VAPORIZATION

Cross-References to Related Applications

[001] This application claims the benefit of U.S provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/150,585 filed April 21, 2015, and U.S provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/188,753 filed July 15, 2015, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

[002] The present application pertains to the field of smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes and/or Tobacco substitutes.

Background Art

[003] Tobacco has been used by human beings as a stimulant for centuries. Perhaps the most common means by which tobacco is used is through a cigarette. A cigarette delivers nicotine through burning of tobacco which releases nicotine particles carried in the smoke which is subsequently inhaled by the user and enters the body's blood stream through the lungs. The inhalation of smoke from cigarettes is known to have detrimental health effects upon the human body. In addition to releasing nicotine, the burning of tobacco also releases tar and carcinogens in the process of combustion. Such unwanted chemicals lead to health problems among cigarette smokers, including lung cancer and emphysema.

[004] The harmful side effects of smoking tobacco have been well understood for decades. Various means have been developed to replicate the nicotine delivery of a cigarette but without also delivering the harmful by products associated with smoking. One means of delivering nicotine without burning tobacco is to utilize a liquid solution containing nicotine which produces water vapor containing nicotine upon heating with electricity. [005] For example, US3200819 A ("Smokeless non-tobacco cigarette") published on Aug 17, 1965 for Gilbert discloses a smokeless non tobacco cigarette which utilizes electrical energy to heat a liquid solution of nicotine to produce vapor.

[006] U.S. Patent US8689805 B2 ("electronic cigarette") published on Mar 12, 2013 for Lik discloses an electronic atomization cigarette which also utilizes nicotine liquid and contains an electrical battery, atomizer, and liquid storage container as a part of the design.

[007] U.S. Patent US 20050016550 Al ("Electronic cigarette") published on Jan 27, 2005 for Katase discloses an electronic cigarette which utilizes a nozzle to aerosolize pressurized nicotine liquid solution. U.S. Patent US 8794231 B2 published Aug 5, 2014 ("Electrically heated smoking system having a liquid storage portion") for Thorens, Flick, and Cochand discloses an electronic cigarette which utilizes a cartridge containing liquid nicotine solution and an internal electrical battery for power.

[008] One of the inherent problems of the design for electronic cigarettes which utilize electricity and liquid nicotine solution is that the resistance of the electrical wiring that generates the heat (electrical resistance coils) can change with use. This problem was noted and addressed in U.S. patent US20130104916 Al ("Electronic vaporizer that simulates smoking with power control") for Bellinger/Ward . Increasing temperature over a short period of time can change the resistance of the electrical wire, thus reducing the heat generated by the coils. Reduced heat results in reduced vapor production from the device. Eventually the electrical coil will fail requiring replacement.

[009] Batteries used in electronic cigarettes (generally lithium) operate between 3.0 to 4.2 volts. Increasing the electrical power increases the heat produced by the coil. Increased heat results in greater vapor production. The disclosure by Bellinger/Ward attempts to correct some of the limitations of electrical power by allowing the user to adjust the power output to compensate for changes in resistance.

[0010] In addition to devices which utilize nicotine liquid, apparatus have been developed which utilize tobacco directly by using a method commonly known as "heat not burn". The lit, burning end of a cigarette can reach temperatures of up to 1472° to 1652° Fahrenheit or 800° to 900° Celsius. The boiling point temperature of nicotine is approximately 476.6° Fahrenheit or 247° Celsius. "Heat not burn" operates by heating the tobacco to stay within a limited temperature range, typically from 350°-400° Fahrenheit or 176°-204° Celsius. The tobacco is heated to release nicotine, but the temperature is limited to prevent combustion of the tobacco and resultant release of unwanted by products.

[0011] U.S. Patent US6164287 A ("smoking method") published Dec 26, 2000 for White discloses a method for vaporization/smoking of tobacco utilizing compressed tobacco powder to a temperature of above 250° but below combustion temperature. Prior art has disclosed means of using electrical heaters to heat tobacco or tobacco flavor-containing materials to form an aerosol. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 2,104,266 to McCormick, U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5, 144,962 to Counts et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,498 to Deevi et al., U.S. Pat. No.

5,249,586 to Morgan et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,369,723 to Counts et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,636 to Baggett et al., and PCT publication No. WO 96/32854 of Baggett et al., published Oct. 24, 1966.

[0012] U.S. Patent Application US20130042865 Al ("Low temperature electronic vaporization device and methods") published Feb 21, 2013 for Monsees, Bowen, Myall, and Hunter discloses a method and apparatus for producing inhalable aerosol by electrically heating viscous material and utilizing a printed circuit board to regulate the temperature between 100° to 200° Celsius (with a targeted) temperature of 150° Celsius. Similarly, U.S. Patent US8925555 B2 ("Method and system for vaporization of a substance") published Jan 6, 2015 for

Monsees/Bowen discloses a method utilizing a cartridge containing tobacco utilizing heat regulated to be below 400° to release nicotine.

[0013] U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0237974 Al, published on Dec. 2, 2004 for Min discloses a filtering cigarette and cigar holder which removes tar and nicotine from the tobacco smoke.

[0014] U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0031495 Al, published on Feb. 19, 2004 for Steinberg discloses a vaporization pipe with flame filter which uses a flame to vaporize the smoking substance.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6, 164,287, issued Dec. 26, 2000 to White, describes a smoking device which produces smoke from tobacco at low temperatures, without producing harmful byproducts. [0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,374, issued Jul. 18, 1989 to Chard et al describe a smoking device to vaporize aerosol precursor, an event which precedes condensation to mainstream aerosol precursor by contact with heated surface rather than by hot gases into the mouth of a smoker.

[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 4,219,032, issued Aug. 26, 1980 to Tabatznik et al describe a smoking device wherein an extracted smoke is cooled by passing it through a suitable liquid to provide a soothing smoke.

[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 4,020,853, issued May 3, 1977 to Nuttall, describes a smoking pipe made of ceramic material such as colored and ornamental porcelain for enhancing the artistic look, and also to provide a circulating air to keep the outer wall of the pipe cool and safe for handling.

[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 3,792,704, issued Feb. 19, 1974 to Parker, describes a pipe tobacco smoking system, wherein the pipe and the tobacco capsule are mutually designed to yield a slimline smoking combination that can be manufactured from relatively low temperature

thermoplastic material.

[0020] The prior art methods suffer from several disadvantages. For instance, the methods disclosed by Herbert, Lik, Thorens et al., and Bellinger/Ward which utilize liquid containing nicotine suffer from a significant disadvantage in that the use of liquid nicotine in devices which simulate smoking, commonly known as "electronic cigarettes", is illegal in a number of countries. Such countries classify the purified nicotine used in the liquid as a drug, and devices which use liquid nicotine to be a drug delivery device. Such countries include, but are not limited to, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Panama, United Arab Emirates, Belgium, Oman, Jordan, Turkey, Venezuela, and Uraguay. In other countries including, but not limited to, France, Japan, Finland, Denmark, Hong Kong, Hungary, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, and Switzerland, the use of electronic cigarettes is highly regulated with limitations placed on the nicotine content, and the manner and place of sale. In the United States there are legislative efforts to regulate electronic cigarettes, and various city or county governments have implemented regulations on sale and use.

[0021] Further, the liquid nicotine as used in electronic cigarettes must be purified for use, which entails a greater degree of processing and refining when compared to actual tobacco plant leaf, which is grown and harvested in the same manner as other agricultural products. [0022] Yet further, nicotine itself is poisonous and can be absorbed directly through the skin. Use and handling of liquid nicotine poses a greater health hazard than handling of tobacco leaf the latter of which may safely be handled by bare hand. Tobacco plant leaf has a relatively low concentration of nicotine and is safe to handle in comparison to liquid nicotine which has been processed to increase concentration of nicotine. Even in countries in which electronic cigarettes themselves are legal, such as the United States or Australia, the shipment of liquid nicotine by mail is prohibited by law due to the risk of injury to postal workers should packaging be damaged.

[0023] While electronic cigarettes deliver nicotine, they are a rough approximation of the flavor and sensation of smoking tobacco. As illustrated in the various prior art on "heat not burn" devices, using actual tobacco delivers a taste and sensation nearer to that of smoking a cigarette.

[0024] Also, "heat not burn" prior art suffers from disadvantages, one of which is that such devices and system requires complex mechanisms to ensure that the tobacco stays within a limited temperature range. As a result the cost is increased as well as the size of the device. A more simplified method will result in a smaller size and lower cost.

[0025] Further, "heat not burn" prior art suffers a limitation in that limiting the temperature has the corollary effect of limiting the amount of nicotine that can be released from tobacco per inhale. Heat is a mechanism which releases nicotine from tobacco. Increasing the heat increases the amount of nicotine that may be volatized and inhaled. As compared to a burning cigarette, prior art "heat not burn" devices operate at a much lower temperature and delivers lower levels of nicotine.

Summary of Invention

[0026] The present invention is directed as an improvement in the delivery of nicotine into the human body by alternative means other than burning tobacco to produce smoke. The present invention discloses a novel composition of tobacco, as well as the apparatus and method for vaporization utilizing liquid saturation so as to allow delivery of nicotine or other chemicals in the form of vapor rather than smoke. The use of saturating tobacco in liquid inhibits combustion and allows the tobacco to be heated to temperatures exceeding the boiling temperature of nicotine -thus releasing the nicotine in inhalable form without burning the tobacco. The use of liquid in the tobacco effectively increases the range of temperature to which tobacco can be heated to release nicotine in the form of vapor while simultaneously avoiding burning. In addition to being used in conjunction with tobacco, the apparatus disclosed may also be used with nicotine liquid which has already been developed and disclosed in prior art. The present disclosure allows the user to alternate between using tobacco directly or using liquid nicotine solution. Electronic cigarettes using liquid nicotine have been made illegal by numerous countries which have deemed it to be a drug delivery device. The present disclosure provides an advantage as it is designed to comply with the laws of such countries. Furthermore, the present disclosure is designed to allow an individual travelling abroad to alternate between using actual tobacco and nicotine liquid in accordance with applicable local laws.

[0027] In accordance with one embodiment, the present invention discloses a novel composition of smokeless tobacco which is designed to produce water vapor containing inhalable nicotine— instead of smoke— when heated. The preferred embodiment utilizes tobacco that has been organically grown without the use of pesticides or curing by heat. The traditional process of heat curing tobacco results in the creation of tobacco specific nitrosamines

(commonly referred to as "TSNA") and destroys the waxy leaf residue from the tobacco which has anti-cancer properties that was disclosed in U.S. Patent US7977384 B l ("Anticancer tobacco cembranoids"). The composition of tobacco has been treated by means of saturation with liquid such that the liquid content in the tobacco constitutes at least 50% of the overall weight by volume of tobacco at room temperature. The use of liquid inhibits combustion when the tobacco is exposed to heat, such as from an electrical heating element or flame allows the nicotine from tobacco to be released in the form of water vapor. The present invention discloses the composition of tobacco and the method for creation and use.

[0028] In addition, the present application also discloses, in accordance with one or more embodiments, (a) a design for an atomization chamber utilizing a butane flame to be used in conjunction with the tobacco composition (b) a design for an atomization chamber utilizing electricity to be used in conjunction with the tobacco composition (c) a design for a pouching system to be utilized in conjunction with the tobacco composition, and (d) a design for an apparatus to be used in conjunction with the tobacco composition which is also capable of utilizing liquid nicotine solution by placement of fibrous wicking material, such as cotton, rayon, or silica, in the chamber of the apparatus instead of tobacco.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0029] Accordingly several advantages of one or more aspects are as follows: to provide a healthier alternative than cigarette smoking for delivery of nicotine, to provide a legally permissible alternative to electronic cigarettes in those jurisdictions which have prohibited nicotine liquid, to allow a user the flexibility of switching between tobacco and liquid nicotine while traveling, to provide a less expensive alternative to smoking than electronic cigarettes, to provide a more simplified means of vaporization which is consequentially more robust that disclosed prior art, and to provide an alternative to smoking that has a more similar taste to tobacco.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0030] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings, where:

[0031] Fig. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating the procedural steps for creation of the smokeless tobacco composition according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a pouch to be used in conjunction with the smokeless tobacco composition according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the construction of the pouch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Fig. 4 is an exploded view illustrating an electricity powered atomization chamber to be used in conjunction with the smokeless tobacco composition according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Fig. 4A is a cross section view illustrating an electricity powered atomization chamber to be used in conjunction with the smokeless tobacco composition according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Fig. 5 is an exploded view illustrating an atomization chamber powered by gas flame to be used in conjunction with the smokeless tobacco composition to release inhalable nicotine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0037] Fig. 5A is a cross section view illustrating an atomization chamber powered by gas flame to be used in conjunction with the smokeless tobacco composition to release inhalable nicotine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig. 6 is a cross section view illustrating an atomization chamber powered by a gas flame according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Fig. 7 is an exploded view illustrating an apparatus powered by butane or other gas according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0040] Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus powered by butane or other gas according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments

[0041] It will be readily understood that the components of the invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of a method and apparatus for extracting chemical compounds from plant material which can be used in an electronic smoking device, electronic cigarette, vaporizer, and similar as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention.

[0042] In accordance with one embodiment, Fig. 1 depicts a flow diagram of the method for creation of the tobacco composition. The method includes dehydrating the tobacco, at 1, to remove the water content from the leaf which naturally results from the cultivation process. Dehydration is necessary so that the natural water content of the leaf may be replaced later by liquids, such as propylene glycol or glycerin, which produce visible water vapor clouds upon heating thus simulating the sensation of smoking. The traditional method employed to create tobacco suitable for cigarettes and cigars is heat curing. The heat curing process is known to result in the formation Tobacco Specific Nitrosamines within the tobacco, commonly referred to as "TSNA"'s, which are known carcinogens in humans. While the disclosed tobacco composition may be created using heat curing to dehydrate the tobacco leaf, the preferred methodology to dehydrate the tobacco leaf is freeze drying. Freeze drying is preferred as the process does not result in the formation of TSNA's within the tobacco, and better preserves the waxy coating on the tobacco leaf, which is known to contain compounds with anti cancer properties. See U.S. Patent US7977384 B l ("Anticancer tobacco cembranoids78") published July 12, 2011 for El Sayed, Shah, and Sylvester. After the tobacco leaf has been dehydrated, the tobacco is granulated, at 2. Cutting or shredding, which is the traditional method to granulate tobacco used in cigars and cigarettes, is the preferred method of granulation used to create the present disclosed tobacco composition. Following granulation, the tobacco is then saturated with liquid, at 3, by mixing the tobacco with its equivalent weight, or greater, of liquid resulting in a tobacco composition with a weight by volume comprised of at least 50% liquid. For example, for lOOg of tobacco, at least lOOg or more of liquid would be added. A minimum 1 : 1 ratio of tobacco to liquid is necessary to allow the tobacco to be heated to temperatures equal to or greater than the boiling temperature of nicotine without combusting. A lower ratio of liquid to tobacco results in the tobacco combusting when heated to such temperatures. As such, the amount of liquid used must be equal or greater than the dry weight of the tobacco. Liquid saturation inhibits combustion of the tobacco when heated, and provides a source of hydration for the nicotine to be carried into the human body.

[0043] In accordance with one embodiment, Fig. 2 depicts a pouch that may be used optionally in conjunction with the present disclosed tobacco composition as it facilitates easier use by the consumer as the tobacco composition may be messy if handled only by hand. The pouch allows for placement of the tobacco composition inside, and thus facilitates easier loading inside of the vaporizing apparatus. Use of the pouch allows the density of the tobacco placed inside to be controlled. Fig. 2 depicts a pouch with tobacco held inside. Tobacco is placed through the opening of the pouch, at 4, and is held in inside the pouch, at 5, which is in turn placed inside a vaporizing apparatus.

[0044] In accordance with one embodiment, Fig. 3 depicts the construction of the pouch. The pouch may be constructed out of various sheet materials, including but not limited to woven cloth (such as cotton or rayon), paper (such as crepe paper), or metal mesh such as brass or steel wire mesh. In order to construct the pouch, the constituent material is cut in a rectangular shape with one end folded over, at 6, to form a pouch shape. Two sides are held together by means of adhesive or sewing at the seams, at 7, forming a single opening on one side, at 4, into which tobacco may be placed inside. The pouch is designed to be either sold prepackaged with tobacco inside by a manufacturer, or sold individually so as to allow a consumer to self pack tobacco inside.

[0045] In accordance with one embodiment, Fig. 4 illustrates the design for an atomization chamber to be used in conjunction with the disclosed tobacco composition and powered by electricity.

[0046] In accordance with one embodiment, Fig. 4A illustrates a cross sectional view of an atomization chamber to be used in conjunction with the disclosed tobacco composition and powered by electricity. As demonstrated in US3200819 A ("Smokeless non-tobacco cigarette") published on Aug 17, 1965 for Gilbert and U.S. Patent US8689805 B2 ("electronic cigarette") published on Mar 12, 2013 for Lik, electricity powered electronic cigarettes have already been developed and are commercially available. Such devices, however, cannot utilize tobacco directly. In addition, most commercially available electronic cigarettes are sold in component form with one part of the electronic cigarette being the housing for the battery, which supplies electrical energy, and the atomizer, which transforms liquid nicotine solution into inhalable form, being separate units. On such component electronic cigarettes, the atomizer is connected to the battery housing by a threaded connector with an electrical terminal. The atomization chamber illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 4A is designed to retrofit to the battery housings of previously manufactured electronic cigarettes so as to allow owners of such devices to also be able use present tobacco invention.

[0047] The atomization chamber is comprised of a circular base, at 8, machined from metal, preferably steel. The base has a threaded connector at the bottom, at 9, which allows attachment to the threaded connector of an electronic cigarette battery compartment. The base also has threading along the top portion of the base, at 10, which allows for connection with the side wall of the atomization chamber, at 1 1. The side wall of the atomization chamber, 1 1, is designed to be removable so as to allow for access during cleaning. An electrical insulator made from injection molded plastic, at 12, slides into the base from the top and insulates the positive electrical post, 13, which fits inside the insulator, 12, which in turn slides into the atomizer base, 8. The bottom end of the electrical post, 13, slides into the bottom threaded connector, 9, to make contact with the positive terminal of the electronic cigarette battery compartment. The electrical post of the atomizing chamber, 13, has a positive terminal on the top of the post, 14, with a threaded hole to one side, 15, which allows fitment of a screw, at 16, which secures the electrical resistance wire by clamping. The electrical post, 13, has a second hole at the top, 17, into which one end of electrical resistance wire which has been formed into a heating coil, 18, is inserted, and held by tightening the clamping screw, at 16. The other end of the coiled resistance wire, 18, is inserted into the negative electrical post, 19. The negative electrical post, 19, is formed from a single piece of metal with a threaded end at the bottom, 20, which fits into a corresponding threaded hole, 21, on the atomizer base, 8. The top end of the negative electrical post has a terminal with one hole, 21, into which one end of the electrical resistance wire is inserted, and a threaded hole, 22, into which a screw, 23, is threaded to secure the resistance wire by clamping. With the side wall, 11, attached to the base, 8, the user inserts from the top the tobacco composition/pouch, 24, into the atomization chamber. Once the tobacco composition has been placed inside the chamber, the top lid, 25, is secured. The top lid, 25, is internally threaded, at 26, to allow attachment to corresponding threading, 27, on the side wall, 11, and has a mouthpiece, 28, which is placed inside the user's mouth. The electrical energy from a battery passes through the coil of resistance wire, 18, to generate heat, which results in inhalable water vapor containing nicotine being released when air flow enters through the air flow opening, 57, and passes over the tobacco pouch, 24.

[0048] As the tobacco pouch, 24, comes into direct contact with the electrical heating coil/resistance wire, 18, the pouch used in conjunction with this atomizing chamber design should be constructed out of non-conductive material, such as paper or cotton, silica, or rayon cloth. To prevent the pouch from combusting, the paper or cloth the pouch is constructed from is also saturated with liquid. The pouch containing tobacco may be manually moistened by the user, or may be sold in a prepackaged form already saturated with liquid.

[0049] In addition, the atomization chamber is designed to allow the user to alternate between using the tobacco composition or liquid nicotine solution, which is used in conventional electronic cigarettes. To use the atomization chamber with nicotine liquid, instead of inserting the tobacco composition/pouch identified at 24, the user inserts fibrous material such as cotton, silica, or rayon, which acts as a wick to hold the liquid, and saturates with nicotine containing liquid. Electrical energy passing through the resistance coil produces heat, which releases the nicotine. [0050] In accordance, with one embodiment, Fig. 5 depicts an atomization chamber powered by gas flame, such as butane.

[0051] In accordance, with one embodiment, Fig. 5 A depicts a cross section view of an atomization chamber powered by gas flame, such as butane. The individual components comprising the atomization chamber may be constructed from machined metal, such as stainless steel, or injection molded from high temperature thermoplastic. The atomization chamber depicted in Figure 5 utilizes some of the same components as the chamber depicted in Fig. 4 and Figure 4A and, accordingly, some of the same reference numbers will be used to identify the parts. The gas or butane powered atomization chamber is comprised of a top lid, 25, with a mouth piece, 28, which is placed into the user's mouth. The top lid is interior threaded on the bottom, 26, to allow fitment onto the threading, at 27, of the side wall of the chamber, 11. The top lid, 25, is removable so as to allow placement of tobacco, 24, inside the chamber. The side wall, 11, is removable to facilitate ease of cleaning, and is exterior threaded at the top, 27, to correspond with the threading, 26, of the top lid, at 25, and interior threaded at the bottom, 29, to allow attachment to the base of the chamber, 31. The base, 31, is exterior threaded, 32, to allow attachment of the side wall, 11, and has a central opening, at 33, onto which the tobacco composition, 24, is placed on top of. The heat from the flame, 30, passes through the opening, 33, into the tobacco composition, which results in the production of inhalable nicotine. The base of the chamber, 31, has posts, 34, to hold the opening of the chamber, 33, a distance away from the flame, 30, so as to control temperature and allow venting of excess heat before it enters the chamber. In addition to using tobacco, the atomization chamber may also operate using liquid nicotine by replacing the tobacco composition, 24, with a fibrous wicking material saturated with liquid containing nicotine.

[0052] In accordance with one embodiment, Fig. 6 depicts an alternate embodiment of a gas flame powered atomization chamber with the direction of the airflow towards the user's mouth being perpendicular to the direction of the flame. The direction of the air flow is signified by arrows on the figure. The atomization chamber, 35, is composed of a hollow cylindrical tube which is open at both ends of the tube. The opening of the tube farthest from the user's mouth, 36, allows air to enter the chamber. The opening nearest the user's mouth is identified as 37. [0053] In addition, the atomization chamber has two openings perpendicular to the length of the tube. The bottom opening, 38, allows heat from a flame, 30, to pass into the chamber and the tobacco composition. The top opening, 39, allows excess heat from the chamber to ventilate out while also drawing in air towards the users mouth. The user places the tobacco composition, 24, from one end of the chamber to directly between the holes, 38 and 39, which align with the flame, 30. The atomization chamber is also capable of utilizing liquid containing nicotine by replacing the tobacco composition with wicking material, such as cotton, rayon, or silica, drenched in nicotine liquid.

[0054] In accordance with one embodiment, Fig.7 depicts an apparatus which utilizes the atomization chamber design depicted in Fig. 6. The apparatus consists of a mouth piece, 41, which is placed into the user's mouth. The mouth piece is depicted from a different angle, 42, illustrating the end towards the user's mouth. The mouth piece is internally threaded at one end, 43, which allows the mouth piece to unscrew so as to allow placement of the tobacco

composition (or wicking material), 24, inside the chamber. The end which is placed inside the user's mouth has an opening, at 44, allowing airflow to pass through. The preferred construction is injection molded heat resistant plastic so as to provide insulation against heat transfer to the user's mouth. The threading also allows for telescoping of the vaporization chamber, so that the overall length can be reduced for compactness when not in use. The main body of the atomization chamber, 45, is preferably formed from injection molded high temperature resistant plastic to avoid heat transfer to the user and is threaded externally on one side, 46, to correspond to the internal threading of the mouthpiece, 43. The other end of the atomization chamber, 47, is open to allow air flow to enter the chamber. In addition to the openings on both ends of the chamber, the chamber has openings on the bottom, 48, which allows heat from a gas powered flame, 30, to enter the chamber, and corresponding opening on the top, 49, which allows excess heat to vent from the chamber. The end of the main body of the chamber has a post extending from it, 50, to allow attachment to a mounting block, 51, which is in turn attached to the portion of the apparatus which produces a flame, 52. The post, 50, attaches to the mounting block, 51, by inserting into a corresponding hole, 53, on the mounting block. The mounting block, 51, has an additional threaded hole, 54, running perpendicular to the direction of the post, into which a knurled thumbscrew, 55, is inserted. The post allows the user to adjust the height of the atomization chamber away from the flame. The closer to the flame, the greater the heat and the greater the nicotine release. The user adjusts the height to personal preference, and then tightens the thumb screw, 55, against the post 50, to lock the position in place. The apparatus of Figure 7 may be sold as a fully completed unit, in which case the remainder of the apparatus is

constructed in the same manner as commercially available butane lighter with a flip open top, identified as 52, with the addition of a mounting block, 51, to secure the atomization chamber post, 50. If sold as a complete unit, the mounting block may be integrally formed as a part of the flip-top lid at the time of manufacture. The apparatus may also be created by fitting a mounting block, 51, to a flip-top butane lighter by attachment by means of adhesive, welding, brazing, or soldering. In addition to being sold as a completed unit, in the alternative the apparatus may be sold as an accessory for mounting to a flip-top butane lighter, in which case users may attach the atomization chamber to a flip-top butane lighter themselves by use of adhesive such as epoxy. Regardless of whether the apparatus is purchased as a completed device or assembled by the user, the operation of the apparatus is the same. The length of the atomization chamber can be extended or retracted by rotating the mouth piece, 41. To use the apparatus, the user opens the flip-top lid, which results in the atomization chamber being perpendicular to the direction of the flame and results in the openings of the atomization chamber, 48 and 49, aligning with the flame. The user unscrews the mouth piece, 41, to remove the mouth piece and open the chamber to insert liquid saturated tobacco, 24, or liquid saturated wicking material into the chamber. The tobacco or wicking material is placed directly over the flame opening, 48, in the atomization chamber. The user threads the mouth piece, 41, back onto the atomization chamber, 45, prior to use, at 40. To operate the device, the user depresses the igniter switch, 56, causing the production of a gas powered flame, at 30. The flame heats the liquid saturated tobacco composition (or wicking material saturated with liquid nicotine), which releases inhalable nicotine.

[0055] In accordance with one embodiment, Fig. 8 depicts, in a closed position, the apparatus depicted in Fig. 7 and which utilizes the atomization chamber design depicted in Fig. 6. The apparatus is designed to allow the user to manipulate the apparatus to be more compact when not in use. The user rotates the mouthpiece, 41, to reduce the length of the atomization chamber, and closing the lid results in the atomization resting on the side for overall compactness.

[0056] From the foregoing descriptions, a number of advantages of my tobacco composition, method and apparatus are apparent. First, the tobacco composition, method and apparatus provides a healthier alternative to cigarettes as the disclosed inventions does not use combustion and delivers nicotine without also delivering carcinogenic by-products associated with smoking tobacco. Second, the tobacco, composition, method and apparatus have an advantage over electronic cigarettes as actual tobacco may be used, thus allowing compliance with the law in countries which have outlawed electronic cigarettes and nicotine liquid. Third, the tobacco composition, method and apparatus allow the user the ability to alternate between using actual tobacco and nicotine containing liquid. Thus an individual travelling abroad has the ability to switch between nicotine liquid and actual tobacco to suit the laws of the country he or she is in. Fourth, the tobacco composition, method and apparatus has a cost advantage over electronic cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes which use nicotine in liquid form require that the nicotine be processed and refined, which is a complicated and expensive process. In contrast, the disclosed method and apparatus can operate on actual tobacco, which is grown as an agricultural product does not need the same extent of refinement, and is less expensive to produce than refined nicotine liquid. Fifth, the disclosed invention allows owners of electronic cigarettes to retrofit their devices with an atomization chamber capable of using tobacco directly at a minimal cost as compared to buying completely new equipment. Sixth, the tobacco, method and apparatus is superior to "heat not burn" tobacco vaporizers which require a complex system of sensors and temperature regulation to stay within a limited temperature range. The system of temperature regulation adds to the bulk and cost of such vaporizers. In contrast, the method and apparatus utilizes liquid saturation to increase the temperatures at which tobacco can be exposed to without combusting. Consequently the disclosed method and apparatus have an advantage in being less complicated, less bulky, and less expensive to produce in comparison to "heat not burn" tobacco vaporizers.

[0057] Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Reference Signs List

[0058] 1 first step in creation of tobacco composition (dehydration)

[0059] 2 second step in creation of tobacco composition (granulation of tobacco leaf)

[0060] 3 third step in creation of tobacco (liquid saturation)

[0061] 4 opening for placement of tobacco composition

[0062] 5 tobacco held inside of pouch

[0063] 6 creation of pouch by folding

[0064] 7 seams of pouch

[0065] 8 chamber base

[0066] 9 (threaded) connector

[0067] 10 threading

[0068] 11 chamber side wall

[0069] 12 electrical insulator

[0070] 13 (positive) electrical post

[0071] 14 (positive) electrical terminal

[0072] 15 threaded hole

[0073] 16 electrical screw

[0074] 17 opening (for insertion of electrical resistance wire)

[0075] 18 electrical resistance wire coil

[0076] 19 negative electrical post

[0077] 20 threading (negative post)

[0078] 21 opening (for insertion of electrical resistance wire)

[0079] 22 threaded hole (to secure electrical resistance wire by clamping) [0080] 23 electrical screw

[0081] 24 tobacco composition/pouch

[0082] 25 top lid

[0083] 26 internal threading

[0084] 27 external threading

[0085] 28 mouth piece

[0086] 29 internal threading (chamber side wall)

[0087] 30 flame

[0088] 31 chamber base

[0089] 32 threading

[0090] 33 opening/air inlet

[0091] 34 posts

[0092] 35 atomization chamber

[0093] 36 opening/air flow inlet

[0094] 37 opening/air flow (outlet into user's mouth)

[0095] 38 opening/air flow inlet

[0096] 39 opening/heat vent/air flow inlet

[0097] 40 direction of attachment (mouthpiece, 41, to chamber, 45)

[0098] 41 mouth piece

[0099] 42 mouth piece (illustrated from opposite angle)

[00100] 43 internal threading (mouth piece)

[00101] 44 opening/air flow outlet (into user's mouth)

[00102] 45 main body of atomization chamber

[00103] 46 external threading

[00104] 47 opening/air flow inlet

[00105] 48 opening/heat inlet

[00106] 49 opening/heat outlet

[00107] 50 post (height adjustment)

[00108] 51 mounting block

[00109] 52 flip top butane lighter/butane housing and ignitor [00110] 53 post insertion hole

[00111] 54 threaded hole (for clamping of height adjustment post)

[00112] 55 knurled thumb screw

[00113] 56 igniter switch (flame)

[00114] 57 air flow opening (inlet)

Citation List Patent Literature

[00115] US 1806646 A

[00116] US 3200819 A

[00117] US 8393331 B2

[00118] US 8915254 B2

[00119] US 2162738 A

[00120] US 2525785 A

[00121] US 3200819 A

[00122] US 3567809 A

[00123] US 3775308 A

[00124] US 3883626 A

[00125] US 4557949 A

[00126] US 4771796 A

[00127] US 4922901 A

[00128] US 6365416 Bl

[00129] US 7611628 Bl

[00130] US 7977384 Bl

[00131] US 8479747 B2

[00132] US 2006/0196518 Al

[00133] US 2008/0302377 Al

[00134] EP 1176143 B l

[00135] W0 2013/088230 Al