E-CIGARETTE

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a system for dosing an inhaling composition. It is preferably integrated into an e-cigarette. The system comprises more than one component for the inhaling composition. A first container (30) can be provided for a first component for the composition. A second container (31) can be further provided for a second component for the composition. Moreover, a dosing arrangement (10, 11, 40) can be arranged that is configured to automatically reduce the dose of at least the second component over time.

Claims

1-18. (canceled)

19. A system for dosing an inhaling composition, the system comprising: a. a first container for a first component of the composition; b. a second container for a second component of the composition; and c. a dosing arrangement that is configured to dose at least the second component in time intervals of at most 200 ms; wherein d. the dosing arrangement is configured to automatically reduce the dose of at least the second component over time; and e. the system is a mobile device, preferably a battery driven mobile device and more preferably an electronic cigarette or e-cigarette.

20. The system according to claim 19 wherein the dosing arrangement is configured to reduce a number of inhales comprising the second component, preferably by a reduction model, and/or wherein the dosing arrangement is configured to reduce at least one of an amount of the second component over a number of inhales and a number of doses of the second component during an inhale.

21. The system according to claim 19, wherein a. the dosing arrangement comprises i. a first aerosol generator that is configured to vaporize the first component to a first aerosol, preferably so as to provide a first aerosol as a carrier component together with air; and ii. a second aerosol generator that is configured to vaporize the second component to a second aerosol; and/or iii. a data storage; and wherein b. the system comprises a controller that is configured to control at least one of the first and second aerosol generators.

22. The system according to claim 19, further comprising a boosting member that is configured to overrule the dosing component by a user when activated to change the amount of the second component, particularly to increase the amount of the second component instantly.

23. The system according claim 19, wherein the dosing component is configured to dose at least the second component in time intervals of at most 100 ms, preferably at most 50 ms, more preferably at most 35 ms, preferably at most 25 ms, more preferably at most 20 ms, more preferably at most 15 ms, even more preferably at most 10 ms and most preferably at most 7, and/or in time intervals of at least 1 ms, preferably at least 2 ms, preferably at least 3 ms, more preferably at least 4 ms, even more preferably at least 5 ms, even more preferably at least 6 ms.

24. An assembly comprising the system according to claim 19 and further comprising at least one of a handheld device and a remote server wherein the system is configured to communicate with at least one of the handheld device and the remote server.

25. The assembly according to claim 24 further comprising a software application that is installed on the handheld device that is configured to introduce personalized data of an individual user, such as at least one of age, gender, weight, location, working profiles, smoking habits, number of boost activations per time, and that is making this personalized data available for the training of the reduction model.

26. The assembly according to claim 25 wherein at least one of the personalized data and the user behavior data is taken as a basis for modifying the reduction model for all users.

27. The assembly according claim 26 wherein at least one of the personalized data and the user behavior data is taken as a basis for modifying the reduction model for an individual user.

28. The assembly according to claim 27 wherein the system is configured to be controlled by a remote controller that is preferably configured to control the dosing arrangement, particularly the dosage of the second component to be delivered.

29. The assembly according to claim 27 wherein the remote controller is configured to control by at least one encrypted command and at least one of the system and the handheld device are configured to decrypt the command and to provide the command to the controller of the system for controlling the dosing arrangement.

30. A method for dosing a composition of an inhaling substance in an inhaler, the composition consisting of at least two components, the method comprising the steps of: a. providing a first component of the composition of the inhaling substance during inhaling; b. providing a second component of the composition of the inhaling substance during inhaling; c. wherein at least the second component is dosed in intervals of at most 50 ms during inhaling.

31. A method for dosing a composition of an inhaling substance in an inhaler, the composition consisting of at least two components, the method comprising the steps of: a. providing a first component of the composition of the inhaling substance; b. providing a second component of the composition of the inhaling substance; c. detecting a number of inhales; d. wherein at least the second component is automatically reduced over time.

32. A method comprising a. providing a first component of the composition of the inhaling substance; b. providing a second component of the composition of the inhaling substance; c. detecting a number of inhales; d. wherein at least the second component is automatically reduced over time; wherein an overruling controlling is configured for activation by a user to change the amount of the second component, particularly to increase the amount of the second component instantly, and wherein at least the second component is dosed in intervals of at most 50 ms during inhaling.

33. The method according to claim 30, wherein a. the second component is being controlled by a reduction model wherein a control is controlling the delivery of the second component by the reduction model; b. user behavior data is collected and taken as a basis for modifying the reduction model; c. the inhaler is associated with a software application that is installed on a smart handheld device that is configured to introduce personalized data of an individual user, such as at least one of age, gender, weight, location, working profiles, smoking habits and that is making this personalized data available for the training of the reduction model; and d. data is collected from a plurality of uses or users and computed remotely.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0235] Further potential and thus non-limiting features, details and advantages of the invention will be discussed in the drawings are shown clearly.

[0236] FIG. 1 shows an example of an e-cigarette known in the art.

[0237] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of an e-cigarette according to the present invention in a schematic manner and in part only.

[0238] FIG. 3 exemplifies another embodiment of an e-cigarette according to the present invention is a schematic manner and in part.

[0239] FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment 3 of an e-cigarette according to the present invention in a schematic manner and in part.

[0240] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of an e-cigarette according to the present invention in a schematic manner and in part.

[0241] FIG. 6 exemplifies another embodiment of an e-cigarette according to the present invention in a schematic manner and in part.

[0242] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of an e-cigarette according to the present invention schematically and in part.

[0243] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a mobile device functionally arranged to the e-cigarette according to any of the embodiments of the preceding figures and preferably a remote server and further preferably a remote controller.

[0244] FIG. 9 demonstrates an embodiment of a reduction model underlying an e-cigarette according to the present invention.

[0245] FIG. 10 exemplifies an embodiment of a cartridge for an e-cigarette according to the present invention.

[0246] FIG. 11 shows a flow path representing an embodiment for the control of an e-cigarette according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0247] FIG. 1 shows an example of an e-cigarette 100 as common in the art. This is just shown for illustrative purposes. A mouthpiece 1 can have any shape and can be made of a number of materials that can be used for human beings. In the embodiment shown it is of generally conical shape. However, as the embodiment is a sketch only, the shape can vary to be able to better adapt to the needs of a user or to provide a more esthetic appearance.

[0248] An aerosol generator 10 can be placed upstream to the mouthpiece 1. In the embodiment shown it is place directly in the neighborhood of the mouthpiece but It can also be placed further upstream of the flow of vapor or aerosol.

[0249] A container or tank 30 is usually arranged closed to the aerosol generator as a liquid forming a component to be vaporized by the aerosol generator 10 can be delivered to the aerosol generator 10 more easily. However, the container 30 can be arranged somewhere else as well.

[0250] A controller 40 can also be integrated into the e-cigarette. The controller usually controls the power supply and the component delivered to the aerosol generator 10. It usually comprises a CPU, a storage, an optional interface etc. and can be an integrated component.

[0251] An energy storage or battery 50 provides the power supply and can have any shape, can be re-chargeable, can also have an external power supply or connection.

[0252] FIG. 2 shows an example of a part or portion of an e-cigarette according to the present invention. This figure is schematic as it functionally shows a potential embodiment that can be arranged or designed differently. At least two containers 30, 31 can be provided and each can contain a component for the composition to be inhaled. They deliver the respective components by container connectors 30a, 31a, respectively.

[0253] A canal 3 for guiding air and/or vapor is shown with the general flow of gas and/or vapor shown with arrows.

[0254] A first aerosol generator 10 can be connected or assembled to the first container 30 in order to vaporize the content in the first container 30. A second aerosol generator 11 can be connected or assembled to the second container 31 in order to vaporize the content in the second container 31. The vapor generated in the first aerosol generator 10 and/or the vapor in the second aerosol generator 11 can be fed into the gas and/or vapor stream of the e-cigarette either together or independent of each other. This is schematically shown by the little arrows and the resulting aerosol drops leaving the aerosol generators 10, 11.

[0255] Both containers 30, 31 can be chargeable with new components or can be replaced by other containers (not shown) containing the same or different liquids. The containers can be housed at least in part by a housing (not shown) or can be attached from the exterior to or adjacent to the canal 3. They can be snap-fitted, locked, screwed or attached in any manner. The containers 30, 31 can be reusable or disposable. They can have many and even different shapes as will be exemplified later. They can be transparent as well in order to allow the user to see the amount of remaining liquid. The liquid(s) can be colored in order to assist the inspection of the level. In case there is a housing around the container(s) one or more windows within the housing can be provided to allow a view onto the containers. This can also serve the inspection to see whether or not the e-cigarette is properly filled with containers. Color codes of the containers can also serve to immediately make it apparent what they contain.

[0256] The aerosol generators 10, 11 can work according to the same or according to different principles and/or can be configured to deliver different amounts of vapor according to the components, their consistency and/or the amount to be fed into the gas stream. The latter can be particularly controlled by a number of shots or releases or intervals during one inhaling cycle of a user. The numbers of intervals can be controlled and can be pre-defined or individually defined by software and/or hardware components of the controller 40.

[0257] The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 exemplifies another embodiment according to which the containers 30, 31 can be arranged sequentially. In the embodiment shown they are arranged one behind the other. They can also be arranged in parallel to each other or on different sides of the aerosol generator 10 depicted in this embodiment. All those embodiments have in common that the containers 30, 31 deliver their components to one aerosol generator 10. In the embodiments shown each container connector 30a, 30b delivers the respective first and second components to the one aerosol generator 10. This aerosol generator can then be configured to generate aerosol using each component individually or together.

[0258] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment with a sequential arrangement of the first aerosol generator 10 with the respective first container 30 and stream upwards the second aerosol generator 11 with the respective second container 31. One or both container(s) 30, 31 can be arranged also on different sides of the respective aerosol generator 10, 11, respectively or even on different sides with respect to the canal 3. As will be addressed later, the aerosol generators can also be arranged at least in part in the canal 3.

[0259] A similar arrangement of components is shown in FIG. 5. As an example the first aerosol generator 10 is arranged outside the canal 3 while the second aerosol generator 11 is assembled at the side or circumferentially around canal 3. The reason for this can be different consistencies or amounts to be delivered of the components contained in the different containers 30, 31. It is also apparent that the amount of aerosol will change within the canal with the direction of flow which may justify the different arrangements of aerosol generators 10, 11 first within the canal and second at the side of the canal 3.

[0260] According to FIG. 6, both aerosol generators 30, 31 are connected to aerosol generators 10, 11 that are arranged within, in part within and/or substantially within canal 3.

[0261] Still another embodiment is shown in FIG. 7. According to the embodiment shown the controller 40 and energy source 50 are more integrally arranged with other components at or around the canal 3. They can also be arranged together or oppositely to the embodiment shown.

[0262] The containers 30, 31 are arranged to the outside of the e-cigarette or are flush with the contours thereof or a housing. In this case they can be more easily replaced.

[0263] The aerosol generators 10, 11 are arranged radially more inwardly to the containers, or at least in part thereof. The arrangement may further deviate with the circumference of the e-cigarette. The aerosol generators 10, 11 can be further arranged within the canal 3. The size of canal 3 compared with the other components can also be smaller or substantially smaller.

[0264] This embodiment can then be connected to a smart handheld device, such as a smart phone or smart tablet. A software application can be installed on the handheld device in order to communicated either unidirectionally from the e-cigarette to the handheld device or vice versa or bidirectionally. The latter allows a more active and interesting exchange of data and user input. As mentioned before, the software application can also comprise a switching function activating a “boosting function” that allows a user to instantly inhale a larger or large amount of the second component, such as nicotine. This can happen in case the user is in a situation where he or she needs or enjoys more nicotine. This could be at a party or under certain stress or mental workload.

[0265] When the activation of the boosting functions happens the software application could also track that and can compute this information locally or can feed this information to a remote device, such as a server, in order to store and compute it. One aspect is shown on the left hand of FIG. 8 where a communication of the handheld 200 with the cloud 300 (remote computing or remote server) is shown. Also, the e-cigarette 100 could communicate directly with the cloud 300. In any case other information from other users can also be used and computed. In case of a plurality of users or even a large group of users, certain patterns can be determined and the reduction model can be adapted accordingly. The adaption could be that at weekends at evenings more nicotine is delivered than usually or—in other words—the nicotine level can be lowered preferably over working days.

[0266] The information can also be associated with other information, such as gender, age, weight, location, work profile, smoking habits, etc.

[0267] A social media platform can also be affiliated or erected where users compare their progress of minimizing the consumption of the second component, such as nicotine. The presence of more information as mentioned before could then also automatically group or affiliate users and can even suggest an exchange of data or comparison so that users are further motivated to reduce the consumption of the second component. As an example, users in a certain region or of similar profiles can be compared or can compare them upon agreement.

[0268] The system can be controlled by a remote controller 400 exclusively or additionally. This is shown as an option in the lower part of FIG. 8.

[0269] The remote controller 400 can be configured to connect directly with the system 100 or indirectly with the system 100 over at least one of the handheld device 200 and a remote server 300 and the cloud 300. The latter has the advantage that for example a doctor who is in possession of the remote controller can monitor or follow the use of the system 100 by a user and can even adapt the consumption of the second component accordingly.

[0270] The remote controller is shown to be a computer but can be any other suitable device, such as a tablet or second handheld device.

[0271] The configuration can be hardwired or wirelessly. In case it is hardwired a special and rather uncommon interface can be provided in order to limit accessibility. Alternatively or additionally an encryption can take place. However, in the embodiment shown a wireless and bidirectional data transmission is shown as an example only.

[0272] FIG. 9 shows a potential correlation of the number of inhales with a certain component, such the second component or nicotine, over time, such as days. As in one example the number of inhales with the second component is reduced, the amount goes first more quickly and then more gradually to zero or close to zero. Alternatively or additionally, the ordinate could also determine the amount of the second component or nicotine over the time. As mentioned before the amount of the second component can also be reduced by pulsing the donation of the second component during one or more inhales and then reduce the numbers of pulses during one or multiple inhalations with the second component.

[0273] Anyhow, FIG. 9 shows the pre-determined or ideal decrease curve 23 of the second component over time. Alternatively or additionally, the actual decrease curve 24 can also be tracked. Also any deviation 25 in consumption of the second component or any gain (or loss) in time 26 can be communicated or visualized. This can be displayed on the handheld device to the user in order to motivate him or her. In the example shown the user would be faster than pre-determined and he or she could be displayed or communicated appreciation. In case the user allows, this appreciation could also be communicated to other users on a software platform as described.

[0274] In the example shown the individual consumption of the second component has substantially deviated in section 24. This can also be particularly highlighted to the user, either retrospectively and/or prognostically. The latter can start to inform the user when the consumption starts to considerably change from the forecast.

[0275] FIG. 10 shows a cartridge 30′ containing the first or second component. The cartridge 30′ can at the same time comprise the containers 30, 31. The cartridge 30′ can comprise any shape, it preferably has a shape so that the cartridges cannot be mixed with other available cartridges 30′ and that the position of the cartridge in a system as specified is determined. The shape can be unsymmetrical and can comprise a flat side surface 35. This is an example only. The cartridge 30′ can also comprise a bottom 34, a cylindrical part 33 (except from the flat side 35). The can be also a truncated cone part 32 connecting the base part with a neck portion 38. The neck portion 38 can be of generally cylindrical shape in order to allow a easier insertion of the cartridge 30′ into the system, the assembled e-cigarette or body thereof. This can be similar to an ink cartridge for a fountain pen.

[0276] An open end can then comprise a valve and sealing structure 36 with an opening that allows the delivery of the component contained in the cartridge 30′ to the e-cigarette in the assembled state. The valve and sealing structure can comprise a tamper evident structure, as well, in order to allow the indication whether or not the cartridge has been used before. Additionally or alternatively, the cartridge 30′ can be configured to be re-fillable.

[0277] As can also be seen, the air canal 3 is arranged centrally to that in the example shown the air would flow or be sucked from the bottom to the top through the cartridge 30′. Upstream the container 31 is arranged that delivers the second component to the air flow in canal 3. The second component in the second container 31 is aerosolized by the second aerosol generator 11 that is at least in part arranged in the air canal 31. In the embodiment shown a coil spring is heating the second component that is sucked by a capillary effect to or into the coil. As said, any other principle or arrangement can be used as well.

[0278] The first container 30 is arranged on top or downstream of the second container 31. It can also be the other way. The first container is then delivering the first component into the air stream in canal 3 as an aerosol. The first aerosol generator 10 can thus be arranged, similar to the second one, at least in part in the air canal. Preferably, the first component is delivered in use by the user in order to have aerosol in the air or wet air. In case of a dry puff, this would be immediately realized by the user and would be provide discomfort, and the user would know that no component is delivered, particularly not the second component that he may be addicted to.

[0279] The system could be also controlled to have either the first component or the second component contained in the air flow. However, in case the first component would comprise a tastable flavor and the second a component that cannot be tasted but is therapeutically active the user would also realize.

[0280] FIG. 11 exemplifies a flow chart of a control of the e-cigarette according to the invention, at least in part. A control start S1 can be activated by a user and/or any kind of sensor can automatically turn the power on whenever it senses potential use of a user. The sensor can be an accelerometer etc. According to step S10 the device can check the availability of sufficient power, e.g. to energize the aerosol generator. In the negative, the user will be noted in step S11. This can take place by an LED, and audio signal, a display, a display of a remote device etc.

[0281] In case of sufficient power the device can be started in step S20. In an embodiment one of the reduction model, the present status of the user, the date, the time, the content of one or more cartridges or containers can be determined regarding the amount, the kind of component etc. In a more simple device just the aerosol generators can be heated up and the components are delivered to the aerosol generators by respective valve control. Anything dosing the components to the aerosol generators can be called valve in this context.

[0282] In an optional step S40 the input of any particular signal can be detected, such as in step S45 the pressing of a knob of the user, in a step 46 the model for the delivery of the components can be re-determined. This can be done by an optional element, such as a physical knob or a software control in the e-cigarette or smart device associated with the e-cigarette. This can be an overruling command, e.g. to increase the amount of one component more, such as the nicotine. This can be user friendly in case the user feels it necessary to increase the level of nicotine for any given reasons, such as when attending a party. However, this is optional only and can involve further or alternative measures as well.

[0283] In case no such interference happens, the e-cigarette continues its operation by the dosing of the components according to the reduction model until it is not used or switched off in step S60.

[0284] It is to be noted that other embodiments with further different arrangements of structural components are covered by the present invention.

[0285] Reference numbers and letters appearing between parentheses in the claims, identifying features described in the embodiments and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, are provided as an aid to the reader as an exemplification of the matter claimed. The inclusion of such reference numbers and letters is not to be interpreted as placing any limitations on the scope of the claims.

[0286] The term “at least one of a first option and a second option” is intended to mean the first option or the second option or the first option and the second option.

[0287] Whenever a relative term, such as “about”, “substantially” or “approximately” is used in this specification, such a term should also be construed to also include the exact term. That is, e.g., “substantially straight” should be construed to also include “(exactly) straight”.

[0288] Whenever steps were recited in the above or also in the appended claims, it should be noted that the order in which the steps are recited in this text may be the preferred order, but it may not be mandatory to carry out the steps in the recited order. That is, unless otherwise specified or unless clear to the skilled person, the orders in which steps are recited may not be mandatory. That is, when the present document states, e.g., that a method comprises steps (A) and (B), this does not necessarily mean that step (A) precedes step (B), but it is also possible that step (A) is performed (at least partly) simultaneously with step (B) or that step (B) precedes step (A). Furthermore, when a step (X) is said to precede another step (Z), this does not imply that there is no step between steps (X) and (Z). That is, step (X) preceding step (Z) encompasses the situation that step (X) is performed directly before step (Z), but also the situation that (X) is performed before one or more steps (Y1), . . . , followed by step (Z). Corresponding considerations apply when terms like “after” or “before” are used.