Temperature detection for vaporization devices

A temperature sensing unit for a vaporization device is disclosed. The temperature sensing unit includes a main body, a flange extending radially from the main body, a receiver extending axially from the main body, temperature sensor disposed in or on the main body, an annular disk configured to be concentric with the receiver, a groove extending radially along a portion of the annular disk.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward heating devices, and in particular, to a temperature detection unit for a heating device, such as vaporization devices commonly used for vaping and/or smoking consumables.

BACKGROUND

Handheld combustion and/or heating torches (i.e., non-cutting/processing torches) are often used for personal and household needs, such as to cause combustion (e.g., light a candle, cigar, etc.), heat a surface, or food substance. For example, handheld combustion and/or heating torches are sometimes called for in culinary recipes, such as crème brûlée recipes, that require exposure to a flame or a very hot heat source. As another specific example, handheld combustion and/or heating torches (for simplicity, referred to herein as “heating torches”) may often be used to combust substances for smoking (e.g., in place of a lighter), heat substances for vaporization, or other similar uses.

In fact, in view of developments in technology and the law, vaporization devices have become quite popular and torches are often used to heat substances disposed in these devices to create an inhalable vapor within the vaporization device. That is, often, a user may use a heating torch to heat a consumable and/or inhalable product, such as oils, concentrates, and/or combustible plant substances to create a vapor for a user to inhale. Heating liquid or wax consumables has become particularly popular since liquids and waxes may be more concentrated and/or specialized as compared to plant substances. Additionally, a quantity of wax or liquid may last longer than a similar quantity of plant substance (which may further decrease the amount of materials that a vaporization user needs to carry). However, if vaporizable substances are heated above a threshold temperature, the vaporizable substances may burn instead of releasing an aromatic vapor. Burning the substances may create harmful particulates, such as tars, that users are often trying to avoid when choosing to vape in place of smoking. In view of at least the foregoing, improvements in temperature control are desired.

SUMMARY

The present application is directed to techniques that provide temperature detection of a surface on which a heating and/or combustion torch is or will be acting. The techniques may be embodied in the form of a temperature sensing unit that is removably coupleable to a vaporization device. Additionally, the techniques may be embodied in the form of a carb of a vaporization device that includes components configured to sense a temperature of a surface that contacts and heats a consumable (e.g., a surface on which a torch may act).

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vaporization device including: a main body; a nail including a nail receptacle for an inhalable substance and defining a heatable portion; a mouthpiece in fluid communication with the nail receptacle to allow vapor to pass from the nail receptacle to the mouthpiece; a heating element aligned with the heatable portion; and a carb cap configured to removably engage the nail receptacle, the carb cap including a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the nail receptacle.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vaporization device, wherein the temperature sensor detects the temperature of a portion of the nail receptacle proximate to the heatable portion.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vaporization device, wherein the main body is configured to receive a liquid and defines pathways through or adjacent to the liquid that allow the vapor to pass from the nail receptacle to the mouthpiece.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vaporization device, wherein the carb cap further includes: a display configured to display the temperature detected by the temperature sensor; and a battery configured to power the temperature sensor and the display.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vaporization device including: a carb cap configured to cover a nail receptacle defined by a nail, the nail receptacle being configured to hold a consumable; and a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of an inner surface of the nail receptacle.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vaporization device, wherein the temperature sensor includes a contactless temperature sensor.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vaporization device, wherein the carb cap includes: an annular disk having a fluid channel, the annular disk configured to align the temperature sensor with the nail, and guide fluid into the nail receptacle via the fluid channel.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vaporization device, wherein the carb cap further includes: a main body; and a temperature probe coupled to the temperature sensor, wherein the temperature probe extends from the main body towards the inner surface of the nail receptacle.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vaporization device, wherein the main body further includes a threaded hole, and a proximal end of the temperature probe is threaded into the threaded hole.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vaporization device, wherein the temperature probe is configured to contact at least one of the inner surface of the nail receptacle and the consumable.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vaporization device, wherein the carb cap further includes: a display configured to display the temperature of the inner surface detected by the temperature sensor.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vaporization device, the carb cap further includes one or more actuators disposed on the main body that are configured to control at least one of the temperature sensor and the display.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vaporization device, further including: a battery disposed in the main body and configured to power the display and the temperature sensor.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a carb cap for a vaporization device including: a main body; a flange extending radially from the main body; a receiver extending axially from the main body; a temperature sensor disposed in or on the main body; an annular disk configured to be concentric with the receiver; and a groove extending radially along a portion of the annular disk.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a carb cap, further including a display configured to display a temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a carb cap, wherein the temperature sensor is a contactless temperature sensor.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a carb cap, wherein the receiver includes a threaded hole configured to: receive a proximal end of a temperature probe, and thermally and/or electrically couple the temperature probe to the temperature sensor.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a carb cap, wherein: the temperature probe axially extends from the threaded hole; and the temperature probe is configured to contact at least one of an inner surface of a receptacle and a consumable disposed in the receptacle.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a carb cap, wherein the annular disk is configured to engage a nail of the vaporization device.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a carb cap, wherein the annular disk is further configured to align the temperature sensor with the nail of the vaporization device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is given solely for the purpose of describing the broad principles of the invention. Embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example, with reference to the above-mentioned drawings showing elements and results according to the present invention.

Overall, the present application provides a temperature sensing unit that is included in or attachable to a vaporization device or a portion of a vaporization device, such as a carb cap. That is, in some implementations, the vaporization device includes a receptacle (e.g., banger, bowl, cup, nail, etc.) that may be heated by a heating element such as a handheld combustion or heating torch (for simplicity, referred to herein as “heating torch”) and/or a heating coil. The receptacle receives the consumable to be heated by the heating element. The temperature sensing unit detects a temperature of an inner surface of the receptacle.

Regardless of the specific implementation, the temperature sensing unit is configured to sense a temperature of the inner surface of a receptacle which receives a consumable, which is the surface that directly heats the consumable. Directly detecting the temperature of the inner surface of the receptacle provides better control over the heating element and avoids burning the consumable as compared to sensors that detect a temperature of an exterior surface of the receptacle. For example, the temperature sensing unit may include a temperature sensor (e.g., an infrared thermometer, thermocouple, etc.) that can directly detect a temperature of an inner surface of the receptacle that is holding a consumable substance for vaporization. Additionally, the temperature sensing unit may include a display to provide feedback to the user relating to the temperature detected by the temperature sensing unit. For example, the display may show a detected temperature or provide indications of whether the temperature is within, above, or below a predetermined range (e.g., via colors, via phrases, like “too low,” “just right,” and “too high,” and/or via any other indicia or indications). Additionally or alternatively, the feedback may cause the heating element to engage or disengage (i.e., heat the receptacle or stop heating the receptacle).

Now referring toFIG.1, a vaporization device100includes a temperature sensing unit20configured to detect a temperature of a portion of the vaporization device100. In the depicted embodiment, the vaporization device100comprises for a vaporization rig110, a housing120, and a torch130. The housing120receives and aligns the vaporization rig110and the torch130. The vaporization rig110includes a base112defining an interior cavity configured to receive a liquid, a receptacle114(e.g., a banger, a bowl, a cup, a nail, etc.), a mouthpiece116, and a neck118extending between the base112and receptacle114. The neck118fluidly couples the receptacle114to the base112. That is, the neck118includes an internal channel that fluidly couples the interior cavity of the base112with an interior of the receptacle114. The interior cavity of the base112is also fluidly coupled with the mouthpiece116. Thus, the receptacle114may serve as an inlet and the mouthpiece116may serve as an outlet of the vaporization rig110. Accordingly, the vaporization rig110defines a pathway allowing vapor to pass through or adjacent to a liquid disposed in the cavity while flowing from the receptacle114to the mouthpiece116.

The receptacle114includes a bottom wall or heatable portion1140and a sidewall1144extending from the heatable portion1140to a top portion1146. The top portion1146defines an opening to a cavity of the receptacle114. The heatable portion1140and the sidewall1144define the cavity configured to receive a consumable. At the bottom of the cavity, an inner surface1142of the heatable portion1140can receive, heat, and vaporize a consumable when the consumable is received in the cavity of the receptacle114and the heatable portion1140is heated.

The temperature sensing unit20is configured to detect a temperature of the inner surface1142of the receptacle114. The temperature sensing unit20comprises a carb cap200configured to engage, cover, and/or rest on, the open top portion1146of the receptacle114. In at least some embodiments, the temperature sensing unit20can also regulate a flow of air into the cavity of the receptacle114. The temperature sensing unit20and the carb cap200are discussed in greater detail below, with reference toFIGS.2A-2E.

Still referring toFIG.1, the housing120is configured to receive and align the vaporization rig110and the torch130. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the torch130includes a main body132, a flame guide134extending laterally beside the main body132, and a flame outlet136at a distal end of the flame guide134. The torch130is configured to ignite and sustain a flame discharged from the flame outlet136. When the base112of the vaporization rig110and the torch130are received in the housing120, the flame outlet136is vertically aligned with the receptacle114, such that the flame from the torch130contacts and heats and outer surface of the heatable portion1140, which, in turn, heats the inner surface1142of the heatable portion1140.

The vaporization device100depicted inFIG.1is only one example of a vaporization rig110that is usable with the temperature sensing unit20and, in other implementations, the main body210of the temperature sensing unit20can be sized and shaped to be received by a receptacle of any size and shape of any desired vaporization device or rig. Moreover, in some implementations, the vaporization device100does not include the housing120, and the vaporization rig110is separate from the torch130. For example, the vaporization rig110and torch130may be free-standing or held in a user's hands. In yet another implementation, the vaporization device100may not include the housing120or torch130. Instead, a heating element (e.g., a heating coil) may be disposed on or otherwise coupled to the receptacle114and configured to heat the heatable portion1140, and thus, the inner surface1142. Regardless of the shape and size of the rig110and/or the arrangement between the heating element (e.g., torch130, heating coil, etc.) and the receptacle114, the temperature sensing unit20is configured to sense and determine a temperature of the inner surface1142of the receptacle114.

FIGS.2A-2Edepict the temperature sensing unit20. As can be seen, in the depicted embodiment the temperature sensing unit20is provided in the form of a carb cap200. The carb cap200includes a main body210having a top surface210A and a bottom portion210B, a receiver220, and an annular disk230surrounding, or concentric with, the receiver220. The main body210has a generally cylindrical shape and a flange212extending radially from the bottom portion210B. The flange212includes a top surface212A and a bottom surface212B. The receiver220extends from the bottom portion210B of the main body and, more specifically, extends from the bottom surface212B of the flange212. In the depicted embodiment, the receiver220is defined by a cylindrical sidewall222.

As can be seen best inFIG.2A-2C, the main body210houses a temperature sensor214, a display216, and actuators218(e.g., buttons, toggles, and/or switches). The temperature sensor214is electrically coupled to the display216so that the display216can display data gathered by the temperature sensor214and/or indicia representative of data gathered by the temperature sensor214. The actuators218are also electrically coupled to the temperature sensor214and/or the display216so that the actuators218can control the display216and/or the temperature sensor214. In the depicted embodiment, the display216and the actuators218are disposed on the top surface210A, with four actuators218disposed on opposing sides of the display216. However, in other embodiments, the carb cap200may include any number of actuators218and/or any number of displays216arranged in any desired manner on the carb cap200(e.g., on main body210).

Generally, positioning the temperature sensor214within the carb cap200, which is configured to sit atop the receptacle of a nail/banger/cup/etc. of a rig (e.g., receptacle114of rig110), allows the temperature sensor214to directly detect a temperature of the inner surface1142of receptacle114via a contactless sensor (e.g., an infrared sensor, laser sensor, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor214may include a temperature probe extending from the receiver220(for example, see probe340inFIG.3) that can directly contact and detect the temperature of the receptacle114(e.g., via a thermocouple, resistance temperature detector, etc.).

As shown inFIG.2E, the receiver220further includes a socket224. The socket224may be an opening configured to allow the sensor214to detect the temperature of the receptacle114. For example, the socket224may provide a field of view for the sensor214(e.g., for infrared or laser temperature detectors). In some implementations, the socket224may be a threaded opening for receiving an emitter or a detector for the sensor214(e.g., an infrared emitter/detector, a laser emitter/detector, etc.). In yet another implementation, the socket224may be a threaded opening configured to thermally or electrically couple the sensor214to a temperature probe (e.g., temperature probe340ofFIG.3). That is, the temperature probe may be configured to contact and conduct heat from the inner surface1142of the receptacle114, or vaporizable substances disposed thereon, and the socket224conducts the heat and/or an electric signal indicative of the temperature to the sensor214.

Although not shown, the main body210may further include a power source (e.g., a battery) and a controller for operating the display216and temperature sensor214. In some implementations, the main body210may house a transmitter and a receiver for wireless communication between the temperature sensor214and a wireless device (e.g., a smart phone, a tablet, a computer, etc.) and/or a heating element. Accordingly, the temperature sensing unit20and heating element may be wirelessly controlled.

Now turning toFIGS.2C-2E, the annular disk230is configured to support the main body210(and the carb cap200as a whole) on top of a nail/banger/cup/etc. of a rig, such as on the top portion1146of the receptacle114(seeFIG.1). Additionally, the annular disk230may, in at least some embodiments, regulate a flow of air into the cavity of the receptacle114. As shown inFIGS.2C-2E, the annular disk230includes a top surface230A and a bottom surface230B opposite the top surface230A that are each bounded by an outer sidewall234and an inner sidewall236that defines an opening238. Moreover, in the depicted embodiment, the bottom surface230B includes at least one groove232. The at least one groove232extends radially inward from the outer sidewall234along the bottom surface230B to the inner sidewall236. As depicted inFIG.2E, in the depicted embodiment, the groove232has a frustoconical shape. That is, a width of the groove232along the bottom surface230B increases as the groove232extends radially outward from the inner sidewall236to the outer sidewall234. Similarly, a depth of the groove232that extends into the bottom surface230B increases as the groove232extends radially outward from the inner sidewall236to the outer sidewall234. Said another way, a depth and width of the groove232at the outer sidewall234is greater than a depth and width of the groove232at the inner sidewall236. However, this is merely an example and in other embodiments the groove232may have any shape, size, and/or dimensions. For example, in some implementations, the groove232has a constant width and depth between the outer sidewall234and the inner sidewall236.

The bottom surface230B of the annular disk230is configured to mate with, or rest on, the top portion1146of the receptacle114. Then, the top portion1146and the at least one groove232can cooperate to form a fluid channel fluidly coupled with the cavity of the receptacle114. In some implementations, the at least one groove232and top portion1146regulate a flow air into the receptacle114. For example, the at least one groove232and top portion1146may regulate a flow rate of the flow of air (e.g., by leveraging air flow phenomenon, such as the venturi effect). In some implementations, the annular disk230includes a plurality of grooves232. In some implementations, the bottom surface230B may be shaped or include surface features configured to engage the top portion1146and prevent lateral movement of the annular disk230with respect to the receptacle114.

Meanwhile, the annular disk230is also configured to receive and support the main body210of the carb cap200. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the opening238of the annular disk230receives the receiver220of the main body210, and top surface230A mates with the bottom surface212B of the flange212. That is, the inner sidewall236defining opening238abuts at least a portion of a sidewall222of the receiver220, thereby preventing radial or lateral movement of the main body210with respect to the annular disk230. However, in other embodiments, the carb cap need not include an annular disk230and can engage a nail receptacle, such as receptacle114in any desired manner. Put generally, with or without disk230, the carb cap200presented herein can fully or partially cover a receptacle for a vaporizable substance, with or without sealing one or more connection points between the carb cap and the receptacle.

Now referring toFIG.3, a bottom perspective view of a temperature sensing unit30according to a second embodiment is shown. For brevity, only differences between temperature sensing unit30and temperature sensing unit20will be described. Temperature sensing unit30is substantially similar to temperature sensing unit20, except temperature sensing unit30does not include an annular disk230. More specifically, the temperature sensing unit30includes a carb cap300having a main body310, a flange312extending radially outward from the main body310, a bottom surface312B and a receiver320extending from the bottom surface312B. The receiver320includes a socket324extending axially through the receiver320that is configured to receive a temperature probe340.

The carb cap300directly engages a receptacle of a vaporization device without an annular disk (e.g., annular disk230ofFIGS.2A-2E). For example, the receiver320and flange312may engage a top portion of the receptacle. The receiver320has a frustoconical shape defined by a sidewall322that extends obliquely from the bottom surface312B. The frustoconical shape of the receiver320may center and maintain the carb cap300when received on the receptacle. The bottom surface312B of the flange312may mate with or rest on a top portion of the receptacle and support the main body310.

The bottom surface312B includes a groove332that extends radially inward from an outer perimeter of the flange312to the receiver320. In the depicted embodiment, the groove332extends through the receiver320to the socket324. When the carb cap300is disposed on a receptacle of a vaporization device, the at least one groove332is configured to admit and regulate a flow air into the receptacle. In some implementations, the bottom surface312B includes a plurality of grooves332arranged radially about the receiver320. In some implementations, the bottom surface312B may be shaped to define or may include surface features configured to engage a top portion of the receptacle and prevent lateral movement of the main body310with respect to the receptacle. Consequently, the temperature probe340may be aligned with a desired inner surface of the receptacle.

During operation, the temperature probe340is configured to thermally couple an inner surface of a receptacle of a vaporization device with a sensor disposed in the main body310of the carb cap300. The temperature probe340includes a proximal end342and a distal end344. The distal end344is configured to be in close proximity to or in contact with an inner surface of a receptacle of a vaporization device (e.g., vaporization rig110ofFIG.1). That is, the distal end344is thermally coupled to the inner surface of the receptacle. The temperature probe340is configured to conduct heat from the inner surface of the receptacle to the distal end344. The distal end344is configured to conduct the heat to the socket324, and the socket324is configured to conduct the heat to the sensor in the main body310. The sensor is configured to determine a temperature of the inner surface based on the conducted heat. Accordingly, the temperature sensing unit30can accurately detect a temperature of an inner surface of a receptacle.

In some implementations, the temperature probe340maybe electrically coupled to the sensor via the socket324. For example, the probe340may contact the inner surface of the receptacle and generate an electrical signal indicative of the temperature of the inner surface. The electrical signal may be transmitted through the socket324to the sensor, which determines the temperature of the inner surface based on the received signal. Alternatively, the temperature probe340may thermally couple to the socket324and the socket may be configured to conduct an electrical signal to the sensor that is indicative of a temperature of the inner surface of the receptacle. Then, the sensor may determine the temperature of the inner surface based on the received signal.

The socket324may be a threaded hole or opening configured to engage threads of the temperature probe340. For example, a proximal end342of the probe340may be threaded to engage threads of the socket324. In some implementations, the temperature probe340may integrally extend from a bottom surface312B of the main body310.

In some implementations, the temperature probe340may have a predetermined length based on a depth of a cavity of a receptacle. In some implementations, the temperature probe340may be interchangeable with temperature probes of different lengths corresponding to receptacles of different depths. For example, the temperature probe340may be removable and have a first length based on a depth of a first receptacle. The temperature probe340maybe removed and replaced with a second temperature probe that is substantially the same as temperature probe340, but has a different length based on a depth of a second receptacle. Accordingly, the temperature sensing unit30may be used with different receptacles of different vaporization device by changing the temperature probe340. In some implementations, the temperature probe340may be flexible, telescoping, and/or otherwise extendible. In some implementations, the temperature probe340may be irregularly shaped, arcuately shaped, and/or pivotable. Additionally or alternatively, the socket324could be pivotable, flexible, etc., to achieve a similar effect. Put generally, a desired temperature probe340may be selected and arranged to contact any desired inner surface of any receptacle.

Overall, the temperature sensing unit20,30described herein provides accurate detection of a temperature of an inner surface of a receptacle configured to heat and vaporize a consumable. Additionally, the temperature sensing unit20,30may be reconfigurable to interchangeably engage various vaporization devices and heating elements.

While the temperature sensing unit presented herein has been illustrated and described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since it will be apparent that various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

It is also to be understood that the temperature sensing unit and vaporization device presented herein, or portions thereof, may be fabricated from any suitable material or combination of materials, provided that the device, or portions thereof, can function as described herein (i.e., withstand heating forces and form sealed connections). Example materials include plastic, foamed plastic, quartz, glass, metal, supple natural or synthetic materials including, but not limited to, cotton, elastomers, polyester, plastic, rubber, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. Suitable plastics may include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or the like. Suitable foamed plastics may include expanded or extruded polystyrene, expanded or extruded polypropylene, EVA foam, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

Reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present disclosure, the devices, components, members, apparatuses, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms such as “above”, “below”, “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” or other similar terms merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. When used to describe a range of dimensions and/or other characteristics (e.g., time, pressure, temperature, distance, etc.) of an element, operations, conditions, etc. the phrase “between X and Y” represents a range that includes X and Y.

Further, the term “exemplary” is used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of a possible embodiment.

When used herein, the term “comprises” and its derivations (such as “comprising”, “including,” “containing,” etc.) should not be understood in an excluding sense, that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that what is described and defined may include further elements, steps, etc. Meanwhile, when used herein, the term “approximately” and terms of its family (such as “approximate”, etc.) should be understood as indicating values very near to those which accompany the aforementioned term. That is to say, a deviation within reasonable limits from an exact value should be accepted, because a skilled person in the art will understand that such a deviation from the values indicated is inevitable due to measurement inaccuracies, etc. The same applies to the similar terms, such as, but not limited to, “about,” “around,” and “substantially.”

As used herein, unless expressly stated to the contrary, use of the phrase “at least one of”, “one or more of”, “and/or”, and variations thereof are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation for any and all possible combination of the associated listed items. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of X, Y and Z”, “at least one of X, Y or Z”, “one or more of X, Y and Z”, “one or more of X, Y or Z” and “X, Y and/or Z” can mean any of the following: 1) X, but not Y and not Z; 2) Y, but not X and not Z; 3) Z, but not X and not Y; 4) X and Y, but not Z; 5) X and Z, but not Y; 6) Y and Z, but not X; or 7) X, Y, and Z. Further as referred to herein, “at least one of” and “one or more of” can be represented using the “(s)” nomenclature (e.g., one or more element(s)).

Additionally, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., are intended to distinguish the particular nouns they modify (e.g., element, condition, node, module, activity, operation, etc.). Unless expressly stated to the contrary, the use of these terms is not intended to indicate any type of order, rank, importance, temporal sequence, or hierarchy of the modified noun. For example, “first X” and “second X” are intended to designate two “X” elements that are not necessarily limited by any order, rank, importance, temporal sequence, or hierarchy of the two elements.