Method and system for controlling a vapor generator
AssigneePhilip Morris USA Inc.
InventorsNiranjan Maharajh, Chris Tucker, David Keeler
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A programmable vapor generator forms a volatilized liquid by supplying a material in liquid form to a flow passage and heating the flow passage, such that the material volatilizes and expands out of an outlet of the channel. The volatilized material, if desired, mixes with ambient air such that volatilized material condenses to form the aerosol. An apparatus and method for generating such a volatilized liquid, as well as the control and methods of heating, are disclosed as an analytical tool useful for experimental use, a tool useful for production of commercial products or an inhaler device.
Claims36
A computer-based method for controlling a vapor generator, comprising:
- (a) receiving vapor generator control parameters;
- (b) directing the operation of a vapor generator for a fixed period, wherein the generator is controlled by the received control parameters;
- (c) storing the control parameters and operational data of the vapor generator as a control profile for the vapor generator;
- (d) repeating steps (b)–(c) for a predetermined number of iterations;
- (e) selecting a stored control profile;
- and
- (f) automatically controlling the operation of the vapor generator with the data of the selected control profile.
A computer-based method for controlling a vapor generator, comprising:
- selecting a profile for the operation of a vapor generator;
- and
- automatically directing the operation of the vapor generator based on the data of the selected profile, wherein the data of the selected profile includes:
- a voltage of a power supply of the vapor generator for directing power to a heater of the vapor generator;
- a power range for energizing the heater;
- and
- a target resistance for the heater.
A computer-based method for controlling a vapor generator, comprising:
- calibrating the operation of a vapor generator with at least two precision resistances, wherein the power level required to energize at least one heater across each of the at least two resistances is recorded upon operation of the vapor generator for a fixed period of time;
- calculating a function based on the at least two precision resistances and the corresponding at least two recorded power levels;
- calculating the slope of the function as a first correction coefficient;
- calculating the intercept of the function on a y axis as a second correction coefficient;
- and
- automatically applying the first and second correction coefficients to software of a controller for directing the operation of the at least one heater of the vapor generator.
A computer-based system for controlling a vapor generator, comprising:
- a controller configured to direct operation of a vapor generator;
- a user interface configured to receive control parameters for controlling the operation of the controller, including selection of a vapor generator profile;
- at least one heater powered by an energy source according to the selected vapor generator profile;
- and
- at least one pump directing a fluid material through the at least one heater, wherein the at least one heater is energized by the energy source such that the fluid material is vaporized by the heater.
A computer-based system for controlling a vapor generator, comprising:
- a user interface module configured to receive control parameters for controlling the operation of the vapor generator;
- a profile module configured to automatically create one or more profiles for controlling the operation of the vapor generator based on the received control parameters, wherein the user interface module is further configured to select one or more of the created profiles;
- and
- a heater module configured to energize one or more heaters and to provide for fluid delivery to the one or more heaters based on one or more user-selected profiles.
A vapor generator control system, comprising a computer system, said computer system including at least one of a software program for controlling a vapor generator, a user interface, a memory, and a profile module configured to receive user-specified control parameters and to create one or more profiles for controlling the operation of a vapor generator.
A system for controlling a vapor generator, comprising:
- means for receiving control parameters;
- means for creating one or more profiles for controlling a vapor generator;
- means for energizing one or more heaters according to the one or more profiles;
- and
- means for vaporizing a liquid material directed through the one or more heaters.
A computer-readable medium encoded with software for controlling the operation of a vapor generator, wherein the software is provided for:
- receiving vapor generator control parameters;
- directing the operation of a vapor generator for a fixed period, wherein the generator is controlled by the received control parameters;
- storing the control parameters and operational data of the vapor generator as a control profile for the vapor generator;
- selecting a stored control profile;
- and
- automatically controlling the operation of the vapor generator with the data of the selected control profile.
A computer program, which, when executed by a computer, implements a vapor generator controller by performing the steps of:
- calibrating the operation of a vapor generator with at least two precision resistances, wherein the power level required to energize at least one heater across each of the at least two resistances is recorded upon operation of the vapor generator for a fixed period of time;
- calculating a function based on the at least two precision resistances and the corresponding at least two recorded power levels;
- calculating the slope of the function as a first correction coefficient;
- calculating the intercept of the function on a y axis as a second correction coefficient;
- and
- automatically applying the first and second correction coefficients to software of a controller for directing the operation of the at least one heater of the vapor generator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.