WO2020165777A1

WO2020165777A1 - Preprogrammed multiple tank variable input vaporizer

Info

Publication number: WO2020165777A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/051101
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael CABIGON; Steven Splinter; Denis TASCHUK
Original assignee: Radient Technologies Innovations Inc.
Priority date: 2019-02-12
Filing date: 2020-02-12
Publication date: 2020-08-20

Abstract

The present invention includes a system for vaporizing at least two extracts, of which at least one contains at least one cannabinoid in a therapeutically or recreationally desirable ratio. The system includes a vaporizing apparatus with at least two distinct containers for vaporizable material. Cannabinoid concentrations included in the storage tanks could be identified and these cannabinoid concentrations may be compared to information that identifies user preferences that correspond to a mixture of materials from the respective storage tanks. The vaporizer may be configured to provide flows of materials to a heating element that vaporizes cannabinoids included in the mixture of materials when a person inhales vapors created at the vaporizer device according to a desired ratio. A computing device may monitor information received from a vaporizing device when assuring that a selected cannabinoid ratio does not exceed a limit found in a database.

Description

PREPROGRAMMED MULTIPLE TANK VARIABLE INPUT VAPORIZER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present patent application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 62/804,388 filed February 12, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present disclosure is generally related to a vaporizing cannabinoids in controlled ways. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to combining materials from a plurality of storage tanks and vaporizing those combined materials.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] Cannabis has a long history being used for medicinal therapeutic, and recreational purposes. The importance of cannabis in therapeutics is emphasized by the ever- increasing number of research publications related to the new indications for cannabis. For example, pharmaceutical research companies are presently developing new natural cannabinoid formulations and delivery systems to meet various regulatory requirements. Cannabis is known, for example, to be capable of relieving nausea (such as that accompanying chemotherapy), pain, vomiting, spasticity in multiple sclerosis, and increase hunger in anorexia.

[0004] Cannabis contains a unique class of cannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, which have been extensively studied since the discovery of the chemical structure of

tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9-THC), commonly known as THC. Cannabidiol (CBD), is the major cannabinoid substituent in hemp cannabis. CBD is non-psychoactive and is widely known to have therapeutic potential for a variety of medical conditions. Over 113 phytocannabinoids have been identified. The proportion of cannabinoids in the plant may vary from species to species, as well as vary within the same species at different times and seasons. Furthermore, the proportion of cannabinoids in a plant may further depend upon soil, climate, and harvesting methods. Based on the proportion of the cannabinoids present the psychoactive and medicinal effects obtained from different plant varieties may vary. In particular, the relative ratio of THCCBD may impact the psychoactive and therapeutic effects for users. Further, these effects may be affected by the presence and relative amounts of certain terpenoid or phenolic compounds found naturally in the cannabis plant.

[0005] Historical delivery methods have involved smoking (e.g., combusting) the dried cannabis plant material. Smoking results, however, in adverse effects on the respiratory system via the production of potentially toxic substances. Alternative delivery methods such as inhaling vaporized cannabinoid-con taining liquids, often called "vape liquids", may be a safer means for delivery of cannabinoids. Vape liquids are often formulated from cannabinoid-containing cannabis extracts with various diluents and excipients to a standardized concentration of certain cannabinoids.

[0006] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "extract" may be taken to mean any suitable cannabinoid-containing liquid formulation suitable for vaporizing and delivery via inhalation in a vaporizing apparatus. The extract may be derived from extracts of cannabis biomass, including purified extracts, distillates, concentrates and isolated cannabinoids.

[0007] Persons that consume cannabinoids for recreational or medicinal purposes may benefit from ratios of specific cannabinoids that arc not readily available in an extract form. For example, patients who have a medical condition where a ratio of THC to CBD of 1:5 is anticipated to be optimal to relieve a particular symptom, may not be able to find cannabis materials with this THC to CBD ratio in the marketplace. What are needed are new methods and apparatus that allow users to consume cannabinoid combinations by controllably mixing and delivering materials from two or more different cannabinoid containing solutions in a manner that allows users to consume cannabinoid combinations that are consistent with a user preference or need.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary network environment in which a system for a preprogrammed multiple tank variable input vaporization maybe implemented.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a vaporizer device that vaporizes controlled ratios of cannabinoids and provides vapors with the controlled ratios for inhalation.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a vaporizer device that may be used to mix contents from different storage tanks in desired ratios as the mixed contents are provided to a vaporizing element

[0011] FIG 4 illustrates an alternative portion of a vaporizer device that may be used to mix contents from different storage tanks in desired ratios as the mixed contents are provided to a vaporizing element.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for preprogrammed multiple tank variable input vaporization via a cannabinoid network device.

[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative network environment in which a system for preprogrammed multiple tank variable input vaporization may be implemented.

[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a computing system that may be used to implement an embodiment of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESNETLY CLAIMED INVENTION

[0015] The presently claimed invention relates to an apparatus, a method, and a non- transitory computer readable storage medium that control the vaporization of materials from a plurality of storage tanks in controlled ways. An apparatus consistent with the present disclosure may include a first and a second storage tank that store different sets of materials, a heating element, and a first and a second flow device. The first flow device may be coupled to the first storage tank and to the heating element and the second flow device may be coupled to the second storage tank and to the heating element When the vaporizing apparatus is used, a first end a second set of materials may flow respectively from each of the first storage tank and the second storage tank. The first flow of materials may move through the first flow device based on a first setting and the second flow of materials may move through the second flow device based on a second setting. The first and second flow of materials may form a combined mixture of the first set of materials based on the first and tire second setting and the mixed combination of materials may move to the heating element and then be vaporized when the heating element is energized.

[0016] A method consistent with the present disclosure may include receiving a first setting associated with a first flow device and may include receiving a second setting associated with a second flow device. The first flow device may be coupled to a first tank and to a vaporizing heating element. The second flow device may be coupled to a second and to the vaporizing heating element. The first tank may store a first set of materials and the second tank may store a second set of materials. The method may then include energizing the vaporizing heating element after or as a first flow of materials moves from the first tank through the first flow device and a second flow of materials move from the second tank through the second flow device. The movement of the first flow may be according to the first setting and the movement of the second flow of materials may be according to the second setting. The flows of the first and the second set of materials may be combined to form a mixture of the first set and the second set of materials and this combination of materials may be vaporized at a the heating element when the heating element is energized. [0017] When the presently claimed method is performed by a nan-transitory computer- readable storage medium, a processor executing instructions out of a memory may receive a first setting associated with a first flow device and may receive a second setting associated with a second flow device. The first flow device may be coupled to a first tank and to a vaporizing heating element. The second flow device may be coupled to a second and to the vaporizing heating element. The first tank may store a first set of materials and the second tank may store a second set of materials. The processor may then allow the vaporizing heating element to be energized after or as a first flow of materials moves from the first tank through the first flow device and a second flow of materials move from the second tank through the second flow device. The movement of the first flow may be according to the first setting and the movement of the second flow of materials may be according to the second setting. The flows of the first and the second set of materials may be combined to form a mixture of the first set and the second set of materials and this combination of materials may be vaporized at a the heating element when the heating element is energized.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Methods and apparatus consistent with the present disclosure may allow a user to leverage growing research on cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system in order to provide and control customized therapeutic effects for medical cannabis users. This invention disclosed herein allows a user to identify and achieve cannabinoid ratios that are therapeutic or recreationally desirable, yet that are not naturally present in a cannabis extract. Methods and apparatus consistent with the present disclosure also provides a means for extract producers and providers to achieve cannabinoid ratios that do not naturally occur in their biomass sources, yet are desired or needed by their customer base.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary network environment in which a system for a preprogrammed multiple tank variable input vaporization may be implemented. Such network environment may include vaporizer 105 and in a cannabis network device 140. These electronic components may allow vaporizer device 105 to communicate with cannabis network device 140 via communication network 135. Vaporizer device 105 includes display 110, processor 115, memory 120, communication interface 125, and power supply 130. Cannabis network device 140 includes memory 145, processor 150, extract database 155, communication interface 160, combination database 175, and user database 180.

[0020] Vaporizer device 105 may communicate with cannabis network device via communication network 135 when providing information regarding a user of vaporizer 105 and information that identifies contents in two or more different storage tanks/cartridges at vaporizer 105. Processor 115 at vaporizer 105 may execute instructions out of memory 120 to collect data from storage cartridges physically connected to vaporizer 105. This data may then be sent to cannabis network device. As such, the system of FIG. 1 may be comprised of a vaporizing apparatus 105 that allows data related to cannabinoid containing formulations or extracts stored in a first and a second source storage container to be provided to cannabis network device 140. In certain instances, optimal or preferred cannabinoid ratios and vaporizing temperatures may be communicated to the cannabis network device 140 via communication interface 125 and communication network 135. Alternatively, cannabis network device 140 may provide information to vaporizer 105 that is used to control quantities of specific cannabinoids that are vaporized at vaporizer 105. As such, processor 115 may control quantities of a first extract and quantities of a second extract that are provided to a vaporizing element (not illustrated in FIG. 1) at vaporizer 105.

[0021] Each of a set of storage tanks/cartridges at vaporizer 105 may store data or a code that may be accessed by processor 115 and this data or code may be used to identify contents included in each respective storage tank at vaporizer 105. The storage tanks at vaporizer 105 may include electrical contacts that that allow processor 115 to receive data from the storage tanks. Alternatively, each of these storage tanks may include a near field data

communication (NFC) tag or a scan-able bar or QR code from which data may be collected. As such, vaporizer 105 may include either a wired communication bus or a reader that allows vaporizer 105 to collect data from storage tanks that are physically connected to vaporizer 105. For example, a first storage tank or container at vaporizer 105 may hold a cannabis extract that is delivered to a vaporizing element at vaporizer device 105 and processor 115 may receive data that identifies the contents stored in this first storage tank or container. Similarly a second extract container at vaporizer 105 may hold a cannabis extract that also may be provided to the vaporizing element at vaporizer device 105 after processor 115 receives data that identifies the contents stored in the second storage tank or container at vaporizer device 105. In certain instances, cannabis network 140 may provide recommended ratios of specific cannabinoids that should be provided to a vaporizing element at vaporizer 105 based on information stored in combination database 175 or user data based 180 and this information may be used by processor 115 to control the flow of contents from either or both of the first and the second storage tanks at vaporizer 105. Alternatively or additionally, display 110 at vaporizer 105 may allow a user to change or set factors that control the flow of contents (e.g. ratios of specific cannabinoids) from either or both of the first and the second storage tanks at vaporizer 105.

[0022] As such, ratio data stored at vaporizer 105 may allow processor 115 to execute instructions out of memory 105 that results in a mixture of elements of both the first and the second storage tank at vaporizer 105 to be provided to a vaporizing element at vaporizer 105. As such the electronics at vaporizer 105 may control the ratio of each of a set of extracts to be provided to a vaporizing element to control ratios of specific elements inhaled by a user of vaporizer 105. As previously mentioned, electronics at vaporizer 105 may allow the user to adjust the ratio of each extract in each inhalation. Display 110 may include a user interface that may be a touchscreen. Alternatively, vaporizer 105 may include a selector or a type of dial that allows the user to set a desired ratio that may be used to control a flow of elements to a vaporizing element at vaporizer 105. For example, when a first tank stores the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a second tank stores cannabidiol (CBD), and a ratio of THC to CBD is set at 2:1, control electronics at vaporizer 105 may provide twice as much material from storage tank 1 as provided from storage tank 2 to a vaporizing element at vaporizer 105. In such an instance, each of the storage tanks at vaporizer 105 may include THC and CBD in identical volumetric densities (e.g. concentrations) that may be measured in milligrams (mg) of a cannabinoid per milliliter (ml) of a cannabinoid containing substance/extract.

[0023] In certain instances, data read from each of the respective storage tanks at vaporizer 105 may identify volumetric densities of specific cannabinoids included in those storage tanks. This volumetric density data may be used to adjust flows of cannabinoid containing materials to a vaporizing element based on a cannabinoid ratio stored in memory 120 of vaporizer 105. For example, when the first tank stares THC with a volumetric density of 1 mg per ml and the second tank stores CBD with a volumetric density of 0.5 mg per mg, to maintain the THC to CBD ratio of 2:1, flow rates from each of the first tank and the second tank should be identical because of the difference in the volumetric densities of cannabinoids included in the different storage tanks.

[0024] Power supply 130 may include any type of power electronics known in the art. For example power supply 130 may include a battery, a battery charging circuit, and a voltage regulator. In certain instances, power supply 130 may be controlled by processor 115 to adjust vaporization temperatures at vaporizer 105. This may allow a user to adjust a rate of vaporization at vaporizer 105 or this may allow proper vaporization temperatures to be maintained overtime as a vaporizing element at vaporizer 105 ages. As such, vaporizer 105 may also include a temperature sensor that measures a vaporization or heater temperature. Furthermore, a voltage applied to the vaporizing element may be adjusted to set or to maintain a desired vaporization temperature. For example, when an optimal vaporization temperature is 380 degrees Fahrenheit (F) and a resistance of the vaporizing element at vaporizer 105 increases as that element is used, a voltage applied to the vaporizing element may be increased such that the 380 degree F vaporization temperature may be maintained at the vaporizing element. Alternatively or additionally, an amount of current supplied to the vaporizing element may be monitored or adjusted to help maintain preferred vaporization temperatures.

[0025] As previously mentioned, cannabis network device 140 may communicate with the vaporizing device 105 to identify the contents stored in both a first and in a second container. This may allow processor 150 at the cannabis network device 140 to identify a recommended ratio of cannabinoids used to control the mixing of different extracts at vaporizer 105 such that a user can inhale vapors with the identified ratio of cannabinoids. In such instances, extract database 155 may store properties, such as biomass origin, cannabinoid concentrations, volumetric densities, extract production methods, etc.

[0026] Processor 150 may execute instructions out of memory 145 to collect user information that may be stored in user database 180. For example, user database may store information that identifies that a particular user suffers from chronic pain or that the user has sleep problems. Instructions executed by processor 150 may include program code of a mixer control software module, the execution of these instructions may then allow processor 150 to combine data accessed at extract database 155, combination database 175, and user database 180 to identify attributes of extracts stored in the first and the second tank at vaporizer 105. This attribute data may include a cannabinoid profile, volumetric densities, or other ingredients that are stored in the storage tanks at vaporizer 105. Data may then be sent to vaporizer 105 from cannabis network device 140 via communication interface 160, communication network 135, and communication interface 125 by further instructions included in the mixer control software module at cannabis network device 140. The data sent from cannabis network device 140 may then set the flow rates from both of the storage tanks at vaporizer 105, according to an optimal cannabinoid ratio that was identified after accessing the cannabinoid combination database 175 such that this optimal cannabinoid ratio may be delivered to the user of vaporizer 105. User database 180 may store user information that identifies connected vaporizing apparatuses. This user information may include information about desired recreational or medical effects of particular users. The cannabinoid combination database 175 may store optimal ratios of cannabinoids to be used for different desired effects, such as sleep, pain relief, etc. In certain instances, the data stored in cannabinoid combination database 175 may be populated with data by verified studies and this data may be updated overtime. As such, after the cannabis network device 140 receives data from vaporizer 105, processor 150 executing instructions out of memory 145 may access extract database 155 to identify cannabinoids and other data associated with content stored in the first an in the second storage tank at vaporizer 105. Processor 150 may then access user database 180 to identify any ailments or preferences of a user and then processor 150 may access combination database 175 when preparing to send setting information to vaporizer 105 via communication interface 160.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a vaporizer device that vaporizes controlled ratios of cannabinoids and provides vapors with the controlled ratios for inhalation. The vaporizer assembly 210 of FIG. 2 includes a first tank 220, a second tank 230, a mixer 240, mouth piece 250, a user interface 260 (e.g. a display or user accessible control), a central processing unit

(CPU or processor) 270, memory 280, and power button 290. The CPU 270 may execute instructions out of memory when performing any of the functions consistent with operation of vaporizing cannabinoids as discussed in respect to the vaporizing device 105 of FIG. 1.

[0028] Mixer 240 may include various parts, examples of which are shown in FIGS 3-4 of this disclosure. Mixer 240 may include pumps, valves, heaters, or other elements that are used to control the flow of materials from each of tank 1 and tank 2 of FIG. 2 to a vaporizing element. As such, mixer may preheat both tank 1 and tank 2 as pumps or valves included in mixer 240 allow a flow of materials to be provided to a vaporizing element included in (not illustrated in FIG. 2) vaporizer assembly 210 when power button 290 is depressed.

Mouthpiece 250 allows a user to suck in and inhale vapors produced by vaporizer assembly 210 as those vapors are produced. Pumps or valves discussed in the present disclosure may be referred to as flow devices that may provide a flow of liquids or that may restrict the flow of liquids to a vaporizing element of a vaporizer.

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a vaporizer device that may be used to mix contents from different storage tanks in desired ratios as the mixed contents are provided to a vaporizing element. FIG. 3 includes a first tank 310, a second tank 320, sensors 330, tubes/pipes 340, pump or valve 360, pump or valve 370, vaporizing element (VPRZ) 380, and mouthpiece 390. Note that mixer 350 in FIG. 3 includes tubes/pipes 340, pump or valve 360, and pump or valve 370 that may be used to mix regulated flows of materials from each of tanks 310 and 320 as those flows are provided to vaporizing element 380. Sensors 330 may be sensors that senses the presence or absence of liquids included in each of tank 310 and 320. Data sensed by sensors 330 maybe used to identify whether a particular tank is empty. For example, sensors 330 may be coupled to control electronics, analog or digital, that provide information to users such that a user can replace or refill an empty tank. While not illustrated in FIG. 3, sensors included in a vaporizer consistent with the present disclosure may include level sensors or flow sensors that may allow control circuits in a vaporizer to monitor liquid levels in tanks 310 & 320 or flows of liquids through tubes 340 when a vaporizer is being used by a user.

[0030] When pumps are used, these pumps may be a type of miniature electronic machine that are commonly referred to as MEMS. Types of pumps that may be used include a piezoelectric pump, a peristaltic pump, or a diaphragm pump, for example. These pumps may be controlled to pump a cannabinoid containing liquid from respective storage tanks at a vaporizer device by controlling the speed of the pump or by controlling a pump duty cycle.

[0031] When valves are used, these valves may also be a type of MEMS device. Valves may be controlled by a control system that controls how open or closed a valve is. For example a first valve coupled to tank 310 may be opened 50% and a valve coupled to tank 320 may be opened 25% when a vaporizer is used. Alternatively, valves maybe pulsed on and off as desired. In another example, a first valve coupled to tank 310 may be fully opened when a second valve coupled to tank 320 is fully opened and then fully closed with a 50% duty cycle. As such, valves included in a vaporizer may control the flow of cannabinoid containing materials in various ways. A user sucking on mouthpiece 390 may cause a flow of materials (e.g. like sucking on a straw) or may assist the flow of materials to vaporizing element 380. In certain instances, both pumps and valves may be used to control the flow of materials to vaporizing element 380.

[0032] FIG 4 illustrates an alternative portion of a vaporizer device that may be used to mix contents from different storage tanks in desired ratios as the mixed contents are provided to a vaporizing element. FIG.4 includes a first tank 410, a second tank 420, a first pump or valve 430, a second pump or valve 440, tubes 450, vaporizing element 460, and mouthpiece 470. By placing the pumps or valves 430/440 below the tanks 410/420, gravity may assist in moving materials from these tanks to tubes 450 when the vaporizer is in an upright orientation. As in the apparatus of FIG. 3, pumps and/or valves 430/440 may be used to provide flows of mixed materials to a vaporizer heating element. The vaporizer elements illustrated in FIG. 4 may operate in a manner that is very similar or identical to the vaporizer elements illustrated in FIG. 3. Here again MEMS pumps and/or valves may be controlled by a control circuit to provide desired flows of materials from each of tanks 410 and 420. The control of these pumps or valves may allow virtually any combination of materials from tank 410, 420, or from both tanks 410 & 420 to flow to vaporizing element 460. For example, a flow of materials may be provided from only one tank or material flows may be provided from both tanks according to virtually any desired ratio. For example 100% of a flow of materials may be provided 100% from tank 1 or 2. In another example, a mixed flow provided to vaporizing element 460 may include 75% from tank 1 and 25% from tank 2. Furthermore, virtually any combination may be set (e.g. 50%/50% or 70%/30%). Each of these settings may correspond to a specific cannabinoid ratio and of course these flow rates may be adjusted to provide a normalized ratio in instances when each of the tanks contain a different measure of cannabinoids per unit volume (e.g. milligrams per milliliter) of materials contained within the different tanks.

[0033] While FIG. 4 illustrates vaporizer element being located above tanks 410 and 420, this element may be located below tanks 410 and 420. For example it may be placed next to pumps or valves 430 & 440. In such a configuration, valves may be preferred to control the flow of materials vaporizer element 460 as gravity and a person sucking on mouthpiece 470 may cause materials from tanks 410 and 420 to flow to vaporizer element 460.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for preprogrammed multiple tank variable input vaporization via a cannabinoid network device. The steps of FIG. 5 may be performed by the cannabinoid network device 140 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 begins with a first step 505, where extract profiles are received from a vape (vaporizer) device.

These extract profiles may have been received after a communication session with a vape device has been established. Alternatively, the information received in step 505 may identify a reference number that can be used to identify profiles of extracts at a vape device. These extract profiles may identify types of cannabinoids included in particular tanks at a vape device. An extract profile may identify that materials included in tank 1 of a vape device include both THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio. Alternatively additionally, an extract provide may include a volumetric density of specific cannabinoids included in a tank. [0035] The data received in step 505 may have been received after a query was sent to a vaporizing apparatus. For example, extract-solution one stored in a first tank may have a THC:CBD ratio of 15:1 (with 15% of THC and 1% of CBD) and extract-solution two stored in a second tank may have a THG:CBD ratio of 1:2 (with 5% THC and 10% CBD). A query may be conducted on a user database to identify a user's desired effect in step 510. The desired effect may be a recreational effect or a medically therapeutic effect. A query may be conducted on the cannabinoid combination database to identify an optimal cannabinoid ratio for a given desired effect in step 515. An example of a desired recreational effect may call for a 10:1 THC:CBD ratio, or an example of a medical therapeutic effect may be a THG:CBD ratio of 1:1 for sleep assistance in a chronic pain patient.

[0036] Note that the percentages associated with particular extract-solutions may correspond to a density of cannabinoids distributed in a liquid that contain other materials. For example, an extract containing solution with the THG:CBD ratio of 15:1 that contains 15% THC and 1% CBD may contain propylene glycol and cannabis plant terpenes that comprise 84% of the extract-solution one. Similarly, extract solution two with the THC to CBD ratio of 1:2 contains 1% THC and 2% CBD may also include propylene glycol and/or other materials. In an instance where a selected cannabinoid ratio of 10:1 has been selected for administration, relative volumes of the extract-solution one and extract-solution two to combine to reach this ratio could be identified by volumetric equations or by accessing data stored in lookup tables. In certain instances, these percentages correspond to a number of milligrams or to a number of percentages of cannabinoids per milliliter (ml) of an extract- solution. In such an instance, a combination of 1 ml of extract-solution one and 1 ml of extract solution two would create a combined extract-solution with a 16:3 ratio. Since this ratio far exceeds the selected ratio, a number of ml of each extract solution could be identified using a series of equations or this number of ml of each extract-solution to achieve a desired ratio could be looked up in a stored table of values. Such equations or look up table values would then identify that 0.180 ml of extract-solution two should be combined with 0.654 ml of extract-solution one to provide the desired 10:1 cannabinoid ratio. These values could also be expressed as 1.8 ml of extract-solution two and 6.54 ml of extract solution one. Note that 15% THC * 0.654 + 1% THC * 0.180 = 9.99% THC. Note also that 1% CBD * 0.654 + 2% CBD 0.180 = 1.014% CBD. As such, a combination of 0.654 ml of extract-solution one and 0.180 ml of extract-solution two would result in a THC to CBD ratio of 9.99 to 1.014, virtually identical to the desired 10:1 ratio.

[0037] The ratio of extract-solution one to extract-solution two may be calculated to provide the requested cannabinoid ratio retrieved from the cannabinoid combination database in step 520. For example, if the desired effect is sleep assistance in a chronic pain patient, calling for a THG:CBD ratio of 1:1, the ratio of extract-solution one (THG:CBD 15:1) to extract-solution two (THG:CBD 5:10) may be 2.8 parts of extract two for each part of extract-solution one. As reviewed above, these relative parts could be associated with a number of milliliters of extract-solutions provided from different tanks at a vaporizer. Conversely, if the desired effect was recreational, the desired ratio of THG:CBD is 10:1, and step 520 of FIG. 5 may identify that 0.28 parts of extract-solution two for each part of extract- solution one should be vaporized to achieve the desired result. The calculated ratio parameters of extract one to extract two may then be sent to a vape device in step 525.

[0038] If the user wants to see other users' selected ratios, the user can request the same before committing to the selected ratio. When a user wishes to see other users' selected ratios, a query for this information maybe received from a vape device and that information may also be provided to the vape device in step 525 of FIG. 5. The vape device may then be polled for any user-made adjustments to the current ratio in step 530. The polling of the vape device may result in data being received that identifies that the user has manually changed vaping parameters from parameters sent to the vape device in step 525. Such a query may be used to identify whether it appears that a different user is actually using the vape device. For example, when a particular user has historically only vaped high CBD concentrations, a high THC concentration may indicate that another person may be using the vape device. In certain instances, such a determination may result in a message being sent to the vape device that disables the device.

[0039] Next, in step 535, a query may be conducted on the user database for a defined limit in the user's profile. An example of defined limits may be a medical patient who has demonstrated in the past an adverse reaction to THG:CBD levels exceeding 2:1.

Determination step 535 may identify that a new ratio exceeds limits set by data stored at a user database. When determination step 535 identifies that the ratio exceeds the limits stored at the user database, program flow may move to step 545, where changes to the ratio may be disallowed. This process may include sending data to the vape device that does not allow the new ratio to be used by the vape device. When determination step 535 identifies that the new ratio does not exceed limits imposed by the data stored at the user database, a query may be conducted on the cannabinoid combination database for prescribed or recommended limits regarding the ratio in determination step 540. An example of prescribed limits may be a diminishing effect of THC when the THC:CBD ratio exceeds 10:1. If the user inputted adjustments to the mixer ratio exceeds retrieved limits, a mix of cannabinoids may be adjusted in a direction requested by a user of the vape device, this adjustment may result in altering a ratio to a point that does not exceed a limit identified in the cannabis combination database. When determination step 540 identifies that a limit in the cannabis combination database has been exceeded, program flow may move to step 545 where an adjustment to the ratio is not allowed. When determination step 540 identifies that a user adjustment is within the limits of the cannabis combination database, program flow may move to step 550 where the adjustment to the mixer ratio may be allowed. After step 550, program flow moves to determination set 555 that identifies whether the vape is still in use, when yes program flow moves back to step 530 the vape device may once again be polled for user adjustments.

When determination step 555 identifies that the vaporizing apparatus is no longer communicatively connected to the cannabis network device or after the vape device in no longer being used, program flow may end in step 560 of FIG.5.

[0040] Table 1 includes data that may be stored at a user database. Thus user database contains the therapeutic and recreational cannabinoid ratios for each user of the system.

Each user can have a unique combination and ratio of cannabinoids for both recreational and therapeutic purposes. Table 1 includes a series of columns that identify a user, a product name, a therapeutic ratio, types of therapeutic cannabinoids that a user uses, recreational cannabinoids that a user used, a ratio limit, and a selected use ratio. A first row in table 1 identifies that user 1 prefers a therapeutic ratio of 1 :1 of THC to CBD. As such, when user 1 is vaping to alleviate a medical condition in a therapeutic application associated with reducing inflammation, that 1:1 ratio may be selected. In an instance where user 1 wishes to consume cannabinoids recreationally a THG:CBD ratio of 10:1 may be selected for recreational purposes. Note that the ratio limit of 12:1 THC to CBD in table 1 may be used by a cannabis network device to prevent a user from vaporizing materials that include greater than a 12 to 1 ratio of THC to CBD. In certain instances, user ratio limits may also be persistently stored at a vape device and a processor at the vape device may compare settings at the vape device with these user limits. In instances when the processor at the vape device identifies that these limits have been exceeded, ihe processor may reset the settings to levels that do not exceed the user limits. Note that each of the rows in table 1 cross reference different users (users 1-3) with various product names (Up and Down - and Evening Zippo), cannabinoids THC:CBD, cannabinoid ratios (therapeutic and recreational), ratio limits (12:1 & 5:1 THC to CBD), and selected cannabinoid ratios (10:1, 9:1, & 4:1).

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative network environment in which a system for preprogrammed multiple tank variable input vaporization may be implemented. FIG. 6 includes vaporizer device 610, a user device 620, a cannabis network device 640, where user device 620 communicates with cannabis device network via communication network 630 and where user device communicates with vaporizer device 610. The communications performed between user device 620 and cannabis network device 640 may be performed using one type of communication technology and communications between user device 620 and vaporizer device 610 may be performed using a second type of communication technology. For example, the first type of communication technology may include cellular communications, 802.11 communications, and/or communications sent via a wired network. The second type of communications may include Bluetooth communications, near field data communications (NFC), 802.11 communications, or proprietary short distance communications. User device 620 may be any user device known in the art such as a cell phone, a computer, or a tablet computer. User device 620 may include a memory, a processor that executes instructions out of the memory, and communication interfaces. Operations performed by the processor at user device 620 may be performed after the user device downloads a program application (APP) from an online server (e.g. from a server at the Apple APP store). By performing at least some of the functions consistent with the present disclosure at a user device, the design of vaporizer devices consistent with the present disclosure could be simplified as compared to designs were the vaporizer device directly communicates with the cannabis network device 640. For example, such a vaporizer device might be only require a single Bluetooth communication interface that would enable that device to send and receive information in communications with user device 610, and user device 620 could then communicate with cannabis device network 640.

[0042] While the present disclosure had discussed vaporizer apparatus that includes a set of control electronics that receive communications from other computing devices, other embodiments of apparatus consistent with the present disclosure may not include electronics that receive communications from other computing devices. These other embodiments may include a two or more storage tanks, where each tank is coupled to a pump or valve that can be manually adjusted. For example, the actions of a pump or pumps may be controlled with a set of rheostats that changes a voltage or current provided to a respective pump. By changing a pump setting an amount of material pumped from a tank per unit time (e.g. per second) may be varied. Alternatively or additionally, a set of manual valves may allow a user to adjust flow rates from a set of respective storage tanks. When a power button is depressed at this vaporizer and when a user sucks on a mouthpiece of the vaporizer, flows of materials from each of a set of storage tanks may be provided to a heated vaporizing element as the user inhales vapor produced by the vaporizing element.

[0001] FIG. 7 illustrates a computing system that may be used to implement an embodiment of the present invention. The computing system 700 of FIG. 7 includes one or more processors 710 and main memory 720. Main memory 720 stores, in part, instructions and data for execution by processor 710. Main memory 720 can store the executable code when in operation. The system 700 of FIG. 7 further includes a mass storage device 730, portable storage medium drive(s) 740, output devices 750, user input devices 760, a graphics display 770, peripheral devices 780, and network interface 795.

[0002] The components shown in FIG 7 are depicted as being connected via a single bus 790. However, the components may be connected through one or more data transport means. For example, processor unit 710 and main memory 720 maybe connected via a local microprocessor bus, and the mass storage device 730, peripheral device(s) 780, portable storage device 740, and display system 770 may be connected via one or more input/output (I/O) buses.

[0003] Mass storage device 730, which may be implemented with a magnetic disk drive or an optical disk drive, is a non-volatile storage device for storing data and instructions for use by processor unit 710. Mass storage device 730 can store the system software for implementing embodiments of the present invention for purposes of loading that software into main memory 720.

[0004] Portable storage device 740 operates in conjunction with a portable nonvolatile storage medium, such as a FLASH memory, compact disk or Digital video disc, to input and output data and code to and from the computer system 700 of FIG. 7. The system software for implementing embodiments of the present invention maybe stored on such a portable medium and input to the computer system 700 via the portable storage device 740.

[0005] Input devices 760 provide a portion of a user interface. Input devices 760 may include an alpha-numeric keypad, such as a keyboard, for inputting alpha-numeric and other information, or a pointing device, such as a mouse, a trackball, stylus, or cursor direction keys. Additionally, the system 700 as shown in FIG. 7 includes output devices 750. Examples of suitable output devices include speakers, printers, network interfaces, and monitors.

[0006] Display system 770 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, an electronic ink display, a projector-based display, a holographic display, or another suitable display device. Display system 770 receives textual and graphical information, and processes the information for output to the display device. The display system 770 may include multiple-touch touchscreen input capabilities, such as capacitive touch detection. resistive touch detection, surface acoustic wave touch detection, or infrared touch detection. Such touchscreen input capabilities may or may not allow for variable pressure or force detection.

[0007] Peripherals 780 may include any type of computer support device to add additional functionality to the computer system. For example, peripheral device(s) 780 may include a modem or a router.

[0008] Network interface 795 may include any form of computer interface of a computer, whether that be a wired network or a wireless interface. As such, network interface 795 may be an Ethernet network interface, a BlueTooth_TM wireless interface, an 802.11 interface, or a cellular phone interface.

[0009] The components contained in the computer system 700 of FIG. 7 are those typically found in computer systems that may be suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention and are intended to represent a broad category of such computer components that are well known in the art. Thus, the computer system 700 of FIG. 7 can be a personal computer, a hand held computing device, a telephone ("smart" or otherwise), a mobile computing device, a workstation, a server (on a server rack or otherwise), a minicomputer, a mainframe computer, a tablet computing device, a wearable device (such as a watch, a ring, a pair of glasses, or another type of

jewelry/clothing/accessory ), a video game console (portable or otherwise), an e-book reader, a media player device (portable or otherwise), a vehicle-based computer, some combination thereof, or any other computing device. The computer can also include different bus configurations, networked platforms, multi-processor platforms, etc. The computer system 700 may in some cases be a virtual computer system executed by another computer system. Various operating systems can be used including Unix, Linux, Windows, Macintosh OS, Palm OS, Android, iOS, and other suitable operating systems.

[0010] The present invention may be implemented in an application that may be operable using a variety of devices. Nan-transitory computer-readable storage media refer to any medium or media that participate in providing instructions to a central processing unit (CPU) for execution. Such media can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile and volatile media such as optical or magnetic disks and dynamic memory, respectively. Common forms of non-transitory computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM disk, digital video disk (DVD), any other optical medium, RAM, PROM, EPROM, a FLASH EPROM, and any other memory chip or cartridge.

[0011] While various flow diagrams provided and described above may show a particular order of operations performed by certain embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that such order is exemplary (e.g., alternative embodiments can perform the operations in a different order, combine certain operations, overlap certain operations, etc.).

[0012] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of systems, methods, and embodiments of various other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g. boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. It may be that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal Component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another, and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive descriptions are described with reference to the following drawings. The components in the figures sure not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles.

[0043] One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of tire disclosed embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus for controlling vaporization flow, the apparatus comprising:

a first storage tank that stores a first set of vaporizable materials;

a first flow device coupled to the first storage tank, the first flow device providing a first controlled flow of the first set of vaporizable materials from the first tank in accordance with a first setting;

a second storage tank that stores a second set of vaporizable materials;

a second flow device coupled to the second storage tank, the second flow device providing a second controlled flow of the second set of vaporizable materials from the second tank in accordance with a second setting; and

a heating element that receives a combined mixture of the first controlled flow and the second controlled flow , wherein activation of the heating element vaporizes the combined mixture.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a memory; and

a processor that executes instructions out of the memory to set the first setting and the second setting respectively based on information regarding the first set of vaporizable materials and the second set of vaporizable materials.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the information regarding the first set of vaporizable materials and the second set of vaporizable materials is provided by at least one of the first storage tank, the second storage tank, and an external computing device.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a communication interface that sends a query to an external computing device based on an indication from the first storage tank or the second storage tank, the query eliciting the information regarding the first set of vaporizable materials or the second set of vaporizable materials.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a user interface that receives user input, wherein at least one of the first setting and the second setting is set based on the user input.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more sensors that monitor the first controlled flow.

7, The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising one or more sensors that monitor the second controlled flow.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first set of vaporizable materials includes a first cannabinoid and the second set of vaporizable materials includes a second cannabinoid, and wherein the first setting and the second setting are selected based on a specified ratio of the first cannabinoid and the second cannabinoid.

9. A method for controlling vaporization flow, the method comprising:

storing a first set of vaporizable materials in a first storage tank;

providing a first controlled flow of the first set of vaporizable materials from the first tank in accordance with a first setting, the first controlled flow provided by a first flow device coupled to the first storage tank;

storing a second set of vaporizable materials in a second storage tank;

providing a second controlled flow of the second set of vaporizable materials from the second tank in accordance with a second setting, the second controlled flow provided by a second flow device coupled to the second storage tank; and

activating a heating element upon receiving a combined mixture of the first controlled flow and the second controlled flow, wherein activation of the heating element vaporizes the combined mixture.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising executing instructions stoned in memory, wherein execution of the instructions by a processor sets the first setting and the second setting respectively based on information regarding the first set of vaporizable materials and the second set of vaporizable materials.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising receiving the first set of vaporizable materials and the second set of vaporizable materials as provided by at least one of the first storage tank, the second storage tank, and an external computing device.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising sending a query via a communication interface to an external computing device based on an indication from the first storage tank or the second storage tank, the query eliciting the information regarding the first set of vaporizable materials or the second set of vaporizable materials.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising receiving user input via a user interface, wherein at least one of the first setting and the second setting is set based on the user input.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising receiving sensor data from one or more sensors that monitor the first flow.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising receiving sensor data from one or more sensors that monitor the second flow.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein the first set of vaporizable materials includes a first cannabinoid and the second set of vaporizable materials includes a second cannabinoid, and further comprising executing further instructions by the processor to select the first setting and the second setting based on a specified ratio of the first cannabinoid and the second cannabinoid.

17. A non-transitory computer-read able storage medium having embodied thereon a program executable by a processor to perform a method for controlling vaporization flow, the method comprising:

storing a first set of vaporizable materials in a first storage tank;

storing a second set of vaporizable materials in a second storage tank;