RU2775400C2 - End device for electronic vaping device, and electronic vaping device containing specified end device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco industry.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to electronic vaping or e-vaping devices. An end device for an electronic vaping device (EVD) contains the first channel structure having a surface at least partially forming the first channel having an inlet end and an opposite outlet end, wherein the first channel structure is made with the possibility of receiving source vapor from an external source through the inlet end of the first channel and directing received source vapor through the first channel to the outlet end of the first channel, and the second channel structure having a surface at least partially forming the second channel having an inlet end and an opposite outlet end, wherein the second channel structure is made with the possibility of receiving an air flow from the environment through the inlet end of the second channel and directing the air flow through the second channel to the outlet end of the second channel. At the same time, the second channel structure contains additive material located on the surface of the second channel structure, containing an additive and made with the possibility of releasing the specified additive into the air flow directed through the second channel. In this case, at least an intermediate structure of the first channel structure and the second channel structure physically isolates additive material from the first channel, so that additive material is made with the possibility of releasing the additive into the air flow directed through the second channel, regardless of source vapor directed through the first channel. The end device also contains: a node for introducing an additional additive, communicating via fluid with the first channel and made with the possibility of releasing the additional additive to source vapor directed through the first channel, so that the air flow directed through the outlet end of the second channel contains the additive, and source vapor directed through the outlet end of the first channel contains the additional additive.

EFFECT: reduction or minimization of the probability of interactions or chemical reactions between an additive and source vapor and/or an additive and an additional additive, thereby improving at least one of the quality and stability of mixed vapor containing the additive, source vapor and the additional additive.

11 cl, 15 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to electronic vaping or e-vaping devices.

E-vaping devices, also referred to in this document as electronic vaping devices (EVDs), may be used by adult vapers for mobile vaping. The mixed vapors inside the e-vaping device can be used to deliver flavor along with the vapor that can be generated by the e-vaping device. Mixed pairs can be delivered via a flavoring system.

In some cases, the flavor change in the mixed steam may result from chemical reactions between the pre-flash composition used to generate the initial vapor and one or more additive materials capable of releasing additives (e.g., an aroma material configured to release flavor) , into the initial (generated) steam for the formation of mixed steam.

The change in flavor of the substance may include loss of flavor in the mixed vapor, which may occur as a result of chemical reactions between the pre-flavour composition and one or more additive materials. This loss of flavor can reduce the sensory experience provided by the e-vaping device.

According to some exemplary embodiments, an electronic vaping device (EVD) end device may comprise a first channel structure and a second channel structure. The first channel structure may have a surface at least partially forming a first channel having an inlet end and an opposite outlet end. The first channel structure may be configured to receive feed vapor from an external source through the inlet end of the first channel and direct the received feed vapor through the first channel to the outlet end of the first channel. The second channel structure may have a surface at least partially defining a second channel having an inlet end and an opposite outlet end. The second channel structure may be configured to receive airflow from the environment through the inlet end of the second channel and direct the airflow through the second channel to the outlet end of the second channel. The second channel structure may include an additive material located on the surface of the second channel structure. The additive material may contain an additive. The additive material may be configured to release the additive into the air stream directed through the second channel. At least the intermediate structure of the first channel structure and the second channel structure can physically isolate the additive material from the first channel, so that the additive material is configured to release the additive into the air stream directed through the second channel, regardless of the initial vapor directed through first channel.

The end device may also include an outlet assembly configured to receive the air flow and feed vapor from the respective outlet ends of the first and second channels, mix the air flow and feed vapor to form a mixed vapor, and direct the mixed vapor out of the end device.

The intermediate structure may be common to both of the first channel structure and the second channel structure such that the intermediate structure at least partially forms both of the first channel and the second channel.

The intermediate structure may include opposing surfaces at least partially forming separate channels of the first channel and the second channel.

The intermediate structure may comprise a hollow cylindrical structure having an inner surface and an outer surface extending along a longitudinal axis. The first channel may be a cylindrical channel. The second channel may be an annular channel surrounding the first channel and extending coaxially with the first channel along the longitudinal axis, the second channel being at least partially formed by at least the outer surface of the intermediate structure.

The additive material may be located on the outer surface of the intermediate structure.

The end device may also include a node for making additional additives, communicating in fluid medium with the first channel. The unit for introducing an additional additive can be configured to release an additional additive into the initial vapor directed through the first channel, so that the air flow directed through the outlet end of the second channel contains the additive, and the initial vapor directed through the outlet end of the first channel contains additional additive.

The additive material may contain an absorbent material.

The end device may also include a controllable flow control unit connected to the inlet end of the second channel. The controllable flow control unit may be configured to controllably control the effective flow area of the inlet end to control the flow rate of air drawn into the second channel through the inlet end of the second channel.

According to some exemplary embodiments, an e-vaping device may include a vaporization assembly configured to generate initial vapor and an end device in fluid communication with the vaporization assembly. The end device may comprise a first channel structure and a second channel structure. The first channel structure may have a surface at least partially forming a first channel having an inlet end and an opposite outlet end. The first channel structure may be configured to receive feed vapor from the evaporator assembly through the inlet end of the first channel and direct the received feed vapor through the first channel to the outlet end of the first channel. The second channel structure may have a surface at least partially defining a second channel having an inlet end and an opposite outlet end. The second channel structure may be configured to receive airflow from the environment through the inlet end of the second channel and direct the airflow through the second channel to the outlet end of the second channel. The second channel structure may include an additive material located on the surface of the second channel structure. The additive material may contain an additive. The additive material may be configured to release the additive into the air stream directed through the second channel. At least the intermediate structure of the first channel structure and the second channel structure can physically isolate the additive material from the first channel, so that the additive material is configured to release the additive into the air stream directed through the second channel, regardless of the initial vapor directed through first channel. The e-vaping device may also include a power section configured to supply power to the vaporizer assembly.

The e-vaping device may also include an outlet assembly configured to receive an air stream and source vapor from the respective outlet ends of the first and second channels, mix the air stream and source vapor to form a mixed vapor, and direct the mixed vapor out of the end device.

The intermediate structure may be common to both of the first channel structure and the second channel structure such that the intermediate structure at least partially forms both of the first channel and the second channel.

The intermediate structure may include opposing surfaces defining separate channels of the first channel and the second channel.

The intermediate structure may comprise a hollow cylindrical structure having an inner surface and an outer surface extending along a longitudinal axis. The first channel may be a cylindrical channel and the second channel may be an annular channel surrounding the first channel and extending coaxially with the first channel along the longitudinal axis, the second channel being at least partially formed at least by the outer surface of the intermediate structure.

The additive material may be located on the outer surface of the intermediate structure.

The end device may also include an additional additive structure in fluid communication with the first channel. The structure for introducing an additional additive can be configured to release an additional additive into the initial vapor directed through the first channel, so that the air stream directed through the outlet end of the second channel contains the additive, and the initial vapor directed through the outlet end of the first channel contains additional additive.

The additive material may contain an absorbent material.

The power section may contain a rechargeable battery.

The end device can be releasably connected to the evaporation unit.

The end device may also include a controllable flow control assembly connected to the inlet end of the second channel and configured to controllably control the effective flow area of the inlet end to control the flow rate of air drawn into the second channel through the inlet end of the second channel.

According to some exemplary embodiments, a method for controlling the operation of an end device that is releasably connected to an external source capable of generating initial steam may include the steps of: design, initial steam from an external source; sending the received feed pair through the first channel to the opposite outlet end of the first channel; receive at the inlet end of a separate second channel, at least partially formed by the second channel structure, air flow from the environment; directing the air flow through the second channel in a state of fluid communication with the additive material located on the surface of the second channel, so that the additive is released from the additive material into the air flow regardless of the initial vapor directed through the first channel, and further air flow through the second air passage to the opposite outlet end of the second passage, wherein the intermediate structure of the end device physically isolates the additive material from the first passage, so that the additive material releases the additive into the air stream directed through the second passage, regardless of the initial vapor, directed through the first channel; and directing the raw steam directed from the outlet end of the first channel and the air flow directed from the outlet end of the second channel through the common channel so that the raw vapor and the air flow are mixed to form a mixed vapor.

The intermediate structure may include opposing surfaces defining separate channels of the first channel and the second channel.

The intermediate structure may comprise a hollow cylindrical structure having an inner surface and an outer surface extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein the first channel may be a cylindrical channel and the second channel may be an annular channel surrounding the first channel and extending coaxially with the first channel along the longitudinal axis. , and the second channel is at least partially formed by at least the outer surface of the intermediate structure.

The additive material may be located on the outer surface of the intermediate structure.

The method may also include the step of directing the feed vapor in a state of fluid communication with the supplementation assembly, such that the supplementation assembly releases the supplementation into the feed vapor that is directed through the first channel and the airflow directed through the outlet end of the second channel contains an additive, and the source steam directed through the outlet end of the first channel contains an additional additive.

The additive material may contain an absorbent material.

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

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an e-vaping device according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 1B is a side plan view of the e-vaping device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a sectional view along the line IC-IC' of the e-vaping device of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an e-vaping device according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 2B is a side plan view of the e-vaping device of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a plan view of the e-vaping device of FIG. 2B in section along line IIC-IIC' section according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of an end device according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 3B is a side plan view of the end device of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a plan view of the end device of FIG. 3B in section along line IIIC-IIIC' section according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 3D is a plan view of the end device of FIG. 3B in section along line IIID-IIID' section according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 3E is a plan view of the end device of FIG. 3B in section along section line IIIE-IIIE' according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional side plan view of an end device according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 4B is a plan view of the end device of FIG. 4A in section along line IVB-IVB' section according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 4C shows a view of the end device of FIG. 4A in section along the IVC-IVC' section line according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 5 is an operational block diagram illustrating a method for controlling the operation of an end device according to some exemplary embodiments.

This document discloses some detailed examples of embodiments. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are shown for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments only. 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 exemplary embodiments may have various modifications and alternative forms, the corresponding exemplary embodiments are shown as examples in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed; on the contrary, they should cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives within the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

It should be understood that if an element or layer is referred to 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 named 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 this specification.

It should be understood that although the ordinal numbers "first", "second", "third", etc., may be used in this document to describe various elements, regions, layers or sections, these elements, regions, layers or sections should not be limited specified ordinal numbers. These ordinal numbers are only used to distinguish one element, region, layer or section from another element, region, layer or section. Thus, 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 ideas set forth in the exemplary embodiments.

The terms of relative spatial position (for example, "below", "under", "bottom", "above", "upper", etc.) can be used in this document for the purpose of simplifying the description to disclose the relationship of one element or feature to another. element(s) or feature(s) shown in the figures. It should be understood that the terms of relative spatial position are intended to cover various 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 upside down, then elements described as located "below" other elements or features or "below" them will be located "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the term "under" can cover both above and below. The device may be oriented in a different way (rotated 90 degrees or positioned with other orientations), and definitions of relative spatial position used herein are interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is only intended to describe various embodiments and is not intended to limit exemplary 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 the present description indicate the presence of established features, integers, steps, operations, elements or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or groups thereof.

The exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional drawings, which are schematic representations of the idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) in the exemplary embodiments. Thus, differences from the shapes shown in the illustrations are to be expected, depending on manufacturing techniques or tolerances, for example. Therefore, exemplary embodiments should not be construed as being limited to the shapes of the regions illustrated herein, but should include shape variations that are due to, for example, 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.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an e-vaping device according to some exemplary embodiments. FIG. 1B is a side plan view of the e-vaping device of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C is a view of the e-vaping device of FIG. 1B in section along the line IC-IC'. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an e-vaping device according to some exemplary embodiments. FIG. 2B is a side plan view of the e-vaping device of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is a view of the e-vaping device of FIG. 2B in section along line IIC-IIC'section according to some exemplary embodiments.

The e-vaping device 100 may include one or more of the features set forth in US Published Application No. 2013/0192623 by Tucker et al., filed January 31, 2013, and US Published Patent Application No. 2013/0192619 by Tucker et al., filed January 14, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In the context of this document, the term "e-vaping device" includes all types of electronic vaping devices, regardless of type, size or shape.

According to FIG. 1A-1C, e-vaping device 100 may include at least one of a replaceable cartridge (or first section) 110 and a refillable power section (or second section) 150. Sections 110, 150 may be releasably or permanently connected to each other via complementary interface means 112, 152 of respective sections 110, 150. As further described below, cartridge 110 is configured to generate feed vapor 195 at least in part using power supplied from power section 150. In some exemplary embodiments, the interface means 112, 152 are threaded connectors. It should be understood that the interface means 112, 152 may be any type of connector, including, without limitation, at least one of the following: a snug fit, a latch, a clip, a bayonet connector, and a latch.

As shown in FIG. 1A-2C, the e-vaping device 100 may include an end device 160 (or third section) configured to be releasably or permanently coupled to the cartridge 110 such that the end device 160 is configured to receive all or substantially all of the amount (e.g., the total amount within manufacturing or material tolerances) of feed vapor 195 from cartridge 110. Sections 160, 110 may be coupled together by complementary means 162, 118 for mating respective sections 160, 110. As further described below, complementary means 162, 118 interfaces may be configured to provide an airtight or substantially airtight (e.g., airtight within manufacturing or material tolerances) seal between sections 160, 110 such that end device 160 is configured to accommodate all or substantially all of the feed couple 19 5 from cartridge 110 through outlet 121 of cartridge 110.

As further described below, the end device 160 is configured to mix the source vapor 195 with one or more additives (e.g., flavoring) to form a mixed vapor 199 (e.g., “flavored vapor”) and further direct the mixed vapor 199 out of the e-vaping device 100 through the outlet 166 of the end device 160, whereby the e-vaping device 100 is configured to provide a mixed vapor 199 while reducing or minimizing the interaction between the additive and the pre-vapor composition before generating the initial vapor 195, and thus increasing the ability of the e-vaping device 100 to providing a more stable and high-quality sensory experience due to the weakening of various chemical reactions between the additive and the pre-vapor composition inside the e-vaping device 100.

As shown in FIG. 1A-2C, in some exemplary embodiments, cartridge 110 includes a flash assembly 120 that is configured to generate feed vapor 195. As shown in the figures, flash assembly 120 may include a reservoir 130 configured to hold a pre-flash composition; dispensing interface means 132 configured to draw the pre-evaporator composition from the container 130; and a heating element 134 configured to vaporize the drawn-in pre-flash composition to form feed vapor 195. As further shown in the figures, the cartridge 110 includes one or more air inlets 144 through which ambient air may be drawn into the cartridge 110 to flow in a communication state. in fluid with the vaporizer assembly 120, in particular with the dispensing interface 132, towards the outlet 121 of the cartridge 110.

In some exemplary embodiments, the cartridge 110 may include at least one inlet 144 that may be provided in the outer casing 116 of the cartridge 110 adjacent to the interface 112 to reduce or minimize the likelihood that an adult vaper's fingers will obstruct one of said openings, and to regulate resistance-to-draw (RTD) while vaping. In some exemplary embodiments, the air inlets 144 can be machined into the outer casing 116 with a precision tool so that their diameters are accurately controlled and reproducible from one e-vaping device 100 to the next during the manufacturing process.

In some exemplary embodiments, the air inlets 144 may be drilled with carbide drills or other precision tools or techniques. In some exemplary embodiments, the outer casing 116 may be made of metal or metal alloys such that the size and shape of the air inlets 144 cannot be changed during manufacturing, packaging, and vaping operations. Therefore, the air inlets 144 are capable of providing a stable RTD. In some exemplary embodiments, the air inlets 144 may be sized and configured such that the e-vaping device 100 has an RTD in the range of about 60 mm H ₂ O to about 150 mm H ₂ O.

Referring again to FIG. 1A-2C, according to which reservoir 130 may contain a pre-flash composition. The reservoir 130 may be at least partially formed by one or more structural elements of the cartridge 110, including the outer housing 116, as illustrated, so that the reservoir 130 may be placed in the outer annular structure. Thus, for example, the reservoir 130 may at least partially surround the cavity 119 defined by the inner surface 117 of the outlet 118 interface, as described below.

The dispensing interface 132 is connected to the reservoir 130. The dispenser 132 interface is configured to draw the pre-evaporator composition from the reservoir 130. The heating element 134 is connected to the dispenser interface 132 and is configured to generate heat. The dispensing interface 132 is configured to draw the pre-flash composition from the reservoir 130 so that the pre-flash composition can evaporate from the dispenser 132 as a result of heating the dispenser 132 interface with the heating element 134.

During vaping, the pre-vapor composition can be transferred from the reservoir 130 and/or the storage medium located near the heating element 134 due to the capillary action of the dispenser 132 interface. The dispensing interface 132 may include a first end portion and a second end portion. The first and second end portions of the dispenser interface 132 may extend to opposite sides of the reservoir 130. The end portions of the dispenser interface 132 may be referred to herein as legs. The heating element 134 may at least partially surround the central region of the dispensing interface 132 such that when the heating element 134 is activated to generate heat, the pre-flash composition in the central region of the dispenser 132 interface can be vaporized by the heating element 134 to form initial vapor 195. The central region of the dispensing interface 132 may be referred to herein as a stem.

In addition, during vaping, air (sometimes referred to herein as the “first airstream”) may be drawn into the cartridge 110 from the environment through said one or more air inlets 144 in a state of fluid communication with the dispensing interface 132. 195 that is generated by the heating element 134, heating the pre-flash composition drawn into the dispensing interface 132 may be entrained in the air drawn into the cartridge 110, and the resulting raw vapor 195 may be drawn from the cartridge 110 along with the first air flow through the outlet 121 .

Reservoir 130 may contain additive-free flash composition such that when vaporizer unit 120 generates generated vapor 195 by vaporizing the flash composition by heating element 134, generated vapor 195 may be absent or substantially absent (e.g., absent from manufacturing plants). tolerances or tolerances of materials) of various additives, including flavors. This lack of additives in reservoir 130 of vaporiser assembly 120 may result in weakening of the chemical reactions between pre-flavour composition materials and additives, including flavors, in reservoir 130 upon evaporation as a result of heating of the pre-flavour composition by means of heating element 134.

As further described below, one or more elements of the initial vapor 195 may include one or more elements of the pre-flash composition from which the initial vapor 195 is formed. Said one or more elements may include at least one of the following: water, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol , herbal extracts and natural or artificial flavors. Said pre-flash composition may contain at least one of glycerol and propylene glycol.

As shown in FIG. 1A-2C, in some exemplary embodiments, the e-vaping device 100 may include an end device 160 that can form a mixed vapor 199 by mixing the original vapor 195 with an additive. As further described below, end device 160 may release additive into air stream 197 (sometimes referred to herein as "second air stream") that is separated from source vapor 195 and drawn into end device 160 separately from source vapor 195 (e.g., the additive is released into the air stream 197 independently of the source steam 195) through a separate air inlet 168. The end device 160 may mix the air stream 197 into which the additive has been released with the initial vapor 195 to form a mixed vapor 199.

As further described below, the end device 160 holds the additive material 172 in fluid communication with a channel that is physically isolated from the channel configured to receive feed vapor 195 from the cartridge 110 so that interactions between the additive are reduced or minimized. held in the additive material 172 and the pre-flash composition held in the vaporizer assembly 120. As a result, it is possible to reduce or prevent loss of aroma in the mixed vapor 199 that could occur as a result of these interactions. Thus, the e-vaping device 100 is configured to generate a mixed vapor 199 that provides an enhanced sensory experience due to the fact that the device is configured to reduce or prevent interactions between the additive material 172 and the vaporizer assembly 120 due to the physical isolation of the additive material 172. adding additive from the channel of the end device 160, which is configured to receive the initial vapor 195 from the cartridge 110, which includes the evaporation assembly 120.

In some exemplary embodiments, the end device 160 may include at least an intermediate structure 171 that physically isolates the additive material 172, configured to release the additive into the air stream 197, from a separate channel configured to receive and direct the feed vapor 195 to the outlet end of said individual channel. As a result, feed vapor 195 and air stream 197 are allowed to mix after separation of the additive into air stream 197, so that the resulting mixture (referred to herein as “mixed vapor” 199) may contain feed vapor 195 and additive. The additive may contain a flavoring agent. In some embodiments, the implementation of the additive may contain nicotine. In some exemplary embodiments, the end device 160 is configured to release additional additive to feed vapor 195 separately from the additive released to air stream 197. As a result, in some exemplary embodiments, including the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 1A-2C, an air stream 197 containing an additive (also referred to herein as a "first additive") may be mixed with a feed vapor 195 containing an additional additive (also referred to herein as a "second additive") to form a mixed vapor 199, which contains both of the first additive and the second additive. In some exemplary embodiments, the first supplement contains nicotine and the second supplement contains flavor and does not contain nicotine.

In some exemplary embodiments, the additive material 172 in the end device 160 may comprise an absorbent material that is configured to release one or more additives into the air stream 197 by stripping said one or more additives from the absorbent material. Desorption of the additive from the additive material 172 is possible by the action of one or more airflow elements 197 adsorbing on said one or more absorbent materials and thereby displacing said one or more additives present on said one or more absorbent materials. In some exemplary embodiments, the additive material 172 is configured to react with one or more airflow elements 197 to release said one or more additives. In some exemplary embodiments, the additive material 172 retains an additive that contains a volatile compound such that the additive material 172 is configured to release the additive into an air stream 197 that is in fluid communication with the additive material 172.

In some exemplary embodiments, the additive material 172 in the end device 160 may be configured to release one or more additives at one or more specific release rates. In some exemplary embodiments, the end device 160 includes an additive material 172 that is configured to release the additive at a particular rate of release by air flow 197 in fluid communication with the additive material 172. For example, the additive material 172 may be configured to release the additive at a relatively high rate (e.g., "rapid release") under the action of the air stream 197 passing in fluid communication with the additive material 172 such that the end device 160 is configured to provide a short-term sensory experience through the mixed vapor 199. In yet another example, the additive material 172 can be configured to release the additive at a relatively low rate (e.g., "slow release") under the action of the air stream 197 passing in the state fluid communication with the additive material 172 so that the end device 160 can be configured to provide a relatively long shelf life. In some exemplary embodiments where the additive material 172 is configured to release a plurality of individual additives from a common additive material, the additive material 172 may be configured to release said individual additives at independently different respective release rates. under the action of the air stream 197 passing in a state of fluid communication with the material 172 to make additives. In some exemplary embodiments, the additive material 172 may comprise a plurality of separate materials that are configured to release one or more additives at independently different respective release rates.

Returning to cartridge 110, as shown in FIG. 1A-2C, in some exemplary embodiments, cartridge 110 outlet 118 comprises at least one outlet 121 and an interior surface 117 that defines a cylindrical cavity 119 with outlet 121 at one end of the cavity and opening 119a at the opposite end of cavity 119. As shown in FIG. 1A-2C, outlet interface 118 is configured to couple to inlet interface 162 of end device 160 to form an airtight or substantially airtight seal (e.g., an airtight seal within manufacturing or material tolerances) between inlet port 164 of end device 160 and outlet 121 of the cartridge 110, whereby the cartridge 110 is able to direct the source vapor 195 that is generated by the vaporizer assembly 110 completely or substantially completely (for example, completely within manufacturing or material tolerances) from the cartridge 110 to the end device 160 .

As shown in FIG. 1A-2C, the inner surface 117 of the outlet interface 118 of the cartridge 110 at least partially defines the cavity 119 such that the outlet interface 118 is configured to receive the inlet interface 162 of the end device 160 in the cavity 119 through the opening 119a. As a result, when the inlet interface 162 of the end device 160 is inserted into the cavity 119 of the outlet interface 118 through the hole 119a for connecting the end device 160 to the cartridge 110, the inlet 164 of the end device 160, which is included in the interface 162, can be located near the outlet holes 121 of the cartridge 110 and communicate with it through the fluid, so that the end device is configured to receive the source vapor 195 generated by the evaporation unit 120 from the outlet 121 through the inlet 164 of the end device 160.

Let's return to FIG. 1A-1C, wherein the supply section 150 includes a sensor 156 responsive to air drawn into the supply section 150 through an air inlet 158 adjacent the free end or upper end of the e-vaping device 100; at least one power source 154; and a control circuit 153. Power supply 154 may include a rechargeable battery. Sensor 156 may be one or more of a pressure sensor, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor, and the like.

The sensor 156 may be configured to generate an output signal indicative of the amount and direction of the airflow (flowing through the vaporizer assembly 120), wherein the control circuit 153 receives the output of the sensor 156 and determines the presence of the following "vaping conditions": (1) the direction of the airflow indicates to the retraction performed at the outlet 166 (opposite to the direction of air flow through the e-vaping device 100 through the outlet 166), and (2) the amount of airflow exceeds the threshold value. If the specified internal vaping conditions are met in the e-vaping device 100, the control circuit 153 may electrically connect the power source 154 to the cartridge 110 and the vaporizer assembly 120, thereby activating both of the cartridge 110 and the vaporizer assembly 120. In some exemplary embodiments, the sensor 156 can generate an output signal indicative of a pressure drop inside the case of the e-vaping device 100 (which is caused by the drawing in of air entering the power section 150 through the air inlet 158 and exiting the e-vaping device 100 through the outlet 166), after which the circuit The control 153 activates the cartridge 110 and the vaporizer assembly 120 in response to the specified signal. The sensor 156 may be the sensor disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 14/793453, filed July 7, 2015 and published as U.S. Publication No. 2015/0305410, or the sensor disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,072,321 issued July 7, 2015. , each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some exemplary embodiments, one or more interface means 112, 152 include one or more of a cathode connector and an anode connector. Power section 150 may include one or more leads (not shown) that connect at least one of control circuit 153 and power source 154 to interface 152 . By interconnecting the interface means 112, 152, the coupled interface means 112, 152 allow the control circuit 153, the power supply 154, and the evaporator assembly 120 to be electrically connected to each other.

Power source 154 may be a lithium ion battery or one of its variants, such as a lithium ion polymer battery. Alternatively, power supply 154 may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a lithium manganese battery, a lithium cobalt battery, or a fuel cell. The e-vaping device 100 can be used by an adult vaper until the energy in the power supply 154 is depleted or, in the case of a lithium polymer battery, until a minimum voltage cutout level is reached.

In addition, power node 154 may be rechargeable and may include circuitry configured to allow the battery to be charged from an external charger. The e-vaping device 100 may be recharged using a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charger or other suitable charger.

When the connection is made between the cartridge 110 and the power section 150, at least one power source 154 can be electrically connected to the heating element 134 of the cartridge 110 in the event that the sensor 156 is activated. air. Said one or more air inlets 144 may be located along the outer casing 116.

Sensor 156 may be configured to detect a drop in air pressure and initiate voltage supply from power source 154 to heating element 134. Thus, power section 150 may be configured to energize evaporation assembly 120.

In addition, at least one air inlet 158 may be positioned adjacent to the sensor 156 such that the sensor 156 is able to detect airflow indicative of vapor being drawn in through the outlet end of the e-vaping device. The sensor 156 may activate the power source 154.

In addition, the control circuit 153 may control the supply of power to the heating element 134 in response to a signal from the sensor 156. In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 153 may include a maximum time period limiter. In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 153 may include a manually actuated switch for manually activating vaping by an adult vaper. The period of time during which the control circuit 153 supplies electric current to the heating element 134 may be preset depending on the amount of pre-evaporator composition required for evaporation. In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 153 may control the energization of the heating element 134 in case the sensor 156 detects a drop in pressure.

To control the supply of power to the heating element 134, the control circuit 153 may execute one or more variants of computer-executable program code. The control circuit 153 may include a processor and memory. The memory may be a computer-readable storage medium that stores computer-executable code.

The control circuit 153 may include 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. (field programmable gate array, FPGA), single-chip system (System-on-Chip, SoC), programmable logic element, microprocessor or any other device capable of responding to instructions and executing them in a certain way. In some exemplary embodiments, control circuit 153 may be at least one of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and an application chip.

The control circuit 153 may be configured as a dedicated machine by executing a computer-readable program code stored in the storage device. Program code may include program or computer readable instructions, program elements, program modules, data files, data constructs, and the like, which may be implemented by one or more hardware devices, such as one or more of the control circuits mentioned above. Program code examples include both native code generated by a compiler and higher level code that is executed using an interpreter.

The control circuit 153 may include one or more storage devices. Said one or more storage devices may be tangible or non-transitory computer-readable storage media such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), persistent mass storage device (such as a disk drive), solid state device (e.g. , NAND flash) or any other similar storage mechanism capable of storing and writing data. Said 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 and 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 and/or one or more computer processing devices using a disk drive. Such separate computer-readable storage media may include a USB flash drive, flash drive, Blu-ray/DVD/CD-ROM drive, memory card, and other similar computer-readable storage media. Computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, may be downloaded to said 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. In addition, computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, may be downloaded to said one or more storage devices or said one or more processors from a remote computer system that is configured to transfer and/or distribute computer programs, program codes. , instructions, or some combination of them through the network. The remote computer system may transmit and/or distribute computer programs, program codes, instructions, or some combination thereof, via a wired interface, an air interface, or any other similar medium.

The control circuit 153 may be a dedicated mechanism configured to execute computer executable code to control the supply of power to the heating element 134. The control of the supply of power to the heating element 134 may be referred to interchangeably herein as the activation of the heating element 134.

Referring again to FIG. 1A-2C, when the heating element 134 is activated, the activated heating element 134 can heat the portion of the dispensing interface 132 surrounded by the heating element 134 in less than about 10 seconds. Therefore, a power cycle (or maximum vaping time) can range from about 2 seconds to about 10 seconds (e.g., about 3 seconds to about 9 seconds, about 4 seconds to about 8 seconds, or about 5 seconds to about 7 seconds).

As described herein, a pre-vapor composition is a material or combination of materials that can be converted to vapor. For example, the pre-vapor formulation may be at least one of a liquid, solid, or gel formulation, including, but not limited to, water, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors, vaporizing agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol; and combinations thereof.

In some exemplary embodiments, the pre-flash composition is one or more of propylene glycol, glycerin, and combinations thereof.

The pre-vapor composition may contain nicotine or it may not contain nicotine. The pre-flavour composition may contain one or more tobacco flavors. The pre-flavor composition may contain one or more flavors that are separated from the one or more tobacco flavors.

In some exemplary embodiments, the pre-vapor composition that contains nicotine may also contain one or more acids. Said one or more of the 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, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and combinations thereof.

In some exemplary embodiments, feed vapor 195 generated in vaporizer assembly 120 may be substantially free of one or more materials in the gas phase. For example, source vapor 195 may contain one or more materials that are essentially in the dispersed phase and essentially not in the gas phase.

The storage medium in tank 130 may be a fibrous material, including at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon, and combinations thereof. The fibers may have a diameter ranging from about 6 microns to about 15 microns (eg, from about 8 microns to about 12 microns, or from about 9 microns to about 11 microns). The storage carrier may be a sintered, porous or foamed material. In addition, the fibers may be sized to be inhalable and may be Y-shaped, cross-shaped, clover-shaped, or any other suitable shape. In some exemplary embodiments, reservoir 130 may be a filled container without any storage medium and containing only the pre-flash composition.

The reservoir 130 can be sized and configured to hold a sufficient amount of pre-vapor composition such that the e-vaping device 100 can be configured to vape for at least about 200 seconds. The e-vaping device 100 may be configured to ensure that the duration of each vaping event is a maximum of approximately 5 seconds.

The dispensing interface 132 may include a wick. The dispensing interface 132 may comprise fibers (or strands) capable of drawing in the pre-flash composition. For example, the dispensing interface 132 may be a wick, which may be a bundle of glass (or ceramic) fibers, a bundle containing a group of twisted glass fibers, and the like, all of these arrangements may be capable of drawing the preflash composition for due to the capillary action created by the voids between the fibers. The fibers may be generally aligned in a direction perpendicular (transverse) to the longitudinal direction of the e-vaping device 100. In some exemplary embodiments, the dispensing interface 132 may comprise from one to eight fiber strands, with each strand containing a plurality of glass fibers woven together. The end portions of the dispensing interface 132 may be flexible and foldable to the boundaries of the reservoir 130. The cross section of the fibers may be generally cross-shaped, clover-shaped, Y-shaped, or any other suitable shape.

The dispensing interface 132 may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials, also referred to herein as capillary materials. Examples of suitable materials may include, but are not limited to, materials based on glass, ceramic or graphite. The dispensing interface 132 may have any suitable capillary retraction action to accommodate pre-evaporator compositions having different physical properties such as density, viscosity, surface tension, and vapor pressure.

In some exemplary embodiments, the heating element 134 may comprise a wire wrap that at least partially surrounds the dispensing interface 132 in the evaporator assembly 120. The wire may be a metal wire. The wire winding may extend wholly or partly along the length of the dispensing interface. The wire wrap may also extend wholly or partly around the circumference of the dispensing interface 132 . In some exemplary embodiments, the wire wrap may be insulated from direct contact with the dispensing interface 132 .

Heating element 134 may be made 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, alloys containing stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminum-, titanium-, zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin -, gallium-, manganese- and iron-containing alloys and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt and stainless steel. For example, the heating element 134 may be made of nickel aluminide, an alumina-coated material, 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. Heating element 134 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 heating element 134 may be made of nickel-chromium alloys or iron-chromium alloys. In some exemplary embodiments, heating element 134 may be a ceramic heater having an electrically resistive layer on its outer surface.

The heating element 134 may heat the pre-evaporator composition in the dispensing interface 132 by conduction. Alternatively, the heat from the heating element 134 may be transferred to the pre-vapor composition via a heat conduction element, or the heating element 134 may transfer heat to the incoming ambient air that is drawn through the electronic vaping device 100 during vaping, which in turn results in heating of the pre-evaporator composition due to convection.

It should be understood that instead of using the dispensing interface 132, the evaporative assembly 120 may include a heating element 134, which is a porous material containing a resistive heater made of a high electrical resistance material capable of rapidly generating heat.

In some exemplary embodiments, the cartridge 110 may be replaceable. In other words, after one of the flavor or pre-vapor composition in the cartridge is used up, only the cartridge 110 can be replaced. In some exemplary embodiments, the entire e-vaping device 100 can be discarded when the contents of one of the reservoir 130 or end device 160 are used up.

In some exemplary embodiments, e-vaping device 100 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, the e-vaping device 100 may be approximately 84 mm long and approximately 7.8 mm in diameter.

In the context of this document, the term “additive” is used to describe a compound or combination of compounds that is capable of producing a sensory experience in an adult vaper when said additive is included in the original vapor. The additive may contain a flavoring agent. In some exemplary embodiments, the supplement may contain nicotine.

In the context of this document, the term "flavor" is used to describe a compound or combination of compounds that can provide at least one of flavor and aroma to an adult vaper. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavorant is configured to interact with sensory receptors that can be activated via orthonasal or retronasal activation pathways. The flavoring agent may contain one or more volatile aromatic substances.

Said at least one flavor may include one or more natural flavors or artificial ("synthetic") flavors. Said at least one flavor may include one or more plant extracts. In some exemplary embodiments, said at least one flavor is one or more of tobacco flavor, menthol, wintergreen, peppermint, herbal flavor, fruit flavor, nut flavor, liquor flavor, and combinations thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring agent is included in the form of plant material. The plant material may comprise material from one or more plants. The plant material may include one or more of medicinal 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 yet another example, the plant material may contain tobacco material.

In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material may comprise material from any member of the genus Nicotiana. In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material comprises a mixture of two or more different varieties of tobacco. Examples of suitable grades of tobacco materials that may be used include, but are not limited to, fire-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, Maryland tobacco, Oriental tobacco, dark tobacco, rare tobacco, specialty tobacco, blends thereof, and the like. tobacco-based may be provided in any suitable form, including, but not limited to, tobacco lamina, processed tobacco materials such as expanded or fluffed tobacco, processed tobacco stems such as cut and rolled or cut and fluffed stems, reconstituted tobacco materials, mixtures thereof, and the like. In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco-based material is present as a substantially dry tobacco mass.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of an end device 300 according to some exemplary embodiments. FIG. 3B shows a side plan view of the end device 300 of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C is a plan view of the end device 300 of FIG. 3B in section along line IIIC-IIIC' section according to some exemplary embodiments. FIG. 3D shows a plan view of the end device 300 of FIG. 3B in section along line IIID-IIID' section according to some exemplary embodiments. FIG. 3E is a plan view of the end device 300 of FIG. 3B in section along line IIIE-IIIE' of section according to some exemplary embodiments.

Each of the exemplary embodiments of the tip 300 shown in FIG. 3A-3E may be included in any of the embodiments provided herein, including the handpiece assembly 160 shown in FIG. 1A-2C. In some exemplary embodiments, any of the elements of the end device 300 shown in FIG. 3A-3E may be included in the end device 160 shown in FIG. 1A-2C. In some exemplary embodiments, the end device 160 shown in FIG. 1A-2C may be the same or substantially the same (eg, the same within manufacturing or material tolerances) as the end device 300 shown in FIG. 3A-3E.

In some exemplary embodiments, end device 300 is configured to receive and direct feed vapor 195 through first channel 310 of end device 300, receive and direct a separate air stream 197 through a separate second channel 320 of end device 300, mix feed vapor 195 and air stream 197 with forming a mixed vapor 199 and directing the mixed vapor 199 from the end device 300. The end device may be configured to physically isolate the second conduit 320 from the first conduit 310 by means of an intermediate structure, and the end device 300 may also include an additive material 322 located on the surface , which at least partially defines the second channel 320, so that the additive can be released into the air stream 197 directed (for example, "drawn") through the second channel 320, regardless of any fluid (for example, the source vapor 195) passing through lane outlet duct 310 of end device 300. Air stream 197 and feed vapor can be mixed after the respective air stream 197 and feed vapor 195 have been directed from respective outlet ends 328 and 318 of second duct 320 and first duct 310, so that mixing of air stream 197 and feed steam 195 to form mixed steam 199 occurs "downstream" of the first and second channels 310 and 320.

Due to the aforementioned structural configuration of the end device 300 in relation to the first and second channels 310 and 320 and its physical isolation, it is possible to physically isolate the additive material 322 in the second channel 320 from the first channel 310, and thus reduce or minimize the likelihood of interaction between the additive, held in the additive material 322, and a pre-flash composition that may be held in an external source (eg, cartridge 110) connected to the end device 300 and in fluid communication with the first channel 310 of the end device 300. By reducing or minimizing the likelihood of such interactions, it is possible to improve at least one of the quality and stability of the mixed vapor 199 generated by mixing the air stream 197 and the original vapor 195, thereby improving the sensory experience provided by the e-vaping device, which contains the end device 300, due to the improvement in at least one of the quality and perceptual stability provided by the mixed steam 199.

In addition, by physically isolating the additive material 322 in the end device 300 relative to at least the pre-vapor composition held in an external source (e.g., cartridge 110), the ability to customize the properties of the mixed vapor 199 provided by the e-vaping device is increased, which contains the end device 300, because one or more parts of the end device 300 that contain the additive material 322 can be rearranged or replaced (or it is possible to swap or replace with other end devices 300 having other additive materials containing other additives , instead of those already connected to an external source), and thus allows the individual adaptation of the properties of the mixed vapor 199, provided by mixing the initial vapor 195 with different additives in the end device 300. In this way, it is possible to improve the sensory of the experience that can be provided by an e-vaping device comprising the end device 300, as a result of allowing the individual adaptation of the sensory perception by allowing the rearrangement and/or replacement of one or more additives held in the end device 300, regardless of the change in the pre-vapor composition held in an external source (for example, cartridge 110) that is used to generate initial vapor 195.

As shown in FIG. 3A-3E, the end device 300 includes an outer casing structure 302, a channel structure 301, an inlet structure 354, an addition assembly 356, and an outlet assembly 360. elements, channels and cavities.

As shown in FIG. 3A-3E, in some exemplary embodiments, the end device 300 comprises a first channel structure having a surface at least partially defining a first channel having an inlet end and an opposite outlet end, the first channel structure being configured to receive feed vapor from an external source through the inlet end of the first channel and the direction of the source steam through the first channel to the outlet end of the first channel.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3A-3E, the end device 300 includes a channel structure 301 comprising a tubular structure 304 and a base structure 359 having an inner surface 305 that at least partially defines a first channel 310 having an inlet end and an opposite outlet end 318. In some example embodiments, , since the first channel 310 may be further formed by additional structures 356 and 354, as further described below, the inlet end of the first channel 310, which is at least partially formed by the inner surface 305 of the channel structure 301, may be understood as the inlet 352, in addition to or in as an alternative to the inlet end 317 of the channel design 301.

As further shown in FIG. 3A-3E, channel structure 301 at least partially defines a first channel 310 that is in fluid communication with inlet 352 of end device 300 such that channel structure 301 will be understood to be configured to receive feed vapor 195 from an external source (e.g., cartridge 110 shown in FIGS. 1A-2C) through the inlet end of the first channel 310. The channel structure 301 is also configured to direct the received vapor 195 through the first channel 310 to the outlet end 318 of the first channel 310.

Since the channel structure 301 at least partially forms the first channel 310, this channel structure 301 may be understood as the "first channel structure", and by this term it can be understood in this document.

Referring again to FIG. 3A-3E, in which, in some exemplary embodiments, the end device 300 comprises a second channel structure having a surface at least partially defining a second channel having an inlet end and an opposite outlet end, the second channel structure configured to receive airflow from the surrounding medium through the inlet end of the second channel and directing the air flow through the second channel to the outlet end of the second channel.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3A-3E, the end device 300 includes an outer casing structure 302 having an inner surface 303 that at least partially defines a second conduit 320 having an inlet end 330 and an opposite outlet end 328. As further shown in FIG. 3A-3E, the inlet end 330 is in fluid communication with the environment through the air hole 342 in the controlled flow control assembly 340 (described further below), so that the inlet end 330 and the air hole 342 together form the inlet 332 of the second channel 320, moreover, the flow area of the inlet 332 is adjustable according to the control of the controlled flow control node 340 (described further below). In other words, the inlet end 330 can be understood as a channel passing from the second channel 320 through the outer casing structure 302 to the outer surface of the outer casing structure 302, and the air hole 342 can be understood as a channel passing through the structure of the controlled flow control unit 340 to the environment. so that the inlet end 330 and the air opening 342 may comprise a common air inlet 332, which is a conduit extending from the second conduit 320 to the environment through a structure (e.g., "inner area") of both of the outer casing structure 302 and managed node 340 flow control. Thus, the air inlet 332 may be understood in some exemplary embodiments as an adjustable conduit comprising an inlet end 330 and an air hole 342, and having a variable orifice set by controlled movement of the air hole 342 relative to the inlet end 330 as a result of movement of a controlled node 340 flow control relative to the structure 302 of the outer casing. In some exemplary embodiments, the controllable flow control assembly 340 is omitted from the end device 300 such that the inlet end 330 is the inlet 332 of the second conduit 320.

Due to the inlet end 330 of the second channel 320 being an inlet that extends through the outer casing structure 302 between the outer surface of the outer casing structure 302 and the inner surface 303, the outer casing structure 302 will be understood to be capable of receiving air flow 197 from the environment through the inlet end 330 of the second channel 320 and the direction of the air flow 197 through the second channel 320 to the outlet end 328 of the second channel 320.

As further shown in FIG. 3A-3E, the channel structure 301 includes a tubular structure 304 that extends coaxially with the inner surface 303 of the outer casing structure 302 along the common longitudinal axis of the first channel 310. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3C-3E, while the inner surface 305 of the tubular structure 304 of the channel structure 301 at least partially defines the outer boundary of the first channel 310, the outer surface 307 of the same tubular structure 304 at least partially defines the inner boundary of the second channel 320, while the inner surface 303 of the outer casing structure 302 at least partially defines the outer boundary of the second channel 320. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3C-3E, the second passage 320 is in the form of an annular passage that surrounds the first passage and extends coaxially with the first passage along the longitudinal axis of the first passage 310, while the first and second passages 310 and 320 are physically isolated from each other between their respective inlet ends. and the outlet ends of the first and second channels 310 and 320 through at least a tubular structure 304 of the channel structure 301.

As a result, since the surface of the tubular structure 304 at least partially defines the second channel 320, at least the tubular structure 304 of the channel structure 301 can be understood as the "second channel structure" of the end device 300, in addition to what is understood as the "first channel structure". end device 300. In other words, the structure located inside the end device 300 can be understood as the first channel structure and/or the second channel structure. A structure that at least partially forms both the first conduit and the second conduit, such as the tubular structure 304, may be understood herein as the "intermediate structure" of the end device 300. Such an intermediate structure, as shown in relation to at least the tubular structure 304 in FIG. 3C-3E may be of a design that physically isolates the first and second channels 310 and 320 from each other.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 3A-3E, where the tubular structure 304 should be referred to as a "reciprocal structure" as described below, such mutual structure includes a hollow cylindrical structure having an inner surface 305 and an outer surface 307 extending along the longitudinal axis such that the first channel 310 is a cylindrical channel, and the second channel 320 is at least partially formed by at least an outer surface 307 of the interlocking structure (tubular structure 304) at least partially formed by at least an outer surface 307 of the interlocking structure (tubular structure 304).

In some exemplary embodiments, including the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 3C-3E, with reference to the "intermediate structure" which is the tubular structure 304, the end device 300 may comprise an intermediate structure that is common to both of the first channel structure and the second channel structure such that said intermediate structure at least partially forms both of the first channel 310 and the second channel 320. In addition, in some exemplary embodiments, the intermediate structure includes opposing surfaces at least partially defining separate channels of the first channel and the second channel. For example, as shown in FIG. 3C-3E, in case the tubular structure 304 is an intermediate structure of the end device 300, the inner surface 305 of the tubular structure 304, which at least partially defines the first channel 310, and the outer surface 307 of the tubular structure 304, which at least partially forms the second channel 320 are opposite surfaces at least partially forming separate channels of the first channel 310 and the second channel 320.

In some exemplary embodiments in which the end device 300 comprises an intermediate structure, the intermediate structure may comprise a hollow cylindrical structure having an inner surface and an outer surface extending along a longitudinal axis, wherein the first channel may be a cylindrical channel and the second channel may be an annular channel surrounding the first channel and passing coaxially with the first channel along the longitudinal axis, and the second channel is at least partially formed at least by the outer surface of the intermediate structure.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3C-3E, the tubular structure 304, which is an "intermediate structure", is a hollow cylindrical structure having an inner surface 305 and an outer surface 307 extending along the longitudinal axis of the first channel 310 such that the first channel 310 is a cylindrical channel and the second channel 320 is an annular channel surrounding the first channel 310 and extending coaxially with the first channel along the longitudinal axis of the first channel, and the second channel 320 is at least partially formed by at least the outer surface 307 of the tubular structure 304.

Referring again to FIG. 3C-3E, in which, in some exemplary embodiments, the second channel structure of the end device 300 includes an additive material located on the surface of the second channel structure. The additive material may contain an additive, and the flavor material may be configured to release the additive into the air stream 197 directed through the second channel 320 so that the additive mixes with the air stream 197 to form a mixed air stream 197a, which is directed through the outlet end 328 second channel 320. In some exemplary embodiments, "mixed air stream 197a" may be referred to herein simply as "air stream" into which the additive has been isolated.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3C-3E, the end device 300 includes an additive material 322 disposed on an outer surface 307 of the tubular structure 304 such that the additive material 322 is in fluid communication with a second conduit 320 at least partially defined by the outer surface 307 of the tubular structure 304. Thus, airflow 197 drawn into the second passage 320 through the inlet end 330 of the second passage 320 can be directed to flow through the second passage 320 in fluid communication with the additive material 322 so that the additive material 322 emits one or more additive materials into the air stream 197 to create a mixed air stream 197. In this way, it is possible to direct the mixed air stream 197 containing the separated additive through the outlet end 328 of the second channel 320 to mix with the source vapor 195 in the downstream channel in end device 300.

Although in FIG. 3C-3E shows the additive material 322 located on the outer surface 307 of the tubular structure 304 (the tubular structure 304 of FIG. 3C-3E, understood as the second channel structure due to the fact that it at least partially forms the second channel 320), in In some exemplary embodiments, the additive material may be located on the inner surface 303 of the outer casing structure 302, in addition to or as an alternative to the additive material 322.

In some exemplary embodiments, the additive material 322 may at least partially extend transverse to the longitudinal axis of the second channel 320 such that the second channel 320 is configured to direct airflow 197 to pass at least partially through the interior of the additive material 322 with the purpose of directing the air flow 197 to the outlet end 328 of the second channel 320.

The additive material 322 described herein may comprise a porous structure. The porous structure can keep the additive in fluid communication with the second channel 320 such that airflow 197 is allowed to pass at least partially through said porous structure in fluid communication with the additive retained in said porous structure. The feed vapor 197 can act as an eluent, eluting the additive from the porous structure into the air stream 197 to form an eluate. The eluate may contain a mixture of air stream 197 and additives. Such an eluate may be referred to as a mixed air stream 197a.

In some exemplary embodiments, the additive eluting into air stream 197 is in the dispersed phase. The dispersed phase may contain a liquid phase, a solid phase, or the like. In some exemplary embodiments, the additive eluting into air stream 197 is in the vapor phase, gas phase, etc. The additive may contain a volatile aromatic substance that may elute in air stream 197. In some exemplary embodiments, the additive eluting into air stream 197 contains a non-volatile aromatic substance.

Referring again to FIG. 3C-3E, in which, in some exemplary embodiments, the end device 300 comprises at least an intermediate structure of the first channel structure and the second channel structure physically isolating the additive material in the end device 300 from the first channel such that the additive material is configured with the possibility of separating the additive into the air stream directed through the second channel 320, regardless of the initial vapor 195 directed through the first channel 310.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3C-3E, the tubular structure 304, which is the intermediate structure described above, physically isolates the additive material 322 from the first conduit 310 at least partially defined by the inner surface 305 such that the additive material 322 is configured to release the additive into the airflow 197 directed through the second channel 320, independent of the fluid (eg, feed vapor 195) that is directed through the first channel 310. still capable of physically isolating such additive material from the first conduit 310 at least partially defined by the inner surface 305 of the tubular structure 304.

In some exemplary embodiments, if the additive material 322, which retains the additive, is physically isolated from the first conduit 310, which is configured to receive feed vapor 195 from an external source, and first and second conduits 310 and 320, respectively, direct feed vapor 195 and mixed air flow 197a into the respective outlets 318 and 328 of the first and second channels 310 and 320, it is possible to cool the source steam 195 from the initial temperature that occurs when steam is generated in an external source, while mixing the source vapor 195 and mixed air flow 197a in space or a channel that is in fluid communication with both outlet ends 318 and 328. If the source vapor 195 mixing with the mixed air stream 197a is cooled from the initial temperature, and if the mixed air stream 197a contains an additive separated from the additive material 322, provides an opportunity for at least the measure of the partial weakening of chemical reactions between the additive contained in the mixed air stream 197a and the elements of the original steam 195.

In some exemplary embodiments, if the additive material 322, which retains the additive, is physically isolated from the first conduit 310, which is configured to receive feed vapor 195 from an external source, and first and second conduits 310 and 320, respectively, direct feed vapor 195 and mixed air flow 197a to the respective outlet ends 318 and 328 of the first and second channels 310 and 320, the end device 300 may be configured to reduce the likelihood of chemical reactions between the additive and one or more elements of the external source. The absence of such chemical reactions may result in the absence of reaction products in the mixed vapor 199, which is formed by mixing the mixed air stream 197a, which retains additives released from the additive material 322, and the initial vapor 195. As a result, the end device 300, which is made with the possibility of reducing the likelihood of such chemical reactions, provides the possibility of creating a more stable and high-quality sensory perception through mixed steam 199.

According to FIG. 3A-3E, in some exemplary embodiments, the end device 300 includes an outlet configured to receive airflow and generated steam from respective outlet ends of the first and second passages, mix the airflow and generated steam to form mixed steam, and direct the mixed steam out of the nozzle. .

For example, as shown in at least FIG. 3C, the end device 300 includes an outlet assembly 360 that defines an outlet 362 of the end device 300 at the outlet end 384 of the end device 300. or more other designs of the end device 300. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the outlet assembly 360 may be combined with the outer casing structure 302 such that the outlet assembly 360 and the outer casing structure 302 comprise a continuous piece of material that is connected to the channel structure 301.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the outlet assembly 360 at least partially defines a mixing channel 370 within the end device 300, the mixing channel 370 being further formed by the inner surface of the outer casing structure 302 and the outlet ends 318 and 328 of the first and second channels 310 and 320. Since both outlet ends 318 and 328 at least partially form a mixing channel 370, the first and second channel structures (for example, the channel structure 301 and the outer casing structure 302) are configured to direct the source vapor 195 and the mixed air flow 197a into the common mixing channel 370 through the respective outlet ends 318 and 328. Upon reaching the mixing channel 370, the mixed air stream 197a can be mixed with the original steam 195 to form a mixed steam 199. As shown in FIG. 3C, the outlet assembly 360 defines an outlet 362 of the end device 300 in fluid communication with the mixing channel 370 such that the outlet assembly 360 is configured to direct the mixed vapor 199 from the end device 300 away from the mixing channel 370 through the outlet 362.

In some exemplary embodiments, mixing passage 370 is not present in end assembly 300. For example, outlet assembly 360 may be directly connected to each of outlet ends 318 and 328 of first and second passages 310 and 320, with one or more of the interior surfaces of outlet assembly 360 forming an inner mixing channel, and thus the mixed air stream 197a and the source steam 195 entering the inner region of the outlet node 360 through the respective outlet ends 328 and 318 can be directed through the internal structure of the outlet node 360 for mixing in the inner region of the outlet node 360 to form a mixed pair 199 and its direction from the outlet 360 through the outlet 362.

Referring again to FIG. 3A-3E, in which, in some exemplary embodiments, the end device 300 includes a controllable flow control assembly that is connected to the inlet TCR end of the second duct and configured to controllably control the effective flow area of the inlet end to control the flow rate of air drawn into the second duct through the inlet end. end of the second channel.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3A-3E, the end device 300 may include an adjustable flow control assembly 340 that extends around the outer circumference of the outer body structure 302 and is rotatable in an adjustable ("spinning") manner 344 around the circumference of the outer body structure 302. As shown in the figures, the controllable flow control assembly 340 comprises a plurality of air holes 342 that are configured to at least partially align with one or more inlet ends 330 of the second channel 320 as a result of rotation of the controllable flow control assembly 340 around the circumference of the outer casing structure 302 .

Through the controlled rotation of the controlled flow control assembly 340, the alignment of one or more air holes 342 with one or more inlet ends 330 can be controlled to be controlled. When fully aligned with the inlet end 330, the air inlet 342 is able to provide the maximum effective orifice of the inlet end 330 to open to the environment, and thus the maximum orifice of the air inlet 332 is provided.

By pivoting the controllable flow control assembly 340 to sequentially bring in or out of orifice 342 out of alignment with inlet end 330, the effective orifice of inlet end 330 and hence the orifice of air inlet 332 can be controlled in a controlled manner.

By controlling the flow area of the air inlet 332, and because the maximum flow rate of the air flow 197 that can be drawn into the second channel 320 can be associated with the flow area of the air inlet 332, it is possible to control the flow rate of the air flow 197 through the second passage 320 independently of the flow rate of the feed steam 195 through the first passage 310. Since the flow rate of the air stream 197 can be adjusted independently of the flow rate of the feed steam 195, the amount of mixed air in the mixed air stream 197a that is mixed with the feed steam 195 can be controlled, and , therefore, the amount of additive that is mixed with the source steam 195 to form mixed steam 199, by controlled regulation of the position of the controlled node 340 flow control. Thus, the controllable flow control assembly 340 provides improved control over the sensory experience provided by the end device 300 by controlling the amount of additive included in the mixed vapor 199.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the controlled flow control assembly 340 may be located in a knurled "path" extending around the outer surface of the outer casing structure 302, and the controlled flow control assembly 340 also includes one or more bearings 346 configured to provide smooth controlled movement of the controlled control assembly 340. consumption. However, in some exemplary embodiments, one or both of said track and bearings 346 may be omitted.

As shown in the figures, the end device 300 includes an inlet interface 350 that includes an inlet 352 of the end device 300 at the inlet end 382 of the end device 300. in Fig. 1A-2C), which is configured to provide generated steam 195. In some example embodiments, the end device 300 is configured to be releasably connected to an external source (for example, cartridge 110) by releasably connecting the inlet interface 350 to the outlet interface (eg, outlet interface 118) of an external source. The inlet interface 350 is configured to be inserted into the external source outlet interface (eg, outlet interface 118) to create an airtight or substantially airtight seal between the inlet interface 350 and the external source outlet interface. Thus, inlet interface 350 is configured to couple to outlet interface of an external source such that all or substantially all of (e.g., all within manufacturing or material tolerances) of feed vapor 195 supplied from an external source through the external source outlet interface enters the end device 300 through an inlet 352 included in the inlet interface 350 .

In some exemplary embodiments, the inlet interface 350 comprises at least one base structure 359 of the channel structure 301, wherein the addition assembly 356 and the inlet structure 354 are coupled together by complementary interfaces to create the inlet interface. In some example embodiments, one or more additive assembly structures 356 and inlet structure 354 may be omitted from end device 300. For example, additive assembly 356 may be omitted and base structure 359 may be directly coupled to inlet structure. 354. In yet another example, inlet structure 354 may be omitted and additive addition assembly 356 may form inlet 352. In yet another example, additive addition assembly 356 and inlet structure 354 may be omitted and base structure 359 may form inlet 352.

In some exemplary embodiments, the inlet interface 350 may comprise one or more sealing elements configured to at least partially form an airtight or substantially airtight seal between the inlet interface 350 and an external source to which the end device 300 connects upon insertion of the inlet. 350 interface to the output interface of the external source. As shown in FIG. 3A-3E, one or more sealing elements may include one or more ring-shaped seals 358 that may be included in one or more corresponding grooves on the outer surface of one or more inlet interface 350 structures. The end device 300 shown in the figures includes a separate O-ring 358 placed in a notch on the outer surface of the base structure 359, however, it should be understood that on the outer surface of one or more of the structures that make up the base structure 359, the additive assembly 356 and the inlet structure 354, additional sealing elements can be placed. In some exemplary embodiments, the notch depicted in FIG. 3C may be omitted, and the sealing member may be bonded (eg, held in place by friction, bonded with one or more adhesives, welded, etc.) to the outer surface of one or more inlet interface 350 structures.

Referring again to the inlet interface 350 of the end device, in some exemplary embodiments, the end device 300 may include an additional additive assembly 356 in fluid communication with the first channel 310, wherein the additional additive assembly 356 is configured to release additional feed vapor 195, which is directed through the first channel 310, so that the feed vapor 195, directed through the outlet end 318 of the first channel 310, contains additional additive separated using the additional additive assembly 356 separately from the additive separated using the material to be applied additives to the air stream 197 in the second channel 320.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the end device 300 may include an addition assembly 356 that includes an interior surface at least partially defining a portion of the first channel 310 and further comprises one or more addition structures 357, including, for example, structures 357a and 357b for making additives, which are shown in FIG. 3C and configured to release an additional additive to the fluid (e.g., feed vapor 195) that is directed through the first channel 310 to the outlet end 318 of the first channel 310.

As shown in FIG. 3C, where the addition assembly 356 is connected to the inlet end 317 of the channel structure 301, the addition assembly 356 may include addition structures 357a and 357b that extend transversely through the respective inlet ends and outlet ends of the addition assembly 356. additives. One of the additive structures 357a and 357b may be omitted, so that the supplementation assembly 356 comprises a single additive structure that extends transversely through the inlet end or outlet end of the portion of the first channel 310 defined by the inner surface of the supplementation assembly 356. additional additive. In some exemplary embodiments, the additive assembly 356 comprises, in addition to or as an alternative to the transversely extending additive structures 357a and 357b, an additive structure extending along the inner surface of the additive assembly 356 that defines the portion of the first channel. 310 when connecting the node 356 to make additional additives with the design 359 of the base; such an additive structure may extend at least partially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of a portion of the first channel 310 that is at least partially defined by the inner surface of the additive application assembly 356.

Said one or more additive structures 357 in the additive assembly 356 may contain one or more additives, referred to herein as "additional additives," which may be released into the fluid (e.g., feed steam 195) being directed (e.g., , "drawn") through the first channel 310. Such one or more additional additives may include one or more flavors. Said one or more additional additives may include one or more additives known to exhibit reduced or minimal interactions with a pre-flasher composition that may be held in an external source (eg, cartridge 110) that may be connected to inlet interface 350 end device 300, compared to one or more additives that may be retained in the additive material 322.

In some exemplary embodiments, the additive structure 357 included in the additive assembly 356 (e.g., one or more of the additive structures 357a and 357b) may be a porous structure, a honeycomb structure, a matrix structure, some combination thereof. or the like, wherein the additive structure is configured to direct the fluid passing through the first channel 310 to pass through the interior of the additive structure such that one or more additives from the additive structure are released into the fluid passing through the inner region of the node 356 to make additional additives.

Furthermore, it should be understood that the additive assembly 356 may be releasably ("removably") connected to the base structure 359 such that it is possible to replace the additive assembly 356 with another additive assembly 356, which may contain one or more other additive structures 357 holding one or more other additional additives. As a result, the additive assembly 356 allows for improved individual adaptation of the sensory experience provided by the end device 300.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional side plan view of an end device 400 according to some exemplary embodiments. FIG. 4B shows a view of the end device of FIG. 4A in section along line IVB-IVB' section according to some exemplary embodiments. FIG. 4C shows a view of the end device of FIG. 4A in section along the IVC-IVC' section line according to some exemplary embodiments.

Each of the exemplary embodiments of the tip 400 shown in FIG. 4A-4C may be included in any of the embodiments provided herein, including the tip assembly 160 shown in FIG. 1A-2C. In some exemplary embodiments, any of the elements of the end device 400 shown in FIG. 4A-4C may be included in the end device 160 shown in FIG. 1A-2C. In some exemplary embodiments, the end device 160 shown in FIG. 1A2C may be the same or substantially the same (eg, the same within manufacturing or material tolerances) as the end device 400 shown in FIG. 4A-4C.

Tip 400 includes tips of some elements that are the same or substantially the same (e.g., the same within manufacturing or material tolerances) in at least one form and function with respect to the elements of tip 300 shown and described with reference to FIG. . 3A-3E. These elements have the same reference designations as the elements shown in FIG. 3A-3E and are not further described with reference to FIG. 4A-4C.

In some exemplary embodiments, the end device comprises one or more channel structures that at least partially form at least two separate channels extending along different longitudinal axes. Said different longitudinal axes may be parallel axes. Each of said individual channels may be cylindrical, and the respective outlets of said individual channels may be in fluid communication with a common outlet assembly. Said one or more channel structures may comprise a separate structure. At least a portion of said separate structure may be an intermediate structure that physically isolates said separate channels, and one channel of said separate channels may contain an additive material that is thus physically isolated from the other channel of said separate channels.

For example, in the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 4A-4C, nozzles 400 may comprise separate conduit structures 410 that at least partially define separate conduits 420 and 430 that extend along separate longitudinal axes. In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 4A-4C, the individual longitudinal axes are parallel, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited to this.

As shown in the figures, channel structure 410 may at least partially define, through inner surface 412, a first channel 420 having an inlet end (eg, at least one of inlet end 317 and inlet 352) and an opposite outlet end 426. structure 410 is configured to receive feed vapor 195 from an external source to which inlet 452 of end device 400 (eg, cartridge 110) may be connected.

Channel structure 410 may at least partially define, through inner surface 413, a second channel 430 having an inlet end 434 and an opposite outlet end 436. Inlet end 434 is in fluid communication with air inlet 438 (and may be common with inlet air hole 438), and thus it is possible to form a channel structure 410 with the possibility of directing air flow 197 through the second channel 430 from the air inlet 438 through the second channel 430 to the outlet end 436. As shown in the figures, the end device 400 may contain material 432 for additives located on the inner surface 413. As shown in the figures, the channel structure 410 includes an intermediate structure 480 that physically isolates the additive material 432 from the first channel 420.

As further shown in the figures, channel structure 410 at least partially defines a mixing channel 370 that is in fluid communication with both outlet ends 426 and 436 such that channel structure 410 defines a mixing channel 370 that is configured to receive both feed vapor 195 from the first channel 420 through the outlet end 426 and the mixed air stream 197a from the second channel 430 through the outlet end 436, and is further configured to mix the feed vapor 195 and the mixed air stream 197a to form a mixed vapor 199.

As further shown in FIG. 4A-4C, a portion of the conduit structure 410, referred to herein as the adjacent structure 480, is located between conduits 420 and 430, and is therefore a "reciprocal structure" as described above with reference to FIGS. 3A-3E.

As further shown in FIG. 4A-4C, the tip 400 includes a variable flow control 440 movable along a track 444 in the outer surface of the channel structure 410. The adjustable flow control assembly 440 includes an air hole 442, which is similar to the air hole 342 shown and described above with reference to FIG. 3A-3E such that the variable flow control assembly 440 is configured to provide variable flow control of the airflow 197 over the second channel 430, as is the case with the variable flow control assembly 340 illustrated and described above with reference to FIG. 3A-3E to the adjustable flow control unit 440 illustrated and described above with reference to FIG. 3A-3E.

FIG. 5 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a method S500 for controlling the operation of an end device according to some exemplary embodiments. The method of operation may be practiced with any exemplary embodiment of the tip of the device described herein, including the tip device 160 shown in FIG. 1A-2C, the tip device 300 shown in FIG. 3A-3E and the tip 400 shown in FIG. 4A-4C.

At step S501, it is possible to create an air flow through one or more parts of the end device using a fluid (for example, air) drawn into the end device through one or more inlets and further drawn through the interior of the end device towards the outlet of the end device. The generated airflow may include a first airflow that is generated through an external source (eg, cartridge 110) and then passes through the first port of the end device, and a second airflow that is generated through the second port of the end device.

The group of steps S503, including steps S504-S506, may be performed on an external source (eg, cartridge 110) that is connected to the inlet of the end device. Operations S504-S506 may be carried out using the aforementioned first airflow generated through an external source and further passing through the first channel of the end device.

In step S504, it is possible for steam to be generated in the evaporator unit from an external source. Such steam may be referred to herein as "source steam" (eg, source steam 195 described herein).

In step S506, it is possible to draw in the feed vapor from the evaporator unit, and hence the external source, together with the first air flow, so that the feed vapor is drawn into the first passage of the end device through the inlet end of the first passage.

The group of operations S511, including operations S522-S542, may be performed on the end device described in this document.

Operations S522-S526 are carried out in relation to the first channel of the end device described in this document. In step S522, the aforementioned source steam is received in the first channel of the end device along with the first air flow through the inlet end of the first channel from an external source, the source vapor from which is drawn in in step S506. In operation S524, which may be an optional operation depending on whether the end device contains the additive assembly described herein (for example, additive assembly 356), source steam is directed ("pulled") through one or more addition structures (e.g., at least one of addition structures 357a and 357b) at the addition assembly so that the feed vapor is mixed with one or more additional additives in the first air stream. At step S526, raw steam is directed through the outlet end of the first channel and thus output from the first channel.

Operations S532-S536 are carried out in relation to the second channel of the end device described in this document. In step S532, the aforementioned second airflow (eg, airflow 197) is introduced into the second passage through the inlet end of the second passage. As described herein, it is possible to controllably control the effective flow area of the inlet end of the second duct with the controllable flow control assembly, so that controllable control of the flow rate of the second air flow through the second duct is possible. In some exemplary embodiments, the inlet end of the second duct may be completely closed such that the flow rate of the second air stream (e.g., air stream 197) through the second duct is wholly or substantially wholly (e.g., wholly within manufacturing or material tolerances) is reduced to zero, and thus the execution of operations S532-S536 is prevented.

In step S534, assuming that the second airflow enters the second channel, in step S532, the second airflow is directed to flow through the second channel to the outlet end of the second channel, so that the second airflow passes in a state of fluid communication with the application material. additive, which is located on the surface, at least partially forming the second channel. As a result, the additive material releases the additive into the second air stream to form the "mixed air stream" (eg, "mixed air stream 197a") described herein. In step S536, the mixed air flow is directed through the outlet end of the second channel and thus removed from the second channel.

At step S540, the first and mixed air streams, respectively, containing the source vapor and the separated additive (and the first air stream may also contain an additional additive) are directed to flow through a common channel (for example, mixing channel 370) so as to initiate mixing of the first and mixed air streams. As a result of such mixing, the initial vapor of the first air stream and the additive of the mixed air stream (and, if necessary, the additional additive of the first air stream) can be mixed to form a mixed vapor.

In step S542, the mixed steam is directed from the end device through the outlet of the end device. If the end device is connected to the aforementioned external source to form an e-vaping device, then step S542 may include directing mixed vapor from the e-vaping device.

While a number of exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations are possible. Such variations are not to be considered 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 (28)

1. An electronic vaping device (EVD) end device, comprising: a first channel structure having a surface at least partially forming a first channel having an inlet end and an opposite outlet end, wherein the first channel structure is configured to receive feed vapor from an external source through the inlet end of the first channel and direct the received feed vapor through the first channel to the outlet end of the first channel; and a second channel structure having a surface at least partially forming a second channel having an inlet end and an opposite outlet end, the second channel structure being configured to receive air flow from the environment through the inlet end of the second channel and direct the air flow through the second channel to the outlet the end of the second channel, wherein the second channel structure contains an additive material located on the surface of the second channel structure, containing the additive and configured to release said additive into the air flow directed through the second channel, moreover, at least the intermediate structure of the first channel structure and the second channel structure physically isolates the additive material from the first channel, so that the additive material is configured to release the additive into the air stream directed through the second channel, regardless of the initial steam directed through first channel; end device also contains: an additional additive unit in fluid communication with the first channel and configured to release the additional additive into the initial vapor directed through the first channel, so that the air flow directed through the outlet end of the second channel contains the additive, and the source steam directed through the outlet end of the first channel contains an additional additive. 2. The end device according to claim 1, also containing: an outlet assembly configured to receive the air flow and feed vapor from the respective outlet ends of the first and second channels, mix the air flow and feed vapor to form mixed vapor, and direct the mixed vapor from the end device. 3. End device according to claim 1 or 2, in which the intermediate structure is common to both of the first channel structure and the second channel structure such that said intermediate structure at least partially forms both of the first channel and the second channel. 4. End device according to claim 3, in which the intermediate structure comprises opposite surfaces at least partially forming separate channels of the first channel and the second channel. 5. An end device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate structure comprises a hollow cylindrical structure having an inner surface and an outer surface extending along the longitudinal axis; the first channel is a cylindrical channel; and the second channel is an annular channel surrounding the first channel and passing coaxially with the first channel along the longitudinal axis, and the second channel is at least partially formed at least by the outer surface of the intermediate structure. 6. End device according to claim 5, in which the material for adding the additive is located on the outer surface of the intermediate structure. 7. An end device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the additive material comprises an absorbent material. 8. An end device according to any one of the preceding claims, also comprising: a controllable flow control unit connected to the inlet end of the second channel and configured to controllably control the effective flow area of the inlet end to control the flow rate of the air flow drawn into the second channel through the inlet end of the second channel. 9. An e-vaping device, comprising: an evaporator unit configured to generate initial steam; and an end device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the end device is in fluid communication with the evaporator assembly, the evaporator assembly being an external source; and a power section configured to supply power to the evaporator assembly. 10. The e-vaping device of claim 9, wherein the power section contains a rechargeable battery. 11. An e-vaping device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the end device is releasably connected to the vaporizer assembly.

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