VAPORIZATION CARTRIDGE ZONED HEATING

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods and systems to vaporize plant material including utilizing a removable disposable cartridge into a case with a receiver. Multiple zones allow for efficient heating. The receiver is configured to support heating elements and transfers heat to a containment portion of the cartridge. Heat zones can direct heat to different areas of the containment portion at a sufficient temperature to vaporize resins or oils on plant material for inhalation via the cartridge.

Claims

1. A vaporizer zoned heating system comprising: a controller; a power supply in signal communication with the controller; a heater with heating elements each affixed cross-sectionally around a portion of and inner or outer wall of a receiver; wherein each heating element is in signal communication with the controller; at least one temperature sensors in thermal communication with at least one of an outer and an inner wall of the receiver and in signal communication with the controller; a cartridge having an inhalation end and a containment portion configured to fit within the receiver and be in thermal communication with the heating elements; material within the containment portion; wherein the receiver is a heat transfer body configured to pass heat from the heater through to at least a portion of the containment portion; and, the controller receives temperature sensor input and controls the timing and/or the amount of power applied to activate a heating element.

2. The vaporizer system of claim 1 further comprising each heating element is separated from the other by an insulation divider configured as a less conductive area of the receiver inner wall.

3. The vaporizer system of claim 1 wherein the controller switches activated heating elements based on at least one of time and temperature.

4. The vaporizer system of claim 3 further comprising: at least one conductive region within the inner wall of the containment portion; and, wherein during heating by a specific activated heating element the area of the conductive region closest to the heating element heat up more than conductive regions remote from the active heating element.

5. The vaporizer system of claim 3 further comprising: multiple conductive region within the inner wall of the containment portion; and, wherein during heating by a specific activated heating element the conductive region closest to the heating element heat up more than conductive regions remote from the active heating element.

6. The vaporizer system of claim 5 wherein the conductive regions in the containment portion are separated from each other by non-conductive areas of the containment inner wall.

7. The vaporizer system of claim 1 wherein the material is at least one of hemp, Cannabis and tobacco.

8. The vaporizer system of claim 1 wherein the cartridge is formed of at least one of paper, fibers such as cotton and hemp, metal, foil, plastic, resins, thermoplastics, ceramics, ceramic doped paper, glass, PEEK, and combination thereof.

9. A method of zoned heating to vaporize material in a disposable cartridge within a common receiver, the method comprising: multiple heating elements affixed cross sectionally as rings within a receiver configured to receive a cartridge; wherein each heating element is in signal communication with a controller; at least one temperature sensors in thermal communication with at least one of an outer and an inner wall of the receiver and in signal communication with the controller; a cartridge having an inhalation end and a containment end configured to fit within the receiver and be in thermal communication with the heating elements; material within the containment; wherein the receiver is configured as a heat transfer body to transfer heat from the a heating element to at least a portion of the containment end of the cartridge; wherein the controller receives temperature sensor input and controls the timing and/or the amount of power applied to activate a heating element to vaporize compounds from said material.

10. The method of zoned heating to vaporize material in a cartridge within a common receiver of claim 9 wherein the conductive regions are separated from each other by less conductive areas of the containment end.

11. The method of zoned heating to vaporize material in a cartridge within a common receiver of claim 9 wherein the heating elements are separated from each other by less conductive portions of the receiver.

12. The method of zoned heating to vaporize material in a cartridge within a common receiver of claim 9 wherein the containment end of the cartridge does not burn, or combust at temperatures below 430 degrees F. for at least 30 seconds.

13. The method of zoned heating to vaporize material in a cartridge within a common receiver vaporizer system of claim 9 wherein the containment portion of the cartridge does not burn, or combust at temperatures below 430 degrees F. for at least 60 seconds.

14. The method of zoned heating to vaporize material in a cartridge within a common receiver of claim 9 further comprising one or more indicator whereby status of the system is visually communicated.

15. The method of zoned heating to vaporize material in a cartridge within a common receiver of claim 9 wherein the material is at least one of hemp, Cannabis and tobacco.

Description

FIGURES

[0014] The invention may be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

[0015] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate aspects of cartridge modules and associated heater.

[0016] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate aspects of cartridge modules and associated heater with multi-zone heating configuration.

[0017] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate aspects of a cartridge module and vertical heaters.

[0018] FIG. 7A illustrates a top view of a three vertical heater element variation.

[0019] FIG. 7B illustrates the inner surface of the cartridge and the containment portion with conductive regions.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a board with diagrammatic vertical heaters.

[0021] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate aspects of another cartridge module and heater.

[0022] FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate aspects of a multi-zone heating method and system for a cartridge vaporizer.

[0023] FIGS. 10D and 10E illustrate the inner surface of cartridge and the containment portion laid flat.

[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates a process for heating a multi-zone system.

[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates a process for heating a removable cartridge system.

[0026] All descriptions and callouts in the Figures and all content therein are hereby incorporated by this reference as if fully set forth herein.

FURTHER DESCRIPTION

[0027] A modular vaporizer which eliminates one or more of fouling, mess, resin build up, debris build-up and performance reducing impact of same is disclosed herein.

[0028] Vaporizing plant material for inhalation of plant borne chemicals is considered by some to be less harmful then combusting the plant material. Tobacco, hemp and Cannabis are examples of such material.

[0029] The instant disclosure teaches a disposable inhalation cartridge and a heater base wherein the cartridge contains the organic material to be vaporized and the heater system is zoned.

[0030] It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that some of the circuits, components, controllers, modules, and/or devices of the system disclosed in the present application are described as being in signal communication with each other, where signal communication refers to any type of communication and/or connection between the circuits, components, modules, and/or devices that allows a circuit, component, module, and/or device to pass and/or receive signals and/or information from another circuit, component, module, and/or device. The communication and/or connection may be along any signal path between the circuits, components, modules, and/or devices that allows signals and/or information to pass from one circuit, component, module, and/or device to another and includes wireless or wired signal paths. The signal paths may be physical such as, for example, conductive wires, electromagnetic wave guides, attached and/or electromagnetic or mechanically coupled terminals, semi-conductive or dielectric materials or devices, or other similar physical connections or couplings. Additionally, signal paths may be non-physical such as free-space (in the case of electromagnetic propagation) or information paths through digital components where communication information is passed from one circuit, component, module, and/or device to another in varying analog and/or digital formats without passing through a direct electromagnetic connection. These information paths may also include analog-to-digital conversions (“ADC”), digital-to-analog (“DAC”) conversions, data transformations such as, for example, fast Fourier transforms (“FFTs*), time-to-frequency conversations, frequency-to-time conversions, database mapping, signal processing steps, coding, modulations, demodulations, etc. The controller devices and smart devices disclosed herein operate with memory and processors whereby code is executed during processes to transform data, the computing devices run on a processor (such as, for example, controller or other processor that is not shown) which may include a central processing unit (“CPU”), digital signal processor (“DSP”), application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), field programmable gate array (“FPGA”), microprocessor, etc. Alternatively, portions DCA devices may also be or include hardware devices such as logic circuitry, a CPU, a DSP, ASIC, FPGA, etc. and may include hardware and software capable of receiving and sending information.

[0031] Heating logic turns on/off heating elements forming zones to heat different sections of the cartridge at different times. In some instances the cartridge has limited orientations of insertion to hold it fixed in the heater and unable to rotate about its axis. In some instances the cartridge is marked with a frangible identifier which is broken on insertion to prevent reuse of a spent cartridge. In some instances the cartridge is marked with an identifier that is stored in memory to turn off the heater if the cartridge has already been used.

[0032] FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 show elongated cartridge 1 with two ends, the first end 2 is an inhalation (or intake) end or portion and the second end 3 is a containment (or heating) end or portion. During use air pass into the open front 5 to the containment end 3 and then into the inhalation end 2 and finally out through the open back 6. Optionally, a frangible section 7 may be formed on the cartridge whereby it will be deformed on use with a heater and render the cartridge finished an unable to be reused. In some instance an ID 8 which verifies cartridges non-used status may be added to the cartridge. In some instances small perforations 10 may be formed in the containment end 3 to effectuate better heat flow from heating elements. In some instances a filter or flavor filter 12 is placed in the inhalation end 2 whereby vapor inhaled passes. The filter can remove some materials from the vapor and the flavor filter adds an inhalable flavor to the vapor. A flow through divider 15 such as a screen or coarse filter which allows vapors to pass through may be positioned in the cartridge between the containment and inhalation ends. Organic matter 500 is placed in the containment 3 for use of the cartridge. The organic material is a material containing oils or resins (such as, hemp, tobacco and Cannabis) which can be released via heating.

[0033] The cartridge is formed of an inexpensive disposable material which will not burn or release toxic or harmful fumes at temperatures that are reached by the heater in the device. In generally for many organic materials the temperature of vaporization will be between 320 F to 420 F. The cartridge may be scarred by the heating process as it is disposable. Paper, fibers such as cotton and hemp, metal, foil, plastic, resins, thermoplastics, ceramics, ceramic doped paper, glass, PEEK, and combination thereof may be suitable material for some or all of the cartridge. The cartridge maybe made of different materials for different regions, layers or areas. For example the containment portion 3 is subjected to the greatest heat. The material or materials therein must be suitable to transfer a sufficient portion of the heat applied to its surface through its wall and into the containment portion to thereby cause vapor of the organic material 500 without burning. In some instances the interior annular wall of the containment portion has one or more conductive regions or layers facing the inside.

[0034] During use the cartridge 1 is inserted in a heater 20 via the pathway of arrow 1000. This also may be referred to as a pass-through cartridge device. The example of the passing the cartridge through the heater is not a limitation and those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a non-pass-through configuration is within the scope of this disclosure. The heater 20 has a case 22 with an interface forming a receiver 23 (forming a guide or interface within the heater for the cartridge). An interface 24 is an open guide to insert a disposable cartridge into a receiver. The receiver is a channel within the case that is configured to receive a cartridge therein. The receiver refers to a region within the case that is roughly the cross-sectional circumference or perimeter around the cartridge. Accordingly, if heating elements are placed in the area of the cartridge guide, they would be adjacent to at least a portion of the cartridge in the receiver. The receiver is configured as a heat transfer body whereby heat passes from one or more heating elements through to the area of the cartridge containing material o vaporize. Within the case is a battery 25. A cartridge identification reader 26 may also be added to the case. The identification reader is a sensor that verifies a cartridge is new and has not been previously used. It may determine that a heat indicator has previously been heated, it may determine that a code which is ablated by the heat of use his or is not present thereby interrupting or allowing heating. It may read a code and verify that the code has not been used during a prescribed interval. An on/off switch 27 is shown, and battery may have a charging I/O 28. The case may have a mechanical or electrical mechanical actuator 29 that is activated by a cartridges frangible section 7 and also deforms, or breaks said frangible section upon actuation. Actuation is the communication of the actuator 29 to the controller whereby the controller recognizes the cartridge as “new” and not used and thereby allows electrical current to flow to the heating elements. Within the case is a controller 30. The controller is a microprocessor which may have memory 32 and which controls certain operations of the vaporizer device. Operations may include one or more of time, date, location, security code, on/off, sequence of heating, temperature, indicator display of the heater, battery charging, battery management, battery state of charge indication, cartridge verification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that blue tooth or other wireless or wired connection to a smart phone or computer may also be used to perform some of the controller functions and that would be within the scope of this disclosure. One or more temperature sensors 34 are within the case and near the receiver 23.

[0035] The case 22 contains one or more heating elements 40A-N. One or more heater vents 42 may be provided. Although four heating elements are shown those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that what is disclosed is one or more zones. In some instance only a single heating zone may be provided, in other instances multiple zones may be utilized and such is within the scope of this disclosure.

[0036] In some exemplary implementations a multi-zone heater is disclosed it may have heat zone “A” to zone “N”. A cartridge, during use, will have corresponding zones “AA”” to “NN” which align generally with the heat zones.

[0037] During use one or more zones may be turned on to supply heat, via heating elements, to heat organic material 500 and release vapor. Sequencing the zones for heating is advantageous in that it can reduce power consumption. Sequencing the zones for heating is advantageous in that it can release vapor from a discreet amount of organic material at one time thereby leaving unheated areas of organic material with the same cartridge for a next use. Sequential heating also reduces overheating and supports continuous use while reducing over heating which for at least Cannabis results in singeing the material which is commonly referred to as a “popcorn” taste.

[0038] FIGS. 5A-5B show an alternative package for the systems shown in FIGS. 1-4. This disclosure heats the cartridge 1 akin to slicing a sausage. Each of zones “W”-“Z” are sequentially heated. The controller keeps count of which was the last zone to be heated. The controller keeps count of when all zones have been heated and can stop the heat cycle until a spent cartridge is removed and replaced with a new cartridge. It also adds indicators 190. Indicators are shown as LED lights. Indicators are used to communicate status of the device to a user. The communication may be of a spent cartridge, a spent zone that has been heated, the remaining zones to heat, a need for recharge, or remaining zones to heat. Heating elements 40A-4D are in thermal contact with heat zones “W”-“Z”. One or more temperature sensors 34 are within the case and near the receiver 23, each temperature sensor is associate with at least one of a heat zone and heating element. Insulation “I” may be placed around the heater elements inside the case 22. The heater elements may optionally be connected to a PCB board via conductive wires and the controller and memory may also be on that board. The battery 25 is connected via the on/off switch 27 to the controller 30 to supply power to the heat elements. The controller 30 may be connected to separate digital memory 32. The controller initiates each heater element (40A-40D) sequentially to spend each zone and then use the next. When the sequence is complete the device stops heating until reset. All aspects of systems to verify, authenticate and assure that a used cartridge is not reloaded into the device, as described herein with respect to other exemplars are hereby incorporated into this description with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0039] The cartridge mates with the receiver 23 which places it adjacent to heating elements. The cartridge heating portion (containment) should be constructed so that it does not burn, or combust at exposure temperatures below at least one of 400 degrees F., 410 degrees F., 420 degrees F., 430 degrees F., and 440 degrees F. The failure to burn or combust occurring after at least one of 30 seconds exposure, 1 minute exposure, 2 minute exposure. The failure to burn or combust occurring after at three least 30 second exposures. The failure to burn or combust occurring after at three least 1 minute exposures. The failure to burn or combust occurring after at least four 1 minute's exposures. The failure to burn or combust occurring after at five least 1 minute exposures. The failure to burn or combust occurring after at seven least 1 minute exposures. The failure to burn or combust occurring after at eight least 1 minute exposures

FIGS. 6A-6D shows aspects of another exemplary implementation of the cartridge and heater device. A heater 70 receives a disposable cartridge 1. From view of “A-A” of FIG. 6A is FIGS. 6B and 6C which show vertical heating zone 72 with the common receiver 23. The common receiver means a single linear receptacle which may have a partially sealed first end and has an at least partially open second end. FIG. 6C is a view of the aspects of the vertical zone heater 72 within the common receiver 23 showing individual heating elements and temperature sensors 34 associated with heating element aligned with the cartridge 1, each individual element is configured co-axially along the length of the cartridge adjacent to the material, each heating element 73-77 forms a corresponding vertical heat zone “E”-“I” an each heat zone is adjacent to a portion of the cross section of the outer wall 3A of the containment 3 portion of said cartridge along a pre-determined axially length. A series of conductive regions or strips (see FIGS. 7A and 7B strips 4A-4N)) may be affixed to or formed as a part of the interior wall 3B of the containment. The conductive material must be suitable to transfer a sufficient portion of the heat applied to it through the outer wall into the containment portion to thereby cause vapor to be released from the organic material.

[0040] The controller initiates each heating element sequentially to activate selected zone(s) and then the next. When the sequence is complete the device stops heating until reset. Accordingly, vertical heat zone “E” is primarily heated by vertical zone heater element 73 and so on. A printed circuit board (PCB) or other support 79 may be used to support the heater elements 73-77 FIG. 6D shows a side view of a cartridge 1 with a representation of vertical heat zones E-G. Temperature sensors are between the heating elements against the outer wall. Temperature sensors are in signal communication with the controller and during use the input from one or more temperature sensors is used to adjust the heating time, the pulse width modulation” (PWM) protocol applied to one or more heating elements to maintain a target temperature.

[0041] FIG. 7A is an exemplary of a three elements 73-75 forming three vertical heat zones E-G, around the containment portion 3 of a cartridge. The outer wall 3A of the containment portion is in thermal contact with the separate three heating elements 73-75 and one or more temperature sensors 34A-34C. The inner wall 3B of the containment portion has conductive regions or strips 4A-4N thereon to facilitate heat transfer in a zone generally associated with the one of the heating elements 73-75 most closely positioned near that conductive region. FIG. 7B shows the containment region 3 of the cartridge as a flat sheet 1′ before it is assembled into a tubular form. By separating the conductive strips 4A-4N with a gap 4″ of non-conductive (or less conductive) inner wall material the conductive strips are isolated to reduce thermal contact between conductive strips to preventing heating of the entire cartridge at same rate due to the thermal conductance. Isolating the heating elements from all conductive strips via gaps limits a vertical heaters heating to the strip or strips adjacent to the activate heating element. The strips are not aligned one strip per vertical heating element which complicates the system and method by requiring a cartridge to be inserted in an exact position to align heating elements and conductive areas. Gaps limit the thermal contact of strips to isolate heating specific areas. Isolation limits singeing and overheating by allowing an area to cool while another area heats. The plurality of strips and gaps are configured to transfer heat generally from an active heater via closest strips. each other reduces thermal conductance between the conductive strips.

[0042] FIG. 8 is another exemplary of a vertical heating zone device 80 with heating elements 81-85 affixed to a PCB board 87 which also supports a controller 30 and memory 32 and a temperature sensor 34.

[0043] FIGS. 9A-9C show a non-pass through cartridge heating system, device and method. A case 200 and contains the one or more heating elements 40. The cartridge 1 is removable from the case. The cartridge fits into interface 24 whereby the containment end (which is also referred to as distal end) 3 of the cartridge is within the receiver 23 which is configured as a heat transfer body thermally communicating heat from heater elements to the cartridge inside the case and the inhalation end 2 (also referred to as the proximal end) is extended from the case. An additional seal 210 may be within the case to seal against the cartridge to limit any leakage. An organic material 500 for vaporization is within the distal end near the one or more heater elements 40. One or more vents 207 allow the heater to vent from the case. At least one air intake 211 provides a fluid pathway for air to enter the case and be drawn through the cartridge from distal end to proximal end and then out for inhalation. FIG. 9B shows a cut away view of the device along the lone of A-A and FIG. 9C shows a cut-away of the device along the lines of “B-B”.

[0044] FIGS. 10A-10E discloses aspects of a vaporizer devices 220 comprising an enclosure also referred to as a case 222 which may have one or more user interfaces, such as press or push buttons or switches 224 to communicate with a controller 30. The enclosure is generally hollow it may have a closed bottom 202′ and an open top 202″ A communication display such as illumination via an electroluminescent screen, light emitting diode (LED) or a liquid crystal display may be added, or communication with user may be via sound, or vibration. The cartridge interface 24 forms a passage into the case through the open top and is fluidly connected to a receiver 23. The receiver is configured to receive a cartridge 1 and transfer heat to the containment portion 3 of the cartridge. The cartridge maybe made of different materials for different regions, layers or areas. For example the containment portion 3 is subjected to the greatest heat. The conductive material 4 shown is suitable to transfer sufficient heat applied to the containment portion by the device to thereby cause vapor of the organic material 500 within to heat and vaporize material without burning. The receiver is configured with an outer annular wall 31, an inner annular wall 31′, a floor 32 and an open top 33 which is in thermal communication with a heater system 40. In the heater system 40 there are subzones which are independently controlled by the controller whereby heat is generated via the use of electrical power. Resistance type heaters which may be one or more of against, around or within materials such as ceramic walls, metal or the like and are examples of heating elements. Subzone heating elements 40A-40B are in thermal contact with and wrap around one of the outer annular wall 31 and the inner annular wall 31′ of each zone 36A and 36B to selectively apply heat as directed by the controller. A battery power supply 50 provides electricity to this portable device for functions of the controller, temperature sensors 34A and 34B, heating elements and communications. Communications with user may be provided whereby a user can obtain status of the device or adjust settings. The battery power supply is at least one of rechargeable and replaceable. The heating elements are configured to receive electrical power. The controller is configured to control the supply of electrical power to the heating elements and that control may be via pulse width modulation. Insulation “I” may be added around the receiver chamber and heater system 40. Within the receiver an insulation divider 35 is interposed cross sectionally as a ring between zones to thermally separate at least a portion of zone 36A and 36B. In some instances the insulator ring is between two cylindrical portions or units forming the heater system 40. The insulator divider separates heating zone 36A and 36B. The insulation divider 35 reduces thermal communication between zones by dividing thermal contact between portions of the annular wall to limit heating of the portion of the annular wall not being heated by a heating element. Divider may also be insulator to reduce thermal contact between material 500 in the cartridge containment 3 remote from the active heating element. Although two heating elements are shown those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that what is disclosed is one or more zones. In some instance only a single heating zone may be provided, in other instances multiple zones may be utilized to localize heat zones and such is within the scope of this disclosure.

[0045] A recharge connection 52 communicates through the enclosure or case for recharging the battery, it may be a USB or other power connection. Inside the case is a controller 30, optional I/O 52 may be a USB connector (or other standard such as USB-C, micro USB and the like) which may also provide recharging functions and data input/output. Additional memory via solid state device may be provided. In some instances an optional wireless connection via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth or the like may be provided on the appropriate solid state device.

[0046] At least one temperature sensor 34, for the chamber or in other instances one temperature sensor 34 per zone 36A and 36B. (a first and a second sensor) such as a thermistor or thermocouple is placed in close proximity to the heater system to communicate data to the controller whereby the energy provided to the heater system and subzones is modulated to maintain a selected temperature. Wireless connection allows connecting the device to a smart phone which can have software (applications) which pair with the device and adjust operation of the device via the controller.

[0047] Inside the receiver is a floor that seals the bottom forming an open chamber with a partially blocked floor and the floor provides a fluid pathway for air to be drawn into the chamber. The case 222 provides a series of vents 250 which provide fluid communication from the outside of the case to the inside. A series of intakes 252 create a fluid pathway into the receiver 23 allow air to be drawn through. The material forming the containment portion of the cartridge 1″ is shown laid flat in FIGS. 10D and 10E.

[0048] In FIG. 10D two conductive regions 4′ and 4″ are formed on the inner wall 3B of the cartridge 1″ and separated by a less or non-conductive region 3′. The conductive regions are configured to align with heating zone 36A and 36B when the cartridge is assembled, filled with material in the containment and inserted into the receiver 23. Thereby facilitating heating of a zone in the cartridge with the heating element of that zone. Temperature sensors associated with each heating zone provide input to the controller.

[0049] The material forming the containment portion of the cartridge 1″ on another exemplar is shown laid flat in FIG. 10E and the one conductive regions 4 is formed on the inner wall 3B of the cartridge 1″ and separated by a less or non-conductive region 3′. The conductive region is configured to align with heating zone 36A and 36B when the cartridge is assembled, filled with material in the containment and inserted into the receiver 23. Thereby facilitating heating of a zone in the cartridge with the heating element of that zone. Temperature sensors associated with each heating zone provide input to the controller.

[0050] Methods disclosed include a controller that manages heating of a zone at a selected exposure temperatures (SET) to vaporize a portion of the material in the containment area in the accordance with one of variable, preselected and fixed times. The heating of all heating elements may also be referred to as a cycle or a heating cycle. When a cycle is over the cycle has timed out. Temperature sensors are utilized to measure when the chamber or subzone has reached a target temperature. If the amount of time a specific heating element is to be heated is reached the heating of that element has timed out. The controller can track, monitor, measure or otherwise count that heating time. In other instances the controller may switch between subzones, preferably using a PWM protocol to supply power to each heating element separately to maintain a temperature at a predetermined range. Selective heating allows the “off” zone to cool while the “on” zone is heating. Said cooling is effective to reduce singeing of Cannabis material.

[0051] In some instances the controller prohibits heating when a zone has already been heated for a predetermined timeframe. In some instances the controller may accept a user over ride to allow reheating of a zone or to heat multiple zones simultaneously.

[0052] FIG. 11 illustrates aspects of a control sequence and sequence of operation of one or more exemplary implementations disclosed herein. First a cartridge is inserted into a heater unit and the on/off switch is depressed 380. Optionally, a mechanical, optical, or electro-mechanical fixture limits the orientation of the cartridge to a predefined one 381. Optionally, a sensor collects data on the cartridge to determine if it is used 382. If used 383 keep heater off until a new cartridge is added. If cartridge is not used then start power initiation and heat 1.sup.st heating element/module 384 based on at least one of time and/or temperature, until user selects “off” or controller shuts off which may be due to time being completed. Then determine if cartridge has been removed 385. If the cartridge has been removed 386 then rest sequence of operation. If not removed 387 heat next heating element/module until user or controller shuts off. Next determine if sequence of heating is complete 388. If no heat cartridge if it has not been removed 385, else reset 386. If cartridge heating sequence is complete (all heating zones have been heated) then keep heater off until a new cartridge is provided 383.

[0053] FIG. 12 illustrates aspects of a control sequence and sequence of operation of one or more exemplary implementations disclosed herein. First power is turned on 400. Optionally the system checks if cartridge in receiver is used 401. If used turn heater off until used cartridge is removed 412. After power on the controller resets memory sequence for sequentially heating back to beginning 402. Next the controller initiates sequential heating of zones if a cartridge is in the receiver 404. The controller, which is configured to control sequential heating, controls the application of power to the selected “on” heating elements until changing to the next heating element in the selected sequence 406, based on at least one of temperature during heating of the zone and time. The controller decides if sequential heating is complete 408. If “no” the controller continues the system's sequential heating 406. If “yes”, optionally the controller checks if manual override 410 is selected which continues the sequential heating loop. Otherwise, the controller stops heating any elements until the cartridge is removed 412.

[0054] It will be understood that various aspects or details of the disclosures may be changed combined, or removed without departing from the scope of the invention. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the claimed inventions to the precise form disclosed. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above description or may be acquired from practicing the invention. The claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.