704. Driver(s)

706. Nozzle

708. Intelligent chip

712. Nut

802. Circumferential groove

804. Diaphragm

806. Nozzle insert

900. Dose integrity mechanism

904. Longitudinal groove

1000. Oven system

1002. Pipe

1004. Air flow

1006. Negative pressure air flow

1100. Diffuser

1110. Second port

1112. First port

1114. Outlet/third port

1116. Oven seal

1120. Porous matrix

1202 IR emitter

1204 IR detector

1300. Method of

1302. Step (a)

1304. Step (a)

1306 Step

1308 Step

1310 Step

Claims

1. A system for managing concentrate use, the system comprising:

An evaporator, comprising:

A housing, comprising:

A cartridge configured to store a concentrate, wherein the cartridge comprises a concentrate reservoir, a nozzle at one end and a dosing mechanism at the other end, a smart chip configured on the nozzle to track and record a dose of concentrate in the concentrate reservoir, the smart chip comprising an identification code associated with the concentrate;

a control unit configured to read the identification code from the smart chip and control an operation of the oven;

A vapor detection system comprising an IR emitter and detector configured to detect concentrate vapor in the conduit when the user inhales the vaporized concentrate; and

A communication unit coupled to the control unit, wherein the communication unit transmits the identification code to a user device;

a central server comprising a database storing a plurality of identification codes for a plurality of concentrate information, wherein the central server is configured to:

receiving the identification code from the user device;

retrieving from the database concentrate information corresponding to the received identification code; and

Transmitting the retrieved concentrate information to the user device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the dosing mechanism comprises a plunger driver, a pawl, and a plunger, and wherein upon rotation of a dosing wheel by a user, the plunger driver drives the plunger within the cartridge to release a predetermined amount of the concentrate through the nozzle.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the oven comprises a coil disposed within a heat resistant tube, an air flow channel in air flow communication with ambient air and suction negative pressure, and a dose diffuser comprising a porous material matrix.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured to heat the coil of the oven based on at least one of an ignition button, an in-line pressure sensor, a fan/IR reflector sensor, and the identification code associated with the concentrate.

5. The system of any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the control unit heats the coil to evaporate a predetermined amount of the concentrate released through the nozzle on the porous material matrix or screen of the dose diffuser.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the user device is configured to:

Receiving at least one user input related to a vaporization session of the user; and

Based on the received user input, at least one instruction is transmitted to the vaporizer for triggering the vaporization session.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the user device is configured to:

Generating session data associated with the vaporization session; and

Transmitting the session data to the central server.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the central server is configured to:

receiving the session data from the user device; and

A user profile is updated based on the session data, wherein the user profile includes data associated with one or more vaporization sessions of the user.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the user device is configured to:

Displaying a survey relating to the vaporisation session of the user;

receiving user feedback regarding the survey; and

Transmitting the user feedback to the central server.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication unit of the evaporator comprises a bluetooth low energy (BTLE) and/or WiFi module.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the user device displays dosage information based on at least one of the retrieved concentrate information, the user profile, a user's medical history, and the vaporization session.

12. A method for managing concentrate use by a user by using the system of claim 1, the method comprising:

Reading, by the control unit of the evaporator, the identification code associated with the concentrate;

transmitting the identification code by the communication unit of the evaporator to the user device and/or system network;

receiving, by the central server, the identification code from the user device;

The retrieved concentrate information is transmitted to the user device for display to the user.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein

The oven includes a coil disposed within a heat resistant tube, an air flow channel in air flow communication with ambient air and an inhalation negative pressure, and a dose diffuser comprising a porous material matrix; and

The oven is adjacent to the nozzle of the cartridge.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

receiving at least one user input related to a vaporization session; and

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

Generating session data associated with the vaporization session; and

The session data is transmitted to the central server for updating a user profile, wherein the user profile includes data associated with one or more vaporization sessions of the user.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

displaying a survey to the user related to the vaporization session;

receiving user feedback regarding the survey; and

Transmitting the user feedback to the central server.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising displaying dose information on the user device based on at least one of the retrieved concentrate information, the user profile, a user's medical history, and the vaporization session.