Patent Description:
Electronic inhalable aerosol apparatuses, which are commonly referred to as vaporizer apparatuses, vaporization apparatuses, electronic vaping apparatuses, and/or the like, are configured to heat a vaporizable material to generate an aerosol vapor capable of delivering an active ingredient to a user.

Dabbing refers to a method of consuming concentrated doses of cannabis. Cannabis concentrate is typically formed by extracting tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or other cannabinoids using a solvent such as, for example, butane, carbon dioxide, and/or the like. The extraction process yields an oftensticky oil commonly known as wax, shatter, budder, and/or butane hash oil (BHO). One common approach to vaporizing these substances involves taking a portion (e.g., a bolus, a dab, and/or the like) of the cannabis concentrate, heating it on a high temperature element, commonly known as a nail, and then inhaling the resulting vapor through a dab rig.

For instance, document <CIT> shows a capsule comprising a heat resistant film, the film defining a wall, the capsule having a vapor outlet and being adapted to contain a substrate of volatile compound. The capsule is for use with a handheld electronic vaporization device. The vaporization device comprises a heating chamber adapted to receive the capsule and at least one fluid communication passageway from the exterior of the device through at least the heating chamber and the capsule.

Methods, and articles of manufacture, including apparatuses, are provided for concentrate vaporization. In some implementations of the current subject matter, there is provided an apparatus for vaporizing a concentrate. The apparatus can include a housing, a reservoir, a vessel, and a heating element. The reservoir can be coupled to a lid of the apparatus. The reservoir can be configured to hold a concentrate. The vessel can be disposed at least partially inside of the housing. The vessel can be configured to receive the reservoir when the lid of the apparatus is in a closed position with respect to the housing. The heating element can be configured to generate heat for heating the vessel. The heating of the vessel can vaporize the concentrate in the reservoir to form an aerosol.

Implementations of the current subject matter can include, but are not limited to, methods and apparatuses consistent with the descriptions provided herein. While certain features of the currently disclosed subject matter are described for illustrative purposes, it should be readily understood that such features are not intended to be limiting. The claims that follow this disclosure are intended to define the scope of the protected subject matter.

The invention is defined in the claims. A lid assembly for use with a vaporizer having a mouthpiece is provided, comprising a lid configured to cover an opposite end of the vaporizer from the mouthpiece, and a reservoir configured to hold a concentrate, the reservoir comprising a first end being configured to couple with the lid, a top end opposite the first end, a first aperture positioned at the top end, the first aperture configured to allow air to exit the reservoir, and one or more second apertures positioned at the first end, the one or more second apertures configured to allow air to enter the reservoir, wherein the reservoir is configured to be inserted within the vaporizer when the reservoir holds the concentrate material and is coupled to the lid, and wherein the reservoir is configured to be heated by a heating element of the vaporizer, the heating of the reservoir configured to vaporize the concentrate in the reservoir to form an aerosol, the aerosol configured to exit the reservoir through the second aperture. Furthermore, a method is provided, comprising providing a vaporizer comprising the lid assembly, depositing, in the reservoir, the concentrate, placing the reservoir at least partially inside the vaporizer, and activating the heating element to generate the heat for heating the reservoir.

Concentrates can be vaporized to deliver a more potent dose of active ingredients than is feasible via other delivery methods including, for example, combustion and/or vaporization of a non-concentrate material such as dry herbs and/or solutions. As such, concentrates are able to provide more effective and immediate relief for patients suffering from ailments such as, for example, pain, nausea, stress, appetite loss, insomnia, and/or the like. However, the use of concentrates, such as dabbing, typically requires cumbersome equipment. For instance, a conventional system for vaporizing concentrates includes a high temperature element (e.g., a nail), a pipe that is compatible for use with the high temperature element, a blowtorch for heating the high temperature element, and a wand for applying a portion (e.g., a bolus, a dab, and/or the like) of the concentrate to the high temperature element. Furthermore, proper use of this conventional system for vaporizing concentrates requires precise timing and dexterity. For example, a user must know relatively precisely when and how to apply the concentrate to the high temperature element in order for the concentrate to vaporize properly. Various implementations of the current subject matter may provide advantages relative to existing approaches including, for example, a vaporizer capable of vaporizing concentrates that is both portable and resistant to user error. Furthermore, the vaporizer may be configured to vaporize both concentrates and non-concentrate materials such as, for example, dried herbs, solutions, and/or the like.

In some implementations of the current subject matter, the vaporizer can include a lid that covers at least a vessel within a housing of the vaporizer. The vaporizer can further include a heating element, such as a hot plate and/or an oven, capable of elevating the temperature within the vessel to, for example, a level and/or a range that is suitable for vaporizing a concentrate and/or a non-concentrate material (e.g., dried herbs, solutions, and/or the like). According to some implementations of the current subject matter, the lid of the vaporizer can be configured to accept one or more permanent and/or temporary adaptors that enable the vaporization of the concentrate. For example, the lid of the vaporizer can be configured to accept an adaptor that includes a wand. A portion (e.g., a bolus, a dab, and/or the like) of concentrate can be applied to a tip of the wand. Meanwhile, the vaporizer can be configured to heat and vaporize the concentrate when the concentrate at the tip of the wand is lowered into the vessel, for example, by closing and/or fitting the lid over at least the portion of the housing of the vaporizer that includes the vessel. Alternately and/or additionally, the lid of the vaporizer can be configured to accept an adaptor that includes a reservoir for holding one or more portions (e.g., boluses, dabs, and/or the like) of a concentrate. The vaporizer can heat and vaporize the concentrate when the reservoir is deposited within the vessel, for example, by closing and/or fitting the lid over at least the portion of the housing of the vaporizer that includes the vessel.

As used herein, the term "cannabis" can refer to plants of the genus cannabis as well as loose-leaf products and/or extracts thereof. Meanwhile, the term "cannabinoid" can refer to plant-based and/or synthetic chemical compounds capable of acting upon cannabinoid receptors and/or inducing a biological effect. Cannabinoids include acids, salts, bioactive stereo isomers, and/or the like. For example, cannabinoids can include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabigerol (CBG), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol Monomethyl Ether (CBGM), delta-<NUM>-tetrahydrocannabinol (D8THC), delta-<NUM>-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9THC), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabinolic acid (CBNA), Cannabinol (CBN), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), Cannabidivaric acid (CBDVA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), Cannabichromene (CBC), or cannabicyclolic acid (CBLA) and/or any salt or stereo isomer of the above. For clarity and conciseness, various implementations of the current subject matter are described with respect to cannabis concentrates and/or concentrates containing one or more cannabinoids as an active ingredient. However, it should be appreciated that various implementations of the current subject matter are also applicable to concentrates containing different and/or additional active ingredients including, for example, botanicals, pharmaceuticals, nutraceutical, synthetically-derived similar substances and/or the like.

<FIG> depict a vaporizer <NUM> including a wand adaptor consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. Referring to <FIG>, the vaporizer <NUM> can include a vessel <NUM>, which can be disposed within a cavity at one end of a housing <NUM> of the vaporizer <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the vaporizer <NUM> can be an elongated cylinder having an oval cross-section. However, it should be appreciated that the vaporizer <NUM> can be configured to have any shape, dimension, and/or contour.

In the vaporizer <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the vessel <NUM> can be oriented such that the open top of the vessel <NUM> is parallel to the sides of the housing <NUM>. The vaporizer <NUM> can further include a lid <NUM> configured to cover at least a portion of the housing <NUM>. The lid <NUM> can be a flip-lid that pivots around a hinge <NUM> in order to transition between an open position and a closed position with respect to the housing <NUM>. However, it should be appreciated that the lid <NUM> can be fully detachable from the housing <NUM>. The lid <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM> can include one or more mechanisms, such as snaps, latches, grooves, threading, magnets, clips, quick connect, sliding mechanisms, quarter turn release, friction fit, and/or the like, configured to position and/or secure the lid <NUM> against the housing <NUM> when, for example, the lid <NUM> is in the closed position. As shown in <FIG>, when the lid <NUM> is in the closed position, the lid <NUM> can cover and/or otherwise enclose the vessel <NUM> and/or the cavity within the housing <NUM> containing the vessel <NUM> to form an air chamber <NUM>. Although not shown, the lid <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM> can include an air gap and/or thermal insulation material configured to maintain a temperature within the vaporizer <NUM>, for example, when the vaporizer <NUM> is in use. The thermal insulation material may be, for example, rubbers (e.g., silicone, silicone foam, polyurethane foam, and/or the like), aerogel, fiberglass insulators, and/or the like.

To use the vaporizer <NUM> for vaporizing a non-concentrate material such as dry herbs, a portion of the non-concentrate material can be placed directly into the vessel <NUM>. Alternately and/or additionally, a wand adaptor can be added to the vaporizer <NUM> in order to enable the vaporizing of a concentrate such as, for example, a cannabis concentrate and/or the like. Thus, in some implementations of the current subject matter, the lid <NUM> can be configured to receive, as a permanent and/or a temporary attachment, a wand adaptor that includes a wand <NUM>. The wand adaptor can be attached to the lid <NUM> using one or more mechanisms including, for example, snaps, latches, grooves, threading, magnets, clips, quick connect, sliding mechanisms, quarter turn release, friction fit, and/or the like. Furthermore, the wand <NUM> can be a hollow tube formed from any material capable of withstanding and/or retaining heat including, for example, metals (e.g., aluminum (Al)), metal alloys (e.g., stainless steel), ceramics, and/or the like. As can be seen in <FIG>, when the wand adaptor is attached to the lid <NUM>, the hollow center of the wand <NUM> can be aligned with an aperture <NUM> in the lid <NUM>, thereby forming an air passage through the lid <NUM> and the wand <NUM>. A tip <NUM> of the wand <NUM> can be beveled and/or otherwise shaped to facilitate the application of a concentrate, such as a bolus or a dab of cannabis concentrate, to the tip <NUM> of the wand <NUM>. Closing the lid <NUM> against the housing <NUM> can lower the concentrate at the tip <NUM> of the wand <NUM> into the vessel <NUM>.

The vessel <NUM> can be any hollow, open-top receptacle such as, for example, a crucible and/or the like. Moreover, the vessel <NUM> can be formed from any material, such as, for example, metals (e.g., aluminum (Al)), metal alloys (e.g., stainless steel), ceramics, and/or the like, that is capable of tolerating high temperatures and/or retaining heat. Although not shown, the vaporizer <NUM> can include one or more electric (e.g., battery) powered heating elements capable of generating heat for elevating the temperature within the vessel <NUM> to, for example, an appropriate level and/or range for vaporizing a concentrate. Once the lid <NUM> is closed and the concentrate at the tip <NUM> of the wand <NUM> is lowered into the vessel <NUM>, the elevated temperature within the vessel <NUM> and/or the air chamber <NUM> can lower the viscosity of the concentrate, thereby causing the concentrate to loosen from the tip <NUM> of the wand <NUM> and drip onto an interior surface of the vessel <NUM>. A user inhaling from a mouthpiece <NUM> at an opposite end of the housing <NUM> from the vessel <NUM> can cause an intake of air through the aperture <NUM> and the hollow center of the wand <NUM>. The resulting air flow can further loosen the concentrate from the tip <NUM> of the wand <NUM>. Upon contact with the heated interior surface of the vessel <NUM>, the concentrate can rapidly vaporize and mix with additional air in the air chamber <NUM> to form an aerosol. This aerosol can travel down an air path <NUM> through the housing <NUM> and exit from the vaporizer <NUM> through the mouthpiece <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the mouthpiece <NUM> can be configured to enable the user to draw, for example via inhalation, the aerosol from the vaporizer <NUM>.

In some implementations of the current subject matter, the vaporizer <NUM> can include a temperature control system for adjusting the target temperature for heating the vessel <NUM>. For example, the target temperature for the vessel <NUM> may be set lower (e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM>) when the vaporizer <NUM> is being used to gradually vaporize the concentrate and/or to maximize the flavor of the resulting aerosol. By contrast, the target temperature of the vessel <NUM> may be set higher (e.g., greater than <NUM>) in order to vaporize the concentrate immediately and maximize the dose of the active ingredient that is delivered at once. The vaporizer <NUM> can further include one or more visual, audio, and/or motion indicators, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), along the housing <NUM> and/or the lid <NUM>. These indicators can be used to indicate, for example, the current temperature within the vessel <NUM>, the target temperature for the vessel <NUM>, and/or when the aerosol has been formed.

Although the vaporizer <NUM> is shown to include a wand adaptor including the wand <NUM>, it should be appreciated that the vaporizer <NUM> can also be compatible with different and/or additional adaptors, such as a reservoir adaptor, that enables the vaporizer <NUM> to be used for vaporizing a concentrate. For example, in some implementations of the current subject matter, the lid <NUM> can be configured to receive a plurality of interchangeable adaptors including, for example, a wand adaptor, a reservoir adaptor, and/or the like.

<FIG> depicts a vaporizer <NUM> consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. Referring to <FIG>, the vaporizer <NUM> can include a vessel <NUM>, which can be disposed within a cavity at one end of a housing <NUM> of the vaporizer <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the vaporizer <NUM> can be an elongated cylinder having an oval cross-section. However, it should be appreciated that the vaporizer <NUM> can be configured to have any shape, dimension, and/or contour.

In the vaporizer <NUM>, the vessel <NUM> can be oriented such that the open top of the vessel <NUM> is perpendicular to the sides of the housing <NUM> and parallel to the ends of the housing <NUM>. The vaporizer <NUM> can further include a mouthpiece <NUM> having one or more air paths <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the mouthpiece <NUM> can be coupled to one end of the housing <NUM>. The mouthpiece <NUM> can be removable such that the mouthpiece <NUM> is fully and/or partially detached from a housing <NUM> of the vaporizer <NUM>. Furthermore, the mouthpiece <NUM> can cover and/or otherwise enclose the vessel <NUM> and/or the cavity within the housing <NUM> containing the vessel <NUM> to form an air chamber <NUM>. The mouthpiece <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM> can include one or more mechanisms, such as snaps, latches, grooves, threading, magnets, clips, quick connect, sliding mechanisms, quarter turn release, friction fit, and/or the like, configured to position and/or secure the mouthpiece <NUM> against the housing <NUM> when, for example, the mouthpiece <NUM> is attached to the housing <NUM>. Although not shown, the mouthpiece <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM> can include thermal insulation material configured to maintain a temperature within the vaporizer <NUM>, for example, when the vaporizer <NUM> is in use.

To use the vaporizer <NUM> for vaporizing a non-concentrate material such as dry herbs, a portion of the non-concentrate material can be placed directly into the vessel <NUM>. Alternately and/or additionally, a wand adaptor can be added to the vaporizer <NUM> in order to enable the vaporizing of a concentrate such as, for example, a cannabis concentrate and/or the like. Thus, in some implementations of the current subject matter, the mouthpiece <NUM> can be configured to receive, as a permanent and/or a temporary attachment, a wand adaptor that includes a wand <NUM>. For example, the wand adaptor can be attached to the mouthpiece <NUM> using one or more mechanisms including, for example, snaps, latches, grooves, threading, magnets, clips, quick connect, sliding mechanisms, quarter turn release, friction fit, and/or the like. The wand <NUM> can be a hollow tube formed from any material capable of withstanding and/or retaining heat including, for example, metals (e.g., aluminum (Al)), metal alloys (e.g., stainless steel), ceramics, and/or the like. When the wand adaptor is attached to the mouthpiece <NUM>, the hollow center of the wand <NUM> can be aligned with the air paths <NUM> in the mouthpiece <NUM>, thereby forming an air passage through the mouthpiece <NUM> and the wand <NUM>. A tip <NUM> of the wand <NUM> can be beveled and/or other shaped to facilitate the application of a concentrate, such as a bolus or a dab of cannabis concentrate, to the tip <NUM> of the wand <NUM>. Attaching the mouthpiece <NUM> to the housing <NUM> can lower the concentrate at the tip <NUM> of the wand <NUM> into the vessel <NUM>.

The vessel <NUM> can be any hollow, open-top receptacle such as, for example, a crucible and/or the like. Moreover, the vessel <NUM> can be formed from any material, such as, for example, metals (e.g., aluminum (Al)), metal alloys (e.g., stainless steel), ceramics, and/or the like, that is capable of tolerating high temperatures and/or retaining heat. Although not shown, the vaporizer <NUM> can include one or more electric (e.g., battery) powered heating elements that generates the heat for elevating the temperature within the vessel <NUM> to, for example, an appropriate level and/or range for vaporizing a concentrate. When the mouthpiece <NUM> is attached to the housing <NUM> and the concentrate at the tip <NUM> of the wand <NUM> is lowered into the vessel <NUM>, the elevated temperature within the vessel <NUM> and/or the air chamber <NUM> can lower the viscosity of the concentrate, thereby causing the concentrate to loosen from the tip <NUM> of the wand <NUM> and drip onto an interior surface of the vessel <NUM>. A user inhaling from the mouthpiece <NUM> can cause an intake of air through the air paths <NUM> in the mouthpiece <NUM> and the hollow center of the wand <NUM>. The resulting air flow, which can enter and/or exit from an aperture <NUM> in at and/or proximate to the tip <NUM>, can further loosen the concentrate from the tip <NUM>. Upon contact with the heated interior surface of the vessel <NUM>, the concentrate can rapidly vaporize and mix with additional air in the air chamber <NUM> to form an aerosol. This aerosol can exit from the vaporizer <NUM> through the air paths <NUM> in the mouthpiece <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the mouthpiece <NUM> can be configured to enable the user to draw, for example via inhalation, the aerosol from the vaporizer <NUM>.

In some implementations of the current subject matter, the vaporizer <NUM> can include a temperature control system for adjusting the target temperature for heating the vessel <NUM>. For example, the target temperature for the vessel <NUM> may be set lower (e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM>) when the vaporizer <NUM> is being used to gradually vaporize the concentrate and/or to maximize the flavor of the resulting aerosol. By contrast, the target temperature of the vessel <NUM> may be set higher (e.g., greater than <NUM>) in order to vaporize the concentrate immediately and maximize the dose of the active ingredient that is delivered at once. The vaporizer <NUM> can further include one or more visual, audio, and/or motion indicators, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), along the mouthpiece <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM>. These indicators can be used to indicate, for example, the current temperature within the vessel <NUM>, the target temperature for the vessel <NUM>, and/or when the aerosol has been formed.

Although the vaporizer <NUM> is shown to include a wand adaptor including the wand <NUM>, it should be appreciated that the vaporizer <NUM> can also be compatible with different and/or additional adaptors, such as a reservoir adaptor, that enables the vaporizer <NUM> to be used for vaporizing a concentrate. For example, in some implementations of the current subject matter, the mouthpiece <NUM> can be configured to receive a plurality of interchangeable adaptors including, for example, a wand adaptor, a reservoir adaptor, and/or the like.

<FIG> depict a vaporizer <NUM> consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. Referring to <FIG>, the vaporizer <NUM> can include a vessel <NUM>, which can be disposed within a cavity at one end of a housing <NUM> of the vaporizer <NUM>. In the vaporizer <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the vessel <NUM> can be oriented such that the open top of the vessel <NUM> is parallel to the sides of the housing <NUM>. Furthermore, the vaporizer <NUM> can include a cover <NUM>, which extends along a length of the housing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> can be coupled with the housing <NUM> to form an elongated cylinder having an oval cross-section. However, it should be appreciated that the vaporizer <NUM> can be configured to have any shape, dimension, and/or contour.

The cover <NUM> can be fully and/or partially detached from the housing <NUM>. Moreover, the cover <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM> can include one or more alignment features <NUM> configured to position and/or orient the cover <NUM> with respect to the housing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the alignment features <NUM> can include one or more protrusions such as, for example, pins, prongs, and/or the like, that extends from the cover <NUM>. The alignment features <NUM> can further include corresponding recesses within the housing <NUM> configured to receive the prongs extending from the cover <NUM> when, for example, the cover <NUM> is in a closed position over the housing <NUM>. Alternatively and/or additionally, the cover <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM> can include one or more mechanisms, such as snaps, latches, grooves, threading, magnets, clips, quick connect, sliding mechanisms, quarter turn release, friction fit, and/or the like, can be used to position and/or secure the cover <NUM> against the housing <NUM> when, for example, the cover <NUM> is in the closed position over the housing <NUM>. It should be appreciated that when the cover <NUM> is in the closed position, the cover <NUM> can cover and/or otherwise enclose the vessel <NUM> and/or the cavity within the housing <NUM> containing the vessel <NUM> to form an air chamber <NUM>. Furthermore, although not shown, the cover <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM> can include thermal insulation material configured to maintain a temperature within the vaporizer <NUM>, for example, when the vaporizer <NUM> is in use.

To use the vaporizer <NUM> for vaporizing a non-concentrate material such as dry herbs, a portion of the non-concentrate material can be placed directly into the vessel <NUM>. Alternately and/or additionally, a wand adaptor can be added to the vaporizer <NUM> in order to enable the vaporizing of a concentrate such as, for example, a cannabis concentrate and/or the like. Thus, in some implementations of the current subject matter, the cover <NUM> can be configured receive, as a permanent and/or a temporary attachment, a wand adaptor that includes a wand <NUM>. For example, the wand adaptor can be attached to the cover <NUM> using one or more mechanisms including, for example, snaps, latches, grooves, threading, magnets, clips, quick connect, sliding mechanisms, quarter turn release, friction fit, and/or the like. The wand <NUM> can be a hollow tube formed from any material capable of withstanding and/or retaining heat including, for example, metals (e.g., aluminum (Al)), metal alloys (e.g., stainless steel), ceramics, and/or the like. As shown in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> can further include a mouthpiece <NUM>, which can be disposed at an opposite end of the cover <NUM> away from the wand adaptor. An air path <NUM> can extend from the wand <NUM> to the mouthpiece <NUM>. For instance, one open end of the air path <NUM> can be coupled with the mouthpiece <NUM>. Meanwhile, when the wand adaptor is attached to the cover <NUM>, the hollow center of the wand <NUM> can be aligned with the other open end of the air path <NUM>. An aperture <NUM> can be disposed at an opposite end of the housing <NUM> away from the mouthpiece <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> can provide an opening into the vessel <NUM> and/or the cavity within the housing <NUM> containing the vessel <NUM>, thereby allowing air to enter into the air chamber <NUM> when the vaporizer <NUM> is in use.

According to some implementations of the current subject matter, a tip <NUM> of the wand <NUM> can be beveled and/or otherwise shaped to facilitate the application of a concentrate, such as a bolus or a dab of cannabis concentrate, to the tip <NUM> of the wand <NUM>. Closing the cover <NUM> over the housing <NUM> can lower the concentrate at the tip <NUM> of the wand <NUM> into the vessel <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the vessel <NUM> can be any hollow, open-top receptacle such as, for example, a crucible and/or the like. Moreover, the vessel <NUM> can be formed from any material such as, for example, metals (e.g., aluminum (Al)), metal alloys (e.g., stainless steel), ceramics, and/or the like, that is capable of tolerating high temperatures and/or retaining heat. Although not shown, the vaporizer <NUM> can include one or more electric (e.g., battery) powered heating elements that generates the heat for elevating the temperature within the vessel <NUM> to, for example, an appropriate level and/or range for vaporizing a concentrate.

Once the cover <NUM> is closed over the housing <NUM> and the concentrate at the tip <NUM> of the wand <NUM> is lowered into the vessel <NUM>, the elevated temperature within the vessel <NUM> and/or the air chamber <NUM> can lower the viscosity of the concentrate, thereby causing the concentrate to loosen from the tip <NUM> of the wand <NUM> and drip onto an interior surface of the vessel <NUM>. A user inhaling from the mouthpiece <NUM> can cause an intake of air. For example, the inhalation can cause air to enter the air chamber <NUM> through the aperture <NUM> and travel through air path <NUM> to the mouthpiece <NUM>. The resulting air flow can further loosen the concentrate from the tip <NUM> of the wand <NUM>. In either of these ways, with the concentrate contacting the heated interior surface of the vessel <NUM>, it can rapidly vaporize and mix with additional air in the air chamber <NUM> to form an aerosol. This aerosol can also travel down the air path <NUM> through the cover <NUM> and exit from the vaporizer <NUM> through the mouthpiece <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the mouthpiece <NUM> can be configured to enable the user to draw, for example via inhalation, the aerosol from the vaporizer <NUM>.

In some implementations of the current subject matter, the vaporizer <NUM> can include a temperature control system for adjusting the target temperature for heating the vessel <NUM>. For example, the target temperature for the vessel <NUM> may be set lower (e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM>) when the vaporizer <NUM> is being used to gradually vaporize the concentrate and/or to maximize the flavor of the resulting aerosol. By contrast, the target temperature of the vessel <NUM> may be set higher (e.g., greater than <NUM>) in order to vaporize the concentrate immediately and maximize the dose of the active ingredient that is delivered at once The vaporizer <NUM> can further include one or more visual, audio, and/or motion indicators, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), along the cover <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM>. These indicators can be used to indicate, for example, the current temperature within the vessel <NUM>, the target temperature for the vessel <NUM>, and/or when the aerosol has been formed.

Although the vaporizer <NUM> is shown to include a wand adaptor including the wand <NUM>, it should be appreciated that the vaporizer <NUM> can also be compatible with different and/or additional adaptors, such as a reservoir adaptor, that enables the vaporizer <NUM> to be used for vaporizing a concentrate. For example, in some implementations of the current subject matter, the cover <NUM> can be configured to receive a plurality of interchangeable adaptors including, for example, a wand adaptor, a reservoir adaptor, and/or the like.

<FIG> depicts a cross view of a vaporizer <NUM> consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. Referring to <FIG>, the vaporizer <NUM> can include a vessel <NUM>, which can be disposed at one end of the vaporizer <NUM>, for example, within a housing <NUM> of the vaporizer <NUM>. In the vaporizer <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the vessel <NUM> can be oriented such that the open top of the vessel <NUM> is perpendicular to the sides of the housing <NUM> and parallel to an open top at one end of the housing <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the vaporizer <NUM> can be configured to have any shape, dimension, and/or contour including, for example, an elongated cylinder having an oval, circular, and/or rectangular cross section.

In some implementations of the current subject matter, the vaporizer <NUM> can further include a lid <NUM> configured to cover the open top at one end of the housing <NUM>. Meanwhile, a mouthpiece (not shown) may be at the opposite end of the housing <NUM>. The lid <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM> can include one or more locking mechanisms, such as snaps, latches, grooves, threading, magnets, clips, quick connect, sliding mechanisms, quarter turn release, friction fit, and/or the like, configured to position and/or secure the lid <NUM> when, for example, the lid <NUM> is in the closed position against the housing <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the lid <NUM> can include one or more magnets <NUM> while the housing <NUM> can include one or more additional magnets <NUM> for securing the lid <NUM> in place when the lid <NUM> is in the closed position. A perimeter around a top edge of the lid <NUM> can be fully and/or partially surrounded by a flange <NUM>. The flange <NUM> can be a projecting rim, collar, rib, and/or the like configured to facilitate the attachment and/or removal of lid <NUM> from the housing <NUM> of the vaporizer <NUM>. Furthermore, the lid <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM> can include thermal insulation material <NUM> configured to maintain a temperature within the vaporizer <NUM> when the vaporizer <NUM> is in use.

To use the vaporizer <NUM> for vaporizing a non-concentrate material such as dry herbs, a portion of the non-concentrate material can be placed directly into the vessel <NUM>. In some implementations of the current subject matter, a screen <NUM> can sit at a bottom of the vessel <NUM>. The screen <NUM> can be configured to prevent extraneous material, such as loose herbs, from entering an air path <NUM> that extends from the vessel <NUM> to the mouthpiece (not shown). Alternately and/or additionally, a reservoir adaptor <NUM> can be added to the vaporizer <NUM> in order to enable the vaporization of a concentrate such as, for example, a cannabis concentrate and/or the like. Thus, in some implementations of the current subject matter, the lid <NUM> can be configured to receive, as a permanent and/or a temporary attachment, the reservoir adaptor <NUM>, thereby forming a lid assembly <NUM>. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, the lid <NUM> and/or the reservoir adaptor <NUM> can include one or more retention features <NUM>, such as snaps, latches, grooves, threading, magnets, clips, quick connect, sliding mechanisms, quarter turn release, friction fit, and/or the like, configured to releasably attach the reservoir adaptor <NUM> to the lid <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts the lid assembly <NUM> consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. Referring to <FIG>, the lid assembly <NUM> can include the lid <NUM> of the vaporizer <NUM> and the reservoir adaptor <NUM>. The reservoir adaptor <NUM> can include a reservoir <NUM> and a cover <NUM>. The reservoir <NUM> and/or the cover <NUM> can be formed from material capable of withstanding and/or retaining heat including, for example, metals (e.g., aluminum (Al)), metal alloys (e.g., stainless steel), ceramics, and/or the like. The cover <NUM> can be configured to couple with an open top of the reservoir <NUM> to form an enclosed space for holding a concentrate. In some implementations of the current subject matter, the cover <NUM> can include a seal <NUM> for securing the cover <NUM> to the reservoir <NUM>. The seal <NUM> can be, for example, a gasket (e.g., O-ring) formed from one or more elastomers such as, for example, perfluoroelastomer, silicone, and/or the like. However, it should be appreciated that the cover <NUM> can be secured to the reservoir <NUM> using a different and/or additional mechanism including, for example, snaps, latches, grooves, threading, magnets, clips, quick connect, sliding mechanisms, quarter turn release, friction fit, and/or the like.

As noted, the reservoir <NUM> can be configured to hold a concentrate such as, for example, wax, shatter, budder, butane hash oil, and/or the like. For example, a user can load the concentrate into the reservoir <NUM> before covering and/or sealing the reservoir <NUM> with the cover <NUM> and/or the seal <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the reservoir <NUM> may be configured to hold a larger quantity (e.g., multiple portions) of the concentrate than can be applied to the tip of a wand. Once the reservoir <NUM> is loaded with the concentrate and covered and/or sealed with the cover <NUM> and/or the seal <NUM>, the user can insert the lid assembly <NUM> into the vaporizer <NUM> and/or close the lid <NUM> against the housing <NUM>. Doing so can deposit the covered and/or sealed reservoir <NUM> into the vessel <NUM>. According to some implementations of the current subject matter, an exterior surface <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> can be configured to conform to the dimensions, shapes, and/or contours of an interior surface of the vessel <NUM>. For instance, the exterior surface <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> can be tapered in order to match a tapering of the interior surface of the vessel <NUM>. This conformation between the exterior surface <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> and the interior surface of the vessel <NUM> can maximize contact between the reservoir <NUM> and the vessel <NUM> when the reservoir <NUM> is disposed within the vessel <NUM>.

Although not shown, the vaporizer <NUM> can include one or more electric (e.g., battery) powered heating elements. These heating elements may generate heat for elevating the temperature within the vessel <NUM>, thereby heating the reservoir <NUM> and the contents therein to a temperature and/or a range of temperature (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>) that is appropriate for vaporizing, for example, a concentrate such as a cannabis concentrate. As noted, contact between the reservoir <NUM> and the vessel <NUM> can be maximized due to the close conformation between the respective dimensions, shapes, and/or contours of the exterior surface <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> and the interior surface of the vessel <NUM>. It should be appreciate heat transfer between the reservoir <NUM> and the vessel <NUM> can be maximized as a result of the maximum contact between the reservoir <NUM> and the vessel <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the lid assembly <NUM> can include a plurality of apertures configured to allow the passage of air. For example, the cover <NUM> can include a first aperture <NUM> configured to allow air to exit the reservoir <NUM>. Alternately and/or additionally, the reservoir <NUM> can include one or more second apertures <NUM>, which can be configured to allow air to enter into the reservoir <NUM> from, for example, outside of the vaporizer <NUM>. A user inhaling from the mouthpiece (not shown) of the vaporizer <NUM> can cause an intake of air into the reservoir <NUM>. For instance, the user's inhalation can draw air through the second apertures <NUM> and into the reservoir <NUM>. The incoming air can mix with the vapor generated by the vaporization of the contents of the reservoir <NUM> to form an aerosol. Furthermore, the resulting air flow can carry the aerosol out of the reservoir <NUM> through the first aperture <NUM>. The aerosol can travel through the air path <NUM> to the mouthpiece (not show) at the other end of the vaporizer <NUM> where the aerosol is delivered to the user. Although not shown, the mouthpiece can be configured to enable the user to draw, for example via inhalation, the aerosol from the vaporizer <NUM>.

Although the vaporizer <NUM> is shown to include the reservoir adaptor <NUM>, it should be appreciated that the vaporizer <NUM> can also be compatible with different and/or additional adaptors, such as a wand adaptor, that enables the vaporizer <NUM> to be used for vaporizing a concentrate. For example, in some implementations of the current subject matter, the lid <NUM> can be configured to receive a plurality of interchangeable adaptors including, for example, a wand adaptor, a reservoir adaptor, and/or the like.

<FIG> depict a vaporizer <NUM> consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown in <FIG>, the vaporizer <NUM> can include a lid <NUM>, which can be configured to pivot and/or swivel with respect to a hinge <NUM> in order to transition between an open position and a closed position. The hinge <NUM> can be a mechanical hinge such as, for example, a ball and socket joint, and/or the like. Alternately and/or additionally, the hinge <NUM> can be a magnetic hinge formed by one or more pairs of magnets embedded in the lid <NUM> and in the corresponding locations along a housing of the vaporizer <NUM>. The pairs of magnets can further serve to secure the lid <NUM> in place when the lid <NUM> is in the closed position. However, it should be appreciated that the lid <NUM> can be secured using different and/or additional mechanisms including, for example, snaps, latches, grooves, threading, magnets, clips, quick connect, sliding mechanisms, quarter turn release, friction fit, and/or the like. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the lid <NUM> can be held in place using a magnet <NUM> and/or a snap <NUM>.

When the lid <NUM> is in the closed position, the lid <NUM> can be fully ensconced within the housing of the vaporizer <NUM>. Positioning the lid <NUM> as such can prevent the lid <NUM> from being opened inadvertently, for instance, during storage and/or transportation of the vaporizer <NUM>. According to some implementations of the current subject matter, the lid <NUM> can be opened by depressing one side of the lid <NUM>. Doing so may cause the lid <NUM> to swivel and/or pivot around the hinge <NUM>, thereby opening the lid <NUM> and exposing the interior of the vaporizer <NUM>. It should be appreciated that any vaporizer consistent with various implementations of the current subject matter, including the vaporizer <NUM>, the vaporizer <NUM>, the vaporizer <NUM>, and/or the vaporizer <NUM>, can be implemented to include a pivoting recessed lid such as the lid <NUM>. Furthermore, the lid <NUM> can be replaced with the lid assembly <NUM> described with respect to <FIG>. Replacing the lid <NUM> with the lid assembly <NUM> can enable the vaporizer <NUM> to be used for vaporizing a concentrate such as, for example, a cannabis concentrate.

Referring to <FIG>, the vaporizer <NUM> can include a deep-drawn stainless steel heating chamber <NUM> ("oven"), with polyimide thin film circuit heater applied. A push-push mechanism for retracting mouthpiece consists of compression spring <NUM>, leaf spring <NUM>, and stainless steel tube <NUM> attached to the mouthpiece <NUM>, with a catch groove <NUM> and a toggle slider <NUM>. Reed switch/hall effect sensor <NUM> is incorporated to detect if mouthpiece is inserted (device runs off). To extend the mouthpiece into the "on" position, the user presses on the mouthpiece <NUM>. The mouthpiece is attached to the tube <NUM>, so this action compresses the compression spring <NUM>. This action also causes the leaf spring <NUM> to flex away from the axis of the tube and onto the outer diameter of the toggle slider <NUM>. When the user then releases the mouthpiece, the compression spring pushes the mouthpiece & tube sub-assembly outward from the device. The angled lip of the leaf spring catches on the toggle slider, causing the slider to traverse the tube until it reaches a shoulder on the tube. At this point, the mouthpiece continues to extend out of the device, and the leaf spring now wipes along the toggle slider and continues along the shoulder of the outer diameter of the tube, which is of equivalent diameter and thus poses no resistance. When the catch groove of the tube intersects with the lip of the leaf spring, the mouthpiece stops, and is now in the extended, "on" position. Pressing the mouthpiece from the "on" position uses the push-push mechanism to move the mouthpiece to a retracted position. The push-push mechanism, thus, is configured to toggle the mouthpiece between an "on" position or an extended position such that the mouthpiece is extended from the body of the device, and a retracted position.

In some implementations of the current subject matter, in the retracted position, the mouthpiece is fully within the body of the device. Alternatively and/or additionally, in the retracted position, the mouthpiece is fully within the body of the device but is exposed at the open end of the device. In some implementations of the current subject matter, in the retracted position, the mouthpiece is substantially within the body of the device such that a portion of the mouthpiece extends beyond the end out of the body of the device.

In some implementations of the current subject matter, the vaporizer <NUM> may include a temperature regulation scheme in that the temperature regulator (bimetallic discs or other regulator) are located in close proximity to the area where temperature is most critical, for example, at the heating chamber <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the vaporizer <NUM> can include a temperature select button <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, and an O-ring seal <NUM> to control potential aerogel dusting, and insulation chamber <NUM> to contain aerogel blanket. Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, the exterior of the vaporizer <NUM> may include one or more visual, audio, and/or motion indicators <NUM>, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), for indicating the current temperature within the heating chamber <NUM>, the target temperature for the heating chamber <NUM>, and/or when the aerosol has been formed.

The descriptions of vaporizer apparatuses, such as for example relative and/or absolute arrangements of a body, a mouthpiece, an oven, one or more buttons, etc. provided herein are intended to provide context of possible implementations in which features of the current subject matter may be incorporated. Such descriptions should not be consulted as limiting except to the extent that they are included in the claims. For example, other configurations than those described herein and shown in the figures are within the scope of the current subject matter.

<FIG> depicts a flowchart illustrating a process <NUM> for utilizing a vaporizer consistent with some implementations of the current subject matter. Referring to <FIG>, the process <NUM> may be performed when utilizing the vaporizer <NUM> for vaporizing a concentrate and/or a non-concentrate material. However, it should be appreciated that the process <NUM> may also be performed with respect to any one of the vaporizer <NUM>, the vaporizer <NUM>, the vaporizer <NUM>, or the vaporizer <NUM>.

One or more portions of a concentrate can be placed in a reservoir coupled to a lid of a vaporizer (<NUM>). For example, a user can deposit one or more portions (e.g., boluses, dabs, and/or the like) of a concentrate (e.g., a cannabis concentrate) into the reservoir <NUM>, which can be part of the reservoir adaptor <NUM>. As noted, the reservoir adaptor <NUM> can be coupled with the lid <NUM> of the vaporizer <NUM> to form the lid assembly <NUM>.

The reservoir can be placed at least partially inside a vessel disposed at least partially inside a housing of the vaporizer (<NUM>). For instance, the reservoir <NUM> including the concentrate can be covered with the cover <NUM> and further sealed using the seal <NUM>. The user can place the reservoir <NUM> inside the vessel <NUM> by inserting the lid assembly <NUM> into the vaporizer <NUM> and/or closing the lid <NUM> against the housing <NUM> of the vaporizer <NUM>.

A heating element can be activated to generate heat for heating the vessel (<NUM>). In some implementations of the current subject matter, the vaporizer <NUM> can include a temperature control system that allows the user to set the target temperature for heating the vessel. As such, the user can set the target temperature for heating the vessel <NUM> to a temperature and/or a range of temperature (e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> and/or greater than <NUM>) appropriate for vaporizing the concentrate included in the reservoir <NUM>. Heating the vessel <NUM> can cause the concentrate inside the reservoir <NUM> to vaporize and form an aerosol that can be delivered to the user, for example, via the mouthpiece of the vaporizer <NUM>.

The reservoir can be decoupled from the lid of the apparatus (<NUM>). In some implementations of the current subject matter, the reservoir adaptor <NUM> can be detached from the lid <NUM> of the vaporizer <NUM>. Doing so can enable the vaporizer <NUM> to be used for vaporizing a non-concentrate material (e.g., dry herbs), which can be deposited directly into the vessel <NUM>. Alternatively and/or additionally, the reservoir adaptor <NUM> can be detached from the lid <NUM> and replaced with a wand adaptor that includes a wand. Attaching the wand adaptor to the lid <NUM> can allow the vaporizer <NUM> to be used for vaporizing a concentrate. A portion (e.g., bolus, dab, and/or the like) of the concentrate can be placed at a tip of the wand and lowered into the vessel <NUM> by at least closing the lid <NUM> against the housing <NUM> of the vaporizer <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A lid assembly (<NUM>) for use with a vaporizer (<NUM>) having a mouthpiece, comprising:
a lid (<NUM>); and
a reservoir (<NUM>) configured to hold a concentrate, the reservoir (<NUM>) comprising:
a first end being configured to couple with the lid (<NUM>);
a top end opposite the first end;
a first aperture (<NUM>) positioned at the top end, the first aperture (<NUM>) configured to allow air to exit the reservoir (<NUM>) when a user inhales from the mouthpiece; and
one or more second apertures (<NUM>) positioned at the first end, the one or more second apertures (<NUM>) configured to allow air to enter the reservoir (<NUM>) when the user inhales from the mouthpiece;
wherein the reservoir (<NUM>) is configured to be inserted within the vaporizer (<NUM>) when the reservoir (<NUM>) holds the concentrate material and is coupled to the lid (<NUM>); and
wherein the reservoir (<NUM>) is configured to be heated by a heating element of the vaporizer (<NUM>), the heating of the reservoir (<NUM>) configured to vaporize the concentrate in the reservoir (<NUM>) to form an aerosol, the aerosol configured to exit the reservoir (<NUM>) through the first aperture (<NUM>) when the user inhales from the mouthpiece.