Diffusion Barrier

Abstract

The migration of residue from the vaporization of e-liquid is impeded from migration into an e-liquid reservoir through the introduction of a diffusion barrier. This barrier slows or stops the migration of the residue so that the expected life of the pod will have expired before the residue can migrate into the reservoir and cause fouling of the e-liquid which is often manifested as a discoloration of the e-liquid.

1 . A pod, for storing an atomizable liquid, for use within a vaping system, the pod comprising:
 a reservoir for storing the atomizable liquid;   a heater for atomizing the atomizable liquid;   a wick for drawing atomizable liquid from the reservoir towards the heater; and   a diffusion barrier, distinct from the wick, interposed between the wick and the reservoir for impeding migration of residue resulting from atomization of the atomizable liquid from the wick into the atomizable liquid within the reservoir.   
     
     
         2 . The pod of  claim 1  wherein the atomizable liquid is an e-liquid comprising at least one of vegetable glycerine, propylene glycol, nicotine and a flavorant. 
     
     
         3 . The pod of  claim 1  wherein the atomizable liquid comprises a cannabinoid. 
     
     
         4 . The pod of  claim 1  wherein the heater is aligned with an airflow path through the pod to allow atomized liquid to be entrained in an airflow in the airflow path. 
     
     
         5 . The pod of  claim 1  wherein the diffusion barrier is a sponge comprising spun nylon. 
     
     
         6 . The pod of  claim 5  wherein the diffusion barrier is in physical contact with first and second ends of the wick. 
     
     
         7 . The pod of  claim 6  wherein the diffusion barrier occludes a wick feed line between the reservoir and the wick. 
     
     
         8 . The pod of  claim 5  wherein the diffusion barrier does not contact the wick. 
     
     
         9 . The pod of  claim 8  wherein the diffusion barrier occludes a wick feed line between the reservoir and the wick. 
     
     
         10 . The pod of  claim 1  wherein the diffusion barrier is situated in the reservoir. 
     
     
         11 . The pod of  claim 10  wherein the diffusion barrier is a membrane. 
     
     
         12 . The pod of  claim 11  wherein the membrane preferentially allows movement of the e-liquid in one direction. 
     
     
         13 . The pod of  claim 11  wherein the membrane comprises expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. 
     
     
         14 . The pod of  claim 1  wherein the barrier is a spun nylon sponge. 
     
     
         15 . The pod of  claim 1  wherein the barrier is comprised of at least one of cotton, nylon, wool, linen, and hemp. 
     
     
         16 . The pod of  claim 1  wherein the wick is vertically aligned within the pod around an airflow path through the pod. 
     
     
         17 . The pod of  claim 1  wherein the diffusion barrier forms a ring around the wick. 
     
     
         18 . The pod of  claim 17  wherein the diffusion barrier isolates the wick from the reservoir. 
     
     
         19 . A vaporizer system for atomizing an atomizable liquid, the vaporizer comprising:
 a battery for storing power;   a reservoir for storing the atomizable liquid;   a heater for atomizing the atomizable liquid in response to receipt of power from the battery;   control circuitry for controlling application of power from the battery to the heater in response to an indication indicative of use;   a wick for drawing atomizable liquid from the reservoir towards the heater; and   a diffusion barrier, distinct from the wick, interposed between the wick and the reservoir for resisting migration of residue resulting from atomization of the atomizable liquid from the wick into the atomizable liquid within the reservoir.