Aerosol generator and methods of making and using an aerosol generator

A method of making an aerosol generator, comprising the steps of:

• arranging a heater relative to a tube for heating of the tube, the tube having first and second ends;
• connecting the second end of the tube to a source of material to be volatilized;
• providing an openable and closeable valve between the source of material and the tube;
• providing a pressurization arrangement for causing material in the source of material to be introduced into the tube from the source of material when the valve is in an open position;
• connecting the valve to a source of power for opening and closing the valve;
• connecting the heater to the source of power;
• connecting the source of power to a control device for controlling a supply of power from the source of power to the heater and the valve.

A method of using an aerosol generator, comprising the steps of:

• providing a first signal, indicative of a user's intention to use the aerosol generator, to a control device;
• sending, with the control device and in response to the first signal, a second signal to a source of power to cause the source of power to open an openable and closeable valve, the valve being disposed between a source of material to be volatilized and a tube, opening of the valve permitting material from the source of material to flow from the source of material and into the tube;
• causing material from the source of material to flow from the source of material and into the tube;
• sending, with the control device and in response to the first signal, a third signal to the source of power to supply power to a heater disposed relative to the tube to heat the tube;
• and
• heating material from the source of material in the tube with the heater to a vaporization temperature such that the material volatilizes and expands out of an open end of the tube.