Abstract:
A vaporizer and method of vaporizing a botanical material is described. Embodiments of the apparatus include a self-contained, fully enclosed, battery operated vaporizer having an air inlet and a mouthpiece. The vaporizer includes a window for viewing a botanical material contained therein and a heating element that is also visible through the window and through an air inlet. The vaporizer also includes a push-button switch that rapidly provides power to heat air, which is then drawn through the botanical material by inhaling. Embodiments of the method include utilizing a push-button switch for heating vaporizer air and viewing the glow of the heating element as a signal that the vaporizer is ready for use.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention generally relates to the field of vaporizers for consuming botanical materials, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for using a portable, self-contained vaporizer for heating the materials to a temperature sufficient to release the volatile components without combustion. 
         [0003]    2. Discussion of the Background 
         [0004]    Devices for consuming botanical materials, including but not limited to tobacco, flowers, botanical blend, or aromatic herbs, commonly ignite the botanical materials, requiring that the consumer inhale products of combustion along with any volatile compounds that are present. For many botanical materials it is the volatiles, such as the nicotine present in tobacco, that provide a physiological response in the consumer, while the combustion products may actually be harmful. 
         [0005]    Prior art vaporizers commonly employ a continuous heating source such as a butane-powered flame, a butane powered catalytic burner, or an electrical resistive heater. The heat source in many such devices is conductive as it is in direct contact with the material or the receptacle containing the material. This may result in high temperatures, leading to singing and charring of the botanical material near the heat source. 
         [0006]    Further, many prior art vaporizers require several minutes of heat-up time as they need to heat both the mass of the botanical material and a holder of the material to a desired temperature before they can extract volatile vapors. 
         [0007]    Further, since the heating is typically continuous, rather than on-demand, many existing vaporizers use their power inefficiently as they are often providing heat to maintain a steady state of elevated temperature that does not correspond to the user&#39;s intended duty-cycle of intermittent inhalation of the vapors produced. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    One embodiment of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior art by providing a vaporizer that entirely contains a botanical material to be consumed. 
         [0009]    Another embodiment of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior art by providing a vaporizer having an upper portion that may be removably placed on a lower portion to contain a botanical material to be consumed. In one embodiment, the upper and lower portions are held in place with magnets. 
         [0010]    Yet another embodiment of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior art by providing an enclosed vaporizer having a window for viewing a botanical material contained therein. In one embodiment, the window also allows the extracted vapor and glow from a heating element to be viewed. 
         [0011]    One embodiment of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior art by providing an enclosed vaporizer that allows the glow from a heating element to also be viewed through an air inlet. 
         [0012]    Another embodiment of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior art by providing a vaporizer having a heating element suspended in a transparent heating chamber that allows for the transmission of light generated by the heating element of the device. 
         [0013]    Yet another embodiment of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior art by providing an enclosed vaporizer having a heating element suspended in a transparent heating chamber that is integrated with and concentric to the material chamber. 
         [0014]    One embodiment of the present invention includes a computer controlled temperature regulation system that allows for the proper vaporization temperatures for aromatic herbs, flowers, and tobacco. 
         [0015]    Another embodiment of the present invention includes a vaporizer having rechargeable battery that is removable by the user. 
         [0016]    It is one aspect of the present invention to provide vaporizer to provide a user with a vapor from a botanical material. The vaporizer includes a housing; a heater substantially within the housing including an electrical energy storage device, a user-operable switch, a heating element, and an electrical circuit including the electrical energy storage device, the user-operable switch, and the heating element, where the electrical circuit is adapted to provide energy from the electrical energy storage device to the heating element when the user-operable switch is actuated. The vaporizer further includes a passageway with the housing, the passageway including an air inlet, a heater section to provide thermal contact with air within the heater and the heating element, a receptacle for containing a botanical material, and an air outlet. The user may thus actuate the user-operable switch and inhale through the outlet to draw air external to the vaporizer to sequentially, heat air in contact with the heating element to a heated air temperature, at least partially vaporize the botanical material with the heated air, then provide at least a portion of the vaporized botanical material through the outlet to the user. 
         [0017]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a method of providing a vapor of a botanical material using a vaporizer. The method includes manually actuating the vaporizer, where the vaporizer includes stored electric energy, a receptacle for containing the botanical material, and a flow passageway extending from an inlet, through a manually actuatible heater to accept the stored electric energy and heat air, through the receptacle, to an outlet; and inhaling through the outlet. Air is thus drawn external to the vaporizer into the passageway and sequentially, has the air temperature increased in the heater, heats and extracts a vapor from the botanical material, and provides the vapor to the user. 
         [0018]    It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a vaporizer to provide a user with a vapor from a botanical material. The vaporizer includes a heating element, and a passageway including an air inlet; a heater section to provide thermal contact with air within the heater and the heating element; a receptacle for containing a botanical material; a window to transmit thermal radiation from the heater section to the user, and an air outlet. The user has a visual cue that inhaled air may be heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the botanical material. 
         [0019]    It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a method of providing a vapor of a botanical material using a vaporizer, where the method includes manually actuating the vaporizer, where the vaporizer includes a receptacle for containing the botanical material, and a flow passageway extending from an inlet, through a heater to heat air, through the receptacle, to an outlet, and a window to allow a user to view thermal radiation from the heater; and when a user perceives a glow from the heater through the window, inhaling through the outlet. The user thus has a visual cue that inhaled air may be heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the botanical material. 
         [0020]    a receptacle for containing the botanical material, and a flow passageway extending from an inlet, through a heater to heat air, through the receptacle, to an outlet, and a window to allow a user to view thermal radiation from the heater, the method comprising: manually actuating the heater; and when a user perceives a glow from the heater through the window, inhaling through the outlet. The user thus has a visual cue that inhaled air may be heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the botanical material. 
         [0021]    These features together with the various ancillary provisions and features which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, are attained by the vaporizer of the present invention, preferred embodiments thereof being shown with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, wherein: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a vaporizer; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the vaporizer of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a left side view of the vaporizer of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a distal end view of the vaporizer of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a proximal end view of the vaporizer of  FIG. 1   
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of the vaporizer of  FIG. 1  with the upper portion removed from the lower portion; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view  7 - 7  of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view  8 - 8  of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of one embodiment of a heater block; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a partially assembled heater block; 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is the view of  FIG. 6  illustrating air flow through the vaporizer; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a cut-away perspective sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 11   
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a schematic view of one embodiment of the electronics within the vaporizer. 
       
    
    
       [0035]    Reference symbols are used in the Figures to indicate certain components, aspects or features shown therein, with reference symbols common to more than one Figure indicating like components, aspects or features shown therein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a hand-held vaporizer  100 , and  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5  are, respectively, views of a top side  106 , a left side  202 , a distal end  104 , and a proximal end  102  of the vaporizer. 
         [0037]    Vaporizer  100  includes a housing  101  having a mouthpiece  103  with an opening  311  into the vaporizer at proximal end  102 , an air inlet  105  at distal end  104 , and a window  107  on top side  106  through which one can view a botanical material placed within the vaporizer, and a push-button switch  109  on a right side  108 . Left side  202  includes a power switch  201 , a power connector  305 , indicator lights  307 , and a recess  309 . 
         [0038]    Housing  101  is formed from a rigid material, and may include one or more pieces or layers of metal or plastic. Thus, for example, sides  108 ,  202 , and ends  102 ,  104  include a case  207  and a removable bottom panel  303 , and top side  106  includes an elongated portion  205  and a bezel  203  protruding above and surrounding window  107 . 
         [0039]    Window  107  is preferably a scratch resistant material that is transparent to visible light, and may be, for example and without limitation, a glass, such as a borosilicate glass or a crystal quartz or fused quartz material. 
         [0040]    Vaporizer  100  is preferably sized to be hand-held, and may have dimensions of a height, H, of from 20 to 30 mm, such as height H of 25 mm, a length, L, of from 110 to 170 mm, such as a length L of 140 mm, and a width, W, of from 40 mm to 60 mm, such as a width of 50 mm. 
         [0041]    Indicator lights  307  may include one light, or several different color lights (such as red, green, and/or blue) to indicate if vaporizer  100  is being powered, temperature settings, and/or battery power remaining in the vaporizer. 
         [0042]    In general, a user may open housing  101  utilizing recess  309  and place a botanical material in a bowl (described subsequently) below window  107 , grasp case  207 , and push push-button switch  109 . In certain embodiments, within several seconds of pushing push-button switch  109  a heater (describe subsequently) within vaporizer  100  emits visible light through window  107  and through air inlet  105  to indicate that a proper temperature has been reached and that the user should inhale though opening  311  in mouthpiece  103 . The action of inhaling causes air to be drawn in through air inlet  105  where it is first heated in the heater and then vaporizes the botanical material, the vapors of which are inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece. In addition, power switch  201  may include several settings, such as a power off setting, a low power setting and a high temperature setting for controlling a temperature of vaporizer  100 , and power connector  305  allows for recharging of an internal battery. 
         [0043]      FIG. 6  as a top perspective view of vaporizer  100  illustrating that the vaporizer includes an upper portion  210  and a lower portion  220 . Upper portion  210  includes elongated portion  205 , bezel  203 , and window  107 . In addition, elongated portion  205  forms surfaces  611 , lip  613 , recess  615 , and includes magnets  621  and a window fixture  631 . Window fixture  631  further includes include flat surfaces  633  and grooves  635 , and is held onto elongated portion  205  with screws  637 , as shown in more detail in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0044]    Lower portion  220  includes case  207 , bottom panel  303 , mouthpiece  103 , air inlet  105 , push-button switch  109 , power switch  201 , power connector  305 , indicator lights  307 , and recess  309 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , air inlet  105  is formed from a grill  703  that may be separate from case  207 , and a wire mesh  705  to prevent contaminants from entering vaporizer  100 . In addition, lower portion  220  includes a surface  601  and a ledge  603 . Surface  601  includes openings into the interior of the housing, and specifically a first opening  607  and a second opening  605  exposing a recessed bowl  640  having an upper surface  604 , which is contiguous with surface  601  and a bottom mesh  717 . 
         [0045]    Surface  601  is, or includes, a material that is attracted to magnets  621 . When upper portion  210  is placed on lower portion  220 , as in  FIG. 1 , magnets  621  are attracted to a top  601  such that lip  613  contacts ledge  603 , surfaces  611  contact surface  601 , surfaces  601  and  604  contact surface  633 , and recess  615  and grooves  635  do not contact either surface  601  or  604 , providing a gap that provides for air flow between opening  605  and  607 . 
         [0046]    A more detailed description of one embodiment of upper portion  210  and lower portion  220  are illustratively shown in  FIG. 7 , which is a sectional view  7 - 7  of  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 8 , which is a sectional view  8 - 8  of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0047]    Upper portion  210  includes window fixture  631 , which is attached to elongated portion  205  with screws  637 . Window fixture may also include gaskets or o-rings to provide a gas-tight seal for window  107 . 
         [0048]    Surface  601  of lower portion  220  is held onto case  207  using screws  701 . Grill  703  forming air inlet  105  is attached to case  207 , and a wire mesh  705  is placed against grill  703  and inside vaporizer  100  to prevent contaminants from entering the vaporizer. 
         [0049]    Lower portion  220  also includes a heater section  710 , control electronics  720 , and an energy storage section  730 . Heater section  710  further includes a heater block  711  including a lower core  702  and upper core  704  that form having a passageway  713  including a heating element  715 , and bowl  640  having a mesh  717  bottom, bowl sides  719 , opening  605 , a temperature sensor, as shown and discussed subsequently. 
         [0050]    In one embodiment, heating element  715  is a resistive coil, such as nickel-chromium alloys such as NICHROME™, INCONEL™, or a FeCrAl alloy, such as KANTHAL™, and cores  702  and  704  are transparent to visible light, and may constructed, for example, from borosilicate glass, crystal quartz or fused quartz. Thus when power is dissipated within heating element  715 , a glow may be visible through window  107  and/or air inlet  105 . 
         [0051]    Control electronics  720  includes a circuit board  723  on which are mounted a programmable processor  725 , a power controller  727 , and other digital and/or analogue circuitry for controlling and powering vaporizer  100 , such as power switch  201 , power connector  305 , and indicator lights  307 . In addition, other switches, buttons, and sensors, such as temperature sensors, may be dispersed throughout vaporizer  100  and may be wired into control electronics  720 . Energy storage section  730  includes a battery frame  733  attached to case  207  and battery  731 . 
         [0052]    In one embodiment, battery  731  is a 7.4 V, 800 mAh with a discharge rate of 7 C. 
         [0053]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of heater block  711 , which includes a bottom heat transfer mat  910 , a lower core  920 , a middle heat transfer mat  930 , power and control components  940 , an upper core  950 , and a top heat transfer mat  960 . Lower core  920  and upper core  950  may be, for example and without limitation, lower core  702  and upper core  704 , respectively. 
         [0054]    Lower mat  910  includes an opening  911  and a slot  913 . Lower core  920  includes an opening  921  that is positioned above slot  913 , a groove  922 , a heating element support  923 , a circular recess  934  with a central mesh support  925 , a temperature sensor receptacle  927 , and element ground receptacle  926  and a heating element power receptacle  928 . Middle heat transfer mat  930  includes an outer portion  931  and an inner portion  935  that supports mesh  717 . 
         [0055]    Power and control components  940  include heating element  715  attached to a compression fitting  945  connected to a ground wire  947 , and to a compression fitting  943  connected to a power lead  949 , and a temperature sensor  942 . Upper core  950  includes opening  605  and bowl sides  719 . Top heat transfer mat  960  includes an opening  961   
         [0056]    Mats  910 ,  930 , and  950  are preferably formed from a high-temperature food-safe silicone rubber. Lower core  920  and upper core  950  are preferable formed from borosilicate glass or quartz crystal. Mesh  717  is preferably formed from stainless steel. Temperatures sensor  942  is preferably a glass-coated thermistor, such as a model G100K4000C1 manufactured by Measurement Specialties Inc., of Hampton, Va. 
         [0057]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a partially assembled heater block  711 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , upper core  950  also includes a groove  1001 , a heating element support  1003 , a heating element power receptacle  1005 , a heating element ground receptacle  1003 , and a temperature sensor receptacle  1009 . Heating element  715  is placed with grooves  922  and  1001 , and is supported midway by heating element supports  923  and  1003 , compression fitting  945  is sandwiched between receptacles  926  and  1007 , and compression fitting  943  sandwiched between receptacles  928  and  1005 . When assembled, passageway  713  is formed by mated grooves  922  and  1001 . In addition, temperature sensor  942  is sandwiched between temperature sensor receptacles  927  and  1009  such that the temperature of a gas may be sensed near mesh  717 . 
         [0058]    The operation of vaporizer  100  will now be discussed with reference to  FIG. 11 , which is the view of  FIG. 6  illustrating air flow through the vaporizer,  FIG. 12 , which is a cut-away perspective sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 13 , which is a schematic view of one embodiment of the electronics within the vaporizer. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate the placement of botanical materials M within bowl  640 , and the flow of air and vapors through vaporizer  100 . Specifically,  FIG. 11  shows upper portion  210  removed from lower portion  220 . This configuration provides access to bowl  640  for cleaning and placing fresh a fresh botanical material M and to clean otherwise internal surfaces  601  and  611 , recess  615  and window fixture  631 . 
         [0060]    When upper portion  210  and lower portion  220  are assembled, as in  FIG. 1 , recesses  615  and  635  form an air passage between bowl  640  and opening  607 . Specifically,  FIG. 11  illustrates portions of surfaces  601  and  604  which contact surfaces  611  and  633  (shown as  601   a ), restriction or prohibiting air flow, while other portions of surfaces  601  and  604  do not contact recesses  615  or  635  (shown as surface  601   b ) and thus provide an air flow passageway. Thus, as illustrated with arrows, air flow is shown an entering air inlet  105 , moving up through bowl  640  and opening  605 , between upper portion  210  and lower portion  220  along surfaces  601   b , down through opening  607 , and then through opening  501 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 12  illustrates the flow of air from air inlet  105  though bowl  640 . Air is drawn though opening  911 , along slot  913 , up through opening  921 , through passageway  713 , where the air is heated by contact with heating element  715 , up through mesh  717  into bowl  640 , along surface  601  to opening  607  and through opening  311  of mouthpiece  103 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 13  is a schematic  1300  illustrating control electronics  720  of vaporizer  100 . Thus, for example and without limitation, schematic  1300  shows connections between power switch  201 , push-button switch  109 , indicator lights  307 , battery  731 , programmable processor  725 , power controller  727 , temperature sensor  942 , and heating element  715 . 
         [0063]    In addition to providing temperature control for the process of vaporizing a botanical material, control electronics  720  may also prevents the vaporizer body and internal components from overheating and causing damage to the battery, computer, or other internal components. 
         [0064]    Processor  725  is powered from battery  731  and is programmed to accept input from power switch  201 , push-button switch  109  and temperature sensor  942 , provide power to one or more indicator lights  307 , and provide a signal to power controller  727 . Power controller  727  accepts command signals from processor  725  to provide power from battery  731  to heating element  715 . 
         [0065]    Power switch  201  may have 2 or more setting, such as an “off” setting, and an “on” setting, or an “off” setting, a “low temperature” setting and a “high temperature” setting. With power switch  201  in the “off” setting, all electronics in vaporizer  100  are powered off. With power switch  201  in an “on,” “low temperature” or “high temperature” setting, processor  725  has a corresponding stored on temperature (TON), low temperature (TL) or high temperature (TH) which are target temperatures for controlling a temperature measured by temperature sensor  942 . As described above, temperature sensor  942  measures the air temperature just before the heated air flows through bowl  640 . 
         [0066]    Indictor lights  307  may include lights that are programmed to provide an indication of the operation of vaporizer  100 . Thus, for example and without limitation, indicator lights  307  may include a dim green light that is powered to indicate that vaporizer  100  is powered on in a low temperature setting, a bright green light that is powered to indicate that the vaporizer is powered in a high temperature setting, blinking blue light to indicate that the vaporizer is charging, a red light to indicate that battery power is low, and a solid red light to indicate the device is overheated and has been automatically shut down. 
         [0067]    In addition, with power switch  201  in an “on,” “low temperature” or “high temperature” setting, and with push-button switch  109  pressed, processor  725  provides signals to power controller  727  to provide electric power from battery  731  to heating element  715 . In certain embodiments, processor  725  uses a control algorithm, such as a PID control algorithm, to power heating element  715  such that the temperature, T, measured by temperature sensor  942  is maintained at the temperature indicated by power switch  201 . 
         [0068]    The target temperature of temperature sensor  942  is selected to effectively drive off volatiles from the botanical material. While not meant to limit the use of the present invention, the Table I contains effective vaporization temperatures of some botanical material 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE I 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Vaporization Temperature of Common Botanical Materials 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Name 
                 Scientific Name 
                 Plant Part 
                 Vaporization Temp. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 LOW TEMPERATURE: 100° C. 150° C. 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Eucalyptus 
                 
                   Eucalyptus globulus 
                 
                 Leaves 
                 130° C. 
               
               
                 Clove: 
                 
                   Syzygium Aromaticum 
                 
                 Dried Flower 
                 123° C. to 150° C. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Buds 
               
               
                 Lavender 
                 
                   Lavendula angustifolia 
                 
                 Leaves 
                 100° C. to 130° C. 
               
               
                 Lemon balm 
                 
                   Melissa officinalis 
                 
                 Leaves 
                 142° C. 
               
               
                 Sage: 
                 
                   Salvia Officinalis 
                 
                 Leaves 
                 125° C. to 150° C. 
               
               
                 Thyme: 
                 
                   Thymus Vulgaris 
                 
                 Herb 
                 100° C. to 150° C. 
               
               
                 Tobacco: 
                 
                   Nicotiana Tabacum 
                 
                 Leaf 
                 125° C. to 150° C. 
               
             
          
           
               
                 MEDIUM TEMPERATURE: 150° C.-175° C. 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Hops 
                 
                   Humulus lupulus 
                 
                 Cone 
                 154° C. 
               
               
                 Ginkgo: 
                 
                   Ginkgo Biloba 
                 
                 Leaves, 
                 125° C. to 175° C. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Seeds 
               
             
          
           
               
                 HIGH TEMPERATURE: 175° C.-200° C. 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Camomile 
                 
                   Matriarca chamomilla 
                 
                 Flowers 
                 190° C. 
               
               
                 Sage 
                 
                   Salvia officinalis 
                 
                 Leaves 
                 190° C. 
               
               
                 Thyme 
                 
                   Thymus vulgaris 
                 
                 Herb 
                 190° C. 
               
               
                 Aloe Vera: 
                 
                   Aloe Vera 
                 
                 Gelatinous 
                 175 C. to 200 C. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 From Leaves 
                 175 C. to 200 C. 
               
               
                 Garlic: 
                   
                   
                 175 C. to 200 C. 
               
               
                 Ginger 
                   
                   
                 175 C. to 200 C. 
               
               
                 Ginseng: 
                   
                   
                 175 C. to 200 C. 
               
               
                 Licorice: 
                   
                   
                 175 C. to 200 C. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0069]    In general, the target temperature as measured by temperature sensor  942  is in the range of from 145° C. to 205° C., and may be, for example and without limitation, be approximately 145° C., 150° C., 155° C., 160° C., 165° C., 170° C., 175° C., 180° C., 185° C., 195° C., 200° C. or 205° C. For multiple temperature settings, such as a “low temperature” and “high temperatures,” the low temperature setting maybe suitable for vaporizing low temperature volatiles such as tobacco and have a temperature in the range of from 150° C. to 165° C., with a value, for example of 150° C., 155° C., 160° C., or 165° C. The high temperature setting maybe suitable for vaporizing higher temperature volatiles, such as ginseng, and have a temperature of 190° C. to 205° C., with a value, for example of 190° C., 195° C., 200° C., or 205° C. 
       Examples of the Use of the Vaporizer 
       [0070]    The following are examples of the user of vaporizer  100 . With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , with power switch  201  in an “off position,” a user grasps lower portion  220  in one hand and places their thumb in recess  309  to remove upper portion  210 . With reference to  FIG. 6 , a user may then clean the various internal surfaces and bowl  640 , and place a fresh sample of a botanical material in the bowl. Upper portion  210  may then be securely placed on top of lower portion  220 . 
         [0071]    As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a user may, at any time, look through window  107  to verify the presence of a botanical material. 
         [0072]    Next, the user switches power switch  201  to an appropriate non “off” setting (such as “on,” “low temperature,” or “high temperature”). 
         [0073]    Next, the user presses push-button switch  109 . Within a few seconds, control electronics  720  has provided sufficient power to raise the air near temperature sensor  942  to the target temperature, as stored within processor  725 . The glow from heating element  715  may be seen by the user through window  107  and/or through air inlet  105 . For certain botanical materials the extracted vapor may also be viewed through window  107 . 
         [0074]    With the visible indication of a proper temperature, the user may then inhale through mouthpiece  103 . Air is then drawn into air inlet  105 , through passageway  713 , through the botanical material in bowl  640 , between grooves  635  and surface  601 , along surface  601  into opening  607 , and then through opening  311  to the user&#39;s mouth. 
         [0075]    The majority of power provided to heating element  715  heats air within passageway  713 , and thus the botanical material within bowl  640  is vaporized convectively as the hot air flows through the botanical material. 
         [0076]    The surfaces which contact the heated air as it flows between surface  601  and upper portion  210  will act as a “heat sink,” causing the gases to cool from high temperature of heating element  715  to approximately room temperature. After inhaling, the user then releases push-button switch  109 , which reduces the power though heating element  715 . 
         [0077]    It will be understood that the apparatus described herein includes, but is not limited to, certain digital and analog components. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular implementation, programming technique, or combination of analog or digital components, and that the invention may be implemented using any appropriate devices or techniques for implementing the functionality described herein. 
         [0078]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. 
         [0079]    Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. 
         [0080]    Thus, while there has been described what is believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention.