Low temperature electronic vaporization device and methods

Abstract

Low temperature electronic vaporization devices and method are described herein for emulating smoking wherein the devices generate an aerosol for inhalation by a subject by heating a viscous material that can have a tactile response in the mouth or respiratory tract.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A hand-held device for generating an inhalable vapor comprising:
 an elongate body having a distal end and a proximal end;   a vaporization chamber at a proximal end of the elongate body configured to hold a vaporizable material therein;   a heater in communication with the vaporization chamber, wherein the heater is configured to heat the vaporizable material by combined convection and conduction to generate an inhalable vapor;   a detachable lid over the vaporization chamber, wherein the detachable lid is screwed onto the vaporization chamber;   a mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece is movable from a retracted position when not in use to an extended position away from the elongate body for use;   a controller configured to allow a user to select an operating temperature of the vaporization chamber from a plurality of temperature settings between 100° C. and 200° C.;   a vibrational indicator configured to vibrate to report information about the state of the device, including indicating when the device is turned on, turned off, and when the device has reached the operating temperature; and   one or more light-emitting diode (LED) indicators configured to indicate when the device is turned on and when the device has reached the operating temperature.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece is configured to swivel. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to automatically allow the temperature of the heater to cool to below the operating temperature based on time or lack of use. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the intensity of the one or more light-emitting diode (LED) indicators is adjustable. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more light-emitting diode (LED) indicators are configured to display multiple colors 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the vaporization chamber is configured to hold a loose-leaf botanical material. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the detachable lid has an oval profile. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein an underside of the lid facing the vaporization chamber is chamfered. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a single button interface, wherein the single button is configured to control on, off and temperature setting for the device. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an outer shell configured to distribute excess heat. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a USB charger. 
     
     
         12 . A hand-held device for generating an inhalable vapor comprising:
 an elongate body having a distal end and a proximal end a vaporization chamber at a proximal end of the elongate body configured to hold a vaporizable material therein;   a heater in communication with the vaporization chamber, wherein the heater is configured to heat the vaporizable material by convection and conduction to generate an inhalable vapor;   an oval detachable lid over the vaporization chamber, wherein the detachable cover is screwed onto the vaporization chamber;   a mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to swivel;   a controller configured to allow a user to select an operating temperature of the vaporization chamber from a plurality of temperature settings between 100° C. and 200° C., further wherein the controller is configured to automatically allow the temperature of the heater to cool to below the operating temperature based on time or lack of use;   a vibrational indicator configured to vibrate to report information about the state of the device, including indicating when the device is turned on, turned off, and when the device has reached the operating temperature; and   one or more light-emitting diode (LED) indicators configured to indicate when the device is turned on and when the device has reached the operating temperature.   
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the intensity of the one or more light-emitting diode (LED) indicators is adjustable. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more light-emitting diode (LED) indicators are configured to display multiple colors 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the vaporization chamber is configured to hold a loose-leaf botanical material. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein an underside of the lid facing the vaporization chamber is chamfered. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a single button interface, wherein the single button is configured to control on, off and temperature setting for the device. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an outer shell configured to distribute excess heat. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a USB charger. 
     
     
         20 . A hand-held device for generating an inhalable vapor comprising:
 an elongate body having a distal end and a proximal end;   a vaporization chamber at a proximal end of the elongate body configured to hold a loose-leaf vaporizable material therein;   a heater in communication with the vaporization chamber, wherein the heater is configured to heat the vaporizable material by combined convection and conduction to generate an inhalable vapor;   an oval detachable lid over the vaporization chamber, wherein the oval detachable lid is screwed onto the vaporization chamber;   a mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece is movable from a retracted position when not in use to an extended position away from the elongate body for use;   a controller configured to allow a user to select an operating temperature of the vaporization chamber from a plurality of temperature settings between 100° C. and 200° C., further wherein the controller is configured to automatically allow the temperature of the heater to cool to below the operating temperature based on time or lack of use;   a vibrational indicator configured to vibrate to report information about the state of the device, including indicating when the device is turned on, turned off, and when the device has reached the operating temperature; and   one or more light-emitting diode (LED) indicators configured to display multiple colors to indicate when the device is turned on and when the device has reached the operating temperature.