WO2023228187A1 - Vaporization device having discrete dosing cartridges - Google Patents
Vaporization device having discrete dosing cartridges Download PDFInfo
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- WO2023228187A1 WO2023228187A1 PCT/IL2023/050534 IL2023050534W WO2023228187A1 WO 2023228187 A1 WO2023228187 A1 WO 2023228187A1 IL 2023050534 W IL2023050534 W IL 2023050534W WO 2023228187 A1 WO2023228187 A1 WO 2023228187A1
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
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- A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
- A61M11/04—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised
- A61M11/041—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters
- A61M11/042—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters electrical
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- A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
- A61M15/0003—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof with means for dispensing more than one drug
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- A61M15/00—Inhalators
- A61M15/0028—Inhalators using prepacked dosages, one for each application, e.g. capsules to be perforated or broken-up
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- A61M15/0046—Inhalators using prepacked dosages, one for each application, e.g. capsules to be perforated or broken-up using multiple prepacked dosages on a same carrier, e.g. blisters characterized by the type of carrier
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- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M15/00—Inhalators
- A61M15/06—Inhaling appliances shaped like cigars, cigarettes or pipes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
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- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M15/00—Inhalators
- A61M15/0028—Inhalators using prepacked dosages, one for each application, e.g. capsules to be perforated or broken-up
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- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/50—General characteristics of the apparatus with microprocessors or computers
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- A61M2207/00—Methods of manufacture, assembly or production
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of vaporization devices. Specifically, the present invention relates to a vaporization device having discrete dosing cartridges which enables to provide discrete predetermined doses of chemicals or liquids for pulmonary delivery.
- Vaporization or inhaler devices are typically used for pulmonary delivery of a substance, such as for example nicotine, tobacco, or cannabis.
- US Pat. No. 9,802,011 discloses devices and methods for preparing, managing, and/or administering metered doses of substances for vaporized administration, wherein dose cartridges includes at least one botanical substance include a heating element integrated into the cartridge in close contact with the botanical substance.
- a vaporization device comprising: a housing defining an internal space, wherein said internal space is configured to accommodate therein at least one cartridge, wherein the at least one cartridge is configured to accommodate therein a plurality of tablets, wherein each tablet comprises a predetermined dose of a composition, and wherein said plurality of tablets are arranged in parallel to each other and one over the other within the cartridge, at least one vapor generating chamber configured to generate vapors therein; a dispensing mechanism comprising at least one actuator configured to enable the dispensing of one tablet at a time from the at least one cartridge into the at least one vapor generating chamber; a power source configured to provide power at least to the controller, the at least one vapor generating chamber, and the dispensing mechanism; a controller configured to
- a tablet for use with a vaporization device comprises a predetermined dose of a composition encapsulated or retained therein, wherein the tablet has an elongated 3D shape having at least two opposing elongated sides, wherein at least one elongated side has a plurality of pores or holes, wherein the composition comprises at least one substance or a plurality of substances selected from the group consisting of: plant, plant extract, water, flavoring material, an aerosol former substance, and combinations thereof.
- Figures 1A-1B show views in perspective of a vaporization device 100, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 1C show a cross sectional side view of the vaporization device 100 of Figures 1A-B, according to some embodiments.
- Figure ID show a view in perspective of the vaporization device 100 of Figure 1C, illustrating the inner components within the device, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 2 A show an exploded view in perspective of a portion of a cartridge 112, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 2B show an exploded view in perspective of a cartridge 112, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 2C show a cross-sectional view of a cartridge 112, according to some embodiments.
- Figures 2D-2E show bottom views of opening 116 of cartridge 112, according to some embodiments.
- Figures 2F-2G show an exploded view in perspective and a view in perspective, respectively, of a cartridge 112 and an actuator 118, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 3A show a view in perspective of a vaporization device 100, illustrating some of the inner components within the device, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 3B show a cross sectional top view of the vaporization device 100 of Figure 2A, according to some embodiments.
- Figures 4A-4B show a view in perspective and a cross sectional top view of a portion of the inner components of device 100, respectfully, according to some embodiments.
- Figures 5A-5B show views in perspective of a vaporization device 200, illustrating some of the inner components within the device, according to some embodiments.
- Figures 6A-6B show views in perspective of a vaporization device 300, illustrating some of the inner components within the device, according to some embodiments.
- Figures 7A-7C show a vaporization device 400 and illustrates some of the inner components thereof: a view in perspective (Figure 7A); cross sectional top view (Figure 7B), and a side view (Figure 7C), according to some embodiments.
- Figures 8A-8C show a vaporization device 500 and illustrates some of the inner components thereof: a view in perspective (Figure 8A); top view (Figure 8B), and a side view (Figure 8C), according to some embodiments.
- Figure 9A show a view in perspective of at least a portion of a dispensing mechanism 608 of a device 600, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 9B show a view in perspective of the dispensing mechanism of Figure 9A, illustrating inner components thereof, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 9C show a cross-sectional view of the dispensing mechanism of Figures 9A-B, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 9D show a plurality of tablets 130 entangled within a spring 619, according to some embodiments.
- Figures 10A-10B show views in perspective of porous tablets 130, according to some embodiments.
- Figures 11A-1 IB show different views in perspective of a tablet 130, according to some embodiments.
- Figures 12A-12B show different views in perspective of a tablet 130, according to some embodiments.
- Figures 13A-13B show different views in perspective of a tablet 130, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 14 illustrates a method 1000 for providing customized mixtures of aerosols for inhalation, according to some embodiments
- the present disclosure is directed toward a vaporization device comprising discrete dosing cartridges and a novel dispensing mechanism which enables to provide a single predetermined dose and/or a mixture of predetermined doses of compositions for pulmonary delivery, wherein optionally the compositions comprise different types of materials having various different properties (e.g., viscosities, boiling points, etc.), while preventing producing toxins or burning composition ingredients.
- said compositions may contain various plant extracts such as for a non-limiting example, different strands of cannabinoids, wherein the inhalation of the vapors thereof can result in various therapeutic effects.
- Cannabis synergy also known as the “entourage effect”, in which the combination of a variety of “minor cannabinoids” and Cannabis terpenoids markedly increase the activity of the primary endogenous cannabinoids.
- Cannabis-bas d compositions and/or mixtures containing combinations of different cannabinoids can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical applications in order to obtain high medical efficacy, relative to the use of a single strain of cannabinoid, for example as disclosed in detail at International Pub. No. WO 2020161715.
- various plant extracts such as extracts from Levander or chamomile plants, also have known and beneficial therapeutic properties.
- the inhalation of various plant extracts can be also used for wellness or recreation uses such as improving focus, improving sleep, regenerating energy levels, reducing anxiety, reducing or suppressing depression, and the like.
- compositions preferably including a plurality of various types of cannabinoids which are present in the composition in relative amounts that are substantially identical to their relative amounts in the Cannabis extract, and thus can provide a variety of therapeutic beneficial effects, it is required to heat different ingredients separately to different boiling/vaping temperatures, which may not overlap.
- the compositions may include other plant extracts useful for wellness or recreation uses, as well as optionally having therapeutic effects.
- compositions for pulmonary delivery can have different properties (e.g., viscosities), and therefore not easily form a homogeneous mixture.
- different ingredients of compositions or mixtures such as essential oils, nicotine, tobacco, and various plant extracts (e.g., cannabinoids or other Cannabis extracts), each have different boiling or vaporization temperatures.
- Tetrahydrocannabinol is a principal psychoactive type of cannabinoid, which has various therapeutic effects and may assist in alleviating symptoms of pain and other physical discomfort.
- THC is often vaped at a temperature of about 155-160 °C.
- Cannabidiol is another type of cannabinoid, which is non-psychoactive and has various therapeutic effects, including anti-convulsant (suppresses epileptic seizures), anti-cancer (hampers the growth of tumor cells), anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties (fights against neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease).
- CBD alleviates anxiety and depression. CBD is often vaped at a temperature of about 160-180 °C.
- Cannabidol is a byproduct which is formed during THC degradation.
- CBN has various therapeutic effects and was found useful in inducing sleep, thus making it a good drug for users suffering from insomnia.
- CBN is often vaped at a temperature of about 185 °C.
- chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to civilization.
- the dried flowers of chamomile contain many terpenoids and flavonoids contributing to its medicinal properties (Srivastava, J. K., at al., Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. Molecular medicine reports, 3(6), (2010) 895-901).
- Inhalation of the vaporized essential oils derived from chamomile flowers is recommended to relieve anxiety, general depression, and the like, and can be vaporized at temperatures greater than about 30 °C.
- compositions for vaporization and subsequent inhalation can also include various types of essential oils, which consists of different components such as terpenoid hydrocarbons, oxygenated terpenes and sesquiterpenes, which are responsible for the characteristic aroma/smell of the induced vapors.
- essential oils vary in their properties (e.g., boiling points, viscosities, etc.) and each contain a variety of different terpenes (which are the fragrance molecules).
- compositions or preprepared mixtures as disclosed above in a single cartridge and optionally at a specific temperature, which may result in the burning thereof, such that the beneficial effects of the compositions are not obtained, and the burned ingredients can be toxic, harmful and have an unpleasant taste.
- a single cartridge does not enable to form customized doses and mixtures of different cannabinoids mixtures for achieving various therapeutic effects, and does not enable to form customize mixtures according to different user preferences.
- the present invention provides a vaporization device comprising a plurality of discrete dosing cartridges and a novel dispensing mechanism which enables to provide discrete or predetermined doses of different compositions for pulmonary delivery.
- the cartridges can comprise different composition comprising one or more strand(s) of different cannabinoid(s) having different properties (e.g., various boiling points and viscosities), in order to enable to form customized blends thereof for a single combined inhalation by a user, while preventing producing toxins or burning composition ingredients.
- Figures 1A-4B show views in perspective of a vaporization device 100, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 1C shows a cross sectional side view of the vaporization device 100 of Figures 1A-1B, according to some embodiments.
- Figure ID show a view in perspective of the vaporization device 100 of Figure 1C, illustrating the inner components within the device, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 2 A show an exploded view in perspective of a portion of a cartridge 112, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 2B show an exploded view in perspective of a cartridge 112, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 2C show a cross-sectional view of a cartridge 112, according to some embodiments.
- Figures 2D-2E show bottom views of an opening 116, according to some embodiments.
- Figures 2F-2G show an exploded view in perspective and a view in perspective, respectively, of a cartridge 112 and an actuator 118, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 3A show a view in perspective of a vaporization device 100, illustrating some of the inner components within the device, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 3B show a cross sectional top view of the vaporization device 100 of Figure 2 A, according to some embodiments.
- Figures 4A-4B show a view in perspective and a cross sectional top view of a portion of the inner components of device 100, respectfully, according to some embodiments.
- a vaporization device 100 comprising a mouthpiece 150 connected to a housing 110, wherein the housing 110 accommodates therein: a plurality of discrete dosing cartridges 112, a dispensing mechanism 108, a power source 140, and a controller 160.
- the housing 110 defines an internal space 113 therein, wherein the plurality of discrete dosing cartridges 112 are disposed within said internal space 113.
- housing 110 of device 100 is shaped as a box having round tips or edges, as illustrated at Figures 1A-1B, so that the plurality of discrete dosing cartridges 112 are disposed within the internal space 113 along one or more parallel lines.
- the housing 110 of device 100 can be shaped in any three-dimensional (3D) suitable form or structure, such as a sphere, ellipsoid, box, cylinder, or any other suitable polyhedron in the art. Each possibility represents a different embodiment.
- the housing 110 comprises a first wall I l la positioned substantially in parallel to a second wall 111b, and at least one third wall 111c extending between the first and the second walls and defining the internal space 113 therebetween.
- the at least one third wall 111c comprises a plurality of walls.
- the first wall I l la and/or the second wall 111b are positioned substantially in parallel to a longitudinal axis 101.
- the at least one third wall 111c is positioned substantially in parallel to a vertical axis 102, which is positioned vertically to the longitudinal axis 101.
- substantially refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of a characteristic property.
- a substantially parallel surface or wall may be a parallel surface, or a surface that is inclined in an angle that is bellow about 5°.
- the device 100 comprises a plurality of discrete dosing cartridges 112 disposed therein, wherein each cartridge 112 comprises a plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein, wherein each tablet 130 comprises a predetermined or discrete dose of a composition 132.
- discrete dosing cartridge refers to a cartridge intended for a limited number of uses, by enabling to dispense one tablet 130 at a time, wherein each tablet contains a discrete or predetermined dose of a composition 132 disposed therein.
- the cartridge can be refilled or replaced after dispensing several tablets and/or after the emptying thereof.
- each tablet 130 comprises a predetermined or discrete dose of a composition 132 disposed therein (illustrated at Figures 10A-10B below). According to some embodiments, each tablet 130 comprises a predetermined or discrete dose of a composition 132 adhered thereto. According to some embodiments, each tablet 130 comprises a predetermined or discrete dose of a composition 132 stored or contained or retained therewithin.
- said cartridge 112 can be refilled with new tablets 130.
- said cartridge 112 can be replaced with a new cartridge.
- the composition 132 is in liquid form. According to some embodiments, the composition 132 is in a powder form. According to some embodiments, the composition 132 is formed from small adhering particles such a granulated substance. According to some embodiments, the composition 132 is in a highly viscous form (i.e., paste or gel). According to some embodiments, the composition 132 comprises at least one substance which can vaporize under the application of heat within the device 100. For example, the substance vaporizes at a temperature within the range of 80 - 300 °C, or within another range having the same, higher, lower, intermediate and/or intermediate bounds.
- each tablet 130 comprises a predetermined or discrete dose of the composition 132, wherein said dose is selected from the range of about 1 nanoliter - 100 microliters. In further embodiments, the dose is selected from the range of about 1 - 1000 nanoliters. In further embodiments, the dose is selected from the range of about 20 - 200 nanoliters.
- dose refers to the predetermined volume or amount of the composition 132 which is stored or contained within each tablet 130. Different tablets 130 may contain the same or different doses.
- the composition 132 comprises at least one plant extract or a plurality of plant extracts.
- the at least one plant extract can be selected from Levander, chamomile, cannabinoid, other known plant extracts, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment.
- the at least one plant extract of composition 132 comprises at least one strand of cannabinoid.
- the composition 132 comprises at least one substance which may comprise one or more essential oils selected from the group consisting of Eucalyptus oil such as Eucalyptus Globulus oil, Peppermint oil, Lime oil (and other citrus oils), Tea Tree oil, Juniper oil, Almond oil, Anise oil, Buchu oil, Celery oil, Cumin oil, Nutmeg oil, Cassia oil, Cinnamon oil, Sassafras oil, Camphor oil, Cedar oil, Rosewood oil, Sandalwood oil, Agarwood oil, Galangal oil, Ginger oil, Basil oil, Bay leaf oil, Buchu oil, Cinnamon oil, Sage oil, Guava oil, Lemon grass oil, Melaleuca oil, Oregano oil, Patchouli oil, Pine oil, Rosemary oil, Spearmint oil, Thyme oil, Tsuga oil, Wintergreen oil, Benzoin oil, Copaiba oil, Frankincense oil, Myrrh oil, Cannabis oil, Chamomile oil, Clary
- the composition 132 comprises at least one plant substance (e.g., mushrooms).
- the composition 132 comprises at least one substance comprising at least one type or strand of cannabinoid, or a plurality of strands of cannabinoids.
- the composition 132 comprises a plurality of substances comprising a plurality of cannabinoids.
- a plurality of tablets 130 forms a mixture of compositions 132, said mixture comprises a plurality of cannabinoids which are present in the Cannabis extract, said plurality of cannabinoids are in relative amounts which are substantially identical to their relative amounts in the Cannabis extract, thus enabling to maintain the entourage effect.
- the cannabinoid is selected from the group consisting of: cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinolic acid (CBNA), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabicitran, and a mixture or combination thereof.
- CBDVA cannabidivarinic acid
- CBDA cannabidiolic acid
- CBD cannabidiol
- CBD cannabinol
- CBN cannabinolic acid
- CBNA cannabinolic acid
- THC cannabichromene
- CBCA cannabichromenic acid
- THCA tetrahydrocannabinolic acid
- the plurality of cannabinoids comprises at least two of the aforementioned cannabinoids, for example 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or all 11 cannabinoids. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment.
- the plurality of cannabinoids further comprises at least one of tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabigerol (CBG), sesquicannabigerol (sesqui-CBG), sesquicannabigerolic acid (sesqui- CBGA), CBGA-C4, CBG-C4, cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA), cannabigerivarin (CBGV), cannabigerorcinic acid (CBGOA), cannabigerorcin (CBGO), cannabigerolic acid monomethyl ether (CBGMA), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabicyclolic acid (CBLA), THCA-C4, THC-
- THCV
- the composition 132 within a single tablet 130 or within a plurality of tablets 130 further comprises other substances extracted from a plant in the genus Cannabis, for example at least one of terpenes, terpenoids, flavonoids, nitrogenous compounds, amino acids, proteins, glycoproteins, sugars, hydrocarbons, fatty acids, esters, lactones, steroids, non-cannabinoid phenols, and a mixture or combination thereof.
- other substances extracted from a plant in the genus Cannabis for example at least one of terpenes, terpenoids, flavonoids, nitrogenous compounds, amino acids, proteins, glycoproteins, sugars, hydrocarbons, fatty acids, esters, lactones, steroids, non-cannabinoid phenols, and a mixture or combination thereof.
- terpenes terpenoids
- flavonoids flavonoids
- nitrogenous compounds amino acids
- proteins proteins
- glycoproteins sugars
- hydrocarbons fatty acids
- esters lactones
- steroids non-can
- the composition 132 within a single tablet 130 or within a plurality of tablets 130 comprises one or more substances selected from the group consisting of: plant (e.g., mushrooms), plant extract (e.g., tobacco, nicotine, caffeine, at least one type of cannabinoid, at least one type of essential oil, etc.), water, carrier material, flavoring material, an aerosol former substance, and combinations thereof.
- plant e.g., mushrooms
- plant extract e.g., tobacco, nicotine, caffeine, at least one type of cannabinoid, at least one type of essential oil, etc.
- water e.g., water, carrier material, flavoring material, an aerosol former substance, and combinations thereof.
- the composition 132 within a single tablet 130 or within a plurality of tablets 130 comprises one or more substances selected from the group consisting of: tobacco, nicotine, caffeine, at least one type of essential oil, at least one type of cannabinoid, water, carrier material, flavoring material, an aerosol former substance, and combinations thereof.
- the aerosol former substance comprises propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycol (VG), other suitable substances known in the art, and combination thereof.
- two or more of the plurality of tablets 130 disposed within a single cartridge 112 comprise the same composition 132.
- each one of the plurality of tablets 130 disposed within a single cartridge 112 comprise the same composition 132.
- some of the tablets 130 disposed within a cartridge 112 may comprise the same or different compositions 132.
- following or subsequent cartridges 112 may contain tablets 130 having different compositions 132 from each other.
- some cartridges 112 comprise tablets 130 having compositions 132 which are different from compositions 132 within tablets 130 in other cartridges 112.
- each cartridge 112 comprises a plurality of tablets 130 all having the same composition 132 disposed therein, wherein the composition within tablets 130 within a following cartridge 112 are different therefrom.
- a first cartridge 112 can comprise a plurality of tablets 130 all comprising a first composition 132 therein
- a second cartridge 112 positioned next and in parallel thereto can comprise a plurality of tablets 130 all comprising a second composition 132 therein, wherein the first and the second compositions are different from each other.
- the plurality of discrete dosing cartridges 112 are disposed in parallel to each other within the internal space 113 of the device 100 and substantially in parallel to the vertical axis 102 and/or vertically to the longitudinal axis 101, as illustrated at Figures 1A-1D.
- the plurality of cartridges 112 are coupled or attached to at least a portion of the internal space 113 of the device 100, so that each cartridge 112 is immobilized or is stationary in place.
- each cartridge 112 is externally shaped as a cylinder, as illustrated at Figure 2A.
- each cartridge 112 can be shaped in any three dimensional (3D) suitable form or structure, such as a sphere, ellipsoid, box, or any other suitable polyhedron in the art. Each possibility represents a different embodiment.
- each cartridge 112 extends from a bottom first surface 114a towards a top second surface 114b along a cartridge central axis 103 extending through the center thereof.
- each cartridge 112 comprises a cartridge housing 115 which defines an internal cartridge space 117 configured to contain the plurality of tablets 130 therein.
- each cartridge 112 comprises a bottom opening 116 located at the first surface 114a thereof.
- each cartridge 112 comprises a cartridge bottom member 116a comprising the bottom first surface 114a of the cartridge 112.
- the cartridge bottom member 116a extends from the bottom first surface 114a of the cartridge 112.
- the cartridge bottom member 116a comprises the bottom opening 116 extending therethrough.
- the bottom opening 116 extends through the cartridge bottom member 116a.
- the device 100 comprises a dispensing mechanism 108 comprising at least one actuator 118 configured to enable the release or the dispensing of one tablet 130 at a time.
- the device 100 comprises at least one actuator 118 configured to rotate or displace the opening 116 of at least one cartridge 112 of the plurality of cartridges 112 disposed therein.
- at least one actuator 118 is configured to rotate or displace (simultaneously or in turn) a plurality of openings 116 of a corresponding plurality of cartridges 112.
- the at least one actuator 118 is configured to rotate or displace the cartridge bottom member 116a of at least one cartridge 112, thereby rotating the opening 116 extending therethrough. According to other embodiments, the at least one actuator 118 is configured to rotate or displace the cartridge housing 115 of at least one cartridge 112 of the plurality of cartridges 112.
- the device 100 or specifically the dispensing mechanism 108 comprises a plurality of actuators 118, wherein each actuator 118 is coupled to a corresponding cartridge 112, wherein each actuator 118 is configured to rotate or displace the opening 116 or the cartridge housing 115 of each corresponding cartridge 112, as illustrated at Figures 2D-2E.
- each actuator 118 is configured to rotate or displace the corresponding cartridge bottom member 116a thereof, thereby rotating the opening 116 extending therethrough.
- actuator refers to any mechanical or powered actuator known in the art for providing rotational motion, such as an electric motor, a solenoid, and the like.
- each actuator 118 comprises a joint 118a which is coupled to one or more gears which are coupled to cartridge bottom member 116a (see Figure 2F).
- the actuation or operation of the actuator 118 is configured to generate the rotation of the joint 118a, which transmits the rotation of the gears (not shown), causing the rotation of the bottom member 116a and the opening 116 extending therethrough.
- each actuator 118 is positioned above and/or is coupled to the second surface 114b of each corresponding cartridge 112 along the central axis 103, as illustrated for example at Figures 1C-1D or 2F-2G.
- the joint 118a of each actuator 118 is coupled to the cartridge housing 115 of each corresponding cartridge 112.
- each bottom member 116a and the opening 116 extending therethrough is stationary.
- the actuation or operation of the actuator 118 is configured to generate the rotation of the joint 118a, which transmits the rotation of the cartridge housing 115.
- the internal cartridge space 117 of each cartridge 112 comprises a plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein, wherein the plurality of tablets 130 are arranged one over the other and extends from a lowest bottom tablet 130a to a highest upper tablet 130b, as illustrated for example at Figure 2B or 2C.
- the bottom tablet 130a is in the vicinity of the cartridge bottom member 116a and/or the first surface 114a of the cartridge 112 and/or the opening 116 thereof, and is the closest tablet thereto.
- the upper tablet 130b is in the vicinity of the second surface 114b of the cartridge 112 and/or the actuator 118, and is the closest tablet thereto.
- the terms “vicinity” or “proximity” are interchangeable, and refers to a distance within a radius of less than about 30 mm of a given three-dimensional (3D) space. According to some embodiments, the terms “vicinity” or “proximity” refers to a distance within a radius of less than about 10 mm, preferably less than about 5 mm, more preferably less than about 1 mm, or even more preferably less than about 0.1 mm of a given 3D space. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.
- the term "lowest” in the context of the lowest tablet 130 within a cartridge 112 refers to the tablet closest or in the highest proximity or vicinity to the first surface 114a of said cartridge 112, relative to the other tablets within said cartridge.
- each one of the plurality of tablets 130 (within each cartridge 112) has an elongated 3D shape (e.g., such as a box, cylinder, ellipsoid, etc.), i.e., the long dimension thereof (e.g., length) is greater than the short dimension (e.g., width or diameter) thereof.
- the length of said elongated tablets 130 may be at least 1.5 times, at least two times, at least three times, at least five times, or more, greater than of the width or diameter thereof.
- each one of the plurality of tablets 130 is shaped as an elongated 3D rectangle optionally having rounds edges (e.g., a box), as illustrated for example at Figure 2B.
- the plurality of tablets 130 within each cartridge 112 are arranged one over the other along the central axis 103, so that the long dimension of each tablet 130 is rotated at an angle selected from about 10°-90° relative to the long dimension of a following tablet 130.
- the plurality of tablets 130 within each cartridge 112 are stacked one over the other along the central axis 103 in alternating orientations, so that each tablet 130 is oriented or rotated at a 90° angle relative to the following tablet 130, as illustrated at Figure 2B.
- the plurality of tablets 130 within each cartridge 112 are stacked one over the other along the central axis 103, so that the long dimension of each tablet 130 is positioned substantially vertically to the long dimension of the following tablet 130 positioned there-above and/or there-below.
- the plurality of tablets 130 are disposed at a criss-cross arrangement placed one over the other within each cartridge 112.
- the internal cartridge space 117 within each cartridge 112 is 3D elongated cross-shaped, configured to accommodate therein the plurality of tablets 130 which are stacked one over the other in alternating vertical orientations as disclosed above, as illustrated for example at Figures 2A-2B.
- the internal cartridge space 117 can be shaped in any three-dimensional (3D) form or structure suitable to accommodate therein the plurality of tablets 130 arranged as disclosed above, such as an ellipsoid, box, cylinder, or any other suitable polyhedron in the art.
- 3D three-dimensional
- the internal cartridge space 117 within each cartridge 112 is 3D elongated cross-shaped, and is configured to correspond to the dimensions and shapes of the plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein, which are stacked one over the other in alternating vertical orientations.
- the shape and dimensions of the internal cartridge space 117 within each cartridge 112 is adapted to enable the easy insertion of the plurality of tablets 130 thereto, but prevents the inner movement or rotation of any one tablet 130 of the plurality of tablets 130 disposed there-inside along a direction or plane which is vertical to the cartridge central axis 103.
- the plurality of tablets 130 disposed within the internal cartridge space 117 can move up and down along the cartridge central axis 103, but are prevented from rotating vertically to the cartridge central axis 103, due the dimensions and shape of the internal cartridge space 117.
- each opening 116 located at the first surface 114a of each cartridge 112 has an elongated shape configured to correspond to the shape of each one of the plurality of tablets 130, and to enable each tablet 130 to pass or be transferred therethrough.
- each opening 116 is shaped as an elongated rectangle having round edges as illustrated for example at Figures 2A-2B, configured to enable the elongated 3D rectangle- shaped tablet 130 to pass therethrough.
- the at least one actuator 118 upon receiving commands from the controller 160, is configured to rotate at least one of the opening 116 located at the first surface 114a, the cartridge bottom member 116a, or the cartridge housing 115 of at least one cartridge 112, so as to enable a single tablet 130 (i.e., bottom tablet 130a) to exit from the internal cartridge space 117 thereof at a time, while simultaneously pressing the remaining tablets 130 within said cartridge 112 downwards towards the opening 116 thereof.
- the at least one actuator 118 is configured to rotate the openings 116 located at the first surfaces 114a or the cartridge housings 115 of the plurality of cartridges 112, so as to enable a single tablet 130 to be dispensed from the internal cartridge space 117 of each cartridge 112 separately one at a time, while simultaneously pressing the remaining tablets 130 downwards towards the openings 116 within each cartridge 112 which released a tablet 130 from the opening 116 thereof.
- the shape of the opening 116 is aligned each time with the shape of the lowest tablet 130 disposed within the cartridges 112 closest to the first surface 114a thereof, while preventing the subsequent tablet 130 from passing therethrough due to its rotated orientation and the shape thereof.
- a new bottom tablet 130a (the following tablet) is prevented from also being dispensed therefrom, since the shape thereof is aligned vertically relative to the shape and alignment of the opening 116, and therefore becomes physically lodged within the cartridge 112 due to the alignment and shape thereof.
- the remaining tablets 130 disposed within said cartridge 112 are prevented from further being dispensed therefrom, until the next rotation of the opening 116 to align the shape thereof with the shape of the new bottom tablet 130a.
- the shape of the rotating opening 116 and the alignment of the tablets 130 within the cartridge 112 enables to dispense a single tablet therefrom at a time.
- the remaining tablets 130 disposed within said cartridge 112 are prevented from further being dispensed therefrom, until the next rotation of the cartridge housing 115, which rotates the plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein, until the next lowest tablet 130 aligns with the shape of the stationary opening 116.
- the shape of the stationary opening 116 and the alignment of the tablets 130 within the rotating cartridge housing 115 of each cartridge 112 enables to dispense a single tablet therefrom at a time.
- At least one actuator 118 from the plurality of actuators 118 within the device 100 is configured to rotate the opening 116 (or the cartridge bottom member 116a) or the cartridge housing 115 of a corresponding cartridge 112, to enable the bottom tablet 130a to exit therefrom at a time, while simultaneously pressing the remaining tablets 130 within said cartridge 112 downwards towards the opening 116 thereof, in order to advance them towards the opening 116 for the dispensing of the following tablet upon the next rotation of the opening or the housing.
- the term “downwards” refers to a direction facing towards the gravitational direction, such as for example towards an opening 116 of a cartridge 112, along the cartridge central axis 103.
- each cartridge 112 or dispensing mechanism 108 further comprises a pressing element 119a (e.g., a spring) disposed within each cartridge 112 and configured to press or push the remaining tablets 130 within said cartridge 112 downwards towards the opening 116, following the discharge of the bottom tablet 130a, in order to advance them towards the opening 116 for the dispensing of the following tablet, upon the next rotation of the opening 116 or the housing 115.
- the actuators 118 are configured to be spring -biassing the tablets 130 downwards to the opening 116 of each cartridge 112.
- the pressing element 119a is a spring.
- each pressing element 119a within each cartridge 112 is further coupled to a pushing member 119b, wherein said pushing member 119b is shaped to fit into the internal cartridge space 117, as illustrated at Figure 2C.
- each cartridge 112 or dispensing mechanism 108 further comprises a pressing element 119a coupled to a pushing member 119b disposed within each cartridge 112, wherein the pressing element 119a is configured to press or push the pushing member 119b downwards, wherein the pushing member 119b contacts the upper tablet 130b and presses it, thereby pressing or pushing the remaining tablets 130 within the cartridge 112 downwards, in order to advance them towards the opening 116 for additional future dispensing therefrom.
- the pushing member 119b is made from a flexible and/or elastic and/or soft material (e.g., a sponge or a foam), configured to form delicate contacts with the upper tablet 130b and/or to spread the downward pushing force among a bigger surface, in order to preserve the shape and form of the tablets and to prevent them from deforming or breaking during the pushing thereof.
- a flexible and/or elastic and/or soft material e.g., a sponge or a foam
- each cartridge 112 Due to the arrangement of the plurality of tablets 130 within each cartridge 112, which are preferably stacked one over the other in alternating vertical orientations as disclosed above, only a single tablet 130 (bottom tablet 130a) can exit from each opening 116 upon a single rotation thereof or rotation of the housing 115.
- the opening 116 (or bottom member 116a) is rotated so that the long dimension thereof is aligned in parallel with the long dimension of the tablet 130 closest thereto upon each rotation (see Figures 2D-2E). It is further contemplated that the rotated orientation and the elongated shape of the opening 116 enable to prevent the subsequent tablet 130 from passing therethrough, thereby enabling to discharge a single tablet at a time (i.e., upon each rotation).
- the combination between the arrangement of the plurality of tablets 130 within each cartridge 112 and the elongated shape of each rotating opening 116 as disclosed above allows to discretely discharge a single tablet 130 upon a single rotation of each opening 116, and since each tablet 130 comprises a predetermined dose of a composition 132 therein, this combination allows to control the dosage provided by each cartridge 112.
- the opening 116 (or bottom member 116a) is stationary, while the housing 115 is rotated as disclosed herein above so that the tablets disposed therein are rotated as well, to enable the long dimension of the bottom tablet 130a disposed therein to be aligned in parallel with the long dimension of the stationary opening 116. It is further contemplated that the rotating housing 115 and the elongated shape of the opening 116 enable to prevent the subsequent tablet 130 from passing therethrough, thereby enabling to discharge a single tablet at a time.
- the combination between the arrangement of the plurality of tablets 130 within each cartridge 112, the elongated shape of each stationary opening 116, and the rotating housing 115 as disclosed above, allows to discretely discharge a single tablet 130 upon a single rotation of each housing 115, and since each tablet 130 comprises a predetermined dose of a composition 132 therein, this combination allows to control the dosage provided by each cartridge 112.
- vaporization device 100 comprises at least one vapor generating chamber 124 disposed therein, wherein said vapor generating chamber 124 is configured to receive one or more tablets 130 discharged from one or more corresponding cartridges 112, and to enable the vaporization of the composition(s) disposed therein, via at least one vaporization mechanism selected from vibration energy (e.g., sound waves such as ultrasound), thermal energy (e.g., heating), electromagnetic radiation (e.g., microwave), combinations thereof, and the like.
- vibration energy e.g., sound waves such as ultrasound
- thermal energy e.g., heating
- electromagnetic radiation e.g., microwave
- the at least one vapor generating chamber 124 is positioned directly below the cartridges 112. According to some embodiments, the one or more tablets 130 discharged from one or more corresponding cartridges 112 falls directly into the at least one vapor generating chamber 124 in the gravitational direction, wherein the vapor generating chamber 124 is positioned directly below the cartridges 112. According to other embodiments, the vapor generating chamber 124 is positioned in vicinity of the cartridges 112. According to some embodiments, the at least one vapor generating chamber 124 is configured to receive (and optionally to store therein) one or more tablets 130 discharged from one or more corresponding cartridges 112.
- the vaporization device 100 comprises a plurality of vapor generating chambers 124 (not shown), wherein each vapor generating chamber 124 is positioned below at least one cartridge 112 and is configured to receive the tablets discharged therefrom.
- the plurality of vapor generating chambers 124 are in fluid communication with one another, to enable the transformation of vapors therebetween.
- the at least one vapor generating chamber 124 comprises at least one vibration generating actuator which is configured to vibrate and to produce sound waves at a certain frequency therein (e.g., ultrasound). Said sound waves are conveyed to the one or more tablets 130 disposed within the at least one vapor generating chamber 124, and may enable the transformation of the composition(s) disposed therein into a vapor mixture.
- a vibration generating actuator configured to vibrate and to produce sound waves at a certain frequency therein (e.g., ultrasound). Said sound waves are conveyed to the one or more tablets 130 disposed within the at least one vapor generating chamber 124, and may enable the transformation of the composition(s) disposed therein into a vapor mixture.
- the at least one vapor generating chamber 124 comprises at least one electromagnetic generator which is configured to produce electromagnetic radiant energy (electromagnetic radiation) at various frequencies, such as microwave, infrared, ultraviolet, and the like. Said electromagnetic radiation is carried to the to the one or more tablets 130 disposed within the at least one vapor generating chamber 124, and may enable the transformation of the composition(s) disposed therein into a vapor mixture.
- electromagnetic radiant energy electromagnetic radiation
- the at least one vapor generating chamber 124 is a heating chamber 124 (see Figure 1C), wherein said heating chamber 124 is configured to receive one or more tablets 130 discharged from one or more corresponding cartridges 112 and to provide thermal energy thereto, via at least one thermal mechanism such as conduction, convection, and combinations thereof.
- the at least one heating chamber 124 comprises at least one heating element 125 disposed therein.
- the at least one heating element 125 is configured to generate thermal energy (e.g., heat), which is transferred by thermal conduction to the tablets 130 disposed within the heating chamber 124, in order to heat the composition(s) 132 disposed therein.
- the at least one heating element 125 is configured to generate thermal energy (e.g., heat), which is transferred by convective heat transfer to the tablets 130 disposed within the heating chamber 124. It is to understood that the at least one heating element 125 disposed within the heating chamber 124 may also produce electromagnetic radiation which may be carried to the to the tablets 130 disposed therein.
- thermal energy e.g., heat
- the heating element 125 forms thermal contact with the tablets 130.
- Thermal contact comprises, for example, being in direct contact, or in contact across a heat-transmitting layer allowing a high rate of thermal transfer.
- the thermal contact comprises the heating element 125 forming contact with one or more surfaces of at least one of the tablet 130, for example, one side, or two opposite, largest surfacearea sides of the tablet 130.
- the thermal contact comprises the heating element 125 forming contact with one or more surfaces of a plurality of tablets 130. Heat can be transferred directly from the heating element 125 to each one of the plurality of tablets 130. Alternatively, heat can be transferred directly from the heating element 125 to one or more tablet(s) 130, and then further transferred between the thermally conductive tablets 130.
- the operation of the at least one heating element 125 is configured to enable the transformation of the composition(s) disposed within the one or more tablets 130 into a vapor mixture.
- the at least one heating element 125 is configured to receive power from the at least one power source 140 and is operatively connected to the controller 160.
- the at least one heating element 125 is electrically coupled to the at least one power source 140.
- the power source 140 comprises at least one battery. According to some embodiments, the power source 140 comprises a plurality of batteries. According to some embodiments, power source 140 is selected from: nickel cadmium (NiCd) battery, lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, lithium-ion polymer (Li-ion polymer) battery, lead-acid battery, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery, combination thereof, and other known batteries in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment. According to some embodiments, power source 140 is replaceable and can be extracted from the device 100 and replaced with a new fully charged power source. According to some embodiments, the power source 140 is in electrical and/or operative communication with the controller 160.
- power source 140 is rechargeable and can be recharged/charged via one or more of: induction charging, a wall electrical outlet, a USB to a computer charging outlet, and the like.
- device 100 comprises at least one charging outlet 142, as illustrated at Figure 1A, configured to enable the electrical charging of the device 100 thereby.
- charging outlet 142 can also function as a USB port.
- power source 140 is configured to be electronically connected, directly or indirectly, to the other electrical elements accommodated within housing 110 and to provide electric power thereto, such as the dispensing mechanism 108 (e.g., actuator(s) 118), heating element 125, and the like.
- the power source 140 is disposed within the internal space 113 in parallel to the vertical axis 102, as illustrated at Figure 1C.
- device 100 comprises at least one fluid channel or path 152 which is in fluid communication with the mouthpiece 150 and with the vapor generating chamber 124 (e.g., heating chamber 124), in order to direct fluid flow therebetween (e.g., air, aerosols, etc.).
- the device 100 comprises a plurality of fluid paths 152.
- the mouthpiece 150 extends between a ventilation end 154 thereof and the fluid path 152.
- the fluid path 152 extends from a ventilation end 154 of the mouthpiece 150 towards the heating chamber 124, and allows or directs fluid (e.g., air, vapors, aerosols, etc.) flow therethrough.
- fluid communication refers to a path which allows fluid (e.g., air, aerosols, etc.) to flow between two components, wherein said two components can be directly or indirectly joined to each other.
- fluidly coupled or “fluidly connected” are interchangeable, and refers to a connection between two components that allows fluid to flow from one component to the other, wherein said connection may be direct or indirect via an intermediate components (e.g., tubes, channels, chambers, etc.) enabling fluid flow therethrough.
- controller 160 is in electrical and/or operative communication with at least one of the other electrical elements accommodated within the device 100.
- controller 160 comprises at least one processor configured to send and receive data (such as, but not limited to, digitized signals, data, etc.) to and from the various electronic components of device 100.
- the at least one processor of controller 160 can be selected from, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), a controller, a state machine, gated logic, discrete hardware components, or any other suitable device or a combination of devices that can perform calculations or other manipulations of information. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment.
- controller 160 is mounted on at least one printed circuit board (PCB).
- processor refers to a single chip device which includes a plurality of modules which may be collected onto a single chip in order to perform various computer-related functions.
- controller 160 is programmable.
- controller 160 and/or the PCB its mounted on may further include one or more of a memory unit, a timer, and other suitable electrical components.
- the electronics of the PCB and/or controller 160 is composed of a synthetic material that is thin and flexible, which enables to conform to the shape of the device 100.
- the controller 160 is in electrical and/or operative communication with at least one of the dispensing mechanism 108 (e.g., actuator(s) 118), heating element 125, any other electrical component of the device 100, and combinations thereof.
- the controller 160 is configured to control the activation and operation of each actuator 118 of the plurality of actuators 118 in order to control the release of each tablet 130 at a time from its corresponding cartridge 112, thereby controlling the overall dosage that is being released from all of the cartridges 112.
- the controller 160 is configured to control the activation of heating element 125, thereby controlling the amount of heating energy that is being transferred therefrom to the tablets 130 in order to cause the composition(s) 132 to transform into vapors.
- device 100 further comprises at least one sensor 162 (see Figure 1C) selected from but not limited to, a pressure sensor, an air-flow sensor, other suitable sensors, and combinations thereof.
- the sensor 162 can be disposed within the mouthpiece 150, and is in electrical and/or operative communication with the controller 160. Alternatively or additionally, sensor 162 can be disposed within other segments of device 100.
- sensor 162 may provide indications relating to battery levels, user information (e.g., heartrate, fingerprint for security, etc.), user directionMocation (Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)), and the like.
- IMU Inertial Measurement Unit
- the device 100 further comprises a user interaction portion 166 (see Figure IB) comprising one or more of a button, a touch screen, a display screen, FED lights, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment.
- the user can use the interaction portion 166 to initiate the activation of the device 100 and/or to control the activation thereof.
- the user interaction portion 166 may further comprise at least one control switch in the form of an on/off push button switch.
- on/off push button switch or “push button switch” are interchangeable, and refers to a two-position, ‘on/off’ switch mechanism, wherein a first press of the push button switch actuates the switch from ‘off’ to ‘on’ and activates the various components of device 100, while a second press of the push button switch turns the switch back ‘off’ and deactivates the various components thereof.
- the user interaction portion 166 is in operative communication with the controller 160.
- the controller 160 can be configured to store data programmed by the user and/or preprogrammed by a manufacturer, wherein said data can be accessed to the user via the user interaction portion 166.
- the controller 160 can be configured to store: information regarding the composition/ s) 132 of each tablet 130, plant extracts (e.g., cannabinoids mixtures or other plants) formulas corresponding to different therapeutic effects, user preferences and information, and the like.
- the user can directly control or adjust a specific plant extracts (e.g., cannabinoids mixture or other plants) in order to achieve a desired therapeutic effect, by controlling the operation of the dispensing mechanism 108 as disclosed herein, via the interaction portion 166.
- a specific plant extracts e.g., cannabinoids mixture or other plants
- the user can choose between different preprogrammed plant extracts (e.g., cannabinoids mixtures or other plants) options stored within the controller 160, via the user interaction portion 166, corresponding to the compositions 132 disposed within the tablet 130.
- the device 100 may include at least one communication device (e.g. a USB port, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) capable of connecting to an external computing device (e.g., a PC, smartphone, or any other computing device) through a wired or wireless connection.
- the communication device comprises a wireless communication module, which is optionally embedded within the controller 160, wherein said module is configured to enable wireless communication via known wireless protocols, such as but not limited to, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the like.
- the communication device comprises a USB port (e.g., charging outlet 142) configured to enable a wired connection between the controller 160 and an external computing device (e.g., a PC, smartphone, etc.).
- the controller 160 can be configured to communicate with a remote storage (e.g., cloud storage), through the communication device, in order to transfer and/or receive various forms of information and updates.
- a remote storage e.g., cloud storage
- the user can select or adjust a specific plant extracts (e.g., cannabinoids mixture or other plants) in order to achieve a desired therapeutic effect, via the user interaction portion 166, by controlling the operation of the dispensing mechanism 108.
- controlling the operation of the dispensing mechanism 108 comprises controlling the operation of the actuators 118, wherein each actuator 118 is configured to enable the release of a single tablet 130 at a time from a cartridge 112 containing a dose of a desired composition 132, and wherein the vapor generating chamber 124 (e.g., heating chamber 124) is configured to receive a plurality of tablets 130 and to enable to produce a mixture of vapors therefrom, according to one or more predetermined liquid mixture formulas stored in the device and/or according to input received by the user via the user interaction portion.
- the user can select a specific plant extracts (e.g., cannabinoids mixture or other plants) in order to achieve a desired therapeutic effect, via the user interaction portion 166 or via an external computing device (e.g., smartphone) connected to the device 100 as disclosed above.
- a specific plant extracts e.g., cannabinoids mixture or other plants
- said specific cannabinoids mixture is adapted to maintain the entourage effect of various cannabinoids mixtures as disclosed herein above.
- the dispensing mechanism 108 of the present invention can be activated by the controller 160 to produce the desired specific cannabinoids mixture.
- activation of the dispensing mechanism 108 comprises the power source 140 suppling energy to at least one actuator 118 of the plurality of actuators, in order to allow said actuator 118 to rotate the cartridge bottom member 116a (or the opening 116 extending therethrough) or the cartridge housing 115 of at least one first cartridge 112, in order to align the shape of the opening 116 with the shape of the bottom tablet 130a, thereby enabling to release the bottom tablet 130a therefrom into the vapor generating chamber 124 (e.g., heating chamber 124), while simultaneously pressing the remaining tablets 130 within said first cartridge 112 downwards towards the opening 116 thereof, for future dispensing purposes.
- the vapor generating chamber 124 e.g., heating chamber 124
- the remaining tablets 130 disposed within the first cartridge 112 are prevented from exiting or being dispensed therefrom, since the shape of the new bottom tablet 130a is aligned vertically relative to the shape of the opening 116, and therefore becomes physically lodged within the cartridge 112 due to the alignment of the opening 116.
- the same actuator 118 can optionally rotate the opening 116 or the cartridge housing 115 again, in order to align the shape of the new bottom tablet 130a with the shape of the opening 116, thereby to release the new bottom tablet therefrom.
- another actuator 118 can optionally rotate the cartridge bottom member 116a (or the opening 116 extending therethrough) or the cartridge housing 115 of at least one second cartridge 112, to align the shape of the opening 116 with the shape of the bottom tablet 130a disposed therein and to release it therefrom. In this way, a plurality of tablets 130 can be released into the heating chamber 124 from a plurality of cartridges 112.
- the heating chamber 124 when the plurality of tablets 130 within the heating chamber 124 forms the desired combination of compositions 132, prior to the activation of the heating element 125, the heating chamber 124 can be sealed, such as by closing one or more designated opening(s) in the heating chamber 124 which enabled the dispensing of the plurality of tablets 130 thereto. Sealing the heating chamber 124 can also refer to the thermal sealing or isolation thereof. By sealing the heating chamber 124, heat generated therein by the heating element 125 cannot be transported out therefrom, and therefore cannot affect the plurality of cartridges 112 disposed there-above and/or the plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein.
- the heating element 125 is activated by the controller 160 to produce heat.
- the compositions 132 disposed within tablets 130 disposed within the heating chamber 124 are heated, and eventually are transformed into vapors.
- the vapors exits from the tablets and forms a vapor mixture within the heating chamber 124.
- the composition 132 comprises at least one substance (e.g., cannabinoid) or a plurality of substances which can vaporize under the application of heat within the heating chamber 124.
- the phrase "the compositions 132 disposed within the tablets 130 are heated and eventually are transformed into vapors” refers to the heating and vaporization of the at least one substance or a plurality of substances disposed within the composition(s) 132, and not necessarily refers to the vaporization of all of the substances disposed within the compositions 132.
- a cannabinoids mixture may be heated and vaporized from the tablets, however a carrier material disposed within the composition will not be vaporized and will remain within the tablets.
- the controller 160 can adjust the amount of thermal energy applied by the heating element 125 to correspond to the specific chosen cannabinoids mixture, by controlling the activation of the power source 140 and/or the power transferring therefrom, to the heating element.
- the power source 140 supplies a current pulse of a pre-determined time to heating element 125, wherein the pre-determined time for the current pulse will determine the amount of heating energy which is being applied by heating element 125 to the tablets 130, and is depended on the amount and properties of compositions 132 required for a single inhalation (e.g., the overall dosage of tablets 130), and the time taken for that amount of liquid to be vaporized.
- the pre-determined time may be between about 0.1 and about 60 seconds, or preferably between about 0.1 and about 10 seconds.
- the predetermined time may be in a time range suitable for the user to comfortably draw air into the device.
- the desired vapor mixture can be achieved without over-heating the compositions 132 or creating toxins or bad tastes.
- the vapor mixture is mixed with air flowing into the heating chamber 124 via at least one air intake path 127, wherein said at least one air intake path 127 is configured to enable fluid communication between the heating chamber 124 and the external environment of the device 100, therethrough.
- the vapor condenses to form an inhalable aerosol mixture, which is carried towards the fluid path 152 and towards the mouthpiece 150.
- the vapor mixture is released from the heating chamber 124 towards the fluid path 152, and is then mixed with air flowing into fluid path 152 via the at least one air intake path 127, to form an inhalable aerosol mixture which is carried towards the mouthpiece 150.
- the heating chamber 124 and/or the fluid path 152 are permeable to the passage of air, via the at least one air intake path 127.
- the at least one air intake path 127 enable fluid communication (e.g., air) between the external environment and the heating chamber 124 and/or the fluid path 152.
- the controller 160 can sense when the inhalable aerosol mixture is formed within the device 100, via the data transformation by one or more suitable sensors (e.g., temperature sensor, pressure sensor, etc.) disposed within the heating chamber 124 and/or the fluid path 152. Then, the user interaction portion 166 can issue a notification to the user indicating that the inhalable aerosol mixture is ready for pulmonary delivery. The user can then use the mouthpiece 150 to inhale the aerosol mixture.
- suitable sensors e.g., temperature sensor, pressure sensor, etc.
- the vaporization devices of the present invention can be used for providing customized mixtures of aerosols for inhalation by a user (via pulmonary delivery), wherein said customized mixtures can have various therapeutic effects used for various forms of medical applications.
- the specific cannabinoids mixture corresponding to the desired overall dosage of tablets 130 achieved by the operation of the dispensing mechanism 108 as disclosed herein above, can maintain the beneficial entourage effect of various cannabinoids mixtures as disclosed herein above.
- the customized mixtures can be used for treating or suppressing a disease or a disorder selected from cancer, chronic pain, migraine, other relevant conditions, and a combination thereof.
- the customized mixtures can be used for the treatment of chronic pain. In further embodiments, the customized mixtures can be used for the treatment of migraines. In further embodiments, the customized mixtures can be used for treating or suppressing a disease or a disorder, such as various forms of cancer. In some embodiments, the customized mixtures can be used for wellness and/or recreation uses.
- treating and “treatment” refer to a method of alleviating or abrogating a disease and/or its attendant symptoms.
- the plurality of used tablets 130 disposed within the heating chamber 124 can be ejected therefrom, to free the space therein and to make room for the dispensing of new tablets 130 for additional inhalations.
- the ejection thereof can be automatically performed by the device.
- the user can manually eject or dispose of used tablets 130 from the device 100, upon demand and/or upon receiving indication from the device that the heating chamber is full and need to be emptied.
- the heating chamber 124 can be opened to release the used tablet(s) 130 therefrom.
- device 100 or specifically the heating chamber 124 comprises at least one mechanism configured to transport used tablet(s) 130 into another compartment of the device that can be removed and emptied.
- Figure 3 A show a view in perspective of a vaporization device 100, illustrating some of the inner components within the device, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 3B show a cross sectional top view of the vaporization device 100 of Figure 2 A, according to some embodiments.
- Figures 4A-4B show a view in perspective and a cross sectional top view of a portion of the inner components of device 100, respectfully, according to some embodiments.
- device 100 or specifically the dispensing mechanism
- the dispensing mechanism 108 further comprises at least one displacement mechanism 122.
- the dispensing mechanism 108 comprises a plurality of actuators 118 and at least one displacement mechanism 122.
- the displacement mechanism 122 is configured to collect one or more tablets 130 discharged from one or more corresponding cartridges 112, as illustrated at Figures 3A or 4A.
- the displacement mechanism 122 comprises a collecting chamber 120.
- the device 100 comprises at least one collecting chamber 120 configured to collect or receive one or more tablets 130 discharged from one or more corresponding cartridges 112.
- the at least one collecting chamber 120 is configured to be displaced or to move below the first surfaces 114a of a plurality of stationery cartridges 112 and optionally above the first wall I l la of the device 100, thereby collecting a single tablet 130 from the opening 116 of each cartridge 112 at a time.
- the controller 160 is configured to control the activation and operation of the displacement mechanism 122 in order to control the movement of the collecting chamber 120.
- the device 100 comprises one collecting chamber 120 configured to be displaced below the first surfaces 114a of the plurality of stationery cartridges 112, and to collect a single tablet 130 from the opening 116 of each cartridge 112 upon the rotation thereof at a time, as illustrated for example at Figure 3A.
- the at least one collecting chamber 120 has an internal space configured to contain the received one or more tablets 130 therein. According to some embodiments, the internal space of the at least one collecting chamber 120 is adapted to contain a plurality of tablets 130 there-inside.
- the at least one collecting chamber 120 is configured to be displaced and positioned below a single cartridge 112 at a time, so that the collecting chamber 120 is aligned with the opening 116 of the cartridge 112 along the cartridge central axis 103 thereof, so that upon the rotation of the opening 116 or the cartridge housing 115 as disclosed above, the bottom tablet 130a is transferred from the cartridge 112 to the collecting chamber 120.
- the internal space of the at least one collecting chamber 120 forms fluid communication with the internal cartridge space 117 thereof, thereby enabling to transfer one tablet 130 at a time from the cartridge 112 to the collecting chamber 120.
- the at least one collecting chamber 120 has an opening configured receive one tablet 130 at a time from the opening 116 of a cartridge 112 (not shown).
- the opening of the at least one collecting chamber 120 is configured to transition from a closed state to an open state, wherein in the closed state the opening is sealed and cannot receive any tablet, and wherein in the open state the opening enables fluid communication between the internal space of the collecting chamber 120 and the opening 116 of a cartridge 112 to enable to receive a tablet 130 therein.
- the vapor generating chamber 124 (e.g., heating chamber 124) is the collecting chamber 120.
- the at least one collecting chamber 120 comprises at least one heating element 126 (see Figure 4A) disposed therein.
- the heating element 126 is configured to generate thermal energy, and to apply or transfer at least a portion of said thermal energy (e.g., heat) to the composition(s) disposed within the one or more tablets 130 disposed therein, in order to enable the heating or evaporation thereof.
- the heating element 126 can be used to enable the heating and evaporation of the composition(s) disposed within the one or more tablets 130 disposed within the collecting chamber 120, to thereby enable the formation of vapors or aerosols therein.
- the at least one heating element 126 is configured to enable the transformation of the composition(s) disposed within the one or more tablets 130 into a vapor mixture.
- the at least one heating element 126 is electrically connected to the at least one power source 140 and is configured to receive power therefrom, and wherein the at least one heating element 126 is operatively connected to the controller 160.
- the heating element 126 is similar to heating element 125 as disclosed herein above and is configured to operate in a similar manner.
- the at least one collecting chamber 120 is devoid of a heating element, and is configured to transfer the one or more tablets 130 disposed therein to the heating chamber 124.
- the at least one collecting chamber 120 and the heating chamber 124 each comprise a suitable opening (not shown), and wherein the collecting chamber 120 and the heating chamber 124 are aligned and upon receiving commands from the controller 160, the openings thereof are opened to enable to transfer the tablets 130 therebetween.
- the at least one collecting chamber 120 is configured to be displaced and to be aligned with said heating chamber 124 in order to transfer the tablets 130 thereto.
- the heating chamber 124 is configured to engage with the collecting chamber 120 and to receive tablets 130 therefrom.
- the displacement mechanism 122 is devoid of a collecting chamber 120.
- the one or more tablets 130 discharged from one or more corresponding cartridges 112 falls to the first wall I l la or to another wall of the device 100, wherein the displacement mechanism 122 comprises a swiping element (not shown) configured to sweep or collect all the tablets 130 disposed on the wall of the device 100, and to push or displace them into the heating chamber 124.
- heating elements 125 or 126 can be made from stainless steel, aluminum, other suitable metals, and combinations thereof. According to some embodiments, the operating temperature of heating elements 125 and/or 126 is optionally selected from the range of about 80-350 °C. According to further embodiments, the operating temperature of said heating elements can be below 80 °C and/or above 350 °C.
- the heating chamber 124 and/or the collecting chamber 120 are configured to be in fluid communication with at least a portion of the fluid path 152, to enable to transfer vapors thereto.
- activation of the dispensing mechanism 108 comprises the power source 140 suppling energy to at least one actuator 118 of the plurality of actuators, in order to allow said actuator 118 to rotate the opening 116 (located at the first surface 114a) or the cartridge housing 115 of a first cartridge 112, to release a single tablet 130 (bottom tablet 130a) therefrom into the collecting chamber 120, while simultaneously pressing the remaining tablets 130 within said first cartridge 112 downwards towards the opening 116 thereof. Then, the displacement mechanism 122, upon receiving commands from the controller 160 and energy from the power source 140, displaces the collecting chamber 120 to be aligned with the first cartridge 112 in order to receive the released tablet 130 therefrom.
- the first cartridge 112 can release at least one additional tablet 130 into the collecting chamber 120, or a second cartridge 112 can release a tablet 130 while the collecting chamber 120 is simultaneously displaced below said second cartridge 112 to receive said tablet 130 therefrom.
- a plurality of cartridges 112 can release tablets 130 into the collecting chamber 120, one at a time, resulting in the collecting chamber 120 comprising a plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein.
- the collecting chamber 120 comprising a plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein can operate as the heating chamber 124, wherein the device 100 is devoid of an additional heating chamber.
- the collecting chamber 120 transfers said plurality of tablets 130 into a designated heating chamber 124.
- the heating elements 126 or 125 are activated by the controller 160 to produce heat.
- the compositions 132 disposed within tablets 130 disposed within the collecting chamber 120 or within the heating chamber 124 are heated, thereby forming vapors therein.
- the vapors exits from the tablets and forms a vapor mixture within the collecting chamber 120 or within the heating chamber 124.
- the collecting chamber 120 can form fluid communication with the fluid path 152, wherein the vapor mixture is released from the collecting chamber 120 towards the fluid path 152, and is then mixed with air flowing into fluid path 152 via the at least one air intake path 127, to form an inhalable aerosol mixture which is carried towards the mouthpiece 150.
- the vapor mixture is released from the heating chamber 124 towards the fluid path 152, as disclosed herein above.
- housing 110 of device 100 is shaped as a half crescent box, so that the plurality of discrete dosing cartridges 112 are disposed within the internal space 113 in parallel to each other, and are angularly arranged along a half crescent arc. It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that such a half crescent arrangement of the cartridges 112 within the housing 110 allows for an elegant three-dimensional (3D) configuration of the device 100 which can be useful for user experience and/or ergonomics purposes.
- 3D three-dimensional
- the plurality of discrete dosing cartridges 112 are disposed within the internal space 113 in parallel to each other and to the vertical axis 102, and are arranged to form at least two parallel lines or columns along the longitudinal axis 101. In further embodiments, the plurality of dosing cartridges 112 are arranged within the internal space 113 along at least two parallel lines.
- the device 100 comprises a plurality of actuators 118, wherein each cartridge 112 is coupled to at least one corresponding actuator 118, wherein each actuator 118 is configured to rotate or displace the cartridge bottom member 116a (or the opening 116 extending therethrough) or the cartridge housing 115 of each corresponding cartridge 112 similarly to as disclosed herein above, and wherein each actuator 118 is positioned in parallel to at least a portion of the external surface of its corresponding cartridge 112.
- each actuator 118 and each corresponding cartridge 112 are positioned side by side and in parallel to each other and to the central axis 103 thereof.
- the displacement mechanism 122 comprises a collecting chamber 120 configured to collect or receive one or more tablets 130 discharged simultaneously from one or more corresponding cartridges 112.
- the collecting chamber 120 is configured to be displaced or to move below the first surfaces 114a of the plurality of stationery cartridges 112 arranged along the parallel lines.
- the collecting chamber 120 is configured to be aligned simultaneously with two or more cartridges 112, wherein the cartridges 112 are arranged side by side along parallel lines, as can be seen at Figure 4B, thereby collecting one or more tablets 130 from the openings 116 of the cartridges 112 at a time.
- the collecting chamber 120 is configured to be aligned simultaneously with a plurality of cartridges 112, wherein the plurality of cartridges 112 are arranged side by side along parallel lines.
- the displacement mechanism 122 comprises at least one track or rail 123 and at least one suitable rail actuator 121 disposed below the first surfaces 114a of the plurality of stationery cartridges 112.
- the collecting chamber 120 is coupled to the rail 123 and is configured to be moved or displaced there-along due to the operation of the rail actuator 121, wherein the collecting chamber 120 is displaced below the first surfaces 114a of the plurality of stationery cartridges 112.
- the rail actuator 121 is configured to displace the rail 123 and to change the direction of movement of the collecting chamber 120 along the rail 123, wherein the collecting chamber 120 is moved back and forth along the rail 123, in parallel to the longitudinal axis 101.
- the at least one rail actuator 121 is in electrical and/or operative communication with the controller 160. According to some embodiments, the at least one rail actuator 121 is configured to receive power from the power source 140.
- the at least one rail actuator 121 displaces the rail 123, thereby displacing the collecting chamber 120 below the first surfaces 114a of the plurality of stationery cartridges 112 arranged along parallel lines.
- the collecting chamber 120 is then aligned simultaneously with two or more cartridges 112 arranged side by side in parallel lines, to receive one or more released tablet(s) 130 therefrom.
- the power source 140 supplies energy to at least one actuator 118 of the plurality of actuators, to allow said actuator 118 to rotate the cartridge bottom member 116a (or the opening 116 extending therethrough) or the cartridge housing 115 of a first cartridge 112, to release a single tablet 130 therefrom into the collecting chamber 120, while simultaneously pressing the remaining tablets 130 within said first cartridge 112 downwards towards the opening 116 thereof.
- a second cartridge 112, positioned side by side with the first cartridge 112 in the parallel line thereto, can simultaneously also release a single tablet 130 therefrom into the collecting chamber 120 as well.
- additional cartridges 112 positioned side by side with the first and second cartridges 112 in parallel lines thereto may also simultaneously release tablets 130 therefrom and into the collecting chamber 120.
- the collecting chamber 120 can be further displaced and then aligned simultaneously with additional two or more cartridges 112 arranged side by side in parallel lines, to receive additional one or more released tablet 130 therefrom, resulting in the collecting chamber 120 comprising a plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein.
- the collecting chamber 120 is displaced along the rail 123 and transfers the plurality of tablets 130 into the heating chamber 124.
- the collecting chamber 120 comprising a plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein can operate as the heating chamber 124.
- the remaining operation of the of the dispensing mechanism 108 is as disclosed herein above.
- the simultaneous alignment of the collecting chamber 120 with two or more cartridges 112 at a time can enable the collecting chamber 120 to simultaneously receive two or more tablets 130 from the cartridges 112, wherein each cartridge 112 can release a single tablet 130 at a time.
- This form of simultaneous alignment and release can enable a quick dispensing of the tablets, resulting in improved operation of the dispensing mechanism 108 and the device 100.
- Figures 5A-5B showing views in perspective of a vaporization device 200, illustrating some of the inner components within the device, according to some embodiments.
- the device 200 of Figures 5A-5B is similar to device 100 of Figures 1A-4B, and therefore share many common features as can be appreciated by the skilled in the art. Specific features or components are described below.
- Figures 5A-5B shows exemplary alternative embodiments of some components of the device 100.
- device 200 of Figures 5A-B illustrates a specific alignment of the power source therewithin.
- the power source 140 is positioned in parallel to the longitudinal axis 101.
- the power source 140 is disposed within the internal space 213 of the housing 210 of device 200, in parallel to the longitudinal axis 101, as illustrated at Figure 5A. According to some embodiments, the power source 140 is disposed within the internal space 213 above the plurality of cartridges 112. It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that by placing the power source 140 in parallel to the longitudinal axis 101 within the device 200, the 3D dimensions of the device 200 may have reduced and/or compact external dimensions, which can be beneficial for economic and user experience implementations .
- device 200 comprises a power source chamber 248 comprising the power source 140 disposed therein, wherein the power source chamber 248 is separate from the housing 210, as illustrated at Figure 5B.
- the power source 140 is disposed within the power source chamber 248 in parallel to the longitudinal axis 101. It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that the power source 140 can be easily extracted and replaced from the within power source chamber 248, if the power source chamber 248 is separate from the housing 210, thereby enabling to replace the power source 140 without accidently affecting the rest of the inner components of the device 200.
- the power source chamber 248 is detachably attached from the housing 210. It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that the power source chamber 248 can be easily replaced with a new chamber comprising a new/recharged power source 140, thereby enabling to easily replace the power source 140 therein, when needed.
- Figures 6A-6B showing views in perspective of a vaporization device 300, illustrating some of the inner components within the device, according to some embodiments.
- the device 300 of Figures 6A-6B is similar to device 100 of Figures 1A-4B, and therefore share many common features as can be appreciated by the skilled in the art. Specific features or components are described below. Thus, Figures 6A-6B shows exemplary alternative embodiments of some components of the device 100. Specifically, device 300 of Figures 6A- 6B illustrates a double rail concept.
- a plurality of cartridges 112 are disposed within the internal space 313 of housing 310 of device 300, so at to form at least two layers 309 of cartridges 112, wherein each layer 309 comprises at least one line of a plurality of cartridges 112, wherein each line comprises a plurality of cartridges 112 arranged in parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other.
- the at least two layers 309 of cartridges 112 are stacked one over the other in parallel to the vertical axis 102.
- the device 300 comprises a plurality of layers 309 of cartridges 112 disposed therein, wherein each layer 309 comprises a plurality of parallel lines of cartridges 112.
- the device 300 comprises a plurality of actuators 118, wherein each cartridge 112 is coupled to at least one corresponding actuator 118.
- the device 300 comprises a plurality of layers 309, wherein each layer 309 comprises at least one line of a plurality of cartridges 112 and a corresponding plurality of actuators 118, wherein each cartridge 112 is coupled to at least one corresponding actuator 118.
- each actuator 118 is positioned in parallel and side by side to at least a portion of the external surface of its corresponding cartridge 112, and in parallel to the central axis 103 thereof, as illustrated at Figure 6A. According to other embodiments, each actuator 118 is positioned above the second surface 114b of each corresponding cartridge 112 along the central axis 103, as illustrated at Figure 6B.
- the displacement mechanism 322 comprises at least two tracks or rails 323 and at least two suitable rail actuators 321, wherein each rail 323 is coupled to at least one collecting chamber 320 which is configured to be moved or be displaced there-along due to the operation of the corresponding rail actuator 321.
- the displacement mechanism 322 comprises a plurality of rails 323 and a corresponding plurality of rail actuators 321.
- Each rail 323 and a corresponding collecting chamber 320 is positioned below a corresponding layer 309 of cartridges 112, wherein each collecting chamber 320 is configured to collect or receive one or more tablets 130 discharged simultaneously from one or more corresponding cartridges 112 arranged along parallel lines disposed within the same layer 309, positioned there-above.
- the operation of the displacement mechanism 322 below each layer 309 of cartridges 112 is similar to the operation of the displacement mechanism 122 as illustrated at Figures 4A-4B and disclosed herein above.
- the device 300 comprises two layers 309 of cartridges 112, a first layer 309a and a second layer 309b, disposed therein stacked one over the other, wherein each layer 309 comprises a single line of parallel cartridges 112, as illustrated at Figure 6A.
- the device 300 comprises a displacement mechanism 322 comprising two rails 323 and two corresponding rail actuators 321, wherein each rail 323 is coupled to a single collecting chamber 320 which is configured to be displaced there-along due to the operation of the corresponding rail actuator 321.
- the collecting chamber 320 below each layer 309 is configured to be aligned with a single cartridge 112 and to collect a single tablet 130 from the openings 116 thereof at a time.
- a first collecting chamber 320a is configured to be displaced along a first rail 323a below the first layer 309a of parallel cartridges 112, and is further configured to be aligned with a single cartridge 112 at a time in order to collect a single tablet 130 therefrom.
- a second collecting chamber 320b is configured to be displaced along a second rail 323b below the second layer 309b of parallel cartridges 112 and to perform similar functions as the first collecting chamber 320a as disclosed herein.
- each collecting chamber 320 comprises at least one heating element 326 disposed therein, configured to transfer heat to the tablets 130 disposed within the collecting chamber 320, to enable the transformation of the composition(s) disposed within the one or more tablets 130 into a vapor mixture. After transforming into vapors, the vapor mixtures are released from each collecting chamber 320 towards the fluid path 152 (not shown). The vapor mixtures from each collecting chamber 320 can be mixed together within the fluid path 152 or beforehand in another portion of the device 300.
- each collecting chamber 320 can adjust the amount of thermal energy applied by the heating element to correspond to the properties of a specific tablet 130 or a plurality of tablets 130, to enable the evaporation of the composition(s) disposed therein.
- the evaporation temperature(s) can be adjusted for different types of substance or compositions 132 having various boiling points (e.g., different types of cannabinoids) within each collecting chamber 320, while preventing producing toxins or burning liquid ingredients.
- each collecting chamber 320 is devoid of a heating element, wherein each collecting chamber 320 is configured to transfer the one or more tablets 130 disposed therein to a vapor generating chamber 324 (e.g., a heating chamber 324) (not shown).
- the vapor generating chamber 324 e.g., heating chamber 324) is configured to receive a plurality of tablets 130 from a plurality of collecting chambers 320.
- the operation and/or configuration of the vapor generating chamber 324 (e.g., heating chamber 324) can be similar to that of the vapor generating chamber 124 (e.g., heating chamber 124) as disclosed herein above.
- the power source 140 is positioned in parallel to the vertical axis 102.
- Figures 7A-7C showing a vaporization device 400 and illustrates some of the inner components thereof: a view in perspective (Figure 7A); top view (Figure 7B), and a side view (Figure 7C), according to some embodiments.
- the device 400 of Figures 7A-7C is similar to device 100 of Figures 1A-4B, and therefore share many common features as can be appreciated by the skilled in the art. Specific features or components are described below. Thus, Figures 7A-7C shows exemplary alternative embodiments of some components of the device 100. Specifically, device 400 of Figures 7A- 7C illustrates a circular configuration.
- device 400 comprises a housing 410 defining an internal space 413 therein, wherein a plurality of cartridges 112 as disclosed herein above are disposed within said internal space 413.
- the housing 410 comprises a first wall 411a positioned substantially in parallel to a second wall 411b, and at least one third wall 411c extending between the first and the second walls and defining the internal space 413 therein.
- the first wall 411a and/or the second wall 411b are positioned substantially in parallel to the longitudinal axis 101.
- the housing 410 is shaped as a cylinder, wherein the first wall 411a and/or the second wall 411b are shaped as circles or ellipses.
- the plurality of cartridges 112 are disposed in parallel to each other and are spaced from each other within the internal space 413, wherein the plurality of cartridges 112 are angularly arranged along a circle therein and are extending radially away from a central axis 105 extending through the center of the device 400.
- the plurality of cartridges 112 are angularly arranged along a circle and are extending radially away from at least one actuator 118 (not shown).
- the plurality of cartridges 112 are angularly arranged along a circle and are extending radially away from a corresponding plurality of actuators 118 as illustrated at Figure 7A, wherein each actuator 118 is positioned in parallel and side by side to its corresponding cartridge 112, and wherein each actuator 118 is in greater proximity to the central axis 105 than compared to its corresponding cartridge 112.
- the plurality of actuators 118 are aligned along the central axis 105 or in parallel thereto.
- the plurality of cartridges 112 are disposed circumferentially around the corresponding plurality of actuators 118, wherein each cartridge 112 is coupled to one corresponding actuator 118, and wherein each actuator 118 is configured to rotate or displace the cartridge bottom member 116a (or the opening 116 extending therethrough) or the cartridge housing 115 of each corresponding cartridge 112
- device 400 comprises at least one stationery central vapor generating chamber 424 (e.g., a heating chamber 424) positioned along the central axis 105 in proximity to the first wall 411a of the housing 410, wherein each cartridge bottom member 116a and/or the opening 116 extending therethrough of each cartridge 112 is connected thereto, such that upon the rotation of the cartridge bottom member 116a (or the opening 116 extending therethrough) or the cartridge housing 115 of at least one cartridge 112, at least one tablet 130 is transferred directly to the vapor generating chamber 424 (e.g., heating chamber 424) therefrom.
- the operation and/or configuration of the vapor generating chamber 424 e.g., heating chamber 424) can be similar to that of the vapor generating chamber 124 (e.g., heating chamber 124) as disclosed herein above.
- the cartridge bottom member 116a and/or the opening 116 extending therethrough of each cartridge 112 is connected to the heating chamber 424 via a corresponding channel (not shown), wherein each channel is aligned in an angle relative to the central axis 105, so that upon the rotation of each opening 116, a tablet 130 can slide along the channel in the gravitational direction from its corresponding cartridge 112 and directly into the heating chamber 424.
- all the cartridges 112 are positioned above the heating chamber 424, so that upon the rotation of each opening 116, a tablet 130 can fall in the gravitational direction directly from its corresponding cartridge 112 and into the heating chamber 424.
- the heating chamber 424 comprises at least one heating element 425 disposed therein, which may be the same or different from heating element 125 as disclosed herein above.
- the at least one heating element 425 is configured to transfer heat to the tablets 130 disposed within the heating chamber 424, to heat the composition(s) 132 disposed therein.
- the at least one heating element 425 is configured to enable the transformation of the composition(s) disposed within the one or more tablets 130 into a vapor mixture.
- the at least one heating element 425 is configured to receive power from the at least one power source 140 and is operatively connected to the controller 160.
- the heating chamber 424 is connected directly to a central channel 427 positioned along the central axis 105, wherein the plurality of actuators 118 are aligned in parallel to the central axis 105 and circumferentially around the central channel 427, and wherein the plurality of cartridges 112 are disposed circumferentially around the corresponding plurality of actuators 118, as illustrated at Figures 7A-7C.
- the central channel 427 is in fluid communication with the fluid path 152 and/or with the mouthpiece 150.
- at least a portion of the fluid path 152 extends through the central channel 427.
- the central channel 427 comprises a hollow inner space which defines the fluid path 152 or at least a portion thereof. According to some embodiments, the central channel 427 enables fluid communication between the heating chamber 424 and the mouthpiece 150. According to some embodiments, the central channel 427 is the fluid path 152.
- the vapor mixture formed within the heating chamber 424 evaporates or is transferred therefrom and into the central channel 427, and then into the fluid path 152 and/or into the mouthpiece 150, onwards towards the mouth of the user.
- device 400 comprises a round cover 428 disposed within the internal space 413 and positioned above the plurality of cartridges 112 and the corresponding plurality of actuators 118.
- the cover 428 can provide structural and/or integral support to the cartridges 112 and/or actuators 118, and is optionally coupled to at least a portion of them.
- the central channel 427 extends thought the center of the cover 428 along the central axis 105, wherein the cover 428 may provide structural and/or integral support to the channel 427.
- At least one actuator 118 from the plurality of actuators 118 within the device 400 is configured to rotate the opening 116 or the cartridge housing 115 of its corresponding cartridge 112, to enable the bottom tablet 130a therein to exit therefrom, while simultaneously pressing the remaining tablets 130 within said cartridge 112 downwards towards the opening 116 thereof.
- the released tablet 130 (former bottom tablet 130a) is transferred in the gravitational direction (i.e., by falling) directly into the heating chamber 424.
- a plurality of cartridges 112 can release tablets 130 into the heating chamber 424, one tablet at a time from each cartridge, resulting in the heating chamber 424 comprising a plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein.
- the heating element 425 is activated by the controller 160 to produce heat.
- the compositions 132 disposed within tablets 130 are heated, thereby forming vapors which exits from the tablets to form a vapor mixture within the heating chamber 424.
- the vapor mixture is then released or evaporates into the central channel 427, and optionally into the fluid path 152.
- the vapor mixture is mixed with air flowing thereto from the at least one fluid path 152 and/or from at least one air intake path of the device. In the fluid path 152 or the central channel 427, the vapor condenses to form an inhalable aerosol, which is carried towards the mouthpiece 150 and into the mouth of the user.
- FIGS 8A-8C showing a vaporization device 500 and illustrates some of the inner components thereof: a view in perspective (Figure 8A); top view (Figure 8B), and a side view (Figure 8C), according to some embodiments.
- FIG. 8A-8C shows exemplary alternative embodiments of some components of the device 500. Specifically, device 500 of Figures 8A- 8C illustrates an angular configuration.
- device 500 comprises a housing 510 defining an internal space 513 therein, wherein a plurality of cartridges 112 as disclosed herein above are disposed within said internal space 513.
- the housing 510 is preferably dimensioned as a diamond- shaped polyhedron as illustrated at Figure 8A, however it can be shaped in any other shape of suitable polyhedron in the art.
- the plurality of cartridges 112 are disposed within the internal space 513 and are extending radially away the central axis 105, and wherein each one of the plurality of cartridges 112 is bent in the same angle a relative to the central axis 105.
- each cartridge 112 is aligned in an angle a selected from the range of about 5° to about 80° relative to the central axis 105, as illustrated at Figure 8C.
- the angle a is selected from the range of about 15° to about 70°, optionally from about 20° to about 60°, or alternatively from about 30° to about 50°. Each possibility represents a different embodiment.
- each actuator 118 is positioned at least partially side by side to its corresponding cartridge 112, and optionally in parallel thereto. According to some embodiments, each actuator 118 is bent in the same angle a relative to the central axis 105 as its corresponding cartridge 112, as illustrated at Figure 8C.
- device 500 comprises at least one stationery central vapor generating chamber 524 (e.g., a heating chamber 524) positioned along the central axis 105, wherein each opening 116 of each cartridge 112 is connected directly thereto.
- the pluralities of cartridges 112 and actuators 118 are disposed circumferentially around the vapor generating chamber 524 (e.g., heating chamber 524).
- the vapor generating chamber 524 e.g., heating chamber 524) is connected directly to a central channel 527 (not shown) positioned along the central axis 105, and configured to operate similarly to central channel 427 as disclosed above.
- the operation and/or configuration of the vapor generating chamber 524 e.g., heating chamber 524) can be similar to that of the vapor generating chamber 424 (e.g., heating chamber 424) as disclosed herein above.
- the operation of the device 500 in order to form a vapor mixture within the heating chamber 524 is similar to the operation of the device 400 in order to form a vapor mixture within the heating chamber 424 as disclosed above.
- Tablets 130 which are released from their corresponding cartridges 112 are transferred in the gravitational direction (i.e., by falling) directly into the heating chamber 524.
- the tablet 130 existing therefrom upon each rotation of the corresponding opening 116 or the cartridge housing 115 can enter directly and swiftly into the heating chamber 524, due to being attracted in the gravitational direction, without the need of any additional collecting apparatuses or mechanisms.
- Figure 9 A show a view in perspective of at least a portion of a dispensing mechanism 608 of a device 600, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 9B show a view in perspective of the dispensing mechanism of Figure 9A, illustrating inner components thereof, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 9C show a cross-sectional view of the dispensing mechanism of Figures 9A-B, according to some embodiments.
- Figure 9D show a plurality of tablets 130 entangled within a spring 619, according to some embodiments.
- the device 600 of Figures 9A-9D is similar to device 100 of Figures 1A-4B, and therefore share many common features as can be appreciated by the skilled in the art. Specific features or components are described below. Thus, Figures 9A-9D shows exemplary alternative embodiments of some components of the device 600. Specifically, device 600 of Figures 9A- 9D illustrates a different configuration for the dispensing mechanism.
- a vaporization device 600 comprising a dispensing mechanism 608 comprising at least one actuator 618 and at least one cartridge 612, wherein the at least one actuator 618 is configured to release or dispense or provide one tablet 130 from the at least one cartridge 612 at a time.
- the device 600 comprises a plurality of actuators 618, wherein each actuator 618 is coupled to a corresponding cartridge 612, wherein each actuator 618 is configured to release or dispense or provide one tablet 130 at a time from its corresponding cartridge 612.
- each cartridge 612 extends from a bottom first surface 614a towards a top second surface 614b along a cartridge central axis 103 extending through the center thereof.
- each cartridge 612 comprises a cartridge housing 615 which defines an internal cartridge space 617 configured to contain the plurality of tablets 130 therein.
- each cartridge 612 comprises a bottom opening 616 located at the first surface 114a thereof.
- bottom opening 616 is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the shape and dimensions of a tablet 130, to enable the tablet 130 to easily pass therethrough.
- bottom opening 616 is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the shape and dimensions of the cartridge housing 615.
- the internal cartridge space 617 of each cartridge 612 comprises a plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein.
- each actuator 118 is coupled to a spring 619, wherein the spring 619 is disposed within the internal cartridge space 617 of each cartridge 612.
- the plurality of tablets 130 are entangled or engaged within the round teeth or inner portion of the spring 619, as illustrated at Figure 9D.
- the plurality of tablets 130 are arranged one following the other within the spring 619 along the central axis 103, and extends from a lowest bottom tablet 130a to a highest upper tablet 130b.
- the bottom tablet 130a is in the vicinity of the first surface 614a of the cartridge 612 and/or the opening 616 thereof, and is the closest tablet thereto.
- the upper tablet 130b is in the vicinity of the second surface 614b of the cartridge 612 and/or the actuator 118, and is the closest tablet thereto.
- each spring 619 is flexible or rigid.
- the internal cartridge space 617 within each cartridge 612 is 3D elongated box-shaped, configured to accommodate therein and to correspond to the dimensions and shapes of the plurality of elongated 3D shaped tablets 130 which are entangled within the spring 619 in parallel to each other.
- the shape and dimensions of the internal cartridge space 617 within each cartridge 612 is adapted to enable the easy insertion of the plurality of tablets 130 thereto, but prevents the inner movement or rotation of any one tablet 130 of the plurality of tablets 130 disposed there-inside along a direction or plane which is vertical to the cartridge central axis 103.
- the plurality of tablets 130 entangled within the spring 619 can move up and down the spring 619 along the cartridge central axis 103, but are prevented from rotating vertically to the cartridge central axis 103, due the dimensions and shape of the internal cartridge space 117.
- At least one actuator 118 from the plurality of actuators 118 is configured to rotate the spring 619 disposed within its corresponding cartridge 612 in a direction vertical to the cartridge central axis 103.
- the spring 619 is rotated within the internal cartridge space 617, but is not displaced or moved up and/or down along the cartridge central axis 103. Due to the rotation of the spring 619, the plurality of tablets 130 which are entangled within the spring 619 are displaced or moved downwards along the rotation axis of the spring 619 towards the opening 616 of the cartridge 612.
- the plurality of tablets 130 entangled therein are prevented from rotating right or left vertically to the cartridge central axis 103 due the dimensions and shape of the internal cartridge space 117, and therefore the plurality of tablets 130 are moved downwards along the cartridge central axis 103 towards the opening 616 of the cartridge 612.
- the spring 619 rotates, the plurality of tablets 130 are moved downwards, until the bottom tablet 130a exists the cartridge 612 via the opening 116 and is transferred or falls into the collecting chamber (e.g., collecting chamber 120) or into the vapor generating chamber (e.g., heating chamber 124). If the spring 619 continues to rotate within the cartridge 612, the tablets 130 disposed therein continue to be advanced downwards, so that additional tablets 130 can be released therefrom into the collecting chamber or the heating chamber. In this way, a plurality of tablets 130 can be released into the collecting chamber or the heating chamber from a plurality of cartridges 112.
- the remaining operation of device 600 is similar to that of device 100 as disclosed herein above.
- each tablet 130 comprises a predetermined or discrete dose of a composition 132 disposed or stored or contained or encapsulated or retained therein.
- the composition 132 is in a form or state selected from liquid, solid (i.e., powder), semi-solid (i.e., gel or paste), or a combination thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment.
- the composition 132 is a solution or a suspension. According to some embodiments, the composition 132 comprises at least one substance or a plurality of substances which can vaporize under the application of heat within the collecting chamber or the heating chamber of the device of the present invention as disclosed herein above.
- each tablet 130 is devoid of any portion of a heating element or an electrical or electrode contact(s) embedded therein/thereon.
- each tablet 130 has dimensions comprising a length LI and a width Wl, as illustrated at Figure 12A. According to further embodiments, each tablet 130 further has a tablet height Hl, as illustrated at Figure 12B. In some embodiments, the length LI of each tablet 130 is greater than the width Wl thereof, thereby making each tablet 130 having an elongated 3D shape. In further embodiments, the length LI of each tablet 130 is greater than the width Wl thereof, by at least above about 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 150%, 200%, 300%, 500%, 750%, or more. According to a specific embodiment, each one of the plurality of tablets 130 is shaped as an elongated 3D rectangle, as illustrated for example at Figure 12A.
- each tablet 130 are adapted to fit into the vapor generating chamber (e.g., heating chamber 124) or the collecting chamber (e.g., collecting chamber 120).
- each tablet 130 is an elongated 3D shaped tablet 130 having at least two opposing elongated sides, as disclosed herein above, and is made of a porous material comprising a plurality of holes or pores 135, as illustrated at Figure 10A.
- each tablet 130 comprises a porous and air-permeable absorptive material(s) which absorbs the heat-vaporizing substance (or plurality of substances) of the composition 132 and fix it into place.
- the composition 132 is absorbed or retained or encapsulated within the pores 135 of the porous tablet 130. It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that the composition 132 remains within the pores 135 due to capillary forces and optionally the viscosity thereof, which prevents from the composition 132 from spilling out therefrom.
- each porous tablet 130 is made from a material which enables to transfer thermal energy (i.e., heat) therethrough, such as for example a thermally conductive metal or metal alloy, a polymer or polymer blend, and combinations thereof.
- porous tablet 130 is configured to enable to transfer heat therethrough from the heating element to the composition 132 disposed therein.
- the collecting chamber e.g., collecting chamber 120
- the heating chamber e.g., heating chamber 124
- the heating element e.g., heating elements 126 or 125
- the compositions 132 are transferred into vapors and evaporates from the tablets 130 via the plurality of holes or pores 135 thereof into the collecting chamber or the heating chamber to form the vapor mixture therein.
- the porous tablet 130 is made from at least one thermally conductive material selected from a ceramic material, a metal or metal alloy, a polymer or polymer blend, and combinations thereof.
- the porous tablet 130 is made from a thermally conductive metal or metal alloy.
- the metal or metal alloy is selected from steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and alloys and combinations thereof.
- the porous tablet 130 is made from a porous support structure, such as for example, a net, a mesh, a perforated membrane, or another structure. Each possibility represents a different embodiment.
- the porous support structure is made from a metal or metal alloy.
- the porous support structure is made from intertwined or interwoven or interlaced metal or metal alloy fibers or yarns, thereby forming a 3D woven mesh structure.
- the support structure is preferably porous enough to permit the passage of air or vapors, while still preventing the loss of substances from the composition 132 contained therein.
- the tablet 130 is made from two layers: a first layer 133 and a second layer 134, wherein the composition 132 is retained or encapsulated or disposed between the two layers.
- the two layers when the two layers are attached to each other, they form an internal space therebetween, which contains at least a portion of the composition 132 therein, or the entire the composition 132 therein.
- both the first layer 133 and the second layer 134 are made from a porous metal or metal alloy support structure comprising a plurality of holes or pores 135, wherein the composition 132 is retained or entrapped or disposed between the two layers and optionally within the pores thereof, as illustrated at Figure 10B. It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that the composition 132 remains between the two layers due to capillary forces and optionally the viscosity thereof, which prevents from the composition 132 from spilling out therefrom via the pores of the layers.
- the first layer 133 is made from a full or continuous metallic sheet or layer devoid of pores or holes
- the second layer 134 is made from a porous metal or metal alloy support structure comprising a plurality of holes or pores 135, as illustrated at Figures 11A-11B. It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that the full or continuous bottom first layer 133 which is devoid of pores or holes allows to prevent or reduce the possibility that the composition 132 will leak or spill out therefrom.
- the porous top second layer 134 allows to the composition 132 to evaporate therethrough (i.e., via the pores thereof), when heated, in order to form the desired vapor mixture as disclosed above.
- the first layer 133 is made from a full or continuous metallic sheet or layer
- the second layer 134 is made from a full or continuous metallic sheet or layer comprising a plurality of holes 136 spaced apart from each other, as illustrated at Figures 13A-13B.
- the first layer 133 comprises a plurality of holes 136 spaced apart from each other similar to the second layer 134, or wherein the first layer 133 is devoid of pores or holes.
- having the second layer 134 made from a continuous metallic sheet comprising a plurality of holes 136 spaced apart from each other may enable for an improved sealing of the composition 132 disposed between the two layers, and further may enable a refined or controllable evaporation process following the heating thereof.
- the two layers are coupled or connected to each other along at least two opposite edges thereof, or optionally along all of the opposite edges thereof.
- the at least two opposite edges are coupled or connected to each other via suturing, welding, using adhesives, bending, adding a connection mechanism, other known connection methods, and combinations thereof.
- the two layers are coupled or connected to each other along at least two opposite edges thereof, thereby forming at least two opposing bent connections 137 therebetween protruding above the second layer 134 thereof.
- the two layers are coupled or connected to each other along at least two opposite edges thereof, wherein one of the layers is bent over the other layer, thereby forming a bent connection therebetween at at least two opposite edges thereof.
- the first layer 133 of a tablet 130 can be bent over the second layer 134 of said tablet at two opposite edges thereof, thereby forming two bent connections 137 therebetween protruding above the second layer 134 thereof, as illustrated for example at Figures 11A-11B or 13A-B.
- the bent connections 137 of each tablet 130 may enable to distance between the first and second layers of subsequent of following tablets 130, thereby reducing or diminishing the contact points between subsequent tablets 130. It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that distancing between subsequent tablets 130 may enable to prevent or reduce the possibility of adherence between the compositions 132 of subsequent tablets 130 (possibly due to leakage), and therefore reduces the possibility of forming composition mixtures at the contact points of subsequent tablets 130, which can contribute to material loss.
- the two layers are coupled or connected to each other along at least two opposite edges thereof, and optionally are detachably attached to each other, utilizing a connection mechanism such as, but not limited to, snap-fit fastener mechanism, bayonet mount, screw fittings, or any structural mechanism similar thereto.
- a connection mechanism such as, but not limited to, snap-fit fastener mechanism, bayonet mount, screw fittings, or any structural mechanism similar thereto.
- the two layers are coupled to each other via a cantilever snap-fit fastener 138 disposed in the vicinity of each one of the two opposite edges of the tablet (Figure 12A), or along the two opposite edges thereof ( Figure 12B).
- the snap-fit fastener can be laser cut or punched and bent from any one of the two layers.
- a method 1000 for providing customized mixtures of aerosols for inhalation by a user comprising step 1010 of providing a vaporization device (e.g., any one of vaporization devices 100-600) as disclosed herein above.
- a vaporization device e.g., any one of vaporization devices 100-600
- the method 1000 further comprises step 1020 of selecting a predetermined or custom compositions mixture formula (e.g., cannabinoids mixture) by the user, via the user interaction portion (e.g., user interaction portion 166) or via an external computing device.
- a predetermined or custom compositions mixture formula e.g., cannabinoids mixture
- the mixture formulas of step 1020 can be predetermined, wherein the formulas of step 1020 are stored within the controller or are transferred thereto via an external computing device.
- the mixture formulas of step 1020 can be custom made by the user or programable according to input received by the user and/or according to user variables (e.g., sex, weight, age, medical history, etc.) entered into the vaporization device via the user interaction portion or the external computing device, as disclosed herein above.
- user variables e.g., sex, weight, age, medical history, etc.
- the user selects a predetermined compositions mixture formula from a plurality of preprogrammed formulas, optionally stored within the vaporization device.
- the user enters user data including user variables (e.g., sex, weight, age, medical history, clinical conditions, etc.) and desired preferences and desired effect to be achieved into the vaporization device, via the user interaction portion.
- the controller analyzes the user data and makes a determination for at least one recommended treatment protocol, based on the analysis performed thereby.
- the controller may output the at least one recommended treatment protocol via the user interaction portion.
- the recommended treatment protocol comprises a combination of compositions 132 from one or more specific tablets 130, thereby forming a custom compositions mixture formula for the user.
- the user can select the custom compositions mixture formula of the recommended treatment protocol or one of the predetermined compositions mixtures stored within the device, and then method 1000 advances to step 1030.
- the method 1000 further comprises step 1030 of actuating the dispensing mechanism (e.g., dispensing mechanisms 108 or 608), thereby dispensing one or more tablets 130 into the vapor generating chamber (e.g., heating chamber 124) or the collecting chamber (e.g., collecting chamber 120), to form the desired combination of compositions 132 therein, according to the predetermined or custom compositions mixture formula selected at step 1020.
- the dispensing mechanism e.g., dispensing mechanisms 108 or 608
- the vapor generating chamber e.g., heating chamber 124) or the collecting chamber (e.g., collecting chamber 120)
- the recommended treatment protocol of step 1020 comprises instructions for the operation of the dispensing mechanism during step 1030, i.e., actuating one or more specific actuators in order to dispense one or more specific tablets 130 (from one or more specific cartridges) into the vapor generating chamber (e.g., heating chamber) or the collecting chamber.
- the method 1000 further comprises step 1040 of forming a vapor mixture within the vapor generating chamber (e.g., heating chamber) or the collecting chamber.
- step 1040 comprises actuating a heating element (e.g., heating elements 125 or 126) and producing heat, thereby transforming the compositions 132 disposed within the tablets 130 into vapor.
- the vapors exits from the tablets and forms a vapor mixture within the heating chamber or the collecting chamber.
- the vapor mixture condenses to form an inhalable aerosol mixture, which is carried via the fluid path towards the mouthpiece of the device.
- the method 1000 further comprises step 1050 of inhaling the aerosol mixture of step 1040 via the mouthpiece (e.g., mouthpiece 150) by the user.
- the mouthpiece e.g., mouthpiece 150
- a vaporization device comprising: a housing defining an internal space, wherein said internal space is configured to accommodate therein at least one cartridge, wherein the at least one cartridge is configured to accommodate therein a plurality of tablets, wherein each tablet comprises a predetermined dose of a composition, and wherein said plurality of tablets are arranged in parallel to each other and one over the other within the cartridge; at least one vapor generating chamber configured to generate vapors therein; a dispensing mechanism comprising at least one actuator configured to enable the dispensing of one tablet at a time from the at least one cartridge into the at least one vapor generating chamber; a power source configured to provide power at least to the controller, the at least one vapor generating chamber, and the dispensing mechanism; a controller configured to control operation of the dispensing mechanism and the vapor generating chamber; and at least one fluid path extending from a ventilation end of a mouthpiece and the at least one vapor generating chamber, wherein said at least one fluid path is configured to enable fluid communication
- Example A2 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example Al, further comprising a user interaction portion comprising one or more of a button, a touch screen, a display screen, LED lights, and combinations thereof.
- Example A3 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1-A2, wherein the power source comprises at least one battery.
- Example A4 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples Al -A3, wherein the at least one cartridge comprises a plurality of tablets disposed therein, wherein each tablet comprises a predetermined dose of a composition, wherein said plurality of tablets are arranged in parallel to each other and one over the other within the cartridge, wherein each tablet comprises a predetermined dose of a composition encapsulated or retained therein, and wherein the composition comprises at least one substance or a plurality of substances selected from the group consisting of: plant, plant extract, water, flavoring material, an aerosol former substance, and combinations thereof.
- Example A5 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A4, wherein the plant extract is selected from: tobacco, nicotine, caffeine, essential oil, cannabis, and combinations thereof.
- Example A6 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1-A5, wherein each one of the plurality of tablets has an elongated 3D shape.
- Example A7 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A6, wherein each one of the plurality of tablets is made of a porous material comprising a plurality pores or holes, wherein the composition is absorbed or encapsulated within the pores thereof.
- Example A8 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A7, wherein each one of the plurality of tablets is made from two layers, a first layer and a second layer, wherein the composition is retained or encapsulated between the two layers.
- Example A9 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A8, wherein both the first layer and the second layer are made from a porous metal or metal alloy support structure comprising a plurality of pores.
- Example A10 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A8, wherein the first layer is made from a continuous metallic sheet devoid of pores, and the second layer is made from a porous metal or metal alloy support structure comprising a plurality of pores.
- Example Al l The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A8, wherein the first layer is made from a continuous metallic sheet devoid of pores, and the second layer is made from a continuous metallic sheet comprising a plurality of holes spaced apart from each other.
- Example A 12 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples Al -Al l, comprising a plurality of cartridges disposed within the internal space, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to enable the dispensing of one tablet at a time from at least one cartridge of the plurality of cartridges.
- Example A13 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A12, wherein each cartridge comprises a cartridge housing which defines an internal cartridge space configured to contain the plurality of tablets therein, wherein each cartridge extends from a bottom first surface towards a top second surface along a cartridge central axis extending through the center thereof, and wherein each cartridge comprises a bottom opening located at the first surface thereof.
- Example A 14 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A13, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises a plurality of actuators, wherein each actuator is coupled to a corresponding cartridge, wherein each actuator is configured to rotate the opening or the cartridge housing of its corresponding cartridge, in order to dispense a single tablet therefrom upon each rotation of the opening.
- Example A15 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A12-A14, wherein the plurality of tablets within each cartridge are stacked one over the other along a central axis, so that a long dimension of each tablet is rotated at an angle selected from about 10°-90° relative to a long dimension of a following tablet.
- Example A 16 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A15, wherein the long dimension of each tablet is positioned or oriented substantially vertically to the long dimension of a following tablet positioned there-above and/or there-below.
- Example A 17 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A 16, wherein the internal cartridge space of each cartridge is 3D elongated cross-shaped, configured to accommodate therein the plurality of tablets which are stacked one over the other in alternating vertical orientations.
- Example Al 8 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A13-A17, wherein the opening located at the first surface of each cartridge has an elongated shape configured to correspond to the shape of each one of the plurality of tablets.
- Example A 19 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A13-A18, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises a pressing element disposed within each cartridge and configured to press the tablets therein downwards towards the opening.
- Example A20 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A 19, wherein the pressing element within each cartridge is further coupled to a pushing member, wherein said pushing member is shaped to fit into the internal cartridge space and to contact an upper tablet disposed therein.
- Example A21 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A14-A20, wherein each actuator is positioned above each corresponding cartridge along the central axis, or in parallel and side by side to at least a portion of the external surface of its corresponding cartridge.
- Example A22 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A14-A21, wherein the at least one vapor generating chamber is a collecting chamber configured to be displaced below the plurality of cartridges and to collect one or more tablets discharged therefrom.
- Example A23 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A14-A21, further comprising at least one collecting chamber configured to be displaced below the plurality of cartridges and to collect one or more tablets discharged therefrom, and to transfer said tablets to the vapor generating chamber.
- Example A24 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A22-A23, further comprising at least one rail and at least one rail actuator, wherein the collecting chamber is coupled to the rail and is configured to be displaced there-along due to the operation of the rail actuator, and wherein the at least one rail actuator is in electrical and/or operative communication with the controller.
- Example A25 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A14-A24, wherein the plurality of cartridges disposed within the internal space are arranged in parallel and side by side to each other, vertically to a longitudinal axis, or wherein the plurality of cartridges are bent relative to the longitudinal axis.
- Example A26 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A25, wherein the plurality of cartridges disposed within the internal space are angularly arranged along a half crescent arc.
- Example 1 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A25, wherein the plurality of cartridges disposed within the internal space are arranged along at least two parallel lines.
- Example A28 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A25, wherein the plurality of cartridges disposed within the internal space are arranged along at least two layers of cartridges, wherein each layer comprises at least one line, wherein each line comprises a plurality of cartridges arranged in parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other.
- Example A29 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A28, further comprising a collecting chamber, rail, and rail actuator below each layer, wherein each collecting chamber is configured to be displaced below the cartridges of each layer and to collect one or more tablets discharged therefrom.
- Example A30 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A25, wherein the plurality of cartridges disposed within the internal space are angularly arranged along a circle therein and are extending radially away from a central axis extending through the center of the device, wherein the vapor generating chamber is a stationery central vapor generating chamber positioned along the central axis at least partially below the plurality of cartridges, wherein the stationery central vapor generating chamber is connected directly to a central channel positioned along the central axis, and wherein the central channel is in fluid communication with the fluid path.
- Example A31 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A30, wherein the plurality of cartridges are bent in an angle a relative to the central axis, wherein the angle a is selected from about 5° to about 80°.
- Example A32 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1-A12, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises at least one actuator coupled to at least one spring within at least one cartridge, wherein the plurality of tablets are entangled within the spring, wherein the at least one cartridge has a 3D elongated box-shaped internal cartridge space, wherein said internal cartridge space is configured to accommodate therein and to correspond to the dimensions and shapes of the plurality of elongated 3D shaped tablets.
- Example A33 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A32, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to rotate the at least one spring within the at least one cartridge, wherein upon the rotating of the at least one spring, the plurality of tablets which are entangled within the spring are displaced downwards along a rotation axis of the spring towards an opening of the at least one cartridge, thereby dispensing one tablet at a time therefrom.
- Example A34 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1-A33, wherein the at least one at least one vapor generating chamber is configured to generate vapors therein via at least one vaporization mechanism selected from the group consisting of vibration energy, thermal energy, electromagnetic radiation, and combinations thereof, and optionally wherein the at least one vapor generating chamber is positioned below the at least one cartridge.
- Example A35 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A34, wherein the at least one vapor generating chamber is a heating chamber comprising at least one heating element disposed therein, wherein the heating chamber is configured to receive one or more tablets discharged from one or more corresponding cartridges, wherein the at least one heating element is configured to provide thermal energy to the one or more tablets disposed within the at least one heating chamber, and wherein the at least one heating chamber is positioned below at least one cartridge.
- the at least one vapor generating chamber is a heating chamber comprising at least one heating element disposed therein, wherein the heating chamber is configured to receive one or more tablets discharged from one or more corresponding cartridges, wherein the at least one heating element is configured to provide thermal energy to the one or more tablets disposed within the at least one heating chamber, and wherein the at least one heating chamber is positioned below at least one cartridge.
- Example A36 The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1-A35, for use in providing to a user in need thereof customized mixtures of aerosols via pulmonary delivery, for treating or suppressing a disease or a disorder selected from the group consisting of cancer, chronic pain, migraine, and a combination thereof, and/or for wellness and/or recreation uses.
- Example Bl A method for providing at least one customized mixture of aerosols for pulmonary delivery, the method comprising: a) providing the vaporization device according to any one of examples A1-A35; b) selecting a compositions mixture formula, optionally via the user interaction portion; c) actuating the dispensing mechanism, thereby dispensing one or more tablets into the vapor generating chamber or the collecting chamber, to form a desired combination of compositions therein, according to the compositions mixture formula of step b); and d) forming a vapor mixture within the vapor generating chamber or the collecting chamber, wherein said vapor condenses to form an inhalable aerosol mixture therein or within another portion of the device.
- Example B2 The method of any example herein, particularly example Bl, further comprising step e) inhaling the aerosol mixture of step d) via the mouthpiece by the user.
- Example Cl A method for treating or suppressing a disease or a disorder selected from the group consisting of cancer, chronic pain, migraine, and a combination thereof, wherein the method comprises providing customized mixtures of aerosols for inhalation by a user in need thereof, according to the method of any one of claims examples B1-B2.
- Example DI A method for using inhalable aerosols for wellness and/or recreation purposes, wherein the method comprises providing customized mixtures of aerosols for inhalation by a user in need thereof, according to the method of any one of examples B1-B2.
- Example El A tablet for use with a vaporization device, the tablet comprises a predetermined dose of a composition encapsulated or retained therein, wherein the tablet has an elongated 3D shape having at least two opposing elongated sides, wherein at least one elongated side has a plurality of pores or holes, wherein the composition comprises at least one substance or a plurality of substances selected from the group consisting of: plant, plant extract, water, flavoring material, an aerosol former substance, and combinations thereof.
- Example E2 The tablet of any example herein, particularly example El, wherein the tablet is made of a porous metal or metal alloy material comprising a plurality pores, wherein the composition is absorbed or encapsulated within the pores thereof.
- Example E3 The tablet of any example herein, particularly example El, wherein the tablet is made from two layers, a first layer and a second layer, wherein the composition is retained or encapsulated between the two layers, wherein both the first layer and the second layer are made from a porous metal or metal alloy support structure comprising a plurality of pores.
- Example E4 The tablet of any example herein, particularly example El, wherein the tablet is made from two layers, a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is made from a continuous metallic sheet devoid of pores, and the second layer is made from a porous metal or metal alloy support structure comprising a plurality of pores.
- Example E5. The tablet of any example herein, particularly example El, wherein the tablet is made from two layers, a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is made from a continuous metallic sheet devoid of pores, and the second layer is made from a continuous metallic sheet comprising a plurality of holes spaced apart from each other.
- Example E6 The tablet of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E3- E5, wherein the two layers are coupled or connected to each other along at least two opposite edges thereof, thereby forming at least two opposing bent connections therebetween protruding above the second layer thereof.
- Example E7 The tablet of any example herein, particularly any one of examples El- E6, wherein the plant extract is selected from: tobacco, nicotine, caffeine, essential oil, cannabis, and combinations thereof.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to the field of vaporization devices. Specifically, the present invention relates to a vaporization device having a discrete dosing cartridge which enables to provide a discrete predetermined dose of a chemical or liquid for evaporation and inhalation, and optionally provide various blends of doses thereof.
Description
VAPORIZATION DEVICE HAVING DISCRETE DOSING CARTRIDGES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to the field of vaporization devices. Specifically, the present invention relates to a vaporization device having discrete dosing cartridges which enables to provide discrete predetermined doses of chemicals or liquids for pulmonary delivery.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vaporization or inhaler devices are typically used for pulmonary delivery of a substance, such as for example nicotine, tobacco, or cannabis.
[003] Today, there are inhaler devices which can provide predetermined or metered doses of substances for the pulmonary delivery thereof. For example, US Pat. No. 9,802,011 discloses devices and methods for preparing, managing, and/or administering metered doses of substances for vaporized administration, wherein dose cartridges includes at least one botanical substance include a heating element integrated into the cartridge in close contact with the botanical substance.
[004] However, there are some drawbacks associated with the existing devices, such as complex moving elements, lack of substance mixing from different cartridges, fixed and non- adjustable doses, and the like.
[005] Thus, there is an ongoing need to provide a vaporization device which can provide discrete or predetermined doses of various chemicals or liquids for pulmonary delivery.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] The present disclosure is directed toward a vaporization device comprising a novel dispensing mechanism which enables to provide discrete or dynamic and/or predetermined doses of compositions for pulmonary delivery.
[007] Thus, according to a certain aspect, there is provided a vaporization device comprising: a housing defining an internal space, wherein said internal space is configured to accommodate therein at least one cartridge, wherein the at least one cartridge is configured to accommodate therein a plurality of tablets, wherein each tablet comprises a predetermined dose of a composition, and wherein said plurality of tablets are arranged in parallel to each other and one over the other within the cartridge, at least one vapor generating chamber configured to generate vapors therein; a dispensing mechanism comprising at least one actuator configured to enable the dispensing of one tablet at a time from the at least one cartridge into the at least one vapor generating chamber; a power source configured to provide power at least to the controller, the at least one vapor generating chamber, and the dispensing mechanism; a controller configured to control operation of the dispensing mechanism and the vapor generating chamber; and at least one fluid path extending from a ventilation end of a mouthpiece and the at least one vapor generating chamber, wherein said at least one fluid path is configured to enable fluid communication therethrough.
[008] According to another aspect, there is provided a tablet for use with a vaporization device, the tablet comprises a predetermined dose of a composition encapsulated or retained therein, wherein the tablet has an elongated 3D shape having at least two opposing elongated sides, wherein at least one elongated side has a plurality of pores or holes, wherein the composition comprises at least one substance or a plurality of substances selected from the group consisting of: plant, plant extract, water, flavoring material, an aerosol former substance, and combinations thereof.
[009] Certain embodiments of the present invention may include some, all, or none of the above advantages. Further advantages may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein. Aspects and embodiments of the invention are further described in the specification herein below and in the appended claims.
[010] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, governs. As used
herein, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" mean "at least one" or "one or more" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[Oil] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, but not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other advantages or improvements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[012] Some embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying figures. The description, together with the figures, makes apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art how some embodiments may be practiced. The figures are for the purpose of illustrative description and no attempt is made to show structural details of an embodiment in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention. For the sake of clarity, some objects depicted in the figures are not to scale.
[013] In the Figures:
[014] Figures 1A-1B show views in perspective of a vaporization device 100, according to some embodiments.
[015] Figure 1C show a cross sectional side view of the vaporization device 100 of Figures 1A-B, according to some embodiments.
[016] Figure ID show a view in perspective of the vaporization device 100 of Figure 1C, illustrating the inner components within the device, according to some embodiments.
[017] Figure 2 A show an exploded view in perspective of a portion of a cartridge 112, according to some embodiments.
[018] Figure 2B show an exploded view in perspective of a cartridge 112, according to some embodiments.
[019] Figure 2C show a cross-sectional view of a cartridge 112, according to some embodiments.
[020] Figures 2D-2E show bottom views of opening 116 of cartridge 112, according to some embodiments.
[021] Figures 2F-2G show an exploded view in perspective and a view in perspective, respectively, of a cartridge 112 and an actuator 118, according to some embodiments.
[022] Figure 3A show a view in perspective of a vaporization device 100, illustrating some of the inner components within the device, according to some embodiments.
[023] Figure 3B show a cross sectional top view of the vaporization device 100 of Figure 2A, according to some embodiments.
[024] Figures 4A-4B show a view in perspective and a cross sectional top view of a portion of the inner components of device 100, respectfully, according to some embodiments.
[025] Figures 5A-5B show views in perspective of a vaporization device 200, illustrating some of the inner components within the device, according to some embodiments.
[026] Figures 6A-6B show views in perspective of a vaporization device 300, illustrating some of the inner components within the device, according to some embodiments.
[027] Figures 7A-7C show a vaporization device 400 and illustrates some of the inner components thereof: a view in perspective (Figure 7A); cross sectional top view (Figure 7B), and a side view (Figure 7C), according to some embodiments.
[028] Figures 8A-8C show a vaporization device 500 and illustrates some of the inner components thereof: a view in perspective (Figure 8A); top view (Figure 8B), and a side view (Figure 8C), according to some embodiments.
[029] Figure 9A show a view in perspective of at least a portion of a dispensing mechanism 608 of a device 600, according to some embodiments.
[030] Figure 9B show a view in perspective of the dispensing mechanism of Figure 9A, illustrating inner components thereof, according to some embodiments.
[031] Figure 9C show a cross-sectional view of the dispensing mechanism of Figures 9A-B, according to some embodiments.
[032] Figure 9D show a plurality of tablets 130 entangled within a spring 619, according to some embodiments.
[033] Figures 10A-10B show views in perspective of porous tablets 130, according to some embodiments.
[034] Figures 11A-1 IB show different views in perspective of a tablet 130, according to some embodiments.
[035] Figures 12A-12B show different views in perspective of a tablet 130, according to some embodiments.
[036] Figures 13A-13B show different views in perspective of a tablet 130, according to some embodiments.
[037] Figure 14 illustrates a method 1000 for providing customized mixtures of aerosols for inhalation, according to some embodiments
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
[038] The present disclosure is directed toward a vaporization device comprising discrete dosing cartridges and a novel dispensing mechanism which enables to provide a single predetermined dose and/or a mixture of predetermined doses of compositions for pulmonary delivery, wherein optionally the compositions comprise different types of materials having various different properties (e.g., viscosities, boiling points, etc.), while preventing producing toxins or burning composition ingredients. Specifically, said compositions may contain various
plant extracts such as for a non-limiting example, different strands of cannabinoids, wherein the inhalation of the vapors thereof can result in various therapeutic effects.
[039] In the following description, various aspects of the disclosure will be described. For the purpose of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the different aspects of the disclosure. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the disclosure may be practiced without specific details being presented herein. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the disclosure.
[040] Throughout the figures of the drawings, different superscripts for the same reference numerals are used to denote different embodiments of the same elements. Embodiments of the disclosed devices and systems may include any combination of different embodiments of the same elements. Specifically, any reference to an element without a superscript may refer to any alternative embodiment of the same element denoted with a superscript. In order to avoid undue clutter from having too many reference numbers and lead lines on a particular drawing, some components will be introduced via one or more drawings and not explicitly identified in every subsequent drawing that contains that component.
[041] In recent years, the use of medical cannabis (termed ‘MC’) for the treatment of chronic pain has emerged, along with an increase in demand and use by migraine patients. The cannabis plant contains hundreds of different active components including phytocannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. While Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are among the most well-known phytocannabinoids, others are likely to have biological activity as well. It is known that single cannabinoids have been shown to exert biological activity, Cannabis synergy, also known as the “entourage effect”, in which the combination of a variety of “minor cannabinoids” and Cannabis terpenoids markedly increase the activity of the primary endogenous cannabinoids. The multi-compound entourage effect suggests that studies examining the role of single-molecule cannabinoids in disease may not necessarily capture the synergies in multi-compound MC treatment. To add to the complexity of MC treatment with multiple compounds, there are hundreds of different cannabis chemovars, each having its own unique chemical composition. Thus, Cannabis-bas d compositions and/or mixtures containing
combinations of different cannabinoids can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical applications in order to obtain high medical efficacy, relative to the use of a single strain of cannabinoid, for example as disclosed in detail at International Pub. No. WO 2020161715.
[042] Furthermore, various plant extracts, such as extracts from Levander or chamomile plants, also have known and beneficial therapeutic properties. The inhalation of various plant extracts can be also used for wellness or recreation uses such as improving focus, improving sleep, regenerating energy levels, reducing anxiety, reducing or suppressing depression, and the like.
[043] In order to provide a personalized blend or mixture of doses of compositions, preferably including a plurality of various types of cannabinoids which are present in the composition in relative amounts that are substantially identical to their relative amounts in the Cannabis extract, and thus can provide a variety of therapeutic beneficial effects, it is required to heat different ingredients separately to different boiling/vaping temperatures, which may not overlap. Alternatively or additionally, the compositions may include other plant extracts useful for wellness or recreation uses, as well as optionally having therapeutic effects.
[044] Furthermore, it can be challenging to mix different types of compositions for pulmonary delivery in a single cartridge of a vaporization device, since different types of substances can have different properties (e.g., viscosities), and therefore not easily form a homogeneous mixture. Moreover, different ingredients of compositions or mixtures, such as essential oils, nicotine, tobacco, and various plant extracts (e.g., cannabinoids or other Cannabis extracts), each have different boiling or vaporization temperatures.
[045] For example, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a principal psychoactive type of cannabinoid, which has various therapeutic effects and may assist in alleviating symptoms of pain and other physical discomfort. THC is often vaped at a temperature of about 155-160 °C. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another type of cannabinoid, which is non-psychoactive and has various therapeutic effects, including anti-convulsant (suppresses epileptic seizures), anti-cancer (hampers the growth of tumor cells), anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties (fights against neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease). Studies also show that CBD
alleviates anxiety and depression. CBD is often vaped at a temperature of about 160-180 °C. Cannabidol (CBN) is a byproduct which is formed during THC degradation. CBN has various therapeutic effects and was found useful in inducing sleep, thus making it a good drug for users suffering from insomnia. CBN is often vaped at a temperature of about 185 °C.
[046] Similarly, chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind. The dried flowers of chamomile contain many terpenoids and flavonoids contributing to its medicinal properties (Srivastava, J. K., at al., Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. Molecular medicine reports, 3(6), (2010) 895-901). Inhalation of the vaporized essential oils derived from chamomile flowers is recommended to relieve anxiety, general depression, and the like, and can be vaporized at temperatures greater than about 30 °C.
[047] Compositions for vaporization and subsequent inhalation (i.e., pulmonary delivery) can also include various types of essential oils, which consists of different components such as terpenoid hydrocarbons, oxygenated terpenes and sesquiterpenes, which are responsible for the characteristic aroma/smell of the induced vapors. Different types of essential oils vary in their properties (e.g., boiling points, viscosities, etc.) and each contain a variety of different terpenes (which are the fragrance molecules).
[048] Therefore, it is problematic to heat and vaporize compositions or preprepared mixtures as disclosed above in a single cartridge and optionally at a specific temperature, which may result in the burning thereof, such that the beneficial effects of the compositions are not obtained, and the burned ingredients can be toxic, harmful and have an unpleasant taste. Furthermore, a single cartridge does not enable to form customized doses and mixtures of different cannabinoids mixtures for achieving various therapeutic effects, and does not enable to form customize mixtures according to different user preferences.
[049] Accordingly, in some embodiments, in order to maintain the synergy between different Cannabis constituents, known as the entourage effect, the present invention provides a vaporization device comprising a plurality of discrete dosing cartridges and a novel dispensing mechanism which enables to provide discrete or predetermined doses of different compositions for pulmonary delivery. The cartridges can comprise different composition comprising one or
more strand(s) of different cannabinoid(s) having different properties (e.g., various boiling points and viscosities), in order to enable to form customized blends thereof for a single combined inhalation by a user, while preventing producing toxins or burning composition ingredients.
[050] Reference is now made to Figures 1A-4B. Figures 1A-1B show views in perspective of a vaporization device 100, according to some embodiments. Figure 1C shows a cross sectional side view of the vaporization device 100 of Figures 1A-1B, according to some embodiments. Figure ID show a view in perspective of the vaporization device 100 of Figure 1C, illustrating the inner components within the device, according to some embodiments. Figure 2 A show an exploded view in perspective of a portion of a cartridge 112, according to some embodiments. Figure 2B show an exploded view in perspective of a cartridge 112, according to some embodiments. Figure 2C show a cross-sectional view of a cartridge 112, according to some embodiments. Figures 2D-2E show bottom views of an opening 116, according to some embodiments. Figures 2F-2G show an exploded view in perspective and a view in perspective, respectively, of a cartridge 112 and an actuator 118, according to some embodiments. Figure 3A show a view in perspective of a vaporization device 100, illustrating some of the inner components within the device, according to some embodiments. Figure 3B show a cross sectional top view of the vaporization device 100 of Figure 2 A, according to some embodiments. Figures 4A-4B show a view in perspective and a cross sectional top view of a portion of the inner components of device 100, respectfully, according to some embodiments.
[051] According to a first aspect, there is provided a vaporization device 100 comprising a mouthpiece 150 connected to a housing 110, wherein the housing 110 accommodates therein: a plurality of discrete dosing cartridges 112, a dispensing mechanism 108, a power source 140, and a controller 160.
[052] According to some embodiments, the housing 110 defines an internal space 113 therein, wherein the plurality of discrete dosing cartridges 112 are disposed within said internal space 113.
[053] According to other embodiments, housing 110 of device 100 is shaped as a box having round tips or edges, as illustrated at Figures 1A-1B, so that the plurality of discrete dosing cartridges 112 are disposed within the internal space 113 along one or more parallel lines. However, it is to be understood that the housing 110 of device 100 can be shaped in any three-dimensional (3D) suitable form or structure, such as a sphere, ellipsoid, box, cylinder, or any other suitable polyhedron in the art. Each possibility represents a different embodiment.
[054] According to some embodiments, the housing 110 comprises a first wall I l la positioned substantially in parallel to a second wall 111b, and at least one third wall 111c extending between the first and the second walls and defining the internal space 113 therebetween. According to further embodiments, the at least one third wall 111c comprises a plurality of walls. According to some embodiments, the first wall I l la and/or the second wall 111b are positioned substantially in parallel to a longitudinal axis 101. According to some embodiments, the at least one third wall 111c is positioned substantially in parallel to a vertical axis 102, which is positioned vertically to the longitudinal axis 101.
[055] As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of a characteristic property. For example, a substantially parallel surface or wall may be a parallel surface, or a surface that is inclined in an angle that is bellow about 5°.
[056] According to some embodiments, the device 100 comprises a plurality of discrete dosing cartridges 112 disposed therein, wherein each cartridge 112 comprises a plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein, wherein each tablet 130 comprises a predetermined or discrete dose of a composition 132.
[057] As used herein, the term "discrete dosing cartridge" refers to a cartridge intended for a limited number of uses, by enabling to dispense one tablet 130 at a time, wherein each tablet contains a discrete or predetermined dose of a composition 132 disposed therein. The cartridge can be refilled or replaced after dispensing several tablets and/or after the emptying thereof.
[058] According to some embodiments, each tablet 130 comprises a predetermined or discrete dose of a composition 132 disposed therein (illustrated at Figures 10A-10B below). According to some embodiments, each tablet 130 comprises a predetermined or discrete dose of a
composition 132 adhered thereto. According to some embodiments, each tablet 130 comprises a predetermined or discrete dose of a composition 132 stored or contained or retained therewithin.
[059] According to some embodiments, following the dispensing of at least part of the tablets 130 disposed within at least one cartridge 112 of device 100, said cartridge 112 can be refilled with new tablets 130. Alternatively or additionally, said cartridge 112 can be replaced with a new cartridge.
[060] According to some embodiments, the composition 132 is in liquid form. According to some embodiments, the composition 132 is in a powder form. According to some embodiments, the composition 132 is formed from small adhering particles such a granulated substance. According to some embodiments, the composition 132 is in a highly viscous form (i.e., paste or gel). According to some embodiments, the composition 132 comprises at least one substance which can vaporize under the application of heat within the device 100. For example, the substance vaporizes at a temperature within the range of 80 - 300 °C, or within another range having the same, higher, lower, intermediate and/or intermediate bounds.
[061] According to some embodiments, each tablet 130 comprises a predetermined or discrete dose of the composition 132, wherein said dose is selected from the range of about 1 nanoliter - 100 microliters. In further embodiments, the dose is selected from the range of about 1 - 1000 nanoliters. In further embodiments, the dose is selected from the range of about 20 - 200 nanoliters.
[062] As used herein, the term “plurality” means two or more.
[063] As used herein, the term “dose” refers to the predetermined volume or amount of the composition 132 which is stored or contained within each tablet 130. Different tablets 130 may contain the same or different doses.
[064] According to some embodiments, the composition 132 comprises at least one plant extract or a plurality of plant extracts. The at least one plant extract can be selected from Levander, chamomile, cannabinoid, other known plant extracts, and combinations thereof.
Each possibility represents a different embodiment. According to a specific embodiment, the at least one plant extract of composition 132 comprises at least one strand of cannabinoid.
[065] According to some embodiments, the composition 132 comprises at least one substance which may comprise one or more essential oils selected from the group consisting of Eucalyptus oil such as Eucalyptus Globulus oil, Peppermint oil, Lime oil (and other citrus oils), Tea Tree oil, Juniper oil, Almond oil, Anise oil, Buchu oil, Celery oil, Cumin oil, Nutmeg oil, Cassia oil, Cinnamon oil, Sassafras oil, Camphor oil, Cedar oil, Rosewood oil, Sandalwood oil, Agarwood oil, Galangal oil, Ginger oil, Basil oil, Bay leaf oil, Buchu oil, Cinnamon oil, Sage oil, Guava oil, Lemon grass oil, Melaleuca oil, Oregano oil, Patchouli oil, Pine oil, Rosemary oil, Spearmint oil, Thyme oil, Tsuga oil, Wintergreen oil, Benzoin oil, Copaiba oil, Frankincense oil, Myrrh oil, Cannabis oil, Chamomile oil, Clary sage oil, Clove oil, Geranium oil, other botanical oils, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represent a different embodiment.
[066] According to some embodiments, the composition 132 comprises at least one plant substance (e.g., mushrooms).
[067] According to some embodiments, the composition 132 comprises at least one substance comprising at least one type or strand of cannabinoid, or a plurality of strands of cannabinoids. According to some embodiments, the composition 132 comprises a plurality of substances comprising a plurality of cannabinoids. According to some embodiments, a plurality of tablets 130 (from the same or different cartridge(s) 112) forms a mixture of compositions 132, said mixture comprises a plurality of cannabinoids which are present in the Cannabis extract, said plurality of cannabinoids are in relative amounts which are substantially identical to their relative amounts in the Cannabis extract, thus enabling to maintain the entourage effect.
[068] In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is selected from the group consisting of: cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinolic acid (CBNA), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabicitran, and a mixture or combination thereof. Each possibility represents
a separate embodiment. In one embodiment, the plurality of cannabinoids comprises at least two of the aforementioned cannabinoids, for example 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or all 11 cannabinoids. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment. In some embodiments, the plurality of cannabinoids further comprises at least one of tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabigerol (CBG), sesquicannabigerol (sesqui-CBG), sesquicannabigerolic acid (sesqui- CBGA), CBGA-C4, CBG-C4, cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA), cannabigerivarin (CBGV), cannabigerorcinic acid (CBGOA), cannabigerorcin (CBGO), cannabigerolic acid monomethyl ether (CBGMA), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabicyclolic acid (CBLA), THCA-C4, THC-C4, tetrahydrocannabivarin carboxylic acid (THCVA), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), tetrahydrocannabiorcolic acid (THCOA), tetrahydrocannabiorcol (THCO), THCMA, THCM, CBDA-C4 , CBD-C4, cannabidiorcolic acid (CBDOA), cannabidiorcol (CBDO), cannabidiolic acid monomethyl ether (CBDMA), cannabidiol monomethylether (CBDM), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabichromevarinic acid (CBCVA), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabiorchromenic acid (CBCOA), cannabiorchromene (CBCO), cannabinolic acid (CBNA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinol-C4 (CBN-C4), cannabivarinic acid (CBNVA), cannabivarin (CBNV), cannabiorcolic acid (CBNOA), cannabiorcol (CBNO), CBNA-8-OH, CBN-8-OH, cannabinol methylether (CBNM), cannabielsoin acid (CBEA), cannabielsoin (CBE), cannabielsoic acid (CBEVA), cannabielsoin (CBEV), cannabinodiolic acid (CBNDA), cannabinodiol (CBND), cannabinodivarinic acid (CBNDVA), (-)-A8-trans- tetrahydrocannabinol (A8-THC), cannabitriol-1 (CBT-1), CBT-2, CBT-3, CBTA-1, CBTA-3, cannabitriolvarin (CBTV), CBTV-3, and a mixture or combination thereof. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment.
[069] According to some embodiments, the composition 132 within a single tablet 130 or within a plurality of tablets 130 further comprises other substances extracted from a plant in the genus Cannabis, for example at least one of terpenes, terpenoids, flavonoids, nitrogenous compounds, amino acids, proteins, glycoproteins, sugars, hydrocarbons, fatty acids, esters, lactones, steroids, non-cannabinoid phenols, and a mixture or combination thereof. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment.
[070] According to some embodiments, the composition 132 within a single tablet 130 or within a plurality of tablets 130 (from the same or different cartridge(s) 112) comprises one or more substances selected from the group consisting of: plant (e.g., mushrooms), plant extract (e.g., tobacco, nicotine, caffeine, at least one type of cannabinoid, at least one type of essential oil, etc.), water, carrier material, flavoring material, an aerosol former substance, and combinations thereof. According to some embodiments, the composition 132 within a single tablet 130 or within a plurality of tablets 130 (from the same or different cartridge(s) 112) comprises one or more substances selected from the group consisting of: tobacco, nicotine, caffeine, at least one type of essential oil, at least one type of cannabinoid, water, carrier material, flavoring material, an aerosol former substance, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment. According to some embodiments, the aerosol former substance comprises propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycol (VG), other suitable substances known in the art, and combination thereof.
[071] According to some embodiments, two or more of the plurality of tablets 130 disposed within a single cartridge 112 comprise the same composition 132. According to some embodiments, each one of the plurality of tablets 130 disposed within a single cartridge 112 comprise the same composition 132. According to some embodiments, some of the tablets 130 disposed within a cartridge 112 may comprise the same or different compositions 132.
[072] According to some embodiments, following or subsequent cartridges 112 may contain tablets 130 having different compositions 132 from each other. According to some embodiments, some cartridges 112 comprise tablets 130 having compositions 132 which are different from compositions 132 within tablets 130 in other cartridges 112.
[073] According to some embodiments, each cartridge 112 comprises a plurality of tablets 130 all having the same composition 132 disposed therein, wherein the composition within tablets 130 within a following cartridge 112 are different therefrom. For example, a first cartridge 112 can comprise a plurality of tablets 130 all comprising a first composition 132 therein, wherein a second cartridge 112 positioned next and in parallel thereto can comprise a plurality of tablets 130 all comprising a second composition 132 therein, wherein the first and the second compositions are different from each other.
[074] According to some embodiments, the plurality of discrete dosing cartridges 112 are disposed in parallel to each other within the internal space 113 of the device 100 and substantially in parallel to the vertical axis 102 and/or vertically to the longitudinal axis 101, as illustrated at Figures 1A-1D.
[075] According to some embodiments, the plurality of cartridges 112 are coupled or attached to at least a portion of the internal space 113 of the device 100, so that each cartridge 112 is immobilized or is stationary in place.
[076] According to some embodiments, each cartridge 112 is externally shaped as a cylinder, as illustrated at Figure 2A. However, it is to be understood that each cartridge 112 can be shaped in any three dimensional (3D) suitable form or structure, such as a sphere, ellipsoid, box, or any other suitable polyhedron in the art. Each possibility represents a different embodiment.
[077] According to some embodiments, each cartridge 112 extends from a bottom first surface 114a towards a top second surface 114b along a cartridge central axis 103 extending through the center thereof. According to some embodiments, each cartridge 112 comprises a cartridge housing 115 which defines an internal cartridge space 117 configured to contain the plurality of tablets 130 therein. According to some embodiments, each cartridge 112 comprises a bottom opening 116 located at the first surface 114a thereof.
[078] According to some embodiments, each cartridge 112 comprises a cartridge bottom member 116a comprising the bottom first surface 114a of the cartridge 112. According to some embodiments, the cartridge bottom member 116a extends from the bottom first surface 114a of the cartridge 112. According to some embodiments, the cartridge bottom member 116a comprises the bottom opening 116 extending therethrough. According to some embodiments, the bottom opening 116 extends through the cartridge bottom member 116a.
[079] According to some embodiments, the device 100 comprises a dispensing mechanism 108 comprising at least one actuator 118 configured to enable the release or the dispensing of one tablet 130 at a time. According to some embodiments, the device 100 comprises at least one actuator 118 configured to rotate or displace the opening 116 of at least one cartridge 112
of the plurality of cartridges 112 disposed therein. In further embodiments, at least one actuator 118 is configured to rotate or displace (simultaneously or in turn) a plurality of openings 116 of a corresponding plurality of cartridges 112. According to some embodiments, the at least one actuator 118 is configured to rotate or displace the cartridge bottom member 116a of at least one cartridge 112, thereby rotating the opening 116 extending therethrough. According to other embodiments, the at least one actuator 118 is configured to rotate or displace the cartridge housing 115 of at least one cartridge 112 of the plurality of cartridges 112.
[080] According to other embodiments, the device 100 or specifically the dispensing mechanism 108 comprises a plurality of actuators 118, wherein each actuator 118 is coupled to a corresponding cartridge 112, wherein each actuator 118 is configured to rotate or displace the opening 116 or the cartridge housing 115 of each corresponding cartridge 112, as illustrated at Figures 2D-2E. According to some embodiments, each actuator 118 is configured to rotate or displace the corresponding cartridge bottom member 116a thereof, thereby rotating the opening 116 extending therethrough.
[081] The term "actuator", as used herein, refers to any mechanical or powered actuator known in the art for providing rotational motion, such as an electric motor, a solenoid, and the like.
[082] According to some embodiments, each actuator 118 comprises a joint 118a which is coupled to one or more gears which are coupled to cartridge bottom member 116a (see Figure 2F). According to further embodiments, the actuation or operation of the actuator 118 is configured to generate the rotation of the joint 118a, which transmits the rotation of the gears (not shown), causing the rotation of the bottom member 116a and the opening 116 extending therethrough.
[083] According to a specific embodiment, the second surface 114b of each cartridge 112 is coupled to each corresponding actuator 118. In some embodiments, each actuator 118 is positioned above and/or is coupled to the second surface 114b of each corresponding cartridge 112 along the central axis 103, as illustrated for example at Figures 1C-1D or 2F-2G.
[084] According to alternative embodiments, the joint 118a of each actuator 118 is coupled to the cartridge housing 115 of each corresponding cartridge 112. According to further embodiments, each bottom member 116a and the opening 116 extending therethrough is stationary. According to still further embodiments, the actuation or operation of the actuator 118 is configured to generate the rotation of the joint 118a, which transmits the rotation of the cartridge housing 115.
[085] According to some embodiments, the internal cartridge space 117 of each cartridge 112 comprises a plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein, wherein the plurality of tablets 130 are arranged one over the other and extends from a lowest bottom tablet 130a to a highest upper tablet 130b, as illustrated for example at Figure 2B or 2C. In some embodiments, the bottom tablet 130a is in the vicinity of the cartridge bottom member 116a and/or the first surface 114a of the cartridge 112 and/or the opening 116 thereof, and is the closest tablet thereto. In some embodiments, the upper tablet 130b is in the vicinity of the second surface 114b of the cartridge 112 and/or the actuator 118, and is the closest tablet thereto.
[086] As used herein, the terms “vicinity” or "proximity" are interchangeable, and refers to a distance within a radius of less than about 30 mm of a given three-dimensional (3D) space. According to some embodiments, the terms “vicinity” or "proximity" refers to a distance within a radius of less than about 10 mm, preferably less than about 5 mm, more preferably less than about 1 mm, or even more preferably less than about 0.1 mm of a given 3D space. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.
[087] As used herein, the term "lowest" in the context of the lowest tablet 130 within a cartridge 112 refers to the tablet closest or in the highest proximity or vicinity to the first surface 114a of said cartridge 112, relative to the other tablets within said cartridge.
[088] According to some embodiments, each one of the plurality of tablets 130 (within each cartridge 112) has an elongated 3D shape (e.g., such as a box, cylinder, ellipsoid, etc.), i.e., the long dimension thereof (e.g., length) is greater than the short dimension (e.g., width or diameter) thereof. For a non-limiting example, the length of said elongated tablets 130 may be at least 1.5 times, at least two times, at least three times, at least five times, or more, greater
than of the width or diameter thereof. According to a specific embodiment, each one of the plurality of tablets 130 is shaped as an elongated 3D rectangle optionally having rounds edges (e.g., a box), as illustrated for example at Figure 2B.
[089] According to some embodiments, the plurality of tablets 130 within each cartridge 112 are arranged one over the other along the central axis 103, so that the long dimension of each tablet 130 is rotated at an angle selected from about 10°-90° relative to the long dimension of a following tablet 130.
[090] According to a specific embodiment, the plurality of tablets 130 within each cartridge 112 are stacked one over the other along the central axis 103 in alternating orientations, so that each tablet 130 is oriented or rotated at a 90° angle relative to the following tablet 130, as illustrated at Figure 2B. According to some embodiments, the plurality of tablets 130 within each cartridge 112 are stacked one over the other along the central axis 103, so that the long dimension of each tablet 130 is positioned substantially vertically to the long dimension of the following tablet 130 positioned there-above and/or there-below. According to some embodiments, the plurality of tablets 130 are disposed at a criss-cross arrangement placed one over the other within each cartridge 112.
[091] According to a specific embodiment, the internal cartridge space 117 within each cartridge 112 is 3D elongated cross-shaped, configured to accommodate therein the plurality of tablets 130 which are stacked one over the other in alternating vertical orientations as disclosed above, as illustrated for example at Figures 2A-2B. However, it is to be understood that the internal cartridge space 117 can be shaped in any three-dimensional (3D) form or structure suitable to accommodate therein the plurality of tablets 130 arranged as disclosed above, such as an ellipsoid, box, cylinder, or any other suitable polyhedron in the art. Each possibility represents a different embodiment.
[092] According to some embodiments, the internal cartridge space 117 within each cartridge 112 is 3D elongated cross-shaped, and is configured to correspond to the dimensions and shapes of the plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein, which are stacked one over the other in alternating vertical orientations. In further embodiments, the shape and dimensions of the
internal cartridge space 117 within each cartridge 112 is adapted to enable the easy insertion of the plurality of tablets 130 thereto, but prevents the inner movement or rotation of any one tablet 130 of the plurality of tablets 130 disposed there-inside along a direction or plane which is vertical to the cartridge central axis 103. In further such embodiments, the plurality of tablets 130 disposed within the internal cartridge space 117 can move up and down along the cartridge central axis 103, but are prevented from rotating vertically to the cartridge central axis 103, due the dimensions and shape of the internal cartridge space 117.
[093] According to some embodiments, the opening 116 located at the first surface 114a of each cartridge 112 has an elongated shape configured to correspond to the shape of each one of the plurality of tablets 130, and to enable each tablet 130 to pass or be transferred therethrough. According to a specific embodiment, each opening 116 is shaped as an elongated rectangle having round edges as illustrated for example at Figures 2A-2B, configured to enable the elongated 3D rectangle- shaped tablet 130 to pass therethrough.
[094] According to some embodiments, upon receiving commands from the controller 160, the at least one actuator 118 is configured to rotate at least one of the opening 116 located at the first surface 114a, the cartridge bottom member 116a, or the cartridge housing 115 of at least one cartridge 112, so as to enable a single tablet 130 (i.e., bottom tablet 130a) to exit from the internal cartridge space 117 thereof at a time, while simultaneously pressing the remaining tablets 130 within said cartridge 112 downwards towards the opening 116 thereof. In further embodiments, the at least one actuator 118 is configured to rotate the openings 116 located at the first surfaces 114a or the cartridge housings 115 of the plurality of cartridges 112, so as to enable a single tablet 130 to be dispensed from the internal cartridge space 117 of each cartridge 112 separately one at a time, while simultaneously pressing the remaining tablets 130 downwards towards the openings 116 within each cartridge 112 which released a tablet 130 from the opening 116 thereof. In some embodiments, the shape of the opening 116 is aligned each time with the shape of the lowest tablet 130 disposed within the cartridges 112 closest to the first surface 114a thereof, while preventing the subsequent tablet 130 from passing therethrough due to its rotated orientation and the shape thereof.
[095] After the dispensing of a bottom tablet 130a from the internal cartridge space 117 of a cartridge 112, a new bottom tablet 130a (the following tablet) is prevented from also being dispensed therefrom, since the shape thereof is aligned vertically relative to the shape and alignment of the opening 116, and therefore becomes physically lodged within the cartridge 112 due to the alignment and shape thereof. Thus, the remaining tablets 130 disposed within said cartridge 112 are prevented from further being dispensed therefrom, until the next rotation of the opening 116 to align the shape thereof with the shape of the new bottom tablet 130a. In this way, the shape of the rotating opening 116 and the alignment of the tablets 130 within the cartridge 112 enables to dispense a single tablet therefrom at a time.
[096] Alternatively, the remaining tablets 130 disposed within said cartridge 112 are prevented from further being dispensed therefrom, until the next rotation of the cartridge housing 115, which rotates the plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein, until the next lowest tablet 130 aligns with the shape of the stationary opening 116. In this way, the shape of the stationary opening 116 and the alignment of the tablets 130 within the rotating cartridge housing 115 of each cartridge 112 enables to dispense a single tablet therefrom at a time.
[097] According to a specific embodiment, upon receiving commands from the controller 160, at least one actuator 118 from the plurality of actuators 118 within the device 100 is configured to rotate the opening 116 (or the cartridge bottom member 116a) or the cartridge housing 115 of a corresponding cartridge 112, to enable the bottom tablet 130a to exit therefrom at a time, while simultaneously pressing the remaining tablets 130 within said cartridge 112 downwards towards the opening 116 thereof, in order to advance them towards the opening 116 for the dispensing of the following tablet upon the next rotation of the opening or the housing.
[098] As used herein, the term "downwards" refers to a direction facing towards the gravitational direction, such as for example towards an opening 116 of a cartridge 112, along the cartridge central axis 103.
[099] According to some embodiments, each cartridge 112 or dispensing mechanism 108 further comprises a pressing element 119a (e.g., a spring) disposed within each cartridge 112
and configured to press or push the remaining tablets 130 within said cartridge 112 downwards towards the opening 116, following the discharge of the bottom tablet 130a, in order to advance them towards the opening 116 for the dispensing of the following tablet, upon the next rotation of the opening 116 or the housing 115. In further embodiments, the actuators 118 are configured to be spring -biassing the tablets 130 downwards to the opening 116 of each cartridge 112. According to some embodiments, the pressing element 119a is a spring.
[0100] According to some embodiments, each pressing element 119a within each cartridge 112 is further coupled to a pushing member 119b, wherein said pushing member 119b is shaped to fit into the internal cartridge space 117, as illustrated at Figure 2C. According to some embodiments, each cartridge 112 or dispensing mechanism 108 further comprises a pressing element 119a coupled to a pushing member 119b disposed within each cartridge 112, wherein the pressing element 119a is configured to press or push the pushing member 119b downwards, wherein the pushing member 119b contacts the upper tablet 130b and presses it, thereby pressing or pushing the remaining tablets 130 within the cartridge 112 downwards, in order to advance them towards the opening 116 for additional future dispensing therefrom. According to further embodiments, the pushing member 119b is made from a flexible and/or elastic and/or soft material (e.g., a sponge or a foam), configured to form delicate contacts with the upper tablet 130b and/or to spread the downward pushing force among a bigger surface, in order to preserve the shape and form of the tablets and to prevent them from deforming or breaking during the pushing thereof.
[0101] It is contemplated that the elongated shape of the opening 116 of each cartridge 112 as disclosed above enables only a single tablet 130 to exit therefrom, upon each rotation thereof or rotation of the housing 115 (see Figures 2D-2E). Figure 2D illustrates how the orientation of the opening 116 prevents from the bottom tablet 130a from being dispensed therethrough, while figure 2E illustrates how the orientation of the opening 116 enable the bottom tablet 130a to be dispensed therethrough.
[0102] Due to the arrangement of the plurality of tablets 130 within each cartridge 112, which are preferably stacked one over the other in alternating vertical orientations as disclosed above, only a single tablet 130 (bottom tablet 130a) can exit from each opening 116 upon a single
rotation thereof or rotation of the housing 115. The opening 116 (or bottom member 116a) is rotated so that the long dimension thereof is aligned in parallel with the long dimension of the tablet 130 closest thereto upon each rotation (see Figures 2D-2E). It is further contemplated that the rotated orientation and the elongated shape of the opening 116 enable to prevent the subsequent tablet 130 from passing therethrough, thereby enabling to discharge a single tablet at a time (i.e., upon each rotation). Advantageously, the combination between the arrangement of the plurality of tablets 130 within each cartridge 112 and the elongated shape of each rotating opening 116 as disclosed above, allows to discretely discharge a single tablet 130 upon a single rotation of each opening 116, and since each tablet 130 comprises a predetermined dose of a composition 132 therein, this combination allows to control the dosage provided by each cartridge 112.
[0103] Alternatively, the opening 116 (or bottom member 116a) is stationary, while the housing 115 is rotated as disclosed herein above so that the tablets disposed therein are rotated as well, to enable the long dimension of the bottom tablet 130a disposed therein to be aligned in parallel with the long dimension of the stationary opening 116. It is further contemplated that the rotating housing 115 and the elongated shape of the opening 116 enable to prevent the subsequent tablet 130 from passing therethrough, thereby enabling to discharge a single tablet at a time. Advantageously, the combination between the arrangement of the plurality of tablets 130 within each cartridge 112, the elongated shape of each stationary opening 116, and the rotating housing 115 as disclosed above, allows to discretely discharge a single tablet 130 upon a single rotation of each housing 115, and since each tablet 130 comprises a predetermined dose of a composition 132 therein, this combination allows to control the dosage provided by each cartridge 112.
[0104] According to some embodiments, vaporization device 100 comprises at least one vapor generating chamber 124 disposed therein, wherein said vapor generating chamber 124 is configured to receive one or more tablets 130 discharged from one or more corresponding cartridges 112, and to enable the vaporization of the composition(s) disposed therein, via at least one vaporization mechanism selected from vibration energy (e.g., sound waves such as
ultrasound), thermal energy (e.g., heating), electromagnetic radiation (e.g., microwave), combinations thereof, and the like. Each possibility represent a different embodiment.
[0105] According to some embodiments, the at least one vapor generating chamber 124 is positioned directly below the cartridges 112. According to some embodiments, the one or more tablets 130 discharged from one or more corresponding cartridges 112 falls directly into the at least one vapor generating chamber 124 in the gravitational direction, wherein the vapor generating chamber 124 is positioned directly below the cartridges 112. According to other embodiments, the vapor generating chamber 124 is positioned in vicinity of the cartridges 112. According to some embodiments, the at least one vapor generating chamber 124 is configured to receive (and optionally to store therein) one or more tablets 130 discharged from one or more corresponding cartridges 112.
[0106] According to some embodiments, the vaporization device 100 comprises a plurality of vapor generating chambers 124 (not shown), wherein each vapor generating chamber 124 is positioned below at least one cartridge 112 and is configured to receive the tablets discharged therefrom. In further such embodiments, the plurality of vapor generating chambers 124 are in fluid communication with one another, to enable the transformation of vapors therebetween.
[0107] According to some embodiments, the at least one vapor generating chamber 124 comprises at least one vibration generating actuator which is configured to vibrate and to produce sound waves at a certain frequency therein (e.g., ultrasound). Said sound waves are conveyed to the one or more tablets 130 disposed within the at least one vapor generating chamber 124, and may enable the transformation of the composition(s) disposed therein into a vapor mixture.
[0108] According to some embodiments, the at least one vapor generating chamber 124 comprises at least one electromagnetic generator which is configured to produce electromagnetic radiant energy (electromagnetic radiation) at various frequencies, such as microwave, infrared, ultraviolet, and the like. Said electromagnetic radiation is carried to the to the one or more tablets 130 disposed within the at least one vapor generating chamber 124, and may enable the transformation of the composition(s) disposed therein into a vapor mixture.
[0109] According to a specific embodiment, the at least one vapor generating chamber 124 is a heating chamber 124 (see Figure 1C), wherein said heating chamber 124 is configured to receive one or more tablets 130 discharged from one or more corresponding cartridges 112 and to provide thermal energy thereto, via at least one thermal mechanism such as conduction, convection, and combinations thereof. According to some embodiments, the at least one heating chamber 124 comprises at least one heating element 125 disposed therein. According to some embodiments, the at least one heating element 125 is configured to generate thermal energy (e.g., heat), which is transferred by thermal conduction to the tablets 130 disposed within the heating chamber 124, in order to heat the composition(s) 132 disposed therein. According to some embodiments, the at least one heating element 125 is configured to generate thermal energy (e.g., heat), which is transferred by convective heat transfer to the tablets 130 disposed within the heating chamber 124. It is to understood that the at least one heating element 125 disposed within the heating chamber 124 may also produce electromagnetic radiation which may be carried to the to the tablets 130 disposed therein.
[0110] According to some embodiments, the heating element 125 forms thermal contact with the tablets 130. Thermal contact comprises, for example, being in direct contact, or in contact across a heat-transmitting layer allowing a high rate of thermal transfer. In some embodiments, the thermal contact comprises the heating element 125 forming contact with one or more surfaces of at least one of the tablet 130, for example, one side, or two opposite, largest surfacearea sides of the tablet 130. Optionally, the thermal contact comprises the heating element 125 forming contact with one or more surfaces of a plurality of tablets 130. Heat can be transferred directly from the heating element 125 to each one of the plurality of tablets 130. Alternatively, heat can be transferred directly from the heating element 125 to one or more tablet(s) 130, and then further transferred between the thermally conductive tablets 130.
[0111] In some embodiments, the operation of the at least one heating element 125 is configured to enable the transformation of the composition(s) disposed within the one or more tablets 130 into a vapor mixture. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 125 is configured to receive power from the at least one power source 140 and is operatively
connected to the controller 160. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 125 is electrically coupled to the at least one power source 140.
[0112] According to some embodiments, the power source 140 comprises at least one battery. According to some embodiments, the power source 140 comprises a plurality of batteries. According to some embodiments, power source 140 is selected from: nickel cadmium (NiCd) battery, lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, lithium-ion polymer (Li-ion polymer) battery, lead-acid battery, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery, combination thereof, and other known batteries in the art. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment. According to some embodiments, power source 140 is replaceable and can be extracted from the device 100 and replaced with a new fully charged power source. According to some embodiments, the power source 140 is in electrical and/or operative communication with the controller 160.
[0113] According to some embodiments, power source 140 is rechargeable and can be recharged/charged via one or more of: induction charging, a wall electrical outlet, a USB to a computer charging outlet, and the like. According to some embodiments, device 100 comprises at least one charging outlet 142, as illustrated at Figure 1A, configured to enable the electrical charging of the device 100 thereby. In some embodiments, charging outlet 142 can also function as a USB port.
[0114] According to some embodiments, power source 140 is configured to be electronically connected, directly or indirectly, to the other electrical elements accommodated within housing 110 and to provide electric power thereto, such as the dispensing mechanism 108 (e.g., actuator(s) 118), heating element 125, and the like.
[0115] According to some embodiments, the power source 140 is disposed within the internal space 113 in parallel to the vertical axis 102, as illustrated at Figure 1C.
[0116] According to some embodiments, device 100 comprises at least one fluid channel or path 152 which is in fluid communication with the mouthpiece 150 and with the vapor generating chamber 124 (e.g., heating chamber 124), in order to direct fluid flow therebetween (e.g., air, aerosols, etc.). According to some embodiments, the device 100 comprises a plurality of fluid paths 152. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 150 extends between a ventilation
end 154 thereof and the fluid path 152. In some embodiments, the fluid path 152 extends from a ventilation end 154 of the mouthpiece 150 towards the heating chamber 124, and allows or directs fluid (e.g., air, vapors, aerosols, etc.) flow therethrough.
[0117] As used herein, the term "fluid communication" refers to a path which allows fluid (e.g., air, aerosols, etc.) to flow between two components, wherein said two components can be directly or indirectly joined to each other. Similarly, as used herein, the terms "fluidly coupled" or "fluidly connected" are interchangeable, and refers to a connection between two components that allows fluid to flow from one component to the other, wherein said connection may be direct or indirect via an intermediate components (e.g., tubes, channels, chambers, etc.) enabling fluid flow therethrough.
[0118] According to some embodiments, controller 160 is in electrical and/or operative communication with at least one of the other electrical elements accommodated within the device 100. According to some embodiments, controller 160 comprises at least one processor configured to send and receive data (such as, but not limited to, digitized signals, data, etc.) to and from the various electronic components of device 100. The at least one processor of controller 160 can be selected from, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), a controller, a state machine, gated logic, discrete hardware components, or any other suitable device or a combination of devices that can perform calculations or other manipulations of information. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment. According to some embodiments, controller 160 is mounted on at least one printed circuit board (PCB).
[0119] The term “processor”, as used herein, refers to a single chip device which includes a plurality of modules which may be collected onto a single chip in order to perform various computer-related functions. According to some embodiments, controller 160 is programmable.
[0120] According to some embodiments, controller 160 and/or the PCB its mounted on may further include one or more of a memory unit, a timer, and other suitable electrical components. In some embodiments, the electronics of the PCB and/or controller 160 is composed of a
synthetic material that is thin and flexible, which enables to conform to the shape of the device 100.
[0121] According to some embodiments, the controller 160 is in electrical and/or operative communication with at least one of the dispensing mechanism 108 (e.g., actuator(s) 118), heating element 125, any other electrical component of the device 100, and combinations thereof. According to some embodiments, the controller 160 is configured to control the activation and operation of each actuator 118 of the plurality of actuators 118 in order to control the release of each tablet 130 at a time from its corresponding cartridge 112, thereby controlling the overall dosage that is being released from all of the cartridges 112. According to some embodiments, the controller 160 is configured to control the activation of heating element 125, thereby controlling the amount of heating energy that is being transferred therefrom to the tablets 130 in order to cause the composition(s) 132 to transform into vapors.
[0122] According to some embodiments, device 100 further comprises at least one sensor 162 (see Figure 1C) selected from but not limited to, a pressure sensor, an air-flow sensor, other suitable sensors, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. The sensor 162 can be disposed within the mouthpiece 150, and is in electrical and/or operative communication with the controller 160. Alternatively or additionally, sensor 162 can be disposed within other segments of device 100. Furthermore, sensor 162 may provide indications relating to battery levels, user information (e.g., heartrate, fingerprint for security, etc.), user directionMocation (Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)), and the like.
[0123] According to some embodiments, the device 100 further comprises a user interaction portion 166 (see Figure IB) comprising one or more of a button, a touch screen, a display screen, FED lights, and combinations thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. In some embodiments, the user can use the interaction portion 166 to initiate the activation of the device 100 and/or to control the activation thereof. The user interaction portion 166 may further comprise at least one control switch in the form of an on/off push button switch. As used herein, the terms “on/off push button switch” or “push button switch” are interchangeable, and refers to a two-position, ‘on/off’ switch mechanism, wherein a first press of the push button switch actuates the switch from ‘off’ to ‘on’ and activates the various
components of device 100, while a second press of the push button switch turns the switch back ‘off’ and deactivates the various components thereof.
[0124] According to some embodiments, the user interaction portion 166 is in operative communication with the controller 160. According to some embodiments, the controller 160 can be configured to store data programmed by the user and/or preprogrammed by a manufacturer, wherein said data can be accessed to the user via the user interaction portion 166. According to some embodiments, the controller 160 can be configured to store: information regarding the composition/ s) 132 of each tablet 130, plant extracts (e.g., cannabinoids mixtures or other plants) formulas corresponding to different therapeutic effects, user preferences and information, and the like. In some embodiments, the user can directly control or adjust a specific plant extracts (e.g., cannabinoids mixture or other plants) in order to achieve a desired therapeutic effect, by controlling the operation of the dispensing mechanism 108 as disclosed herein, via the interaction portion 166. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the user can choose between different preprogrammed plant extracts (e.g., cannabinoids mixtures or other plants) options stored within the controller 160, via the user interaction portion 166, corresponding to the compositions 132 disposed within the tablet 130.
[0125] In some embodiments, the device 100 may include at least one communication device (e.g. a USB port, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) capable of connecting to an external computing device (e.g., a PC, smartphone, or any other computing device) through a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the communication device comprises a wireless communication module, which is optionally embedded within the controller 160, wherein said module is configured to enable wireless communication via known wireless protocols, such as but not limited to, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the like. In some embodiments, the communication device comprises a USB port (e.g., charging outlet 142) configured to enable a wired connection between the controller 160 and an external computing device (e.g., a PC, smartphone, etc.). According to some embodiments, the controller 160 can be configured to communicate with a remote storage (e.g., cloud storage), through the communication device, in order to transfer and/or receive various forms of information and updates.
[0126] According to some embodiments, the user can select or adjust a specific plant extracts (e.g., cannabinoids mixture or other plants) in order to achieve a desired therapeutic effect, via the user interaction portion 166, by controlling the operation of the dispensing mechanism 108. Specifically, controlling the operation of the dispensing mechanism 108 comprises controlling the operation of the actuators 118, wherein each actuator 118 is configured to enable the release of a single tablet 130 at a time from a cartridge 112 containing a dose of a desired composition 132, and wherein the vapor generating chamber 124 (e.g., heating chamber 124) is configured to receive a plurality of tablets 130 and to enable to produce a mixture of vapors therefrom, according to one or more predetermined liquid mixture formulas stored in the device and/or according to input received by the user via the user interaction portion.
[0127] According to some embodiments, the user can select a specific plant extracts (e.g., cannabinoids mixture or other plants) in order to achieve a desired therapeutic effect, via the user interaction portion 166 or via an external computing device (e.g., smartphone) connected to the device 100 as disclosed above. According to a specific embodiment, said specific cannabinoids mixture is adapted to maintain the entourage effect of various cannabinoids mixtures as disclosed herein above. After selecting the desired mixture, the dispensing mechanism 108 of the present invention can be activated by the controller 160 to produce the desired specific cannabinoids mixture.
[0128] In some embodiments, activation of the dispensing mechanism 108 comprises the power source 140 suppling energy to at least one actuator 118 of the plurality of actuators, in order to allow said actuator 118 to rotate the cartridge bottom member 116a (or the opening 116 extending therethrough) or the cartridge housing 115 of at least one first cartridge 112, in order to align the shape of the opening 116 with the shape of the bottom tablet 130a, thereby enabling to release the bottom tablet 130a therefrom into the vapor generating chamber 124 (e.g., heating chamber 124), while simultaneously pressing the remaining tablets 130 within said first cartridge 112 downwards towards the opening 116 thereof, for future dispensing purposes. The remaining tablets 130 disposed within the first cartridge 112 are prevented from exiting or being dispensed therefrom, since the shape of the new bottom tablet 130a is aligned
vertically relative to the shape of the opening 116, and therefore becomes physically lodged within the cartridge 112 due to the alignment of the opening 116.
[0129] Next, the same actuator 118 can optionally rotate the opening 116 or the cartridge housing 115 again, in order to align the shape of the new bottom tablet 130a with the shape of the opening 116, thereby to release the new bottom tablet therefrom. Alternatively or additionally, another actuator 118 can optionally rotate the cartridge bottom member 116a (or the opening 116 extending therethrough) or the cartridge housing 115 of at least one second cartridge 112, to align the shape of the opening 116 with the shape of the bottom tablet 130a disposed therein and to release it therefrom. In this way, a plurality of tablets 130 can be released into the heating chamber 124 from a plurality of cartridges 112.
[0130] In some embodiments, when the plurality of tablets 130 within the heating chamber 124 forms the desired combination of compositions 132, prior to the activation of the heating element 125, the heating chamber 124 can be sealed, such as by closing one or more designated opening(s) in the heating chamber 124 which enabled the dispensing of the plurality of tablets 130 thereto. Sealing the heating chamber 124 can also refer to the thermal sealing or isolation thereof. By sealing the heating chamber 124, heat generated therein by the heating element 125 cannot be transported out therefrom, and therefore cannot affect the plurality of cartridges 112 disposed there-above and/or the plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein.
[0131] Alternatively or additionally, other forms of heat isolation techniques can be utilized to prevent from heat generated within the heating chamber 124 to affect the plurality of tablets 130 disposed within the plurality of cartridges 112.
[0132] In some embodiments, after the plurality of tablets 130 within the heating chamber 124 forms the desired combination of compositions 132, corresponding to the desired overall dosage of tablets 130 matching the specific chosen cannabinoids mixture, the heating element 125 is activated by the controller 160 to produce heat. The compositions 132 disposed within tablets 130 disposed within the heating chamber 124 are heated, and eventually are transformed into vapors. The vapors exits from the tablets and forms a vapor mixture within the heating chamber 124.
[0133] As disclosed above, the composition 132 comprises at least one substance (e.g., cannabinoid) or a plurality of substances which can vaporize under the application of heat within the heating chamber 124. Therefore, it is to be understood that the phrase "the compositions 132 disposed within the tablets 130 are heated and eventually are transformed into vapors" refers to the heating and vaporization of the at least one substance or a plurality of substances disposed within the composition(s) 132, and not necessarily refers to the vaporization of all of the substances disposed within the compositions 132. For a non-limiting example, a cannabinoids mixture may be heated and vaporized from the tablets, however a carrier material disposed within the composition will not be vaporized and will remain within the tablets.
[0134] According to some embodiments, the controller 160 can adjust the amount of thermal energy applied by the heating element 125 to correspond to the specific chosen cannabinoids mixture, by controlling the activation of the power source 140 and/or the power transferring therefrom, to the heating element. In further such embodiments, the power source 140 supplies a current pulse of a pre-determined time to heating element 125, wherein the pre-determined time for the current pulse will determine the amount of heating energy which is being applied by heating element 125 to the tablets 130, and is depended on the amount and properties of compositions 132 required for a single inhalation (e.g., the overall dosage of tablets 130), and the time taken for that amount of liquid to be vaporized. That will, in turn, depend on: the types and total amount of the compositions disposed within the heating chamber 124, and their properties (boiling point, viscosity, etc.). The pre-determined time may be between about 0.1 and about 60 seconds, or preferably between about 0.1 and about 10 seconds. The predetermined time may be in a time range suitable for the user to comfortably draw air into the device.
[0135] Advantageously, by controlling the amount of thermal energy applied by the heating element to correspond to the amount and properties of the compositions 132 required for a single inhalation, the desired vapor mixture can be achieved without over-heating the compositions 132 or creating toxins or bad tastes.
[0136] According to some embodiments, the vapor mixture is mixed with air flowing into the heating chamber 124 via at least one air intake path 127, wherein said at least one air intake path 127 is configured to enable fluid communication between the heating chamber 124 and the external environment of the device 100, therethrough. As a result, the vapor condenses to form an inhalable aerosol mixture, which is carried towards the fluid path 152 and towards the mouthpiece 150.
[0137] According to alternative embodiments, the vapor mixture is released from the heating chamber 124 towards the fluid path 152, and is then mixed with air flowing into fluid path 152 via the at least one air intake path 127, to form an inhalable aerosol mixture which is carried towards the mouthpiece 150.
[0138] According to some embodiments, the heating chamber 124 and/or the fluid path 152 are permeable to the passage of air, via the at least one air intake path 127. In some embodiments, the at least one air intake path 127 enable fluid communication (e.g., air) between the external environment and the heating chamber 124 and/or the fluid path 152.
[0139] According to some embodiments, the controller 160 can sense when the inhalable aerosol mixture is formed within the device 100, via the data transformation by one or more suitable sensors (e.g., temperature sensor, pressure sensor, etc.) disposed within the heating chamber 124 and/or the fluid path 152. Then, the user interaction portion 166 can issue a notification to the user indicating that the inhalable aerosol mixture is ready for pulmonary delivery. The user can then use the mouthpiece 150 to inhale the aerosol mixture.
[0140] Thus, advantageously, the vaporization devices of the present invention (e.g., vaporization device 100) can be used for providing customized mixtures of aerosols for inhalation by a user (via pulmonary delivery), wherein said customized mixtures can have various therapeutic effects used for various forms of medical applications. Furthermore, the specific cannabinoids mixture, corresponding to the desired overall dosage of tablets 130 achieved by the operation of the dispensing mechanism 108 as disclosed herein above, can maintain the beneficial entourage effect of various cannabinoids mixtures as disclosed herein above.
[0141] In some embodiments, the customized mixtures can be used for treating or suppressing a disease or a disorder selected from cancer, chronic pain, migraine, other relevant conditions, and a combination thereof. In further embodiments, the customized mixtures can be used for the treatment of chronic pain. In further embodiments, the customized mixtures can be used for the treatment of migraines. In further embodiments, the customized mixtures can be used for treating or suppressing a disease or a disorder, such as various forms of cancer. In some embodiments, the customized mixtures can be used for wellness and/or recreation uses.
[0142] As used herein, the terms “treating” and “treatment” refer to a method of alleviating or abrogating a disease and/or its attendant symptoms.
[0143] After the formation of the vapor mixture and/or after the inhalation by the user, the plurality of used tablets 130 disposed within the heating chamber 124 can be ejected therefrom, to free the space therein and to make room for the dispensing of new tablets 130 for additional inhalations. The ejection thereof can be automatically performed by the device. Alternatively or additionally, the user can manually eject or dispose of used tablets 130 from the device 100, upon demand and/or upon receiving indication from the device that the heating chamber is full and need to be emptied. According to some embodiments, the heating chamber 124 can be opened to release the used tablet(s) 130 therefrom. According to some embodiments, device 100 or specifically the heating chamber 124 comprises at least one mechanism configured to transport used tablet(s) 130 into another compartment of the device that can be removed and emptied.
[0144] Reference is now made to Figures 3A-4B. Figure 3 A show a view in perspective of a vaporization device 100, illustrating some of the inner components within the device, according to some embodiments. Figure 3B show a cross sectional top view of the vaporization device 100 of Figure 2 A, according to some embodiments. Figures 4A-4B show a view in perspective and a cross sectional top view of a portion of the inner components of device 100, respectfully, according to some embodiments.
[0145] According to some embodiments, device 100 or specifically the dispensing mechanism
108 further comprises at least one displacement mechanism 122. According to some
embodiments, the dispensing mechanism 108 comprises a plurality of actuators 118 and at least one displacement mechanism 122. According to some embodiments, the displacement mechanism 122 is configured to collect one or more tablets 130 discharged from one or more corresponding cartridges 112, as illustrated at Figures 3A or 4A.
[0146] According to some embodiments, the displacement mechanism 122 comprises a collecting chamber 120. According to some embodiments, the device 100 comprises at least one collecting chamber 120 configured to collect or receive one or more tablets 130 discharged from one or more corresponding cartridges 112. According to some embodiments, the at least one collecting chamber 120 is configured to be displaced or to move below the first surfaces 114a of a plurality of stationery cartridges 112 and optionally above the first wall I l la of the device 100, thereby collecting a single tablet 130 from the opening 116 of each cartridge 112 at a time. According to some embodiments, the controller 160 is configured to control the activation and operation of the displacement mechanism 122 in order to control the movement of the collecting chamber 120.
[0147] In a specific embodiment, the device 100 comprises one collecting chamber 120 configured to be displaced below the first surfaces 114a of the plurality of stationery cartridges 112, and to collect a single tablet 130 from the opening 116 of each cartridge 112 upon the rotation thereof at a time, as illustrated for example at Figure 3A.
[0148] According to some embodiments, the at least one collecting chamber 120 has an internal space configured to contain the received one or more tablets 130 therein. According to some embodiments, the internal space of the at least one collecting chamber 120 is adapted to contain a plurality of tablets 130 there-inside.
[0149] According to some embodiments, the at least one collecting chamber 120 is configured to be displaced and positioned below a single cartridge 112 at a time, so that the collecting chamber 120 is aligned with the opening 116 of the cartridge 112 along the cartridge central axis 103 thereof, so that upon the rotation of the opening 116 or the cartridge housing 115 as disclosed above, the bottom tablet 130a is transferred from the cartridge 112 to the collecting chamber 120. According to some embodiments, upon the rotation of the opening 116 or the
cartridge housing 115 of a cartridge 112 and the displacement of the at least one collecting chamber 120 to be positioned below the opening 116 of said cartridge 112 along the cartridge central axis 103 thereof, the internal space of the at least one collecting chamber 120 forms fluid communication with the internal cartridge space 117 thereof, thereby enabling to transfer one tablet 130 at a time from the cartridge 112 to the collecting chamber 120.
[0150] According to some embodiments, the at least one collecting chamber 120 has an opening configured receive one tablet 130 at a time from the opening 116 of a cartridge 112 (not shown). In some embodiments, the opening of the at least one collecting chamber 120 is configured to transition from a closed state to an open state, wherein in the closed state the opening is sealed and cannot receive any tablet, and wherein in the open state the opening enables fluid communication between the internal space of the collecting chamber 120 and the opening 116 of a cartridge 112 to enable to receive a tablet 130 therein.
[0151] According to some embodiments, the vapor generating chamber 124 (e.g., heating chamber 124) is the collecting chamber 120. According to some embodiments, the at least one collecting chamber 120 comprises at least one heating element 126 (see Figure 4A) disposed therein. According to some embodiments, the heating element 126 is configured to generate thermal energy, and to apply or transfer at least a portion of said thermal energy (e.g., heat) to the composition(s) disposed within the one or more tablets 130 disposed therein, in order to enable the heating or evaporation thereof. The heating element 126 can be used to enable the heating and evaporation of the composition(s) disposed within the one or more tablets 130 disposed within the collecting chamber 120, to thereby enable the formation of vapors or aerosols therein. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 126 is configured to enable the transformation of the composition(s) disposed within the one or more tablets 130 into a vapor mixture. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 126 is electrically connected to the at least one power source 140 and is configured to receive power therefrom, and wherein the at least one heating element 126 is operatively connected to the controller 160. According to some embodiments, the heating element 126 is similar to heating element 125 as disclosed herein above and is configured to operate in a similar manner.
[0152] According to alternative embodiments, the at least one collecting chamber 120 is devoid of a heating element, and is configured to transfer the one or more tablets 130 disposed therein to the heating chamber 124. According to further embodiments, the at least one collecting chamber 120 and the heating chamber 124 each comprise a suitable opening (not shown), and wherein the collecting chamber 120 and the heating chamber 124 are aligned and upon receiving commands from the controller 160, the openings thereof are opened to enable to transfer the tablets 130 therebetween. According to some embodiments, the at least one collecting chamber 120 is configured to be displaced and to be aligned with said heating chamber 124 in order to transfer the tablets 130 thereto. According to some embodiments, the heating chamber 124 is configured to engage with the collecting chamber 120 and to receive tablets 130 therefrom.
[0153] According to optional embodiments, the displacement mechanism 122 is devoid of a collecting chamber 120. According to some such embodiments, the one or more tablets 130 discharged from one or more corresponding cartridges 112 falls to the first wall I l la or to another wall of the device 100, wherein the displacement mechanism 122 comprises a swiping element (not shown) configured to sweep or collect all the tablets 130 disposed on the wall of the device 100, and to push or displace them into the heating chamber 124.
[0154] In some embodiments, heating elements 125 or 126 can be made from stainless steel, aluminum, other suitable metals, and combinations thereof. According to some embodiments, the operating temperature of heating elements 125 and/or 126 is optionally selected from the range of about 80-350 °C. According to further embodiments, the operating temperature of said heating elements can be below 80 °C and/or above 350 °C.
[0155] According to some embodiments, the heating chamber 124 and/or the collecting chamber 120 are configured to be in fluid communication with at least a portion of the fluid path 152, to enable to transfer vapors thereto.
[0156] In some embodiments, activation of the dispensing mechanism 108 comprises the power source 140 suppling energy to at least one actuator 118 of the plurality of actuators, in order to allow said actuator 118 to rotate the opening 116 (located at the first surface 114a) or
the cartridge housing 115 of a first cartridge 112, to release a single tablet 130 (bottom tablet 130a) therefrom into the collecting chamber 120, while simultaneously pressing the remaining tablets 130 within said first cartridge 112 downwards towards the opening 116 thereof. Then, the displacement mechanism 122, upon receiving commands from the controller 160 and energy from the power source 140, displaces the collecting chamber 120 to be aligned with the first cartridge 112 in order to receive the released tablet 130 therefrom. The first cartridge 112 can release at least one additional tablet 130 into the collecting chamber 120, or a second cartridge 112 can release a tablet 130 while the collecting chamber 120 is simultaneously displaced below said second cartridge 112 to receive said tablet 130 therefrom. In this way, a plurality of cartridges 112 can release tablets 130 into the collecting chamber 120, one at a time, resulting in the collecting chamber 120 comprising a plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein.
[0157] According to some embodiments, the collecting chamber 120 comprising a plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein can operate as the heating chamber 124, wherein the device 100 is devoid of an additional heating chamber. According to other embodiments, the collecting chamber 120 transfers said plurality of tablets 130 into a designated heating chamber 124. When the plurality of tablets 130 within the collecting chamber 120 or within the heating chamber 124 forms the desired combination of compositions 132, corresponding to the desired overall dosage of tablets 130 matching the specific chosen cannabinoids mixture, the heating elements 126 or 125, respectively, are activated by the controller 160 to produce heat. The compositions 132 disposed within tablets 130 disposed within the collecting chamber 120 or within the heating chamber 124 are heated, thereby forming vapors therein. The vapors exits from the tablets and forms a vapor mixture within the collecting chamber 120 or within the heating chamber 124.
[0158] According to some embodiments, the collecting chamber 120 can form fluid communication with the fluid path 152, wherein the vapor mixture is released from the collecting chamber 120 towards the fluid path 152, and is then mixed with air flowing into fluid path 152 via the at least one air intake path 127, to form an inhalable aerosol mixture
which is carried towards the mouthpiece 150. In other embodiments, the vapor mixture is released from the heating chamber 124 towards the fluid path 152, as disclosed herein above.
[0159] Reference is now made to Figures 3A-3B. According to some embodiments, housing 110 of device 100 is shaped as a half crescent box, so that the plurality of discrete dosing cartridges 112 are disposed within the internal space 113 in parallel to each other, and are angularly arranged along a half crescent arc. It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that such a half crescent arrangement of the cartridges 112 within the housing 110 allows for an elegant three-dimensional (3D) configuration of the device 100 which can be useful for user experience and/or ergonomics purposes.
[0160] Reference is now made to Figures 4A-4B. According to some embodiments, the plurality of discrete dosing cartridges 112 are disposed within the internal space 113 in parallel to each other and to the vertical axis 102, and are arranged to form at least two parallel lines or columns along the longitudinal axis 101. In further embodiments, the plurality of dosing cartridges 112 are arranged within the internal space 113 along at least two parallel lines.
[0161] According to some embodiments, the device 100 comprises a plurality of actuators 118, wherein each cartridge 112 is coupled to at least one corresponding actuator 118, wherein each actuator 118 is configured to rotate or displace the cartridge bottom member 116a (or the opening 116 extending therethrough) or the cartridge housing 115 of each corresponding cartridge 112 similarly to as disclosed herein above, and wherein each actuator 118 is positioned in parallel to at least a portion of the external surface of its corresponding cartridge 112. In further embodiments, each actuator 118 and each corresponding cartridge 112 are positioned side by side and in parallel to each other and to the central axis 103 thereof.
[0162] It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that such an arrangement of the cartridges 112 along parallel lines within the housing 110, wherein each actuator 118 is positioned in parallel and side by side to its corresponding cartridge 112, allows to form a beneficial compact three-dimensional structure of the housing 110 having reduced external dimensions, which can save internal space within the device 100.
[0163] According to some embodiments, the displacement mechanism 122 comprises a collecting chamber 120 configured to collect or receive one or more tablets 130 discharged simultaneously from one or more corresponding cartridges 112. According to some embodiments, the collecting chamber 120 is configured to be displaced or to move below the first surfaces 114a of the plurality of stationery cartridges 112 arranged along the parallel lines. In further such embodiments, the collecting chamber 120 is configured to be aligned simultaneously with two or more cartridges 112, wherein the cartridges 112 are arranged side by side along parallel lines, as can be seen at Figure 4B, thereby collecting one or more tablets 130 from the openings 116 of the cartridges 112 at a time. In still further embodiments, the collecting chamber 120 is configured to be aligned simultaneously with a plurality of cartridges 112, wherein the plurality of cartridges 112 are arranged side by side along parallel lines.
[0164] According to some embodiments, the displacement mechanism 122 comprises at least one track or rail 123 and at least one suitable rail actuator 121 disposed below the first surfaces 114a of the plurality of stationery cartridges 112. In some embodiments, the collecting chamber 120 is coupled to the rail 123 and is configured to be moved or displaced there-along due to the operation of the rail actuator 121, wherein the collecting chamber 120 is displaced below the first surfaces 114a of the plurality of stationery cartridges 112. In some embodiments, the rail actuator 121 is configured to displace the rail 123 and to change the direction of movement of the collecting chamber 120 along the rail 123, wherein the collecting chamber 120 is moved back and forth along the rail 123, in parallel to the longitudinal axis 101.
[0165] According to some embodiments, the at least one rail actuator 121 is in electrical and/or operative communication with the controller 160. According to some embodiments, the at least one rail actuator 121 is configured to receive power from the power source 140.
[0166] According to some embodiments, upon receiving commands from the controller 160, the at least one rail actuator 121 displaces the rail 123, thereby displacing the collecting chamber 120 below the first surfaces 114a of the plurality of stationery cartridges 112 arranged along parallel lines. The collecting chamber 120 is then aligned simultaneously with two or more cartridges 112 arranged side by side in parallel lines, to receive one or more released tablet(s) 130 therefrom. Then, the power source 140 supplies energy to at least one actuator
118 of the plurality of actuators, to allow said actuator 118 to rotate the cartridge bottom member 116a (or the opening 116 extending therethrough) or the cartridge housing 115 of a first cartridge 112, to release a single tablet 130 therefrom into the collecting chamber 120, while simultaneously pressing the remaining tablets 130 within said first cartridge 112 downwards towards the opening 116 thereof. A second cartridge 112, positioned side by side with the first cartridge 112 in the parallel line thereto, can simultaneously also release a single tablet 130 therefrom into the collecting chamber 120 as well. Optionally, additional cartridges 112 positioned side by side with the first and second cartridges 112 in parallel lines thereto, may also simultaneously release tablets 130 therefrom and into the collecting chamber 120. The collecting chamber 120 can be further displaced and then aligned simultaneously with additional two or more cartridges 112 arranged side by side in parallel lines, to receive additional one or more released tablet 130 therefrom, resulting in the collecting chamber 120 comprising a plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein.
[0167] According to some embodiments, the collecting chamber 120 is displaced along the rail 123 and transfers the plurality of tablets 130 into the heating chamber 124. According to other embodiments, the collecting chamber 120 comprising a plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein can operate as the heating chamber 124. The remaining operation of the of the dispensing mechanism 108 is as disclosed herein above.
[0168] Advantageously, the simultaneous alignment of the collecting chamber 120 with two or more cartridges 112 at a time, wherein the cartridges 112 are arranged side by side along parallel lines, can enable the collecting chamber 120 to simultaneously receive two or more tablets 130 from the cartridges 112, wherein each cartridge 112 can release a single tablet 130 at a time. This form of simultaneous alignment and release can enable a quick dispensing of the tablets, resulting in improved operation of the dispensing mechanism 108 and the device 100.
[0169] Reference is now made to Figures 5A-5B, showing views in perspective of a vaporization device 200, illustrating some of the inner components within the device, according to some embodiments.
[0170] The device 200 of Figures 5A-5B is similar to device 100 of Figures 1A-4B, and therefore share many common features as can be appreciated by the skilled in the art. Specific features or components are described below. Thus, Figures 5A-5B shows exemplary alternative embodiments of some components of the device 100. Specifically, device 200 of Figures 5A-B illustrates a specific alignment of the power source therewithin.
[0171] According to some embodiments, the power source 140 is positioned in parallel to the longitudinal axis 101.
[0172] According to some embodiments, the power source 140 is disposed within the internal space 213 of the housing 210 of device 200, in parallel to the longitudinal axis 101, as illustrated at Figure 5A. According to some embodiments, the power source 140 is disposed within the internal space 213 above the plurality of cartridges 112. It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that by placing the power source 140 in parallel to the longitudinal axis 101 within the device 200, the 3D dimensions of the device 200 may have reduced and/or compact external dimensions, which can be beneficial for economic and user experience implementations .
[0173] According to some embodiments, device 200 comprises a power source chamber 248 comprising the power source 140 disposed therein, wherein the power source chamber 248 is separate from the housing 210, as illustrated at Figure 5B. According to some embodiments, the power source 140 is disposed within the power source chamber 248 in parallel to the longitudinal axis 101. It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that the power source 140 can be easily extracted and replaced from the within power source chamber 248, if the power source chamber 248 is separate from the housing 210, thereby enabling to replace the power source 140 without accidently affecting the rest of the inner components of the device 200.
[0174] According to some embodiments, the power source chamber 248 is detachably attached from the housing 210. It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that the power source chamber 248 can be easily replaced with a new chamber comprising a new/recharged power source 140, thereby enabling to easily replace the power source 140 therein, when needed.
[0175] Reference is now made to Figures 6A-6B, showing views in perspective of a vaporization device 300, illustrating some of the inner components within the device, according to some embodiments.
[0176] The device 300 of Figures 6A-6B is similar to device 100 of Figures 1A-4B, and therefore share many common features as can be appreciated by the skilled in the art. Specific features or components are described below. Thus, Figures 6A-6B shows exemplary alternative embodiments of some components of the device 100. Specifically, device 300 of Figures 6A- 6B illustrates a double rail concept.
[0177] According to some embodiments, a plurality of cartridges 112 are disposed within the internal space 313 of housing 310 of device 300, so at to form at least two layers 309 of cartridges 112, wherein each layer 309 comprises at least one line of a plurality of cartridges 112, wherein each line comprises a plurality of cartridges 112 arranged in parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. According to some embodiments, the at least two layers 309 of cartridges 112 are stacked one over the other in parallel to the vertical axis 102. In further embodiments, the device 300 comprises a plurality of layers 309 of cartridges 112 disposed therein, wherein each layer 309 comprises a plurality of parallel lines of cartridges 112.
[0178] According to some embodiments, the device 300 comprises a plurality of actuators 118, wherein each cartridge 112 is coupled to at least one corresponding actuator 118. In some embodiments, the device 300 comprises a plurality of layers 309, wherein each layer 309 comprises at least one line of a plurality of cartridges 112 and a corresponding plurality of actuators 118, wherein each cartridge 112 is coupled to at least one corresponding actuator 118.
[0179] According to some embodiments, each actuator 118 is positioned in parallel and side by side to at least a portion of the external surface of its corresponding cartridge 112, and in parallel to the central axis 103 thereof, as illustrated at Figure 6A. According to other embodiments, each actuator 118 is positioned above the second surface 114b of each corresponding cartridge 112 along the central axis 103, as illustrated at Figure 6B.
[0180] According to some embodiments, the displacement mechanism 322 comprises at least two tracks or rails 323 and at least two suitable rail actuators 321, wherein each rail 323 is
coupled to at least one collecting chamber 320 which is configured to be moved or be displaced there-along due to the operation of the corresponding rail actuator 321. According to further embodiments, the displacement mechanism 322 comprises a plurality of rails 323 and a corresponding plurality of rail actuators 321. Each rail 323 and a corresponding collecting chamber 320 is positioned below a corresponding layer 309 of cartridges 112, wherein each collecting chamber 320 is configured to collect or receive one or more tablets 130 discharged simultaneously from one or more corresponding cartridges 112 arranged along parallel lines disposed within the same layer 309, positioned there-above. The operation of the displacement mechanism 322 below each layer 309 of cartridges 112 is similar to the operation of the displacement mechanism 122 as illustrated at Figures 4A-4B and disclosed herein above.
[0181] In a specific embodiment, the device 300 comprises two layers 309 of cartridges 112, a first layer 309a and a second layer 309b, disposed therein stacked one over the other, wherein each layer 309 comprises a single line of parallel cartridges 112, as illustrated at Figure 6A. The device 300 comprises a displacement mechanism 322 comprising two rails 323 and two corresponding rail actuators 321, wherein each rail 323 is coupled to a single collecting chamber 320 which is configured to be displaced there-along due to the operation of the corresponding rail actuator 321. In some embodiments, the collecting chamber 320 below each layer 309 is configured to be aligned with a single cartridge 112 and to collect a single tablet 130 from the openings 116 thereof at a time. In some embodiments, a first collecting chamber 320a is configured to be displaced along a first rail 323a below the first layer 309a of parallel cartridges 112, and is further configured to be aligned with a single cartridge 112 at a time in order to collect a single tablet 130 therefrom. In further embodiments, a second collecting chamber 320b is configured to be displaced along a second rail 323b below the second layer 309b of parallel cartridges 112 and to perform similar functions as the first collecting chamber 320a as disclosed herein.
[0182] According to some embodiments, each collecting chamber 320 comprises at least one heating element 326 disposed therein, configured to transfer heat to the tablets 130 disposed within the collecting chamber 320, to enable the transformation of the composition(s) disposed within the one or more tablets 130 into a vapor mixture. After transforming into vapors, the
vapor mixtures are released from each collecting chamber 320 towards the fluid path 152 (not shown). The vapor mixtures from each collecting chamber 320 can be mixed together within the fluid path 152 or beforehand in another portion of the device 300. Since the displacement mechanism 322 comprises a plurality of collecting chambers 320, wherein each one comprises a heating element 326 disposed therein, each collecting chamber 320 can adjust the amount of thermal energy applied by the heating element to correspond to the properties of a specific tablet 130 or a plurality of tablets 130, to enable the evaporation of the composition(s) disposed therein. Advantageously, by doing so, the evaporation temperature(s) can be adjusted for different types of substance or compositions 132 having various boiling points (e.g., different types of cannabinoids) within each collecting chamber 320, while preventing producing toxins or burning liquid ingredients.
[0183] According to alternative embodiments, each collecting chamber 320 is devoid of a heating element, wherein each collecting chamber 320 is configured to transfer the one or more tablets 130 disposed therein to a vapor generating chamber 324 (e.g., a heating chamber 324) (not shown). In some embodiments, the vapor generating chamber 324 (e.g., heating chamber 324) is configured to receive a plurality of tablets 130 from a plurality of collecting chambers 320. The operation and/or configuration of the vapor generating chamber 324 (e.g., heating chamber 324) can be similar to that of the vapor generating chamber 124 (e.g., heating chamber 124) as disclosed herein above.
[0184] According to some embodiments, the power source 140 is positioned in parallel to the vertical axis 102.
[0185] Reference is now made to Figures 7A-7C, showing a vaporization device 400 and illustrates some of the inner components thereof: a view in perspective (Figure 7A); top view (Figure 7B), and a side view (Figure 7C), according to some embodiments.
[0186] The device 400 of Figures 7A-7C is similar to device 100 of Figures 1A-4B, and therefore share many common features as can be appreciated by the skilled in the art. Specific features or components are described below. Thus, Figures 7A-7C shows exemplary alternative
embodiments of some components of the device 100. Specifically, device 400 of Figures 7A- 7C illustrates a circular configuration.
[0187] According to some embodiments, device 400 comprises a housing 410 defining an internal space 413 therein, wherein a plurality of cartridges 112 as disclosed herein above are disposed within said internal space 413. According to some embodiments, the housing 410 comprises a first wall 411a positioned substantially in parallel to a second wall 411b, and at least one third wall 411c extending between the first and the second walls and defining the internal space 413 therein. According to some embodiments, the first wall 411a and/or the second wall 411b are positioned substantially in parallel to the longitudinal axis 101.
[0188] According to some embodiments, the housing 410 is shaped as a cylinder, wherein the first wall 411a and/or the second wall 411b are shaped as circles or ellipses.
[0189] According to some embodiments, the plurality of cartridges 112 are disposed in parallel to each other and are spaced from each other within the internal space 413, wherein the plurality of cartridges 112 are angularly arranged along a circle therein and are extending radially away from a central axis 105 extending through the center of the device 400.
[0190] According to some embodiments, the plurality of cartridges 112 are angularly arranged along a circle and are extending radially away from at least one actuator 118 (not shown).
[0191] According to some embodiments, the plurality of cartridges 112 are angularly arranged along a circle and are extending radially away from a corresponding plurality of actuators 118 as illustrated at Figure 7A, wherein each actuator 118 is positioned in parallel and side by side to its corresponding cartridge 112, and wherein each actuator 118 is in greater proximity to the central axis 105 than compared to its corresponding cartridge 112.
[0192] According to some embodiments, the plurality of actuators 118 are aligned along the central axis 105 or in parallel thereto. According to some embodiments, the plurality of cartridges 112 are disposed circumferentially around the corresponding plurality of actuators 118, wherein each cartridge 112 is coupled to one corresponding actuator 118, and wherein each actuator 118 is configured to rotate or displace the cartridge bottom member 116a (or the
opening 116 extending therethrough) or the cartridge housing 115 of each corresponding cartridge 112
[0193] According to some embodiments, device 400 comprises at least one stationery central vapor generating chamber 424 (e.g., a heating chamber 424) positioned along the central axis 105 in proximity to the first wall 411a of the housing 410, wherein each cartridge bottom member 116a and/or the opening 116 extending therethrough of each cartridge 112 is connected thereto, such that upon the rotation of the cartridge bottom member 116a (or the opening 116 extending therethrough) or the cartridge housing 115 of at least one cartridge 112, at least one tablet 130 is transferred directly to the vapor generating chamber 424 (e.g., heating chamber 424) therefrom. The operation and/or configuration of the vapor generating chamber 424 (e.g., heating chamber 424) can be similar to that of the vapor generating chamber 124 (e.g., heating chamber 124) as disclosed herein above.
[0194] According to further embodiments, the cartridge bottom member 116a and/or the opening 116 extending therethrough of each cartridge 112 is connected to the heating chamber 424 via a corresponding channel (not shown), wherein each channel is aligned in an angle relative to the central axis 105, so that upon the rotation of each opening 116, a tablet 130 can slide along the channel in the gravitational direction from its corresponding cartridge 112 and directly into the heating chamber 424. According to other embodiments, all the cartridges 112 are positioned above the heating chamber 424, so that upon the rotation of each opening 116, a tablet 130 can fall in the gravitational direction directly from its corresponding cartridge 112 and into the heating chamber 424.
[0195] The heating chamber 424 comprises at least one heating element 425 disposed therein, which may be the same or different from heating element 125 as disclosed herein above. According to some embodiments, the at least one heating element 425 is configured to transfer heat to the tablets 130 disposed within the heating chamber 424, to heat the composition(s) 132 disposed therein. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 425 is configured to enable the transformation of the composition(s) disposed within the one or more tablets 130 into a vapor mixture. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 425 is configured
to receive power from the at least one power source 140 and is operatively connected to the controller 160.
[0196] According to some embodiments, the heating chamber 424 is connected directly to a central channel 427 positioned along the central axis 105, wherein the plurality of actuators 118 are aligned in parallel to the central axis 105 and circumferentially around the central channel 427, and wherein the plurality of cartridges 112 are disposed circumferentially around the corresponding plurality of actuators 118, as illustrated at Figures 7A-7C. According to some embodiments, the central channel 427 is in fluid communication with the fluid path 152 and/or with the mouthpiece 150. According to some embodiments, at least a portion of the fluid path 152 extends through the central channel 427. According to some embodiments, the central channel 427 comprises a hollow inner space which defines the fluid path 152 or at least a portion thereof. According to some embodiments, the central channel 427 enables fluid communication between the heating chamber 424 and the mouthpiece 150. According to some embodiments, the central channel 427 is the fluid path 152.
[0197] According to some embodiments, the vapor mixture formed within the heating chamber 424 evaporates or is transferred therefrom and into the central channel 427, and then into the fluid path 152 and/or into the mouthpiece 150, onwards towards the mouth of the user.
[0198] According to some embodiments, device 400 comprises a round cover 428 disposed within the internal space 413 and positioned above the plurality of cartridges 112 and the corresponding plurality of actuators 118. In some embodiments, the cover 428 can provide structural and/or integral support to the cartridges 112 and/or actuators 118, and is optionally coupled to at least a portion of them. In some embodiments, the central channel 427 extends thought the center of the cover 428 along the central axis 105, wherein the cover 428 may provide structural and/or integral support to the channel 427.
[0199] According to some embodiments, upon receiving commands from the controller 160, at least one actuator 118 from the plurality of actuators 118 within the device 400 is configured to rotate the opening 116 or the cartridge housing 115 of its corresponding cartridge 112, to enable the bottom tablet 130a therein to exit therefrom, while simultaneously pressing the
remaining tablets 130 within said cartridge 112 downwards towards the opening 116 thereof. The released tablet 130 (former bottom tablet 130a) is transferred in the gravitational direction (i.e., by falling) directly into the heating chamber 424. In this way, a plurality of cartridges 112 can release tablets 130 into the heating chamber 424, one tablet at a time from each cartridge, resulting in the heating chamber 424 comprising a plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein.
[0200] When the plurality of tablets 130 within the heating chamber 424 forms the desired combination of compositions 132, corresponding to a desired overall dosage of tablets 130 matching a specific chosen cannabinoids mixture by the user, the heating element 425 is activated by the controller 160 to produce heat. The compositions 132 disposed within tablets 130 are heated, thereby forming vapors which exits from the tablets to form a vapor mixture within the heating chamber 424. The vapor mixture is then released or evaporates into the central channel 427, and optionally into the fluid path 152. According to some embodiments, the vapor mixture is mixed with air flowing thereto from the at least one fluid path 152 and/or from at least one air intake path of the device. In the fluid path 152 or the central channel 427, the vapor condenses to form an inhalable aerosol, which is carried towards the mouthpiece 150 and into the mouth of the user.
[0201] Reference is now made to Figures 8A-8C, showing a vaporization device 500 and illustrates some of the inner components thereof: a view in perspective (Figure 8A); top view (Figure 8B), and a side view (Figure 8C), according to some embodiments.
[0202] The device 500 of Figures 8A-8C is similar to device 400 of Figures 7A-7C, and therefore share many common features as can be appreciated by the skilled in the art. Specific features or components are described below. Thus, Figures 8A-8C shows exemplary alternative embodiments of some components of the device 500. Specifically, device 500 of Figures 8A- 8C illustrates an angular configuration.
[0203] According to some embodiments, device 500 comprises a housing 510 defining an internal space 513 therein, wherein a plurality of cartridges 112 as disclosed herein above are disposed within said internal space 513. According to some embodiments, the housing 510 is
preferably dimensioned as a diamond- shaped polyhedron as illustrated at Figure 8A, however it can be shaped in any other shape of suitable polyhedron in the art.
[0204] According to some embodiments, the plurality of cartridges 112 are disposed within the internal space 513 and are extending radially away the central axis 105, and wherein each one of the plurality of cartridges 112 is bent in the same angle a relative to the central axis 105. In further embodiments, each cartridge 112 is aligned in an angle a selected from the range of about 5° to about 80° relative to the central axis 105, as illustrated at Figure 8C. In further embodiments, the angle a is selected from the range of about 15° to about 70°, optionally from about 20° to about 60°, or alternatively from about 30° to about 50°. Each possibility represents a different embodiment.
[0205] According to some embodiments, each actuator 118 is positioned at least partially side by side to its corresponding cartridge 112, and optionally in parallel thereto. According to some embodiments, each actuator 118 is bent in the same angle a relative to the central axis 105 as its corresponding cartridge 112, as illustrated at Figure 8C.
[0206] According to some embodiments, device 500 comprises at least one stationery central vapor generating chamber 524 (e.g., a heating chamber 524) positioned along the central axis 105, wherein each opening 116 of each cartridge 112 is connected directly thereto. According to some embodiments, the pluralities of cartridges 112 and actuators 118 are disposed circumferentially around the vapor generating chamber 524 (e.g., heating chamber 524). According to some embodiments, the vapor generating chamber 524 (e.g., heating chamber 524) is connected directly to a central channel 527 (not shown) positioned along the central axis 105, and configured to operate similarly to central channel 427 as disclosed above. The operation and/or configuration of the vapor generating chamber 524 (e.g., heating chamber 524) can be similar to that of the vapor generating chamber 424 (e.g., heating chamber 424) as disclosed herein above.
[0207] The operation of the device 500 in order to form a vapor mixture within the heating chamber 524 is similar to the operation of the device 400 in order to form a vapor mixture within the heating chamber 424 as disclosed above. Tablets 130 which are released from their
corresponding cartridges 112 are transferred in the gravitational direction (i.e., by falling) directly into the heating chamber 524. Advantageously, due to the alignment of each cartridge 112 at the angle a relative to the central axis 105, the tablet 130 existing therefrom upon each rotation of the corresponding opening 116 or the cartridge housing 115 can enter directly and swiftly into the heating chamber 524, due to being attracted in the gravitational direction, without the need of any additional collecting apparatuses or mechanisms.
[0208] Reference is now made to Figures 9A-9D. Figure 9 A show a view in perspective of at least a portion of a dispensing mechanism 608 of a device 600, according to some embodiments. Figure 9B show a view in perspective of the dispensing mechanism of Figure 9A, illustrating inner components thereof, according to some embodiments. Figure 9C show a cross-sectional view of the dispensing mechanism of Figures 9A-B, according to some embodiments. Figure 9D show a plurality of tablets 130 entangled within a spring 619, according to some embodiments.
[0209] The device 600 of Figures 9A-9D is similar to device 100 of Figures 1A-4B, and therefore share many common features as can be appreciated by the skilled in the art. Specific features or components are described below. Thus, Figures 9A-9D shows exemplary alternative embodiments of some components of the device 600. Specifically, device 600 of Figures 9A- 9D illustrates a different configuration for the dispensing mechanism.
[0210] According to another aspect, there is provided a vaporization device 600 comprising a dispensing mechanism 608 comprising at least one actuator 618 and at least one cartridge 612, wherein the at least one actuator 618 is configured to release or dispense or provide one tablet 130 from the at least one cartridge 612 at a time. According to further embodiments, the device 600 comprises a plurality of actuators 618, wherein each actuator 618 is coupled to a corresponding cartridge 612, wherein each actuator 618 is configured to release or dispense or provide one tablet 130 at a time from its corresponding cartridge 612.
[0211] According to some embodiments, each cartridge 612 extends from a bottom first surface 614a towards a top second surface 614b along a cartridge central axis 103 extending through the center thereof. According to some embodiments, each cartridge 612 comprises a
cartridge housing 615 which defines an internal cartridge space 617 configured to contain the plurality of tablets 130 therein.
[0212] According to some embodiments, each cartridge 612 comprises a bottom opening 616 located at the first surface 114a thereof. In further embodiments, bottom opening 616 is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the shape and dimensions of a tablet 130, to enable the tablet 130 to easily pass therethrough. In other embodiments, bottom opening 616 is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the shape and dimensions of the cartridge housing 615.
[0213] According to some embodiments, the internal cartridge space 617 of each cartridge 612 comprises a plurality of tablets 130 disposed therein. According to some embodiments, each actuator 118 is coupled to a spring 619, wherein the spring 619 is disposed within the internal cartridge space 617 of each cartridge 612. According to some embodiments, the plurality of tablets 130 are entangled or engaged within the round teeth or inner portion of the spring 619, as illustrated at Figure 9D. According to further embodiments, the plurality of tablets 130 are arranged one following the other within the spring 619 along the central axis 103, and extends from a lowest bottom tablet 130a to a highest upper tablet 130b. In some embodiments, the bottom tablet 130a is in the vicinity of the first surface 614a of the cartridge 612 and/or the opening 616 thereof, and is the closest tablet thereto. In some embodiments, the upper tablet 130b is in the vicinity of the second surface 614b of the cartridge 612 and/or the actuator 118, and is the closest tablet thereto.
[0214] According to some embodiments, each spring 619 is flexible or rigid.
[0215] According to a specific embodiment, the internal cartridge space 617 within each cartridge 612 is 3D elongated box-shaped, configured to accommodate therein and to correspond to the dimensions and shapes of the plurality of elongated 3D shaped tablets 130 which are entangled within the spring 619 in parallel to each other. In further embodiments, the shape and dimensions of the internal cartridge space 617 within each cartridge 612 is adapted to enable the easy insertion of the plurality of tablets 130 thereto, but prevents the inner movement or rotation of any one tablet 130 of the plurality of tablets 130 disposed there-inside along a direction or plane which is vertical to the cartridge central axis 103. In further such
embodiments, the plurality of tablets 130 entangled within the spring 619 can move up and down the spring 619 along the cartridge central axis 103, but are prevented from rotating vertically to the cartridge central axis 103, due the dimensions and shape of the internal cartridge space 117.
[0216] According to some embodiments, upon receiving commands from the controller 160, at least one actuator 118 from the plurality of actuators 118 is configured to rotate the spring 619 disposed within its corresponding cartridge 612 in a direction vertical to the cartridge central axis 103. According to further embodiments, the spring 619 is rotated within the internal cartridge space 617, but is not displaced or moved up and/or down along the cartridge central axis 103. Due to the rotation of the spring 619, the plurality of tablets 130 which are entangled within the spring 619 are displaced or moved downwards along the rotation axis of the spring 619 towards the opening 616 of the cartridge 612. It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that when the spring 619 rotates, the plurality of tablets 130 entangled therein are prevented from rotating right or left vertically to the cartridge central axis 103 due the dimensions and shape of the internal cartridge space 117, and therefore the plurality of tablets 130 are moved downwards along the cartridge central axis 103 towards the opening 616 of the cartridge 612.
[0217] When the spring 619 rotates, the plurality of tablets 130 are moved downwards, until the bottom tablet 130a exists the cartridge 612 via the opening 116 and is transferred or falls into the collecting chamber (e.g., collecting chamber 120) or into the vapor generating chamber (e.g., heating chamber 124). If the spring 619 continues to rotate within the cartridge 612, the tablets 130 disposed therein continue to be advanced downwards, so that additional tablets 130 can be released therefrom into the collecting chamber or the heating chamber. In this way, a plurality of tablets 130 can be released into the collecting chamber or the heating chamber from a plurality of cartridges 112. The remaining operation of device 600 is similar to that of device 100 as disclosed herein above.
[0218] Reference is now made to Figures 10A-13B. Figures 11A-11B show different views in perspective of a tablet 130, according to some embodiments. Figures 12A-12B show different views in perspective of a tablet 130, according to some embodiments. Figures 13A-13B show different views in perspective of a tablet 130, according to some embodiments.
[0219] According to some embodiments, each tablet 130 comprises a predetermined or discrete dose of a composition 132 disposed or stored or contained or encapsulated or retained therein. According to some embodiments, the composition 132 is in a form or state selected from liquid, solid (i.e., powder), semi-solid (i.e., gel or paste), or a combination thereof. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. According to some embodiments, the composition 132 is a solution or a suspension. According to some embodiments, the composition 132 comprises at least one substance or a plurality of substances which can vaporize under the application of heat within the collecting chamber or the heating chamber of the device of the present invention as disclosed herein above.
[0220] According to some embodiments, each tablet 130 is devoid of any portion of a heating element or an electrical or electrode contact(s) embedded therein/thereon.
[0221] According to some embodiments, each tablet 130 has dimensions comprising a length LI and a width Wl, as illustrated at Figure 12A. According to further embodiments, each tablet 130 further has a tablet height Hl, as illustrated at Figure 12B. In some embodiments, the length LI of each tablet 130 is greater than the width Wl thereof, thereby making each tablet 130 having an elongated 3D shape. In further embodiments, the length LI of each tablet 130 is greater than the width Wl thereof, by at least above about 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 150%, 200%, 300%, 500%, 750%, or more. According to a specific embodiment, each one of the plurality of tablets 130 is shaped as an elongated 3D rectangle, as illustrated for example at Figure 12A.
[0222] According to some embodiments, the dimensions of each tablet 130 are adapted to fit into the vapor generating chamber (e.g., heating chamber 124) or the collecting chamber (e.g., collecting chamber 120).
[0223] According to some embodiments, each tablet 130 is an elongated 3D shaped tablet 130 having at least two opposing elongated sides, as disclosed herein above, and is made of a porous material comprising a plurality of holes or pores 135, as illustrated at Figure 10A. According to some embodiments, each tablet 130 comprises a porous and air-permeable absorptive material(s) which absorbs the heat-vaporizing substance (or plurality of substances) of the
composition 132 and fix it into place. In further embodiments, the composition 132 is absorbed or retained or encapsulated within the pores 135 of the porous tablet 130. It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that the composition 132 remains within the pores 135 due to capillary forces and optionally the viscosity thereof, which prevents from the composition 132 from spilling out therefrom.
[0224] According to some embodiments, each porous tablet 130 is made from a material which enables to transfer thermal energy (i.e., heat) therethrough, such as for example a thermally conductive metal or metal alloy, a polymer or polymer blend, and combinations thereof. According to some embodiments, porous tablet 130 is configured to enable to transfer heat therethrough from the heating element to the composition 132 disposed therein. According to some embodiments, when one or more of the porous tablets 130 are disposed within the collecting chamber (e.g., collecting chamber 120) or the heating chamber (e.g., heating chamber 124) and the heating element (e.g., heating elements 126 or 125) is activated, heat is transferred via the tablets 130 and heats the compositions 132 disposed therein. The compositions 132 are transferred into vapors and evaporates from the tablets 130 via the plurality of holes or pores 135 thereof into the collecting chamber or the heating chamber to form the vapor mixture therein.
[0225] According to some embodiments, the porous tablet 130 is made from at least one thermally conductive material selected from a ceramic material, a metal or metal alloy, a polymer or polymer blend, and combinations thereof.
[0226] According to some embodiments, the porous tablet 130 is made from a thermally conductive metal or metal alloy. According to further embodiments, the metal or metal alloy is selected from steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and alloys and combinations thereof.
[0227] According to some embodiments, the porous tablet 130 is made from a porous support structure, such as for example, a net, a mesh, a perforated membrane, or another structure. Each possibility represents a different embodiment. According to further embodiments, the porous support structure is made from a metal or metal alloy. According to still further embodiments, the porous support structure is made from intertwined or interwoven or interlaced metal or
metal alloy fibers or yarns, thereby forming a 3D woven mesh structure. The support structure is preferably porous enough to permit the passage of air or vapors, while still preventing the loss of substances from the composition 132 contained therein.
[0228] According to some embodiments, the tablet 130 is made from two layers: a first layer 133 and a second layer 134, wherein the composition 132 is retained or encapsulated or disposed between the two layers. In some embodiments, when the two layers are attached to each other, they form an internal space therebetween, which contains at least a portion of the composition 132 therein, or the entire the composition 132 therein.
[0229] In some embodiments, both the first layer 133 and the second layer 134 are made from a porous metal or metal alloy support structure comprising a plurality of holes or pores 135, wherein the composition 132 is retained or entrapped or disposed between the two layers and optionally within the pores thereof, as illustrated at Figure 10B. It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that the composition 132 remains between the two layers due to capillary forces and optionally the viscosity thereof, which prevents from the composition 132 from spilling out therefrom via the pores of the layers.
[0230] According to other embodiments, the first layer 133 is made from a full or continuous metallic sheet or layer devoid of pores or holes, and the second layer 134 is made from a porous metal or metal alloy support structure comprising a plurality of holes or pores 135, as illustrated at Figures 11A-11B. It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that the full or continuous bottom first layer 133 which is devoid of pores or holes allows to prevent or reduce the possibility that the composition 132 will leak or spill out therefrom. Furthermore, the porous top second layer 134 allows to the composition 132 to evaporate therethrough (i.e., via the pores thereof), when heated, in order to form the desired vapor mixture as disclosed above.
[0231] According to alternative embodiments, the first layer 133 is made from a full or continuous metallic sheet or layer, and the second layer 134 is made from a full or continuous metallic sheet or layer comprising a plurality of holes 136 spaced apart from each other, as illustrated at Figures 13A-13B. According to some embodiments, the first layer 133 comprises a plurality of holes 136 spaced apart from each other similar to the second layer 134, or wherein
the first layer 133 is devoid of pores or holes. It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that having the second layer 134 made from a continuous metallic sheet comprising a plurality of holes 136 spaced apart from each other (instead or a porous material) may enable for an improved sealing of the composition 132 disposed between the two layers, and further may enable a refined or controllable evaporation process following the heating thereof.
[0232] According to some embodiments, the two layers are coupled or connected to each other along at least two opposite edges thereof, or optionally along all of the opposite edges thereof. According to some embodiments, the at least two opposite edges are coupled or connected to each other via suturing, welding, using adhesives, bending, adding a connection mechanism, other known connection methods, and combinations thereof.
[0233] According to some embodiments, the two layers are coupled or connected to each other along at least two opposite edges thereof, thereby forming at least two opposing bent connections 137 therebetween protruding above the second layer 134 thereof.
[0234] According to some embodiments, the two layers are coupled or connected to each other along at least two opposite edges thereof, wherein one of the layers is bent over the other layer, thereby forming a bent connection therebetween at at least two opposite edges thereof. For example, the first layer 133 of a tablet 130 can be bent over the second layer 134 of said tablet at two opposite edges thereof, thereby forming two bent connections 137 therebetween protruding above the second layer 134 thereof, as illustrated for example at Figures 11A-11B or 13A-B. In some embodiments, when the plurality of tablets 130 are stacked one over the other in alternating vertical orientations as disclosed above (for example within device 100), the bent connections 137 of each tablet 130 may enable to distance between the first and second layers of subsequent of following tablets 130, thereby reducing or diminishing the contact points between subsequent tablets 130. It is contemplated, in some embodiments, that distancing between subsequent tablets 130 may enable to prevent or reduce the possibility of adherence between the compositions 132 of subsequent tablets 130 (possibly due to leakage), and therefore reduces the possibility of forming composition mixtures at the contact points of subsequent tablets 130, which can contribute to material loss.
[0235] According to some embodiments, the two layers are coupled or connected to each other along at least two opposite edges thereof, and optionally are detachably attached to each other, utilizing a connection mechanism such as, but not limited to, snap-fit fastener mechanism, bayonet mount, screw fittings, or any structural mechanism similar thereto. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention. According to further embodiments, the two layers are coupled to each other via a cantilever snap-fit fastener 138 disposed in the vicinity of each one of the two opposite edges of the tablet (Figure 12A), or along the two opposite edges thereof (Figure 12B). The snap-fit fastener can be laser cut or punched and bent from any one of the two layers.
[0236] Reference is now made to Figure 14, illustrating a method 1000 for providing customized mixtures of aerosols for inhalation, according to some embodiments.
[0237] According to another aspect, there is provided a method 1000 for providing customized mixtures of aerosols for inhalation by a user (for pulmonary delivery), the method comprising step 1010 of providing a vaporization device (e.g., any one of vaporization devices 100-600) as disclosed herein above.
[0238] According to some embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises step 1020 of selecting a predetermined or custom compositions mixture formula (e.g., cannabinoids mixture) by the user, via the user interaction portion (e.g., user interaction portion 166) or via an external computing device. According to some embodiments, the mixture formulas of step 1020 can be predetermined, wherein the formulas of step 1020 are stored within the controller or are transferred thereto via an external computing device. According to other embodiments, the mixture formulas of step 1020 can be custom made by the user or programable according to input received by the user and/or according to user variables (e.g., sex, weight, age, medical history, etc.) entered into the vaporization device via the user interaction portion or the external computing device, as disclosed herein above.
[0239] According to some embodiments, during step 1020 the user selects a predetermined compositions mixture formula from a plurality of preprogrammed formulas, optionally stored within the vaporization device.
[0240] According to other embodiments, during step 1020 the user enters user data including user variables (e.g., sex, weight, age, medical history, clinical conditions, etc.) and desired preferences and desired effect to be achieved into the vaporization device, via the user interaction portion. Then, the controller analyzes the user data and makes a determination for at least one recommended treatment protocol, based on the analysis performed thereby. The controller may output the at least one recommended treatment protocol via the user interaction portion. According to some embodiments, the recommended treatment protocol comprises a combination of compositions 132 from one or more specific tablets 130, thereby forming a custom compositions mixture formula for the user.
[0241] The user can select the custom compositions mixture formula of the recommended treatment protocol or one of the predetermined compositions mixtures stored within the device, and then method 1000 advances to step 1030.
[0242] According to some embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises step 1030 of actuating the dispensing mechanism (e.g., dispensing mechanisms 108 or 608), thereby dispensing one or more tablets 130 into the vapor generating chamber (e.g., heating chamber 124) or the collecting chamber (e.g., collecting chamber 120), to form the desired combination of compositions 132 therein, according to the predetermined or custom compositions mixture formula selected at step 1020. According to further embodiments, the recommended treatment protocol of step 1020 comprises instructions for the operation of the dispensing mechanism during step 1030, i.e., actuating one or more specific actuators in order to dispense one or more specific tablets 130 (from one or more specific cartridges) into the vapor generating chamber (e.g., heating chamber) or the collecting chamber.
[0243] According to some embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises step 1040 of forming a vapor mixture within the vapor generating chamber (e.g., heating chamber) or the collecting chamber. In further specific embodiments, step 1040 comprises actuating a heating element (e.g., heating elements 125 or 126) and producing heat, thereby transforming the compositions 132 disposed within the tablets 130 into vapor. The vapors exits from the tablets and forms a vapor mixture within the heating chamber or the collecting chamber. The vapor
mixture condenses to form an inhalable aerosol mixture, which is carried via the fluid path towards the mouthpiece of the device.
[0244] According to some embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises step 1050 of inhaling the aerosol mixture of step 1040 via the mouthpiece (e.g., mouthpiece 150) by the user.
[0245] As used herein, the term "about", when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/-10%, more preferably +/-5%, even more preferably +/-1%, and still more preferably +/-0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed devices and/or methods.
[0246] The word "optionally" is used herein to mean "is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments". Any particular embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of "optional" features except insofar as such features conflict.
[0247] The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "having" and their conjugates mean: "including but not limited to".
ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY
[0248] In view of the above-described embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, this application discloses the additional examples enumerated below. It should be noted that one feature of an example in isolation or more than one feature of the example taken in combination and, optionally, in combination with one or more features of one or more further examples are further examples also falling within the disclosure of this application.
[0249] Example Al. A vaporization device comprising: a housing defining an internal space, wherein said internal space is configured to accommodate therein at least one cartridge,
wherein the at least one cartridge is configured to accommodate therein a plurality of tablets, wherein each tablet comprises a predetermined dose of a composition, and wherein said plurality of tablets are arranged in parallel to each other and one over the other within the cartridge; at least one vapor generating chamber configured to generate vapors therein; a dispensing mechanism comprising at least one actuator configured to enable the dispensing of one tablet at a time from the at least one cartridge into the at least one vapor generating chamber; a power source configured to provide power at least to the controller, the at least one vapor generating chamber, and the dispensing mechanism; a controller configured to control operation of the dispensing mechanism and the vapor generating chamber; and at least one fluid path extending from a ventilation end of a mouthpiece and the at least one vapor generating chamber, wherein said at least one fluid path is configured to enable fluid communication therethrough.
[0250] Example A2. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example Al, further comprising a user interaction portion comprising one or more of a button, a touch screen, a display screen, LED lights, and combinations thereof.
[0251] Example A3. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1-A2, wherein the power source comprises at least one battery.
[0252] Example A4. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples Al -A3, wherein the at least one cartridge comprises a plurality of tablets disposed therein, wherein each tablet comprises a predetermined dose of a composition, wherein said plurality of tablets are arranged in parallel to each other and one over the other within the cartridge, wherein each tablet comprises a predetermined dose of a composition encapsulated or retained therein, and wherein the composition comprises at least one substance or a plurality
of substances selected from the group consisting of: plant, plant extract, water, flavoring material, an aerosol former substance, and combinations thereof.
[0253] Example A5. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A4, wherein the plant extract is selected from: tobacco, nicotine, caffeine, essential oil, cannabis, and combinations thereof.
[0254] Example A6. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1-A5, wherein each one of the plurality of tablets has an elongated 3D shape.
[0255] Example A7. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A6, wherein each one of the plurality of tablets is made of a porous material comprising a plurality pores or holes, wherein the composition is absorbed or encapsulated within the pores thereof.
[0256] Example A8. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A7, wherein each one of the plurality of tablets is made from two layers, a first layer and a second layer, wherein the composition is retained or encapsulated between the two layers.
[0257] Example A9. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A8, wherein both the first layer and the second layer are made from a porous metal or metal alloy support structure comprising a plurality of pores.
[0258] Example A10. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A8, wherein the first layer is made from a continuous metallic sheet devoid of pores, and the second layer is made from a porous metal or metal alloy support structure comprising a plurality of pores.
[0259] Example Al l. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A8, wherein the first layer is made from a continuous metallic sheet devoid of pores, and the second layer is made from a continuous metallic sheet comprising a plurality of holes spaced apart from each other.
[0260] Example A 12. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples Al -Al l, comprising a plurality of cartridges disposed within the internal space, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to enable the dispensing of one tablet at a time from at least one cartridge of the plurality of cartridges.
[0261] Example A13. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A12, wherein each cartridge comprises a cartridge housing which defines an internal cartridge space configured to contain the plurality of tablets therein, wherein each cartridge extends from a bottom first surface towards a top second surface along a cartridge central axis extending through the center thereof, and wherein each cartridge comprises a bottom opening located at the first surface thereof.
[0262] Example A 14. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A13, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises a plurality of actuators, wherein each actuator is coupled to a corresponding cartridge, wherein each actuator is configured to rotate the opening or the cartridge housing of its corresponding cartridge, in order to dispense a single tablet therefrom upon each rotation of the opening.
[0263] Example A15. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A12-A14, wherein the plurality of tablets within each cartridge are stacked one over the other along a central axis, so that a long dimension of each tablet is rotated at an angle selected from about 10°-90° relative to a long dimension of a following tablet.
[0264] Example A 16. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A15, wherein the long dimension of each tablet is positioned or oriented substantially vertically to the long dimension of a following tablet positioned there-above and/or there-below.
[0265] Example A 17. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A 16, wherein the internal cartridge space of each cartridge is 3D elongated cross-shaped, configured to accommodate therein the plurality of tablets which are stacked one over the other in alternating vertical orientations.
[0266] Example Al 8. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A13-A17, wherein the opening located at the first surface of each cartridge has an elongated shape configured to correspond to the shape of each one of the plurality of tablets.
[0267] Example A 19. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A13-A18, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises a pressing element disposed within each cartridge and configured to press the tablets therein downwards towards the opening.
[0268] Example A20. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A 19, wherein the pressing element within each cartridge is further coupled to a pushing member, wherein said pushing member is shaped to fit into the internal cartridge space and to contact an upper tablet disposed therein.
[0269] Example A21. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A14-A20, wherein each actuator is positioned above each corresponding cartridge along the central axis, or in parallel and side by side to at least a portion of the external surface of its corresponding cartridge.
[0270] Example A22. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A14-A21, wherein the at least one vapor generating chamber is a collecting chamber configured to be displaced below the plurality of cartridges and to collect one or more tablets discharged therefrom.
[0271] Example A23. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A14-A21, further comprising at least one collecting chamber configured to be displaced below the plurality of cartridges and to collect one or more tablets discharged therefrom, and to transfer said tablets to the vapor generating chamber.
[0272] Example A24. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A22-A23, further comprising at least one rail and at least one rail actuator, wherein the collecting chamber is coupled to the rail and is configured to be displaced there-along due
to the operation of the rail actuator, and wherein the at least one rail actuator is in electrical and/or operative communication with the controller.
[0273] Example A25. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A14-A24, wherein the plurality of cartridges disposed within the internal space are arranged in parallel and side by side to each other, vertically to a longitudinal axis, or wherein the plurality of cartridges are bent relative to the longitudinal axis.
[0274] Example A26. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A25, wherein the plurality of cartridges disposed within the internal space are angularly arranged along a half crescent arc.
[0275] Example 1. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A25, wherein the plurality of cartridges disposed within the internal space are arranged along at least two parallel lines.
[0276] Example A28. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A25, wherein the plurality of cartridges disposed within the internal space are arranged along at least two layers of cartridges, wherein each layer comprises at least one line, wherein each line comprises a plurality of cartridges arranged in parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other.
[0277] Example A29. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A28, further comprising a collecting chamber, rail, and rail actuator below each layer, wherein each collecting chamber is configured to be displaced below the cartridges of each layer and to collect one or more tablets discharged therefrom.
[0278] Example A30. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A25, wherein the plurality of cartridges disposed within the internal space are angularly arranged along a circle therein and are extending radially away from a central axis extending through the center of the device, wherein the vapor generating chamber is a stationery central vapor generating chamber positioned along the central axis at least partially below the plurality of cartridges, wherein the stationery central vapor generating chamber is connected directly to
a central channel positioned along the central axis, and wherein the central channel is in fluid communication with the fluid path.
[0279] Example A31. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A30, wherein the plurality of cartridges are bent in an angle a relative to the central axis, wherein the angle a is selected from about 5° to about 80°.
[0280] Example A32. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1-A12, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises at least one actuator coupled to at least one spring within at least one cartridge, wherein the plurality of tablets are entangled within the spring, wherein the at least one cartridge has a 3D elongated box-shaped internal cartridge space, wherein said internal cartridge space is configured to accommodate therein and to correspond to the dimensions and shapes of the plurality of elongated 3D shaped tablets.
[0281] Example A33. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A32, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to rotate the at least one spring within the at least one cartridge, wherein upon the rotating of the at least one spring, the plurality of tablets which are entangled within the spring are displaced downwards along a rotation axis of the spring towards an opening of the at least one cartridge, thereby dispensing one tablet at a time therefrom.
[0282] Example A34. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1-A33, wherein the at least one at least one vapor generating chamber is configured to generate vapors therein via at least one vaporization mechanism selected from the group consisting of vibration energy, thermal energy, electromagnetic radiation, and combinations thereof, and optionally wherein the at least one vapor generating chamber is positioned below the at least one cartridge.
[0283] Example A35. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly example A34, wherein the at least one vapor generating chamber is a heating chamber comprising at least one heating element disposed therein, wherein the heating chamber is configured to receive one or more tablets discharged from one or more corresponding cartridges, wherein the at least one heating element is configured to provide thermal energy to the one or more tablets
disposed within the at least one heating chamber, and wherein the at least one heating chamber is positioned below at least one cartridge.
[0284] Example A36. The vaporization device of any example herein, particularly any one of examples A1-A35, for use in providing to a user in need thereof customized mixtures of aerosols via pulmonary delivery, for treating or suppressing a disease or a disorder selected from the group consisting of cancer, chronic pain, migraine, and a combination thereof, and/or for wellness and/or recreation uses.
[0285] Example Bl. A method for providing at least one customized mixture of aerosols for pulmonary delivery, the method comprising: a) providing the vaporization device according to any one of examples A1-A35; b) selecting a compositions mixture formula, optionally via the user interaction portion; c) actuating the dispensing mechanism, thereby dispensing one or more tablets into the vapor generating chamber or the collecting chamber, to form a desired combination of compositions therein, according to the compositions mixture formula of step b); and d) forming a vapor mixture within the vapor generating chamber or the collecting chamber, wherein said vapor condenses to form an inhalable aerosol mixture therein or within another portion of the device.
[0286] Example B2. The method of any example herein, particularly example Bl, further comprising step e) inhaling the aerosol mixture of step d) via the mouthpiece by the user.
[0287] Example Cl. A method for treating or suppressing a disease or a disorder selected from the group consisting of cancer, chronic pain, migraine, and a combination thereof, wherein the method comprises providing customized mixtures of aerosols for inhalation by a user in need thereof, according to the method of any one of claims examples B1-B2.
[0288] Example DI. A method for using inhalable aerosols for wellness and/or recreation purposes, wherein the method comprises providing customized mixtures of aerosols for inhalation by a user in need thereof, according to the method of any one of examples B1-B2.
[0289] Example El. A tablet for use with a vaporization device, the tablet comprises a predetermined dose of a composition encapsulated or retained therein, wherein the tablet has an elongated 3D shape having at least two opposing elongated sides, wherein at least one elongated side has a plurality of pores or holes, wherein the composition comprises at least one substance or a plurality of substances selected from the group consisting of: plant, plant extract, water, flavoring material, an aerosol former substance, and combinations thereof.
[0290] Example E2. The tablet of any example herein, particularly example El, wherein the tablet is made of a porous metal or metal alloy material comprising a plurality pores, wherein the composition is absorbed or encapsulated within the pores thereof.
[0291] Example E3. The tablet of any example herein, particularly example El, wherein the tablet is made from two layers, a first layer and a second layer, wherein the composition is retained or encapsulated between the two layers, wherein both the first layer and the second layer are made from a porous metal or metal alloy support structure comprising a plurality of pores.
[0292] Example E4. The tablet of any example herein, particularly example El, wherein the tablet is made from two layers, a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is made from a continuous metallic sheet devoid of pores, and the second layer is made from a porous metal or metal alloy support structure comprising a plurality of pores.
[0293] Example E5. The tablet of any example herein, particularly example El, wherein the tablet is made from two layers, a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is made from a continuous metallic sheet devoid of pores, and the second layer is made from a continuous metallic sheet comprising a plurality of holes spaced apart from each other.
[0294] Example E6. The tablet of any example herein, particularly any one of examples E3- E5, wherein the two layers are coupled or connected to each other along at least two opposite
edges thereof, thereby forming at least two opposing bent connections therebetween protruding above the second layer thereof.
[0295] Example E7. The tablet of any example herein, particularly any one of examples El- E6, wherein the plant extract is selected from: tobacco, nicotine, caffeine, essential oil, cannabis, and combinations thereof.
[0296] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. No feature described in the context of an embodiment is to be considered an essential feature of that embodiment, unless explicitly specified as such.
[0297] Although the invention is described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that numerous alternatives, modifications and variations that are apparent to those skilled in the art may exist. It is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth herein. Other embodiments may be practiced, and an embodiment may be carried out in various ways. Accordingly, the invention embraces all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A vaporization device comprising:
• a housing defining an internal space, wherein said internal space is configured to accommodate therein at least one cartridge, wherein the at least one cartridge is configured to accommodate therein a plurality of tablets, wherein each tablet comprises a predetermined dose of a composition, and wherein said plurality of tablets are arranged in parallel to each other and one over the other within the cartridge;
• at least one vapor generating chamber configured to generate vapors therein;
• a dispensing mechanism comprising at least one actuator configured to enable the dispensing of one tablet at a time from the at least one cartridge into the at least one vapor generating chamber;
• a power source configured to provide power at least to the controller, the at least one vapor generating chamber, and the dispensing mechanism;
• a controller configured to control operation of the dispensing mechanism and the vapor generating chamber; and
• at least one fluid path extending from a ventilation end of a mouthpiece and the at least one vapor generating chamber, wherein said at least one fluid path is configured to enable fluid communication therethrough.
2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a user interaction portion comprising one or more of a button, a touch screen, a display screen, LED lights, and combinations thereof.
3. The device of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the power source comprises at least one battery.
4. The device of any one of claims 1-3, wherein each tablet comprises a predetermined dose of a composition encapsulated or retained therein, wherein the composition comprises at
least one substance or a plurality of substances selected from the group consisting of: plant, plant extract, water, flavoring material, an aerosol former substance, and combinations thereof. The device of claim 4, wherein the plant extract is selected from: tobacco, nicotine, caffeine, essential oil, cannabis, and combinations thereof. The device of any one of claims 1-5, wherein each one of the plurality of tablets has an elongated 3D shape. The device of claim 6, wherein each one of the plurality of tablets is made of a porous material comprising a plurality pores or holes, wherein the composition is absorbed or encapsulated within the pores thereof. The device of claim 7, wherein each one of the plurality of tablets is made from two layers, a first layer and a second layer, wherein the composition is retained or encapsulated between the two layers. The device of claim 8, wherein both the first layer and the second layer are made from a porous metal or metal alloy support structure comprising a plurality of pores. The device of claim 8, wherein the first layer is made from a continuous metallic sheet devoid of pores, and the second layer is made from a porous metal or metal alloy support structure comprising a plurality of pores. The device of claim 8, wherein the first layer is made from a continuous metallic sheet devoid of pores, and the second layer is made from a continuous metallic sheet comprising a plurality of holes spaced apart from each other. The device of any one of claims 1-11, comprising a plurality of cartridges disposed within the internal space, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to enable the dispensing of one tablet at a time from at least one cartridge of the plurality of cartridges.
The device of claim 12, wherein each cartridge comprises a cartridge housing which defines an internal cartridge space configured to contain the plurality of tablets therein, wherein each cartridge extends from a bottom first surface towards a top second surface along a cartridge central axis extending through the center thereof, and wherein each cartridge comprises a bottom opening located at the first surface thereof. The device of claim 13, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises a plurality of actuators, wherein each actuator is coupled to a corresponding cartridge, wherein each actuator is configured to rotate the opening or the cartridge housing of its corresponding cartridge, in order to dispense a single tablet therefrom upon each rotation of the opening. The device of any one of claims 12-14, wherein the plurality of tablets within each cartridge are stacked one over the other along a central axis, so that a long dimension of each tablet is rotated at an angle selected from about 10°-90° relative to a long dimension of a following tablet. The device of claim 15, wherein the long dimension of each tablet is positioned or oriented substantially vertically to the long dimension of a following tablet positioned there-above and/or there-below. The device of claim 16, wherein the internal cartridge space of each cartridge is 3D elongated cross-shaped, configured to accommodate therein the plurality of tablets which are stacked one over the other in alternating vertical orientations. The device of any one of claims 13-17, wherein the opening located at the first surface of each cartridge has an elongated shape configured to correspond to the shape of each one of the plurality of tablets. The device of any one of claims 13-18, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises a pressing element disposed within each cartridge and configured to press the tablets therein downwards towards the opening.
The device of claim 19, wherein the pressing element within each cartridge is further coupled to a pushing member, wherein said pushing member is shaped to fit into the internal cartridge space and to contact an upper tablet disposed therein. The device of any one of claims 14-20, wherein each actuator is positioned above each corresponding cartridge along the central axis, or in parallel and side by side to at least a portion of the external surface of its corresponding cartridge. The device of any one of claims 14-21, wherein the at least one vapor generating chamber is a collecting chamber configured to be displaced below the plurality of cartridges and to collect one or more tablets discharged therefrom. The device of any one of claims 14-21, further comprising at least one collecting chamber configured to be displaced below the plurality of cartridges and to collect one or more tablets discharged therefrom, and to transfer said tablets to the vapor generating chamber. The device of any one of claims 22-23, further comprising at least one rail and at least one rail actuator, wherein the collecting chamber is coupled to the rail and is configured to be displaced there-along due to the operation of the rail actuator, and wherein the at least one rail actuator is in electrical and/or operative communication with the controller. The device of any one of claims 14-24, wherein the plurality of cartridges disposed within the internal space are arranged in parallel and side by side to each other, vertically to a longitudinal axis, or wherein the plurality of cartridges are bent relative to the longitudinal axis. The device of claim 25, wherein the plurality of cartridges disposed within the internal space are angularly arranged along a half crescent arc. The device of claim 25, wherein the plurality of cartridges disposed within the internal space are arranged along at least two parallel lines. The device of claim 25, wherein the plurality of cartridges disposed within the internal space are arranged along at least two layers of cartridges, wherein each layer comprises at
least one line, wherein each line comprises a plurality of cartridges arranged in parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. The device of claim 28, further comprising a collecting chamber, rail, and rail actuator below each layer, wherein each collecting chamber is configured to be displaced below the cartridges of each layer and to collect one or more tablets discharged therefrom. The device of claim 25, wherein the plurality of cartridges disposed within the internal space are angularly arranged along a circle therein and are extending radially away from a central axis extending through the center of the device, wherein the vapor generating chamber is a stationery central vapor generating chamber positioned along the central axis at least partially below the plurality of cartridges, wherein the stationery central vapor generating chamber is connected directly to a central channel positioned along the central axis, and wherein the central channel is in fluid communication with the fluid path. The device of claim 30, wherein the plurality of cartridges are bent in an angle a relative to the central axis, wherein the angle a is selected from about 5° to about 80°. The device of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises at least one actuator coupled to at least one spring within at least one cartridge, wherein the plurality of tablets are entangled within the spring, wherein the at least one cartridge has a 3D elongated box-shaped internal cartridge space, wherein said internal cartridge space is configured to accommodate therein and to correspond to the dimensions and shapes of the plurality of elongated 3D shaped tablets. The device of claim 32, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to rotate the at least one spring within the at least one cartridge, wherein upon the rotating of the at least one spring, the plurality of tablets which are entangled within the spring are displaced downwards along a rotation axis of the spring towards an opening of the at least one cartridge, thereby dispensing one tablet at a time therefrom. The device of any one of claims 1-33, wherein the at least one at least one vapor generating chamber is configured to generate vapors therein via at least one vaporization mechanism
selected from the group consisting of vibration energy, thermal energy, electromagnetic radiation, and combinations thereof, and optionally wherein the at least one vapor generating chamber is positioned below the at least one cartridge. The device of claim 34, wherein the at least one vapor generating chamber is a heating chamber comprising at least one heating element disposed therein, wherein the heating chamber is configured to receive one or more tablets discharged from one or more corresponding cartridges, wherein the at least one heating element is configured to provide thermal energy to the one or more tablets disposed within the at least one heating chamber, and wherein the at least one heating chamber is positioned below at least one cartridge. The device of any one of claims 1-35, for use in providing to a user in need thereof customized mixtures of aerosols via pulmonary delivery, for treating or suppressing a disease or a disorder selected from the group consisting of cancer, chronic pain, migraine, and a combination thereof, and/or for wellness and/or recreation uses. A method for providing at least one customized mixture of aerosols for pulmonary delivery, the method comprising: a) providing the vaporization device according to any one of claims 1-35; b) selecting a compositions mixture formula, optionally via the user interaction portion; c) actuating the dispensing mechanism, thereby dispensing one or more tablets into the vapor generating chamber or the collecting chamber, to form a desired combination of compositions therein, according to the compositions mixture formula of step b); and d) forming a vapor mixture within the vapor generating chamber or the collecting chamber, wherein said vapor condenses to form an inhalable aerosol mixture therein or within another portion of the device. The method of claim 37, further comprising step e) inhaling the aerosol mixture of step d) via the mouthpiece by the user.
A method for treating or suppressing a disease or a disorder selected from the group consisting of cancer, chronic pain, migraine, and a combination thereof, wherein the method comprises providing customized mixtures of aerosols for inhalation by a user in need thereof, according to the method of any one of claims 37-38. A method for using inhalable aerosols for wellness and/or recreation purposes, wherein the method comprises providing customized mixtures of aerosols for inhalation by a user in need thereof, according to the method of any one of claims 37-38. A tablet for use with a vaporization device, the tablet comprises a predetermined dose of a composition encapsulated or retained therein, wherein the tablet has an elongated 3D shape having at least two opposing elongated sides, wherein at least one elongated side has a plurality of pores or holes, wherein the composition comprises at least one substance or a plurality of substances selected from the group consisting of: plant, plant extract, water, flavoring material, an aerosol former substance, and combinations thereof. The tablet of claim 41, wherein the tablet is made of a porous metal or metal alloy material comprising a plurality pores, wherein the composition is absorbed or encapsulated within the pores thereof. The tablet of claim 41, wherein the tablet is made from two layers, a first layer and a second layer, wherein the composition is retained or encapsulated between the two layers, wherein both the first layer and the second layer are made from a porous metal or metal alloy support structure comprising a plurality of pores. The tablet of claim 41, wherein the tablet is made from two layers, a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is made from a continuous metallic sheet devoid of pores, and the second layer is made from a porous metal or metal alloy support structure comprising a plurality of pores. The tablet of claim 41, wherein the tablet is made from two layers, a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is made from a continuous metallic sheet devoid of pores, and
the second layer is made from a continuous metallic sheet comprising a plurality of holes spaced apart from each other. The tablet of any one of claims 43-45, wherein the two layers are coupled or connected to each other along at least two opposite edges thereof, thereby forming at least two opposing bent connections therebetween protruding above the second layer thereof.
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US202263345923P | 2022-05-26 | 2022-05-26 | |
US63/345,923 | 2022-05-26 |
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WO2023228187A1 true WO2023228187A1 (en) | 2023-11-30 |
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PCT/IL2023/050534 WO2023228187A1 (en) | 2022-05-26 | 2023-05-24 | Vaporization device having discrete dosing cartridges |
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