Inhalation device including substance usage controls

E11820510

17-07-2015

DESCRIPTION

Inhalation device that includes substance use controls

5 Background

The present description relates generally to the field of smoke inhalation devices and more particularly to the control mechanisms for smoke inhalation devices. The present invention relates to an inhalation apparatus according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 11.

10 Smoke inhalation devices, commonly known as e-cigarettes, can be used to simulate a cigarette or cigar. For example, a smoke inhalation device may vaporize a liquid that includes nicotine. A user of the smoke inhalation device can inhale the steam and have an experience similar to smoking a traditional cigarette or cigar.

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Summary

An illustrative embodiment is related to an apparatus that includes a first cartridge, a sensor, and a controller. The first cartridge may include a first release device configured to release a first substance in a

twenty Case. The controller can be configured to receive data from the sensor. The controller can determine an amount of the first substance released by the first cartridge based on the data. The first release device can be controlled based on the determined amount of the first substance.

Another illustrative embodiment relates to a method for dosing an inhalation device. The method can

25 include receiving data from a sensor. An amount of a first substance released by a first cartridge can be determined based on the data. The first cartridge may include a first release device configured to release the first substance in a housing. The first release device can be controlled based on the determined amount of the first substance.

30 Another illustrative embodiment is related to a non-transient computer-readable medium having instructions stored therein which, if executed by a computing device, allows the computing device to perform operations for the dosing of an inhalation device. The method may include receiving data from a sensor. An amount of a first substance released by a first cartridge can be determined based on the data. The first cartridge may include a first release device configured to release the first substance in a

35 Case. The first release device can be controlled based on the determined amount of the first substance.

Brief description of the drawings

The foregoing and other features of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description and

40 attached claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings represent only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and, therefore, should not be considered as limiting their scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an inhalation device according to an illustrative embodiment.

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FIG. 2 is a schematic of an inhalation device control system according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of the control system of the inhalation device of FIG. 2, with additional sensors according to an illustrative embodiment.

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FIG. 4 is a diagram of a first inhalation device according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a second inhalation device according to an illustrative embodiment.

55 FIG. 6 is a diagram of a third inhalation device according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a fourth inhalation device according to an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a fifth inhalation device according to an illustrative embodiment.

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FIG. 9 is a diagram of a sixth inhalation device according to an illustrative embodiment.

Detailed description of the illustrative embodiments

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which are part of it. In the drawings, similar symbols usually identify similar components, unless the context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject presented in this document. It will be readily understood that aspects of the present description, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated. explicitly and are part of this disclosure.

The present description refers to an inhalation device that includes a substance use control mechanism. The inhalation device may comprise a housing for holding and containing the parts, at least one cartridge containing a substance such as nicotine, at least one release device such as a heater or an atomizer for working with the cartridge, a source of energy such as a battery, and a controller. The controller can collect data and control the cartridge and the release device to release a predetermined amount of the substance to the user. The inhalation device may have a long cylindrical shape similar to a cigarette or cigar. Advantageously, the inhalation device can control and / or limit the amount of the substance supplied to help the user limit the consumption of a certain substance such as nicotine. Advantageously, the inhalation device can control and / or limit the limit amount of the substance supplied in such a way that a user can set a limit on the consumption of a quantity of the substance for use or for a certain period by the user. Advantageously, the inhalation device can receive and transmit the data related to the configuration and use. Advantageously, the inhalation device can control an amount of substance delivered to a user.

Referring to FIG. 1, a sectional view of an inhalation device 100, according to an illustrative embodiment is shown. The inhalation devices 100 may include a housing 112, a first cartridge 114, a second cartridge 116, a power source 122, a controller 124, a communication device 146, and a light device 126. In other embodiments, one or any number of cartridges can be used.

The housing 112 may have a long cylindrical shape, for example, the shape and size of a cigar, cigarette, or cigar. In other embodiments, the inhalation device 100 may be configured as other steam or smoking supply items such as a water pipe, a pipe, an inhaler, or a humidifier. The housing 112 may include an outlet port 128 at a first end (ie, one end of the mouth), where a user can place his lips to inhale steam or gas generated by the inhalation devices 100. The housing 112 may include an inlet port 130 to allow air to enter the housing 112 when a user sucks at the first end. The housing 112 may be made of paper (for example, rolled paper in tubular form), plastic, metal, wood, glass, or any other material.

The first cartridge 114 can be configured to retain and release a first substance such as nicotine. For example, the first cartridge 114 may include a medium, such as a cotton cloth or a comparable rolled or shaped material to fit inside the housing 112. The cotton cloth can be soaked with the first substance. The first substance may include any drug, aroma, transport agent, dye, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the first substance is configured such that the substance can be vaporized or gasified. The first cartridge 114 may include a first release device 118. The first release device 118 may be incorporated into or placed near the means of first cartridge 114. The first release device 118 may include one

or a combination of a heating element, a vibration generator such as an ultrasonic or a piezoelectric transducer, an atomizer, or any other actuator to energize particles of the first substance such that the particles are released from the first cartridge 114 in a form of gas or microscopic droplets that can be carried by air flow, for example, an air flow between the inlet port 130 and the outlet port 128. The first release device 118 may be configured to control or measure the amount or rate of the first substance released from the first cartridge 114. In some embodiments, the inhalation device includes a single cartridge.

The second cartridge 116 can be configured to retain and release a second substance such as an aroma. For example, the second cartridge 116 may include a medium, such as a cotton cloth or a comparable rolled or shaped material to fit inside the housing 112. The cotton cloth can be soaked with the second substance. The second substance may include any drug, aroma, transport agent, coloration, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the first substance and the second substance are different substances. In another embodiment, the first substance and the second substance are the same substance. In one embodiment, the second substance is configured such that the substance can be vaporized or gasified. The second cartridge 116, may include a second device 120

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of release. The second release device 120 can be soaked in or placed near the middle of the second cartridge 116. The second release device 120 may include one or a combination of a heating element, a vibration generator such as an ultrasound or a piezoelectric transducer, an atomizer, or any other actuator to energize the particles of the second substance such that the particles are released from the second cartridge 116 in a form of gas or microscopic droplets that can be carried out by air flow, for example, a stream of air between the inlet port 130 and the outlet port 128. The second release device 120 may be configured to control or measure the amount or rate of second substance released from the second cartridge 116. The first cartridge 114 and the second cartridge 116 may be arranged such that the air flow passes above and / or through both the first cartridge 114 and the second cartridge 116. In other embodiments, the inhalation device may include multiple cartridges.

The power source 122 may provide power to the first cartridge 114, the first release device 118, the second cartridge 116, the second release device 120, the controller 124, the communication device 146, and the light device 126. The power source 122 may be a battery such as an alkaline battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lithium-ion battery, a rechargeable battery or any other source of energy. In other embodiments, the power supply 122 may be external to the housing 112.

The light device 126 is configured to simulate the lighting on the tip of a cigar or cigarette. The light device 126 may include a light emitting diode (LED), a resistance type lamp, organic light emitting diode (OLED), or any other light emitting device. The light device 126 can be configured to vary the intensity based on the amount of air flow between the inlet port 130 and the outlet port 128.

The controller 124 can be configured to control the first release device 118, the second release device 120, the communication device 146, the power source 122, and the light device 126. The controller 124 may be operatively and communicatively coupled to the first release device 118, the second release device 120, the communication device 146, and the light device 126. The controller 124 may be a processor such as a central processing unit, a specific application integrated circuit (ASIC), a state machine or any other controller. Controller 124 may include memory that can be any type of permanent or removable computer memory known to those skilled in the art. The memory of controller 124 may be a computer readable storage medium. The controller 124 may include software to control the first release device 118, the second release device 120, the communication device 146, and the light device 126, which can be implemented as computer readable instructions configured to be stored in controller memory 124.

The communication device 146 can be configured to allow a user to change and control the configuration and status of the inhalation devices 100. For example, in one embodiment, the communication device 146 may be used to reprogram a portion of the control logic of the controller 124 to limit the use of the inhalation devices 100. The communication device 146 may include at least one of a switch, a keyboard, a screen, an input / output port, and a wireless transceiver. In one embodiment, the input / output port and the wireless transceiver can be used to create a communications link between the controller 124 and an external computer, such as a cell phone or a personal computer.

Referring to FIG. 2, a scheme of an inhalation device control system 200, according to an illustrative embodiment, is shown. The inhalation device control system 200 may include a first release device 218 associated with a first cartridge 214, a second release device 220 associated with a second cartridge 216, a power source 222, a controller 224, a timer 248 , a counter 242, sensors 240, a communication device 246, and a light device 226. The controller 224 may be operatively and communicatively coupled to the first release device 218, the second release device 220, the power supply 222, the sensors 240, the communication device 246, and the light device 226. The control system 200 of the inhalation device may be, for example, discrete, integrated as a chip, or a printed circuit board assembly.

The first cartridge 214 and second cartridge 216 may each contain a single substance or a mixture of two or more substances and the composition of the mixture for one cartridge is different from another. For this reason, the first release device 218 and the second release device 220 can each be operated in a unique way to optimize the effect of the substance for the user. In addition, different techniques can be used to release substances from different cartridges.

The sensors 240 can be, for example, a flow sensor, a pressure sensor or thermocouple to detect the air flow passing through the device or a group of sensors to detect any one of or a combination of flow

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of air, change, temperature, pressure change, lighting, current light change, voltage change, and other physical and electrical properties. The sensors 240 may be located inside or in a housing associated with the control system 200 of the inhalation device.

The controller 224 can be configured to control and monitor the first release device 218, the second release device 220, the sensors 240, the communication device 246, the power supply 222, and the light device 226. The controller 224 can be a processor such as a central processing unit, a specific application integrated circuit (ASIC), a state machine or any other controller. The controller 224 may include a memory 280 which can be any type of permanent or removable computer memory known to those skilled in the art. The memory 280 of the controller 224 may be a computer readable storage medium. The controller 224 may include software to control the first release device 218, the second release device 220, the communication device 246, and the light device 226, which can be implemented as computer readable instructions configured to be stored in memory 280 of controller 224.

The communication device 246 may include at least one switch 271, a keyboard 273, a display 250, an input / output port 277, and a wireless transceiver 279. The input / output port 277 can be, for example, a serial port. The wireless transceiver 279 can be, for example, a Wi-Fi transceiver compatible with the IEEE standard

802.11 or a Bluetooth transceiver.

In one embodiment, the switch 271 may be a simple manual switch in a housing for sending reprogramming instructions to the controller 224, by pressing the switch 271 (for example, by pressing the switch five times with the pulsating speed at one press per second or faster you can reprogram controller 224 to allow five aspirations in a given period and then turn off the device). In another embodiment, the switch 271 can be a dial located on or in the center of the housing for sending reprogramming instructions to the controller 224 so that by turning the dial the user can set the limit amount of the substance to be take or inhale The dial switch can also be a section of the housing itself. In another embodiment, the switch 271 may be a sound or impact sensor such as a microphone for the user to press to send reprogramming instructions to the controller 224. The user may tap the device at a certain speed to establish a Desired amount of the substance for the taking or inhalation in a certain period. In another embodiment, switch 271 may be a light sensor to detect the energy emitted by a laser, infrared, or other source of visible or invisible light. The reprogramming instructions for controller 224 may be signals on or off of the light source.

The user can use the communication device 246, to reprogram the limit value on the controller 224. For example, a simple form of communication device 246 may be a manual switch where the user can press or turn on or around the housing. . By pressing or turning the switch manually, the user can change the limit setting on controller 224. For example, by pressing the switch four times with a frequency of 1 Hz or higher, the user can smoke the equivalent value of a cigarette of the substance in each cycle or 10 each time, and pressing the switch twice will give an average value of the cigarette of the substance in each cycle. If the manual switch is a dial switch on the housing, the dial setting can set the limit. For example, the dial has indicator lines around it on the non-movable part of the case, and the setting of the dial in one can be equivalent to the dose of one cigarette per cycle and the setting in the middle means one half of a dose of cigarette

The screen 250 may be located inside or in the housing associated with the control system 200 of the inhalation device. Screen 250 may display messages indicating the use of user help to track device usage. The screen 250 may be, for example, a light, a series of lights, a segmented screen or a pixelated screen. The screen 250 can be made, for example, of LED, an LED panel, a liquid crystal display, a group of small bulbs, or electronic ink. The screen 250 can show indications to the user, for example, as letters, points, symbols, a series of lines, figures, images, shapes or signals. The screen 250 can be single tone or multicolored.

Screen 250 may indicate the level of use so that the user can control the use of the device and can send messages to encourage the user to reduce the use based on the progress he or she makes. A message on the screen may include a number of cigarette equivalents used or remaining in the inhalation device control system 200, a number of aspirations (ie, puffs) used or remaining in the device control system 200 inhalation, and may include a real-time announcement of a number of aspirations that the user is allowed to take in each cycle and how he or she uses the inhalation device control system 200. In this way the device alerts the user, as he or she uses it, The number of equivalents of cigarettes that he or she is taking in a certain period since with the same device for a long time can lead the user to a false sensation of substance use For example, the control system 200 of the inhalation device with a first complete cartridge 214 and

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second cartridge 216, can be equivalent to a pack of cigarettes and the display 250 can clearly indicate the number of equivalents of cigarettes or aspirations left in the first cartridge 214 and second cartridge 216 as it

or she uses the control system 200 of the inhalation device.

Timer 248 can be configured to measure an amount of the substance supplied and / or measure a predetermined amount of the substance to a user. Timer 248 can be separated from or integrated with the controller

224 Timer 248 can be configured to measure, for example, the period of time elapsed between the aspirations of the user, the period of time that the first release device 218 and the second release device 220 are activated, and the time between uses.

Timer 248 can be activated, for example, by an air flow sensor or a pressure switch. Timer 248 can be configured to measure a duration of an aspiration while sensors 240 are activated.

Counter 242 can be configured to count a number of aspirations taken for a period given by a user. The counter 242 can be separated from or integrated with the controller 224. The counter 242 can be configured to measure, for example, a number of aspirations taken by a user during a smoking session, a day, a week, a month, or any other period of time. Counter 242 can be activated, for example, by sensors 240.

For more precise control of the amount of the substance allowed in a given period, the timer 248 can be used to measure the time of the air flow through the device. Whenever the sensors 240 such as a flow sensor or a pressure switch are activated by the air flow, the timer 248 can measure the duration of the air flow and the duration time can be accumulated in a given period to activate a limit function according to a limit of distribution of the substance set in the logic control. Also the counter 242 can be used to count the number of sensor activations 240.

The counter 242 and the timer 248 can provide usage data on the number of aspirations for a given period and the timer 248 can provide both the air flow duration time for each aspiration and the total accumulated time for the air flow during A given period. Therefore, when the limit of distribution of substances is set by the user or predefined by the factory, the limit can be set at the actual amount of the substance in terms of total time allowed for the air flow in a given period for its use, not just an allowed number of aspirations. Since an amount of air flow for an aspiration is different from person to person, establishing a number of aspirations as a limit may allow different amount of the specific substance supplied to each different user or even to the same user depending on the duration of each and every aspiration. Therefore, the use of the timer 248, to monitor the use together with the counter 242, can provide a more accurate estimate of the total air flow measurement.

The inhalation device control system 200 may come with the factory setting for the allowed amount of the substance contained in the cartridges (214, 216) to be released. Different users have different habits of use: One person may prefer long strong aspirations and another person may like short superficial aspirations. A person who has long strong aspirations usually finishes a cigarette in a smaller number of aspirations than the person who has short superficial aspirations. For this reason, the amount of substance allowed can be established as the total duration that is a time accumulation value of the total aspirations in a given period. Another sensor such as a current sensor for the release means or the power supply or a flow sensor with air velocity measurement can be applied to estimate the amount of substance use provided the user draws the air at through the device, and this information can be used together with the timer to calculate the most exact amount of substance use. Once the limit value is set as the accumulation time, the timer 248 measures the duration of each aspiration and sends the data to the logical control in the controller 224 and the controller 224 accumulates and compares the accumulated data with the value set limit. Once the accumulated time value or the value calculated from a combination with the accumulated time and the data of the amount of the substance from the sensor reaches or rises above the limit value, the controller 224 turns off the inhalation device control system 200 or causes the inhalation device control system 200 to enter a low level mode in which the inhalation device control system 200 releases the substance at a rate less than in the previous period. The limit value can be set with the cycles. For example, once the device is turned on, the user can allow a first set time limit of the total duration of aspirations in the five minutes that is approximately equal to smoking a cigarette, and within a certain period, such as twelve hours or one day, the user may allow the use of the inhalation device control system 200 a certain number of times. Once the limit is reached, the controller 224 can deactivate the release means (218, 220) to stop the flow of substances for the user until the next cycle begins after the non-smoking time expires between two consecutive cycles. or control the media (218, 220)

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release, so that the flow of substances for the user is more limited by aspiration until the next cycle begins.

Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic of the control system 200 of the inhalation device of FIG. 2 with additional sensors according to an illustrative embodiment. The inhalation device control system 200 may include a first release device 218, associated with a first cartridge 214, a second release device 220, associated with a second cartridge 216, a power source 222, a controller 224, a timer 248, a counter 242, sensors 240, a communication device 246, and a light device 226. The controller 224 may be operatively and communicatively coupled to the first release device 218, the second release device 220, the power supply 222, the sensors 240, the communication device 246, and the light device 226. The communication device 246 may include at least one of a switch 271, a keyboard 273, a display 250, an input / output port 277, and a wireless transceiver 279. As discussed below, the inhalation device control system 200, can measure the use of substances in other ways by using a flow sensor

or a pressure switch.

The first release device 218 and the second release device 220 may release a first substance from the first cartridge 214 and a second substance from the second cartridge 216 using, for example, heat and / or vibration. A temperature sensor 291 located in the second cartridge 216 can be used to detect the temperature of the second cartridge 216. The controller 224 can estimate an amount of substance released by the second cartridge 216, based on the temperature information from the temperature sensor 291, together with the information from the timer 248. A vibration sensor 292, located in the second cartridge 216 It can be used to detect agitation of the second cartridge 216. The controller 224 can estimate an amount of substance released by the second cartridge 216, based on the agitation information of the vibration sensor 292, together with the timer information

248 A current sensor 293 located in the power source of the first release device 218 can be used to determine the current used by the first release device 218. The controller 224 can estimate an amount of substance released by the first cartridge 214, based on the current information from the current sensor 293. Alternatively, a voltage sensor can be used.

In another embodiment, a current sensor 294, located in the power source of the power source 222, can be used to estimate the current used by the first release device 218 and in the second release device 220. The controller 224 can estimate an amount of substance released by the first cartridge 214 and the second cartridge 216, based on the current information from the current sensor 294. Alternatively, a voltage sensor can be used. In another embodiment, a light sensor 295, located in the vicinity of the light device 226, can be used to estimate the use of the first release device 218 and the second release device 220. The controller 224 can estimate an amount of substance released by the first cartridge 214 and the second cartridge 216 based on the period of time that the light sensor 295 is activated, as well as the intensity detected by the light sensor 295. Alternatively, other sensors can be used as is known in the art. Alternatively, sensors 291-295 may be located in several places, as is known in the art.

An illustrative set of inhalation device for the market can be, for example, a cigarette-shaped smoking device that comes with a capacity to smoke about twenty cigarettes. A factory setting can be preloaded on the smoking device to allow about fifteen aspirations for use within five minutes, and after the user has finished smoking at the moment, he or she has to wait at least 30 minutes before using the device again. A screen on the inhalation device can show the number of equivalents of cigarettes you let go, and it can also show the user the number of aspirations you let go before the current use has expired according to how he or she uses the device Inhalation In said configuration, the inhalation device can be programmed to monitor the use of the substance contained in a cartridge by measuring the amount of input, or calculating the amount of substance consumption from the data collected from the timer for the duration of each and every one of the air inlet and another sensor such as an electric current sensor or air flow sensor for the flow rate of the substance. The number of aspirations can be translated into the actual substance used based on the estimate calculated from the data provided by the timer and the sensor. Also a counter in the system can be used to count the number of shots to provide the data to the control means to make the calculation simpler. The user can use a button or dial to change the factory settings, such as the number of aspirations allowed per use (for example, from fifteen adjustment aspirations to twenty aspirations) and the duration of the rest time after the use before allowing the next use (for example, 30 minutes for factory setting to 45 minutes or 15 minutes). There may be one or more buttons or dials on the inhalation device to reprogram the settings for the inhalation device. A first button or dial to set the duration of free time and a second button or dial to set a series of aspirations allowed by the use or other settings depending on user preference and convenience.

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FIGS. 4 to 8 represent a number of different illustrative embodiments of the inhalation device. Referring to FIG. 4, a diagram of a first inhalation device 400 is shown, according to an illustrative embodiment. The first inhalation device 400 may include a housing 412, a communication device 446, and a light device 426. The communication device 446 may include a screen 450 and buttons 471 and 472. The first inhalation device 400 has two different programming modes. In a first mode, button 471 can be used to change the limit for a number of aspirations allowed for use. In a second mode, button 472 can be used to change the amount of shutdown time required before the next use. Screen 450 may show an indication of a setting. (for example, "10", "30", "60", "120", "10", "15", "20", "25").

Referring to FIG. 5, a diagram of a second inhalation device 500 is shown, according to an illustrative embodiment. The second inhalation device 500 may include a housing 512, a communication device 546, and a light device 526. The communication device 546 may include a first screen 550, a button 571, and a second screen 551. Button 571, can be used to change the amount of time required to shut down before the next use. The first screen 550 may display an indication of a setting (for example, "10", "30", "60", "90"). The second pan 551 may include lights 552. Lights 552 may indicate the number of cigarette equivalents left in the second inhalation device 500.

Referring to FIG. 6, a diagram of a third inhalation device 600 is shown, according to an illustrative embodiment. The third inhalation device 600 may include a housing 612, a communication device 646, and a light device 626. The communication device 646 may include a first screen 650, a button 671, and a second screen 651. Button 671, can be used to change the amount of time required to shut down before the next use. The first screen 650 may display an indication of a setting (for example, "10", "30", "60", "90"). The second screen 651 may display an indication (for example, "385") that shows the number of aspirations or amount of substance remaining or available in the second inhalation device 600.

Referring to FIG. 7, a diagram of a fourth inhalation device 700 is shown, according to an illustrative embodiment. The fourth inhalation device 700 may include a housing 712, a communication device 746, and a light device 726. The communication device 746 can include a first screen 750 and a dial 771. The dial 771 can be implemented as part of the housing 712. For example, a dial bezel 771 may be located in a filter area of ​​the housing 712. The housing 712 may include graduation marks (eg, "10", "30") near line 771. The dial 771, can be used to change the amount of time required to shut down before the next use. The first screen 750 may display an indication (for example, "20") showing the number of equivalents of cigarettes remaining or available in the fourth inhalation device 700.

Referring to FIG. 8, a diagram of a fifth inhalation device 800 is shown, according to an illustrative embodiment. The fifth inhalation device 800 may include a housing 812, a communication device 846, and a light device 826. The communication device 846, may include a first screen 850, a button 871, and a second screen 851. The button 871, can be used to change the user limit settings by the user. The first screen 850 may display an indication of a setting (for example, "10", "30", "60", "90"). The second screen 851 may display an indication (for example, "20") showing the number of equivalents of cigarettes remaining or available in the fifth inhalation device 800.

Referring to FIG. 9, a diagram of a sixth inhalation device 900 is shown, according to an illustrative embodiment. The sixth inhalation device 900 may include a housing 912, a communication device 946, and a light device 926. The communication device 946 may include a first screen 950, buttons 971 and 972 and a second screen 951. The sixth inhalation device 900 has two different programming modes. In a first mode, button 971 can be used to change the limit for a number of aspirations allowed by use. In a second mode, the 972 button can be used to change the amount of shutdown time required before the next use. The first screen 950 may show an indication of a setting. (for example, "10", "30", "60", "120", "10", "15", "20", "25"). The second screen 951 may display an indication (for example, "20") showing the number of equivalents of cigarettes remaining or available in the sixth inhalation device 900.

One or more flowcharts may have been used in this document. The use of flowcharts is not intended to be limiting with respect to the order of operations performed. This document describes the topic and sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It should be understood that such structures described are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other structures can be implemented to achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, no provision of the components to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" in such a way that the desired functionality is achieved. Therefore, any of the two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as "associated with" each other in such a way that the desired functionality is achieved,

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regardless of intermediate structures or components. Similarly, any of the two components associated in this way, can also be seen as "operatively connected", or "operatively coupled", to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any of the two components capable of being associated , can also be seen as "operatively attachable," to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably dockable include, but are not limited to physically doable and / or physically interacting components and / or capable of interacting wirelessly and / or components capable of interacting wirelessly and / or logically interacting and / or components capable of interacting logically.

With regard to the use of any of the substantially plural and / or singular terms herein, those skilled in the art may translate from plural to singular and / or from singular to plural, if appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly stated herein for the sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, the terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (for example, the bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (eg, the term "including" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to", the term "that has" should be interpreted as "that has at least", The term "includes" should be construed as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will also be understood by those within the art that, if a specific number of a mention of the claim is intended, said intention is explicitly mentioned in the claim, and in the absence of such mention such intention is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following attached claims may contain the use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce the mention of the claim. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a mention of the claim by indefinite articles "to" or "a" limits any particular claim containing such mention of the claim presented to the inventions that they contain only one such mention, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles, such as "a" or "a" (for example, "a" and / or "a" should normally be interpreted as "at least one" or "one or more"); The same applies to the use of defined articles used to introduce claims in the claim. Furthermore, even if a specific number of a mention of the introduced claim is explicitly mentioned, those skilled in the art will recognize that such mentions generally must be interpreted in the sense of at least the mentioned number (for example, the mention Basic "two mentions," without other modifiers, usually means at least two mentions, or two or more mentions). In addition, in cases where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." a construction of this type is generally used in the sense that a person skilled in the art would understand the convention (for example, "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limit to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will also be understood by those within the technique that virtually any word and / or disjunctive phrase that presents two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, the claims or the drawings, should be understood as contemplating the possibilities of including one of the terms , either of the terms, or the two terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" shall be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B".