RU2839410C1 - Electronic device for nicotine vaping (embodiments) and method for detecting exhaustion of nicotine-containing vapor formulation in nicotine tank - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to tobacco industry, in particular to systems simulating the tobacco smoking process. Electronic device for nicotine vaping comprises a nicotine reservoir. Wick is configured to draw the nicotine-containing vapor formulation from the reservoir. Heating element is configured to heat the finished composition for steam drawn from the reservoir. Wire probe is located along the length of the wick and is separated from the heating element by a wick. Saturation sensor is configured to measure one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the wire probe at the first moment in time. Electrical characteristic includes resistance and/or capacitance. Saturation sensor is configured to measure the electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the wire probe at a second moment in time. Second moment in time is later relative to the first moment in time. Control circuit is configured to allow the electronic nicotine vaping device to calculate the replenishment rate, with which the nicotine-containing ready vapor composition flows on the wick, based on the electrical characteristic at the first moment in time and the electrical characteristic at the second moment in time. Control circuit is configured to determine that the replenishment rate is less than the threshold replenishment rate, and outputting a low level warning of the nicotine-containing finished vapor formulation in response to determining that the replenishment rate is less than the threshold replenishment rate. Disclosed is a version of an electronic device for vaping nicotine and a method for detecting exhaustion of a nicotine-containing finished vapor composition in a reservoir.

EFFECT: higher efficiency of control of control of the level of the finished composition for steam based on the rate of its replenishment in the tank.

30 cl, 11 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic vaping device, or an electronic device for vaping, nicotine.

An electronic vaping device, or e-nicotine vaporizer, contains a heating element that vaporizes a nicotine-containing vapor formulation to produce a nicotine vapor.

An electronic nicotine vaping device comprises a power supply, such as a rechargeable battery, located in the device. The power supply is electrically connected to a heater. The power supply provides power to the heater so that the heater is heated to a temperature sufficient to convert a nicotine-containing vapor composition into nicotine vapor. The nicotine vapor exits the electronic nicotine vaping device through a mouthpiece containing at least one outlet.

A technical solution disclosed in publication RU 2704891 C2 is known from the prior art and relates to a cartridge for an aerosol generation system, wherein the cartridge comprises a sensor comprising a capacitor with first and second capacitor plates, a liquid storage portion for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and an evaporator, wherein the liquid storage portion is located between the first and second capacitor plates, wherein the permittivity of the liquid storage portion changes with a change in the volume of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate held in the liquid storage portion, wherein the sensor is configured to measure the capacitance of the capacitor, wherein the measured capacitance is related to the corresponding permittivity of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate held in the liquid storage portion, so that the volume of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate held in the liquid storage portion can be determined by the measured capacitance.

Publication RU 2719243 C2 describes an electrically controlled aerosol generation system comprising a liquid storage portion in which a liquid is stored from which an aerosol can be obtained, an electric heater, a capillary wick located between the liquid in the liquid storage portion and the electric heater and configured to supply liquid from the liquid storage portion to the electric heater, and an electric circuit connected to the electric heater, wherein the electric circuit is configured to: activate the electric heater for an evaporation period in response to user input for evaporation of the liquid in the capillary wick, a first specified time after the evaporation period, activate the heater for a second period, record a measurement of the heater temperature during the second period and determine the liquid level in the liquid storage portion based on the temperature measurement.

At least one exemplary embodiment provides an electronic device for nicotine vaping, comprising: a nicotine reservoir configured to hold a nicotine-containing final vapor composition; a wick configured to draw the nicotine-containing final vapor composition from the nicotine reservoir; a heating element configured to heat the nicotine-containing final vapor composition drawn from the nicotine reservoir; a wire probe along the length of the wick, wherein the wire probe is separated from the heating element by the wick; a saturation sensor; and a control circuit. The saturation sensor is configured to: measure at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the wire probe at a first point in time, wherein the at least one electrical characteristic includes resistance, capacitance, or both resistance and capacitance; and measure at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the wire probe at a second point in time, wherein the second point in time is later relative to the first point in time. The control circuit is configured to ensure that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: calculating the refill rate at which the nicotine-containing ready-made vapor composition flows onto the wick, based on at least one electrical characteristic at a first time and at least one electrical characteristic at a second time; determining that the refill rate is less than a threshold refill rate; and outputting a warning about a low level of the nicotine-containing ready-made vapor composition in response to determining that the refill rate is less than the threshold refill rate.

According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit may be configured to cause the electronic nicotine vaping device to calculate the refill rate based on a difference between at least one electrical characteristic at a first time and at least one electrical characteristic at a second time.

The control circuit may be configured to ensure that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: calculating a first impedance based on at least one electrical characteristic at a first time; calculating a second impedance based on at least one electrical characteristic at a second time; and calculating a refill rate based on the difference between the first impedance and the second impedance.

The control circuit may be configured to ensure that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the wire probe at a third time; determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and terminating vaping on the electronic device for vaping nicotine in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

The control circuit may be configured to ensure that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the wire probe at a third time; determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and outputting a warning about a low level of the nicotine-containing finished composition for vapor in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

The control circuit may be configured to ensure that the electronic nicotine vaping device performs: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the wire probe at a third time; calculating the impedance of the wick based on at least one electrical characteristic at the third time; determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and terminating vaping on the electronic nicotine vaping device in response to determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

The control circuit may be configured to cause the electronic device for vaping nicotine to: measure at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the wire probe at a third time; calculate the impedance of the wick based on at least one electrical characteristic at the third time; determine that the impedance is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and output a warning about a low level of the nicotine-containing finished vapor composition in response to determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

The electronic device for vaping nicotine may further comprise a power supply unit configured to provide power to the electronic device for vaping nicotine.

The wire probe can be a stainless steel wire.

At least one other exemplary embodiment provides an electronic device for vaping nicotine, comprising: an outer casing; an inner tube coaxially located inside the outer casing; a nicotine reservoir configured to hold a nicotine-containing finished vapor composition, wherein the nicotine reservoir is located between the inner tube and the outer casing; a wick configured to draw the nicotine-containing finished vapor composition from the nicotine reservoir; a heating element configured to heat the nicotine-containing finished vapor composition drawn from the nicotine reservoir; a saturation sensor assembly; and a control circuit. The saturation sensor assembly is configured to measure at least one electrical characteristic between the outer casing and the inner tube at a first point in time and a second point in time, wherein the second point in time is later relative to the first point in time. The control circuit is configured to ensure that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: calculating the refill rate at which the nicotine-containing ready-made vapor composition flows onto the wick, based on at least one electrical characteristic at a first time and at least one electrical characteristic at a second time; determining that the refill rate is less than a threshold refill rate; and outputting a warning about a low level of the nicotine-containing ready-made vapor composition in response to determining that the refill rate is less than the threshold refill rate.

The electronic device for vaping nicotine may further comprise a wire probe around the outer perimeter of the inner tube, wherein the saturation sensor assembly may be configured to measure at least one electrical characteristic between the outer casing and the inner tube by measuring at least one electrical characteristic between the outer casing and the wire probe around the outer perimeter of the inner tube. The wire probe may be a stainless steel wire.

The control circuit may be configured to ensure that the electronic device for vaping nicotine calculates the refill rate based on the difference between at least one electrical characteristic at a first time and at least one electrical characteristic at a second time.

The control circuit may be configured to ensure that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: calculating a first impedance based on an electrical characteristic at a first time; calculating a second impedance based on an electrical characteristic at a second time; and calculating a refill rate based on a difference between the first impedance and the second impedance.

The control circuit may be configured to ensure that the electronic device for nicotine vaping performs the following: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the inner tube at a third time; determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and terminating vaping on the electronic device for nicotine vaping in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

The control circuit may be configured to ensure that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the inner tube at a third time; determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and outputting a warning about a low level of the nicotine-containing finished composition for vapor in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

The control circuit is configured to ensure that the electronic device for nicotine vaping performs: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the inner tube at a third time; calculating the impedance of the wick based on at least one electrical characteristic at the third time; determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and stopping vaping on the electronic device for nicotine vaping in response to determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

The control circuit may be configured to ensure that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the inner tube at a third time; calculating the impedance of the wick based on at least one electrical characteristic at the third time; determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and outputting a warning about a low level of the nicotine-containing finished composition for vapor in response to determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a method for detecting the depletion of a nicotine-containing final vapor formulation in a nicotine reservoir of an electronic nicotine vaping device, wherein the method comprises: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of a wick between a heating element and a wire probe at a first time, wherein the at least one electrical characteristic comprises a resistance, a capacitance, or both a resistance and a capacitance; measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the wire probe at a second time, wherein the second time is later relative to the first time; calculating a refill rate at which the nicotine-containing final vapor formulation flows onto the wick, based on at least one electrical characteristic at the first time and at least one electrical characteristic at the second time; determining that the refill rate is less than a threshold refill rate; and outputting a low level warning of the nicotine-containing final vapor formulation in response to determining that the refill rate is less than the threshold refill rate.

According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the method may further comprise: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the wire probe at a third time; determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and stopping vaping on the electronic nicotine vaping device in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein may become more apparent when the detailed description is considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as being drawn to scale unless expressly indicated. For clarity, various sizes of the representations may have been exaggerated. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side view of an electronic vaping device, or electronic nicotine vaporizing device, according to at least one exemplary embodiment;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the first section of the electronic device for vaping nicotine shown in Fig. 1, taken along line II-II';

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the first section shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the second section of the electronic vaping device shown in Fig. 1, taken along line II-II';

Fig. 5 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the second section shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic device for vaping nicotine shown in Fig. 1, taken along line II-II';

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the assembled saturation circuit;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the assembled saturation circuit;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the assembled saturation circuit;

Fig. 10 is a block diagram of the arrangement of the saturation detection circuit; and

Fig. 11 is a flow chart of a method for detecting depletion of a nicotine-containing vapor formulation according to exemplary embodiments.

Certain detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are presented solely for the purpose of describing the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments, however, may be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to only the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

Accordingly, although the exemplary embodiments may have various modifications and alternative forms, exemplary embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the exemplary embodiments to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the exemplary embodiments are to embrace all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Throughout the description of the figures, like numerals refer to like elements.

Fig. 1 is a side view of an electronic nicotine vaping device according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

Referring to Fig. 1, in at least one exemplary embodiment, an electronic device 10 for vaping (electronic vaping device) for nicotine comprises a replaceable cartridge (or first section) 105 and a reusable battery section (or second section) 110. The first section 105 and the second section 110 may be connected together at a connector assembly 115.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, the connector assembly 115 may be such a connector as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/154,439, filed May 13, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/154,439, the connector assembly 115 may be formed using a deep drawing process.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the first section 105 comprises a first housing 120 and the second section 110 comprises a second housing 120'. The electronic device 10 for vaping nicotine comprises a mouthpiece 125 at a first end 130 and an end cap 135 at a second end 140.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the first housing 120 and the second housing 120' may have a generally cylindrical cross-section. In other exemplary embodiments, the housings 120 and 120' may have a generally triangular, rectangular, oval, square or polygonal cross-section along one or more of the first section 105 and the second section 110. In addition, the housings 120 and 120' may have the same or different cross-sectional shape or the same or different size. As described herein, the housings 120, 120' may also be referred to as outer or main housings.

Although exemplary embodiments may be described in some cases with respect to the first section 105 connected to the second section 110, the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to these examples.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the first section 105 of the electronic device 10 for vaping nicotine, made along the line II-II’ shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the first section 105 shown in Fig. 2.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the first casing 120 extends in a longitudinal direction, and the air tube 202 (or smoke tube) is coaxially located within the first casing 120.

A first end portion (for example, located upstream relative to the air flow during hovering) of the air tube 202, a first nose portion 204 of the first gasket 206 (or seal) is inserted into the air tube 202. The outer perimeter of the first gasket 206 can provide a seal with the inner surface of the first casing 120. The first gasket 206 has a central longitudinal passage 208 for air in fluid communication with the air tube 202 to form an internal passage (also designated as a central channel or a central internal passage) 210. A transverse passage 212 on the rear portion of the first gasket 206 intersects the air passage 208 of the first gasket 206 and communicates with it. The transverse passage 212 allows fluid communication between the air passage 208 and the central air passage 214, which is described in more detail below.

The first connecting element 216 is inserted into the first end of the first casing 120. The first connecting element 216 is part of the connector assembly 115.

The first connecting element 216 is a hollow cylinder with an internal thread on a part of the outer side surface. The first connecting element 216 is conductive and can be formed from a conductive material or coated with it. The internal thread (or section with an internal thread) can be mated with the external thread (or section with an external thread) of the second section 110 for connecting the first section 105 and the second section 110. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited to this exemplary embodiment. Conversely, the connectors can be, for example, connectors with a sliding fit, connectors with a lock, connectors with a bracket, connectors with a clamp, etc. Moreover, the arrangement of the male and female connectors can be reversed if desired, such that the male connector is part of the first section 105.

The conductive rod 218 is located inside the hollow part of the first connecting element 216 and is electrically isolated from the first connecting element 216 by the insulator 220 of the gasket. The conductive rod 218 can be formed from a conductive material (for example, stainless steel, copper, etc.) and can serve as the anode part of the first connecting element 216.

The conductive rod 218 forms a central passage 214 for air. The central passage 214 for air is in fluid communication with the passage 208 for air through the transverse channel 212. The insulator 220 of the gasket holds the conductive rod 218 inside the first connecting element 216. The insulator 220 of the gasket also electrically isolates the conductive rod 218 from the outer part 222 of the first connecting element 216.

The outer portion 222 of the first connecting element 216 serves as a cathode connector of the first connecting element 216 and the outer portion 222 is electrically isolated from the conductive rod 218 by the insulator 220 of the gasket. The outer portion 222 may sometimes be designated in this document as a cathode connector or a cathode portion. The outer portion 222 may be formed from a conductive material (for example, stainless steel, copper, etc.).

Still referring to the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 2 and 3, the second nose portion 224 of the second gasket 226 can be inserted into the second end portion 250 of the air tube 202. The outer perimeter of the second gasket 226 can also provide a substantially impermeable seal with the inner surface of the first casing 120. The second gasket 226 can comprise a central passage 228 (or channel) located between the inner passage 210 of the air tube 202 and the interior of the mouthpiece 125. Nicotine vapor can flow from the inner passage 210 into the cavity inside the mouthpiece 125 through the central passage 228.

The mouthpiece 125 comprises at least two outlets 230, which can be positioned offset from the longitudinal axis of the electronic device 10 for vaping nicotine. The outlets 230 can be recessed or not recessed and directed outward at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the electronic device 10 for vaping nicotine. The outlets 230 can be substantially uniformly distributed along the perimeter of the mouthpiece 125 so as to substantially uniformly distribute the nicotine vapor.

The first section 105 further comprises a nicotine reservoir 232 configured to store a nicotine-containing final vapor composition and an evaporator 234. The evaporator 234 comprises a heating element 236 and a wick 238. The evaporator 234 is configured to vaporize a nicotine-containing final vapor composition drawn from the nicotine reservoir 232. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 2 and 3, the boundaries of the nicotine reservoir 232 are defined between the first gasket 206, the second gasket 226, the first casing 120 and the air tube 202. However, the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example. The nicotine reservoir 232 may contain a nicotine-containing final vapor composition and, optionally, a storage medium 232LD, 232HD configured to store the nicotine-containing final vapor composition therein.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, the storage medium may be a fibrous material comprising at least one of cotton (for example, a cotton gauze wrap), polyethylene, polyester, viscose, combinations thereof, or the like. As shown in Fig. 2 and 3, the storage medium 232LD, 232HD may comprise two layers of fibrous material. Each layer may have a different density. The fibers may have a diameter in the range of about 6 microns to about 15 microns (for example, from about 8 microns to about 12 microns or from about 9 microns to about 11 microns). The storage medium may be a sintered, porous, or foamed material. The fibers may also be sized such that they cannot be inhaled, and may have a cross-section that is Y-shaped, cross-shaped, clover-shaped, or any other suitable shape. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the storage medium comprises a low-density gauze 232LD surrounding a high-density gauze 232HD. The high-density gauze 232HD may be positioned between the low-density gauze 232LD and the air tube 202 so that the nicotine-containing finished vapor composition is drawn toward the wick 238.

In at least one other exemplary embodiment, the nicotine reservoir 232 may comprise a filled container that does not have any storage medium and contains only the nicotine-containing vapor formulation.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, the nicotine reservoir 232 may at least partially surround the internal passage 210 and the air tube 202. The heating element 236 may extend transversely through the internal passage 210 between opposite parts of the nicotine reservoir 232. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the heating element 236 may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the internal passage 210.

The nicotine reservoir 232 may be of such a size and may be designed to hold a sufficient amount of the nicotine-containing ready-made vapor composition, so that the electronic device 10 for vaping nicotine may be adapted for vaping for at least approximately 200 seconds. Moreover, the electronic device 10 for vaping nicotine may be designed to provide a duration of each puff of a maximum of approximately 5 seconds.

As mentioned above, the evaporator 234 comprises a heating element 236 and a wick 238. The wick 238 may comprise at least a first end portion and a second end portion, which may extend to opposite sides of the nicotine reservoir 232. The heating element 236 may at least partially surround the central portion of the wick 238.

The wick 238 may draw the nicotine-containing vapor formulation from the nicotine reservoir 232 (e.g., by capillary action) and the heating element 236 may heat the nicotine-containing vapor formulation in the central portion of the wick 238 to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the nicotine-containing vapor formulation, thereby generating "vapor." As referred to herein, "vapor" is any substance generated or released from any electronic nicotine vaping device according to any of the example embodiments disclosed herein.

In addition to the features described herein, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the electronic nicotine vaping device 10 may include the features set forth in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0192623 to Tucker et al., filed January 31, 2013, and/or the features set forth in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 15/135,930 to Holtz et al., filed April 22, 2016, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. In at least one other exemplary embodiment, an electronic nicotine vaping device may comprise the features set forth in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 15/135,923, filed April 22, 2016, and/or U.S. Patent No. 9,289,014, issued March 22, 2016, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, the nicotine-containing vapor formulation is a material or a combination of materials that can be converted into a nicotine vapor. For example, the nicotine-containing vapor formulation can be a liquid, solid, and/or gel formulation that includes, but is not limited to, water, granules, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavorings, and/or nicotine vaporizing agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol. In some exemplary embodiments, the nicotine-containing vapor formulation can contain tobacco and/or other plant material that may or may not be mixed with flavorings, nicotine vaporizing agents, fillers, binders, and/or polymers. The tobacco and/or other plant material can be in the form of leaves, grains, films, pieces, particles, powders, granules, and combinations thereof.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, the wick 238 may comprise threads (or fibers) capable of drawing in a nicotine-containing final vapor composition. For example, the wick 238 may be a bundle of glass (or ceramic) threads, wherein the bundle comprises a group of windings of glass threads or the like, all arrangements of which may be configured to draw in a nicotine-containing final vapor composition by means of capillary action due to the intermediate distance between the threads. The threads may be generally aligned in a direction perpendicular (transverse) to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device 10 for vaping nicotine. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the wick 238 may comprise from one to eight strands of threads, wherein each strand comprises a plurality of glass threads braided together. The end portions of the wick 238 may be flexible and foldable onto the boundaries of the nicotine reservoir 232. The threads may have a cross-section that is generally cross-shaped, clover-shaped, Y-shaped, or any other suitable shape.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, the wick 238 may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials may include, but are not limited to, glass, ceramic, or graphite-based materials. The wick 238 may have any suitable capillary action to accept nicotine-containing vapor formulations having different physical properties, such as density, viscosity, surface tension, and vapor pressure. The wick 238 may be non-conductive.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heating element 236 may comprise a wire coil (heating coil) that at least partially surrounds the wick 238. The wire used to form the wire coil may be metallic. The heating element 236 may extend completely or partially along the length of the wick 238. The heating element 236 may also extend completely or partially around the circumference of the wick 238. In some exemplary embodiments, the heating element 236 may or may not be in contact (or in direct contact) with the wick 238.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 2 and 3, the heating element 236 is electrically connected to the conductive rod 218 via the first electrical terminal 240 and to the outer part 222 via the second electrical terminal 240'. Accordingly, the outer part 222 and the conductive rod 218 form a corresponding external electrical connection with the heating element 236.

In at least some other exemplary embodiments, the heating element 236 may have the form of a flat body, a ceramic body, a single wire, a grid, a resistive wire grid, or any other suitable shape. More generally, the heating element 236 may be any heater that is capable of vaporizing a nicotine-containing vapor formulation.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heating element 236 may be formed from any suitable electrically resistive materials. Examples of suitable electrically resistive materials may include, but are not limited to, copper, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum-titanium-zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, and iron-containing alloys, and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel. For example, the heating element 236 can be formed from nickel aluminide, a material with an aluminum oxide layer on the surface, iron aluminide and other composite materials, wherein the electrically resistive material can optionally be embedded in, encapsulated in or coated with an insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the required external physicochemical properties. The heating element 236 can contain at least one material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, chromium-nickel alloys, superalloys and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element 236 can be formed from nickel-chromium alloys or iron-chromium alloys. In another exemplary embodiment, the heating element 236 can be a ceramic heater having an electrically resistive layer on its outer surface.

Still referring to Fig. 2 and 3, the air tube 202 may comprise a pair of opposing slots 242 such that the wick 238 and the first and second electrical terminals 240 and 240' or ends of the heating element 236 may extend from the respective opposing slots 242. Providing the opposing slots 242 in the air tube 202 may facilitate placing the heating element 236 and the wick 238 into place within the air tube 202 without affecting the edges of the opposing slots 242 and the coil section of the heating element 236. Accordingly, the edges of the opposing slots 242 cannot affect and change the distance between the turns of the coil of the heating element 236, which would otherwise create potential sources of hot spots. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the air tube 202 may have a diameter of approximately 4 millimeters and each of the opposing slots may have a largest and smallest dimension that is approximately 2 millimeters by approximately 4 millimeters.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heating element 236 may heat the nicotine-containing vapor formulation in the wick 238 by conduction. Alternatively, heat from the heating element 236 may be conducted into the nicotine-containing vapor formulation by a heat-conducting element, or the heating element 236 may transfer heat to incoming ambient air drawn through the electronic nicotine vaping device 10 during vaping, which in turn heats the nicotine-containing vapor formulation by convection.

As shown in Fig. 3, the first section 105 may further comprise a cover tube 244, a separator tube 246 and an inner tube 248. Although not shown in Fig. 2, the cover tube 244 may be arranged to surround a portion of the air tube 202 between the heating element 236 and the second nose 224. Like the air tube 202, the cover tube 244 may extend in the longitudinal direction and may be coaxially located within the first casing 120. The cover tube 244 may cover a portion of each of the opposing grooves 242.

The separating tube 246 can extend in the longitudinal direction and be coaxially located inside the air tube 202 between the heating element 236 and the conductive rod 218. The inner tube 248 can extend in the longitudinal direction and be coaxially located inside the separating tube 246. Although the cover tube 244, the separating tube 246 and the inner tube 248 are shown in Fig. 3, one or more of these tubes (for example, the inner tube 248) can be omitted.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the second section of the exemplary embodiment of the electronic device 10 for vaping nicotine, made along the line II-II’ shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of the second section 110 shown in Fig. 4.

The second section 110 may be a reusable section of the electronic device 10 for vaping nicotine, wherein the reusable section may be configured to be recharged by means of an external charger. Alternatively, the second section 110 may be disposable. In this example, the second section 110 may be used until the energy from the power supply unit 402 (described below) is used up (for example, the energy falls below a threshold level).

Referring to Fig. 4 and 5, according to at least this exemplary embodiment, the power supply unit 402 comprises an anode terminal 404 and a cathode terminal 406. Each of the anode terminal 404 and the cathode terminal 406 may have the form of one or more electrical terminals or wires. The power supply unit 402 may be a battery. For example, the power supply unit 402 may be a lithium-ion battery or a variant of a lithium-ion battery, such as a lithium-ion polymer battery. The battery may be disposable or rechargeable.

The second section 110 further comprises a connecting element 408 at the first end of the second section 110. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the connecting element 408 is a male connector configured to connect to the female first connecting element 216 of the first section 105. Alternatively, the connecting element 408 may be a female connector configured to connect to the male connector of the first section 105.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the connecting element 408 comprises a thread 410 configured to mate with a corresponding thread on the first connecting element 216 of the first section 105. Although illustrated as a threaded connection, according to at least some other exemplary embodiments, the connecting element 408 may be, for example, slip-fit connectors, locking connectors, bracket connectors, clamp connectors, or the like.

The cathode terminal (connector 408) of the power supply unit 402 terminates on and is electrically connected to the sensor assembly 424, which is located near the second end of the second section 110. The sensor assembly 424 will be described in more detail below.

The anode lead 404 terminates on the conductive rod 412 and is electrically connected to it. The conductive rod 412 can serve as the anode part of the connecting element 408. The conductive rod 412 forms a central passage 414, which is in fluid communication with one or more side ventilation channels 416. The side ventilation channels 416 can be holes drilled in the conductive rod 412. The central passage 414 and one or more side ventilation channels 416 allow detecting a puff by means of a sensor assembly (for example, a puff sensor assembly) 424, which is a result of pressure changes when air is drawn in through the air inlet openings 145.

Although only two side ventilation channels 416 and two air inlets 145 are shown in Fig. 4, exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example. On the contrary, the conductive rod 412 may comprise any number of side ventilation channels 416 and the connecting element 408 may comprise any number of air inlets 145. For example, the conductive rod 412 may comprise 4 side ventilation channels 416, spaced equally from each other around the conductive rod 412. Similarly, the connecting element 408 may comprise 4 air inlets 145, spaced equally from each other around the connecting element 408.

The conductive rod 412 further comprises an upper portion 418 having a recess allowing air drawn through the air inlet openings 145 to flow and/or communicate through the end of the second section 110 into the first section 105 when it is connected to the second section 110.

The conductive rod 412 can be formed from a conductive material (for example, stainless steel, copper, or the like) and is located inside the hollow portion of the connecting element 408. When the connecting element 408 of the second section 110 is connected to the first connecting element 216 of the first section 105, the upper part 418 (and the conductive rod 412) is physically and electrically connected to the conductive rod 218 to allow electric current to flow from the power supply unit 402 to the heating element 236. The electrical connection also allows electrical transmission of signals between the first section 105 and the second section 110.

Still referring to Fig. 4 and 5, the insulator 420 of the gasket holds the conductive rod 412 inside the connecting element 408. The insulator 420 of the gasket also electrically insulates the conductive rod 412 from the outer portion 422 of the connecting element 408. The outer portion 422 can be formed from a conductive material (e.g., stainless steel, copper, or the like) and can serve as a cathode portion of the connecting element 408.

As mentioned above, the connecting element 408 comprises one or more air inlet openings 145 configured to allow ambient air to pass into the connecting element 408. The air inlet openings 145 may also sometimes be referred to as ventilation ducts or air ventilation ducts.

The ambient air drawn into the coupling element 408 may be combined and/or mixed with the air flowing out of one or more side ventilation channels 416 and flow into the first section 105 when the first section 105 is connected to the second section 110. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the air inlet holes 145 may be drilled in the coupling element 408 immediately below the thread 410 at an angle perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the coupling element 408.

The side walls of the air inlet openings 145 may be chamfered to provide an inward slope of the side walls (for example, to "countersink" the side walls at the edge of the air inlet openings 145). By chamfering the side walls at the edge of the air inlet openings 145 (instead of using relatively sharp edges at the edge of the air inlet openings 145), the air inlet openings 145 may be less susceptible to clogging or partial blocking (due to a decrease in the effective cross-sectional area of the air inlet openings 145 near the edge of the air inlet openings 145). In at least one exemplary embodiment, the side walls of the edge of the air inlet openings 145 may be chamfered (angled) so as to extend at an angle of approximately 38 degrees relative to the longitudinal length (or longitudinal centerline) of the connecting member 408 and the second casing 120' of the second section 110.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, the air inlet openings 145 may be sized and configured such that the electronic nicotine vaping device 10 has a resistance to draw (RTD) in the range of from about 60 millimeters of water column to about 150 millimeters of water column.

Still referring to Figs. 4 and 5, as mentioned above, the second section 110 comprises a sensor assembly (e.g., a tightening sensor assembly) 424.

As shown in Fig. 4, for example, the sensor assembly 424 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 402 and receives power from it. In at least this exemplary embodiment, the sensor assembly 424 comprises a sensor (for example, a puff sensor) 426, a saturation sensor 427 and a control circuit 428.

The control circuit 428 is configured to provide an electric current and/or electric signals to the first section 105. For this purpose, the control circuit 428 is electrically connected to the conductive rod 412 (the anode part of the connecting element 408) via the wiring (or terminal) 430 of the control circuit and to the outer (cathode) part 422 of the connecting element 408 via the wiring (or terminal) 432 of the control circuit. In at least this example, the wiring 432 of the control circuit performs the function of a cathode for the electrical circuit containing the sensor assembly 424.

The sensor 426 may be a capacitive sensor configured to sense a drop in internal pressure in the second section 110. The sensor 426 and the control circuit 428 may function together to open and close the heater control circuit (not shown) between the power unit 402 and the heating element 236 of the first section 105 when it is connected to the second section 110. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the sensor 426 is configured to generate an output signal indicating the amount and direction of air flow through the electronic device 10 for vaping nicotine. In this example, the control circuit 428 receives the output signal of the sensor 426 and determines (1) whether the direction of air flow indicates an application of negative pressure to the mouthpiece (e.g., a puff on it) 125 (as opposed to positive pressure, or insufflation) and (2) whether the amount of application of negative pressure exceeds a threshold level. If these vaping conditions are met, then the control circuit 428 electrically connects the power supply unit 402 to the heating element 236 to activate the heating element 236.

In one example, the heater control circuit may comprise a heater power control transistor (not shown). The control circuit 428 may electrically connect the power supply unit 402 to the heating element 236 by activating the heater power control transistor. In at least one example, the heater power control transistor (or the heater control circuit) may form part of the control circuit 428.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the sensor assembly 424 may include one or more features set forth in U.S. Patent No. 9,072,321 to Loi Ling Liu and/or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0305410 to Loi Ling Liu, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. However, exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example. Instead, the control circuit 428 and the sensor 426 may be separate elements located on a printed circuit board and connected via electrical contacts. Additionally, although a capacitive sensor is discussed herein, the sensor 426 may be any suitable pressure sensor, such as a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) comprising a piezoresistive sensor or another pressure sensor.

As described in more detail in Fig. 7-11, the saturation sensor 427 is connected to the power supply unit 402 via the cathode terminal 406 and the electrical terminal 430 and to the first section 105 via the electrical terminal 432. The saturation sensor 427 can be configured to measure one or more electrical characteristics of the saturation circuit included in the first section 105. According to one or more example embodiments, the saturation sensor 427 can measure the resistance and/or capacitance of the saturation circuit. From the resistance and/or capacitance, the control circuit 428 can calculate the impedance of the saturation circuit. In one example, based on the resistance, capacitance and/or impedance, the control circuit 428 can detect when the nicotine-containing final vapor composition in the nicotine reservoir 232 is running low (e.g., the amount of nicotine-containing final vapor composition in the nicotine reservoir falls below a first minimum threshold level) and generate a warning accordingly. In another example, the control circuit 428 may cause the electronic device 10 for vaping to stop and/or to turn off nicotine vaping upon detection that the nicotine-containing vapor formulation in the nicotine reservoir has run out (e.g., the amount of nicotine-containing vapor formulation in the nicotine reservoir falls below a second minimum threshold level that is less than the first minimum threshold level).

The control circuit 428 may comprise, among other things, a controller. According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the controller may be implemented using hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or a storage medium storing software. The hardware may be implemented using processing or control circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more processors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontrollers, one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more microcomputers, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more system-on-chip (SoCs), one or more programmable logic units (PLUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any other device or devices capable of responding to commands and executing them in a certain manner.

In another exemplary embodiment, control circuit 428 may comprise a switch manually operated by an adult vaper to supply power to heating element 236.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, the control circuit 428 may limit the period of time during which the electric current is continuously applied to the heating element 236. The period of time may be set or preset depending on the amount of the nicotine-containing final vapor composition that needs to be vaporized. In one example, the period of time for continuously applying the electric current to the heating element 236 may be limited so that the heating element 236 heats the portion of the wick 238 for less than about 10 seconds. In another example, the period of time for continuously applying the electric current to the heating element 236 may be limited so that the heating element 236 heats the portion of the wick 238 for about 5 seconds.

Still referring to Figs. 4 and 5, the sensor assembly 424 is held inside the sensor holder 434 at the second end of the second section 110. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the sensor holder 434 may be part of a silicone or rubber gasket. However, exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example.

The heating activation indicator light 436 may also be located at the second end of the second section 110. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the heating activation indicator light 436 may be located inside the end cap 135. The heating activation indicator light 436 may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs may include one or more colors (for example, white, yellow, red, green, blue, or the like). Moreover, the heating activation indicator light 436 may be visible to an adult vaper during vaping and is adapted to light when the power unit 402 supplies electric current to the heating element 236. The heating activation indicator light 436 may be used to diagnose the electronic system for nicotine vaping or to indicate that the power unit 402 is recharging. The heating activation indicator light 436 may also be designed so that an adult vaper can activate or deactivate the heating activation indicator light 436 for privacy. The heating activation indicator light 436 may be part of the sensor assembly 424 or electrically connected thereto, as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,072,321 to Loi Ling Liu and/or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0305410 to Loi Ling Liu.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic nicotine vaping device shown in Fig. 1, taken along line II-II'.

In Fig. 6, the first section 105 is shown connected to the second section 110. The arrows in Fig. 6 indicate an approximate air flow through the electronic nicotine vaping device 10.

The operation of the electronic nicotine vaping device 10 for generating nicotine vapor when the first section 105 is connected to the second section 110 will now be described with respect to Fig. 6.

Referring to Fig. 6, air is drawn primarily into the first section 105 through at least one of the air inlet openings 145 in response to the application of negative pressure to the mouthpiece 125.

If the control circuit 428 detects the vaping conditions described above, the control circuit 428 initiates the supply of power to the heating element 236, as a result of which the heating element 236 heats the nicotine-containing vapor composition on the wick 238 to form nicotine vapor.

The air drawn in through the air inlet openings 145 enters the cavity inside the connecting element 408 and passes through the recess in the upper part 418 into the central air passage 214. From the central air passage 214, the air flows through the transverse channel 212, through the air passage 208 and then through the internal passage 210.

Air flowing through the internal passage 210 is combined and/or mixed with nicotine vapor generated by the heating element 236, and the air-nicotine vapor mixture passes from the internal passage 210 into the central passage 228 and then into the cavity inside the mouthpiece 125. From the cavity in the mouthpiece 125, the air-nicotine vapor mixture flows out of the outlets 230.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the saturation circuit assembly 700. Fig. 7 shows a portion of the first section 105 of the electronic device 10 for nicotine vaping with an enlarged view of the heating element 236. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the saturation circuit assembly 700 comprises a wire probe 705 that extends along the length of the wick 238, but is separate from the heating element 236 (not in contact with it). In various exemplary embodiments, the wick 238 and the wire probe 705 can be shorter or longer than shown in Fig. 7. The wire probe 705 is connected to the first electrical terminal 240 via the first terminal 710 of the probe. When the first section 105 is connected to the second section 110, the first probe terminal 710 electrically connects the wire probe 705 to the power supply unit 402 in the second section 110.

As mentioned earlier and described in more detail below, the saturation sensor 427 can measure at least one electrical characteristic or determine an impedance on at least a portion of the first section 105. More specifically, for example, the saturation sensor 427 can measure at least one electrical characteristic or determine an impedance on the saturation circuit assembly 700 connecting the wire probe 705 and the heating element 236 to the first electrical terminal 240 and the second electrical terminal 240'. In various exemplary embodiments, the at least one electrical characteristic can include resistance, capacitance, or both, but it should not be limited to this.

The control circuit 428 in the second section 140' can determine the impedance associated with the heating element 236 and the wire probe 705 based on one or more measured electrical characteristics, for example, the resistance measured by the saturation sensor 427. In various example embodiments, the control circuit 428 can determine the saturation level of the wick 238 based on the impedance or at least one electrical characteristic.

Since one or more electrical characteristics and the resulting impedance indicate (e.g., directly indicate) the level of saturation of the wick 238, the electrical characteristics and/or impedance can be used to detect the exhaustion of the nicotine-containing final vapor composition in the nicotine reservoir 232 so as not to generate unwanted nicotine vapor elements. In other words, for example, the saturation sensor 427 and the measured electrical characteristics can allow for the detection of dry wick conditions (also referred to as dry puff conditions) and, in turn, the exhaustion of the nicotine-containing final vapor composition in the nicotine reservoir.

The wire probe 705 may be made of stainless steel; however, any other conductive metal acceptable from the point of view of product safety may be used. The saturation sensor 427 may implement any suitable method for determining the impedance between the heating element 236 and the wire probe 705, for example, based on the measured resistance, the measured capacitance, or the measured combination of resistance and capacitance.

As described below, the saturation circuit assembly 700 is sensitive to both the presence and the amount of nicotine-containing vapor composition in the wick 238. For example, when the wick 238 is initially dry, the impedance may have a resistance measurement of greater than about 10 megohms and a capacitance of about 2 pF. However, after (e.g., within a few seconds) placing a drop of nicotine-containing vapor composition (e.g., about 5 mg) on one end of the wick 238, the resistance measurement may be about 2 megohms and the capacitance may be about 200 pF. With subsequent addition of nicotine-containing vapor composition, the impedance continues to change until the wick 238 is saturated. When fully saturated, the wick 238 may have a resistance of about 45 kOhms and a capacitance of about 2200 pF.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, in response to a resistance greater than or equal to about 10 megohms and/or a capacitance less than or equal to about 2 pF, the control circuit 428 may turn off the power or stop vaping on the electronic nicotine vaping device 10 by cutting off the power supply to the heating element 236. Additionally or alternatively, the control circuit 428 may generate and display a dry wick warning by illuminating an indicator light element on the electronic nicotine vaping device 10. The indicator light element may be a heating activation indicator light 436 and may light a certain color or flash when a dry wick warning is generated. In various exemplary embodiments, a separate indicator light element may be contained on the first housing 120 of the electronic nicotine vaping device 10.

One or more exemplary embodiments may provide more accurate resistance and/or capacitance measurements because the saturation circuit assembly 700 is more directly affected by the amount of nicotine-containing final vapor composition saturating the wick 238 as the wick 238 is in contact with the wire probe 705 and the heating element 236.

Additionally, the nicotine-containing vapor compositions contain glycerin, propylene glycol and water, while the other components are present in smaller quantities. Therefore, the nicotine-containing vapor composition functions as an electrolyte in the capacitor formed between the heating element 236 and the wire probe 705 (or the first housing 120, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9). Therefore, the available amount of the nicotine-containing vapor composition more directly affects the capacitance of the saturation sensor 427.

Since the nicotine-containing vapor composition is not an insulator, the nicotine-containing vapor composition allows the passage of an electric current, which can be easily measured to determine the resistance. Both capacitance and resistance change directly with the amount of nicotine-containing vapor composition (also called the saturation level) on the wick 238. Either one or both can be measured to determine that the amount of nicotine-containing vapor composition on the wick 238 decreases (or has decreased) below a minimum threshold level (e.g., the wick 238 begins to dry out). The combination of resistance and capacitance can be used to determine the electrical impedance of the wick 238.

When the nicotine-containing vapor composition is heated to generate nicotine vapor, the saturation level of the wick 238 decreases and additional nicotine-containing vapor composition flows into the wick 238 from the nicotine reservoir (e.g., by capillary action) to refill the wick 238. As a result, the flow rate at which the saturation level of the wick 238 is replenished can be determined.

The control circuit 428 can compare the flow rate or refill rate with a minimum flow rate threshold to determine whether the nicotine-containing ready-to-use vapor composition in the nicotine reservoir is running low. If the flow rate is below the minimum flow rate threshold, the control circuit 428 determines that the nicotine-containing ready-to-use vapor composition in the nicotine reservoir is running low and can output a corresponding indication or warning to the adult vaper. The indication or warning can be the illumination of an indicator light element (simply turning on the light or implementing a flashing circuit).

The calculation of the flow rate or replenishment for wick 238 will be discussed in more detail below in relation to Fig. 11.

Moreover, the electrical characteristics measurements can be performed while the electronic device 10 for nicotine vaping is operating (for example, during a puff, when power is supplied to the heating element 236), and can be performed using the first electrical terminal 240 and the second electrical terminal 240', without the need for an additional third electrical terminal from the first section 105 to the second section 110.

Although described as being included in the electronic device 10 for vaping nicotine, the saturation sensor 427 and the saturation circuit assembly 700 may be implemented on a wick contained in paint and ink systems, food systems implementing the wicking of flavor additives or other ingredients, a feedback system for increasing the refill rate during wicking, medical systems for detecting the saturation of a dressing, etc. Because the saturation sensor 427 and the saturation circuit assembly 700 are sensitive, the described system can be used to detect an increase in the presence or level of a liquid before the liquid begins to accumulate in a protected area, increasing the number of different applications of the system.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the saturation circuit assembly 800. Fig. 8 shows a portion of the first section 105 of the electronic device 10 for vaping nicotine with an enlarged view of the heating element 236. The saturation circuit assembly 800 of Fig. 8 is similar to the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 7, except that the saturation circuit assembly 800 comprises a wire probe 805 around the air tube 202, which is connected to the first electrical terminal 240. In various exemplary embodiments, the wire probe 805 can be connected to the second electrical terminal 240'.

The first terminal 810 of the probe connects one end of the wire probe 805 to the first electrical terminal 240. Additionally, the first housing 120 is connected to the first electrical terminal 240 via the first terminal 820 of the housing. The saturation sensor 427 measures the resistance and/or the capacitance between the wire probe 805 and the first housing 120 to determine the amount of the nicotine-containing finished vapor composition in the nicotine reservoir 232. Then, as described above, the control circuit 428 turns off the electronic device 10 for vaping nicotine and/or outputs a warning about the empty, low or near-depletion of the nicotine reservoir 232, respectively. In various exemplary embodiments, the saturation circuit assembly 800 may exclude the first terminal 820 of the housing and instead measure the resistance and/or capacitance between the wire probe 805 and the heating element 236. As similarly mentioned above, the wire probe 805 is configured to surround the air tube 202.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the saturation circuit assembly 900. Fig. 9 shows a portion of the first section 105 of the electronic device 10 for vaping nicotine with an enlarged view of the heating element 236. The saturation circuit assembly 900 of Fig. 9 is similar to the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 8, except that the saturation circuit assembly 900 does not include the wire probe 805. Instead, the saturation sensor 427 measures the resistance and/or capacitance between the heating element 236 and the first housing 120 to determine the saturation level of the wick 238.

Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the arrangement of the saturation detection circuit. The saturation circuit assembly 700 of Fig. 7 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 402, the sensor assembly 424, the saturation sensor 427 and the control circuit 428 via various electrical terminals (the first electrical terminal 240, the second electrical terminal 240', the anode terminal 404, the cathode terminal 406, the wiring 430 and 432 of the control circuit) and the conductive rods 218 and 418. The saturation sensor 427 measures the resistance and/or capacitance on the saturation circuit assembly 700. A similar arrangement of the saturation detection circuit can be used with the saturation circuit assembly 800 of Fig. 8 and the saturation circuit assembly 900 of Fig. 9.

The control circuit 428 may comprise a non-volatile memory device (not shown) that stores impedance threshold values, resistance threshold values, capacitance threshold values, flow rate or refill threshold values, etc.

Fig. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a method for detecting the exhaustion of a nicotine-containing vapor composition.

For purposes of example, the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 11 will be discussed with respect to resistance and with respect to the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 7. However, the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example. Rather, the control circuit 428 may perform the method shown in Fig. 11 based on the measured capacitance or impedance of the wick 238. In one example, the control circuit 428 may measure the capacitance of the wick 238, which may then be used in place of the resistance in the method shown in Fig. 11. In another example, the control circuit 428 may measure the resistance and capacitance of the wick 238, which may then be used to calculate and/or determine the impedance of the wick 238. The impedance of the wick 238 may then be used in place of the resistance in the method shown in Fig. 11. Moreover, the control circuit 428 may perform a similar method based on information obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the saturation circuit assembly shown in Fig. 8 and 9.

Referring to Fig. 11, in step 1000, the control circuit 428 determines whether conditions for vaping exist in the electronic nicotine vaping device 10. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the control circuit 428 can determine whether conditions for vaping exist in the electronic nicotine vaping device 10 based on the output data from the sensor assembly 424. In one example, if the output data from the sensor assembly 424 indicates the application of a negative pressure above a threshold value at the mouthpiece 125 of the electronic nicotine vaping device 10, then the control circuit 428 determines that conditions for vaping exist in the electronic nicotine vaping device 10.

If the control circuit 428 determines that conditions for vaping exist, then at step 1100 the control circuit 428 measures (or causes the saturation circuit assembly 700 to measure) the resistance of the wick 238. As mentioned above, although the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 11 is described with respect to resistance, the control circuit 428 can measure and/or determine at least one electrical characteristic of the wick 238, where the at least one electrical characteristic can include the resistance and/or capacitance of the wick 238, or the impedance of the wick 238, which is determined based on the resistance and/or capacitance.

At step 1105, control circuit 428 determines whether the measured resistance of wick 238 is greater than or equal to a first threshold (e.g., approximately 10 MΩ).

If the measured resistance of the wick 238 is greater than or equal to the first threshold, then in step 1110 the control circuit 428 turns off the electronic device 10 for nicotine vaping. In at least one exemplary embodiment, turning off the electronic device 10 for nicotine vaping may include turning off the vaping function by cutting off the power supply to the heating element 236 or causing the electronic device 10 for nicotine vaping to turn off (or go into a low power state). Then the process stops. Although not shown, in step 1110 the control circuit 428 may also cause the heating activation light 436 to glow in a certain color, indicating that the wick 238 is dry and/or the nicotine reservoir 232 is exhausted.

Returning to step 1105, if control circuit 428 determines that the measured resistance is less than the first threshold, then at step 1115 control circuit 428 determines whether the measured resistance exceeds a second threshold (e.g., approximately 2 MΩ).

If the measured resistance is above the second threshold (and therefore is from approximately 10 MΩ to approximately 2 MΩ), then at step 1120 the control circuit 428 generates and displays a warning about a low level of the nicotine-containing finished vapor composition, for example, by illuminating the heating activation indicator light 436.

At step 1145, control circuit 428 determines whether hover conditions still exist in the same or substantially the same manner as described above with respect to step 1000.

If the hover conditions still exist, then the process returns to step 1100 and continues as described herein.

Returning to step 1145, if the vaping conditions no longer exist (e.g. the puff has ended), then the process terminates.

Returning to step 1115, if the measured resistance is less than the second threshold, then at step 1117 the control circuit 428 determines whether vaping conditions still exist (whether the current puff has ended), in the same or substantially the same manner as described above with respect to step 1000.

If the hover conditions no longer exist, then at step 1130 the control circuit 428 measures the resistance of the wick 238 at the time the hover conditions ceased and again at the end of a threshold period of time (e.g., 0.5, 1, or 2 seconds).

At step 1135, the control circuit 428 calculates the refill rate or flow rate based on the difference between the saturation level (indicated by the resistance measurement) at the end of the puff and the saturation level (indicated by the resistance measurement) at the end of the threshold period of time. In this case, the saturation level may be indicated by the measured resistance level R ₀ of the wick 238 at the end of the puff (the first time) and the measured resistance level R ₁ of the wick 238 at the end of the threshold period of time after the end of the puff (the second time). In one example, the control circuit 428 may calculate the refill rate as the change in the resistance level divided by the length of the threshold period of time t _TH ( ). In another example that uses impedance, the replenishment rate can be calculated as the change in impedance level divided by the length of the threshold time period; that is, ( ), where Z ₀ is the impedance of the wick 238 at the end of the puff and Z ₁ is the impedance of the wick at the end of the threshold time period after the end of the puff.

In at least one other exemplary embodiment, the control circuit 428 can calculate the flow rate or refill by monitoring the resistance, capacitance and/or impedance of the wick 238 during a puff to determine a minimum saturation level (e.g., a maximum resistance or impedance value) and when the wick 238 is resaturated (reaches its initial resistance or impedance level). Then, the control circuit 428 can calculate the flow rate as the resaturation value (the difference between the impedance at exhaustion and resaturation, which can be indicated by resistance measurements) over time between the time of the minimum saturation level of the wick 238 and the time of resaturation of the wick 238.

At step 1140, control circuit 428 compares the replenishment rate calculated at step 1135 with a minimum replenishment rate threshold to determine whether the replenishment rate is less than the minimum replenishment rate threshold.

As the amount of nicotine-containing vapor composition in the nicotine reservoir 232 decreases, the refill rate for the wick 238 also decreases. Therefore, the control circuit 428 can determine that the nicotine-containing vapor composition in the nicotine reservoir 232 is depleted (falls below the minimum threshold) when the refill rate for the wick falls below the minimum threshold level.

If the control circuit 428 determines that the refill rate is below the minimum threshold, at step 1140, the control circuit 428 determines that the nicotine-containing ready-to-use vapor composition in the nicotine reservoir 232 is running low. Accordingly, the process proceeds to step 1120 and continues as described herein.

Returning to step 1140, if the replenishment rate is greater than the minimum replenishment rate threshold, then the process returns to step 1100 and continues as described herein.

Returning to step 1117, if the control circuit 428 determines that the vaping conditions still exist, then the control circuit 428 continues to monitor the output of the sensor assembly 424 to determine when the vaping conditions cease (the puff is over). After the vaping conditions disappear, the process proceeds to step 1130 and continues as described above.

Returning now to step 1000 in Fig. 11, if the control circuit 428 determines that hover conditions are not yet present, then the control circuit 428 continues to monitor the output of the sensor assembly 424 for hover conditions. Once hover conditions are detected, the process proceeds to step 1100 and continues as described above.

It should be understood that when an element or layer is designated as "disposed on," "connected to," "associated with," or "overlying" another element or layer, it may be directly disposed on, connected to, associated with, or may cover the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is designated as "disposed directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed elements.

It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," or the like may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Accordingly, the first element, component, region, layer, or section described below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments presented.

Relative spatial location terms (e.g., "below," "under," "lower," "above," "upper," etc.) may be used herein to simplify the description to disclose the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as depicted in the figures. It should be understood that relative spatial location terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as being "under" or "below" other elements or parts would then be oriented "above" the other elements or parts. Accordingly, the preposition "under" may imply both above and below. The device may be oriented differently (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the words used herein to define relative spatial location will be interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is intended to describe various exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the use of the singular forms does not exclude the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms "includes," "including," "comprises," and/or "containing," when used herein, indicate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to sectional views, which are schematic views of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the exemplary embodiments. As such, changes in the shapes of the views are to be expected as a result of changes in, for example, manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances. Therefore, exemplary embodiments should not be considered as limited to the shapes of the regions depicted herein, but should include deviations in shape that are due to, for example, the manufacturing process.

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

The nicotine-containing vapor formulation comprises nicotine. In one exemplary embodiment, a flavoring substance (at least one flavoring agent) is included in the nicotine-containing vapor formulation. In an exemplary embodiment, the nicotine-containing vapor formulation is a liquid, solid, and/or gel formulation that includes, but is not limited to, water, granules, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavoring additives, and/or at least one nicotine vapor-forming substance, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one nicotine vapor forming agent of the nicotine-containing final vapor composition comprises diols (such as propylene glycol and/or 1,3-propanediol), glycerol, and combinations or subcombinations thereof. Different amounts of nicotine vapor forming agent may be used. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, at least one nicotine vapor former is included in an amount in the range of about 20 percent by weight of the nicotine-containing final vapor composition to about 90 percent by weight of the nicotine-containing final vapor composition (e.g., the amount of nicotine vapor former is in the range of about 50 percent to about 80 percent, or about 55 percent to 75 percent, or about 60 percent to 70 percent), and the like. As another example, in one exemplary embodiment, the nicotine-containing final vapor composition has a weight ratio of diol to glycerin that is in the range of about 1:4 to 4:1, wherein the diol is propylene glycol or 1,3-propanediol, or combinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the ratio is about 3:2. Other amounts or ranges may be used.

In one exemplary embodiment, the nicotine-containing vapor formulation comprises water. Various amounts of water can be used. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, water can be included in an amount in the range of about 5 percent by weight of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation to about 40 percent by weight of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation, or in an amount in the range of about 10 percent by weight of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation to about 15 percent by weight of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation. Other amounts or percentages can be used. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the remaining portion of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation that is not water (and nicotine and/or flavors) is a nicotine vaporizing agent (described above), wherein the amount of nicotine vaporizing agent is from 30 percent by weight to 70 percent by weight propylene glycol, and the remainder of the nicotine vaporizing agent is glycerin. Other quantities or percentages may be used.

In one exemplary embodiment, the nicotine-containing final vapor composition comprises at least one flavoring agent in an amount in the range of about 0.2 percent to about 15 percent by weight (e.g., the amount of flavoring agent may be in the range of about 1 percent to 12 percent, or about 2 percent to 10 percent, or about 5 percent to 8 percent). In one exemplary embodiment, the at least one flavoring agent may be at least one of a natural flavoring agent, an artificial flavoring agent, or a combination of a natural flavoring agent and an artificial flavoring agent. For example, the at least one flavoring agent may comprise menthol, etc.

In one exemplary embodiment, the nicotine-containing vapor formulation comprises nicotine in an amount in the range of about 1 percent by weight to about 10 percent by weight. For example, the amount of nicotine is in the range of about 2 percent to 9 percent, or about 2 percent to 8 percent, or about 2 percent to 6 percent. In one exemplary embodiment, the portion of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation that is not nicotine and/or flavoring comprises 10-15 percent by weight of water, and the remaining portion of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation is a mixture of propylene glycol and a nicotine vapor former, the mixture having a ratio in the range of about 60:40 to 40:60 by weight. Other combinations, amounts, or ranges may be used.

Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed in this document, and it should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the scope of the present invention, and it is intended that all such modifications that will be obvious to one skilled in the art be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (84)

1. An electronic device for vaping nicotine, comprising: a nicotine reservoir configured to hold a prepared vapor composition containing nicotine; a wick configured to draw a nicotine-containing prepared vapor composition from a nicotine reservoir; a heating element configured to heat a nicotine-containing prepared vapor composition drawn from a nicotine reservoir; a wire probe along the length of the wick, with the wire probe separated from the heating element by the wick; a saturation sensor configured to: - measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the wire probe at a first point in time, wherein at least one electrical characteristic includes resistance and/or capacitance, and - measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the wire probe at a second point in time, wherein the second point in time is later than the first point in time; and a control circuit configured to ensure that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: - calculating the replenishment rate at which the nicotine-containing vapor composition flows onto the wick based on at least one electrical characteristic at a first point in time and at least one electrical characteristic at a second point in time, - determining that the replenishment rate is less than the threshold replenishment rate, and - displaying a low nicotine vapour content warning in response to determining that the refill rate is less than the threshold refill rate. 2. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to ensure that the electronic device for vaping nicotine calculates the refill rate based on the difference between at least one electrical characteristic at a first moment in time and at least one electrical characteristic at a second moment in time. 3. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to claim 1 or 2, in which the control circuit is designed to ensure that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: calculating a first impedance based on at least one electrical characteristic at a first instant of time, calculating a second impedance based on at least one electrical characteristic at a second time and calculating the replenishment rate based on the difference between the first impedance and the second impedance. 4. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to paragraphs 1, 2 or 3, in which the control circuit is designed to ensure that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the wire probe at a third point in time, determining that at least one electrical characteristic at a third point in time is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and stopping vaping on the electronic nicotine vaping device in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at a third time is greater than or equal to a threshold value. 5. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the control circuit is configured to ensure that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the wire probe at a third point in time, determining that at least one electrical characteristic at a third point in time is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and outputting a low level warning of the nicotine-containing finished vapor composition in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at a third time is greater than or equal to a threshold value. 6. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the control circuit is configured to ensure that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the wire probe at a third point in time, calculating the impedance of the wick based on at least one electrical characteristic at a third point in time, determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and stopping vaping on an electronic nicotine vaping device in response to determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to a threshold value. 7. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the control circuit is configured to ensure that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the wire probe at a third point in time, calculating the impedance of the wick based on at least one electrical characteristic at a third point in time, determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and outputting a low nicotine-containing vapor formulation warning in response to detecting that the impedance is greater than or equal to a threshold. 8. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to any of the preceding paragraphs, further comprising a power supply unit configured to provide power to the electronic device for vaping nicotine. 9. An electronic nicotine vaping device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wire probe is a stainless steel wire. 10. An electronic device for vaping nicotine, comprising: outer casing; an inner tube coaxially located inside the outer casing; a nicotine reservoir configured to hold a prepared vapor composition containing nicotine, wherein the nicotine reservoir is located between the inner tube and the outer casing; a wick configured to draw a nicotine-containing prepared vapor composition from a nicotine reservoir; a heating element configured to heat a nicotine-containing prepared vapor composition drawn from a nicotine reservoir; a saturation sensor assembly configured to measure at least one electrical characteristic between the outer casing and the inner tube at a first time and at a second time, wherein the second time is later than the first time; and a control circuit configured to ensure that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: - calculating the replenishment rate at which the nicotine-containing vapor composition flows onto the wick based on at least one electrical characteristic at a first point in time and at least one electrical characteristic at a second point in time, - determining that the replenishment rate is less than the threshold replenishment rate, and - displaying a low nicotine vapour content warning in response to determining that the refill rate is less than the threshold refill rate. 11. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to claim 10, further comprising a wire probe around the outer perimeter of the inner tube, wherein the saturation sensor assembly is configured to measure at least one electrical characteristic between the outer casing and the inner tube by measuring at least one electrical characteristic between the outer casing and a wire probe around the outer perimeter of the inner tube. 12. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to claim 11, wherein the wire probe is a stainless steel wire. 13. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to claims 10, 11 or 12, in which the control circuit is configured to ensure that the electronic device for vaping nicotine calculates the refill rate based on the difference between at least one electrical characteristic at a first moment in time and at least one electrical characteristic at a second moment in time. 14. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to any one of paragraphs 10-13, in which the control circuit is designed with the possibility of ensuring that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: calculation of the first impedance based on the electrical characteristic at the first moment of time, calculating the second impedance based on the electrical characteristic at the second moment of time and calculating the replenishment rate based on the difference between the first impedance and the second impedance. 15. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to any one of paragraphs 10-14, in which the control circuit is designed with the possibility of ensuring that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the inner tube at a third point in time, determining that at least one electrical characteristic at a third point in time is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and stopping vaping on the electronic nicotine vaping device in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at a third time is greater than or equal to a threshold value. 16. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to any one of paragraphs 10-15, in which the control circuit is designed with the possibility of ensuring that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the inner tube at a third point in time, determining that at least one electrical characteristic at a third point in time is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and outputting a low level warning of the nicotine-containing finished vapor composition in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at a third time is greater than or equal to a threshold value. 17. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to any one of paragraphs 10-16, in which the control circuit is designed with the possibility of ensuring that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the inner tube at a third point in time, calculating the impedance of the wick based on at least one electrical characteristic at a third point in time, determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and stopping vaping on an electronic nicotine vaping device in response to determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to a threshold value. 18. An electronic device for vaping nicotine according to any one of paragraphs 10-17, in which the control circuit is designed with the possibility of ensuring that the electronic device for vaping nicotine performs: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the inner tube at a third point in time, calculating the impedance of the wick based on at least one electrical characteristic at a third point in time, determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and outputting a low nicotine-containing vapor formulation warning in response to detecting that the impedance is greater than or equal to a threshold. 19. A method for detecting the exhaustion of a nicotine-containing ready-made vapor composition in a nicotine reservoir of an electronic nicotine vaping device, comprising: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the wire probe at a first moment in time, wherein at least one electrical characteristic includes resistance and/or capacitance; measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the wire probe at a second point in time, wherein the second point in time is later than the first point in time; calculating the replenishment rate at which the nicotine-containing vapor composition flows onto the wick based on at least one electrical characteristic at a first time and at least one electrical characteristic at a second time; determining that the replenishment rate is less than the threshold replenishment rate; and displaying a low nicotine-containing vapor formulation warning in response to determining that the refill rate is less than the threshold refill rate. 20. The method according to paragraph 19, further comprising: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the wick between the heating element and the wire probe at a third point in time; determining that at least one electrical characteristic at a third time is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and stopping vaping on the electronic nicotine vaping device in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at a third time is greater than or equal to a threshold value.