High frequency polarization aerosol generator

Abstract

A vaporizing device such as an electronic cigarette includes a housing ( 11 ) containing a battery ( 12 ) or other electrical power source electrically connected to a high frequency oscillation circuit ( 50 ). Two electrodes or electrode pads ( 56 ) with a liquid space ( 70 ) between them are electrically connected to the high frequency oscillation circuit ( 50 ). A liquid supply ( 34 ) in the C housing ( 11 ) provides a liquid into the liquid space ( 70 ). The high frequency oscillation circuit ( 50 ) is switched on by a manual switch or by a sensor ( 24 ) sensing inhalation by a user. The liquid is vaporized by dielectric heating.

1 . A vaporizing device comprising:
 a housing containing an electrical power source electrically connected to a high frequency oscillation circuit;   first and second electrodes electrically connected to the high frequency oscillation circuit, with a liquid space between the first and second electrodes;   a liquid supply in the housing positioned to provide a polar liquid into the liquid space; and   a switch electrically connected to the high frequency oscillation circuit for turning on the high frequency oscillation circuit to vaporize the liquid via dielectric heating.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the switch comprises an inhalation sensor connected to an electronic controller. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  with the first and second electrodes comprising first and second electrode pads including a first insulator on the first electrode and a second insulator on the second conductor, respectively. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the liquid space is annular. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the liquid space is dimensioned to allow liquid to flow into the liquid space via capillary forces. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the liquid comprises propylene glycol, glycerol or vegetable glycerin. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the liquid has a dipole moment of 1.0 to 8.0 Debyes. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the liquid has a dipole moment 1.0 to 4.0. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the power source comprises a battery. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the high frequency oscillation circuit operates a frequency of 50 KHz to 980 MHz. 
     
     
         11 . A vaporizing device comprising:
 a housing containing an electrical power source electrically connected to a high frequency oscillation circuit;   first and second electrode pads electrically connected to the high frequency oscillation circuit;   a liquid space between the first and second electrode pads;   a liquid supply in the housing positioned to provide a polar liquid into the liquid space;   a switch electrically connected to the high frequency oscillation circuit for turning on the high frequency oscillation circuit to vaporize the liquid via dielectric heating.   
     
     
         12 . The vaporizing device of  claim 11  with each electrode pad including a heat insulation layer on an electrode. 
     
     
         13 . The vaporizing device of  claim 11  with the heat insulation layer comprising a porous material or a fiber material. 
     
     
         14 . The vaporizing device of  claim 12  with the heat insulation layer comprising an air gap. 
     
     
         15 . The vaporizing device of  claim 11  with each electrode pad comprising an electrically conductive carbon aerogel. 
     
     
         16 . The vaporizing device of  claim 11  further including a liquid conductor extending from the liquid supply to the liquid space. 
     
     
         17 . The vaporizing device of  claim 11  with each electrode pad having a round or rectangular shape. 
     
     
         18 . The vaporizing device of  claim 11  with one or both of the electrode pads comprising a tube. 
     
     
         19 . The vaporizing device of  claim 11  with one or both of the electrode pads comprising a metal mesh material. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 11  wherein the high frequency oscillation circuit operates a frequency of 50 KHz to 980 MHz and at a voltage of 30 to 5000 V. 
     
     
         21 - 25 . (canceled)