Patent Publication Number: US-2023140622-A1

Title: Porous Heating Element With Embedded Temperature Sensor And A Vaporizer Cartridge Having A Porous Heating Element With Embedded Temperature Sensor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/240,272, filed Sep. 2, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates generally to electronic vaporizers for creating a vapor from an organic material, and more particularly, to ceramic heating elements for use in an electronic vaporizer having an embedded temperature sensor. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Electronic vaporizers are devices used to aerosol an organic material for a user to inhale the produced aerosol (vapor). The aerosol of the organic substance is most typically accomplished through the heating of organic volatile compounds of a material, being either solid or liquid based. The heating results in the phase-change of (at least a portion of) the organic volatile compounds, from their solid or liquid state to a gas state, which can then be transferred into a user through direct inhalation. The heating can also result in the activation of organic compounds at temperatures below the vaporization temperature. 
     The vaporizer cartridge is the most common type of vaporizer in the market. A vaporizer cartridge includes a heating element, oil reservoir, mouthpiece, airflow piping, and the electrical connections needed to power the heating element. The cartridges are typically prefilled with organic compounds for vaporization, and disposable, where a user discards the cartridge after the organic compound runs out. Cartridge vaporizers are typically powered by a removable battery which is then re-used with multiple cartridges. The battery is most commonly a complete separate device, with the cartridge and the battery utilizing a common industry standard for both physical and electrical connections. The most common standard is referred to as the 510. Some cartridges have built-in batteries and the whole unit, battery and cartridge, is discarded after use. 
     All vaporizers must include a component that converts the electrical energy provided by the vaporizer&#39;s battery into thermal energy, which is then utilized to provide the heat necessary to vaporize the organic material. The component is most commonly referred to as a heating element, and comes in many shapes and sizes to meet the specific heating profile required for the vaporizer. For cartridge vaporizers, the heating element is most commonly a porous heating element. This porous heating element is described as a metal filament with a selected material and resistance that directly converts the electrical power to thermal energy through joule heating. This metal filament is encapsulated into a porous material. The porous material is typically composed of ceramic or inorganic solids formed in an open-cell porous structure with pores in the micron range. The pores help wick material from the reservoir chamber to the heating element itself, while also applying enough surface tension to prevent the liquid material from flowing through the heating element and clogging the heating chamber. When powered, the metal filaments heat the encapsulating porous material which then heats the organic liquid material until it vaporizes. The vapor can then travel through the porous structure to the airflow piping, while at the same time fresh organic compound is wicked into the porous structure, creating a steady state of wicking and vapor production. 
     A desire among electronic vaporizers is accuracy and controllable heating temperatures with the goal that the produced vapor is at an ideal temperature where vaporization occurs, but not at too high of a temperature that would result in vapor with excessive temperatures that could be irritating to the user or too high where the vapor undergoes secondary reactions forming unwanted byproducts. Ideal and accurate heating temperatures are desired for both the flavor of the produced vapor and the preservation of only vaporizing the organic compounds and not causing unwanted secondary reactions. Too high of temperatures can result in secondary non-desirable reactions, such as breakdown of the organic volatile compounds, especially in a high temperature oxygen environment. Too low of temperatures can result in only partially vaporizing the organic substance or not producing any vapor at all. An ideal temperature should produce vapor without the secondary non-desirable reactions that can alter the effects and flavor of the produced vapor. 
     A differentiation among electronic vaporizers is the method of controlling the temperatures of the heating system in an effort to produce vapor at the ideal temperatures. A typical electronic vaporizer includes the following components: a ceramic heating element which converts electrical power to thermal heat, a chamber to hold the organic material, electronics to power the heat source, a power supply to power the system, and several optional components that have become the norm for many electronic vaporizers such as filters and airflow regulators. The heat source and the chamber to hold the organic material is typically combined into a single component, most commonly referred to as an atomizer. The atomizer may be a system where the user directly heats the organic volatile substance off a ceramic heating element, where the ceramic heating element also acts as a vapor producing surface, or the ceramic heating element is adhered or physically connected to the chamber that stores and heats the vapor producing surface. 
     The method of controlling temperature of the atomizers is typically through the use of electronic circuitry that controls the power to the heating element by historically two methods. Prior art voltage-controlled heating systems are controlled by monitoring and controlling the voltage that drives the heating element. This method does not actually directly try to control temperature. Temperature Coefficient Resistance (TCR) controlled heating systems measure the resistance of the heating element as it is powered by electric current and compares it to a pre-programmed table that relates temperature to resistance. This can complicate the response time and accuracy of the heating system since the TCR measures the temperature of the heating wire directly and not the ceramic heating element as a whole; this can result in higher response times and inaccuracies. Further, these systems use a single coil designed for the dual purpose of temperature measurement accuracy and heating production. Too high/low of resistance may affect either one of these features and make the heating or temperature measurement unreliable. 
     Currently, most cartridges operate either with voltage control, or with a temperature control coming from monitoring the resistance of the heating filament during heating/cooling. Heating elements that operate by voltage control will have wildly varying temperatures based on the length of time the heating element is powered under a constant voltage. Cartridges where temperature control comes from the monitoring of the resistance of the heating filament during operation are also inaccurate due to the slow response time needed, the inaccuracy of the resistance vs temperature curve for heating filaments, and due to the heating filament&#39;s resistance only being viable to determine the temperature of the coil, but not the actual temperature of the porous ceramic which is what is directly vaporization the concentrate materials. 
     The present invention is aimed at solving one or more of the problems identified above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, a heating element for use in an electronic vaporizer includes a heating element base, a heating circuit encapsulated within the heating element base, and a temperature sensing circuit encapsulated within the heating element base. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, an atomizer for use in an electronic vaporizer is provided. The atomizer includes an atomizer base, a heating electrode, a temperature sensing electrode, a heating element, and a heating crucible. The heating electrode is coupled to the atomizer base. The temperature sensing electrode is coupled to the atomizer base. The heating element is electrically coupled to the heating electrode and the temperature sensing electrode. The heating crucible is thermally coupled to the heating element. The heating element includes a heating element base, a heating circuit encapsulated within the heating element base, and a temperature sensing circuit encapsulated within the heating element base. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a heating element for use in an electronic vaporizer includes a heating element base formed from a solid porous material and having an internal face and external face, a heating circuit having first and second heating electrode connections and being encapsulated within the heating element base, the heating circuit defining a first plane that is parallel between the internal face and the external face of the heating element base, the heating circuit including the first and second heating electrode connections being located in the first plane, and a temperature sensing circuit having first and second temperature electrode connections and being encapsulated within the heating element base, wherein the temperature sensing circuit defines a second plane that is parallel between the internal face and the external face of the heating element base, the first and second temperature electrode connections being located in the second plane, the first and second planes being spaced apart a predefined distance and being parallel to the internal face and the external face, the heating element base further including the four apertures through one of the sides of the heating element base, the four apertures being configured to receive electrical wires, wherein one of the first and second heating electrode connections and one of the first and second temperature electrode connections are aligned and accessible via a first one of the four of apertures. 
     In still another embodiment of the present invention, an electronic vaporizer is provided. The electronic vaporizer includes a main unit, an atomizer, and a mouthpiece. The atomizer is coupled to the main unit. The mouthpiece is removably coupled to the atomizer. The atomizer includes an atomizer base, a heating electrode coupled to the atomizer base, a temperature sensing electrode coupled to the atomizer base, a heating element electrically coupled to the heating electrode and the temperature sensing electrode, and a heating crucible thermally coupled to the heating element. The heating element includes a heating element base, a heating circuit encapsulated within the heating element base, and a temperature sensing circuit encapsulated within the heating element base. 
     In a further embodiment of the present invention, an electronic vaporizer may include a ceramic heating element that contains a built-in temperature sensor. The ceramic heating element may include the following: 
     an encapsulated material with low resistance that acts as the material that converts electrical power to thermal heat through joule heating (i.e. resistive heating, resistance heating, ohmic heating);
         This encapsulated material may be patterned or deposited in the encapsulation material; and   The encapsulated material may be solid wires that are embedded in the encapsulation material;       

     An encapsulation material that surrounds the joule heating material, to electrically insulate the material from short-circuits, to protect the joule heating material from the environment, to aid in the uniform distribution of heat from the joule heating material to the surface, and to alter the surface at which heat is produced from:
         This encapsulation may be a material with a high electric resistance, such as ceramics, and certain metal oxides;       

     A secondary encapsulated material that acts as a temperature sensor and measures the temperature of the ceramic heating element itself; and
         This secondary material may be patterned or deposited in the encapsulation material;   The encapsulated material may be solid wires that are embedded in the encapsulation material; and   The temperature sensor may function as a thermistor, or a thermocouple.       

     The ceramic heating element may come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, tailored to fit the device or heating application of the electronic vaporizer. 
     The present invention may provide a method of measuring the direct temperature of the ceramic heating element and/or the atomizer&#39;s temperature by incorporation of a built-in temperature sensor into the ceramic heating element. This allows for the electronics of the vaporizer to more accurately control temperature by receiving direct feedback of the ceramic heating element and/or the atomizer&#39;s temperature and adjusting power to the ceramic heating element. This is beneficial compared to traditional TCR temperature sensing, since the temperature sensor measures the heating element, which averages the temperatures from the encapsulated heating wire, the ceramic body of the heating element, and any attached assemblies to the heating element. 
     Another advantage in this design is that the temperature sensor can be independent of the heating coil in the heating element. This allows for each to be more tailored for their specific role without the compromise in combining their function as in TCR systems. 
     Still another advantage of the present invention is that the porous heating element that includes two sets of metallic filaments, where one acts as the heating filament, and the other acts as a temperature sensor by being utilized as a sensing wire, for the purpose of more accurate heating by measuring the temperature of the porous heating element while simultaneously heating would allow for more accurate temperature measurements to be directly taken from the porous heating element. 
     Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. 
         FIG.  1 A  is a perspective view of an electronic vaporizer, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  1 B  is another perspective view of the electronic vaporizer of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  1 C  is an exploded view of the electronic vaporizer of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  2 A  is a functional block diagram of the electronic vaporizer of  FIG.  1 A , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2 B  is a functional block diagram of a control unit of the electronic vaporizer of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  3 A  is an exploded view of a first portion of the main unit of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  3 B  is a perspective view of a well of the main unit of  FIG.  3 A . 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded view of a second portion of the main unit of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  5    is an exploded view of a third portion of the main unit of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  6    is an exploded view of an exemplary atomizer for use in the electronic vaporizer of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  7 A  is a perspective view of the atomizer of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  7 B  is a top view of the atomizer of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  7 C  is a cross-sectional view of the atomizer of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  8 A  is a perspective view of an exemplary heating element of the atomizer of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  8 B  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the heating element of  FIG.  8 A . 
         FIG.  8 C  is a cross-sectional view of another portion of the heating element of  FIG.  8 A . 
         FIG.  8 D  is view of the heating element of  FIG.  8 A  illustrating an overlay of a heating circuit and a temperature sensing circuit. 
         FIG.  9 A  is a perspective view of a base housing of the atomizer of  FIG.  6   , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  9 B  is another perspective view of the base housing of  FIG.  9 A . 
         FIG.  9 C  is a perspective view of a base of the atomizer of  FIG.  6   , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  9 D  is another perspective view of the base of  FIG.  9 C . 
         FIG.  9 E  is a perspective view of a cap of the atomizer of  FIG.  6   , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  9 F  is another perspective view of the cap of  FIG.  9 E . 
         FIG.  10 A  is a perspective view of an exemplary quick connect adapter of the electronic vaporizer of  FIG.  1 A , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  10 B  is a cross-sectional view of the quick connect adapter of  FIG.  10 A . 
         FIG.  10 C  is an exploded view of the quick connect adapter of  FIG.  10 A . 
         FIG.  11 A  is a perspective view of a quick connect base of the quick connect adapter of  FIG.  10 A . 
         FIG.  11 B  is a perspective view of a ring magnet of the quick connect adapter of  FIG.  10 A . 
         FIG.  11 C  is a perspective view of a body of the quick connect adapter of  FIG.  10 A . 
         FIG.  11 D  is another perspective view of a body of the quick connect adapter of  FIG.  10 A . 
         FIG.  11 E  is perspective view of a seal of the quick connect adapter of  FIG.  10 A . 
         FIG.  11 F  is first perspective view of a portion of a valve of the quick connect adapter of  FIG.  10 A . 
         FIG.  11 G  is second perspective view of the portion of a valve of the quick connect adapter of  FIG.  10 A . 
         FIG.  11 H  is perspective view of a valve housing of the quick connect adapter of  FIG.  10 A . 
         FIG.  12 A  is a perspective view of a mouthpiece for use with the electronic vaporizer of  FIG.  1 A , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  12 B  is a cross-section view of the mouthpiece of the  FIG.  12 A . 
         FIGS.  13 A- 13 D  are views of a porous ceramic heating element with the embedded heating filament (red), and temperature sensing filament (blue). 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of the porous ceramic heating element of  FIGS.  13 A- 13 D  with the embedded heating filament (red), and temperature sensing filament (blue). 
         FIG.  15    is a cross-sectional view of a vaporizer cartridge having the porous heating element with embedded temperature sensor of  FIGS.  13 A- 14   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present invention. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example”, or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment of example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “one example”, or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it should be appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     With reference to the FIGS. and in operation, the present invention provides an electronic vaporizer  10  that is configured to aerosol an organic material and to provide the resultant vapor to a user to inhale. The organic material may include, but is not limited to, organic liquids and/or wax-like materials that are derived naturally or artificially made. As shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C , in one embodiment, the electronic vaporizer  10  includes a main unit  20 , an atomizer  60 , a quick connect adapter  100 , and a mouthpiece  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic vaporizer  10  has a central axis  12 . The main unit  20 , atomizer  60 , quick connect adapter  100 , and mouthpiece  120  are aligned and generally centered (along with many of the components thereof) along the central axis  12 . 
     The main unit  20  includes the control electronics and user interface/controls necessary to operate the electronic vaporizer  10  and to provide power to the atomizer  60  (see below). The atomizer  60  houses a heating crucible  62  in which the organic material is inserted or loaded and a heating element  64 , which converts electrical energy into thermal energy and applies the thermal energy to the material (see below). The quick connect (QC) adapter  100  removably couples the mouthpiece  120  to the main unit  20  (see below). The mouthpiece  120  collects exhausted vapor from the atomizer  60  and delivers the vapor to the user through the user&#39;s inhalation. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the main unit  20  is a hand-held device that controls the electronic functions of the electronic vaporizer  10 . The main unit  20  further acts as the hub that locks in the atomizer  60  and the QC adapter  100 . As will be discussed in further detail below, the main unit  20  includes a well  22  that is configured to receive the atomizer  60 . The atomizer  60  is removable from the well  22 . The well  22  is configured to make electrical connections between the atomizer  60  and the circuitry in the main unit  20  (see below). As will be explained in further detail below, in one embodiment, the well  22  may include three pop-up pins or electrodes (such as POGO pins) to connect the circuitry of the main unit  20  with the atomizer  60 . The main unit  20  may include one or more lighting features that illuminate to indicate the functionality of the electronic vaporizer  10  or to provide decorative lighting. In the illustrative embodiment, the main unit  20  includes three LED bands, i.e., two side panel LED bands  24 A,  24 B, and a base LED band  24 C. The main unit  20  may also contain a charging port  26 A, e.g., a USB-C charging port. In the illustrated embodiment, a USB port cover  26 B is provided to protect the port  26 A from dust and moisture. 
     The main unit  20  houses the primary electronics of the device. In the illustrated embodiment, the main unit  20  includes a primary printed circuit board (PCB) that controls the functionality of the electronic vaporizer  10  and three LED PCBs the control the LED bands to illuminate the side panels and the base of the electronic vaporizer  10 . The main unit  20  further includes a charging PCB that contains the USB-C receptacle  26 A that is used to charge the electronic vaporizer  10  and a power cell battery that provides power to the electronic vaporizer  10 . The primary PCB may also contain a switch  28 , e.g., a push-button tactile switch that, in the illustrated embodiment, to provide the only interface between the electronic vaporizer  10  and the user. The primary PCB also contains a plurality, e.g., four, of indicators  30 , e.g., light emitting diodes (LED) which indicate the battery life of the electronic vaporizer  10 . 
     The atomizer  60  houses the heating crucible  62 , a heating element  64 , and the electrical connections of the heating element  64 . As will be discussed in further detail below, the heating element  64  includes two circuits or coils embedded therein. One of the circuits acts as a heating coil that converts electrical energy provided by the main unit  20  into thermal energy. The other circuit or coil acts as a temperature sensor, such as a thermistor. In the illustrated embodiment, the main unit  20  measures the resistance of the coil to determine the temperature of the heating element  64 . The heating element  64  transfers the heat produced by the heating coil to the heating crucible  62 . The heating crucible  62  holds the material that is to be vaporized. 
     In some embodiments of the electronic vaporizer  10 , the heating element  64  converts electrical power to thermal energy through joule heating by directly heating the organic material or through thermal conduction via a material in direct contact with the organic material. The heating element  64  may be tubular, rod shaped (solid), or disc shaped. The heating element  64  may vary in shape and size to fit the specific need of the electronic vaporizer  10 . The electronic vaporizer  10  may include a single ceramic heating element, multiple ceramic heating elements, or multiple ceramic heating elements alongside other types of heating systems, such as induction heating, coil-based heating elements, or convective heating elements. In the illustrated embodiment, a single heating crucible  62  and a single heating element  64  are used. 
     Generally, the heating crucible  62  is typically made of a non-reactive material such as a quartz glass or high temperature ceramic to preserve the flavor of the produced vapor. Further, such materials resist corrosion and do not chemically react with the material loaded therein. 
     As will be discussed in more detail below, the atomizer  60  is housed within a steel body, and at the base has several electrode pads that connect to the pop-up pins or electrodes of the main unit  20 . The atomizer  60  within the well  22  of the main unit  20  and held in place by a magnetic connection (see below). 
     The QC adapter  100  acts as an air intake manifold and as a receptacle to secure the mouthpiece  120 . The QC adapter  100  may include an airflow valve  102  that regulates airflow. In the illustrated embodiment, the airflow valve  102  is a spring-loaded valve that, in the uncompressed position only allows a limited amount of airflow. The airflow valve  102  may include a button  102 A connected to the valve  102  compresses the spring when pressed, resulting in increased airflow. When the button  102 A is pressed inward and the spring is compressed, airflow is increased. The QC adapter  100  affixes to the main unit  20  by a magnetic connection. 
     The mouthpiece  120  is removably coupled to the QC adapter  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the QC adapter  100  includes a quick connect seal  104  that allows the mouthpiece to be easily and quickly removed and inserted within the QC adapter  100 . 
     In general, the mouthpiece  120  allows the user to inhale, creating low pressure within the mouthpiece  120  and to transfer the low pressure to the atomizer  60  via the QC adapter  100 . The mouthpiece  120  may be made of glass or other suitable material. The mouthpiece  120  may be configured to hold water in a reservoir so that the vapor goes through percolation. The percolation reduces the temperature of the vapor and assists in filtering out any unwanted residue in the vapor. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B,  3 A- 3 B,  4  and  5   , an exemplary main unit  20  shown. With specific reference to  FIG.  2 A , a functional block diagram of the electronic vaporizer  10 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown. As discussed above, the electronic vaporizer  10  may include the main unit  20 , atomizer  60 , quick connect adapter  100 , and mouthpiece  120 . 
     With specific reference to  FIG.  2 B , the main unit  20  includes one or more indicators  30  to provide information and/or feedback to the user, a user input interface  32 , a controller  34 , and a battery  36 . The battery  36  may be a lithium ion cell, a capacitor, or other suitable energy storage device. The user input interface  32  allows the user to operate the electronic vaporizer  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the indicators  30  include the LED bands  24 A,  24 B,  24 C and the user input interface  32  includes the switch  28 . Although a single switch  28  is shown in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the user input interface  32  may include additional switch and controls. In general, the user can control the electronic vaporizer  10  by utilizing the user input interface  32  to adjust the settings. In another embodiment, or in addition, the settings of the electronic vaporizer  10  may be adjusted remotely through a wired or wireless connection, using a user device, such as cell phone or computer. 
     As discussed above, the atomizer  60  includes the heating element  64 . As will be discussed in more detail below, the heating element  64  includes a heating circuit  84  and a temperature circuit or temperature sensing circuit  86 . In operation, the user may operate the main unit  20  to heat material that has been placed in the heating crucible  62  to create vapor. The controller  34  in response to user operation of the user input interface  32  senses the temperature of the heating element  64  using the temperature sensing circuit  86  and responsively applies electrical current to the heating circuit  84 . In one embodiment, the controller  34  measures the resistance of the temperature sensing circuit  86 . It should be appreciated that the battery  36  supplies the current to the heating circuit  84  as well as powers the electronics. 
     The controller  34  provides the control logic to operate the main unit  20  and may include a microprocessor, programmable logic controller, an application specific logic controller, a custom controller, or other suitable controller. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B and  4 - 5   , several exploded views of an exemplary main unit  20  are shown. The well  22  is located within an upper shell  38 A. As shown, in  FIG.  3 B , a plurality of pop-up electrodes  50  or POGO electrodes are located at the bottom of the well  22 . A crown shell  38 B surrounds the upper shell  38 A and extends above the upper edge of the well  22 . The upper shell  38 A and the crown shell  38 B are supported by an upper chassis  38 C. A magnet ring (not shown) is positioned below the upper shell  38 A. The magnet ring holds the quick connect adapter  100  in place while allowing the user to controllably remove and replace the atomizer  60  and the quick connect adapter  100  from the main unit  20 . 
     The upper chassis  38 C clips to a main shell  40 . Within the main shell  40  are located two side panel printed circuit boards  40 A,  40 B which support respective side panel supports  42 A,  42 B and textured side panels  44 A,  44 B and the primary printed circuit board (not shown). A base shell  42  supports the battery  36 , a base LED printed circuit board  46 , and a base LED transmitter  48 . The battery  36  in the illustrated embodiment includes two lithium ion batteries,  36 A,  36 B, as shown. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  6 ,  7 A- 7 C,  8 A- 8 D and  9 A- 9 F , an exemplary atomizer  60  according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown in  FIG.  6   , the atomizer  60  includes an atomizer base housing or base housing  66  and an atomizer base or base  68 . The base housing  66  receives a center electrode  70  and a ring electrode  72  in a center electrode receptacle  74  and a ring electrode receptacle  76 , respectively. In one embodiment, the center and ring electrodes  70 ,  72  are press-fit into the respective receptacles  74 ,  76 . In other embodiments, the center and ring electrodes  70 ,  72  may be retained within the receptacles  74 ,  76  by any suitable mechanism, such as, an adhesive or, fasteners (screws, clips, etc. . . . ). 
     The base housing  66  may be made from a high temperature plastic. In the illustrated embodiment, the base housing  66  is made from Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), however, it should be appreciated that any suitable material may be used. 
     The base  68  may be made from a metal, such as stainless steel. In the illustrated embodiment, the base  68  is made from SUS303 stainless steel, however, it should be appreciated that any suitable material may be used. The center electrode  70  and the ring electrode  72  may be made from any suitable conductive material, such as brass. In the illustrated embodiment, the center electrode  70  and the ring electrode  72  are made from H78 brass. 
     The base  68  includes an opening  78  for receiving the base housing  66 . In the illustrated embodiment, the base housing  68  is press fit into the opening  78  within the base  66 . The base  66  includes a plurality of apertures  80  through which the center electrode  70  and the ring electrode  72  are accessible (see below). 
     With specific reference to  FIGS.  6 ,  7     8 A- 8 D, in one embodiment of the present invention, the heating element  64  includes the heating element base  82 , heating circuit  84 , and temperature sensing circuit  86 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the heating circuit  84  and the temperature sensing circuit  86  is embedded within, or encapsulated by, the heating element base  82 . In the illustrated embodiment, the heating circuit  84  and the temperature sensing circuit  86  have a coil-like shape. The heating element base  82  may be made from an electrically non-conductive, that is at least moderately thermally conductive, such as a ceramic. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element base  82  is made from an alumina ceramic. However, the heating element base  82  may be made from, or include, any suitable ceramic material or combination thereof, including, but not limited to, alumina oxide ceramic, alumina nitride ceramic, zirconia carbide ceramic, tungsten carbide ceramic, and silicon nitride, etc. In another embodiment, the heating element base  82  may be made from a high temperature resistance non-ceramic material or combination thereof, including, but not limited to, silicon dioxide, high temperature resistance composites, and high temperature resistance polymers. The heating element  82  must be able to transfer heat to the crucible  62 , but in general, most materials that have high thermal conductivity, e.g., metals, also have high electrical conductivity (metals). Ceramic materials are generally electrically insulating and have at least moderate thermal conductivity. It should be appreciated that a material with less than moderate thermal conductivity would take a significant time to heat and would require considerably more power. 
     Further, in the illustrated element, the heating circuit  84  and the temperature sensing circuit  86  are made from a slurry of metal particles printed on a surface of the heating element base  82 . The slurry is then sintered to form the circuit (or solid wires). The heating element base  82  is then re-sintered with additional alumina ceramic to encapsulate the circuits  84 ,  86 . The present invention is not limited to the process recited above. Other suitable methods of creating the heating element  64  may also be utilized. In another embodiment, the heating circuit  84  and the temperature sensing circuit  86  may include preformed wires embedded in the heating element base  82 . 
     The heating circuit  84  acts as a heating wire by converting electric energy into heat. The heating circuit  82  may be printed into the heating element  64 , or be an embedded wire, and may be made of materials such as, but not limited to: nichrome alloy, tungsten alloy, etc. . . . The temperature sensing circuit  86  may be a thermistor or a thermocouple. The thermistor can be made of materials such as, but not limited to: nichrome alloy, tungsten alloy, etc. . . . A thermocouple type temperature sensor would be made of two dissimilar metal filaments that are welded together at a junction. The two dissimilar metal filaments can be made of materials such as, but not limited to: nickel-chromium, nickel-alumel, iron, constantan, nicrosil, nisil, etc. . . . 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the heating circuit  84  and the temperature sensing circuit  86  are made of the same or similar materials. However, it should be appreciated that the heating and temperature circuits  84 ,  86  may be made from different materials to accommodate the different requirements of the respective uses. 
     As shown in  FIG.  8 A , in the illustrated embodiment, the heating element base  82  is disc shaped and has a first side  82 A and a second side  82 A. As shown in  FIGS.  8 B and  8 C , the heating circuit  84  defines a first plane  84 A and the temperature sensing circuit  86  defines a second plane  86 B. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second planes  84 A,  86 B are spaced apart a predefined distance and are parallel. Further, the heating circuit  84  is closer to the first (or top) surface  82 A than the temperature sensing circuit  86 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  8 B , in the illustrated embodiment, the heating circuit  84  includes two heating electrode connections  84 B,  84 C and the temperature sensing circuit  86  includes two temperature electrode connections  86 B,  86 C. The heating electrode connections  84 B,  84 C and the temperature electrode connections  86 B,  86 C are accessible through apertures (not shown) in the bottom side  82 B of the heating element base  82 . As shown in  FIG.  8 A , a plurality of wires  88  are located within the apertures to connect to the connections  84 B,  84 C,  86 B,  86 C. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, one of the heating electrode connections  84 C and one of the temperature connections  86 C overlap and serve as a common ground and thus a single wire is connected to both connections  84 C,  86 D. This results in a heating element  64  with three electrode connections and thus, three wires. However, in other embodiments, the heating element  64  may use separate grounds between the heating circuit  84  and the temperature sensing circuit  86  resulting in a heating element  64  with four electrode connections. 
     The arrangement of the heating circuit  84  and the temperature sensing circuit  86  inside the heating element  64  may be a function of: the shape and/or size of the heating element  64 , uniformity of desired temperature, location where temperature is to be measured, and ability in manufacturing. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating circuit  84  and the temperature sensing circuit  86  are specifically designed where the heating circuit  84  is on an upper segment of the heating element  64 , and the temperature sensing circuit  86  is on a lower segment of the heating element  64 . The temperature sensing circuit  86  is generally designed to measure temperature uniformly across the heating element  64 . The heating circuit  84  is designed for uniform heating as well. 
     In general, the electronic vaporizer  10  of the illustrated embodiment, utilizes the heating element  64  in the atomizer  60  to convert electric power into thermal energy and to measure the temperature of the heating element  64  passively through the temperature sensing circuit  86 . The controller  34  and/or main unit  20  is electronically connected to the heating element  64  via connectors that may be controllably connected and disconnected, including, but not limited, to press fittings, plugs, connection pins, pads, etc. . . . The main unit  20  powers the heating element  64  to heat the atomizer  60  and to measure the temperature of the heating element  64  by measuring the resistance of the temperature sensing circuit  86 . 
     The heating element  64  may be replaceable or be built-in and non-serviceable. In other embodiments of the present invention, the heating element  64  and the heating crucible  62  may be integrated into a single module which may be replaceable or may be integrated into the electronic vaporizer  10 . In other embodiments, the atomizer  60  may also be external to the main vaporizer body or be built-into the main vaporizer body. 
     The heating element base  82  has a predefined cross-section. The heating circuit  84  is configured to provide generally uniform heating across the cross-section of the heating element base  82 . The temperature sensing circuit  86  is configured to measure temperature uniformly across the cross-section of the heating element base  82 . In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element base  82  has a circular cross-section. As shown in  FIGS.  8 B and  8 C , the heating circuit  84  and the temperature sensing circuit  86  include a series of pathways formed of a plurality of arcuate segments designed to adequately cover the entire cross-section of the heating element base  82 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the base  68  includes an upper portion  68 A having a receptacle  68 B for receiving the heating element base  82 . The upper portion  68 A of the base  68  includes an interior wall  68 C located at the bottom of the receptacle  68 B with a plurality of apertures  68 C. Two of the wires  88  passes through one respective apertures  68 C are connected to the center and ring electrodes  70 ,  72 . The base  68  further includes a central platform  68 D containing a slot  68 E. A third one of the wires  88  is located within, and attached to the base  68  at, the slot  68 E. The heating element base  82  fits within the receptacle  68 B with the second side  82 B of the heating element base  82 B facing the interior wall  68 C of the base  68 . The heating element base  82  rests, and is centered within, the upper portion  68 A of the base  68 , by a ledge  68 G located on an interior surface of the receptacle  68 B. 
     The crucible  62  is positioned adjacent the first side  82 A of the heating element base  82 . The crucible  62  includes a lip  62 A and an interior cavity  62 B and may be made from a material such as glass. In other embodiments, the crucible  62  may be made of a ceramic, composite, or metal material. The interior cavity  62 B receives the material, which is heated by the atomizer  62 , to create vapor. In the illustrated embodiment, the crucible  62  is made from quartz glass. A seal ring  90  may be located on an upper surface of the crucible  62  formed by the lip  62 A. In one embodiment, the seal ring  90  may made from silicon. 
     The upper portion  68 A of the base  68  and the crucible  62  fit within a metallic tube  92 . A lower end of the tube  92  rests on a ledge  68 H of the central platform  68 E. The tube  92  extends past the ledge  68 G and covers, and is electrically coupled to, the central platform  68 E of the base  68 . 
     The atomizer  60  further includes a cap  94 . The cap  94  has a central aperture  94 A, which is open to the interior of the tube  92  and the interior cavity  62 B of the crucible  62 . The cap  94  includes an outer gripping portion  94 B. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer gripping portion  94 A is textured to provide a better gripping surface to facilitate removal of the atomizer  60  from the electronic vaporizer  10 . 
     The cap  94  of the illustrated embodiment further includes a top surface  94 C and a sloped surface  94 D leading to the central aperture  94 A. As shown in  FIG.  9 F , a ring-shaped receptacle  94 E receives a ring-shaped magnet  96 . The magnet  96  allows the atomizer  60  to be removably coupled to the main unit  20  (see below). In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet  96  is press-fit within the receptacle  94 D. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the cap  94  includes a lower tubular shaped portion, which is press fit onto an upper portion of the tube  92 . 
     In one embodiment, the center electrode  70  is used as ground and the ring electrode  72  is used as a temperature sensing electrode. A third electrode  98  may be coupled to the base  68 . In the illustrated embodiment, the base  68  and the tube  92  form the third electrode  98 . The third electrode  98  may be used as a heating electrode. It should be appreciated that although the center electrode  70  is used as electrical ground, the ring electrode  72  is used as the temperature sensing electrode, and the third electrode  98  is used as the heating electrode. It should be appreciated that the electrodes may be arranged or utilized differently. 
     The heating element  64  is electrically coupled to the heating electrode  68 ,  92  and the temperature sensing electrode  72  by the wires  88 . The heating crucible  62  is thermally coupled to the heating element  82 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  10 A- 10 C and  11 A- 11 G , an exemplary quick connect (QC) adapter  100  is shown. As discussed, above, the quick connect adapter  100  is adapted to be used with the electronic vaporizer  10 . The electronic vaporizer  10  has the main unit  20 , atomizer  60  removably coupled to the main unit  20 , and removable mouthpiece  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, the quick connect adapter  100  includes a quick connect adapter housing  100 A defining an inner channel  100 B. The inner channel  100 B has a first open end  100 C and a second open end  100 D and is centered on the center axis  12 . 
     In generally, the quick connect adapter  100  assists the electronic vaporizer  10  to aerosol the volatile organic compounds of an organic substance or material that is loaded into the heating crucible  62  for the user to inhale the desired vapor. The desired organic substance or material may be either solid or liquid base and be natural or artificial in origin. The electronic vaporizer  10  may use a combination of heat and air pressure changes to aid in the phase-change of the volatile organic compounds in the organic substance to produce the vapor. As discussed above, the electronic vaporizer  10  includes the base electronic unit or main unit  20 , the atomizer  60 , and the quick-connect adapter  100 . The electronic vaporizer  10  utilizes the main unit  20  to power the atomizer  60 , which directly heats the organic substance to produce vapor. The quick-connect adapter  100  is added onto the main unit  20  to aid in the vapor production by controlling the airflow into the atomizer  60  and aiding in the production of vapor. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments of the electronic vaporizes  10  with the quick connect adapter  100 , the atomizer  60  may utilize other types of heating elements  64 . For instance, in other embodiments, the heating element  64  can use indirect heating, i.e., the crucible  62  may be heated through either convection or induction heating. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the quick connect adapter  100  includes a mouthpiece quick release connector  104  coupled to, and located adjacent, the first end  100 C of the quick connect adapter housing  100 A. The mouthpiece quick release connecter  104  is configured to allow the mouthpiece  120  to be releasably coupled to the main unit  20  via the quick connect adapter  100 . In one embodiment, the mouthpiece quick release connecter  104  is a seal  106 . The seal  106  may be made from a flexible material, such as silicon. As discussed in further depth below, the quick connect adapter  100  defines an air flow path to allow vapor to flow from the atomizer  60  to the mouthpiece  120 . 
     As discussed above, the air flow valve  102  is connected to the quick connect adapter housing  100 A. The air flow valve  102  is coupled to the air flow path to regulate airflow therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the air flow valve  102  is a spring valve. However, the air flow valve  102  may be any suitable valve including, but not limited to, a spring valve, a knob valve, and an on/off plug valve. 
     An adapter connector  108  is coupled to, and located adjacent, the second end  100 D of the quick connect adapter housing  100 A. The adapter connector  108  is configured to allow the quick connect adapter  100  to be releasably coupled to the main unit  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter connector  108  includes a magnet  110 . However, it should be noted that the adapter connector  108  may be made of other types of connectors, for example, a physical connector, such as, but not limited to, a clip. 
     With specific reference to  FIGS.  10 B,  11 A and  11 C , in one embodiment of the present invention, the quick connect adapter housing  100 A includes an inner frame  100 E and an outer body  100 F. As shown in  FIG.  10 B , the inner frame  100 E and the outer body  100 F define an interior cavity  100 G therebetween. The outer body  100 F includes a valve aperture  100 H for receiving the air flow valve  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outer body  100 F includes an inner ledge  100 I (see  FIG.  11 D ). The magnet  110  is located adjacent the inner ledge  100 I and the inner frame  100 E is press fit within the outer body  100 F, thereby retaining the magnet  110  therein. As shown in  FIG.  11 A , the inner frame  100 E includes a plurality of inner apertures  100 J. In one embodiment, the inner frame  100 E and the outer body  100 F are made from metal. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner frame  100 E and the outer body  100 F are made from stainless steel and aluminum, respectively. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  11 F- 11 H , as referenced above, in the illustrated embodiment, the air flow valve  102  is a spring valve and includes the push button  102 A with a button primary air inlet  102 B and a plurality of button secondary inlet inlets  102 C. The air flow valve  102  further includes a spring  102 D and a valve outer housing  102 E. In the illustrated embodiment, the push button  102 A is received within the valve outer housing  102 E. The spring  102 D acts against the push button  102 A, biasing the push button  102 A outward, i.e., away from the quick connect adapter housing  100 A. In this position, the button secondary inlet inlets  102 C are substantially blocked by the valve outer housing  102 E. Thus, air will flow from outside the electronic vaporizer  10  into the interior cavity  100 G of the quick connect adapter housing  100 A through the button primary air inlet  102 B. Air entering the interior cavity  100 G will be limited by the geometry of the button air inlet  102 B. In the illustrated embodiment, the push button  102 A and the valve outer housing  102 E are made from brass and the spring  102 D is made from steel. 
     The air flow valve  102  may be used by the user to vary the amount of air allowed to enter the interior cavity  100 G. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a user may further restrict air flow into the interior cavity  100 G by blocking the button primary air inlet  102 B. The user may then allow air to enter the interior cavity  100 G by discontinuing to block the button primary air inlet  102 B. In another embodiment, the user may press the push button  102 A inward. This will result in aligning the button second air inlets  102 C with the outer housing air inlets  102 F, thereby allow air to enter the interior cavity  100 G. The amount of air flowing into the interior cavity  100 G will be a function of the geometry of the button second air inlets  102 C with the outer housing air inlets  102 F. In the illustrated embodiment, the amount of air flowing into the interior cavity  100 G when the button second air inlets  102 C and the outer housing air inlets  102 F are aligned is greater than the amount of air flowing into the interior cavity  100 G through the button primary air inlet  102 B. 
     Returning to  FIG.  10 B , air flow through the quick connect adapter  100  is illustrated by arrows  112 . As discussed above, air enters the interior cavity  102 G of the quick connect adapter housing  100 A and then flows into the inner channel  100 B of the quick connect adapter  100  via the inner apertures  100 J. As will be discussed in further detail below, from inner channel  100 B of the quick connect adapter  100 , air flows down into the interior of the heating crucible  62  and then up through the mouthpiece  120 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  12 A and  12 B , an exemplary mouthpiece  120  is shown. As discussed above, in general, the mouthpiece  120  allows the user to inhale, creating low pressure within the mouthpiece  120  and to transfer the low pressure to the atomizer  60  via the quick connect adapter  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the mouthpiece  120  is a percolating type of mouthpiece and is made from glass. However, it should be appreciated that the illustrated mouthpiece  120  is illustrative only. Any type of mouthpiece, including a non-percolating mouthpiece, may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. As further discussed above, the mouthpiece  120  is removably coupled to the main unit  20  of the electronic vaporizer  10  using the quick connect adapter  100 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the mouthpiece  120  includes a stem  122  with an inner bore. The stem  122  is removably coupled to the quick connect adapter  100  via the mouthpiece quick release connector  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the mouthpiece quick release connector  102  is a flexible seal  106 . The stem  122  is appropriately sized such that the mouthpiece  120  may be slid into and out the flexible seal  106 . 
     Vapor from the heating material rises from the heating crucible  62  and enters the bore of the stem  122  and then passes through a moisture collector  124  and enters an inner tube  126 . The inner tube  126  is concentric with an outer tube  128 . Vapor rises through the inner tube  126  and is drawn down through the outer tube  128  and enters a reservoir  130  that is filled with water through apertures in the outer tube  128 . The vapor percolates through the water to reduce the temperature of the vapor and to assist in filtering out any residue within the vapor. The vapor then rises through a neck  132 . The neck  132  terminates in a mouth engaging portion  134 . 
     With reference to the drawings, and in operation, the present invention provides an electronic vaporizer  10  that includes the main unit  20 , atomizer  60 , quick connect adapter  100 , and mouthpiece  120 . 
     The main unit  20  houses all electronics, the user interface, and controls the power delivered to the atomizer  60 . The atomizer  60  houses the heating crucible  62  where material is loaded into, and the heating element  64  converts electrical energy into thermal energy. The quick connect adapter  100  acts as the coupling between the mouthpiece  120  and the main unit  20  and controls airflow into the atomizer  60 . The mouthpiece  120  collects the exhausted vapor produced from the atomizer  60  and delivers the vapor to the user as the user inhales. 
     The main unit  20 , in the illustrated embodiment, is a hand-held device that controls the electronic functions of the electronic vaporizer  10 , and acts as the hub that locks in the atomizer  60 , along with the quick connect adapter  100 . 
     The main unit  20  includes the well  22  that receives the atomizer  60  and makes the electrical connections with the circuity of the main unit  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the well  22  has three pop-up connectors, e.g., three POGO electrodes that make the electrical connection to the atomizer  60 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the main unit  20  includes three LED bands, e.g., two side panel LED bands and a base LED band, that illuminate to indicate specific functionality, as well as, for decorative purposes. The main unit  20  includes a USB-C charging port. 
     The main unit  20  houses the primary electronics of the electronic vaporizer  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the main unit  20  houses a primary printed circuit board (PCB) that controls the functionality of the electronic vaporizer  10 , three LED PCBs which illuminate the side panels and the base of the electronic vaporizer  10 , a charging PCB which contains the USB-C Receptacle that is used to charge the electronic vaporizer  10 , and a dual LiPo Power Cell which provides power to the electronic vaporizer  10 . The primary PCB also contains a basic push-button tactile switch (switch  28 ) which is the only interface the electronic vaporizer  10  has with the user. The primary PCB also contains four LEDs which indicate the battery life of the electronic vaporizer  10 . 
     The atomizer  60  houses the heating crucible  62 , the heating element  64 , and the electrical connections of the heating element  64 . As discussed above, the heating element  64  may contain two circuits embedded therein. One of the circuits acts as a heating coil that converts electrical energy provided by the main unit  20  into thermal energy. The other circuit acts as a thermistor. The main unit  20  measures the resistance of the coil to determine the temperature of the heating element  64 . The heating element  64  transfers the heat produced by the heating coil to the heating crucible  62 . The heating crucible  62  is a vessel that holds the material that is to be vaporized. The heating crucible  62  is typically made of a non-reactive material such as a quartz glass or a high temperature ceramic, a metal, or a composite material to preserve the flavor of the produced vapor and to not corrode or chemically react with the material that is loaded into. 
     The atomizer  60  may be housed in a steel body and include several electrode pads that connect to the POGO electrodes of the main unit  20 . The atomizer  20  is placed inside, and removable from, the well  22  of the main unit  20 . The atomizer  20  is held in place by a magnetic connection. 
     The quick connect adapter  100  acts as an air intake manifold and the receptacle to secure the mouthpiece  120 . As discussed above, the quick connect adapter  100  includes the airflow valve  102  that regulates airflow. In the illustrated embodiment, the airflow valve  102  is a spring-loaded valve, that in the un-compressed position only allows a limited amount of airflow, but when the spring is compressed, when a button is pressed, the airflow is increased. The quick connect adapter  100  removably affixes to the main unit  20  by a magnetic connection. 
     The mouthpiece  120  presses into the silicone seal  106  of the quick connect adapter  100 . The mouthpiece  120  may be a glass attachment for the user to inhale off and transfer the low pressure to the atomizer  60 . The mouthpiece  120  may also contain, but does not require, water so that the vapor goes through percolation to reduce the temperature of the vapor and help in filtering out any unwanted residue in the vapor. 
     The electronic vaporizer  10  may be operated by the user by placing the atomizer  60  into the main unit  20 . The user may then load the material to be vaporized into the heating crucible  62 . Typically, the mouthpiece  120  will be attached to the quick connect adapter  100  using the silicone pressure seal  106  and these two components will be fixed together for easier operation. The quick connect adapter  100  and the mouthpiece  120  may then be placed on the main unit  20  and will enclose the atomizer  100 . The user can then activate the main unit  20  by different combinations of activating the switch/button  28 . The user has the ability to cycle between temperature settings, choose decorative lights to be illuminated, control heating time, and control heating of the atomizer  60  using the switch/button  28 . 
     When the user activates a heating cycle, the main unit  20  measures the resistance of the temperature sensing circuit  86  or thermistor built-into the heating element  64 , while also delivering power to the heating circuit  84  built-into the heating element  64 . The main unit  20  adjusts power as the temperature begins to reach the set-point measured by the thermistor  86 . Once the set-point temperature is reached, the main unit  20  will indicate this to the user by illuminating one or more of the indicators  30 . The user may then inhale off the mouthpiece  120  to produce the low-pressure needed to increase vapor production. Due to the design of the electronic vaporizer  10 , a low-pressure zone is created above the atomizer  60  by the fast-moving airflow, which promotes the phase-change of the liquid material into vapor. The user may then inhale the vapor through the mouthpiece  120  and can vary the amount of vapor produced by pressing on the airflow valve  102  of the quick connect adapter  100 . It should be appreciated that actuating the valve  102  allows more airflow into the atomizer  60 , thus increasing the pressure and reducing the amount of produced vapor. 
     To power up (or turn on) the electronic vaporizer  10 , the user actuates the switch/button  28  a predetermined number of times, e.g., 5. Once powered up, the current battery level is shown using the indicators  30 . 
     The desired temperature may also be set or cycled through a plurality of predetermined or preset temperatures, using the switch/button  28 . Each one of the preset temperatures has an associated color which is displayed using one or more of the LED bands  24 A,  24 B,  24 C and/or the switch/button  28  to indicate the selected temperature and to indicate when the temperature has been reached. The switch/button  28  may also be used to turn on/off decorative lighting features. 
     After material has been loaded into the crucible  62 , the user may press/hold the switch/button  28  to initiate the heating process. After the switch/button  28  has been pressed for a predetermined amount of time, one or more of the LED bands  24 A,  24 B,  24 C may be illuminated to a specific color, e.g., red, to indicate the initiate the heating process. Once the desired temperature has been reached, the one or more of the LED bands  24 A,  24 B,  24 C may be responsively illuminated using a different color, e.g., green. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  13 A- 15   , the present invention provides a porous heating element  64  with an embedded temperature sensor in a cartridge style vaporizer  10 . The porous heating element  64  includes two sets of metallic filaments, where one acts as the heating filament  82 , and the other acts as a temperature sensor  84  by being utilized as a sensing wire, for the purpose of more accurate heating by measuring the temperature of the porous heating element  64  while simultaneously heating. The present invention includes a cartridge vaporizer  10  that utilizes the porous heating element  64  with the heating and temperature sensing filaments. The cartridge vaporizer  10  is of a self-contained type of vaporizer that contains the porous heating element  64 , a reservoir tank, a mouthpiece  120 , airflow piping, and the electrical connections needed to power the vaporizer  10 . The cartridge vaporizer  10  can be prefilled with an organic vaporizable solution, or be meant to be opened and filled by the user. The cartridge vaporizer  10  may need to be operated by attaching a replaceable battery to the cartridge, or can include a built-in battery. It should be appreciated that the cartridges may be refillable/reusable, or meant for single use and being discarded. 
     The porous heating element  64  includes two sets of metal filaments. The porous heating element  64  is made in a hollow cylindrical shape, where the metal filaments are wrapped in a coil fashion through the porous ceramic material. One of the two sets of metal filaments acts as the heating wire, where the metal filament is subjected to a current and converts the electrical power from the current to thermal energy through joule heating (resistance heating). This metal heating filament is made of such metals as Ni—Fe alloys, W—Fe alloys, Ni—Cr alloys, and many other alloys. The selection of material for the heating element  64  is dependent on the desired: heating rate, max temperature, wire resistance, and gauge of the wire. The remaining metal filament acts as the sensing wire, where it acts as a temperature sensor  84  by being utilized as a: thermocouple, thermistor, or a resistance thermometer. The specific material that these filaments are made from and dependent on the type of temperature sensing utilized. The temperature sensor wire acts by altering the electrical signal when the temperature of the sensor changes. 
     As illustrated, the porous heating elements  64  are manufactured by taking a pre-wound coil of the metal filament and placing it in a mold that is also filled with a slurry mixture composed of binding agents, water, and ceramic powder. The mold is then heated to solidify the ceramic into a porous structure with the pre-wound coil now embedded into the porous ceramic. By repeating this process a second time with a second pre-wound coil, the dual coil porous heating element can be manufactured. The specific shape of the porous heating element  64  varies depending on the need, but is most commonly formed in a hollow tube-like shape. The helical coils can be pre-wound into different configurations, but most commonly is a simple helical coil. 
     The aforementioned porous heating elements  64  that include both a heating coil and a temperature sensing coil can be utilized most commonly in a cartridge style vaporizer  10 . Cartridge style vaporizers  10  utilize porous heating elements due to their need for a wicking style heating element that absorbs only a certain amount of liquid-like organic substance. The design of cartridge style vaporizers  10  varies greatly, with differences including tank sizes, method of airflow mixing with the produced vapor, wicking assembly near the heating element, physical and electrical connections to a battery, and inclusion of a pre-built battery into the cartridge. 
     Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing or other embodiment may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing or embodiment. 
     This written description uses examples to describe embodiments of the disclosure and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.