As 5c said, it can take years. It all depends on the "Office Actions" you receive from the PTO. These days virtually every application is initially denied or has a good number of claims rejected. It is typically a back and forth with the PTO, they file an Office Action and you file a Response to the Office Action. The PTO is also understaffed so nothing gets done quickly.
Also, as 5c said, you are protected from the filing of the application, if ultimately granted and at least so far as the claims that are finally allowed.
Mike, I am still fairly new here - I had not realized that it has been less than a year since you introduced Variable Voltage to the vaping world. Did you write the PTO application yourself?
I did NOT write it myself only fools do that ! ( sorry if anybody has done that ! ) And you are right it takes about 2 yr avg. to be assigned in the mean time we are PAtent Pending , there is a bunch of stuff that applies ( to much to go into here ) regarding other VV makers , we will inform them of the application so they are aware of it and can take measures that they may need to take .
It has been less then 1 yr sense VV came out and there are at least 15 MFG making VV devices they will be notified by my attorney about this and be given a chance to licence VV from us at that time .
Mod makers that do not sell devices will have NO WORRIES , that is an open area and will remain so ( like making a copy of a CD for your own use , no problem )