RU2845352C1 - Aerosol precursor dispensing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to alternative smoking articles. Machine for dispensing aerosol precursor composition for use with aerosol supply devices comprises a plurality of sources of dispensed liquid components of the aerosol precursor. Plurality of sources differ in liquid components of the aerosol precursor discharged from the sources. Machine comprises a user interface configured to enable the user to select the amount of liquid components of the aerosol precursor for dispensing, and a dispenser configured to dispense aerosol precursor components into a container within a cartridge configured to be used with an aerosol delivery device based on a selection made at the user interface. User interface of the machine is used to determine an individual combination of components of the aerosol precursor from a plurality of sources. Aerosol precursor composition formed by the individual combination of the aerosol precursor components arising from the selection made on the user interface is dispensed into a reservoir inside a cartridge configured to be used with an aerosol supply device.

EFFECT: providing a personalized selection of an aerosol precursor for use with alternative smoking articles.

25 cl, 7 dwg

Description

Field of technology

The present invention relates to aerosol precursor compositions and a machine capable of at least dispensing an aerosol precursor. The aerosol precursor may be of a type containing substances that may be manufactured or obtained from tobacco or otherwise contain tobacco. The precursor is intended to be capable of forming an inhalable substance for human consumption when used with an aerosol delivery device, such as smoking articles. The smoking articles may be of a type that uses electrically generated heat to produce the inhalable substance.

State of the art

Over the years, a variety of smoking products have been proposed as improvements or alternatives to smoking products that require the combustion of tobacco. Many of these devices are purported to be capable of producing the sensations associated with smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, but without generating significant amounts of the products of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis that result from the combustion of tobacco. To this end, numerous smoking products, flavorings, and medicinal inhalers have been proposed that utilize electrical energy to vaporize or heat a volatile material or that seek to substantially provide the sensation of smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe without the combustion of tobacco. See, for example, the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and heat sources disclosed in the prior art described in U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., U.S. Patent No. 8,881,373 to Collett et al., U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 13/432,406, filed March 28, 2012, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 13/536,438, filed June 28, 2012, and U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 13/647,000, filed October 8, 2012, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Some of these alternative smoking products, i.e. aerosol delivery devices, may be reusable by using replaceable cartridges or containers that are refillable with an aerosol precursor (e.g. smoke juice, e-liquid or e-juice). It would be desirable to provide a personalized choice of aerosol precursor for use with these alternative smoking products. Thus, improvements in aerosol precursor dispensing, cartridge filling and cartridge packaging would be desirable.

Disclosure of the essence of the invention

The present disclosure relates to a machine for dispensing an aerosol precursor for use in aerosol delivery devices. Embodiments of the present invention include a machine for dispensing an aerosol precursor composition for use with aerosol delivery devices. The machine may comprise a plurality of sources of dispensed liquid aerosol precursor components, wherein the plurality of sources differ in the liquid aerosol precursor components dispensed from the sources. The machine may also include a user interface configured to allow the user to select an amount of liquid aerosol precursor components to be dispensed. A dispenser configured to dispense aerosol precursor components based on a selection made on the user interface may be included as part of the machine.

In some embodiments, the machine may include at least one source of an aerosol-forming substance, wherein the aerosol-forming substance comprises a substance selected from the group consisting of polyols, water and combinations thereof. At least one source of the machine may contain a flavoring agent, and at least one source may contain a nicotine source. A plurality of sources may contain replaceable pre-filled storage modules that can be inserted into the machine and contain an aerosol precursor component. In other embodiments, a plurality of sources may include refillable storage containers located inside the machine. In yet other embodiments, a plurality of sources may contain an inlet in operative communication with an external source.

The dispenser may be configured to dispense the aerosol precursor components in such a way that the selected components are mixed to form a custom aerosol precursor composition. Alternatively, the dispenser may be configured to dispense the aerosol precursor components in such a way that the selected components remain separated until they are combined during use of the aerosol delivery device.

The machine can dispense aerosol precursor components into at least one cartridge reservoir based on a user selection. The dispenser can use at least one pipette unit to dispense aerosol precursor components. Empty cartridges can be stored inside the machine. More specifically, an empty cartridge can be a cartridge that contains all the necessary functional components, but does not contain the entire composition of the aerosol-forming composition - the so-called electronic cigarette liquid. An empty cartridge may not contain any aerosol-forming composition or its components, or may contain such an amount of these substances that is less than the amount at which the cartridge is considered completely filled and ready for dispensing. The cartridge supply system can place one or more empty cartridges relative to the dispenser for receiving the dispensed aerosol precursor components. The machine can store empty cartridges of multiple sizes or types, and the user interface can provide the user with the ability to select a preferred cartridge for filling. In some embodiments, the machine has a programming unit for programming cartridge usage parameters to optimize cartridge performance based on the provided aerosol precursor composition.

Embodiments of the machine may have a packaging system for packaging one or more cartridges that have received selectively dispensed components of the aerosol precursor. A backing portion and a cover film may be stored within the machine for use in the packaging system for creating a blister package. In exemplary embodiments, the packaging system comprises a sealing subsystem for sealing the cover film with attachment to the backing portion. In some embodiments, the packaging system provides packages containing more than one cartridge, each cartridge being sealed in a corresponding pocket of the blister package. In some embodiments, the machine also comprises a printing subsystem configured to print labels for accompanying the packaged cartridges.

The present disclosure also describes embodiments of a method for forming an aerosol precursor composition. The method may include selecting a plurality of sources that differ in the liquid components of the aerosol precursor that are dispensed from them, from a machine that contains a plurality of sources of dispensed liquid components of the aerosol precursor, wherein the selection includes using a user interface of the machine to set an individual combination of components of the aerosol precursor from the plurality of sources. The method may also include dispensing an aerosol precursor composition formed by an individual combination of components of the aerosol precursor that results from the selection made on the user interface.

In some embodiments, the dispensing step further includes dispensing the aerosol precursor from the filling head into a reservoir within a cartridge configured to be used with an aerosol delivery device. The method may include a step of packaging the cartridge after the cartridge has received the aerosol precursor from the filling head. In some embodiments, making the selection includes selecting an aerosol-forming substance of the individual combination. In one embodiment, making the selection includes selecting a relative amount of nicotine in the individual combination. In another embodiment, making the selection includes selecting at least one flavoring substance for use in the individual combination.

The invention includes, without limitation, the following embodiments:

Implementation option 1:

A machine for dispensing an aerosol precursor composition for use with aerosol delivery devices, comprising: a plurality of sources of dispensed liquid aerosol precursor components, wherein the plurality of sources differ in the liquid aerosol precursor components dispensed from the sources; a user interface configured to provide the user with the ability to select a quantity of liquid aerosol precursor components for dispensing; and a dispenser configured to dispense aerosol precursor components based on the selection made on the user interface.

Implementation option 2:

A machine according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, comprising at least one source of an aerosol-forming substance.

Implementation option 3:

A machine according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, wherein the aerosol-forming substance comprises a substance selected from the group consisting of polyols, water, and combinations thereof.

Implementation option 4:

A machine according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, comprising at least one source of flavoring substance.

Implementation option 5:

A machine according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, comprising at least one nicotine source.

Implementation option 6:

A machine according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, wherein the plurality of sources comprise replaceable pre-filled storage modules adapted to be inserted into the machine and containing an aerosol precursor component.

Implementation option 7:

A machine according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, wherein the plurality of sources comprise refillable storage containers located within the machine.

Embodiment 8: The machine of any of the preceding or following embodiments, wherein the plurality of sources comprises an inlet in operative communication with an external source.

Implementation option 9:

A machine according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, wherein the dispenser is configured to dispense the aerosol precursor components in such a way that the selected components are mixed to form a customizable aerosol precursor composition.

Implementation option 10:

A machine according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, wherein the dispenser is configured to dispense the aerosol precursor components in such a way that the selected components remain separated until they are combined during use of the aerosol delivery device.

Implementation option 11:

A machine according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, wherein the dispenser is configured to dispense the aerosol precursor components into at least one cartridge reservoir based on a user selection.

Implementation option 12

A machine according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, wherein the dispenser comprises at least one pipette unit.

Implementation option 13:

The machine according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, further comprising unfilled cartridges stored within the machine.

Implementation option 14:

A machine according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, also comprising a cartridge transport system configured to accommodate one or more unfilled cartridges relative to a dispenser for receiving dispensed aerosol precursor components.

Implementation option 15:

A machine according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, wherein the unfilled cartridges comprise a plurality of sizes or types of cartridges, and the user interface provides the user with the ability to select a preferred cartridge to be filled.

Implementation option 16:

A machine according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, also comprising a programming unit for programming the parameters of use of the cartridge to optimize the performance of the cartridge based on the provided composition of the aerosol precursor.

Implementation option 17:

A machine according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, further comprising a packaging system for packaging one or more cartridges having received selectively dispensed components of the aerosol precursor.

Implementation option 18:

A machine according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, wherein the machine comprises a backing portion and a covering film for use in a packaging system for creating a blister package.

Implementation option 19:

A machine according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, wherein the packaging system comprises a sealing subsystem for sealing the covering film with attachment to the backing portion.

Implementation option 20:

A machine according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, wherein the packaging system provides packages containing more than one cartridge, each cartridge being sealed in a corresponding pocket of the blister package.

Implementation option 21:

A machine according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, wherein the machine also comprises a printing subsystem configured to print a label to accompany the packaged cartridges.

Implementation option 22:

A method for producing an aerosol precursor composition, comprising:

selecting from a machine comprising a plurality of sources of dispensed liquid aerosol precursor components, wherein said plurality of sources differ in the liquid aerosol precursor components dispensed therefrom, and selecting includes using a user interface of the machine to determine a unique combination of aerosol precursor components from the plurality of sources; and

dispensing an aerosol precursor composition formed by an individual combination of aerosol precursor components resulting from a selection made on the user interface.

Implementation option 23:

A method according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, wherein the dispensing step also includes dispensing an aerosol precursor from the filling head into a reservoir within a cartridge configured for use with an aerosol delivery device.

Implementation option 24:

The method according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, further comprising packaging the cartridge after the cartridge has received the aerosol precursor from the filling head.

Implementation option 25:

The method according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, wherein making the selection comprises selecting an aerosol-forming substance of an individual combination.

Implementation option 26:

The method according to any of the preceding or following embodiments, wherein making the selection comprises selecting a relative amount of nicotine in the individual combination.

Implementation option 27:

The method of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein making the selection comprises selecting at least one flavoring agent for use in the individual combination.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The invention includes any combination of two, three, four or more of the above embodiments, as well as combinations of any two, three, four or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined in the description of a particular embodiment herein. This disclosure is intended to be read as a whole, such that any features or elements of the disclosed invention in any of its various aspects and embodiments should be considered as having the ability to be combined unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Brief description of the drawings

Having thus described the disclosure in the foregoing general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and in which:

Fig. 1 is an external view of a distributing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is an internal view of a distributing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a cutaway view of the interior of a dispensing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 shows an exemplary gluing subsystem for use in the machine of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 shows an exemplary pipette for use within the machine of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 shows an exemplary blister pack dispensed from the machine of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of an exemplary cartridge dispensed by the machine of Fig. 1 and configured for attachment to a control unit to form an aerosol delivery device.

Implementation of the invention

The present disclosure will now be described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof. These exemplary embodiments are described so that the disclosure will be thorough and comprehensive and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In fact, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure satisfies applicable legal requirements. As used in the description and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a" and "an" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Referring to Fig. 1, embodiments of the present invention relate to a machine 1. The machine 1 may be referred to interchangeably as a dispensing machine. In one embodiment, the machine 1 is operated by a customer or clerk to perform at least one of the tasks of dispensing a customized aerosol precursor, filling cartridges with a customized aerosol precursor, and packaging cartridges filled with the customized aerosol precursor. The terms "precursor," "aerosol precursor," "aerosol precursor composition," and "aerosol precursor composition" are generally used interchangeably to refer to combined ingredients intended for use in producing an aerosol or the like from aerosol delivery devices 200, such as smoking articles (e.g., electronic cigarettes). An example of an aerosol delivery device 200 is shown in Fig. 7 and is discussed in detail below. The precursor may also be known in the industry as "smoke juice," "e-juice," or "e-liquid."

Machines according to embodiments of this disclosure are provided to be relatively small in size, potentially being placed on a table or counter and operated by a salesperson or a properly verified customer. The machine is configured to dispense a precursor essentially on demand. The precursor may be considered "individualized" or "personalized" because the precursor dispensed from the machine for one user may be different from the precursor dispensed from the machine for the next user. In some embodiments, these differences arise because the precursor may be composed on demand based on selectable parameters.

Machine 1 in Fig. 2 may comprise a user interface 3, provided in any convenient location and position on or near the outside of machine 1 that is convenient for operation. User interface 3 may provide the user with a choice that results in the user being given a preferred aerosol precursor. For example, the user may personalize the taste and strength (e.g., nicotine content) of his aerosol precursor by using a plurality of options and a menu displayed on user interface 3. User interface 3 may be a touch screen. Alternatively, user interface 3 may comprise a display separate from the input device, e.g., a keyboard.

Machine 1 may also comprise an opening 5 for dispensing the desired product to the consumer. Opening 5 may comprise a door, a flap, a valve or other structure that is optionally opened when the product is ready for extraction or receipt by the user. The desired product dispensed from machine 1 may have several forms. The product may be provided in the form of the aerosol precursor itself, preferably a liquid, a cartridge containing the precursor, or a package of one or more cartridges containing the precursor.

Machine 1 may have an access panel 7 allowing service personnel or retailers to access the interior of machine 1 to perform maintenance, upgrade or to fill machine 1 with raw materials necessary for performing machine operations. Access panel 7 is shown as a door on the front of machine 1. Access panel 7 is not necessarily limited to hinged doors, but may be any other suitable closing device. Access panel 7 is shown on the front of machine 1, but access panel 7 may be placed in any other suitable location based on the requirement to provide access to the internal mechanisms of machine 1. Thus, the configuration of access panel 7 can be controlled by placing the internal components of machine 1. Although in Fig. 1 one access panel 7 is shown, it should be understood that machine 1 may comprise a plurality of separate access panels 7 to provide the necessary access to the interior.

Machine 1 may contain a plurality of other ports, connectors, scanners, readers and other devices configured to be accessible by the user. For example, machine 1 may contain reading devices 4, such as scanners, readers, sensors, cameras, etc. for bar codes, two-dimensional bar codes (QR codes), magnetic stripes, radio frequency identification (RFID) and other optical and electromagnetic identification that can be used to provide information to machine 1. In one embodiment, machine 1 may be configured to determine the identity of the user by means of identification cards, such as a driver's license or an employee identification card. Machine 1 may contain cameras that register the user, helping to avoid theft or detain vandals. Machine 1 may have a reader of codes on coupons or other brochures. For example, a store may want to advertise the favorite recipes of its employees' aerosol precursors. These recipes may be displayed as bar codes that can be scanned by the user so that the machine 1 dispenses a predetermined recipe. Users may have their own presets stored on key tags or other internal or external storage media, such as a memory device, which can be read by the machine 1 to speed up the sale of the customer's preferred aerosol precursor. In one example, the customer's recipe may be created using a website or a mobile application. The customer's smartphone may then be programmed to display the appropriate bar code, which can be read by a bar code reader provided in the machine 1. Other readers may provide direct purchase of the desired product directly from the machine 1 using credit card readers, cash acceptance devices or other payment acceptance devices known in the art.

In one embodiment, the machine 1 may comprise ports or connectors that allow the user to recharge the power unit 210 of his aerosol delivery device 200 (see Fig. 7) while the machine 1 is preparing his personalized precursor.

A person skilled in the art should understand that the machine 1 may have one or more ports, connectors or devices that provide operation of the machine 1 and are not intended for user access or are user-oriented. They may include such elements as power cables for providing power to the machine 1 or Ethernet ports for providing the machine 1 with network access for working with remote databases on the World Wide Web or within the framework of local retail operations. For example, the machine 1 may be linked to a store register so that the machine 1 dispenses the desired product only after the customer pays for the product or after the seller verifies the age or other identifying characteristics of the user.

Machine 1 may have the ability to store customer preferences to simplify the dispensing process. Machine 1 may be networked to other machines, connected to the Internet, or equipped with reader technology so that the customer can obtain his preferred predecessor without returning to the same machine each time or selecting a full set of options on the user interface 3.

In one embodiment, the machine 1 may use Bluetooth data transmission technology or a similar contactless data transmission technology (e.g., near field communication (NFC) technology) to transmit or receive presets from the consumer's smartphone. As a result, the user's aerosol precursor can be selected on the go or at home, rather than standing in front of the machine, thereby saving the customer's time. An application installed on the phone may be involved in this process to synchronize with the machine. The process of interaction between the machine 1 and the smartphone or aerosol delivery device may correspond to the methods described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/327,776, filed July 10, 2014 by Ampolini, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Machine 1 may have multiple security features. In one example, Machine 1 may be functionally linked to Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) databases so that the machine can read the user ID and restrict Machine 1 to authorized customers, service personnel, or other designated users. Other security features may include cameras or dispensing only in child-resistant boxes.

The non-user-facing ports may also comprise input openings for the feedstock materials used in the machine 1. The feedstock materials typically comprise precursor components, unfilled cartridges, if provided, and packaging materials, if provided. In some embodiments, all or some of the feedstock materials used in the machine processes are contained within the machine 1. In another example, the feedstock materials may be received through an input opening from an auxiliary or external storage facility, which increases the capacity of the machine 1. This would be particularly useful for storing components common to all aerosol precursors or products dispensed by the machine 1. For example, an aerosol-forming substance, such as a polyol, may be initially stored in a remote auxiliary tank. In other embodiments, the feedstock materials may be obtained from a common source. For example, if water is used as the aerosol-forming substance, the machine 1 may comprise an input opening for filtered water.

Fig. 2 schematically shows an exemplary set of internal components of machine 1.

In some embodiments, the machine 1 comprises a filling system 10, a packaging system 50 (see Fig. 3), and a vending system 80. In one example, the aerosol precursor is filled into unfilled cartridges using the filling system 10, the filled cartridges are packaged into appropriate packaging using the packaging system 50, and the packaged product is discharged from the machine 1 using the vending system 80. In other embodiments, the packaging system 50 can be omitted or bypassed since the machine 1 dispenses filled cartridges ready for immediate use without separate protective packaging. In yet other embodiments, the vending system 80 simultaneously functions as the filling system 10. For example, the machine 1 can dispense the aerosol precursor in liquid form directly into a cartridge that is externally and removably attached to the machine 1.

As used herein, the term "cartridge" is used as a device that operatively cooperates with the power unit 210 to form the device 200 for delivering an aerosol. An exemplary cartridge 204 is shown in Fig. 7. The cartridge may be designed to be filled and disposed of once, or the cartridge may be designed to be filled repeatedly as the precursor is consumed. In some embodiments, the cartridges may contain only containers or reservoirs containing the precursor. In other embodiments, as described below, in addition to other features, the cartridges 204 may have a layer or portion of a reservoir used to produce an aerosol from the precursor.

The filling system 10 provides an aerosol precursor. As described in more detail below, the aerosol precursor typically has several individual components, which, when creating the precursor for a smoking article as a whole, can be divided into three primary groups, which are: nicotine sources, aerosol-forming substances and flavorings (collectively, "precursor components"), which can be stored in first sources 12, second sources 14 and third sources 16, respectively, inside the machine 1. In some embodiments, the machine 1 is configured to dispense an aerosol precursor having an aerosol-forming substance, a selectable relative strength of nicotine (i.e., the volume of the nicotine source) and optionally one or more flavorings having an arbitrary strength.

In one example, each of the selected components is provided in liquid form. In other examples, some components can be provided in the form of particles or in another, solid form. Sources 12, 14, 16 can contain refillable reservoirs for storing precursor components. Sources 12, 14, 16 can also contain single-use modules in which, after the precursor component is consumed, the modular packaging is replaced. Each single-use module can be configured to contain a plurality of doses of its corresponding composition or aerosol precursor component. In other embodiments, each single-use module can provide a single dose with the corresponding composition or aerosol precursor component. Some components can be provided in multiple-dose modules, and other components can be provided in single-dose modules.

The sources 12, 14, 16 may lead to a material supply subsystem 18 configured to selectively deliver the desired precursor components to the filling head 20. The supply subsystem 18 may be characterized by a plurality of pumps and valves that selectively draw materials from the sources 12, 14, 16 or otherwise allow the component liquid from the sources to be released and transferred to the filling head 20. The filling head 20 may comprise a manifold in which each of the aerosol precursor components is mixed before filling the cartridge 204 or dispensing the aerosol precursor. The manifold may be subject to agitation, comprise a mixing mechanism or other means for actively mixing the precursor components before filling them into the cartridge 204.

In other embodiments, the individual components of the precursor may be separately delivered to the cartridge 204 sequentially or simultaneously from individual filling heads 20. In one embodiment, the filling system 10 comprises a shaking device for shaking the cartridge 204. The shaking device may be provided for mixing the components 12, 14, 16 of the precursor within the cartridge 204. Mixing may also contribute to a more complete or uniform saturation of the cartridge reservoir 244 with the aerosol precursor.

In other embodiments, the individual precursor components may be individually delivered to individual sections or reservoirs 244 within the cartridge 204 itself. If a plurality of individual reservoirs 244 are used, the reservoirs may store a plurality of combinations of the individual precursor components. In some embodiments, substantially the entire aerosol precursor composition may be stored in two or more individual reservoirs. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agents (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, and water) may be stored in one or more reservoirs, and one or more flavors may be stored in one or more additional reservoirs. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agents may be stored in one or more reservoirs, the nicotine source may be stored in one or more additional reservoirs, and optional additional flavors may be stored in one or more optional additional reservoirs (although the optional flavors may be combined with nicotine and/or the aerosol-forming agent). Other combinations of substances stored in separate reservoirs are also included, and such a possibility of storing the components separately can provide precise control of the aerosol composition, which is provided under the control of the power supply unit 210 and the aerosol generating means (for example, the atomizer 232) within the cartridge itself. In particular, the aerosol composition can be customized as desired, so that liquid is extracted only from specific reservoirs 244 necessary to provide the desired composition of the aerosol composition in a specific puff from the device 200 for delivering the aerosol.

In one embodiment, the filling head 20 may be in the form of one or more pipette assemblies 30, as schematically shown in Fig. 5. The pipette assembly 30 may comprise a chamber 32 having an elongated body capable of holding and delivering a liquid, such as an aerosol precursor or its components. The chamber 32 has an open proximal end 34 and an opposite distal end 36, which has a conical tip 38 with a passage 40 formed therein. One end of the passage 40 is open into the chamber 32 to provide communication between the tip 38 and the chamber 32, and the opposite end of the passage 40 is open so that liquid can pass through it and be distributed through a cannula 42 connected to the tip 38. A biasing member 44 is provided, configured such that one (upper) end of the spring member is located around the diameter of the pipette assembly 30 (for example, around the tip 38, as shown), surrounding the diameter of the pipette assembly and extending vertically downward. Additional examples of typical pipettes and their features are described in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 14/646,078, filed August 20, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The pipette assemblies 30 of Fig. 5 may be useful when filling containers containing one or more solid or semi-solid substances, such as cartridges 204 containing manifolds, as will be described in more detail below. When the containers to be filled contain a solid or semi-solid material, the cannula 42 used to fill the container typically experiences some friction when it comes into contact with the material, which must be overcome in order to distribute the liquid and remove the cannula 42 from the container. When the cannula 42 is removed from the container, the end of the biasing member 44 (or an associated retaining component) remains engaged with the upper diameter of the container so that the containers do not move vertically upward when the cannula is removed. Such pipette assemblies may be used to dispense liquid from both the top and bottom of the container.

The filling head 20 may have other configurations. For example, the filling head 20 may comprise a nozzle or other outlet configured to spray an aerosol precursor into the cartridges. The spray may vary from a relative mist to a concentrated stream of aerosol precursor.

The filling system 10 should be designed to provide a metered amount of the precursor in each cartridge 204. Any or all of the subsystems of the filling system 10 may facilitate metered filling. For example, the supply subsystem 18 may extract or allow only a very specific volume of each component to exit from each source 12, 14, 16. Additionally, the filling head 20 may be configured to dispense only a specific volume of the fluid. In some cases, these subsystems may need to work together to properly fill each desired cartridge 204. In one embodiment, a user may wish to purchase 6 packages of cartridges. The supply subsystem 18 may extract the required amount of fluid of each component to fill all six cartridges at one time. The filling head 20 then dispenses the entire portion for the 6 packages into individual cartridges. In other embodiments, the supply subsystem 18 may provide for the ability to simultaneously form one or more doses.

When a plurality of filling heads 20 are provided, each filling head 20 can dispense from a common manifold, and in this case, a package of 6 cartridges having the same contents can be completed more quickly. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of filling heads 20 can dispense from a separate manifold. In this way, a package of 6 cartridges can be quickly filled without having the same aerosol precursor recipe in each cartridge of the same package of 6 cartridges.

The filling system 10 should also have the ability to select and place a cartridge 204 that will be filled with an aerosol precursor. In a preferred embodiment, the machine 1 should be loaded with cartridges 204 that can be reloaded for use with aerosol delivery devices 200 or smoking articles. As discussed below, cartridges 204 have been disclosed and marketed that have a variety of different configurations. In one embodiment, the machine 1 is equipped with cartridges of different types, sizes and configurations. Thus, the user can select a suitable cartridge or select one of several suitable cartridges (depending on volume or characteristics) that are known to be compatible with the control housing 202 of the user's smoking article. In other embodiments, for any given machine 1, only one type of cartridge can be filled. Additionally or alternatively, the machine 1 can be configured to re-accept used cartridges that are provided by the user. In this embodiment, the re-usable cartridge can be filled and returned to the user. In still other embodiments, when the machine 1 dispenses another cartridge filled with aerosol precursor back to the user, the user may place the used cartridge in the machine 1 where the used cartridges may be collected for disposal, cleaning, or reclamation.

In one embodiment, the filling system 10 comprises a cartridge transport subsystem 46. The cartridge transport subsystem 46 is configured to place a selected unfilled cartridge in a proper location and orientation to be filled by the filling head 20. In the illustrated figures, the cartridge transport subsystem 46 is shown including a sliding platform. Any known mechanism can be used to implement the cartridge transport subsystem 46. For example, the cartridges 204 can be moved from their mounting position to the filling head 20 by a set of chutes under the action of gravity, and the actuator is configured to release a selected number of cartridges to be filled. The cartridges can be moved by other means, such as a robotic arm or other device that grips and moves each cartridge into place.

As discussed above, the machine 1 can fill cartridges from the outside. In the context of these embodiments, "outside" can mean within reach of the user. In some embodiments, the cartridge transport subsystem 46 can be omitted or bypassed by the user. In other words, the user may be required to properly position the cartridge relative to the filling head 20 themselves. The cartridge may be a spent, refillable cartridge. Alternatively, the user may obtain a new, unfilled cartridge from an employee or by selecting from a display near the machine 1, and then the machine 1 can fill the cartridge after it is properly positioned by the user inside or near the machine 1.

The filling system 10 may also include a closure subsystem 48. The closure subsystem 48 may vary depending on the type of cartridge being filled, but the purpose of the closure subsystem 48 is to terminate or otherwise seal the cartridge so that the aerosol precursor is retained in the appropriate reservoir. In one example, a cap, such as a mouthpiece, may be screwed or otherwise attached to the end of the cartridge. Another cartridge is described in U.S. Application Publication No. 2014/0261408, published September 18, 2014, by DePiano et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

If the precursor is used in a cartridge, the machine 1 may also include a programming unit 49 for programming a predetermined heating value of the cartridge and other relevant configuration parameters, such as a heating profile, puff durations, puff length, shelf life, etc. for use by the power unit 210 of the device 200 for delivering an aerosol in order to optimize the cartridge for a specific composition of the precursor. The programming unit may include a microprocessor, a transmitter or other known elements that set the operating parameters of the power unit 210.

After filling the desired type and quantity of cartridges with the desired volume and composition of the aerosol precursor, and after each cartridge is finished, the filled cartridges can be transferred to a packaging system 50 if necessary. An exemplary packaging system 50 is shown schematically in Fig. 3. The packaging system 50 can take various forms and be configured to package the filled cartridges in any suitable packaging known in the art. In one example, the cartridges can be sealed in "blister packs."

An example of a blister pack 104 is shown in Fig. 6. The substrate 106 may form a top surface 108 with a plurality of pockets 110 extending downwardly from the top surface 108. The substrate 106 may be translucent or transparent to allow a user to see through it. The filled cartridges may be handled such that each cartridge is placed in a corresponding pocket 110. A cover 112 may be positioned opposite the top surface 108 of the substrate 106. The cover 112 may comprise a thin layer or film of foil or plastic. In use, the cover 112 must be torn off such that an external force is applied to each pocket 110 causing the cartridge 204 to rupture the corresponding portion of the cover 112, providing access to the filled cartridge.

Other examples of blister packs are described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2014/0001194, published January 2, 2014, and 2014/0251842, published September 11, 2014, both by Pipes, incorporated herein by reference.

The packaging system 50 may include a sealing subsystem 60, an example of which is shown in Fig. 4. The sealing subsystem 60 may seal the blister packages 104 by using heat to melt the coating 112 with attachment to the upper surface 108, thereby providing a sealed cavity 114 that contains the filled cartridge 204. The sealing subsystem 60 may use other mechanisms to form a sealed package depending on the type of packaging used. Sealing may be performed using light or pressure in addition to or instead of heat. Sealing may further include means for creating a full or partial vacuum.

In other embodiments, the packaging system 50 may include a plurality of other subsystems. For example, additional layers of packaging may be provided by other subsystems. The blister package 104 may be wrapped in outer packaging or inserted into a sleeve or other outer packaging.

The packaging system 50 may also include a printing device 65. The printing device 65 may print directly on the packaging, may print on a label that is attached, for example, glued to the packaging, or may print a receipt to accompany the blister pack 104. The printing device 65 may be configured to provide any information characteristic of a product label. Examples include information about the contents of the packaging, such as the type or brand of the cartridge, a general description or list of customized precursors or user choices, according to which the used aerosol precursor was made, the identifier of the user for whom the packaging was prepared, price information based on the cartridges, their contents and quantity, barcodes or QR codes reflecting them, etc.

The packaging system 50 is preferably configured to package a different number of filled cartridges. For example, the user may have the option to request a single cartridge or a multiple package, such as a package of three or six cartridges. The packaging system 50 may have separate packaging blanks for each package size selected by the user. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the substrates 106 and covers 112 of the blister packs 104 may be provided in continuous rolls that can be separated between pockets 110 using an internal automated cutting or tearing device, or by the user when the filled cartridges are dispensed from the machine 1.

In some embodiments, the cartridges at the end of its mouthpiece may have a pre-installed cap. In these and other embodiments, the packaging system 50 may be omitted or, in some embodiments, bypassed, so that the filled cartridges are provided directly to the user via the vending system 80. When bypassing the packaging system 50, an option selected by the user when operating the machine 1 may be selected. Bypassing the packaging system 50 may be preferable if the cartridge 204 is issued for immediate use. For example, the machine 1 may be used in a room for smoking tobacco or electronic cigarettes, where the user can create his or her individually filled cartridge and then remain in the room to enjoy the product.

The vending system 80 of the machine 1 can be generally described as a means for providing the user with access to the selected aerosol precursor, the filled cartridge or the packaged filled cartridge in each of the various embodiments. The vending system 80 can be a downward drop system 82 into which the packaged cartridges fall. The vending system 80 can have a protective cover that is optionally opened to control access to the packaged cartridges. The vending system 80 can contain any necessary means to deliver the finished product to the user. Many of the devices discussed above in relation to the transport of unfilled cartridges can be useful for feeding filled cartridges or packaged cartridges from the machine 1 to the opening 5 with access for the user.

Although a plurality of systems and individual components of the dispensing machine 1 are currently described herein, it is understood that one or more additional systems and/or components may be added. It is also understood that one or more systems and/or components may be omitted and/or may be replaced with other suitable systems and/or components. For example, devices and methods for making small quantities of cigarettes are known in the art and include exemplary systems and components that may be added or adapted for use in the presently disclosed dispensing machine. An example of such a device for making cigarettes is described in U.S. Patent No. 7,565,818 to Thomas et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The use of the machine 1 as described above can be further disclosed in terms of a method for forming an aerosol precursor. The method can include selecting a plurality of sources, differing in the liquid components of the aerosol precursor dispensed from them, from a machine containing a plurality of sources of dispensed liquid components of the aerosol precursor, wherein the selection includes using a user interface of the machine to set an individual combination of components of the aerosol precursor from a plurality of sources. The method can also include dispensing an aerosol precursor composition formed by an individual combination of components of the aerosol precursor resulting from the selection made on the user interface.

In some embodiments, the dispensing step further comprises dispensing the aerosol precursor from the filling head into a reservoir within a cartridge configured to be used with an aerosol delivery device. The method may include a step of packaging the cartridge after the cartridge has received the aerosol precursor from the filling head. In some embodiments, making the selection includes selecting an aerosol-forming substance of the individual combination. In an embodiment, making the selection includes selecting a relative amount of nicotine in the individual combination. In another embodiment, making the selection includes selecting at least one flavoring substance for use in the individual combination.

Regardless of whether the aerosol precursor is dispensed directly or in the form of a filled cartridge, the machine 1 is configured to dispense the aerosol precursor and is preferably configured to dispense the aerosol precursor as a personalized selection based on the user's selected options.

The aerosol precursor is not particularly limited. Several additional characteristics of a typical precursor are discussed below. The aerosol precursor is comprised of a combination or mixture of various ingredients (i.e., components). The selection of specific aerosol precursor components and the relative amounts of the components used may be varied based on user input in the user interface 3 to control the overall chemical composition of the primary aerosol stream generated by the atomizer 232 of the aerosol delivery device 200. Of particular interest are aerosol precursors that can be characterized as being substantially liquid in nature. For example, typical substantially liquid aerosol precursors may be in the form of liquid solutions, mixtures of miscible components, or liquids containing suspended or dispersed components. Typical aerosol precursors are capable of vaporizing when exposed to heat under conditions such as those experienced during use of the aerosol delivery devices 200 that are characteristic of the present disclosure; and are therefore capable of producing vapors and aerosols that can be inhaled.

For aerosol delivery devices 200 that are characterized as electronic cigarettes, the aerosol precursor most preferably includes tobacco or components derived from tobacco (referred to herein as "nicotine sources"), which can be provided in the first sources 12. In one respect, the tobacco can be provided as parts or pieces of tobacco, such as finely ground, ground or powdered tobacco leaf. In another respect, the tobacco can be in the form of an extract, such as a spray-dried extract, which contains many water-soluble components of tobacco. Alternatively, the tobacco extracts can be in the form of extracts with a relatively high nicotine content that also contain minor amounts of other extracted components derived from tobacco. In another respect, the components derived from tobacco can be provided in a relatively pure form, such as some flavorings derived from tobacco. In one respect, the component that is derived from tobacco and that can be used in a highly purified or substantially pure form is nicotine (for example, pharmaceutical grade nicotine).

The aerosol precursor may comprise a so-called "aerosol-forming substance" component, which may be provided in the second sources 14. Such materials have the ability to produce visible aerosols when evaporated under the influence of heat under the conditions encountered during normal use of the atomizers 232, which are characteristic of this disclosure. Such aerosol-forming substances comprise various polyols or polyhydric alcohols (for example, glycerin, propylene glycol and mixtures thereof). Many embodiments of the present invention comprise aerosol precursor components that can be characterized as water, moisture or an aqueous liquid. Under normal use conditions of some devices 200 for delivering an aerosol, the water contained in these devices can evaporate to produce a component of the generated aerosol. Thus, for the purposes of the present disclosure, water present in the aerosol precursor can be considered an aerosol-forming material.

A variety of optional flavors or materials that alter the sensory character or nature of the inhaled main stream of the aerosol include an additional third main component of the aerosol precursor and may be provided in third sources 16. For example, such optional flavors may be selectively added to the aerosol precursor to alter the taste, aroma and organoleptic properties of the aerosol. Some flavors may be obtained from sources other than tobacco. Typical flavors may be natural or artificial in nature and may be used in the form of concentrates or flavor packets.

Exemplary flavorings include vanillin, ethyl vanillin, cream, tea, coffee, fruit (e.g., apple, cherry, strawberry, peach, and citrus flavors including lime and lemon), maple, menthol, mint, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, nutmeg, clove, lavender, cardamom, ginger, honey, anise, sage, cinnamon, sandalwood, jasmine, cascarilla, cocoa, licorice, and flavorings and flavor packets of the type and nature traditionally used to flavor cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobaccos. Syrups, such as high fructose corn syrup, may also be used. Some flavorings may be included in aerosol-forming substances prior to formation of the final aerosol precursor mixture (e.g., some water-soluble flavorings may be included in water, menthol may be included in propylene glycol, and some complex flavor packages may be included in propylene glycol).

Aerosol precursors may also include ingredients that exhibit acidic or alkaline characteristics (e.g., organic acids, ammonium salts, or organic amines). These ingredients may be included in the general description of flavors 16 for the purposes of this disclosure. For example, certain organic acids (e.g., levulinic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, and pyruvic acid) may be included in the nicotine-containing aerosol precursor, preferably in amounts up to equimolar (based on the total organic acid content) with nicotine. For example, the aerosol precursor may contain from about 0.1 to about 0.5 moles of levulinic acid per mole of nicotine, from about 0.1 to about 0.5 moles of succinic acid per mole of nicotine, from about 0.1 to about 0.5 moles of lactic acid per mole of nicotine, from about 0.1 to about 0.5 moles of pyruvic acid per mole of nicotine, or various combinations and permutations thereof up to a concentration at which the total amount of organic acid present is equal to the total amount of nicotine present in the aerosol precursor.

As one non-limiting example, a typical aerosol precursor created by machine 1 at the user's discretion may be in the form of a mixture of from about 70% to about 90% glycerin, often from about 75 to about 85% glycerin; from about 5% to about 20% water, often from about 10% to about 15% water; from about 1% to about 10% propylene glycol, often from about 4 to about 8% propylene glycol; from about 0.1% to about 6% nicotine, often from about 1.5% to about 5% nicotine; and optional flavoring in an amount of up to about 6%, often from about 0.1% to about 5% flavoring agent by weight. For example, a typical aerosol precursor may be in the form of a composition comprising more than about 76% glycerin, about 14% water, about 7% propylene glycol, about 1% to about 2% nicotine, and less than about 1% optional flavoring agent by weight. For example, a typical aerosol precursor may be in the form of a composition comprising more than about 75% glycerin, about 14% water, about 7% propylene glycol, about 2.5% nicotine, and less than about 1% optional flavoring agent. For example, a typical aerosol precursor may be in the form of a composition comprising more than about 75% glycerin, about 5% water, about 8% propylene glycol, about 6% nicotine, and less than 6% optional flavoring agent by weight.

Representative types of aerosol precursor components and compositions are also set forth and described in U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al. and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2013/0008457 to Cheng et al.; 2013/0213417 to Shong et al.; and 2014/0060554 to Collett et al., 2015/0020823 to Lipovitz et al.; and 2015/0020830 to Koller, as well as WO 2014/182736 to Bowen et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other aerosol precursors that can be used include aerosol precursors that have been included in the VUSE® product of RJ Reynolds Vapor Company, the BLUTM product of Lorillard Technologies, the MISTIC MENTHOL product of Mistic Ecigs{/0} {1} and the VYPE product of CN Creative Ltd. Also desirable are the so-called "smoke juices" for electronic cigarettes that are available from Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC. Embodiments of effervescent agents can be used with the aerosol precursor and are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0055494 to Hunt et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the use of effervescent agents is described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,639,368 to Niazi et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,178,878 to Welling et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,223,264 to Welling et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,974,590 to Pater et al.; and U.S. Patent No. 7,381,667 to Bergquist et al., as well as U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2006/0191548 to Strickland et al.; 2009/0025741 to Crawford et al.; 2010/0018539 to Brinkley et al.; and 2010/0170522 to Sun et al.; and PCT WO 97/06786 to Johnson et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The amount of aerosol precursor contained in the aerosol delivery device 200 is such that the atomizer 232 provides satisfactory sensory and desirable performance characteristics. For example, it is highly preferable that sufficient amounts of an aerosol-forming substance (for example, glycerin and/or propylene glycol) are used to ensure the formation of a visible main stream of aerosol that in many respects has the appearance of tobacco smoke. The amount of aerosol precursor may depend on factors such as the number of puffs desired. Typically, the amount of aerosol precursor contained in the aerosol delivery device 200 and especially within the cartridge 204 is less than about 2 g, typically less than about 1.5 g, often less than about 1 g, and often less than about 0.5 g.

In many embodiments, the machine 1 is configured to provide the aerosol precursor to the user in the form of a filled cartridge 204 for use with a smoking article or an aerosol delivery device 200. Fig. 7 shows an exemplary aerosol delivery device 200 having an exemplary cartridge 204 that can be filled and dispensed by the machine of the present disclosure. As can be seen from the illustrated cross-section, the aerosol delivery device 200 may comprise a control housing 202 and a cartridge 204 that may be permanently or releasably aligned axially in a functional relationship. Although Fig. 7 shows a threaded connection, it is understood that additional engagement means are also encompassed, such as a press-fit engagement, an interference fit, a magnetic engagement, and the like.

In specific embodiments, one or both of the control housing 202 and the cartridge 204 may be referred to as disposable or reusable. For example, the control housing 202 may have a replaceable battery or may be rechargeable and thus may be combined with any recharging technology, including connection to a regular electrical outlet, connection to a car charger (i.e., a cigarette lighter outlet), and connection to a computer, such as via a USB cable.

In an exemplary embodiment, the control housing 202 includes a control element 206, a flow sensor 208 and a power supply unit 210, which can be adjusted to be aligned and can include a plurality of indicators 212 at the distal end 214 of the outer shell 216. The indicators 212 can be presented in different numbers and can take different shapes and can even be an opening in the housing (for example, for the passage of sound if such indicators are present).

The air intake 218 can be located in the outer shell 216 of the control housing 202. At the proximal fastening end 222, a receiving part 220 of the control housing 202 is also contained and passes into the projection 224 of the control element to ensure convenient electrical connection with the atomizer 232 or its component, for example, the resistive heating element 234, when the cartridge 204 is attached to the control housing 202.

The cartridge 204 comprises an outer shell 226 with a mouthpiece opening 228 at the end 230 of its mouthpiece to ensure the passage of air and entrained vapor (i.e., components of the aerosol precursor composition in inhalable form) from the cartridge to the consumer during a puff from the aerosol delivery device 200. The aerosol delivery device 200 may be substantially rod-shaped or have a substantially tubular or substantially cylindrical shape in some embodiments.

The cartridge 204 further comprises an atomizer 232 comprising a resistive heating element 234 comprising a wire winding in the illustrated embodiment, and a liquid transfer element 236 comprising a wick in the illustrated embodiment and configured to transfer a precursor. Various options of substances configured to produce heat when an electric current passes through them can be used to form the wire winding. Exemplary materials from which the wire winding can be formed include fechral (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi ₂ ), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), molybdenum disilicide, alloyed aluminum (Mo(Si,Al) ₂ ) and ceramics (for example, ceramic materials with a positive temperature coefficient). Electrically conductive terminals 238 of the heater (for example, positive and negative terminals) at opposite ends of the heating element 234 are configured to direct the passage of current through the heating element and are configured to be connected to a corresponding wiring or circuit (not shown) to form an electrical connection of the heating element to the power supply unit 210, when the cartridge 204 is connected to the control housing 202. In particular, the connector 240 can be mounted on the distal connection end 422 of the cartridge 204. When the cartridge 204 is connected to the control housing 202, the connector 240 is engaged with the receptacle 220 to form an electrical connection, so that the current flows with the possibility of control from the power supply unit 210 through the receiver and the connector to the heating element 234. The outer shell 226 of the cartridge 204 can pass through the distal connection end 242, so that this end of the cartridge is substantially closed by the connector protruding from it.

For supplying the aerosol precursor composition to the aerosolization zone, the reservoir 244 may use the liquid transfer element 236. The cartridge 204 includes the reservoir 244 containing layers of nonwoven fibers, made in this embodiment in the form of a tube surrounding the inside of the outer shell 226 of the cartridge. The aerosol precursor component provided by the machine 1 may be stored in the reservoir 244. Liquid components, for example, may be retained by the reservoir 244 in an absorbed state. The reservoir 244 is in liquid communication with the liquid liquid transfer element 236 (in this embodiment, the wick). The liquid transfer element 236 transfers the aerosol precursor composition stored in the reservoir 244 to the aerosolization zone 246 of the cartridge 204 due to the capillary effect. As illustrated, the liquid transfer element 236 is in direct contact with the heating element 234, which in this embodiment is formed as a coil of metal wire.

In use, when the user takes a puff from the aerosol delivery device 200, the heating element 234 is activated (for example, by means of a puff sensor), and the components of the aerosol precursor composition are vaporized in the aerosolization zone 246. Performing a puff through the mouthpiece 230 causes the ambient air to enter the air inlet 218 and pass through the central opening in the receiving part 220 and the central opening in the connector 240. In the cartridge 204, the drawn air passes through the first air channel 248 in the tube 250 of the first air channel and combines with the formed vapor in the aerosolization zone 246 to form an aerosol. The aerosol is entrained from the aerosolization zone 246, passes through the second air channel 252 in the second tube 252 of the second air channel and exits from the mouthpiece 228.

The reservoir 244 may comprise various materials and may be made in various ways. In one embodiment, the reservoir 244 may be made of a plurality of combined layers that may be concentric or overlapping. For example, the reservoir 244 may be a solid sheet of material rolled to form a hollow tubular configuration. In other embodiments, the reservoir 244 may be a substantially integral element. For example, the reservoir 244 may be shaped or molded so that it is a single preformed element in the form of a substantially hollow tube, which may have a substantially continuous composition along its length and thickness.

The reservoir 244 may be made of a material that is rigid or semi-rigid in some embodiments while maintaining the ability to store a liquid product, such as, for example, an aerosol precursor composition. In some embodiments, the material of the reservoir 244 may be absorbent, adsorbent or otherwise porous to provide the ability to retain the aerosol precursor composition. Thus, the aerosol precursor composition may be characterized as deposited, adsorbed or absorbed into the material of the reservoir 244. The reservoir 244 may be located inside the cartridge 204 such that the reservoir 244 is in contact with the liquid transfer element 236. More specifically, the reservoir 244 may be made of any material configured to retain the aerosol precursor composition (e.g., by absorption, adsorption or the like) and to provide the ability to capillary draw the precursor composition for transfer to the heating element 234.

The material of the reservoir 244 can be heat-resistant to maintain its structural integrity and avoid decomposition at least at a temperature close to the heating temperature provided by the heating element 234. However, the reservoir 244 does not have to be heat-resistant up to the maximum temperature created by the heating element 234, since the reservoir does not contact it. The size and strength of the reservoir 244 can vary depending on the properties and technical requirements imposed on the cartridge 204. In specific embodiments, the reservoir 244 can be made of a material suitable for a high-speed automated manufacturing process. Such processes can reduce manufacturing costs compared to traditional woven or non-woven fibrous layers. According to one embodiment, the reservoir 244 can be made of cellulose acetate tow, which can be processed to form a hollow acetate tube.

More detailed information on an example of an aerosol delivery device 200 and a cartridge 204 is disclosed in US 2014/0261408, published September 18, 2014 by Depiano et al., and is incorporated herein by reference. Other cartridges that may be suitable for use with the described machine 1 are described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0332020 by Lee et al. and No. 2014/0246016 by Terry, No. 2013/0192619 by Tucker, No. 2013/0192620 by Tucker, as well as in US Patent No. 8,794,231 by Thorens and No. 8,707,965 by Newton, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Suitable cartridges may also be described in WO 2013/159245 by Hon and WO 2012/173322 by Kim, as well as U.S. Patent Application No. 14/530,275 filed October 31, 2014 by Bless et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other cartridges may have a disposable connector as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,639 by Chang, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The above description of the use of the machine can be applied to the various embodiments described in this document by means of minor modifications that may be obvious to a person skilled in the art in light of the further disclosure provided in this document. However, the above description of the use is not intended to limit the use of the product, but is provided to meet all the necessary requirements of the disclosure of the present invention.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention may occur to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, given the benefit of the teachings presented in the above descriptions and accompanying drawings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims (25)

1. A machine for dispensing an aerosol precursor composition for use with an aerosol delivery device, comprising: a plurality of sources of dispensed liquid aerosol precursor components, wherein the plurality of sources differ in the liquid aerosol precursor components dispensed from the sources; a user interface configured to provide a user with the ability to select a quantity of liquid aerosol precursor components to be dispensed; and a dispenser configured to dispense the aerosol precursor components into a reservoir within a cartridge configured for use with an aerosol delivery device based on a selection made on the user interface. 2. The machine according to claim 1, containing at least one source of an aerosol-forming substance. 3. The machine according to claim 2, wherein the aerosol-forming substance comprises a substance selected from the group consisting of polyols, water and combinations thereof. 4. The machine according to claim 1, containing at least one source of a flavoring substance. 5. The machine according to claim 1, containing at least one nicotine source. 6. The machine of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sources comprise replaceable pre-filled storage modules configured to be inserted into the machine and containing the aerosol precursor component. 7. The machine of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sources comprise refillable storage containers located within the machine. 8. The machine of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sources comprises an input opening in working communication with an external source. 9. The machine of claim 1, wherein the dispenser is configured to dispense the aerosol precursor components in such a way that the selected components are mixed to form an individual aerosol precursor composition. 10. The machine of claim 1, wherein the dispenser is configured to dispense the aerosol precursor components in such a way that the selected components remain separated until they are combined during use of the aerosol delivery device. 11. The machine according to claim 10, wherein the dispenser comprises at least one pipette unit. 12. The machine of claim 10, also comprising unfilled cartridges stored within the machine, wherein the unfilled cartridges are configured to receive one or more of the said liquid components of the aerosol precursor. 13. The machine according to claim 12, also comprising a cartridge transport system configured to accommodate one or more unfilled cartridges relative to a dispenser for receiving dispensed aerosol precursor components. 14. The machine of claim 12, wherein the unfilled cartridges comprise a plurality of sizes or types of cartridges, and the user interface allows the user to select a preferred cartridge to be filled. 15. The machine of claim 10, further comprising a programming unit for programming the cartridge usage parameters to optimize the cartridge characteristics based on the provided aerosol precursor composition. 16. The machine of claim 10, further comprising a packaging system for packaging one or more cartridges that have received selectively dispensed aerosol precursor components. 17. The machine of claim 16, wherein the machine comprises a backing portion and a covering film for use in a packaging system for creating a blister pack. 18. The machine according to claim 17, wherein the packaging system comprises a sealing subsystem for sealing the covering film with attachment to the backing portion. 19. The machine of claim 18, wherein the packaging system provides for producing packages containing more than one cartridge, each cartridge being sealed in a corresponding pocket of the blister package. 20. The machine according to claim 16, wherein the machine further comprises a printing subsystem configured to print labels to accompany packaged cartridges. 21. A method for producing an aerosol precursor composition, comprising: selecting from a machine comprising a plurality of sources of dispensed liquid aerosol precursor components, wherein said plurality of sources differ in the liquid aerosol precursor components dispensed therefrom, and making the selection includes using a user interface of the machine to determine an individual combination of aerosol precursor components from the plurality of sources; and dispensing an aerosol precursor composition formed by the individual combination of aerosol precursor components resulting from the selection made at the user interface into a reservoir within a cartridge configured to be used with an aerosol delivery device. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: packaging the cartridge after the cartridge receives the aerosol precursor from the filling head. 23. The method according to claim 21, wherein making the selection comprises selecting an aerosol-forming substance in an individual combination. 24. The method of claim 21, wherein making the selection comprises selecting the relative amount of nicotine in the individual combination. 25. The method of claim 21, wherein making the selection comprises selecting at least one flavoring substance for use in the individual combination.