Patent Description:
Some applications of the present invention generally relate to medical apparatus. Specifically, some applications of the present invention relate to vaporizers and capsules for the delivery of an active ingredient to a subject.

Medical use of cannabis and its constituent cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), has a long history. In modern times, cannabis is used by patients suffering from AIDS, or undergoing chemotherapy treatment, in order to relieve nausea and vomiting associated with their conditions. Cannabis is also used in a medicinal manner in order to provide pain relief, to treat muscle spasticity, and to stimulate appetite.

Medicinal cannabis can be administered using a variety of methods, including vaporizing or smoking dried buds, eating extracts, taking capsules or using oral sprays. The legality of medical use of cannabis varies internationally. However, even in countries in which the medical use of cannabis is legal, the provision of cannabis to such users is highly regulated, and it is the case that in almost all Western countries, recreational use of cannabis is illegal.

An example of a method of controlling aerosol production in an aerosol-generating device can be found in <CIT>.

An example of an apparatus including a first cartridge, a sensor, and a controller, wherein the controller can be configured to receive data from the sensor, can be found in.

An example of a conductive substrate useful for Joule heating, such as in an electronic smoking article, can be found in <CIT>.

An example of a dose unit comprising at least one isolated bioactive agent applied on a carrier material in thermal contact with an electrical heating element configured to vaporize a pre-determined amount of the agent for pulmonary delivery can be found in <CIT>.

An example of a resistive element on which a medicament is deposited for vaporization can be found in <CIT>.

An example of an electrical smoking system for heating a tobacco mass can be found in <CIT>.

In accordance with some applications of an example described herein, a vaporizer is used to vaporize the active ingredient of a material, such as a plant material, by heating the material. For example, the vaporizer may be used to vaporize the constituent cannabinoids of cannabis (e.g., tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD)). Alternatively or additionally, the vaporizer may be used to vaporize tobacco, and/or other plant or chemical substances that contain an active ingredient that becomes vaporized upon the substance being heated.

Typically, the vaporizer houses a plurality of capsules, each of the capsules including a given amount of a plant material that contains an active ingredient. For some applications, the vaporizer is shaped to define first and second receptacles, each of which is shaped to house the plurality of capsules in stacked configurations. While each of the capsules is disposed at a vaporization location within the vaporizer, a heating element causes the active ingredient of the plant material within the capsule to become at least partially vaporized by individually heating the capsule. For some applications, the heating element includes one or more electrodes that heat the capsule via resistive heating, by driving a current into a portion of the capsule (e.g., into a metallic mesh of the capsule), or driving a current into an internal heating element that is housed within the vaporizer. Typically, a capsule-transfer mechanism of the vaporizer individually transfers each of the capsules from the first receptacle to the vaporization location and from the vaporization location to the second receptacle.

For some applications, a two step heating process is applied to the plant material, as follows. In response to receiving a first input at the vaporizer, a first heating step is initiated. The first heating step is terminated, and further heating of the plant material is withheld, in response to detecting an indication that the temperature of the plant material has reached a first temperature that is typically less than <NUM> percent of a vaporization temperature of the active ingredient. Subsequently, in response to receiving a second input at the vaporizer (e.g., in response to detecting that a user is inhaling from the vaporizer, or in response to the user pressing a button) the plant material is heated to the vaporization temperature of the active ingredient, in a second heating step.

Typically, the first heating step is performed at a faster heating rate than the second heating step. For some applications, by performing the heating in the two-stage process as described, one or more of the following results are achieved:.

It is noted that some example applications described herein are described with reference to a plant material that contains an active ingredient. However, these examples include using any material or substance that contains an active ingredient, mutatis mutandis.

There is therefore provided, in accordance with another example described herein, a method for use with a vaporizer that vaporizes at least one active ingredient of a material, the method including:.

For some applications, detecting the indication of the temperature of the material includes detecting the indication of the temperature of the material using an optical temperature sensor.

For some applications, the method further includes generating an indication that the first heating step has terminated.

For some applications, terminating the first heating step, by withholding causing further temperature increase of the material includes preventing pyrolysis of the active ingredient.

For some applications, the method further includes, subsequent to the second heating step, in response to detecting that no air has been inhaled from the vaporizer for a given time period, reducing a temperature of the material to below the vaporization temperature of the material.

For some applications, the method further includes detecting a rate of air flow through the vaporizer by detecting an indication of an amount of energy required to maintain the temperature of the material constant.

For some applications, heating the material in the first heating step includes heating the material at a first heating rate, heating the material in the second heating step includes heating the material at a second heating rate, and the first heating rate is greater than the second heating rate.

For some applications, heating the material at the second heating rate includes heating the material at a rate of less than <NUM> degrees Celsius per second.

For some applications, heating the material at the rate of less than <NUM> degrees Celsius per second includes preventing pyrolysis of the active ingredient.

For some applications, heating the material at the first heating rate includes heating the material at a rate of more than <NUM> degrees Celsius per second.

For some applications, receiving the second input includes detecting that a user is inhaling from the vaporizer.

For some applications, detecting that the user is inhaling from the vaporizer includes detecting the indication of the temperature of the material.

For some applications, detecting that the user is inhaling from the vaporizer includes detecting an indication of an amount of energy required to maintain the temperature of the material constant.

For some applications, the material includes cannabis and terminating the first heating step includes withholding causing further temperature increase of the material in response to detecting an indication that the temperature of the material has reached a temperature that is less than <NUM> degrees Celsius.

For some applications, terminating the first heating step includes withholding causing further temperature increase of the material in response to detecting an indication that the temperature of the material has reached a temperature that is less than <NUM> degrees Celsius.

For some applications, detecting the indication of the temperature of the material includes detecting a temperature of a capsule in which the material is housed.

For some applications, the capsule includes a metallic mesh, and detecting the temperature of the capsule includes detecting electrical resistance of the mesh.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of another example described herein, apparatus for use with a material that includes at least one active ingredient, the apparatus including:
a vaporizer configured to vaporize the active ingredient of the material, the vaporizer including:.

For some applications, the control circuitry is configured to be removed from the vaporizer and to be coupled to a second vaporizer.

For some applications, the apparatus further includes a phase-change material that is coupled to the capsule, the phase-change material being configured to undergo a phase change at a temperature that is below a pyrolysis temperature of the material.

For some applications, the capsule includes at least one hollow wire, and the phase-change material is housed inside the hollow wire.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of another example described herein, apparatus including:.

For some applications, the capsule-transfer mechanism includes a rotating capsule-transfer mechanism, configured to transfer the capsules by rotating.

For some applications, the first and second receptacles and the vaporization location are linearly aligned with each other, and the capsule-transfer mechanism includes a linear capsule-transfer mechanism, configured to move each of the capsules by moving linearly.

For some applications, the heating element includes one or more electrodes configured to heat the capsules via resistive heating, by driving an electrical current into the portion of the capsule.

For some applications, each of the capsules includes one or more metallic meshes, and the one or more electrodes are configured to heat the capsules by driving the electrical current into the one or more metallic meshes of the capsule.

For some applications, a width of the vaporizer is less than <NUM>. For some applications, a depth of the vaporizer is less than <NUM>. For some applications, a height of the vaporizer is less than <NUM>.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a method including:.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of another example described herein, apparatus including:
a vaporizer including:.

There is additionally provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a method including:.

For some applications, the vibrator includes a vibrator selected from the group consisting of: a vibration motor, a piezo-electric crystal, a sonic vibrator, and an ultrasonic vibrator.

For some applications, the vibrator is configured to increase airflow through the capsule by vibrating the capsule.

For some applications, the vibrator is configured to mix the material within the capsule by vibrating the capsule.

For some applications, the vibrator is configured to increase a uniformity of heating of the material within the capsule by vibrating the capsule.

There is additionally provided, in accordance with some applications of another example described herein, a method including:.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of another example described herein, apparatus including:
a vaporizer shaped to define at least one receptacle, the vaporizer including:.

For some applications, the apparatus further includes a capsule-transfer mechanism configured to individually transfer each of the capsules from the opening of the receptacle to a vaporization location at which the vaporizer is configured to vaporize the active ingredient of the material.

There is additionally provided, in accordance with some applications of another example described herein, apparatus including:
a vaporizer including:
at least one capsule including:.

For some applications, the apparatus further includes a coating disposed upon at least a portion of the outer surface of the capsule that is defined by the mesh, and the electrode-movement mechanism is configured to cause the electrode to penetrate the coating, by moving the electrode with respect to the mesh.

For some applications, the electrode-movement mechanism includes a button configured to be pressed by a user, and the electrode-movement mechanism is configured to move the electrode with respect to the mesh in response to the user pressing the button.

For some applications, the electrode-movement mechanism includes a hinge.

For some applications, the electrode-movement mechanism is configured to remove a coating from the mesh by moving the electrode with respect to the mesh.

For some applications, the electrode-movement mechanism is configured to cause the electrode to penetrate a coating on the mesh, by moving the electrode with respect to the mesh.

For some applications, the electrode-movement mechanism is configured to slide the electrode across the outer surface of the capsule that is defined by the mesh, while the electrode is in contact with the mesh.

For some applications, the electrode is shaped to define a sharp tip.

For some applications, the electrode is shaped to define a blade.

There is additionally provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus including:
a vaporizer configured to accommodate a mass of material that contains an active ingredient, the vaporizer including:.

For some applications, the vaporizer is shaped to define at least one receptacle that is configured to accommodate the mass of material.

For some applications, the surface includes a mesh, and the heating element includes one or more electrodes and control circuitry, the control circuitry being configured to vaporize the at least one active ingredient of the volumetric dose of the material by driving a current into the mesh via the one or more electrodes.

For some applications, the mass of material includes a cigarette containing the material, and the extraction mechanism includes a blade that is configured to extract the given volumetric dose of the material from the mass of material by cutting off a portion of the cigarette.

Embodiments and aspects of the present invention are defined herein in accordance with the appended claims.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are schematic illustrations of respective views of the exterior of a vaporizer <NUM>, in accordance with some applications of an example described herein. Typically vaporizer <NUM> is used to vaporize the active ingredient of a material, such a plant material. For example, vaporizer <NUM> may be used to vaporize the constituent cannabinoids of cannabis (e.g., tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD)). Alternatively or additionally, the vaporizer may be used to vaporize tobacco, and/or other plant or chemical substances that contain an active ingredient that becomes vaporized upon the substance being heated. It is noted that some example applications described herein are described with reference to a plant material that contains an active ingredient. However, these examples include using any substance that contains an active ingredient, mutatis mutandis.

Vaporizer <NUM> includes a main body <NUM>, which houses capsules and control circuitry of the vaporizer, as described in further detail hereinbelow. The control circuitry is configured to act as a control unit, which controls the functioning of the vaporizer. Typically, the vaporizer additionally includes a top cover <NUM>, from which a mouthpiece <NUM> protrudes. During use, the user typically inhales the vaporized active ingredient via the mouthpiece.

Typically, vaporizer <NUM> is configured to be portable and, during use, the vaporizer is configured to be held in a single hand of a user. The dimensions of the vaporizer are typically as follows:.

For some applications, a capsule-transfer wheel <NUM> is disposed on the outside of the top cover. The capsule-transfer wheel controls a capsule-transfer mechanism <NUM> (<FIG>). As described in further detail hereinbelow, the capsule-transfer mechanism is configured to (a) individually transfer unused capsules from a first receptacle 40A (<FIG>) within the main body of the vaporizer to a vaporization location <NUM> (<FIG>), at which the capsule is heated such as to vaporize the active ingredient, and (b) to individually transfer used capsules from the vaporization location to a second receptacle 40B (<FIG>) within the main body of the vaporizer. For some applications, the capsule-transfer mechanism is a rotatable mechanism, e.g., a rotatable disc, as shown in <FIG>. For some such applications, the capsule-transfer wheel is turned by a user in order to control the rotatable capsule-transfer mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the rotatable capsule-transfer mechanism (or any other capsule-transfer mechanism described herein) is controlled by an electric motor (not shown).

For some applications, a removable back cover <NUM> is disposed upon main body <NUM> of vaporizer <NUM>. As shown, for some applications, the back cover defines a grill <NUM>. Grill <NUM> is configured to allow airflow into the main body of the vaporizer, as described in further detail hereinbelow.

For some applications, the inner surface of mouthpiece <NUM> (and/or other portions of the vaporizer) includes a lipophobic or hydrophobic coating <NUM> that is configured to prevent products of the vaporization of the active ingredient from sticking to the inner surface of the mouthpiece. Alternatively or additionally, electrical charge is driven onto surfaces of the vaporizer (such as the inner surface of mouthpiece <NUM>), such that the charge accumulates on the surfaces and repels products of the vaporization of the active ingredient from the surfaces.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are exploded views of vaporizer <NUM>, in accordance with some applications of an example described herein.

Referring to <FIG>, typically, vaporizer <NUM> includes first and second receptacles 40A and 40B, which are configured to house capsules <NUM>, which include a plant material that contains an active ingredient. Unused capsules are typically housed in a stacked configuration inside the first receptacle, and used capsules are housed in a stacked configuration inside the second receptacle.

Capsule-transfer mechanism <NUM> is configured to transfer the capsules from the first receptacle to the second receptacle. For some applications, the capsule-transfer mechanism is a rotatable capsule-transfer mechanism (e.g., a rotatable disc), as shown in <FIG>. Typically, the capsule-transfer mechanism is configured to (a) individually transfer unused capsules from first receptacle 40A to vaporization location <NUM> at which the capsule is heated such as to vaporize the active ingredient, and (b) to individually transfer used capsules from the vaporization location to second receptacle 40B.

For some such applications, vaporizer <NUM> includes one or more heating elements, which are configured to heat the plant material within the capsule (such as to vaporize the active ingredient within the plant material). For some applications, electrodes <NUM> are configured to act as heating elements, by heating the plant material within the capsule, by driving an electrical current into capsule <NUM>. For some applications, capsule <NUM> includes one or more metallic meshes <NUM> (<FIG>). The electrodes heat the plant material by heating the one or more meshes via resistive heating, by driving a current into the one or more meshes. Alternatively or additionally, the electrodes heat an internal heating element that is housed within the vaporizer, by driving a current into the internal heating element. Typically, the electric current that is driven is fixed, such that, for example, the heating of the capsules is not affected by variations in the degree of contact between the electrodes and the meshes of the capsules.

For some applications, a spring <NUM> with a pushing element <NUM> is disposed underneath a portion <NUM> of top cover <NUM>. The spring is configured to push the used capsules into second receptacle 40B.

For some applications, a portion of capsule <NUM> is coated or filled with a phase-change material <NUM>. The phase-change material is selected such as to maintain the capsule below the pyrolysis temperature of the plant material, and thereby prevents the plant material from being pyrolyzed. For example, the phase-change material may undergo a solid-to-liquid phase change at a temperature that is between the vaporization temperature and the pyrolysis temperature of the plant material, such that the phase-change material absorbs heat as latent heat of fusion at this temperature. For some applications, a portion of the vaporizer (e.g., vaporization location <NUM>, receptacle 40A and/or receptacle 40B) is coated with phase-change material <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, typically, a power supply <NUM> (e.g., a battery) and control circuitry <NUM> are housed inside the main body of vaporizer <NUM>. Typically, the power supply and/or the control circuitry are coupled to the main body of the vaporizer by a coupling element <NUM>, such as an adhesive, a screw, a clip, and/or a pin. For some applications, the control circuitry is configured to drive a current into the capsule via electrodes <NUM>, using power supplied by the power supply.

For some applications, back cover <NUM> is removable and reusable, and control circuitry <NUM>, power supply <NUM>, and/or temperature sensor <NUM> are coupled to the back cover (e.g., by being housed in the back cover). Typically, for such applications, after all of the capsules in the vaporizer have been vaporized, the back cover is removed, together with the components that are coupled to the back cover. The back cover and the components are then transferred and coupled to a different vaporizer that includes unused capsules.

For some applications, vaporizer <NUM> includes a temperature sensor <NUM> that is configured to measure an indication of the temperature of the plant material that is being heated, e.g., by measuring the temperature of the capsule that is being heated. For example, the temperature sensor may be an optical temperature sensor, such as an infrared temperature sensor, that is configured to measure the temperature of the capsule without contacting the capsule. In this manner, the infrared temperature sensor measures the temperature of the capsule, without affecting the temperature of the capsule by drawing heat from the capsule. For some applications, the temperature sensor is covered with a lipophobic or hydrophobic coating <NUM> that protects the temperature sensor from products of the vaporization being deposited upon the temperature sensor. For some applications, a different temperature sensor is used. For example, the control circuitry may detect the temperature of the capsule by detecting changes in the resistance of components of the capsule (e.g., mesh <NUM> of the capsule) using electrodes <NUM>.

As described hereinabove, typically unused capsules are housed inside first receptacle 40A and used capsules are housed inside receptacle 40B. Typically, springs <NUM> and pushing elements <NUM> are coupled to a bottom cover <NUM> of the vaporizer. The springs and pushing elements are configured to maintain the stacked configurations of the capsules inside the receptacles by pushing the capsules toward the top of the vaporizer.

Reference is now made to <FIG>are schematic cross-sectional views of vaporizer <NUM>, in accordance with some applications of an example described herein. <FIG> is a top view of vaporizer <NUM>, in accordance with some applications of an example described herein. <FIG> includes lines indicating the locations of the cross-sections that are shown, respectively, in <FIG>, <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, for some applications, vaporizer <NUM> includes a vibrator <NUM> that is configured to vibrate capsule <NUM>, while the capsule is being heated. During use of the vaporizer, the user inhales via mouthpiece <NUM>. This causes air to flow through grill <NUM> to the mouthpiece via the capsule, as indicated by airflow arrows <NUM>. Due to the heating of the capsule the active ingredient within the plant material of the capsule is vaporized and is introduced into the air that is flowing through the vaporizer. For some applications, by vibrating the capsule, the vibrator reduces blockage of air flow through the capsule, and/or increases airflow through the capsule relative to if the capsule were not vibrated. For some applications, due the vibration of the capsule, a greater amount of the active ingredient vaporizes and enters the airflow than if the capsule were not vibrated. Alternatively or additionally, vibration of the capsule improves the distribution of heat across the capsule, and/or mixes the plant material within the capsule.

In accordance with respective application, vibrator <NUM> includes a vibration motor, a piezo-electric crystal, a sonic vibrator, an ultrasonic vibrator, and/or a different type of vibrator. For some applications, one or more parameters of the vibration applied by the vibrator is varied such as to increase the efficiency of the active ingredient vaporization, to increase airflow through the capsule, to reduce air flow blockage, to improve distribution of heat across the capsule, and/or to mix the plant material within the capsule. For example, the frequency, the amplitude, and/or the direction of the vibration may be varied.

For some applications, vaporizer <NUM> includes a port <NUM> via which the vaporizer is connected to an external source of power and/or data input. For example, power supply <NUM> may be configured to be recharged by connecting the vaporizer to an external power source via port <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, control circuitry <NUM> may receive data, e.g., programming instructions, via port <NUM>.

For some applications, a healthcare professional (e.g., a pharmacist or a doctor) may input instructions into the control circuitry that control the heating rate that is applied for a given amount of air flow through the capsule. By controlling the heating rate per unit air flow, the amount of the active ingredient that is vaporized per unit airflow through the vaporizer may be controlled. Alternatively or additionally, the healthcare professional may input instructions into the control circuitry that control the amount of airflow through the vaporizer that is permitted during each use of the vaporizer, and/or the amount of airflow through the vaporizer that is permitted within a given time period (e.g., per hour, or per day). In this manner, the healthcare professional may control the dosage of the active ingredient that the user is able to receive during each use of the vaporizer, and/or within the given time period. For some applications, the control circuitry is configured to automatically determine the rate and/or volume of air flow through the vaporizer, as described in further detail hereinbelow.

Referring now to <FIG>, as shown, capsules <NUM> that are unused (i.e., capsules, the active ingredient of the plant material of which has not been vaporized) are housed, in a stacked configuration (i.e., such that when the vaporizer is in an upright orientation, the capsules are arranged one above the other), inside receptacle 40A. Used capsules are housed, in a stacked configuration, inside receptacle 40B. As described hereinabove, for some applications, springs <NUM> and pushing elements <NUM> are coupled to a bottom cover <NUM> of the vaporizer and are configured to maintain the stacked configurations of the capsules inside the receptacles by pushing the capsules toward the top of the vaporizer. For some applications, by storing the capsules in stacked configurations, dimensions of the width and depth of vaporizer <NUM> may be such that the vaporizer can be comfortably held by a user (e.g., within a single hand of the user).

Spring <NUM> and pushing element <NUM> typically push the used capsules into receptacle 40B, such that the used capsules are maintained below a plane of movement of capsule-transfer mechanism <NUM>. In this manner, capsules that have been placed inside receptacle 40B remain inside receptacle 40B, even when the capsule-transfer mechanism is moved.

For some applications, capsules <NUM> have circular cross-sections, and receptacles 40A and 40B define cylindrical tubes that house the capsules. Alternatively, capsules <NUM> may have a different shape, and receptacles 40A and 40B may define hollow spaces that are shaped so as to conform with the shapes of the capsules.

With reference to <FIG>, as described hereinabove, for some applications, temperature sensor <NUM> is an optical temperature sensor, such as an infrared temperature sensor, that is configured to measure the temperature of the capsule without contacting the capsule. <FIG> shows sensor <NUM> receiving beams <NUM> of optical light from capsule <NUM>, the capsule having been heated. Sensor <NUM> is configured to measure the temperature of capsule <NUM>, based upon the received light.

As shown in <FIG>, for some applications, electrode <NUM> includes at least four electrodes 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D. The plant material contained within the capsule is heated by driving a current from first electrode 48A to second electrode 48B via a lower mesh of capsule <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, plant material contained within the capsule is heated by driving a current from third electrode 48C to fourth electrode 48D via an upper mesh of capsule <NUM>. For some applications, by heating the plant material in the aforementioned manner, the plant material within the capsule is heated more uniformly than if, for example, a monopolar electrode were to drive a current into a location on the upper or lower mesh. For some applications, capsule <NUM> includes an internal heating element (e.g., an internal mesh (not shown)), as an alternative or in addition to the upper and lower meshes. The internal heating element is configured to be heated in a similar manner to that described with reference to the upper and lower meshes.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are schematic illustrations of respective views of capsule <NUM>, the capsule containing plant material <NUM> that includes an active ingredient, in accordance with some applications of an example described herein. As described hereinabove, for some applications, the plant material is cannabis, and the active ingredient is the constituent cannabinoids of cannabis (e.g., tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD)). Alternatively or additionally, the plant material may be tobacco, and/or other plant or chemical substances that contain an active ingredient that becomes vaporized upon the substance being heated.

For some applications, plant material <NUM> is housed between upper and lower metallic meshes <NUM>. For some applications, each of the meshes has openings of more than <NUM> micron (e.g., more than <NUM> micron), and/or less than <NUM> micron (e.g., less than <NUM> micron), e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> micron, or <NUM>-<NUM> micron. Typically the meshes are coupled to a central portion <NUM> of the capsule (e.g., a central disc, as shown), the central portion defining a hole. For example, the meshes may be coupled to the central portion via an adhesive <NUM>, such as a high-temperature-resistant glue, or double-sided adhesive. Typically, the adhesive is configured such that the adhesive does not emit fumes, even when the adhesive is subjected to a high temperature, such as a temperature of greater than <NUM> degrees Celsius. Typically, the plant material is housed between the meshes and within the hole defined by the central portion of the capsule.

Typically, plant material <NUM> is ground, such that (a) the plant material is in sufficiently small pieces that the material fits within the capsule, and a large surface area of the plant material is exposed to air flow through the vaporizer (b) the pieces of the plant material are sufficiently large that they do not pass through the meshes, and (c) the active ingredient retains its potency. For some applications, the plant material is cryogenically ground and/or powderized.

For some applications, spacing elements <NUM> are coupled to the outside of one or both of the meshes. The spacing elements are configured such that, when the capsules are disposed in the stacked configuration inside the vaporizer, there is a space between the upper mesh of a capsule and the lower mesh of the adjacent capsule. The spacing elements are shaped such as to perform the aforementioned function without blocking airflow through the meshes and/or the plant material, and without interfering with the contact between electrodes <NUM> and meshes <NUM>. For some applications, the spacing element is a single sided adhesive tape. For some applications, an anti-adhesive coating material is used as the spacing element. The anti-adhesive coating material is configured to prevent the unused capsules from becoming stuck to one another when the unused capsules are housed in receptacle 40A.

For some applications, central portion <NUM> of capsule <NUM> is made of a material that has a high heat capacity and/or low heat conductivity so that it reduces heat loss from the capsule to the surrounding area and reduces heating of the surrounding area during evaporation process. For some applications, at least one of the wires of meshes <NUM> is hollow, and a phase-change material is disposed inside the hollow wire. The phase-change material reduces heat loss from the capsule, by causing the capsule to preferentially absorb heat relative to the areas surrounding the capsule. Alternatively or additionally, a phase change material is coupled to the capsule is a different manner, e.g., by coating the capsule. As described hereinabove, typically, the phase-change material is selected such as to maintain the capsule below the pyrolysis temperature of the plant material, and to thereby prevent the plant material from being pyrolyzed.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a schematic illustration of electrodes <NUM> of vaporizer <NUM> in contact with meshes <NUM> of capsule <NUM>, in accordance with some applications of an example described herein. As shown, electrodes <NUM> contact the meshes even when spacing elements <NUM> are disposed upon the outsides of the meshes.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are schematic illustrations of respective configurations of electrodes <NUM> of vaporizer <NUM>, in accordance with some applications of an example described herein. <FIG> shows examples of electrodes 48A and 48B, in accordance with some applications of an example described herein. As shown, for some applications, a surface <NUM> of the electrode acts as an electrical contact, via which electrical contact is made with a mesh of the capsule. <FIG> show examples of electrode 48B, in accordance with respective applications of an example described herein. For some applications, the electrodes include contacts <NUM> that protrude from surface <NUM> of the electrode. As shown, the contact may be shaped as a flat plate (<FIG>), or as a plurality of points, e.g., two points (<FIG>), or three points (<FIG>).

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are schematic illustrations of respective views of vaporizer <NUM>, capsule-transfer mechanism <NUM> of the vaporizer being a linear mechanism, in accordance with some applications of an example described herein.

As shown in <FIG>, in accordance with some applications, capsules <NUM> are shaped in a shape that is not circular. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the capsule may have a racetrack-shaped cross section. For such applications, receptacles 40A and 40B define hollow spaces that are shaped so as to conform with the shape of the capsules.

For some applications, the top of receptacle 40A, the top of receptacle 40B, and the vaporization location, at which the capsules are heated, are aligned with each other (for example, across the width of the vaporizer, as shown in <FIG>). A linear capsule-transfer mechanism <NUM> is configured to push unused capsules from receptacle 40A to vaporization location <NUM> at which the capsule is heated, and from the vaporization location to second receptacle 40B. For some applications, the linear capsule-transfer mechanism includes a pusher <NUM> that is configured to transfer the capsules in the manner described above, by the pusher being pushed axially in a given direction. For some applications, a spring <NUM> is coupled to the pusher, the spring being configured to apply a force to the pusher that opposes movement of the pusher in the given direction.

With reference to <FIG>, for some applications, a pump <NUM> (shown schematically in <FIG>) is used to control air flow through the vaporizer. For some applications, the vaporizer is shaped to define a supplementary airflow channel <NUM>, which provides airflow out of the mouthpiece, but not via the capsule that is being vaporized. In this manner, in response to a large inhalation by the user, the vaporizer is able to provide air to the user, without increasing the dosage of the active ingredient that is provided to the user. For some applications, a valve <NUM> (shown schematically in <FIG>) is disposed within the supplementary airflow channel and is configured to control airflow through the supplementary airflow channel.

For some applications, vaporizer <NUM> includes an airflow sensor, e.g., a valve <NUM>(shown schematically in <FIG>). The valve is configured to measure airflow through the vaporizer. For some applications, the measured airflow is received as an input to the control circuitry, and the control circuitry varies a parameter of the heating in response to the detected airflow.

Apart from the differences described in the above paragraphs, vaporizer <NUM> and portions thereof shown in <FIG> are generally similar to the vaporizer and portions thereof described with reference to <FIG>. The examples described herein include combining features of the vaporizer and portions thereof described with reference to <FIG>, with features of the vaporizer and portions thereof described with reference to <FIG>, and vice versa.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a graph illustrating respective techniques for heating plant material using a vaporizer, such as vaporizer <NUM>, in accordance with some applications of an example described herein. The x-axis of the graph indicates time (measured in seconds), and the y-axis indicates the temperature (measured in degrees Celsius) of a capsule that contains a plant material (and therefore indicates the temperature of the plant material within the capsule), as described herein.

As described hereinabove, for some applications, vaporizer <NUM> is used to vaporize active ingredients within cannabis. Cannabis typically has a vaporization temperature of <NUM> degrees Celsius, and begins to become pyrolyzed at <NUM> degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is typically desirable to heat the cannabis to a temperature of between <NUM> degrees Celsius and <NUM> degrees Celsius. The upper and lower boundaries of the desired temperature range to which to heat cannabis are denoted on the graph of <FIG>, by the two solid horizontal lines at <NUM> degrees Celsius and <NUM> degrees Celsius. Further typically, it is desirable not to heat the cannabis to a temperature that is greater than the described temperature, in order to prevent pyrolysis of the cannabis. Typically, when the vaporizer is used with plant materials other than cannabis, similar considerations are applicable, although the desired temperature to which the plant material should be heated will vary depending on the characteristics of the plant material that is being used with the vaporizer.

One possible way of heating the plant material to the desired temperature is via gradual heating, as denoted by the dashed diagonal line, which shows the plant material being heated to the desired temperature over a period of more than <NUM> seconds. Another possible way to heat the plant material is via rapid heating, as denoted by the dotted curve in <FIG>. Typically, if the plant material is heated rapidly, then initially there is an overshoot in the temperature to which the plant material is heated. For example, this may be because there is a time lag between when the plant material reaches the desired temperature and when the control circuitry detects that the desired temperature has been reached and withholds causing further temperature increase of the plant material in response to the detected temperature. This is indicated in <FIG>, which shows that the dotted curve initially rises above <NUM> degrees Celsius, before plateauing within the desired temperature range. Due to the overshooting, some of the plant material may become pyrolyzed.

In accordance with some applications of an example described herein, a two-stage heating process is applied to plant material within a vaporizer, e.g., as indicated by the solid curve shown in <FIG>. Typically, in response to receiving a first input at the vaporizer (e.g., in response to the user pressing an ON switch on the vaporizer), the control circuitry of the vaporizer initiates a first heating step. Typically, the first heating step is a rapid heating step (e.g., a heating step in which the capsule that contains the plant material is heated at a rate of more than <NUM> degrees Celsius per second, or more than <NUM> degrees Celsius per second). Further typically, the control circuitry of the vaporizer is configured to terminate the first heating step, by withholding causing further temperature increase of the capsule, in response to detecting that the temperature of the capsule (which is indicative of the temperature of the plant material) has reached a first temperature. Typically, the first temperature is less than <NUM> percent, e.g., less than <NUM> percent, or less than <NUM> percent, of the vaporization temperature of the plant material. For example, when the vaporizer is used to vaporize cannabis, the control circuitry of the vaporizer may be configured to withhold causing further temperature increase of the capsule, in response to detecting that the temperature of the capsule has reached a first temperature that is less than <NUM> degrees Celsius (e.g., less than <NUM> degrees Celsius), e.g., a temperature that is between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees Celsius, or between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees Celsius.

By configuring the control circuitry to terminate the first, rapid heating stage as described above, even if there is overshoot, and the temperature of the capsule rises above the temperature at which the first heating stage was programmed to be terminated, the temperature of the capsule will typically still not rise above the pyrolysis temperature of the plant material. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the control circuitry has been configured to withhold causing further temperature increase of the capsule in response to detecting that the temperature of the capsule has reached approximately <NUM> degrees Celsius. Initially (at approximately <NUM> second), there is an overshoot, and the temperature of the capsule reaches approximately <NUM> degrees Celsius. However, the temperature of the capsule then reaches a plateau of approximately <NUM> degrees Celsius, at about <NUM> second. For some applications, the control circuitry of the vaporizer generates an output to the user to indicate that the first stage of the heating has terminated. For example, the control circuitry may illuminate an indicator light, may cause the vaporizer to vibrate, and/or may emit an audio signal (e.g., a beep).

Subsequently, in response to a second input to the vaporizer, the control circuitry of the vaporizer initiates a second heating step (shown, on the solid curve in <FIG>, to begin at approximately <NUM> seconds). Typically, between the end of the first stage of the heating process, and the initiation of the second stage of the heating process, the control circuitry maintains the temperature of the capsule at the first temperature. For some applications, the second stage of the heating is initiated automatically in response to inhalation of air from the vaporizer by a user. Alternatively, the second stage of the heating process may be initiated in response to a different input by the user (e.g., the user pressing the ON button a second time).

During the second heating step, the control circuitry typically heats the capsule at a slower rate than during the first stage of the heating process. For example, during the second stage of the heating process, the meshes of the capsules of the vaporizer may be heated at a rate of less than <NUM> degrees Celsius per second, e.g., less than <NUM> degrees Celsius per second. As shown in <FIG>, during the second stage of the heating process (from <NUM> seconds to <NUM> seconds) the capsule is heated from approximately <NUM> degrees Celsius to <NUM> degrees Celsius.

In the second stage of the heating process, the control circuitry is configured to withhold causing further temperature increase of the capsule in response to detecting that the temperature of the capsule is between the vaporization temperature of the plant material and the pyrolysis temperature of the plant material. For example, when the vaporizer is used to vaporize cannabis, the control circuitry of the vaporizer is configured to withhold causing further temperature increase of the capsule, in response to detecting that the temperature of the capsule has reached a second temperature that is more than <NUM> degrees Celsius (e.g., more than <NUM> degrees Celsius), and/or less than <NUM> degrees Celsius (e.g., less than <NUM> degrees Celsius), e.g., a temperature that is between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees Celsius, or between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees Celsius.

For some applications, by performing the heating in the two-stage process described hereinabove, one or more of the following results are achieved:.

For some applications, inhalation from the vaporizer by the user is automatically detected by the control circuitry. After the first stage of the heating, there is typically a large difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the capsule that contains the plant material. As described hereinabove, between the end of the first stage of the heating process, and the initiation of the second stage of the heating process, the control circuitry maintains the temperature of the capsule at the first temperature. Since there is a large difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the capsule, the energy that is required to maintain the capsule (and the plant material therein) at a constant temperature is greater when the user is inhaling from the vaporizer than when the user is not inhaling. Therefore, for some applications, the control circuitry detects that the user is inhaling from the vaporizer by detecting an indication of an amount of energy that is required to maintain the temperature of the capsule (and the plant material therein) constant. For example, the control circuitry may detect variations in the duty cycle that is used to heat the capsule (and the plant material therein). Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry may automatically detect that the user is inhaling from the vaporizer by directly detecting the temperature of the capsule. Since, after the first stage of the heating, there is a large difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the capsule, airflow through the capsule may cause a measurable change in the temperature of the capsule. As described hereinabove, for some applications, the second stage of the heating process is initiated automatically in response to detecting inhalation from the vaporizer by the user.

Using a generally similar technique to that described hereinabove, for some applications, the control circuitry detects a rate and/or volume of air flow through the vaporizer, by detecting an indication of an amount of energy that is required to maintain the temperature of the capsule (and the plant material therein) constant. For some applications, in response to the detected rate of air flow through the vaporizer, the control circuitry calculates that dosage of the active substance that has been administered to the subject. As described hereinabove, for some applications, a healthcare professional may input instructions into the control circuitry that control the amount of airflow through the vaporizer that is permitted during each use of the vaporizer, and/or the amount of airflow through the vaporizer that is permitted within a given time period (e.g., per hour, or per day). Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry may control the heating rate per unit air flow, as described hereinabove.

For some applications, in response to detecting that no inhalation has occurred over a given time period (e.g., a time period of between <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds), the temperature of the capsule is reduced to below the vaporization temperature of the plant material. For example, during use of the vaporizer, the user may stop inhaling for a given time period, due to coughing, and/or due to irritation caused by the plant material. By reducing the temperature to below the vaporization temperature, wastage of the active ingredient during this period is reduced, such that the user is able to receive the prescribed dosage of the active ingredient.

As indicated by the solid curve in <FIG>, between approximately <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds the control circuitry causes the temperature of the capsule to be lowered to below the vaporization temperature. This may be performed in response to detecting that no inhalation has occurred over a given time period (as described hereinabove), and/or in response to a user input (e.g., in response to the user pressing a button). From approximately <NUM> seconds to <NUM> seconds, the capsule is heated back to the vaporization temperature. This may be performed in response to detecting that inhalation has resumed and/or in response to a user input (e.g., in response to the user pressing a button). Between approximately <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds the control circuitry again causes the temperature of the capsule to be lowered to below the vaporization temperature. This may be performed in response to detecting that no inhalation has occurred over a given time period, and/or in response to a user input (e.g., in response to the user pressing a button).

Although vaporizer <NUM> has been described as using resistive heating of electrode(s) <NUM> to heat capsule <NUM>, for some applications, alternative or additional heating elements and heating techniques are used to heat the capsule. For example, a laser emitter may act as a heating element by directing a laser beam at the capsule, in order to heat the capsule. For some applications, a separate heating element that is housed inside the vaporizer is heated in proximity to the vaporization location, in order to provide conduction, convection, and/or radiation heating to the capsule.

For some applications, the vaporizer includes an indicator that indicates to the user how many unused capsules are housed within the vaporizer. Typically, the vaporizer is configured such that it can only be opened and/or refilled by a healthcare professional (e.g., a doctor, or a pharmacist). For some applications, rather than the vaporizer being configured to be refilled, some of the control components of the vaporizer are recyclable and are transferrable to an unused vaporizer, as described hereinabove. For some applications, the size of the capsules and/or the amount of plant material in each capsule that is to be provided to a given user may be determined by a healthcare professional. In addition, as described hereinabove, the vaporizer is typically programmable, such that only a certain dosage of the active ingredient may be released per use or within a given time period. In this manner, if the plant material that is used inside the vaporizer is a regulated substance (e.g., cannabis), control over the use of the substance may be maintained. For some applications, the vaporizer and/or the capsules include identifying marks or tags (e.g., an RFID or a barcode), such as to facilitate regulation and control of the use of the vaporizer and the capsule.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are schematic illustrations of portions of vaporizer <NUM>, in accordance with some applications of an example described herein. For some applications, unused capsules <NUM> are stored in a stacked configuration inside receptacle 40A, upon a supporting surface <NUM>. <FIG> show the supporting surface in the absence of the walls of the receptacle, for illustrative purposes. <FIG> shows the supporting surface in the absence of any capsule, and <FIG> shows the supporting surface with a stack of capsules disposed thereon.

Typically, a spring <NUM> is disposed underneath the supporting surface. For some applications, in response to the user rotating a capsule-transfer wheel <NUM> in a given direction (e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise), a screw <NUM>, which is coupled to the capsule-transfer wheel, is rotated in the given direction. Typically, the supporting surface is (directly or indirectly) threadedly coupled to the screw. For example, as shown, supporting surface <NUM> may be coupled to a second surface <NUM> via spring <NUM>, the second surface being directly coupled to the screw with threading. In response to the screw rotating in the given direction, the supporting surface advances toward the opening of receptacle 40A, thereby pushing the top capsule out of the opening of the receptacle.

It is noted that capsule-transfer wheel <NUM> is shaped differently from the shape of capsule-transfer wheel <NUM> described hereinabove. Typically, as described with respect to capsule-transfer wheel <NUM>, capsule-transfer wheel <NUM> is configured to control the capsule-transfer mechanism, which, in turn, is configured to (a) individually transfer unused capsules from receptacle 40A to vaporization location <NUM>, at which the capsule is heated such as to vaporize the active ingredient, and (b) to individually transfer used capsules from the vaporization location to second receptacle 40B.

It is noted that, typically, using the mechanism shown in <FIG> results in the force with which the capsules are advanced through receptacle 40A being substantially constant, irrespective of how full the receptacle is. For some applications, using the mechanism shown in <FIG>, a smaller spring can be used to push the capsule out of first receptacle 40A than is typically used with a first receptacle configured as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, for example. This is because, as the first receptacle becomes emptier, supporting surface <NUM> advances up through the first receptacle. By contrast, for the applications shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, for example, spring <NUM> must be large enough such that when the first receptacle is relatively empty, the spring extends along most of the height of the first receptacle and exerts pressure upon the unused capsules. Therefore, for some applications, by using the mechanism shown in <FIG>, a greater number of capsules can be accommodated within a receptacle of a given height than would be possible if other mechanisms were used.

For some applications, it is sometimes that case that, in response to the rotation of the capsule-transfer wheel, a capsule does not exit receptacle 40A, e.g., due to adhesion between one or more of the capsules and the walls of receptacle 40A. For some applications, in such cases, capsule-transfer wheel <NUM> is further rotated. This typically increases the force that is exerted upon the stack of capsules by spring <NUM>, thereby releasing the capsules.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, which are schematic illustrations of electrodes <NUM> and mechanisms for use therewith, in accordance with some applications of an example described herein. As described hereinabove, for some applications, outer surfaces of the capsules are defined by one or more meshes. Electrodes <NUM> heat the plant material inside capsules <NUM> by heating the one or more meshes of the capsules via resistive heating, by driving a current into the one or more meshes. Typically, for such applications, a high-quality and low-resistance electrical contact between the electrodes and the meshes of the capsules is desirable. However, for some applications, a non-conductive coating develops on the surfaces of the meshes before the capsule is used. For example, this may be due to the emission of vapors by the active ingredient in the plant material, and/or due to oxidation. For some applications, at least a portion of the outer surfaces of the meshes is covered with a soft, penetrable protective coating (such as wax). The coating reduces (e.g., prevents) development of the non-conductive coating (e.g., due to oxidation) on the surface of the mesh.

For some applications, the electrodes and mechanisms for use therewith shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>facilitate high-quality and low-resistance electrical contact between the electrodes and the meshes of the capsules by increasing the pressure that the electrodes exert upon the meshes relative to other possible configurations (for example, by increasing the force that the electrodes exert on the meshes, and/or by reducing the contact area between the electrodes and the meshes). For some applications, the electrodes and mechanisms for use therewith shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> facilitate high-quality and low-resistance electrical contact between the electrodes and the meshes of the capsules by causing the electrodes to penetrate a coating that has developed on the surfaces of the meshes, and/or a protective coating with which the surfaces of the mesh have been covered, as described hereinabove.

Referring now to <FIG>, for some applications, one or more of electrodes <NUM> have sharp tips. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the electrodes may be shaped as blades. Typically, the tips of the blades have a thickness of more than <NUM> (e.g., more than <NUM>), and/or less than <NUM> (e.g., less than <NUM>), e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM>, or between <NUM> and <NUM>.

For some applications, an electrode-movement mechanism <NUM> is configured to move at least a portion of the electrodes with respect to a mesh of capsule <NUM>. For example, the electrode-movement mechanism may move the electrodes closer to the mesh, and/or may move the electrodes with respect to the mesh (e.g., by sliding the electrodes across the surface of the mesh), while the electrodes are in contact with the mesh. In this manner, the electrodes typically remove at least a portion of a coating that has developed on the surface of the mesh, and/or penetrate the coating.

For some applications, the electrode-movement mechanism <NUM> includes springs <NUM>, which push at least some of the electrodes toward a mesh of the capsule. The electrodes are also connected to a button <NUM>. For some applications, the user slides the electrodes across the surface of the mesh of the capsules, while the springs are pushing the electrodes against the mesh, such as to remove the coating from the mesh. Alternatively or additionally, using the button, the user pushes the electrodes downward (against the force applied to the electrodes by the spring). When the button is released, the electrodes are pushed upward with force, toward the mesh, by the springs. For some applications, the user repeatedly pushes button <NUM> downward, such that the springs repeatedly apply the electrodes with force against the mesh, in a pecking action.

For some applications, the upper electrodes remain stationary, and are configured to penetrate any coating on the surface of the mesh that they contact, due to the pressure that the electrodes exert upon the surface of the mesh. For example, in the example shown in <FIG>, the upper electrodes may penetrate any coating on the surface of the upper mesh of the capsule, due the upper mesh of the capsule being pushed against the sharp tips of the electrodes. For some applications, button <NUM> is additionally configured to cause the vaporizer to operate by being pushed. For example, button <NUM> may be configured to switch on an operating switch by being pushed, which may cause the control circuitry to heat the meshes of the capsule using techniques as described herein.

Referring now to <FIG>, for some applications, electrode-movement mechanism <NUM> includes one or more hinges <NUM> and a button <NUM>. For some such applications, electrodes <NUM> are shaped as described hereinabove, with reference to <FIG>. <FIG> shows the mechanism disposed within a portion of vaporizer <NUM>, <FIG> is a three-dimensional schematic illustration of the mechanism in the absence of any additional portions of the vaporizer, and <FIG>show two-dimensional profiles of the mechanism, when the mechanism is, respectively, in its non-active and active configurations.

For some applications, the capsule-transfer-mechanism of the vaporizer is configured to push button <NUM>. For example, a rotatable capsule-transfer-mechanism (as shown in <FIG>) may be configured to automatically press against button <NUM>, during the course of its rotation. In response to the button being pushed, electrodes <NUM> pivot about the hinges <NUM> such that the electrodes are (a) moved closer to the mesh of the capsule (e.g., in the upward direction, in the example shown), and/or (b) moved along the mesh of the capsule (e.g., in a sliding motion) while the electrodes are in contact the with mesh. The transition of the mechanism resulting from button <NUM> being pushed is shown in the transition from <FIG>.

Referring now to <FIG>, for some applications, a different type of hinge-based electrode-movement mechanism <NUM> is used. In the example shown in <FIG>, in response to the user pushing a button <NUM> downward, a hinge <NUM> rotates, thereby causing electrode <NUM> to move upward toward the lower mesh of a capsule. Alternatively or additionally, a spring (not shown) is configured to push button <NUM> downward automatically, and the user actively releases button <NUM>, for example, in order to release the capsule. <FIG> shows the mechanism disposed within a portion of vaporizer <NUM>, and <FIG> is a three-dimensional schematic illustration of the mechanism in the absence of any additional portions of the vaporizer. For some applications, button <NUM> is additionally configured to cause the vaporizer to operate by being pushed. For example, button <NUM> may be configured to switch on an operating switch, by being pushed, which may cause the control circuitry to heat the meshes of the capsule using techniques as described herein.

For some applications, mechanisms as described with reference to <FIG> are used for enhancing contact between the electrodes and the mesh of a capsule. Alternatively or additionally, techniques are used in order to ensure that a proper electrical connection was made between the electrodes and the meshes of the capsule. For example, the control circuitry may measure the resistance of the mesh of the capsule, in response to current being driven into the mesh. In response to the resistance exceeding a threshold resistance, the control circuitry may determine that there is a problem with the electrical connection between the electrodes and the meshes, and may generate an indication in response thereto. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry may drive a small pulse of current into a mesh of the capsule and measure the resultant temperature increase of the capsule. In response to the temperature increase being lower than a threshold temperature, the control circuitry may determine that there is a problem with the electrical connection between the electrode and the mesh, and may generate an indication in response thereto.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are schematic illustrations of a vaporizer <NUM> that is configured to automatically extract a given volumetric dose of plant material <NUM> (which, as described hereinabove, contains an active ingredient) from a mass of the plant material that is disposed in the vaporizer (e.g., in a receptacle <NUM> of the vaporizer), in accordance with some applications of an example described herein. Typically, the mass of plant material contains a plurality of volumetric doses of the plant material disposed in a single body, and is not separated into volumetric doses (e.g., by volumetric doses being disposed inside respective, individual capsules, as described hereinabove). For example, as shown in <FIG>, which shows a cross-sectional view of receptacle <NUM>, a cigarette <NUM> containing the plant material may be placed inside the receptacle.

Vaporizer <NUM> typically includes an extraction mechanism <NUM>. In response to a user activating the extraction mechanism, the extraction mechanism is configured to extract a given volumetric dose of the plant material from the mass of plant material. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the extraction mechanism may include a button <NUM> and a blade <NUM>. When the button is pushed by the user, this causes the blade to rotate and to cut the volumetric dose from the mass of plant material.

With reference to <FIG>, for some application, when button <NUM> is advanced through distance X1, this imparts a force to a hinge <NUM> to which the blade is connected, via a spring <NUM>. The force causes the hinge to rotate such that the blade rotates and cuts the volumetric dose from the mass of plant material. In the example and orientation of the vaporizer shown in <FIG>, advancement of the button through distance X1 would cause the blade to rotate in the counter-clockwise direction toward a volumetric-dose-accommodating receptacle <NUM>. Typically, subsequent to extracting the volumetric dose of the plant material, the blade supports the underside of the volumetric dose within receptacle <NUM>.

Further advancement of button <NUM> typically causes the extracted volumetric dose to advance to a surface <NUM>, which acts as a vaporization location as described hereinabove. A heating element is configured to vaporize the at least one active ingredient of the volumetric dose of the plant material by heating the surface while the volumetric dose is disposed upon the surface. Typically, surface <NUM> is a mesh, which is heated using control circuitry which drives a current into the mesh via one or more electrodes, as described hereinabove. For some applications, an upper mesh <NUM> is disposed above the extracted volumetric dose, and is heated in a similar manner. For some applications, other techniques for heating the plant material (e.g., as described hereinabove) are used. For some applications, a sensor is used to monitor the temperature of the plant material. For example, an optical temperature sensor (e.g., an infrared temperature sensor) as described hereinabove may be used. For some applications, a two step process is used for heating the plant material, as described hereinabove.

While the active ingredient is being vaporized, a user typically inhales air via an airway tube <NUM> and via a mouthpiece <NUM>. The air passes through the plant material, and vapor from the vaporized plant material enters the air. For some applications, subsequent to the heating of the plant material, button <NUM> is further advanced. This pushes the used volumetric dose of plant material into a waste receptacle <NUM>. Subsequently, button <NUM> is retracted (manually or automatically) to its starting position. A spring <NUM> then pushes the next volumetric dose of the plant material into position to be cut by blade <NUM>. For some applications, the spring pushes a pushing element <NUM> against the underside of cigarette <NUM>, which contains the plant material.

For some applications, button <NUM> is additionally configured to cause the vaporizer to operate by being pushed. For example, button <NUM> may be configured to switch on an operating switch by being pushed, which may cause the control circuitry to heat the meshes of the capsule using techniques as described herein. (It is noted that, although the control circuitry of vaporizer <NUM> is not shown, control circuitry such as that shown in <FIG> is typically housed inside the housing of vaporizer <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are schematic illustrations of a vaporizer <NUM> that is configured to automatically extract a given volumetric dose of plant material <NUM> from a mass of the plant material (e.g., cigarette <NUM>) that is disposed in the vaporizer (e.g., in a receptacle <NUM> of the vaporizer), in accordance with some applications of an example described herein. Vaporizer <NUM> is generally similar to vaporizer <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, except for the differences described below.

Vaporizer <NUM> typically includes an extraction mechanism <NUM>. In response to a user activating the extraction mechanism, the extraction mechanism is configured to extract a given volumetric dose from the mass of plant material. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the vaporizer may include a button <NUM> and a blade <NUM>. When the button is pushed by the user, this causes the blade to advance and to cut a volumetric dose from the mass of plant material. Further pushing of the button pushes the volumetric dose above a surface <NUM>, which acts as a vaporization location, as described hereinabove. A heating element is configured to vaporize the at least one active ingredient of the volumetric dose of the plant material by heating the surface while the volumetric dose is disposed upon the surface. Typically, surface <NUM> is a mesh, which is heated using control circuitry <NUM> which drives a current into the mesh via one or more electrodes, as described hereinabove. For some applications, an upper mesh <NUM> is disposed above the extracted volumetric dose, and is heated in a similar manner. For some applications, other techniques for heating the plant material (e.g., as described hereinabove) are used. For some applications, a sensor is used to monitor the temperature of the plant material. For example, an optical temperature sensor (e.g., an infrared temperature sensor) <NUM>, as described hereinabove, may be used. For some applications, a two-step process is used for heating the plant material, as described hereinabove.

While the active ingredient is being vaporized, a user typically inhales air via an airway tube <NUM> and via a mouthpiece <NUM>. The air passes through the plant material and vapor from the vaporized plant material enters the air. Subsequent to the volumetric dose being advanced to surface <NUM>, button <NUM> is retracted (typically, automatically by return spring <NUM>) to its starting position. A spring <NUM> then pushes the next volumetric dose of the plant material into position to be cut by blade <NUM>. For some applications the spring pushes a pushing element <NUM> against the underside of cigarette <NUM>, which contains the plant material. Typically, the used volumetric dose is removed from the surface, the next time that the vaporizer is used, by the next volumetric dose pushing the used volumetric dose off the surface, and into a waste receptacle <NUM>.

For some applications, button <NUM> is additionally configured to cause the vaporizer to operate by being pushed. For example, as shown button <NUM> may be configured to push against an operating switch <NUM>, by being pushed, which may cause the control circuitry to heat the meshes of the capsule using techniques as described herein.

Claim 1:
A capsule (<NUM>) for housing a material that includes at least one active ingredient to be vaporized on heating of the capsule, the capsule comprising:
a first metallic mesh (<NUM>); characterized in that the capsule further comprises
a second metallic mesh (<NUM>);
a central portion (<NUM>), wherein the first metallic mesh (<NUM>) and the second metallic mesh (<NUM>) are coupled to the central portion (<NUM>), the central portion (<NUM>) defining a hole for housing the material therein, the first metallic mesh and the second metallic mesh configured to receive a current from one or more electrodes to heat the first metallic mesh and the second metallic mesh by resistive heating;
a first spacing element (<NUM>) coupled to an outside of the first metallic mesh (<NUM>); and
a second spacing element (<NUM>) coupled to an outside of the second metallic mesh (<NUM>).