RU2775364C2 - Electronic vaping device with illumination at outlet end - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco industry.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to a cartridge for an electronic vaping device, an electronic vaping device and a method for control of an electronic device. The cartridge for the electronic vaping device contains a structural element that at least partially forms a reservoir. The reservoir is made with the possibility of holding a ready-made evaporation composition. The cartridge also contains a vapor generator made with the possibility of drawing the ready-made evaporation composition from the reservoir and heating the drawn ready-made evaporation composition to form generated vapor. The cartridge also contains a case extending along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. The case at least partially surrounds the reservoir and the vapor generator. The case has an extreme end and an outlet end and is made with the possibility of directing light from the extreme end of the case to the outlet end of the case by internal reflection through the inner part of the case. The cartridge contains an outlet end insert connected to the outlet end of the case. The outlet end insert contains at least one outlet communicating along the flow with the vapor generator, wherein the outlet end insert is made with the possibility of directing generated vapor from the cartridge through at least one outlet. The outlet end insert is additionally made with the possibility of emitting directional light.

EFFECT: possibility of providing a user watching an outlet end with additional parameters about the operation of an electronic vaping device.

22 cl, 6 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to electronic vaping devices, electronic vaping devices, and non-burning vaping devices.

The electronic vaping device contains a heater element that vaporizes the finished vaping composition to generate "steam", sometimes referred to herein as "steam generated". One example of such a device is disclosed in US 2016331037 A1 and is the closest analogue of the claimed invention.

The electronic vaping device includes a power supply, such as a rechargeable battery, housed in the device. The battery is electrically connected to the steam generator so that the heater element in it is heated to a temperature sufficient to convert the finished composition for evaporation into generated steam. The generated vapor exits the electronic vaping device through an outlet end insert which includes an outlet.

According to some illustrative embodiments, a cartridge for an electronic vaping device may include a structural element at least partially forming a reservoir, a reservoir configured to hold a finished vaporization composition, a vapor generator configured to draw a finished vaporization composition from the reservoir and heat the drawn in ready composition for evaporation with the formation of generated steam, a housing extending along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, and an insert for the outlet end associated with the housing. The housing may at least partially surround the reservoir and the steam generator. The body may have an end end and an outlet end. The body may be configured to direct light from the outermost end of the body to the outlet end of the body by internal reflection through the interior of the body. The outlet end insert may be connected to the outlet end of the body. The outlet end insert may comprise at least one outlet in fluid communication with the steam generator. The outlet end insert may be configured to direct the generated vapor from the cartridge through the at least one outlet. The outlet end insert may be further configured to emit directional light.

The housing may be configured to receive, at an extreme end of the housing, light emitted from a light source that is external to the cartridge through an opening at the extreme end of the cartridge.

The cartridge may further comprise a light source at the extreme end of the cartridge. The light source may be configured to emit at least a portion of the received light.

The light source may be configured to emit light having a selected color from a plurality of colors.

The outlet end insert may be configured to direct directional light substantially exclusively through the outlet end surface of the outlet end insert. The outlet end surface may extend substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

The body and insert for the outlet end may be enclosed in a separate one-piece element.

At least the housing may be transparent to visible light in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

According to some exemplary embodiments, an electronic vaping device may include a cartridge and a power supply section. The cartridge may comprise a structural element at least partially forming a reservoir, a reservoir configured to hold the finished vaporization composition, a steam generator configured to draw the finished vaporization composition from the reservoir and heat the drawn in finished vaporization composition to form generated vapor, a housing , passing along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, and an insert for the outlet end associated with the housing. The housing may at least partially surround the reservoir and the steam generator. The body may have an end end and an outlet end. The body may be configured to direct light from the outermost end of the body to the outlet end of the body by internal reflection through the interior of the body. The outlet end insert may be connected to the outlet end of the body. The outlet end insert may comprise at least one outlet in fluid communication with the steam generator. The outlet end insert may be configured to direct the generated vapor from the cartridge through the at least one outlet. The outlet end insert may be further configured to emit directional light. The power supply section may be configured to energize the cartridge to initiate generation of generated steam by the steam generator.

The electronic vaping device may further comprise a light source contained in one of the cartridge and power supply section. The light source may be configured to emit light based on power supplied from the power supply section. The housing may be configured to receive at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source at the extreme end of the housing.

The electronic vaping device may further comprise a control circuit configured to activate the light source based on a determination that air is drawn in through at least a portion of the electronic vaping device. The control circuitry may further be configured to cause the light source to remain activated for at least a specific elapsed time period after the air drawing through at least a portion of the electronic vaping device has ceased.

The light source may be configured to emit light having a particular property. The specific property may be at least one of the color of the light and the brightness of the light. The control circuit may be further configured to control a specific property of the light emitted by the light source based on determining that the light source has emitted light for at least a threshold elapsed time period, a certain amount of ready-to-evaporate composition held in the reservoir, a certain amount the electrical charge held in the power supply section, the amount of generated steam that is generated by the steam generator, and combinations thereof.

The outlet end insert may be configured to direct directed light substantially exclusively through an outlet end surface that extends at least partially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

The body and insert for the outlet end may be enclosed in a separate one-piece element.

At least the housing may be transparent to visible light in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

At least the power supply section may include a housing that is opaque to visible light.

The power supply section and the cartridge may be releasably coupled to each other.

The power supply section may contain a rechargeable battery.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a method for controlling an electronic vaping device may include determining that at least a threshold airflow is being drawn in through at least an insert for an outlet end of the electronic vaping device, and controlling a light source of the electronic vaping device to emit light through an internal part of the electronic vaping device based on determining that light passes through the inside of the body of the electronic vaping device to the outlet end insert, and the outlet end insert emits directional light.

The light source may be configured to emit light having a particular property. The specific property may be at least one of the color of the light and the brightness of the light. The control may include controlling a particular property of the light emitted by the light source based on determining that the light source has emitted light for at least a threshold elapsed time period, a certain amount of vaping composition held in the reservoir of the electronic vaping device, a certain amount of electrical the charge held in the power supply section of the electronic vaping device, the amount of generated steam that is generated by the heating element of the electronic vaping device, and combinations thereof.

The outlet end insert may be configured to direct directional light substantially exclusively through an outlet end surface that extends at least partially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the electronic vaping device.

The body and insert for the outlet end may be enclosed in a separate one-piece element.

At least the housing may be transparent to visible light in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the electronic vaping device.

Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein may become more apparent upon consideration of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims. The accompanying graphics are not to be taken to scale unless expressly stated. For clarity, the various sizes of the graphics may have been enlarged.

In FIG. 1A is a side view of an electronic vaping device according to some exemplary embodiments;

in fig. 1B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the line IB-IB' of the electronic vaping device shown in FIG. 1A;

in fig. 1C is an orthogonal sectional view along the line IC-IC' of the electronic vaping device shown in FIG. 1A;

in fig. 1D is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the outlet end of an electronic vaping device according to some exemplary embodiments;

in fig. 1E is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic vaping device according to some exemplary embodiments; and

in fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating operations that may be performed according to some illustrative embodiments.

Some detailed illustrative embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are provided solely for the purpose of describing illustrative embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

Accordingly, since the illustrative embodiments may have various modifications and alternative forms, the corresponding illustrative embodiments are shown as examples in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the illustrative embodiments to the specific forms disclosed, but rather, the illustrative embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the scope of the illustrative embodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

It should be understood that if an element or layer is designated as "located on", "connected to", "associated with" or "covering" another element or layer, it may be directly located on, connected to, associated with, or may cover another element or layer, or intermediate elements or layers may be present. Conversely, if an element is designated as "directly located on", "directly connected to", or "directly connected to" another element or layer, then there are no intermediate elements or layers. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Therefore, the first element, region, layer, or section described below may be referred to as the second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the illustrative embodiments.

The terms of relative spatial location (for example, "below", "under", "bottom", "above", "upper", etc.) can be used in this document to simplify the description when disclosing the relationship of one element or feature with another element (elements) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the terms of relative spatial arrangement are intended to cover different orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is reversed, then elements described as being "under" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the term "under" can cover the orientation both above and below. The device may be oriented differently (rotated 90 degrees or placed in other orientations), and definitions of relative spatial location used herein are interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is only intended to describe various illustrative embodiments and is not intended to limit the illustrative embodiments. In the context of this document, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "comprises" and "comprising" when used in this description indicate the presence of the specified features, integers, steps, operations, elements or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other signs, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and their groups.

Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations, which are schematic representations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of exemplary embodiments. Thus, differences from the forms of the illustrations are to be expected as a result of, for example, manufacturing techniques or inaccuracies. Therefore, exemplary embodiments should not be construed as being limited to the shapes of the regions illustrated herein, but should contain variations in shape that are due, for example, to the manufacturing process.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments relate. It should also be understood that terms, including those defined in common dictionaries, should be interpreted as having the meaning appropriate to their meaning in the context of the relevant technical field, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined. in this document.

When the terms "approximately" or "substantially" are used herein in conjunction with a numerical value, the associated numerical value is intended to include an error of ±10% of the specified numerical value. Moreover, when referring to percentages in this description, it is understood that these percentages are given in terms of weight, i.e., represent weight percent. The "no more" expression contains numeric values from zero to the expressed upper limit and all values in between. When you specify a range, the range includes all values within its range, such as increments in 0.1% increments. Moreover, when using the words "generally" and "substantially" in conjunction with geometric shapes, it is understood that precision in geometric shape is not required, but such freedom in terms of shape is within the scope of this disclosure. Although the tubular elements in the embodiments may be cylindrical, tubular shapes with other cross sections such as square, rectangular, oval, triangular, and others are contemplated.

In FIG. 1A is a side view of an electronic vaping device 10 according to some exemplary embodiments. In FIG. 1B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the line IB-IB' of the electronic vaping device 10 shown in FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1C is an orthogonal sectional view along the line IC-IC' of the electronic vaping device 10 shown in FIG. 1A.

In at least one illustrative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1A-1B, the electronic vaping device 10 (electronic vaping device) may comprise a replaceable cartridge (or first section) 15, sometimes referred to herein as an "e-vaping tank", and a reusable battery section 20 (or second section, also referred to as herein as the power supply section) that can be connected together on the respective interface elements 25A, 25B. The interface elements 25A, 25B may be releasably coupled to each other such that the first section 15 and second section 20 are releasably coupled to each other. It should be understood that each interface (also referred to herein as a connector) of the interfaces 25A, 25B can be any type of interface, including at least one of a slip fit, latch, clip, bayonet connector, and lock. In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 1A-1C, the air inlets 27 extend through a portion of the interface member 25B. It should be understood that in some exemplary embodiments, the air inlet 27 may extend through a separate portion of the electronic vaping device 10, including interface 25A, for example.

In some exemplary embodiments, at least one air inlet 27 may be formed in at least one of the first housing 30, the second housing 30', the interface 25A, and the interface 25B. In some illustrative embodiments, the air inlets 27 can be machined with a precision tool such that their diameters are precisely controlled and repeated from one electronic vaping device 10 to the next during the manufacturing process.

In some exemplary embodiments, air inlets 27 may be drilled with carbide drills or other precision tools or techniques. In some illustrative embodiments, one or both of the outer casings 30, 30' may be at least partially formed from metal or metal alloys such that the size and shape of the air inlets 27 cannot be changed during manufacturing, packaging, and steaming operations. . Therefore, the air inlets 27 can provide a constant draw resistance ("RTD"). In some illustrative embodiments, the air inlets 27 may be sized and configured such that the electronic vaping device 10 has an RTD in the range of about 60 mm H ₂ O to about 150 mm H ₂ O.

In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the interface elements 25A, 25B may be the connector described in US Patent Application No. 15/154439, filed May 13, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As described in US Patent Application No. 15/154439, the interface element of the interface elements 25A, 25B can be formed using a deep drawing process.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first section 15 may include a first housing 30 and the second section 20 may comprise a second housing 30'. The electronic vaping device 10 includes an outlet end insert 35 at the first end. As mentioned herein, the first end of the electronic vaping device 10 may be referred to as the outlet end 45 of the electronic vaping device 10. In some exemplary embodiments, outlet end insert 35 and first housing 30 may be transparent to visible light in one or more directions. The outlet end insert 35 and the first body 30 may at least partially comprise a transparent material comprising one or more of a transparent plastic material, a transparent glass material, some combination thereof, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 1A-1B, in some illustrative embodiments, the first section 15 may include a structural element (also referred to herein as an inner tube 32) at least partially defining a reservoir 34 configured to hold the finished composition for evaporation, a steam generator 40 configured with the possibility of drawing in the finished composition for evaporation from the tank 34 and heating the drawn-in ready composition for evaporation with the formation of generated steam, and the first housing 30 extending along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 15, and the insert 35 for the outlet end associated with the outlet end 31B of the first housing 30. The first housing 30 may at least partially surround reservoir 34 and steam generator 40. The first body 30 has an end end 31A and an outlet end 31B. The outlet end insert 35 may include a cavity 35A and at least one air outlet 36 in fluid communication with the steam generator 40 through at least cavity 35A. The outlet end insert 35 may be configured to direct the generated steam generated by the steam generator 40 from the first section 15 through at least one air outlet 36 .

In some illustrative embodiments, at least one of the first housing 30 and the second housing 30' is transparent to visible light in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first section 15. In some illustrative embodiments, at least one of the second housing 30 ' and the first housing 30 may be opaque to visible light.

As further described below, the first housing 30 may be configured to guide light through the interior of the first housing 30 via internal reflection. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the first body 30 can receive light 92 at the end end 31A of the first body 30, and the light 92 can be guided as reflected from the inner surface of the light 94 through the inside of the first body 30 from the end end 31A to its outlet end 31B based on the internal reflection of the reflected light. from the inner surface of the light 94 between the surfaces of the first housing 30.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the first body 30 may include an end end portion 33 that is configured to receive light 92 at the end end 31A of the first body 30 into the interior of the first body 30. As shown, the end end portion 33 is configured to allow light 92 to pass through the inside of the first body 30 so that light is reflected from the inside surface through the first body 30, from the outermost end 31A of the first body 30 to the outlet end 31B of the first body, as light reflected from the inside surface 94.

As further described below, interior surface reflected light 94 may be directed ("emitted") from outlet end 31B of first housing 30 to outlet end insert 35, where light may further be directed through outlet end insert 35 to radiate from electronic device 10. for vaping in the form of emitted light 96. As shown in FIG. 1B, emitted light 96 may be emitted at least partially from the outlet end surface 35B of the outlet end insert 35, where the outlet end surface 35B extends at least partially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the first section.

Referring again to FIG. 1A-1B, the first section 15 may include an inner tube 32 that defines the inner longitudinal boundary of the annular cylindrical reservoir 34 in the first section 15, and the first body 30 may define the outer longitudinal boundary of the reservoir 34. As further shown in FIG. 1B, the outlet end insert 35 may define the outlet end of the reservoir 34, and the first section 15 may include a transfer packing 38 that defines the outer end of the reservoir 34. In some illustrative embodiments, the first section 15 may include a liner (not shown in FIG. 1A-1C) that defines the outlet end of the reservoir 34 such that the gasket assembly is between the reservoir 34 and the outlet end insert 35.

The inner tube 32 may form at least a portion of the channel 42 passing through the first section 15. As shown in FIG. 1B, the outermost end of the inner tube 32 is connected to the transmission packing 38 such that the outermost end of the inner tube 32 passes through the transmission packing 38 and the inner tube 32 defines a conduit 42 that is in fluid communication with the passage 41A, as further described below. As further shown in FIG. 1B, the outlet end of the inner tube 32 is connected to the outlet end insert 35, in the cavity 35A with which the air outlets 36 are in fluid communication, such that the inner tube 32 defines a channel 42 that is in fluid communication with the outlets. holes 36 for air.

Reservoir 34 may be refillable through a reservoir opening using any commercially available off-the-shelf evaporator to continuously recycle first section 15. In some exemplary embodiments, the reservoir opening is included in the outlet end insert and allows access to the reservoir. 34 on the outside of the first section 15.

As shown in FIG. 1B, transfer packing 38 provides a seal with housing 30 and is further configured to transport the finished vaporization composition from reservoir 34 and between opposite (outlet end and top end) surfaces of transfer packing 38 to a dispensing interface 41, which is further described below.

In some exemplary embodiments, transfer pad 38 comprises a plurality of fibers. Each fiber of the plurality of fibers may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the electronic vaping device 10. Transfer pad 38 may be formed from at least one of polypropylene and polyester. The transfer pad 38 may be formed by melt blown, which is a process by which at least one of the microfibers and nanofibers is formed from at least one polymer that is melted and extruded through small nozzles surrounded by a high velocity blown gas or air. The polymers used in the melt blown process do not contain any processing aids such as antistatic agents, lubricants, binders or surfactants. Therefore, the polymers are substantially pure and the transfer pack 38 is inert to the finished vaporization composition. In some exemplary embodiments, polymers may be blended with processing aids such as at least one of antistatic agents, lubricants, binders, and surfactants. Transfer packing 38 is available from Essentra PLC.

In some exemplary embodiments, the transfer pad 38 includes an outer side wall. The outer side wall may have a coating on it that helps reduce leakage or form a seal between the transfer packing 38 and the inner surface of the first housing 30. In some exemplary embodiments, the transfer packing 38 includes a plurality of channels. Each of the plurality of channels is between adjacent channels of the plurality of fibers.

In some illustrative embodiments, from about 50% to about 100% (for example, from about 55% to about 95%, from about 60% to about 90%, from about 65% to about 85%, or from about 70% to about 75% %) of the plurality of fibers extend substantially along the longitudinal axis of the electronic vaping device 10. In some exemplary embodiments, from about 75% to about 95% (eg, from about 80% to about 90%, or from about 82% to about 88%) of the plurality of fibers extend along a substantially longitudinal axis.

The transfer packing 38 may be generally cylindrical or disk-shaped, but the transfer packing is not limited to cylindrical or disk-shaped shapes, and the shape of the transfer packing may depend on the shape of the reservoir and body. The outer diameter of the transfer packing 38 may range from about 3.0 mm to about 20.0 mm (e.g., from about 5.0 mm to about 18.0 mm, from about 7.0 mm to about 15.0 mm, from about 9.0 mm to about 13.0 mm or from about 10.0 mm to about 12.0 mm).

In some illustrative embodiments, the transfer pad 38 is oriented such that the channels are generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first body 30 (where the longitudinal axis of the first body 30 may be the longitudinal axis of the vaping electronic device 10). In some illustrative embodiments, the transfer packing 38 is oriented such that the channels do not extend transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body 30.

Although not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the volatilized composition passes through the channels and the diameter of the channels is such that the surface tension and pressure of the liquid in the tank move and hold the volatilized composition in the channel without leakage.

Based on the Hagen-Poiseuille equation and the principles of capillary action, it is believed that the flow rate of the finished composition for evaporation through the channels is directly proportional to the pore size of the channel and the surface tension of the liquid. Moreover, it is believed that the flow rate of the finished composition for evaporation through the channels is inversely proportional to the viscosity of the liquid and the length of the channel.

In some exemplary embodiments, transfer pad 38 has a density in the range of about 0.08 g/cc. cm to approximately 0.3 g / cu. cm (for example, from about 0.01 g/cc to about 0.25 g/cc or from about 0.1 g/cc to about 0.2 g/cc). The transfer pad 38 has a length in the range of about 0.5 millimeters (mm) to about 10.0 mm (e.g., about 1.0 mm to about 9.0 mm, about 2.0 mm to about 8.0 mm , from about 3.0 mm to about 7.0 mm, or from about 4.0 mm to about 6.0 mm). In some exemplary embodiments, as the density of the transfer pad 38 increases, the length of the transfer pad decreases. Therefore, transfer pads 38 having lower densities in the above range may be longer than transfer pads 38 having higher densities.

In some exemplary embodiments, transfer pad 38 has a length of from about 5.0 mm to about 10.0 mm and a density of about 0.08 g/cc. cm to approximately 0.1 g / cu. cm.

In some exemplary embodiments, transfer pad 38 has a length of from about 0.5 mm to about 5.0 mm and a density of about 0.1 g/cc. cm to approximately 0.3 g / cu. cm.

In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the density and length of the transfer packing 38 is selected based on the viscosity of the fluid flowing through it. Moreover, the density of the transfer packing 38 is selected based on the required mass of vapor, the required flow rate of the flow rate of the finished vaporization composition, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the steam generator 40 includes a distributing interface element 41 configured to draw in a ready-to-flash composition from a reservoir 34, and a heating element 43 configured to vaporize the drawn-in ready-to-flash composition to form generated steam.

Distributor interface 41 is coupled to transfer packing 38 such that distribution interface 41 can extend transversely over at least a portion of a side of the upper end of transfer packing 38. As described above, transfer packing 38 is configured to transport the finished evaporative composition from the reservoir. 34 to the upper end side of the transfer packing 38. Therefore, the distributing element 41 interface is in fluid communication with the tank 34 through the transfer packing 38. element 43.

The heating element 43 is configured to generate heat. As shown in FIG. 1B, the heating element 43 is connected to the upper end side of the interface spreading element 41, and can extend along the surface of the upper end side of the interface spreading element 41.

The distributing interface element 41 is configured to draw the ready composition for evaporation from the transfer packing 38 so that the ready composition for evaporation can evaporate from the distributing element 41 as a result of heating the distributing element 41 interface by means of the heating element 43.

During vaping, the ready composition for evaporation can be transferred from at least one of the reservoir 34 and the storage medium in the vicinity of the heating element 43 through the capillary action of the distributing element 41 interface. As shown, the heating element 43 can at least partially extend along the side of the upper end of the interface distribution element 41 so that when the heating element 43 is activated to generate heat, the composition is ready to evaporate in the part of the interface distribution element 41, in other words, near the side of the upper the end of the distributing element 41 interface, can be evaporated by the heating element 43 with the formation of generated steam.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the dispensing interface includes a passage 41A passing through the dispensing interface 41 and in fluid communication with the channel 42 of the inner tube 32.

Still referring to FIG. 1B, the first section 15 includes an interior space 44 on a portion of the rear side (upper end) of the steam generator 40. The interior space 44 is at least partially formed by the first housing 30, the interface element 25A and the steam generator 40. The interior space 44 provides communication between the channel 42 and one or more air inlets 27 that may extend between the interior space 44 and the outside of the electronic vaping device 10. Therefore, passage 41A establishes fluid communication between the air inlets 27 and the passage 42 through the interior 44, thereby allowing air to be drawn into the passage 42 from the air inlets 27.

In some illustrative embodiments, the generated steam that is generated by the steam generator 40 as a result of the heating element 43 evaporating at least some of the ready-to-vaporize composition drawn into the interface 41 from the reservoir 34 may be at least partially entrained by air drawn into channel 42 of the inlet holes 27 for air. As a result, the generated steam can be drawn through the channel 42 into the cavity 35A. The steam generated can then be drawn out of the electronic vaping device through the air outlets 36 in the outlet end insert 35 .

Referring to FIG. 1A-1C, the first section 15 includes an outlet end insert 35 associated with the first body 30 and the inner tube 32 such that the outlet end insert 35 simultaneously forms the outlet end side of the reservoir 34 and establishes fluid communication between the cavity 35A and the outlet holes. 36 for the air of the outlet end insert 35 with passage 42. In some illustrative embodiments, the first section 15 may further comprise a gasket assembly between the outlet end insert 35 and the inner tube 32 such that the outlet end insert 35 is connected to the first housing 30 and communicates in fluid with channel 42 through one or more passages passing through the gasket assembly.

As shown in FIG. 1A-1C, outlet end insert 35 includes one or more air outlets 36 that extend at least partially through outlet end insert 35. As further shown, the outlet end insert 35 may include a cavity 35A connected to the air outlets 36. As shown, the outlet end insert 35 may be connected to the inner tube 32 so that the cavity is in direct fluid communication with the outlet end of the channel 42, thereby establishing fluid communication between the air outlets 36 and the channel 42 through the cavity. 35A. As a result, air drawn in through the passage 42 towards the outlet end of the electronic vaping device 10 can be drawn out from the electronic vaping device through the cavity 35A and one or more of the air outlets 36 .

Still referring to FIG. 1A-1C, the outlet end insert 35 may be configured to receive internally reflected light 94 directed through the inside of the first body 30, direct the received light through at least a portion of the inside of the outlet end insert 35, and emit the directed light into in the form of emitted light 96 through at least one surface of the insert 35 for the outlet end.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the outlet end insert 35 may receive internally reflected light 94 from the first body 30 at the boundary between the outlet end insert 35 and the outlet end 31B of the first body 30. The outlet end insert 35 may further direct the received light based on one or more from internal reflection, refraction, transmission, etc. onto the outlet end surface 35B of the outlet end insert 35, thereby allowing light to be emitted as emitted light 96 such that the light 96 is emitted in one or more directions that are orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the outlet end surface 35B. In some exemplary embodiments, light may be at least partially radiated through one or more of the outer side walls of the outlet end insert 35. In some exemplary embodiments, outlet end insert 35 is configured to direct received light substantially exclusively through outlet end surface 35B that extends at least partially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of first section 15.

As further described below, interior surface reflected light 94, which is directed through the first body 30 by internal reflection and radiated through the surface of the outlet end insert 35 as emitted light 96, can provide an indication of one or more samples of information to an adult vaper from the outlet end of the electronic device 10 for soaring. For example, as further described below, the light 92 that is received by and directed through the first body 30 may be emitted by a light source in the electronic vaping device 10, where the light source emits light 92 to have one or more specific properties associated with specific information. so that the emitted light 96 indicates specific information to an adult vaper observing the emitted light 96.

In some illustrative embodiments, the electronic vaping device 10 may be configured for use by an adult vaper such that the outlet end 45 of the electronic vaping device 10 is located proximate to the adult vaper and the tip end 50 is farthest from the adult vaper. Since the vaping electronic device 10 can be configured to emit emitted light 96 through the surface of the outlet end insert 35, based on the inner surface reflected light 94 directed through the inside of the first body 30 by internal reflection, the light 96 can be emitted towards the adult a vaper using the electronic device 10 for vaping.

Therefore, in the event that the emitted light 96 is emitted to provide an indication of information to an adult vaper, the electronic vaping device 10, which is configured to emit light 96 through the outlet end insert 35, can be configured to provide improved visibility of the light 96 indicative of information. , for an adult vaper using the electronic vaping device 10, thereby improving the ability of the electronic vaping device 10 to transmit information to an adult vaper using the electronic vaping device 10.

In addition, since the electronic vaping device 10 is configured to emit light 96 from the insert 35 for the outlet end of the electronic vaping device 10, the electronic vaping device 10 is configured to reduce the visibility of the emitted light 96 to other parts of the proximate environment in which the an adult vaper (for example, away from an adult vaper).

As a result, the transmission of the emitted light 96 to the environment can be at least partially limited to an adult vaper, thereby at least partially limiting the recipients of information transmitted by the emitted light 96 to an adult vaper that the outlet end 45 can be approached to. transmitting the emitted light 96 to the environment can improve the quality of an adult vaper's personal space because the visibility of the emitted light 96 can be at least partially limited to an adult vaper using an electronic vaping device.

Still referring to FIG. 1B, electronic vaping device 10 includes electrical tracks 48A, 48B that can electrically couple at least a heating element 43 to a power supply 12 contained in second section 20. Electrical tracks 48A, 48B may include one or more electrical connectors. In some exemplary embodiments, when interfaces 25A, 25B are connected together, heating element 43 and power supply 12 may be electrically connected together via electrical tracks 48A, 48B.

In some exemplary embodiments, one or more interface elements 25A, 25B comprise one or more of a cathode connector and an anode connector such that when interface elements 25A, 25B are connected together, associated interface elements 25A, 25B can electrically couple together heating element 43 and the block. 12 power.

When interface elements 25A, 25B are connected together, one or more electrical circuits can be established through the first section 15 and the second section 20 ("closed"). The electrical circuits installed may comprise at least a heating element 43, a control circuit 11, a power supply 12 and a light source 14. The electrical circuit may include at least one of electrical tracks 48A, 48B, interface elements 25A, 25B, and sensor 13.

Still referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the second section 20 comprises a second body 30' extending in the longitudinal direction; a sensor 13 responsive to air drawn into the second section 20 through an air inlet 27A adjacent the free end or extreme end 50 of the vaping electronic device 10, at least one power supply 12, a control circuit 11, and a light source 14. The power supply 12 may include a rechargeable battery. Sensor 13 may be one or more of a pressure sensor, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor, and the like.

In some exemplary embodiments, power supply 12 includes a battery located in vaping electronic device 10 such that the anode is located downstream of the cathode. A connector contained in electrical track 48V may be in contact with the downstream end of the battery. The heating element 43 may be connected to the power supply 12 by means of at least two spaced electrical leads included in at least one of the separate respective electrical tracks 48A, 48B, interface elements 25A, 25B, sensor 13, source 14 lights and 11 control circuits.

Power supply 12 may be a lithium ion battery or one of its variants, such as a lithium ion polymer battery. Alternatively, power supply 12 may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a lithium manganese battery, a lithium cobalt battery, or a fuel cell. The electronic vaping device 10 can be used by an adult vaper until power supply 12 runs out or, in the case of a lithium polymer battery, until a minimum voltage cutoff level is reached.

Also, power supply 12 may be rechargeable and may include circuitry configured to allow the battery to be recharged by an external charger. The electronic vaping device 10 may be recharged using a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charger or other suitable charger assembly.

Upon completion of the connection between the first section 15 and the second section 20, the power supply 12 can be electrically connected to the heating element 43 of the steam generator 40 after activation of the sensor 13. Air is drawn mainly into the first section 15 through one or more air inlets 27. One or more air inlets 27 may be placed along the first and second housings 30 and 30' of the first and second sections 15, 20 or on one or more associated interfaces 25A, 25B.

The sensor 13 may be configured to detect a drop in air pressure and initiate a voltage supply from the power supply 12 to the heating element 43 of the steam generator 40. In addition, at least one air inlet 27A may be positioned adjacent to the sensor 13 so that the sensor 13 can detect an air flow indicative of vapor drawn in through the outlet end of the electronic vaping device 10. The sensor 13 can activate the power supply 12 and the light source 14 .

Referring to FIG. 1B, the electronic vaping device 10 may include a light source 14 that is configured to glow when the heating element 43 is activated. The light source 14 may include a light emitting diode (LED). As shown, the light source 14 may be located near the outlet end of the second section 20. For example, the light source 14 may be associated with the control circuit 11. As shown, the light source 14 may be configured to emit light 92 that passes through an opening at the boundary between interface members 25A, 25B such that light 92 enters the first section 15 through the opening at the extreme end of the first section 15, passes through the interior. 44 and is received into the inside of the first body 30 through the end end portion at the end end 31A of the first body 30.

In some illustrative embodiments, the sensor 13 is configured to generate an output signal indicative of the amount and direction of air flow in the electronic device 10 for vaping. The control circuit 11 receives the output of the sensor 13 and determines whether (1) the direction of the flow of air in fluid communication with the sensor 13 indicates a puff on the outlet end insert 35 (e.g., flow through the outlet end insert 35 towards the outside of the electronic device 10 for vaping from the channel 42), as opposed to purge (for example, flow through the insert 35 for the outlet end from the outside of the electronic device for vaping 10 towards the channel 42), and (2) whether the amount of puff (for example, the flow rate , volume flow rate, mass flow rate, some combination of these, etc.) threshold level. When the control circuit 11 determines that the direction of the air flowing downstream of the sensor 13 indicates a puff on the outlet end insert 35 (for example, flow through the outlet end insert 35 towards the outside of the electronic vaping device 10 from the channel 42) , as opposed to purge (e.g., flow through the outlet end insert 35 from the outside of the electronic vape device 10 toward the center channel 42), and puff amount (e.g., flow rate, volumetric flow rate, mass flow rate, some combination of these) etc.) exceeds the threshold level, the control circuit 11 can electrically connect the power supply 12 to the heating element 43, thereby activating the steam generator 40. Namely, the control circuit 11 can selectively electrically connect the electrical tracks 48A, 48B into a closed electrical circuit (for example, by activating the heater power control circuit contained in the control circuit 11) so that the heating element 43 becomes electrically connected to the power supply 12. In some exemplary embodiments, sensor 13 may indicate a drop in pressure, and in response, control circuit 11 may activate steam generator 40.

In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 11 may include a time period limitation element. In some illustrative embodiments, the control circuit 11 may include a manually operated switch for an adult vaper to initiate heating. The period of time for supplying electric current to the heating element 43 of the steam generator 40 may be set or pre-set depending on the amount of the ready-to-evaporate composition to be vaporized. In some exemplary embodiments, sensor 13 may detect a drop in pressure and control circuit 11 may energize heating element 43 as long as heater activation conditions are met. Such conditions may include one or more sensors 13 detecting a pressure drop that at least meets a threshold value, control circuit 11 detecting that the direction of airflow in fluid communication with sensor 13 indicates a puff at the insert 35 for the outlet end (e.g. , flow through the outlet end insert 35 towards the outside of the electronic vaping device 10 out of the channel 42), as opposed to purge (for example, the flow through the outlet end insert 35 from the outside of the electronic vaping device 10 towards the channel 42), and the amount of puff (eg, flow rate, volumetric flow rate, mass flow rate, some combination thereof, etc.) exceeds a threshold level.

In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 11 may include a maximum time period limitation element. In some illustrative embodiments, the control circuit 11 may include a manually operated switch for an adult vaper to initiate vaping. The period of time for applying electric current to the heating element 43 may be set or alternatively pre-set (for example, before starting control of the energization of the heating element 43) depending on the amount of ready vaporization composition to be vaporized. In some exemplary embodiments, control circuit 11 may control energization of heating element 43 as long as sensor 13 detects a drop in pressure.

Still referring to FIG. 1B, in some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 11 is configured to control the power supply to the light source 14 to control one or more particular properties of the light 92 emitted by the light source 14 such that the emitted light 92, when emitted as emitted light 96, conveys information. based on one or more specific properties of the emitted light. One or more specific properties of the light may include at least one of the color temperature of the emitted light 92, the brightness of the emitted light 92, and the length of time ("elapsed time") during which the light 92 is emitted by the light source 14. As mentioned herein, the "color temperature" of the emitted light may be referred to as the "color" of the emitted light.

The control circuit 11 may monitor one or more properties associated with the electronic device 10 for vaping. For example, the control circuit 11 may determine (“monitor”, “monitor”, “calculate”, etc.) the amount of ready-to-evaporate composition held in the tank 34, the amount of electrical energy (“electric charge”) held in the block 12 power supply, the amount of steam generated that is generated by the steam generator 40 during one or more separate steam generations, the airflow rate through at least a portion of the electronic vaping device 10, some combinations thereof, and the like. Such properties associated with the electronic vaping device 10 may be referred to herein as "electronic vaping device properties". The control circuit 11 may monitor one or more properties of the vaping electronic device based on the processing of sensor data generated by one or more sensor devices in the vaping electronic device 10, including information obtained through the communication interface of the vaping electronic device 10.

In some illustrative embodiments, the control circuit 11 may control the supply of power to the light source 14 to control one or more properties of the light 92 emitted by the light source 14 such that the emitted light 92 has properties that correspond to one or more properties of the electronic vaping device monitored. control scheme 11.

As mentioned herein, the properties of the light 92 may be the same or substantially the same (e.g., the same within manufacturing or material tolerances) as the properties of the emitted light 96. Therefore, the control circuit 11 may enable the vaping electronic device 10 to emit emitted light 96 that has one or more properties corresponding to one or more properties of the electronic vaping device, so that the electronic vaping device 10 can transmit, to an adult vaper observing the outlet end 45 of the first section 15, information indicative of one or more properties electronic device 10 for vaping.

In an example, the control circuit 11 may, based on both determining that power must be applied to the heating element 43 to initiate steam generation and further determining that one or more monitored properties of the electronic vaping device at least meet one or more threshold values or are within one or more ranges, control the power supply to the light source 14 so that the light source 14 emits light 92 having one or more properties determined by the control circuit 11 such that they correspond to one or more properties of the electronic vaping device.

Correspondence ("association", "relationship", etc.) between various properties 92 of light and various specific properties of an electronic vaping device, including correspondence between specific values or ranges of their values, may be stored in a look-up table, which may be further stored in a storage device. The storage device may be contained in the electronic vaping device 10, including within the control circuit 11 . The control circuitry may, after determining a property value of the electronic vaping device based on processing data from the sensor device, access a look-up table to determine the corresponding property value of at least one property of the light 92 to be emitted by the light source 14. The control circuit 11 may further determine one or more appropriate properties of the power supply to be supplied to the light source 14 in order to cause light source 14 to emit light 92 having at least one property identified in the look-up table.

In an example, the control circuit 11 may be configured to cause the light source 14 to emit light 92 having a specific color temperature and brightness based on the steam generated by the steam generator 40 . The color temperature of the emitted light 92 over a range of color temperatures may be proportional to the amount of electrical charge held in the power supply 12 . The brightness of the light 92 may be proportional to the amount of ready-to-flash composition held in the reservoir 34. Therefore, the color temperature and brightness of the emitted light 92, and hence the color temperature and brightness of the emitted light 96, can convey information indicative simultaneously of the amount of electrical charge in the block. 12 supply and the amount of the finished composition for evaporation held in the tank 34.

In another example, the control circuit 11 may be configured to cause the light source 14 to emit light 92 having a specific color temperature and brightness based on the steam generated by the steam generator 40 . The color temperature of the emitted light 92 within the color temperature range may correspond to a specific flavor from a set of flavors corresponding to individual color temperatures within the color temperature range contained in the vaporizable formulation held in the reservoir 34. The brightness of the light 92 may be proportional to the amount of the formulation to the vaporization held in the reservoir 34. Therefore, the color temperature and brightness of the emitted light 92, and hence the color temperature and brightness of the emitted light 96, can convey information indicative simultaneously of the flavor associated with the finished vaporization composition held in the reservoir 34 , and on the amount of the finished composition for evaporation, held in the tank 34.

In some exemplary embodiments, a property of the light 92 emitted by the light source 14, and hence the emitted light 96 that is emitted by the surface of the outlet end insert 35, may be the elapsed time period during which the light 92 is emitted by the light source 14. For example, control circuit 11 may be configured to cause light source 14 to emit light 92 for a specific period of time that is proportional to the amount of electrical charge held in power supply 12, the amount of ready-to-vaporize composition held in reservoir 34, some combination thereof, or etc. In the context of this document, a value that is "proportional" to another value may include various types of relationships between two values, including "inversely proportional", "directly proportional", or the like.

In some illustrative embodiments, the control circuit may, after determining that steam is to be generated based on data received from sensor 13, control the power supply to both heating element 43 and light source 14 simultaneously or in accordance with a control sequence. As described above, the control circuit 11 can control the supply of power to the light source 14 to cause the light source 14 to emit light 92 having one or more specific properties that correspond to one or more monitored properties of the electronic vaping device 10. The control circuit 11 may cause light source 14 to emit light 92 for a specific period of time.

The control circuit 11 may track the amount of elapsed time that light is emitted by the light source 14 . In some illustrative embodiments, the control circuit 11 may control the power supply to the light source 14 to cause the light source 14 to emit a sequence of light signals 92, where each individual sample of the emitted light 92 has different properties according to the control sequence. Therefore, the control circuit 11 can control the light source 14 to emit different light patterns 92 that convey different instances of information related to different properties of the electronic vaping device. As mentioned herein, a given "pattern" of light refers to a specific continuous emission of light having a specific set of properties.

The control circuit 11 may control the light source 14 to emit a first sample of light ("first light") having one or more specific properties that correspond to one or more property values of the first set of monitored properties of the electronic vaping device. The control circuit 11 may cause the light source 14 to emit a first light for a particular elapsed time period, where the particular elapsed time period may be associated with the first light sample or may be an elapsed time value determined based on a particular value of one or more monitored properties of the electronic device. for vaping in the first set of monitored properties of the electronic vaping device.

The control circuit 11 may sequentially control the light source 14 to emit one or more additional light patterns ("one or more additional lights") having one or more different properties that correspond to one or more additional sets of monitored properties of the electronic vaping device. The control circuit 11 may cause the light source 14 to emit an additional light sample for a particular elapsed time period, where the particular elapsed time period may be associated with the additional light sample or may be an elapsed time value determined based on a certain value of one or more monitored properties. electronic device for vaping in an additional set of monitored properties of the electronic device for vaping.

Therefore, the control circuit 11 can enable the vaping electronic device 10 to transmit a relatively large range of information by controlling the properties of the light 92 emitted by the light source 14.

As indicated above, the control circuit 11 may associate each sample of light 92 emitted by the light source 14 into a control sequence with a specific amount of elapsed time (“elapsed time period”). As noted earlier, the amount of elapsed time associated with a particular sample of emitted light can be adjusted based on one or more monitored properties of the electronic vaping device of the electronic vaping device 10, so that even the amount of time that a particular sample of light 92 is emitted, may therefore convey information regarding one or more monitored properties.

When controlling the light source 14 to emit a particular light pattern 92 (e.g., light 92 having one or more particular properties), the control circuit 11 may cause the light source 14 to emit a particular light pattern 92 for a particular elapsed time period that is associated with a particular sample of light 92.

In response to determining that a specific elapsed time period associated with the emitted light sample has elapsed, the control circuit 11 may control the light source 14 to emit another light sample having different properties (e.g., at least one of color temperature or brightness) corresponding to a different set of monitored properties of the electronic vaping device of the electronic vaping device 10 during a different elapsed time period associated with a different light sample. By controlling the light source 14 to emit all light samples in the control sequence for the associated elapsed time periods, the control circuit 11 may cause the light source 14 to be deactivated.

In an example, based on receiving data from sensor 13 indicating that steam is to be generated, control circuit 11 may control light source 14 to emit two separate light samples in series, where the first sample of emitted light 92 emitted during the first time period , which is proportional to the amount of evaporative composition in the tank 34, has a color corresponding to a certain flavor contained in the evaporative composition, and has a brightness corresponding to the amount of vapor generated in response to the received data.

Continuing the example, after determining that the first time period has elapsed, the control circuit 11 may control the light source 14 to switch from emitting the first light sample 92 to emitting the second light sample 92 for a second time period that is fixed (for example, a constant value, which is independent of any monitored properties of the electronic vaping device), where the second light sample 92 has a color temperature and brightness that are both proportional to a certain amount of electrical charge in the power supply 12. In response to determining that the second period of time has elapsed, the control circuit 11 may deactivate the light source 14.

To control the supply of power to at least one of the heating element 43 and the light source 14, the control circuit 11 may execute one or more patterns of computer executable code. The control circuit 11 may include a processor and a storage device. The storage device may be a computer-readable storage medium that stores computer-executable code.

The control circuit 11 may comprise a processing circuit including, but not limited to, a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a single-chip system (SoC) ), programmable logic element, microprocessor or any other device capable of responding to commands and executing them in a certain way. In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 11 may be at least one of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and an application chip.

The control circuit 11 can be configured as a dedicated machine by executing a machine-readable program code stored in a memory device. The program code may comprise at least one of a program or computer-readable instructions, software components, program modules, data files, data structures, and the like, which may be implemented by one or more hardware devices, such as one or more examples of the above circuit 11 management. Program code examples include both native code generated by a compiler and high-level code that is executed using an interpreter.

The control circuit 11 may include one or more memory devices. The one or more memory devices may be tangible or non-volatile computer-readable storage media, such as at least one of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile mass storage device (such as a disk drive), solid-state device (for example, NAND flash memory) and any other similar data storage mechanism that can store and write data. One or more storage devices may be configured to store computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, for one or more operating systems, or for implementing the exemplary embodiments described herein. Computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, may also be loaded from a separate computer-readable storage medium to one or more storage devices or one or more computer processing devices using a drive mechanism. Such a separate computer-readable storage medium may include at least one of a USB flash drive, a flash card, a Blu-ray/DVD/CD-ROM drive, a memory card, and other similar computer-readable storage media. Computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, may be downloaded to one or more storage devices or one or more computer processing devices from a remote storage device via a network interface rather than via a local computer-readable storage medium. Additionally, computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, may be downloaded to one or more storage devices or one or more processors from a remote computing system that is configured to transfer, distribute, or transfer and distribute computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination of them over the network. The remote computing system may transmit, distribute, or transmit and distribute computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, via a wire interface, an air interface, or any other such medium.

The control circuit 11 may be a dedicated mechanism configured to execute computer executable code to control the power supply to at least one of the heating element 43 and the light source 14. The control of the power supply to the heating element 43 may be referred to interchangeably herein as the activation of the heating element 43. The control of the power supply to the light source 14 may be interchangeably referred to herein as the activation of the light source 14.

As used herein, the term "flavor" is used to describe a compound or combination of compounds that can provide an adult vaper with at least one of flavor and aroma. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavor is configured to interact with at least one adult vaper sensing receptor. The flavoring agent may be configured to interact with a sensing receptor through at least one of orthonasal stimulation and retronasal stimulation. The flavor may contain one or more volatile flavors.

The at least one flavor may comprise one or more natural flavors or artificial ("synthetic") flavors. At least one flavoring substance may contain one or more plant extract materials. In some illustrative embodiments, at least one flavor is one or more of tobacco flavor, menthol, wintergreen, peppermint, herbal flavors, fruit flavors, nut flavors, liquor flavors, and combinations thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavor is contained in plant material. The plant material may comprise material from one or more plants. The plant material may contain one or more of herbs, spices, fruits, roots, leaves, grasses, or the like. For example, the plant material may comprise an orange peel material and a bison material. In another example, the plant material may contain tobacco-based material. In some exemplary embodiments, a flavor that is a tobacco flavor ("tobacco flavor") comprises at least one of a synthetic material and a plant extract material. The plant extract material contained in the tobacco flavor may be an extract from one or more tobacco materials.

In some illustrative embodiments, the first housing 30 and the second housing 30' may have a generally cylindrical cross section. In some exemplary embodiments, housings 30 and 30' may have a generally triangular cross-section along one or more of first section 15 and second section 20. In addition, housings 30 and 30' may have the same or different cross-sectional shape, or the same or different the size. As described herein, the housings 30, 30' may also be referred to as outer housings or main housings.

In some illustrative embodiments, the first housing 30 and the second housing 30' may be a single tube containing both the first section 15 and the second section 20, and the entire electronic vaping device 10 may be disposable.

A finished vaporization composition, as described herein, is a material or combination of materials that can be converted to vapor. For example, the vaporizing formulation may be at least one of a liquid, solid, or gel formulation, including, but not limited to, water, granules, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, herbal extracts, natural or artificial flavors, steam generators such as glycerol and propylene glycol, and combinations thereof. Finished evaporation formulations may include those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0020823 to Lipowicz et al., filed July 16, 2014, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0313275 to Anderson and co-authors, filed January 21, 2015, all of whose contents are incorporated into this application by reference.

In some illustrative embodiments, the finished vaporizing composition is one or more of propylene glycol, glycerin, and combinations thereof.

The finished vaping composition may or may not contain nicotine. The final composition for vaporization may contain one or more tobacco flavors. The final vaporization composition may contain one or more flavors that are separate from the one or more tobacco flavors.

In some illustrative embodiments, the finished vaping composition that contains nicotine may also contain one or more acids. The one or more acids may be one or more of pyruvic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, propionic acid, octanoic acid, lactic acid, levulinic acid, sorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, oleic acid, aconitic acid, butyric acid, cinnamic acid, capric acid, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octanoic acid, 1-glutamic acid, heptanoic acid, caproic acid, 3 -caproic acid, trans-2-caproic acid, isobutyric acid, lauric acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, myristic acid, nonanoic acid, palmitic acid, 4-pentenoic acid, phenylacetic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, hydrochloric acid acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and combinations thereof.

Reservoir 34, in some exemplary embodiments, may contain a storage medium that may hold the finished composition for evaporation. The storage medium may be a fibrous material containing at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester, viscose, and combinations thereof. The fibers may have a diameter in the range of about 6 microns to about 15 microns (eg, about 8 microns to about 12 microns, or about 9 microns to about 11 microns). The storage medium may be a sintered, porous or foamed material. Also, the fibers may be sized to be respirable and their cross section may be Y-shaped, cruciform, clover-shaped, or any other suitable shape. When reservoir 34 contains a storage medium, propagation of light through reservoir 34 may be at least partially prevented such that external observation of the ready vaporization composition in reservoir 34 may be at least partially prevented and light 92 may be limited to radiating to an environment outside electronic device 10 for vaping, in the form of emitted light 96 through the surface of the insert 35 for the exhaust end. In some illustrative embodiments, the reservoir 23 may include a filled container without any storage medium and containing only the ready composition for evaporation. When tank 34 does not have any storage medium, propagation of light through tank 34 may be at least partially possible so that external observation of the finished vaporization composition in tank 34 may be at least partially possible and at least some light 92 may be radiated to the environment outside the electronic vaping device, in the form of emitted light 96, through at least a portion of the reservoir 34. For example, at least a portion of the light 92 may be directed through the ready vaporization composition held in the reservoir 34 and exit out to the outside through the first body 30, so that the ready-to-evaporate composition held in the tank 34 is illuminated for external observation.

Reservoir 34 may be sized and configured to hold a sufficient amount of ready vaping composition such that electronic vaping device 10 can be vaped for at least about 1000 seconds. The electronic vaping device 10 may be configured to ensure that each vaping session lasts a maximum of approximately 10 seconds.

The distributing element 41 interface may contain a wick. The distributing interface element 41 may contain threads (or fibers) having the ability to draw in the finished composition for evaporation. For example, the distributing interface element 41 may be a wick, which may be a bundle of glass (or ceramic) filaments, a bundle including a group of windings of glass filaments, etc., all arrangements of which may be capable of drawing in the finished composition for evaporation by capillary actions using intermediate distances between threads. The threads may be generally aligned in a direction perpendicular (transverse) to the longitudinal axis of the electronic vaping device 10.

Distribution interface 41 may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials, also referred to herein as capillary materials. Examples of suitable materials may be, but are not limited to, glass, ceramic or graphite based materials. The distributing interface element 41 may be of any suitable retractability in capillarity to accommodate ready-to-evaporate compositions having different physical properties such as density, viscosity, surface tension and vapor pressure.

In some illustrative embodiments, the implementation of the heating element 43 may include a wire element. As shown in FIG. 1B, the heating element 43 may at least partially extend over the upper end side of the interface distribution element 41 and may at least partially surround the opening of the passage 41A passing through the interface distribution element 41. The wire element may be a metal wire. In some illustrative embodiments, the implementation of the wire element can be isolated from direct contact with the distributing element 41 interface.

In some exemplary embodiments, heating element 43 includes a stamped design, a cut design, an etched design, some combination thereof, or the like. The cut structure may be a laser cut structure, a chemically cut structure, a mechanically cut structure, some combination thereof, or the like. The etched structure may be a chemically etched structure, a laser etched structure, a mechanically etched structure, some combination thereof, or the like.

The heating element 43 may be made ("may at least partially contain") from any suitable electrically resistive materials. Examples of suitable electrically resistive materials may include, but are not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum-titanium-zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron-containing alloys, and nickel-based superalloys, iron, cobalt, stainless steel. For example, the heating element 43 may be made of nickel aluminide, a material with a layer of alumina on the surface, iron aluminide, and other composite materials, and the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated in, or coated with the insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the required external physical and chemical properties. The heating element 43 may comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, chromium-nickel alloys, superalloys, and combinations thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, the implementation of the heating element 43 may be formed from nickel-chromium alloys or iron-chromium alloys. In some exemplary embodiments, the heating element 43 may be a ceramic heater having an electrically resistive layer on its outer surface.

The heating element 43 can heat the ready-to-evaporate composition in the distributing interface element 41 by conduction. Alternatively, the heat from the heating element 43 may be transferred to the finished vaping composition by means of a heat conduction element, or the heating element 43 may transfer heat to the incoming ambient air which is drawn in through the vaping electronic device 10, which in turn heats the finished composition for evaporation due to convection.

It should be understood that, instead of using a distributing interface element 41, the steam generator 40 may include a heating element 43, which is a porous material that contains a resistive heater formed from a high electrical resistance material capable of rapidly generating heat.

In some illustrative embodiments, the electronic vaping device 10 may be about 80 mm to about 110 mm long and about 7 mm to about 8 mm in diameter. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, electronic vaping device 10 may be approximately 84 mm long and may be approximately 7.8 mm in diameter.

In FIG. 1D is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the outlet end of an electronic vaping device according to some exemplary embodiments. In FIG. 1E is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic vaping device according to some exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1D, in some illustrative embodiments, the outlet end insert 35 and the first housing 30 may be integral with each other and therefore contained in a separate integral element that is the first housing 30. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the first body 30 may extend over the outlet end 45 of the first section 15 and hence may form the outlet end of the reservoir 34 and the outlet end of the conduit 42. As shown in FIG. 1D, the first body 30 may further comprise a cavity 35A and air outlets 36 extending from the cavity 35A to the outlet end 31B of the first body 30, where the outlet end 31B of the first body 30 is also common with the outlet end surface 35B. Therefore, the air outlets 36 can be in fluid communication with the channel 42 through the cavity 35A, and the generated vapor that is drawn in through the channel 42 can be further drawn out of the electronic vaping device 10 through the cavity 35A and one or more air outlets 36 in the first building 30.

Still referring to FIG. 1D, the first housing 30 may include a cylindrical portion extending along the longitudinal axis of the first section 15 to the outlet end 45, where the first housing 30 further comprises a disc-shaped portion through which one or more air outlets 36 extend. Light reflected from the inner surface 94, which is directed through the cylindrical part of the first housing 30, as shown in FIG. 1D can propagate through the disc-shaped part of the first body 30 to the outlet end surface 35B at the outlet end 31B of the first body 30 for emission from the electronic vaping device 10 as emitted light 96.

By incorporating the outlet end insert 35 and the first body 30 into a separate, one-piece element, the first section 15 can be configured to reduce the number of parts of the first section 15 and can further enable cost savings in at least one of time, effort, cost, and various resources for assembling, storing or assembling and storing at least the first section 15 of the electronic device 10 for vaping.

Let us now turn to FIG. 1E, in some exemplary embodiments, upper end portion 33 of first housing 30 may be integral with interface 25A such that upper end portion 33 of first housing 30 is configured to simultaneously receive light 92 into the interior of first housing 30 and is further configured to connection with the interface element 25B for connecting the first section 15 with the second section 20.

In FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating operations that may be performed according to some illustrative embodiments. The operations shown in Fig. 2 may be implemented at least in part by any of the exemplary embodiments of the electronic vaping device 10 provided herein, including any of the exemplary embodiments of the control circuit 11.

In step S202, at least the control circuit 11 of the electronic vaping device 10 may detect at least a threshold amount of airflow in the electronic vaping device 10 based on the sensor data generated by the sensor 13. The control circuit 11 may detect the airflow based on the air drawn in into the electronic vaping device 10 through one or more of the air inlets 27 and the air inlets 27A.

In steps S204 and S206, the control circuit 11 may control the steam generator 40, based on the detection in step S202, to generate steam (S204), and may further control the light source 14 to emit the first light sample 92 (S206). Operations S204 and S206 may be implemented simultaneously or substantially simultaneously (eg, in parallel). Operations S204 and S206 may be implemented sequentially according to the sequence of operations.

Controlling the steam generator 40 in step S204 may include controlling the power supply from the power supply 12 to the heating element 43 to cause the heating element 43 to generate heat to vaporize at least a portion of the ready vaporization composition held in the distribution element 41. The power supply may be controlled as to initiate the supply of a specific amount of power to the heating element 43 for a specific period of time, thereby initiating the generation of a specific amount of steam.

Controlling the light source 14 in step S206 may include causing the light source 92 to emit light having one or more specific properties for a specific elapsed time period. For example, the light source 14 can be controlled to emit light having at least one of a specific brightness and color temperature for a specific elapsed time period. The elapsed time period may elapse from the point in time at which the detected air draw through at least part of the electronic vaping device is suspended or falls below a flow threshold (referred to herein as the suspension of air drawn through at least part of the electronic vaping device) . One or more specific properties of the first light sample may be selected based on one or more set values of one or more tracked properties of the electronic vaping device of the electronic vaping device 10. Such one or more properties of e-vaping may include a certain amount of ready-to-vaporize composition held in reservoir 34, a certain amount of electrical charge held in a power supply section, an amount of generated steam that is generated by steam generator 40 during operation S204, and combinations thereof.

As mentioned above, controlling the light source 14 in step S206 may include causing the light source to emit first light during the first elapsed time period. The first elapsed time period may be an elapsed time period from the point at which the light source 14 first emits the first light in step 206 to the first elapsed time threshold.

In step S208, based on determining that the light source 14 emitted the first light for at least the first elapsed time period (for example, the elapsed time period elapsed from the point at which the light source 14 first emits the first light in step 206, up to at least a first elapsed time threshold), the control circuit 11 can determine whether an additional light sample (eg, light having one or more properties different from the first light sample) by the light source 14 is to be emitted. If not, then the control circuit 11 may deactivate the light source 14 in step S216.

If it is determined in step S210 that the light source 14 is to emit at least one additional light sample having one or more properties associated with the additional set of monitored properties of the electronic vaping device, then in step S212 the control circuit 11 may control the light source 14 to emitting an additional light sample 92 having one or more properties different from the first light sample 92 and corresponding to an additional set of monitored properties of the electronic vaping device for an additional elapsed time period. In step S214, after determining that the additional elapsed time period has elapsed, the control circuit 11 may either control the light source 14 to emit another additional light pattern in steps S210 and S212, or may deactivate the light source 14 in step S216.

Illustrative embodiments have been disclosed herein, however, it should be understood that other variations are possible. Such variations should not be construed as departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such modifications, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (48)

1. A cartridge for an electronic vaping device, comprising: a structural element, at least partially forming the reservoir, and the reservoir is configured to hold the finished composition for evaporation; a steam generator configured to draw the finished flash composition from the reservoir and heat the drawn-in finished flash composition to generate steam; a housing extending along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, wherein the housing at least partially surrounds the reservoir and the steam generator, wherein the housing has an end end and an outlet end and is configured to direct light from the extreme end of the housing to the outlet end of the housing by internal reflection through the interior of the housing ; and an outlet end insert connected to the outlet end of the housing, wherein the outlet end insert comprises at least one outlet in fluid communication with the steam generator, the outlet end insert being configured to direct generated steam from the cartridge through at least one an outlet, wherein the outlet end insert is further configured to emit directional light. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to receive, at the extreme end of the housing, light emitted from a light source that is external to the cartridge through an opening at the extreme end of the cartridge. 3. The cartridge of claim. 1, further comprising a light source at the extreme end of the cartridge, and the light source is configured to emit at least a portion of the received light. 4. The cartridge of claim 3, wherein the light source is configured to emit light having a selected color from the plurality of colors. 5. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet end insert is configured to direct directional light exclusively through the outlet end surface of the outlet end insert, wherein the outlet end surface extends orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. 6. Cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing and the outlet end insert are included in a separate one-piece element. 7. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the housing is transparent to visible light in a direction which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. 8. An electronic vaping device, comprising: cartridge including: - a structural element, at least partially forming the tank, and the tank is made with the possibility of holding the finished composition for evaporation, - a steam generator configured to draw the finished composition for evaporation from the tank and heat the drawn-in ready composition for evaporation with the formation of generated steam, - a housing extending along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, wherein the housing at least partially surrounds the tank and the steam generator, the housing having an end end and an outlet end and configured to direct light from the outer end of the housing to the outlet end of the housing by internal reflection through the interior corps; and - an outlet end insert associated with the outlet end of the body, wherein the outlet end insert comprises at least one outlet in fluid communication with the steam generator, the outlet end insert being configured to direct generated steam from the cartridge through at least one outlet, wherein the outlet end insert is further configured to emit directional light; and a power supply section configured to energize the cartridge to initiate generation of generated steam by the steam generator. 9. The electronic vaping device of claim 8, further comprising a light source contained in one of the cartridge and the power supply section, wherein the light source is configured to emit light based on power supplied from the power supply section, and the housing is configured to receive at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source at the extreme end of the housing. 10. The electronic vaping device according to claim 9, further comprising a control circuit configured to activate the light source based on determining that air is drawn in through at least a portion of the electronic vaping device, the control circuit is further configured to initiate a stay the light source activated for at least a specific period of elapsed time after cessation of air being drawn through at least a portion of the electronic vaping device. 11. An electronic device for vaping according to claim 10, in which the light source is configured to emit light having a specific property, wherein the specific property is at least one of a color of the light and a brightness of the light; and the control circuit is further configured to control a particular property of the light emitted by the light source based on at least one of: - determining that the light source emitted light for at least a threshold elapsed time period, - a certain quantity of the finished composition for evaporation, held in the tank, - a certain amount of electrical charge held in the section of the power supply, and - the magnitude of the generated steam, which is generated by the steam generator. 12. An electronic vaping device according to any one of paragraphs. 8-11, wherein the outlet end insert is configured to direct directional light exclusively through the outlet end surface, wherein at least a portion of the outlet end surface extends orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. 13. An electronic vaping device according to any one of paragraphs. 8-12, in which the body and insert for the outlet end are included in a separate one-piece element. 14. An electronic vaping device according to any one of paragraphs. 8-13, wherein at least the housing is transparent to visible light in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. 15. An electronic vaping device according to any one of paragraphs. 8-14, wherein at least the power supply section includes a housing that is opaque to visible light. 16. An electronic vaping device according to any one of paragraphs. 8-15, wherein the power supply section and cartridge are releasably coupled to each other. 17. An electronic vaping device according to any one of paragraphs. 8-16, in which the power supply section contains a rechargeable battery. 18. A method for controlling an electronic device for vaping, including: determining that at least a threshold airflow is drawn through at least an insert for the outlet end of the electronic vaping device, and controlling the light source of the electronic vaping device to emit light through the inside of the electronic vaping device based on said determination, so that the light passes through the inside of the electronic vaping device housing to the insert for the outlet end, and the outlet end insert emits directional light. 19. The method according to claim 18, in which the light source is configured to emit light having a specific property, wherein the specific property is at least one of a color of the light and a brightness of the light; and said control involves controlling a particular property of the light emitted by the light source based on at least one of - determining that the light source emitted light for at least a threshold elapsed time period, - a certain quantity of the finished composition for vaporization held in the tank of the electronic vaping device, - a certain amount of electrical charge held in the power supply section of the electronic device for vaping, and - the amount of steam generated, which is generated by the heating element of the electronic vaping device. 20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the outlet end insert is configured to direct directional light exclusively through the surface of the outlet end, wherein at least a portion of the outlet end surface extends orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the electronic vaping device. 21. The method according to paragraphs. 18, 19 or 20, in which the body and the insert for the outlet end are included in a separate one-piece element. 22. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 18-21, wherein at least the body is transparent to visible light in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the electronic vaping device.

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