VOLUME DISPLACEMENT DOSAGE VAPORIZER

Abstract

A vaporizer device for the administration of a substance to a user as a vapor comprises a housing and a mechanism for delivering a vapor. The mechanism is located within the housing. The housing comprises one or more air intake openings, at least one air exit opening, at least one control button and a display screen. The mechanism for delivering a vapor comprises a translational screw in contact with a micro motor, a cavity adapted to engage a liquid-containing cartridge, a heating chamber adapted to receive a liquid from the liquid-containing cartridge, a heating element adapted to provide heat to the heating chamber, a first air channel in communication with the one or more air intake openings and the heating chamber, and a second air channel in communication with the heating chamber and the at least one air exit opening. A method of administering a vapor to an individual includes use of the vaporizer device where the vaporizer device is adapted to receive control instructions. A liquid-filled cartridge is provided which is adapted to be inserted into the cavity such that the cartridge can be placed in contact with the translational screw. The liquid-filled cartridge is inserted into the vaporizer; and a vapor provided by the vaporizer device is inhaled. The vaporizer device accurately determines the dosage that a patient is inhaling while also regulating their use of the device. This Volume Displacement Dosage Vaporizer is a reusable device with replaceable liquid cartridges. These cartridges can contain multiple dosages of a specific liquid, which is more convenient for the patient and reduces cost. Since the dosage is pre-measured while in liquid form, the air flow/suction force of the vapor does not affect the dosage. The device can also have locking mechanisms and wireless communication capabilities. The device will not allow patients take over the maximum doctor recommended dosage, and regulates the time interval of those dosages based on doctor recommendation. wireless communication can be used to communicate with other devices to ensure that the patient is not overlapping their dosages while using other devices. Wireless communication can also be used to sync the device to a smartphone, tablet, or computer app to track patient data, usage, and the patient can also set a timer/alarm.

Claims

1. A vaporizer device for the administration of a substance to a user as a vapor, the vaporizer device comprising: a housing; a mechanism for delivering a vapor, wherein the mechanism is located within the housing; wherein the housing comprises one or more air intake openings, at least one air exit opening, at least one control button and a display screen; wherein the mechanism for delivering a vapor comprises a translational screw in contact with a micro motor, a cavity adapted to engage a liquid-containing cartridge, a heating chamber adapted to receive a liquid from the liquid-containing cartridge, a heating element adapted to provide heat to the heating chamber, a first air channel in communication with the one or more air intake openings and the heating chamber, and a second air channel in communication with the heating chamber and the at least one air exit opening.

2. The vaporizer device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first air channel and the second air channel contains a one-way valve.

3. The vaporizer device of claim 2, wherein both the first air channel and the second air channel contain one-way valves.

4. The vaporizer device of claim 3, wherein the mechanism for delivering a vapor additionally comprises control circuitry.

5. The vaporizer of claim 4, wherein the control circuitry comprises a chip reader adapted to receive information from a chip provided with the liquid-containing cartridge.

6. The vaporizer device of claim 5, wherein the micro motor and heating element are controlled by control circuitry according to information provided by the chip reader.

7. The vaporizer device of claim 6, wherein the control circuitry establishes a maximum dosage and time intervals between dosages.

8. The vaporizer device of claim 7, wherein the maximum dosage and time intervals between dosages are outside of the control of the user of the device.

9. The vaporizer of claim 8, wherein the user may set a dosage less than the maximum dosage or greater than the minimum time interval between dosages.

10. A method of administration of a vapor to an individual, the method comprising: providing a vaporizer device to the individual, wherein the vaporizer device comprises a housing and a mechanism for delivering a vapor, wherein the mechanism is located within the housing; wherein the housing comprises one or more air intake openings, at least one air exit opening, at least one control button and a display screen; wherein the mechanism for delivering a vapor comprises a translational screw in contact with a micro motor, a cavity adapted to engage a liquid-containing cartridge, a heating chamber adapted to receive a liquid from the liquid-containing cartridge, a heating element adapted to provide heat to the heating chamber, a first air channel in communication with the one or more air intake openings and the heating chamber, and a second air channel in communication with the heating chamber and the at least one air exit opening; and wherein the vaporizer device is adapted to receive control instructions; providing a liquid-filled cartridge adapted to be inserted into the cavity such that the cartridge can be placed in contact with the translational screw; inserting the liquid-filled cartridge into the vaporizer; and inhaling a vapor provided by the vaporizer device.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein vaporizer device comprises a chip reader and wherein the liquid-filled cartridge additionally comprises a memory chip adapted to carry control information and further wherein the control instructions are provided to the vaporizer device from the memory chip.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the control instructions are provide by an authorized technician other than the user.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the control instructions provide a maximum dosage and time intervals between dosages.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the user may set a dosage less than the maximum dosage or greater than the minimum time interval between dosages.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the vaporizer device is adapted to heat the heating chamber to a predetermined temperature when the vaporizer device is turned on in response to the control instructions.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the micro motor is activated to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid from the liquid-filled cartridge to the heating chamber in response to the dosage and time interval set by the user, wherein the liquid is vaporized in the heating chamber.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the micro motor is activated to dispense a predetermined amount of liquid from the liquid-filled cartridge in response to the dosage and time interval set by the user, wherein the liquid is vaporized in the heating chamber.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first air channel and the second air channel contains a one-way valve.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the micro motor and heating element are controlled by the control instructions.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the vaporizer device is additionally adapted to wirelessly communicate with other similar devices, a computer, a smartphone or a tablet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of the Volume Displacement Dosage Vaporizer of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away view of an example of the vaporizer of the present invention in a static state, showing a full cartridge containing the substance to be delivered installed into the device.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a partial cut-away view of an example of the vaporizer of the present invention during use, showing a partially used cartridge containing the substance to be delivered installed into the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] As stated above, the present invention is directed toward a reusable vaporizer that is adapted to deliver a predetermined amount of a substance to an individual. The invention may be understood more fully with reference to the following illustrative examples. These examples, however, should not be viewed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as a representative basis for understanding various aspects of the invention. The claims will serve to define the invention. It is to be understood therefore, that reusable vaporizer may vary in size and/or shaped depending upon the particular application it is designed for or even merely for aesthetic purposes. Likewise, differently configured arrangements of parts may fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, the examples shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and may vary in the configuration and/or placement of one or more components.

[0023] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, one example of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-3. As shown in FIG. 1, the vaporizer device 10 comprises a housing 12 which surrounds and secures the mechanism of vapor delivery of the device. Housing 12 includes one or more air intake openings (38, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) and an air exit aperture or mouthpiece opening 26. The housing may include a power button 16 to switch the device on or off, a display screen 14 and one or more control buttons (18, 19 and 20, respectively) for entering information or changing the display provided on display screen 14.

[0024] FIGS. 2 and 3 show a partial cut-away view of the vaporizer shown in FIG. 1. A cartridge 22 containing the liquid to be vaporized and administered to the individual is installed in a cavity 24 adapted to receive cartridge 22. Cartridge 22 may be reusable or disposable. Cartridge 22 has a first end 25 which includes a syringe type plunger 26. Plunger 26 can be extended into the interior of cartridge 22 by translational screw 28 which first end 25 contacts when engaged. Translational screw 28 in turn is controlled by micro-motor 30, which is activated and deactivated by internal control circuitry (not shown) to deliver a predetermined volume of the contents of cartridge 22 into heating chamber 34 as provide more fully below.

[0025] Cartridge 22 has a second end 31 opposite to first end 25 of cartridge 22. Second end 31 has an aperture 32 covered with a locking cap mechanism (not shown). Aperture 32 is in fluid communication with a heating chamber 34. Heating chamber 34 is in thermal contact with heating element 36. Heating chamber 34 is also in fluid communication with one or more air intake apertures 38 via first air channel 40. First air channel 40 may have a valve 42 located between aperture 38 and heating chamber 34. Valve 42 may be a one-way valve, allowing air to only pass from air intake aperture(s) 38 to heating chamber 34 and preventing vapor to escape from heating chamber 34.

[0026] Heating chamber 34 is also in fluid communication with air exit aperture or mouthpiece 46 via second air channel 44. Second air channel 44 may have a valve 48 located between heating chamber 34 and mouthpiece 46. Valve 48 may be a one-way valve, allowing air only to pass from heating chamber 34 to mouthpiece 46. As shown in FIG. 3, valves 42 and 48 open in response to inhalation by the individual, to allow air to pass from air intake apertures 38 to heating chamber 34 to mouthpiece 46.

[0027] The vaporizer further utilizes a battery 50 to power the internal circuitry (not shown), heating chamber 34, display 14, and any signals provided to the user, whether auditory, visual or tactical (such as by vibration). Battery 50 may be a rechargeable battery as known in the art.

[0028] Operation of vapor delivery device 10 may also be described with reference to FIGS. 1-3. The user may turn device 10 on by pressing power button 16 down for a predetermined period of time, such as 3-5 seconds. The user will have been previously provided with cartridge 22 adapted for use with device 10. Cartridge 22 may be reusable or disposable, and may be designed to contain multiple doses of liquid.

[0029] First end 25 of cartridge 22 contains a syringe type plunger 26, while second end 31 has a thin nozzle or aperture 32 covered with a locking cap mechanism (not shown) or other similar mechanism to prevent the contents of cartridge 22 to be extracted outside of the control of the vaporizer device 10. The cartridge may include a memory chip (not shown), which interacts with a memory chip reader (not shown) within the device 10 specifically for that patient. The memory chip on the cartridge can contain information about the substance within the cartridge, the optimal heat setting for that liquid to turn to vapor, the concentration of the liquid, and patient information. The patient information can include a specific ID/tag for that patient, a doctor recommended dose of medication, and a doctor recommended time frame for those dosages. The memory chip is programmed to notify the memory chip reader to unlock the locking cap mechanism.

[0030] The patient inserts cartridge 22 into device 10 (if first time use for that cartridge). The memory chip reader receives information from the memory chip on the cartridge. The memory chip informs the reader of the type of liquid within the cartridge, the optimal temperature for that liquid to turn to vapor, the concentration of the liquid, and patient information. Patient information received by the device includes a patient ID/tag, doctor recommended dosages, and doctor recommended time frame for those dosages. The device may be programmed to lock out the user if the specific patient ID/tag does not match the device (e.g. if the patient tries to use another patient's cartridge, another company's cartridge, a homemade cartridge).

[0031] Heating element 36 turns on to preheat the device (once the cartridge is securely in the device). Options on the interface/display screen 14 may appear, notifying the patient of what type and concentration of liquid in the cartridge. Depending on the contents, warnings about the substance may optionally appear. The patient can then choose a specific dosage using control buttons 18, 19, 20, but will not be able to go beyond the maximum recommended by their doctor. The patient can then choose a specific time frame for their next dosage as long as it is within their doctor's recommended time frame. The patient has the option to set a timer to notify them of next dosage. The patient finalizes their settings for that session and may have the option to save settings for future use (One Click Use).

[0032] Heating element 36 heats heating chamber 34 to a predetermined temperature. The temperature of heating chamber 34 is determined by a temperature sensor within the chamber (not shown). When heating chamber 34 reaches the predetermined temperature, the sensor and circuitry (such as a microprocessor) in device 10 maintain the temperature within heating chamber 34. The predetermined temperature may depend on the type of liquid within the chamber, which is correlated to the specific temperature at which the liquid turns to vapor.

[0033] When a predetermined temperature has been reached by heating chamber 34, micro motor 30 turns on, which turns a translational screw 28 or similar structure. Translational screw 28 engages cartridge 22 via plunger 26. It is envisioned that other configurations and structures of this mechanism may accomplish the same dosage. Micro motor 30 includes an encoder which monitors the rotations of translational screw 28 to determine the distance traveled by translational screw 28. The distance traveled is directly correlated to the volume displacement within cartridge 22. Variables of volume displacement include the diameter of the cartridge and the pitch of the screw. The encoder will stop micro motor 30 and translational screw 28 when the displacement of liquid within cartridge 22 equals the specific dosage.

[0034] As force of translational screw 28 pushes plunger 26 forward, the liquid within the cartridge is pushed through aperture 32 of second end 31 of cartridge 22. The liquid cannot escape/drip from the cartridge without the force of translational screw 28 and syringe plunger 26. The liquid aperture 32 continues into heating chamber 34, where the liquid turns to vapor. Heating chamber 34 is in thermal communication with heating element 36 but physical contact between heating chamber 34 and heating element 36 is not required. In some examples, it may be preferred that heating chamber 34 does not physically contact heating element 36.

[0035] When the volume displacement mechanism (i.e., plunger 26) is finished pushing the liquid into heating chamber 34 and when heating element 36 is maintained at the predetermined temperature, the patient may notified on by a message or signal on display 14 that the device is ready for use. Alternatively, the notification may be an auditory signal such as one or more tomes sounded, or a vibrational signal.

[0036] The patient inhales through mouthpiece 46 of device 10. There are air channels within the device to facilitate the flow of air as the patient inhales. One or more air intake apertures 38 are in fluid communication with heating chamber 34 via first air channel 40. First air channel 40 may have a valve 42 located between aperture(s) 38 and heating chamber 34. Valve 42 may be a one-way valve, allowing air to only pass from air intake aperture(s) 38 to heating chamber 34. When the patient inhales, valve 42 opens, permitting outside air to enter from apertures 38 and travel through first air channel 40 to enter heating chamber 34. The force of the individual's inhalation also opens valve 48, and air then flows through heating chamber 34 mixing with the vaporized liquid and passes to second air channel 44 and out at mouthpiece 46 of device 10, bringing the vapor with it.

[0037] In the example shown, the connected air channels 40, 44 are in fluid communication with one or more entering point(s)/apertures 38 (for outside air to enter the device) and have one exiting point (mouth piece 46). The entering point(s) of airflow may be positioned below the heating chamber and may lead to the main or second air channel 44 of device 10. Air goes through the heating chamber (where the vapor is), and continues to the exiting point/mouthpiece 46 through second channel 44.

[0038] In the example shown, device 10 includes two air valves 42, 48. A first valve 42 is positioned below heating chamber 34 and the other, 48, is positioned above heating chamber 34. The air valves 42, 48 are used to ensure that air/vapor cannot enter or exit the device without the force of suction (patient inhaling). The first air valve 42 positioned below the heating chamber prevents vapor from exiting the device, but ensures outside air enters the device when the patient inhales. The second air valve 48 above heating chamber 34 prevents outside air from entering device 10, but ensures the vapor exits device 10 when the patient inhales. Both air valves 42, 48 open when there is force of suction from the patient inhaling. After the patient stops inhaling, there is no force of suction, so air valves 42, 48 close. The air valves may be adjustable.

[0039] The present invention provides a precisely measured dosage before it is vaporized, so the patient only has to inhale one or more times to ensure the vapor has exited the device to obtain a well-defined dosage. After the patient has finished inhaling from the device, the power button may be pressed to put it to sleep/into a stand-by mode. If the patient does not put it to sleep, it may automatically go to sleep after a certain amount of time. If the patient set a timer for their next dosage, the device will wake up and an alarm will alert the patient to the availability of another dosage. When the patient is finished with the device, the device can be turned off fully by holding the power button for 3-5 seconds.

[0040] Optionally, display 14 may provide additional information such as remaining battery life and the amount of liquid left in the cartridge. The device (and other devices) may be programmed such that it cannot be used outside of the patient's doctor recommended time frame for the next dosage. This ensures the patient will not exceed their maximum doctor recommended dosage, which helps to prevent overdosing.

[0041] This device may also have wireless communication capabilities. Wireless communication can be used for this device to communicate with other corresponding devices. This ensures that the patient is not using more than their doctor recommended dosage and time frame. The wireless communication capabilities of this device can also be used to sync data with smartphone apps, tablet apps, or computer apps. Wireless communication can be used to manage the device from the patient's smartphone, tablet, or computer, allowing them to turn on/off the device and choose settings for the device. If the patient will use the same settings for that specific cartridge, the patient can save their settings in the app for One Click Use later on. Also, using wireless communication, the patient's smartphone, tablet, or computer app can notify them when they are allowed to use the device and can notify the patient for their next dosage (rather than using the device alarm).

[0042] Using a charger cord such as a USB cable and corresponding port for the battery, the patient can connect the vaporizer device to their computer manually. For security, the device also has the option to be password protected. In this case, the patient would have to type in a short password to use the device. It is also envisioned that the device can have a micro GPS chip. If the patient loses their device or if it is stolen, the device could be tracked using the existing GPS systems.

[0043] Based upon the foregoing disclosure, it should now be apparent that the volume displacement dosage vaporizer will carry out the objects set forth hereinabove. It is, therefore, to be understood that any variations evident fall within the scope of the claimed invention and thus, the selection of specific component elements can be determined without departing from the spirit of the invention herein disclosed and described.