CN112839536A - Electronic vaping devices including cartridges, tablets, sensors, and controls for electronic vaping devices and methods of making and using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The electronic vaping device and method of operating the electronic vaping device to prevent unauthorized use allows for remote, centralized storage of operational settings associated with a unique payload identifier, as well as optimization of operation based on historical usage data, real-time operating conditions, and/or user information. An electronic vaping device for evaporating a desiccating material and a method of operating the same. Tablets comprising dry material for evaporation and methods of making and using the same. Electronic vaping devices and cartridges that improve flow of a fluid payload to an atomizer and prevent leakage and ejection of the fluid payload, including electronic vaping devices and cartridges that pressurize the fluid payload. A vapor measurement system that determines a dose based on a measured capacitance of the vaporized payload. A two-wire communication system is implemented that communicates a plurality of electrical signals between the control accessory and the cartridge. A cartridge temperature control system is provided for localized temperature control of a cartridge.

Description

Electronic vaping devices including cartridges, tablets, sensors, and controls for electronic vaping devices and methods of making and using the same

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application is based on and claims priority of U.S. patent application No. 15/921,144 filed on day 14 at 3/2018, U.S. provisional application No. 62/642,805 filed on day 14 at 3/2018, U.S. provisional application No. 62/642,825 filed on day 14 at 3/2018, U.S. provisional application No. 62/661,306 filed on day 23 at 4/2018, U.S. provisional application No. 62/668,380 filed on day 8 at 5/2018, U.S. provisional application No. 62/680,057 filed on day 4 at 6/2018, U.S. provisional application No. 62/696,930 filed on day 12 at 7/2018, U.S. provisional application No. 62/696,937 filed on day 12 at 7/2018, U.S. provisional application No. 62/696,943 filed on day 12 at 7/2018, U.S. provisional application No. 62/733,286 filed on day 19 at 9/2018, and U.S. provisional application No. 62/797,694 filed on day 28 at 2019/2019, each of these applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Background

1. Field of the invention

The present disclosure relates to the field of private tobacco vaporizer (vapizer) devices or "e-cigarette (vape) devices," and more particularly, to methods and systems for controlling the operation of e-cigarette devices and cartridges, tablets, sensors, and controls for e-cigarette devices.

2. Description of the related Art

The use of private tobacco evaporators or electronic smoking devices for consuming tobacco products has increased significantly. Many e-vapor devices include only a nebulizer for heating and vaporizing the liquid or oil to be inhaled. In a basic form, the e-vapor device may be a simple device consisting of a heating element, a battery, a switch for connecting the battery to the heating element, and a quantity of liquid or oil to be evaporated by the heating element. Controlling the e-vapor device only requires closing a switch to heat the liquid or oil to generate the vapor (vapor) to be inhaled. Conventional e-vapor devices such as these do not provide for: control of ramp up (ramp up) and/or ramp down (ramp down) with respect to power applied to the heating element; control of the metering of how much steam is produced when the switch is closed; control on how a particular fluid or oil will be heated to produce steam; and controls to prevent any unauthorized use of the electronic vaping device by anyone other than the user of the electronic vaping device.

Conventional electronic vapor devices and cartridges for use with electronic vapor devices (e.g., cartridges having 510 threaded connectors) are typically designed for use with nicotine "e-juice" having a relatively low viscosity. When conventional electronic smoking devices and cartridges are used with oils having a higher viscosity, the oil must be diluted with a fluid, such as Vegetable Glycerin (VG), Propylene Glycol (PG), and polyethylene glycol (PEG), to obtain a viscosity that is compatible with wicking materials that allow the transfer of a fluid payload from a payload reservoir (reservoir) to a heating element. Many conventional e-vapor devices or cartridges also need to be stored in a particular orientation (e.g., a vertical orientation) when used with viscous fluids and/or substances such as VGs, PGs, or PEGs must be added so that the viscous fluid reliably contacts the heating element or atomizer. However, some users do not prefer a mist suction (vape) fluid containing additives (such as VGs, PG, or PEG) that may be doped with a substance for which mist suction is desired. Furthermore, storing the electronic vapor device or cartridge in a particular orientation can be cumbersome.

Many conventional electronic vaping devices and cartridges further include a bottom air flow design having an air inlet positioned on one side of the atomizer and an outlet positioned on the other side of the atomizer. The fluid payload may permeate the atomizer and accumulate on the inner surface of the atomizer. When the atomizer heats the fluid, the fluid may leak out of the cartridge or e-vaping device through the air intake path. Further, if a user inhales before the fluid evaporates, the user may inhale the ejected droplets. Some conventional e-vapor devices and cartridges include a cotton barrier wrapped around the atomizer to prevent leakage and ejection. However, this introduces fibrous material into the e-vaping device or cartridge that may be burned and contaminated in the production environment. The process of wrapping the atomizer with a cotton layer is a delicate task that requires a high degree of manual dexterity, so that the factory worker performs the process using his bare fingers, which is unhygienic.

With conventional electronic smoking devices and cartridges, the fluid entry point into the atomizer from the payload reservoir is typically only one or two small circular openings (e.g., openings having a diameter of 1mm to 2 mm). These small circular openings trap air bubbles that prevent fluid flow to the atomizer, which are commonly referred to as "air locks". The positioning of the circular opening also often results in wasted oil within the cartridge or electronic vapor device.

While most conventional e-vapor devices are configured to vaporize a fluid, some individuals prefer to puff (smoke) or fog dry materials. Vacuuming or misting the desiccant material may affect the individual in a manner different from misting the fluid. In particular, there may be a difference in thermally-induced chemical reactions or metabolic transformations between the misting of the dry material and the misting of the fluid that may affect the user in different ways.

Conventional ways of misting or smoking dry materials include weighing and grinding the material, removing any undesirable components such as stems, and packaging the ground material into a misting chamber or bowl of a misting or smoking device. This process is relatively cumbersome and inconvenient for the user and often results in material loss by spillage and/or sticking to the grinder.

While there are a few conventional e-vaping devices that attempt to determine the dose of the vaporized payload, they use inaccurate methods that provide poor dose metering performance (e.g., using known volumes and varieties of vaporized payload to assume the dose). As such, patients are uncertain as to the dose they are taking at any given time, which limits the repeatability and efficacy of the effect of the payload.

Conventional cartridges for use with e-vapor devices are typically pre-filled with a substance for vaporization. When a cartridge is purchased from a pharmacy, the purchaser may receive a document printed on the package with information for the particular cartridge. However, the document is easily separated from the cartridge and may be discarded, lost or even tampered with. If the user owns multiple cartridges, he or she may misidentify the cartridges and may not be able to obtain the desired experience from a particular cartridge. Further, the user may not be able to receive the desired relief of his or her symptoms with a particular cartridge.

Due to the versatility of the connectors used on the e-vapor device, conventional cartridges (containing heating elements and payloads) may be mounted on or connected to many different types of control accessories (supplying power to heating elements) having different capabilities. If a conventional cartridge is mounted on a control accessory that can supply too much power, the cartridge may be damaged, the payload may be burned or the user may be injured.

Conventional electronic vaping devices that use a two-pin (two-pin) connector in conjunction with a cartridge and control accessory cannot control the atomizer temperature across all modes of operation (e.g., low to high airflow, low to high ambient temperature, battery voltage, etc.). Some e-vaping devices include control accessories that allow a user to select one or more operating parameters, such as coil resistance, coil material, power, current, voltage, and desired temperature. Using these parameters, a basic form of temperature control can be achieved, but its accuracy is very limited. In particular, air flow, ambient temperature, and/or current atomizer temperature are generally not considered, and they may significantly affect atomizer temperature in use.

The problem of local atomizer temperature is particularly problematic for dried material products because of the large atomizer surface area in contact with the payload as compared to a liquid payload. This problem is further exacerbated by the fact that not all payloads are in direct contact with the atomizer due to the volume of payload used (typically about 1 cubic centimeter). In this case, the payload in direct contact with the atomizer may begin to burn, while the payload away from the atomizer will remain in a low heat area and may not evaporate. This results in smoke and wasted product (neither of which is desirable). An alternative heating method for use with the dried material product is convective heating, i.e., heating air in contact with the payload using a heating element. If the air is not hot enough, no evaporation will occur. If the air is too hot, the payload will burn. If the air temperature is just right, the payload will evaporate without combustion.

Many conventional electronic vaping devices include a control accessory (e.g., a battery unit) that may be used with a plurality of disposable (disposable) cartridges. Each cartridge includes a payload reservoir containing a payload and an atomizer for heating and vaporizing the payload. Some e-vaping devices utilize a basic approach to deter unauthorized use of the device. For example, a user may be able to lock and unlock the e-vapor device by pressing a button on the control accessory using a fixed number of clicks in quick succession (e.g., three clicks to turn the device on and three clicks to turn the device off). Additionally, the user may be able to unlock the electronic vaping device by placing a finger on a fingerprint scanner provided on the control accessory. However, these approaches are limited in the level of authentication and access control desired for the e-vapor device.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention described herein comprises: an electronic cigarette device; a cartridge, a tablet, a sensor, a communication system and a control system for use with an electronic smoking device; and methods of making and using electronic vapor devices, cartridges, tablets, sensors, communication systems, and control systems.

An electronic vaping device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: a payload receptacle configured to receive a payload for evaporation; a heating element configured to heat the payload; a power source coupled to the heating element; a sensor configured to sense an operating condition of the e-vapor device while the vapor is being generated by the e-vapor device; a processor; a memory device; and a set of instructions stored in the memory device and executable by the processor to: receiving an operating condition from a sensor; and adjusting power provided by the power supply to the heating element based on the sensed operating condition. As the vapor is generated by the e-vapor device, the e-vapor device preferably continuously adjusts the power provided to the heating element to maintain the temperature of the heating element within a desired range for a particular payload.

A system for determining a heating profile for an electronic vaping device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: a processor; a memory device; and a set of instructions stored in the memory device and executable by the processor to: receiving a plurality of sensed draw intensities and a plurality of sensed draw lengths, wherein each draw intensity and each draw length is associated with an instance of a user drawing vapor from an e-vapor device; determining a historical extraction intensity from the sensed plurality of extraction intensities; determining a historical extraction length from the sensed plurality of extraction lengths; and generating a heating profile for a heating element of the electronic vaping device based on the historical extraction intensity and the historical extraction length, wherein the heating profile corresponds to power provided to the heating element over time. The system may be used with any of the electronic vaping devices described herein. The system preferably learns how a particular user uses the electronic vaping device to optimize a heating profile for the electronic vaping device according to the user's preferred usage.

A method for operating an electronic vaping device in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: sensing an operating condition of the electronic vaping device while the vapor is being generated by the electronic vaping device; and adjusting power provided to a heating element of the electronic vaping device based on the sensed operating condition. The method may be used in conjunction with any of the electronic vaping devices and cartridges disclosed herein.

A method for operating an electronic vaping device in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: sensing a plurality of draw intensities and a plurality of draw lengths, wherein each draw intensity and each draw length is associated with an instance of a user drawing vapor from an e-vapor device; determining a historical extraction intensity from the sensed plurality of extraction intensities; determining a historical extraction length from the sensed plurality of extraction lengths; determining a heating profile for a heating element of the electronic vaping device based on the historical extraction intensity and the historical extraction length; and adjusting the power provided to the heating element according to the heating profile. The method may be used in conjunction with any of the electronic vaping devices and cartridges disclosed herein. The method preferably allows the electronic vaping device to learn how a particular user uses the electronic vaping device such that the electronic vaping device is optimized for operation according to the user's preferred usage.

An electronic vaping device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: a payload receptacle configured to receive a payload for evaporation; a heating element configured to heat the payload; a power source coupled to the heating element; a sensor configured to sense an operating condition of the e-vapor device while the vapor is being generated by the e-vapor device; and a processor configured to receive the operating condition from the sensor and adjust power provided by the power supply to the heating element based on the sensed operating condition.

Another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein comprises a cartridge for vaporizing a payload comprising a desiccant material. The cartridge includes a housing defining an interior chamber. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet. The inner chamber is accessible through an opening in the housing. At least a portion of the housing is configured to movably cover and expose the opening. The cartridge includes a heating element positioned within the interior chamber.

Another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein comprises a tablet for use with a cartridge for evaporating a drying material. The tablet includes a dry material compressed into a shape including at least a first surface and a second surface positioned opposite the first surface. At least one recess is formed in at least one of the first surface and the second surface. The tablet may be used with any of the cartridges described herein for evaporating a payload comprising a dry material. The recess preferably allows a larger surface area of the tablet to be contacted by heated air passing (pass over and through) the tablet to improve evaporation of the tablet.

Another exemplary embodiment of a tablet for use with a cartridge for evaporating a drying material includes a drying material compressed into a shape including at least a first surface and a second surface positioned opposite the first surface. The heating element is coupled to the desiccant material. The tablet may be used with any of the cartridges described herein for evaporating a payload comprising a dry material.

A method of using an e-vapor device to vaporize tablets of compressed dry material according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: inserting a tablet into an inner chamber of an electronic vaping device through an opening in the electronic vaping device; activating a heating element of the e-vapor device to vaporize a portion of the tablet into a tablet vapor; and inhaling at least a portion of the tablet vapor. The method may be used in conjunction with any of the electronic vaping devices and cartridges disclosed herein that may be configured to vaporize a desiccant material.

A method of manufacturing a tablet for use with a cartridge for evaporating a dry material according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein comprises: providing a dry material; measuring the percentage of the composition of the dry material; determining a desired amount of an ingredient; determining a desired thickness corresponding to a desired amount of the composition; and compressing the dried material into tablets of desired thickness to contain the desired amount of ingredients. The invention also covers tablets made according to this process. The method may be used to manufacture any of the tablets described herein. The tablet preferably aids in dose control because the user of the tablet knows the amount of the ingredient present in the tablet.

A method of manufacturing a tablet for use with a cartridge for evaporating a dry material according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein comprises: providing a first dry material; measuring a first percentage of a first component of the first dry material; providing a second dry material; measuring a second percentage of a second component of the second dry material; determining a desired ratio of the first percentage and the second percentage; and forming a tablet comprising the desired ratio of the first percentage and the second percentage. The invention also covers tablets made according to this process. The method may be used to manufacture any of the tablets described herein.

Another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein is a cartridge for an electronic vaping device. This cartridge includes: a housing defining a payload reservoir, an inlet, an outlet, and an air flow chamber positioned between the inlet and the outlet; an atomizer positioned within the housing, wherein the atomizer is in fluid communication with the payload reservoir; and a deflector positioned in the air flow chamber between the atomizer and the outlet, wherein the deflector comprises a plurality of apertures. The invention also covers an electronic cigarette device comprising the cartridge. The deflector preferably prevents or reduces the likelihood that the non-vaporized payload spray will be expelled from the outlet.

Another exemplary embodiment of a cartridge for an electronic vaping device includes: a housing comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the housing defines a payload reservoir, an inlet positioned adjacent the first end, an outlet positioned adjacent the first end, and an air flow chamber positioned between the inlet and the outlet; and an atomizer positioned within the housing, wherein the atomizer is in fluid communication with the payload reservoir and the airflow chamber. The invention also covers an electronic cigarette device comprising the cartridge. Positioning both the inlet and the outlet adjacent the first end preferably reduces the likelihood that the unevaporated payload will leak out of the e-vapor device or cartridge.

A cartridge for an electronic vaping device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: a housing including an outer side wall and an inner side wall spaced apart from the outer side wall; and an atomizer positioned within a chamber defined by the inner sidewall. The housing defines a payload reservoir positioned between the inner and outer side walls. A plurality of elongated slots (slots) are formed in the inner sidewall. The housing defines an inlet, an outlet, and an air flow chamber positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The plurality of elongated slots place the atomizer in fluid communication with the payload reservoir and the atomizer is in fluid communication with the air flow chamber. The invention also covers an electronic cigarette device comprising the cartridge. The elongated slot preferably prevents or reduces the likelihood that air bubbles will form within the slot and prevents the payload from reaching the atomizer.

A cartridge for an electronic vaping device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: a housing defining a payload receptacle; an atomizer positioned within the housing; and a pressurizer positioned within the housing, wherein the pressurizer is configured to apply pressure to the fluid payload within the payload reservoir to force the fluid payload into contact with the atomizer. The invention also covers an electronic cigarette device comprising the cartridge. Applying pressure to the fluid payload preferably provides a continuous payload flow to the atomizer when desired.

An electronic vaping device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: a housing; an atomizer positioned in the housing; and a payload receptacle positioned in the housing. The housing includes a first end and a second end, wherein a longitudinal axis of the housing extends between the first end and the second end. The payload receptacle is at least partially defined by a receptacle sidewall including a first end and a second end positioned adjacent the atomizer. When the housing is positioned such that the longitudinal axis is substantially horizontal, the reservoir sidewall slopes toward the atomizer from the second end of the reservoir sidewall to the first end of the reservoir sidewall. The reservoir side walls preferably improve the flow of payload to the atomizer to maintain the atomizer dip bath (bath) in the payload and reduce the amount of payload wasted in the reservoir.

An electronic vaping device in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes a housing including a first end and a second end. The longitudinal axis of the housing extends between a first end and a second end. The electronic vaping device is configured such that the housing orients itself in a predetermined position when the housing is placed on a substantially horizontal surface and the longitudinal axis is substantially horizontal. The housing is preferably capable of orienting itself in a predetermined position such that a payload within the housing is capable of flowing into contact with the atomizer to keep the atomizer bathed in the payload and reduce the amount of payload wasted in the reservoir.

An electronic vaping device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: a housing; a tray positioned in the housing; an atomizer positioned in the housing; and a flexible circuit board. The housing includes a first end and a second end. The longitudinal axis of the housing extends between a first end and a second end. The housing defines an inlet, an outlet positioned adjacent the second end of the housing, and an air flow chamber positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The tray includes a first section (section) defining a recess and a second section defining a payload receptacle positioned adjacent the second end of the housing. The tray includes a first side positioned adjacent the housing, and a second side. The atomizer is in fluid communication with the payload reservoir. The flexible circuit board is positioned adjacent the second side of the tray in a recess defined by the tray. The flexible circuit board and tray preferably make manufacturing the electronic vaping device more efficient and consistent.

An electronic vaping device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: a housing defining an inlet, an outlet, and an air flow chamber positioned between the inlet and the outlet; an atomizer positioned in the air flow chamber; a capacitive sensor positioned in the air flow chamber between the atomizer and the outlet; and a sensor measurement circuit connected to the capacitive sensor. The atomizer is configured to heat and vaporize the payload to produce a vaporized payload. The capacitive sensor defines a measurement cavity within the air flow chamber. The sensor measurement circuit is configured to measure a capacitance of the capacitive sensor directly or indirectly as the vaporized payload passes through the measurement cavity. The e-vaping device is preferably configured to accurately determine the dose based on a measured capacitance of the vaporized payload in a measurement cavity of the e-vaping device. Such a vapor measurement system would be beneficial to both medical patients and recreational users, as they would be able to accurately measure their dosage to achieve the desired effect in a repeatable manner.

A method of determining a capacitance of a capacitive sensor according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein comprises: heating and evaporating the payload to produce an evaporated payload; passing the vaporized payload through a measurement cavity defined by a capacitive sensor; and measuring the capacitance of the capacitive sensor as the vaporized payload passes through the measurement cavity. The method may be used in conjunction with any of the electronic vaping devices and cartridges disclosed herein.

A vapor measurement system for an electronic vaping device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: a capacitive sensor defining a measurement cavity; and a sensor measurement circuit connected to the capacitive sensor. The sensor measurement circuit is configured to measure a capacitance of the capacitive sensor directly or indirectly as the vaporized payload passes through the measurement cavity. The vapor measurement system may be used in conjunction with any of the electronic vapor devices and cartridges disclosed herein.

An electronic vaping device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: a control accessory including a power source and a reader; a cartridge comprising a heating element and an electronic memory configured to store data; and a two-conductor electrical interface configured to (a) transmit power signals from the power source to the heating element and (b) transmit data signals from the electronic memory to the reader. The electronic vaping device preferably enables cartridge data to be provided in a secure electronic memory within the cartridge and transmitted to the control accessory. The cartridge data cannot be tampered with, discarded or lost and, therefore, the user can ensure that the data is legitimate and not a forgery.

A method of transmitting a plurality of signals over a two-conductor electrical interface between a control accessory and a cartridge of an electronic vaping device in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: transmitting a power signal from a power source of the control accessory to the heating element of the cartridge through the two-conductor electrical interface; and transmitting the data signal from the electronic memory of the cartridge to a reader of the control accessory through the two-conductor electrical interface. The method may be used in conjunction with any of the electronic vaping devices and cartridges disclosed herein.

A dual-lead communication system for an electronic vaping device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: a control accessory; a smoke cartridge; and an electromechanical connector comprising a first connector coupled to a second connector. The first connector is provided as part of the control accessory. The second connector is provided as part of the cartridge. The electromechanical connector provides a two-conductor electrical interface capable of communicating a plurality of electrical signals between the control accessory and the cartridge. The dual-lead communication system may be used in conjunction with any of the electronic vapor devices and cartridges disclosed herein.

An electronic vaping device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: a control accessory including a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader; a cartridge comprising an RFID tag; and a two-conductor electrical interface configured to transmit the cartridge data from the RFID reader to the RFID tag to thereby program the cartridge data into the RFID tag.

An electronic vaping device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: a control accessory comprising a power source; and a cartridge releasably connected to the control accessory. This cartridge includes: a payload receptacle configured to receive a payload for evaporation; a heating element configured to heat a payload in a payload reservoir; and a temperature control circuit configured to adjust power provided by the power supply to the heating element based on the temperature sensed within the cartridge and a desired temperature set point. The cartridge preferably has local temperature control to prevent under-or over-heating of the payload within the cartridge.

A method of controlling power provided to a heating element housed within a cartridge of an electronic vaping device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: sensing a temperature within the cartridge; and adjusting the power provided to the heating element based on the sensed temperature within the cartridge and the desired temperature set point. The method may be used in conjunction with any of the electronic vaping devices and cartridges disclosed herein.

A temperature control system for a cartridge of an electronic vaping device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: a heating element configured to heat the payload; a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature within the cartridge; and a temperature control circuit incorporating the temperature sensor. The temperature control circuit is configured to adjust the power provided to the heating element based on the sensed temperature within the cartridge and a desired temperature set point. The temperature control system may be used in conjunction with any of the electronic vapor devices and cartridges disclosed herein.

An electronic vaping device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: a control accessory comprising a microcontroller and a power supply; a cartridge comprising a nebulizer, a payload receptacle, and an authentication device; and an electromechanical connector comprising a first connector releasably coupled to a second connector, wherein the first connector is provided as part of the control accessory and the second connector is provided as part of the cartridge. The microcontroller is configured to control the power supply to generate the power signal. The authentication device is configured to (a) implement an authentication protocol to determine whether the cartridge is authentic and (b) control transmission of a power signal from the power source to the nebulizer based on a result of the authentication protocol.

Another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes a cartridge for an electronic vaping device, the cartridge comprising: a payload receptacle; a nebulizer configured to heat a payload contained in a payload reservoir; and an authentication device configured to (a) implement an authentication protocol to determine whether the cartridge is authentic and (b) control transmission of the power signal to the nebulizer based on a result of the authentication protocol.

A method of authenticating a cartridge of an electronic vaping device in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein includes: storing the authentication data in an authentication device within the cartridge; implementing an authentication protocol using authentication data to determine whether the cartridge is authentic; and controlling transmission of the nebulizer of the power signal cartridge based on a result of the authentication protocol. The method may be used in conjunction with any of the electronic vaping devices and cartridges disclosed herein.

A system for authenticating a user of an electronic vaping device in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention includes an electronic vaping device and an application configured to be installed on a personal computing device. The electronic smoking device is configured to store a unique payload identifier identifying a payload receptacle and transmit the unique payload identifier to the personal computing device. The application is configured to enable the personal computing device to: (a) receiving user authentication information input by a user; (b) receiving a unique payload identifier from the electronic vaping device; (c) retrieving authentication information stored in a database in association with the unique payload identifier; (d) comparing the user authentication information with authentication information stored in a database; (e) generating security settings indicating whether a user inputting user authentication information is authorized to use the payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier based on the comparison; and (f) transmitting the security setting to the electronic vaping device.

A system for determining whether a payload reservoir of an electronic vaping device is depleted (delete) according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention includes an electronic vaping device and an application configured to be installed on a personal computing device. The electronic smoking device is configured to store a unique payload identifier identifying a payload receptacle and transmit the unique payload identifier to the personal computing device. The application is configured to enable the personal computing device to: (a) receiving a unique payload identifier from the electronic vaping device; (b) retrieving payload information stored in a database in association with the unique payload identifier, wherein the payload information includes an original volume of a payload contained within a payload reservoir; (c) retrieving historical payload receptacle usage information stored in a database in association with the unique payload identifier; (d) analyzing the payload information stored in the database and historical payload receptacle usage information stored in the database; (e) generating a security setting indicating whether the payload reservoir is depleted based on the analysis; and (f) transmitting the security setting to the electronic vaping device, wherein operation of the electronic vaping device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the payload reservoir is depleted.

A system for determining whether a payload receptacle of an electronic vaping device has returned to a return center according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention includes an electronic vaping device and an application configured to be installed on a personal computing device. The electronic smoking device is configured to store a unique payload identifier identifying a payload receptacle and transmit the unique payload identifier to the personal computing device. The application is configured to enable the personal computing device to: (a) receiving a unique payload identifier from the electronic vaping device; (b) determining whether a payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier has been returned; (c) generating a security setting indicating whether the payload receptacle has returned; and (d) transmitting the security setting to the electronic vaping device, wherein operation of the electronic vaping device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the payload reservoir has returned.

A system for determining whether a payload reservoir of an electronic vaping device has been recalled (recall) according to another example embodiment of the invention includes an electronic vaping device and an application configured to be installed on a personal computing device. The electronic smoking device is configured to store a unique payload identifier identifying a payload receptacle and transmit the unique payload identifier to the personal computing device. The application is configured to enable the personal computing device to: (a) receiving a unique payload identifier from the electronic vaping device; (b) determining whether a payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier has been recalled; (c) generating a security setting indicating whether the payload receptacle has been recalled; and (d) transmitting the security setting to the electronic vaping device, wherein operation of the electronic vaping device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the payload reservoir has been recalled.

A system for determining whether a control accessory is authorized for use with a cartridge of an electronic vaping device in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention includes an electronic vaping device and an application configured to be installed on a personal computing device. The electronic vaping device includes a control accessory and a cartridge. The control accessory is configured to store a control accessory identifier, and the cartridge is configured to store a unique payload identifier that identifies a payload receptacle of the cartridge. The electronic vaping device is configured to transmit a control accessory identifier and a unique payload identifier to a personal computing device. The application is configured to enable the personal computing device to: (a) receiving a control accessory identifier and a unique payload identifier from an electronic vaping device; (b) a list of one or more control accessory identifiers that identify a control accessory for use with a payload receptacle identified by the unique identifier; (c) comparing the control accessory identifier to a list of control accessory identifiers; (d) generating a security setting based on the comparison that indicates whether the control accessory identified by the control accessory identifier is authorized for use with the payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier; and (e) transmitting the security setting to the electronic vaping device.

Additional aspects of the invention, together with the attendant advantages and novel features thereof, will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an electronic vaping device in accordance with the invention described herein.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an electronic vaping device in accordance with the invention described herein.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an electronic vaping device system including the electronic vaping device of figure 1 in wireless communication with a computing device.

Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating steps of one exemplary method of using the electronic vaping device system of figure 3.

Fig. 5 is a chart showing a representative fog inhalation session for a user, including a predicted puff length, puff intensity, and time interval between puffs. Evan Greg, Thierry Bachmann, Ryuji Bito, Xavier Cahours, Michael McEwan, Paul Nelson, Krishna Prasad, Gerhard Scherer, and Mitchell Stiles, assistance linking Behaviour and Tobacco Smoke Exposure, Definitions and Methods, 25

zur Tabakschung International/controls to Tobacco Research, pages 685 to 699 (12.2013), available from https:// doi.org/10.2478/ctr-2013-.

Figure 6A is an interval graph illustrating average and 95% confidence intervals calculated based on measurements of draw lengths (or puff durations) for multiple draws from each of twenty-two different e-vaping device users (or subjects). Risa Robinson, Edward Hensel and P.N.Morabito and K.A.Roundtree, Electronic Cigarette Topograph in the Natural Environment, PLOS ONE 10(6) e0129296 (2015), available from https:// doi.org/10.1371/journel. po. 0129296.

Figure 6B is an interval graph illustrating average and 95% confidence intervals calculated based on measurements of draw intensity (or draw flow) for multiple draws from each of twenty-two different e-vaping device users (or subjects).

Figure 6C is an interval graph illustrating average and 95% confidence intervals calculated based on measurements of multiple drawn draw volumes (or puff volumes) of an electronic vaping device from each of twenty-two different electronic vaping device users (or subjects).

Figure 6D is an interval graph illustrating average and 95% confidence intervals calculated based on measurements of time spans (or puff intervals) between draws of multiple draws from each of twenty-two different electronic vaping device users (or subjects).

Fig. 7-8 are flow charts of exemplary methods of optimizing vaporization according to the invention described herein.

Figure 9A is a perspective view of a conduction-based cartridge for vaporizing a desiccant material according to one embodiment of the invention described herein.

Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of figure 9A.

Figure 9C is an exploded view of the cartridge of figure 9A.

Figure 10A is a perspective view of a convection-based cartridge for evaporating a drying material according to one embodiment of the invention described herein.

Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of figure 10A.

Figure 10C is an exploded view of the cartridge of figure 10A.

Figure 11A is a perspective view of another conduction-based cartridge for evaporating a desiccant material according to one embodiment of the invention described herein.

Figure 11B is an exploded view of the cartridge of figure 11A.

Figure 11C is a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge of figure 11A.

Figure 11D is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of figure 11A.

Figure 12 is a schematic view of a heating element for use with a cartridge or e-vapor apparatus for vaporizing a desiccant material.

Fig. 13A-13C are perspective views of a tablet for use with a cartridge or e-vapor device for evaporating a desiccant material.

Fig. 14A is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a tablet according to the invention described herein.

Fig. 14B is a right side view of the tablet of fig. 14A.

Fig. 14C is a front view of the tablet of fig. 14A.

Fig. 14D is a cross-sectional view taken through line 14D-14D in fig. 14A.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing two of the tablets of fig. 14A joined together or placed back-to-back.

Fig. 16A is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a tablet containing a heating element according to the invention described herein.

Fig. 16B is a right side view of the tablet of fig. 16A.

Fig. 16C is a front view of the tablet of fig. 16A.

Fig. 17 is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a tablet containing a heating element according to the invention described herein.

Figure 18 is a schematic view of a tablet storage and dispensing apparatus.

Fig. 19A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge for vaporizing a fluid payload in accordance with the invention described herein.

Figure 19B is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of figure 19A.

Figure 19C is an exploded view of the cartridge of figure 19A.

Figure 19D is a partially exploded view of the cartridge of figure 19A.

Figure 20 is a schematic view of the air flow within the cartridge of figure 19A.

Figure 21 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cartridge for vaporizing a fluid payload in accordance with the invention described herein.

Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of figure 21.

Figure 23A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cartridge of figure 21.

Figure 23B is a cross-sectional view of the atomizer of the cartridge of figure 21.

Fig. 23C is a top plan view of the atomizer of fig. 23B.

Fig. 23D is a bottom plan view of the atomizer of fig. 23B.

Fig. 24 is a schematic view of an alternative air flow path for a cartridge for vaporizing a fluid payload in accordance with the invention described herein.

Figure 25A is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a cartridge for vaporizing a fluid payload in accordance with the invention described herein.

Figure 25B is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of figure 25A.

Figure 26A is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a cartridge for vaporizing a fluid payload in accordance with the invention described herein.

Figure 26B is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of figure 26A.

Figure 26C is an exploded view of the cartridge of figure 26A.

Figure 26D is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a cartridge for vaporizing a fluid payload similar to the cartridge shown in figure 26A.

Figure 27 is a schematic view of the air flow within the cartridge of figure 25.

Figure 28A is a perspective view of an electronic vaping device in accordance with the invention described herein.

Figure 28B is a cross-sectional view of the e-vaping device of figure 28A.

Fig. 28C is a cross-sectional view taken through line 28C-28C in fig. 28B.

Figure 28D is an exploded view of the e-vapor device of figure 28A.

Figure 28E is a perspective view of one end of the E-vapor device of figure 28A showing a viewing port.

Figure 28F is a perspective view of the end of the E-vapor device shown in figure 28E showing the outlet.

Figure 28G is a perspective view of the other end of the e-vapor device of figure 28A.

Figure 29A is a cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of a payload reservoir that may be used with the electronic vaping device of figure 28A.

Figure 29B is a cross-sectional view of an alternative placement of a nebulizer that may be used with the electronic vaping device of figure 28A.

Figure 29C is a cross-sectional view of another alternative configuration of a payload reservoir that may be used with the electronic vaping device of figure 28A.

Figure 29D is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an e-vapor device having an alternative inlet configuration.

Figure 29E is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an E-vapor device having another alternative inlet configuration.

Figure 29F is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of a payload reservoir that may be used with the electronic vaping device of figure 28A.

Fig. 29G is a cross-sectional view of the payload receptacle shown in fig. 29F.

Figure 30 is a flow chart illustrating steps of one exemplary method of using the electronic vaping device of figures 28A-29G.

Figure 31 is a schematic diagram of a cartridge in which a parallel plate capacitor is used as a capacitive sensor of a vapor measurement system according to one embodiment of the invention described herein.

FIG. 32 is a circuit diagram of a charge pump circuit configured to charge an electrical conductor of a capacitive sensor of a vapor measurement system to enable measurement of a capacitance of the sensor.

FIG. 33 is a circuit diagram of a resistive voltage divider in which a capacitive sensor of the vapor measurement system is contained within a switched capacitor resistor to enable measurement of the capacitance of the sensor.

FIG. 34 is a circuit diagram of a phase locked loop circuit in which a capacitive sensor of a vapor measurement system is contained within a voltage controlled oscillator to enable measurement of the capacitance of the sensor.

FIG. 35 is a circuit diagram of an active low pass filter circuit connected to a rectifier circuit, wherein a capacitive sensor of a vapor measurement system is contained within the low pass filter circuit to enable measurement of the capacitance of the sensor.

Fig. 36 is a bode diagram of the active low-pass filter circuit shown in fig. 35.

FIG. 37 is a circuit diagram of a crystal oscillator circuit for providing a reference signal to a phase locked loop circuit, wherein the crystal oscillator circuit is loaded with a capacitive sensor of a vapor measurement system to enable measurement of the capacitance of the sensor.

FIG. 38A is a front view of a rolled capacitor that may be used as a capacitive sensor of a vapor measurement system.

Fig. 38B is a front view of the rolled capacitor shown in fig. 38A, with arrows indicating the direction of air flow in a plane parallel to the front face of the rolled capacitor.

Fig. 38C is a perspective view of the rolled capacitor shown in fig. 38A, with arrows indicating the direction of air flow in a plane perpendicular to the front face of the rolled capacitor.

FIG. 39A is a front view of an interdigitated capacitor that may be used as a capacitive sensor for a vapor measurement system.

Fig. 39B is a front view of the interdigitated capacitor shown in fig. 39A, with arrows indicating the direction of air flow in a plane parallel to the front face of the interdigitated capacitor.

Fig. 39C is a front view of the interdigitated capacitor shown in fig. 39A, with arrows indicating the direction of air flow in a plane perpendicular to the front face of the interdigitated capacitor.

Figure 40 is a schematic diagram of an electronic vaping device including a two-lead communication system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention described herein.

Fig. 41A is a perspective view of a female (simple) two pin connector that may be used as part of the two-wire communication system shown in fig. 40.

Fig. 41B is a perspective view of a male (male) two-pin connector that may be used as part of the two-lead communication system shown in fig. 40.

Figure 42 is a schematic diagram of an electronic vaping device including a cartridge with an integrated temperature control system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention described herein.

Figure 43 is a circuit diagram of a temperature control circuit configured to modify a Direct Current (DC) voltage applied to a heating element in response to a change in resistance of a thermistor, which may be incorporated into the cartridge shown in figure 42.

Figure 44 is a circuit diagram of a temperature control circuit configured to modify the direct current delivered to the heating element in response to changes in the resistance of the thermistor, which may be incorporated into the cartridge shown in figure 42.

Figure 45 is a circuit diagram of a temperature control circuit configured to modify the pulse width of the pulsed direct current transmitted to the heating element in response to changes in temperature detected by the analog temperature sensor, which may be incorporated into the cartridge shown in figure 42.

Figure 46 is a circuit diagram of a temperature control circuit configured to modify the pulse width of the pulsed direct current transmitted to the heating element in response to changes in the voltage of the thermocouple, which may be incorporated into the cartridge shown in figure 42.

Figure 47 is a circuit diagram of a temperature control circuit configured to modify the pulse width of the pulsed direct current transmitted to the heating element in response to a change in the resistance of the thermistor or a change in the voltage of the bandgap temperature sensor, which may be incorporated into the cartridge shown in figure 42.

Figure 48 is a circuit diagram of a temperature control circuit configured to interrupt the direct current applied to the heating element in response to detection of light by the light sensor, which may be incorporated into the cartridge shown in figure 42.

Figure 49 is a circuit diagram of a temperature control circuit with a modified potentiometer implementing a temperature set point that may be incorporated into the cartridge shown in figure 42.

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge housing having a dial connected to the potentiometer shown in FIG. 49 that may be used to modify the variable resistance of the potentiometer.

Figure 51 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge housing with a slider switch connected to the potentiometer shown in figure 49 that can be used to modify the variable resistance of the potentiometer.

Figure 52 is a cross-sectional view of a rotatable cartridge housing having a rotating arm connected to the potentiometer shown in figure 49 that may be used to modify the variable resistance of the potentiometer.

Figure 53 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge with an integrated temperature control system according to one embodiment of the invention described herein.

Figure 54 is a schematic diagram of an electronic vaping device including a smart cartridge with authenticated access control in accordance with one embodiment of the invention described herein.

Figure 55 is a circuit diagram of one embodiment of the electronic vaping device shown in figure 54, wherein power and data signals are transmitted between the control accessory and the cartridge over a two-conductor electrical interface using a time division multiplexing scheme.

Figure 56 is a circuit diagram of another embodiment of the electronic vaping device shown in figure 54, wherein power and data signals are transmitted between the control accessory and the cartridge over a two-conductor electrical interface using a voltage level multiplexing scheme.

Figure 57 is a diagram of an exemplary data transfer protocol that may be used with the e-vaping device shown in figure 56.

Detailed Description

In the description of the invention, reference to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "embodiments" means that the feature or features referred to is/are included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Separate references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "embodiments" in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are not mutually exclusive, unless so stated and/or except as will be apparent to those of skill in the art from the description. For example, features, structures, acts, etc. described in one embodiment may be, but are not necessarily, included in other embodiments. Thus, the present technology may encompass various combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

Electronic cigarette device

In some embodiments, the electronic vaping devices 10 and 100 described herein are high quality, best of the same kind rechargeable e-vaping devices that are simple, intuitive, and have real-time appeal to customers. In some embodiments, the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 may be in communication with the personal computing device 72 and with the individualThe applications 74 or "apps" operating on the human computing device 72 interactively work to provide additional functions and features that can meet the requirements and needs of the most experienced appreciator or medical patient. For purposes of this description and the appended claims, the term "personal computing device" is defined to include personal computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants, personal computing tablet computers (such as those manufactured by

And

and other manufactured personal computing tablet computers known to those skilled in the art), smart phones (such as those in

And

a smart phone running on an operating system and other operating systems known to those skilled in the art), a smart watch, a fitness tracking wristband, a wearable device, smart glasses, and any other electronic computing device that includes means for communicating (wireless or wired) with other electronic devices and with a global telecommunications or computing network.

Referring to figure 1, one embodiment of an electronic vaping device 10 is shown. The electronic vaping device 10 includes a mouthpiece accessory 12, an atomizer accessory 19, a payload accessory 24, and a control accessory 14. Any of the mouthpiece accessory 12, the atomizer accessory 19, the payload accessory 24 and the control accessory 14 may be integrally formed together and contained within a common housing adapted to be gripped by a user. Furthermore, any of the nozzle fitting 12, the atomizer fitting 19, the payload fitting 24 and the control fitting 14 may be formed in separate housings that may be releasably connected to each other via the connection member 15, the connection member 15 may comprise, for example, one or more of a pressure or friction fit (fit) connection member, a torsional mechanical lock member, a magnetic connection member and any other connection member as is well known to those skilled in the art. The connection member 15 may comprise a female 510 threaded connector on the control fitting 14 that releasably engages a male 510 threaded connector on the atomizer fitting 19 or the payload fitting 24. As known in the art, the 510 threaded connector is an M7-0.5x5 threaded connector, i.e., a threaded connector having a nominal diameter of 7mm, a pitch (pitch) of 0.5mm, and a length of 5 mm. The connecting member 15 may comprise other sizes of threaded connectors. The connection member 15 may be a threaded connector configured to operate in accordance with the two-wire communication system described below in connection with the e-vaping device 4000. By way of example, the nozzle fitting 12 is releasably connected to the atomizer fitting 19, the payload fitting 24 and the control fitting 14, which are integrally formed together or formed in separate housings that are releasably connected to one another. The nozzle fitting 12 and the atomizer fitting 19 may be integrally formed together and releasably connected to the payload fitting 24 and the control fitting 14, the payload fitting 24 and the control fitting 14 being integrally formed together or formed in separate housings releasably connected to each other. Further, the nozzle fitting 12, the atomizer fitting 19 and the payload fitting 24 may be integrally formed together and releasably connected to the control fitting 14. The combination of the mouthpiece accessory 12, the atomizer accessory 19, and the payload accessory 24 may be referred to herein as a cartridge, and replaces any of the cartridges 900, 1000, 1100, 1900, 2100, 2400, 2500, and 2600 described below. It is also within the scope of the invention to omit the nozzle fitting 12 and have the vaporized payload exit the atomizer fitting 19 directly for inhalation.

In some embodiments, the nozzle accessory 12 is operatively coupled to the control accessory 14 via a connecting member 15. In some embodiments, a heater or atomizer 20 is disposed in the atomizer fitting 19, wherein the atomizer 20 further comprises a heating element 22 disposed therein for heating and evaporating a payload, which may comprise a liquid, oil, other fluid, or tablet. The heating element 22 may be a heating coil. The atomizer 20 may include an inlet 21 and an outlet 23, wherein the inlet 21 may be in communication with a payload reservoir 26 disposed in a payload fitting 24 via a fluid connector 46, wherein the payload reservoir 26 may contain a payload for evaporation or atomization. For example, the payload can be a liquid, oil, other fluid, or tablet. The payload may include nicotine oil or any of the tablets 940, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1300, 1302, 1400, 1500, 1600, and 1700 described below (if the e-vapor device 10 is modified to evaporate tablets of dry material). The outlet 23 may communicate with the user nozzle 16 of the nozzle fitting 12 via a conduit 17. In some embodiments, the payload accessory 24 may include an identifier ("ID") tag 28, and the identifier tag 28 may further include a unique payload identifier that identifies the payload receptacle 26 and also optionally secondary data as described below. The unique payload identifier of the ID tag 28 may be a serial number or tracking number for the payload reservoir 26 as a means of identifying the payload contained in the payload reservoir 26 in order to obtain information about the particular parameters of operation of the nebulizer 20 or the operational settings that are optimal for evaporating the particular payload contained in the payload reservoir 26. For example, the payload identifier may be compared to a database containing payload identifiers from multiple payload repositories. The database may contain specific operational settings and secondary data for each of the payload identifiers, as described below. When the cartridge 900, 1000, 1100, 1900, 2100, 2400, 2500, and 2600 is used with an electronic vaping device 10 or 100, the cartridge preferably has an ID tag 28 that includes a unique payload identifier, as described below.

The ID tag 28 may be any type of device that includes a memory or storage device capable of storing a payload identifier and optionally secondary data, as well as means for allowing the payload identifier and/or secondary data to be retrieved by another device, such as the microcontroller 31 and/or RF transceiver circuitry 36, for processing and/or further transmission. For example, the ID tag 28 may be an RFID tag or a non-volatile memory. The ID tag 28 may be configured for use with an NFC or UHF RFID communication system. The electronic vaping device 10 may be configured to include a two-lead communication system, described below in connection with the electronic vaping device 4000, such that data from the ID tag 28 is transmitted to the microcontroller 31 via the connection member 15 and such that power is transmitted from the control accessory 14 to the atomizer 20 via the connection member 15.

For the purposes of this specification, the term "electrical connection" shall include any form of electrical connection, via a wired or wireless connection, such as an electrical conductor or wire suitable for transmitting alternating or direct current power, analog or digital electrical signals, or radio frequency signals, as the case may be, and as is well known to those skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, the nozzle assembly 12 may include a draw sensor 18 operatively coupled to the atomizer 20 via an electrical connection 44, wherein the draw sensor 18 may cause current from the battery 42 to flow through the heating element 22. In some embodiments, the extraction sensor 18 comprises a sensor (such as a mass air flow sensor) that generates an electrical signal in response to a user inhaling or extracting on the mouthpiece 16, wherein the electrical signal causes current from the battery 42 to flow through the heating element 22. In some embodiments, the extraction sensor 18 may be used as a simple "switch" as a means of turning on the atomizer 20 to vaporize a payload extracted from the payload reservoir 26 into the atomizer 20 when a user extracts on the suction nozzle 16. In some embodiments, the draw sensor 18 may be configured to monitor how much payload is evaporated or how much volume of vapor is inhaled by the user. The puff sensor 18 is one type of activation mechanism that may be used to activate the atomizer 20. The extraction sensor 18 may be replaced with or used in conjunction with another type of activation mechanism that receives input to toggle it from a closed position in which the nebulizer 20 is not activated and an open position in which the nebulizer 20 is activated. For example, the extraction sensor 18 may be replaced with or used in conjunction with any of the following types of activation mechanisms: buttons, switches, extraction sensors, pressure sensors, proximity sensors, touch sensors, voice recognition sensors, tactile controls, saliva and breath biosensors, and the like.

In some embodiments, the suction nozzle 16 and the extraction sensor 18 may be part of a single piece suction nozzle accessory 12, or may be arranged in a separate suction nozzle section 13 forming part of the suction nozzle accessory 12.

In some embodiments, the atomizer 20 may be disposed in an atomizer accessory 19 that may be integrated into the nozzle accessory 12 or into a physically separate enclosure that may be coupled to the nozzle accessory 12. As disclosed herein, instead of or in addition to including heating element 22, nebulizer 20 may include any other structure capable of vaporizing or nebulizing a payload in a suitable form for inhalation. For example, the atomizer 20 may comprise a jet atomizer, an ultrasonic atomizer, or a mesh atomizer.

In some embodiments, the payload reservoir 26 and the ID tag 28 may be disposed in a payload accessory 24 that may be integrated into the nozzle accessory 12 and/or the atomizer accessory 19 or into a physically separate enclosure (which may contain one or more of the connecting members 15 described above) that may be coupled to the nozzle accessory 12 and/or the atomizer accessory 19. Preferably, the ID tag 28 is physically coupled to the payload receptacle 26 in a tamper-resistant manner, either directly or indirectly (e.g., the ID tag 28 and the payload receptacle 26 are contained in a common housing of the payload assembly 24).

In some embodiments, the control accessory 14 may include one or more antennas 40, a battery 42, and a circuit board 30, the circuit board 30 may further include a microcontroller 31 configured to perform one or more electronic functions related to the operation of the electronic vaping device 10. As is well known to those skilled in the art, having more than one antenna 40 may enable the capability of diverse wireless communication of RF signals. In some embodiments, the circuit board 30 may include a charger circuit 32 configured to charge the battery 42. The charger circuit 32 may be integrated into the circuit board 30 or may be disposed on a separate circuit board that is operatively connected to the circuit board 30 and the battery 42 via the electrical connection 54. The charger circuit 32 may be configured to be operatively connected to an external power source via a shared or dedicated electrical connector 35 operatively coupled to the circuit board 30 with an internal connection to the charger circuit 32, or a wireless connection for power transfer, as is well known to those skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, the circuit board 30 may include user input interface circuitry 34 and output interface circuitry 38. Either or both of the input interface circuit 34 and the output interface circuit 38 may be integrated into the circuit board 30 or may be disposed on separate circuit boards that are operatively connected to the circuit board 30. In some embodiments, the input interface circuit 34 may provide an electrical interface between user controls and activation mechanisms (such as buttons, switches, extraction sensors, pressure sensors, proximity sensors, touch sensors, voice recognition sensors, haptic controls, saliva and breath biosensors, etc.) disposed on the e-vapor device 10 and the microcontroller 31, and thus may provide a means to relay user input commands from the user controls as instructions to the microcontroller 31 to operate the e-vapor device 10. For example, the input interface circuit 34 may be electrically coupled to the extraction sensor 18 for receiving an on signal from the extraction sensor 18 when a user extracts on the suction nozzle 16. When input interface circuit 34 receives the on signal from extraction sensor 18, it may send an instruction to microcontroller 31 to activate nebulizer 20 if any other conditions required to activate nebulizer 20 have been met, as described below. In some embodiments, the output interface circuit 38 may provide an electrical interface between the microcontroller 31 and an output display device (such as an indicator light, an alphanumeric display screen, an audio speaker, a surface heater, a vibration device, and any other form of tactile feedback device as is well known to those skilled in the art), and thus may provide a means to relay information from the microcontroller 31 relating to the operation of the e-vaping device 10 to the user.

In some embodiments, the circuit board 30 may include radio frequency ("RF") transceiver circuitry 36 to provide a means for wirelessly communicating data between the e-vapor device 10 and a personal computing device, such as the computing device 72 shown in figure 3. In some embodiments, RF transceiver circuitry 36 may be integrated into circuit board 30 or may be disposed on a separate circuit board that is operatively connected to circuit board 30. The RF transceiver circuitry 36 may be connected to one or more antennas 40 via electrical connections 52, as is well known to those skilled in the art. The RF transceiver circuitry 36 and the one or more antennas 40 comprise a wireless transceiver of the electronic vaping device 10.

In some embodiments, the microcontroller 31 may comprise a microprocessor having a central processing unit as is well known to those skilled in the art (which also incorporates any type of processor for purposes of this disclosure), wherein the microprocessor may further comprise a memory configured to store a series of instructions for operating the microprocessor in addition to data collected from sensors disposed on the electronic vaping device 10 or data received by the electronic vaping device 10 to control its operation (such as operational settings). The microcontroller 31 is in electrical communication with the charger circuit 32, the user input interface circuit 34, the output interface circuit 38, and the RF transceiver circuit 36 for receiving and/or transmitting instructions and/or data from and/or to the charger circuit 32, the user input interface circuit 34, the output interface circuit 38, and the RF transceiver circuit 36. In some embodiments, the atomizer 20 may be operably and electrically connected to the circuit board 30 via an electrical connection 48, which electrical connection 48 may provide a means to activate the atomizer 20 (e.g., deliver current from the battery 42 to the heating element 22) and receive data signals from the extraction sensor 18 and/or the atomizer 20 when an activation mechanism, such as the extraction sensor 18, sends an on signal to the microcontroller 31. In this manner, the activation mechanism (i.e., the extraction sensor 18) is indirectly coupled to the nebulizer 20 through the microcontroller 31, and a direct connection between the activation mechanism and the nebulizer 20 is not required (i.e., the activation mechanism sends a signal to the microcontroller 31, and the microcontroller 31 sends a signal to activate the nebulizer 20). In one embodiment, the extraction sensor 18 may be electrically connected to the connection member 15, the connection member 15 may operate according to a two-wire communication system described below in connection with the e-vaping device 4000, such that signals from the extraction sensor 18 may be sent to the microcontroller 31 through the two-wire communication system. In addition to controlling the operation of nebulizer 20 based on signals received from the activation mechanism, microcontroller 31 also controls the operation of nebulizer 20 based on operational settings as described herein. In some embodiments, the microcontroller 31 may be operatively connected to the ID tag 28 via an electrical connection 50, which may be a wired or wireless connection.

Operational settings referenced herein include any type of setting or instruction that instructs the electronic vaping device 10 or a particular component of the electronic vaping device 10 to operate or not operate in a particular manner. Specifically, the operational settings of the e-vaping device 10 include a duty cycle setting, a temperature setting, an operational duration, a dose setting, and a safety setting. The duty cycle setting preferably corresponds to a pulse width modulation command transmitted from the microcontroller 31 to the battery 42 to send current to the heating element 22 in a particular desired manner. The temperature setting preferably corresponds to a temperature command transmitted from the microcontroller 31 to the battery 42 to send current to the heating element 22 to maintain the heating element 22 at a desired temperature or temperature range. A temperature sensor may be coupled to the microcontroller 31 to measure the actual temperature of the heating element 22 and transmit this information to the microcontroller 31 for use in determining the amount and duration of current that needs to be sent to the heating element 22 to maintain a particular temperature or temperature range. Any portion of the cartridge, including the mouthpiece accessory 12, the atomizer accessory 19, and the payload accessory 24, may also include an integrated temperature control system as described below in connection with the electronic vaping device 4200 to regulate the temperature of the heating element 22. The duration of operation preferably corresponds to a time instruction transmitted from microcontroller 31 to battery 42 to maintain heating element 22 at a temperature suitable for vaporizing the contents of payload reservoir 26 for a desired time. The dose setting preferably corresponds to a dose instruction transmitted from the microcontroller 31 to the battery 42 to de-energize the heating element 22 when a desired volume of vapor passes through the nebulizer 20. The vapor metering device may measure the volume of vapor passing through the nebulizer 20 and transmit this information to the microcontroller 31, which microcontroller 31 will compare the actual volume passing through the nebulizer 20 to the dose setting to determine when to turn off the heating element 22. The vapor metering device may be positioned between the atomizer 20 and the nozzle 16 to measure the vaporized payload exiting the nozzle 16. The vapor metering device may incorporate a capacitive vapor measurement system described below in connection with the e-vapor device 3100. The safety setting preferably corresponds to a safety instruction that causes microcontroller 31 to prevent operation of nebulizer 20 when an event has or has not occurred. The safety settings described herein that prevent operation of the nebulizer 20 include: a tampered or stolen payload receptacle 26; the payload receptacle 26 having been returned to the return center (e.g., to recycle the payload receptacle 26 and/or its associated cartridge); a payload reservoir 26 that has been recalled; a depleted payload reservoir 26; control accessories that are not authorized for use with payload receptacle 26; an unauthorized user (e.g., a user who does not have a valid prescription for the substance within payload reservoir 26, or who is not identified as having or having valid rights to use payload reservoir 26); a user in a position that does not allow use of the e-vapor device 10; a user in a ride; a user who exceeds his/her permitted usage of the substance in the payload reservoir 26 within a particular time frame; as well as any other security settings described herein or reasons for rendering the e-vaping device 10 inoperable as described herein.

In some embodiments, the ID tag 28 and/or microcontroller 31, along with appropriate sensors, may also be used as part of a system for gathering data by a user regarding usage of the electronic vaping device 10 through monitoring, which data may include, but is not limited to, historical electronic vaping device usage information, such as the number of times the electronic vaping device 10 was used during a given period of time (hours, days, weeks, etc.), the duration of each use of the electronic vaping device 10, the number of times the user made draws on the electronic vaping device 10, the intensity of these draws, the amount of payload consumed during each use of the electronic vaping device 10, and other information as described herein. The historical e-vaping device usage information is stored in the database in association with the payload identifier, as described below. In some embodiments, the historical e-vapor device usage information may be used as clinical data to determine whether the user consumed the correct amount of drug to be vaporized and inhaled and whether it was consumed at the correct time of day. This information may be used to provide feedback to the user as to whether the user should consume the drug more or less frequently during the day and/or increase or decrease the amount of drug consumed per use during the day or per use at a particular time of the day. In some embodiments, the collected information about the consumption of the liquid or oil payload by the user with the e-vapor device 10 may be used to estimate poisoning or injury of the user based on the physical characteristics of the user and the amount of liquid or oil payload consumed. As an example, such an estimate may be relayed to the user as a means of informing the user as to whether the user is poisoned or injured to fail to operate the motor vehicle or to operate the tool or machine.

Second embodiment of an electronic vaping device

Referring to figure 2, another embodiment of the e-vapor device 100 is shown. In some embodiments, the e-vapor device 100 may include a control accessory 14, an atomizer accessory 79, and a mouthpiece accessory 88 that are sequentially operatively coupled together using mechanical connection members 56 to join the sub-accessories together. The mechanical connection members 56 may include one or more of threaded connection members, magnetic connection members, and friction or press fit connection members, as well as any of the connection members 15 described above (including 510 threaded connectors). In some embodiments, the suction nozzle fitting 88 may include a suction nozzle 58 in communication with the outlet of the atomizer 20 via a conduit 60. The suction nozzle fitting 88 may further include a payload reservoir 62 that may be filled with a payload 64 that may be a liquid or oil. The payload 64 may flow from the payload reservoir 62 to the inlet 21 of the atomizer 20 via one or more valves 68. In some embodiments, suction nozzle fitting 88 may include ID tag 28 and oil gauge 66, and oil gauge 66 may be configured to monitor the volume of payload 64 in payload reservoir 62 and relay this information to microcontroller 31. In this embodiment, the nozzle fitting 88 may be a consumable component that once depleted can be replaced with a complete sub-fitting or simply interchanged with another nozzle fitting 88 containing a different payload 64 for consumption, depending on the needs and desires of the user. In some embodiments, the oil gauge 66 may simply be a sight glass disposed on the suction nozzle fitting 88 to provide a visual indication to a user as to the amount of payload remaining therein. The atomizer accessory 79 is preferably configured to prevent air lock and/or clogging due to a rich, undiluted payload.

In some embodiments, the atomizer accessory 79 may also be a replaceable subassembly of the electronic vaping device 100 if and when the atomizer 20 is damaged or stops further operation only. In some embodiments, in addition to the puff sensor 18, the control accessory 14 may also include a sensor 70 electrically coupled to the input interface circuit 34 and user input buttons and controls (not shown) disposed on the electronic vaping device 10, as described above and shown in fig. 1. The sensor 70 may include the capacitive vapor measurement system, or portions thereof, described below in connection with the e-vaping device 3100 and/or the integrated temperature control system, described below in connection with the e-vaping device 4200, and may be located anywhere in the e-vaping device 10.

The control accessory 14 of the e-vapor device 100 is preferably substantially similar to the control accessory 14 of the e-vapor device 10. The atomizer 20 of the electronic vaping device 100 is preferably substantially similar to the atomizer 20 of the electronic vaping device 10, and may include alternative means for vaporizing a payload in addition to the heating element as described above in connection with the electronic vaping device 10. It is within the scope of the present invention for the atomizer accessory 79 and the suction nozzle accessory 88 to be integrally formed in a common housing that is releasably connected to the control accessory 14. Further, it is within the scope of the present invention for the control accessory 14 and the atomizer accessory 79 to be integrally formed in a common housing that is releasably connected to the suction nozzle accessory 88. It is also within the scope of the present invention for the atomizer accessory 79, the suction nozzle accessory 88 and the control accessory 14 to be integrally formed within a common housing.

Electronic cigarette device application

Referring to figure 3, the electronic vaping device system 102 includes the electronic vaping device 10 and the computing device 72 on which the application 74 is running. It should be understood that the computing device 72 includes a processor 94 that runs the application 74, and references herein to the computing device 72 include its processor 94. The electronic vaping device 100 and the electronic vaping device 2800 (described below) may also operate with the computing device 72 in the same manner as described below with respect to the electronic vaping device 10. In some embodiments, the e-vapor device 10 may communicate with the computing device 72 via an RF communication link 73And application 74. In some embodiments, RF communication link 73 may include Bluetooth^TMCommunication protocol, Wi-Fi^TMOne or more of IEEE 802 communication protocols, protocols based on Zigbee IEEE 802.15.4, and any other RF, short-range, and long-range communication protocols as are well known to those of skill in the art. The electronic vaping device 10 may also communicate with the computing device 72 via a wired connection established, for example, between the electrical connector 35 of the electronic vaping device 10 and a communication connector (not shown) of the computing device 72.

In some embodiments, the application 74 may present a visual "dashboard" 75 that includes visual information and controls operable by the user. In some embodiments, in addition to general information, the dashboard 75 may also include a user information window 76 that displays information regarding the operation of the electronic vaping device 10. Such general information may include general news and information about available updates to the electronic vaping device 10 or applications 74 from the manufacturer or supplier of the electronic vaping device 10.

In some embodiments, the instrument panel 75 may include a positioning button 78 as a means for a user to determine the location of the e-vapor device 10 when the user misdischarges the e-vapor device 10. By pressing the positioning button 78, the computing device 72 may wirelessly send a signal to the electronic vaping device 10 to operate an audible signal from an audio speaker or buzzer or other similar device disposed on the electronic vaping device 10 to assist the user in finding the electronic vaping device 10. In other embodiments, pressing the location button 78 may assist the user in determining his or her geographic location (using the geographic location capabilities of the computing device 72) and whether tobacco or other products may be consumed in that location using the e-vaping device 10 (e.g., whether there are any governmental regulations, laws, or rules applicable to or enforced by the geographic area in which the e-vaping device 10 is located that may subject the user of the e-vaping device 10 to criminal or administrative penalties, or law enforcement actions). In some embodiments, the dashboard 75 may include a heat glide button 80 as a means for a user to manually control the heat for evaporating the payload 64, wherein the signal transmitted to the e-vapor apparatus 10 by the application 74 to control the heat may be included in the operational settings. In some embodiments, the instrument panel 75 may include a lock indicator 82, an unlock indicator 84, and a glide button 86 as a component of enabling and disabling the e-vapor device 10 by a user sliding the glide button 86 to the right or left, respectively.

In some embodiments, the application 74 may access an online data source to update a database (described below) or otherwise process information, which may be done periodically and/or automatically, or manually by a user prompting the application to update data, or a combination of both. As described below, the online data source may include operational settings for a plurality of electronic vaping devices 10 and the substance contained with payload reservoir 26. The online data source may also contain a list of payload identifiers that have been stolen, a list of payload identifiers that have been recalled, and/or a list of payload identifiers that have been returned to the return center (e.g., for recycling). In addition, the online data source may contain a list of control accessories authorized for use with each payload receptacle 26. In one embodiment, each control accessory is identified by a control accessory identifier, and the online data source includes a list of control accessory identifiers of control accessories authorized for use with each payload receptacle 26.

Database with a plurality of databases

In some embodiments, a database is provided that stores unique payload identifiers for a plurality of payload receptacles and associates each of the unique payload identifiers with a particular operational setting and/or secondary data. The secondary data may include, for example, user information, authentication information, prescription information, payload information, historical usage information (including historical e-vaping device usage information and historical payload reservoir information), recall information, return information, and control accessory information, as described below. Of course, it should be understood that the database may store any combination of operational settings and secondary data as desired for a particular application.

The user information may include, but is not limited to, various physiological characteristics such as the user's height, weight, age, gender, medical history and medical condition.

The user information may also include demographic information such as the user's employer, work experience, academic history, criminal history, and the like. This user information may be used not only to control operational settings of the e-vapor device 10, but also demographic information may be used to display targeted content, advertisements, and materials on the dashboard 75 and/or user information window 76.

Software applications (such as for example, may be linked from third party health, fitness, and social networks on computing device 72

And/or

) User information is obtained. Additionally, user information may be retrieved by the application 74 or a remote computing device from third party databases (such as a health information database, a medical records database, a health insurance company database, a crime database, a law and court database, and so forth). Further, user information may be input into the application 74 and/or the electronic vaping device 10 by the user (e.g., via a user input device coupled to the user input interface circuit 34).

The authentication information may include a password or passcode, a fingerprint scan, a facial recognition scan, a retina scan, or any other type of biometric information that may be used to identify the user. Authentication information may be entered into the application 74 and/or the electronic vaping device 10 by the user (e.g., via a user input device coupled to the user input interface circuit 34).

Prescription information may be obtained from, for example, pharmacy and pharmacy databases, as well as from doctors, pharmacists, and others who have approved to write and/or manage prescriptions. Prescription information preferably includes whether a particular user has a valid, unexpired prescription to use the substance within payload reservoir 26.

The payload information may include an identification of a particular substance positioned within the payload reservoir 26 and an original volume of the substance positioned within the payload reservoir 26.

The historical usage information may include information associated with usage of the electronic vaping device 10 (historical electronic vaping device usage information) and/or information associated with usage of the payload reservoir 26 (historical payload reservoir information). The historical e-vaping device usage information may include, but is not limited to, the number of previous sessions during which the e-vaping device 10 was used, user information related to the previous sessions, duration of the previous sessions, operational settings of the previous sessions, metering and dosage information of the previous sessions, and so forth. The historical payload reservoir information may contain details about the payload reservoir 26 such as original payload content, remaining content, used content, content used by the session, and so forth.

The recall information may include information indicating that the payload reservoir 26 has been recalled. The return information may contain information indicating that the payload receptacle 26 has returned to the return center (e.g., for recycling). Control accessory information may include information about control accessories authorized for use with payload receptacle 26. In one embodiment, each control accessory is identified by a control accessory identifier, and the control accessory information includes a list of control accessory identifiers of control accessories authorized for use with payload receptacle 26.

It should be understood that the database may be maintained in memory of the computing device 72 accessible through the application 74, in memory of the microcontroller 31, and/or in external memory remote from the e-vaping device 10 and the computing device 72 accessible via the global telecommunications network 92. Any type of relational database software (such as Microsoft Windows sold by Microsoft corporation

Software, sold by Oracle corporation

Software or SQL software sold by Sybase, inc.) may be used to maintain data in the applicable memory. Of course, as known to those skilled in the artOther database software may also be used.

Method of using an electronic cigarette device

Referring to figure 4, steps according to an exemplary method for operating and controlling the electronic vaping devices 10 and 100 are shown. Although the method is described below in connection with the electronic vaping device 10, the method may also be used with the electronic vaping device 100 and the electronic vaping device 2800 (described below). When used in accordance with the methods described herein, the e-vapor device 2800 preferably includes an ID tag 28 with a unique payload identifier. The method may be performed by the e-vapor device 10 in conjunction with the application 74 shown in figure 3 running on the computing device 72. The method may begin at step 402, where the e-vapor device 10 is in a default, locked state, meaning that it is inoperable. When the user accesses their computing device 72 at step 404, the computing device 72 may confirm the user's identification (e.g., by the user entering a password, passcode, or biometric authentication) so as to be able to move to step 406, where the computing device 72 may open the application 74 and then communicate with the e-vaping device 10 to poll the unique payload identifier of the ID tag 28. The application 74 may also be used to authenticate the user prior to transmitting the payload identifier to the computing device 72. At step 408, the e-vapor device 10 may read the ID tag 28 after being polled by the computing device 72 and then transmit the payload identifier to the computing device 72. Specifically, in one embodiment, the microcontroller 31 of the e-vaping device 10 receives the payload identifier from the ID tag 28, transmits the payload identifier to the wireless transceiver (i.e., the RF transceiver circuitry 36 and the antenna(s) 40), and the antenna(s) 40 transmits the payload identifier to the computing device 72.

In step 410, the application 74 may utilize the payload identifier of the ID tag 28 and optionally the secondary data to determine the evaporation or operational setting associated with the payload identifier of the ID tag 28 and optionally in accordance with the secondary data. As described above, the computing device 72 may alternatively transmit the unique payload identifier to a remote computing device at a central server or in the cloud. The remote computing device may maintain a database associated with each unique payload identifier and customized for the particular substance positioned in the payload reservoir 26 and the particular user using the payload reservoir 26. The remote computing device may then transmit the operational settings and the identification of the particular substance within the payload reservoir 26 back to the computing device 72. In some embodiments, the application 74 proceeds to step 412 and transmits the operational settings to the e-vapor device 10. Specifically, in one embodiment, the wireless transceiver of the computing device 72 transmits the operational settings to the antenna(s) 40 and RF transceiver circuit 36 of the electronic vaping device, and the antenna(s) 40 and RF transceiver circuit 36 of the electronic vaping device transmit the operational settings to the microprocessor of the microcontroller 31. In step 414, the microcontroller 31 in the electronic vaping device 10 then operates and controls the electronic vaping device 10 based on the operation settings.

In other embodiments, the application 74 proceeds to step 416 instead of step 414, whereupon the application 74 may confirm whether the user is authorized to use the e-vapor device 10. The application 74 may utilize any combination of secondary data (e.g., user information, prescription information, location information, payload information, historical electronic smoking device usage information, and historical payload receptacle information) and payload identifiers to determine whether the user is authorized to use the electronic smoking device 10. For example, application 74 may use secondary data (such as recipe information) along with payload information indicating the contents of payload reservoir 26 to determine whether a recipe associated with the recipe information allows a user to access payload contents within payload reservoir 26. In yet another example, the application 74 may utilize user information (such as gender, age, and weight) as well as historical e-vaping device usage information to determine an appropriate dosage and/or metering of the e-vaping device 10.

If the user is so authorized, the application 74 may further determine whether the payload receptacle 26 (in FIG. 1) or the nozzle assembly 88 (in FIG. 2) is authentic and counterfeit, or alternatively whether it is stolen or otherwise unauthorized for use by the user (e.g., the application 74 may compare the payload identifier to payload information indicating whether the payload receptacle 26 or the nozzle assembly 88 has been reported as tampered with or stolen). If authentic and not stolen, the application 74 may proceed to step 412 where the operation settings may be transmitted to the electronic vaping device 10 and then allow the user to operate the electronic vaping device 10 at step 414. If not authentic or stolen, the application 74 may lock the electronic vaping device 10 to prevent its use.

In other embodiments, the application 74 proceeds from step 416 to step 418 instead of proceeding to step 414. In step 418, the application 74 may determine a geographic location of the electronic vaping device 10 and determine whether a payload in the electronic vaping device 10 may be consumed in the location by comparing the geographic location to location information obtained by the application 74. If the payload in the e-vapor device 10 can be consumed in the location of the e-vapor device 10, the application 74 may proceed to step 412 where the operational settings may be transmitted to the e-vapor device 10 and then allow the user to operate the e-vapor device 10 at step 414. If the payload in the e-vaping device 10 cannot be consumed in the location of the e-vaping device 10, the application 74 may lock the e-vaping device 10 to prevent its use.

In other embodiments, the application 74 proceeds to step 420, where it is determined that the allowed duration of time for which the electronic vaping device 10 may be used. The allowed duration may be determined based on any combination of secondary data (e.g., user information, prescription information, location information, payload information, historical e-vaping device usage information, and historical payload receptacle information) and/or payload identifiers. The allowed duration may be transmitted as the operational setting to the e-vapor device in step 412. Once the operational settings are received by the e-vaping device 10 at step 414, the e-vaping device 10 may implement these operational settings to correspondingly vaporize the payload contained therein. In this embodiment, the e-vapor device 10 may be unlocked for use by the user according to the received operational settings. Additionally, the electronic vaping device 10 may be locked at step 402 after the allowed duration or expiration of use.

Additionally, after operating the electronic vaping device 10 in step 414, the electronic vaping device 10 may be locked in step 402 via the microcontroller 31 and/or application 74, may be after use, after a predetermined duration of time, after being deactivated by a user, after the payload reservoir 26 is deemed or calculated to be empty or used, after a new user has been detected, and/or for any other reason the electronic vaping device 10 may be locked as described herein.

In one embodiment, the method shown in figure 4 may be performed by the electronic vaping device 10 running an application 74 or an application similar to the application 74 on a microprocessor of the microcontroller 31 without the use of the computing device 72. In such an embodiment, step 402 remains the same as described above. Step 404 may be modified such that user information is input into the electronic vaping device 10 to determine whether the user is an approved user of the electronic vaping device 10 and to determine the contents of the payload reservoir 26. Step 406 and step 408 may be omitted or alternatively step 408 may include the microprocessor of microcontroller 31 receiving the payload identifier from the ID tag 28. In step 410, operational settings are determined based on the payload identifiers and/or secondary data as described above, but they are determined by the microprocessor of the microcontroller 31 of the e-vaping device 10. When the operational settings are already included on the e-vapor device 10, step 412 is omitted. Step 414 continues as described above. Optional steps 416, 418 and 420 may continue as described above but where an application running on the microprocessor of microcontroller 31 performs these steps. The method may also include operating the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 according to the systems and methods for optimizing vaporization described below.

In yet another embodiment, the computing device 72 is integrated within the electronic vaping device 10 or physically coupled to the electronic vaping device 10. In this embodiment, the payload identifier may be transmitted to the computing device 72 via an electrical connection between the payload receptacle 26 and the integrated computing device 72. Similarly, the computing device 72 may transmit operational settings to the microcontroller 31 via the electrical connection. In yet another embodiment, the integrated computing device 72 may include a wireless transceiver or an optical transceiver and may operate as in the remote computing device embodiments described herein.

In some embodiments, the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 may include security settings that prevent any unauthorized use of the e-vapor device other than the owner of the e-vapor device having the prescription for the payload. In some embodiments, the security setting may prevent use of the e-cig device in areas or jurisdictions where consumption of the payload is unauthorized or illegal, even if not the legitimate owner of the e-cig device. These security settings may be implemented to satisfy regulatory or law enforcement of unauthorized use of electronic smoke devices when certain products are consumed for medical or other purposes.

In another embodiment, the application 74 and/or the e-vapor device 10 may utilize acceleration, motion, altitude, and/or speed sensors to determine whether the user is within a moving vehicle or airplane, for example. Such information may be used by the application 74 and/or the e-vapor device 10 to restrict access to the e-vapor device 10 or to lock the e-vapor device 10. Sensors 70, such as accelerometers, altimeters, gyroscopes, and velocity sensors, may be integrated with the e-vapor device 10 and/or the computing device 72.

Of course, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary method for operating and controlling an electronic vaping device as described above in connection with fig. 4, and that other steps and combinations of steps for operating and controlling an electronic vaping device with a computing device running the application 74 may be used.

In some embodiments, computing device 72 runs an application 74 that includes a set of instructions stored in a memory of computing device 72 and executable by a processor of computing device 72 to perform the processes described herein. The application 74 causes the computing device 72 to retrieve the unique payload identifier, wherein any combination of the unique payload identifier and the operational settings and secondary data stored in the database in association with the unique payload identifier as described above is used to modify, determine, adjust or otherwise control the operational settings of and access to the e-vaping device. In these embodiments, the database may be maintained in memory of the computing device 72 accessible through the application 74 and/or in external memory remote from the e-vaping device and the computing device 72 accessible via the global telecommunications network 92.

In other embodiments, the computing device 72 may retrieve the unique payload identifier from the e-vaping device and transmit the unique payload identifier to a remote computing device (such as a computing device located at a central server or in the cloud) via the global telecommunications network 92. The remote computing device runs an application that includes a set of instructions stored in a memory of the remote computing device and executable by a processor of the remote computing device to perform the processes described herein. The remote computing device utilizes the unique payload identifier and any combination of operational settings and secondary data stored in the database in association with the unique payload identifier as described above in order to determine and transmit back to the computing device 72 the operational settings and/or security settings of the e-vaping device.

In some embodiments, the application (whether the application 74 running on the computing device 72 or the application running on a remote computing device) may use the unique payload identifier as a means of determining the operational settings of the e-vaping device. In one embodiment, after receiving the unique payload identifier, the application may retrieve the operational settings stored in the database in association with the unique payload identifier. The operational settings include operational settings for the electronic vaping device to vaporize a particular payload contained in a payload reservoir identified by the unique payload identifier in accordance with recommended settings from the payload and/or the manufacturer of the electronic vaping device. In another embodiment, after receiving the unique payload identifier, the application may retrieve payload information stored in the database in association with the unique payload identifier. The payload information may include an identification of a substance contained in the payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier, and the application may access the operational settings associated with the substance via a connection to the online data source. In another embodiment, the application may access the online data source to update the operational settings stored in the database, which may be done periodically and automatically, or manually by a user prompting the application to update the data, or a combination of both. The operational settings (whether stored in a database or accessed via a connection to an online data source) may be updated by the manufacturer or provider of the payload receptacle or the electronic smoking device when new information about a particular substance is known.

Once the operational settings have been determined as described above, the application causes transmission of the operational settings to the electronic vaping device, whereby the electronic vaping device operates according to the operational settings. Preferably, each time the user uses the electronic vaping device, the electronic vaping device checks the new operational settings such that if the operational settings have been updated, the electronic vaping device operates according to the updated operational settings. In this way, the manufacturer or provider of the payload receptacle or electronic smoking device may update the operational settings for the particular substance and the particular payload receptacle, and may ensure that they will effect any future use of the affected particular substance and payload receptacle.

In some embodiments, the application 74 running on the computing device 72 may use the unique payload identifier as a means of determining whether the person owning the e-vaping device and the computing device 72 is an authorized user.

In one embodiment, the application 74 may request the user to enter user authentication information, such as a password, fingerprint scan, facial recognition scan, retinal scan, or other biometric information. After receiving the unique payload identifier, application 74 may retrieve authentication information stored in the database in association with the unique payload identifier. Application 74 may then compare the user authentication information entered by the user with authentication information stored in the database and, based on the comparison, generate a security setting indicating whether the user entering the user authentication information is authorized to use the payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier. The application 74 may then cause transmission of the security setting (e.g., enable or disable the control signal) to the e-vaping device. Operation of the electronic smoking device is prevented if the security setting indicates that a user entering the user authentication information is not authorized to use the payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier. However, if the security setting indicates that the user entering the user authentication information is authorized to use the payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier, operation of the electronic vaping device is allowed.

In another embodiment, the e-vapor device may be unlocked when the user turns on his/her personal computing device 72 and the general security settings of the device are met, i.e., by the user entering his/her security access code or password into the personal computing device, or by using a fingerprint scanner disposed on the personal computing device, or by using a camera disposed on the device for scanning of the user's face or retina, as is well known to those skilled in the art. If the person in possession of the computing device 72 and the e-vaping device is allowed to open an application on the computing device 72 and thus access the application 74, the application 74 may send an enable signal to the e-vaping device to poll the unique payload identifier and allow the e-vaping device to operate if all other factors or conditions that allow operation of the e-vaping device have been met. As is well known to those skilled in the art, when the computing device 72 "goes to sleep", shuts down or powers off due to a low battery charge condition, the application 74 may send a disable signal to the e-vaping device to prevent the e-vaping device from operating. Also, when the electronic vaping device is separated from the computing device 72 by a predetermined physical distance, the electronic vaping device may be turned off or disabled until it receives an enable signal from the computing device 72. In some embodiments, the application 74 may require the user to enter a password in addition to any passwords to be entered or other security measures required by the computing device 72 to open and enable operation of the application 74 and thus the electronic vaping device. If the user can enter the correct password into the application 74, the application 74 may send an enable signal to the e-vaping device to poll for the unique payload identifier. Additionally, when the application 74 is closed, the application 74 may send a disable signal to the electronic vaping device to disable the electronic vaping device.

In yet another embodiment, the application 74 may compare user information associated with the unique payload identifier (e.g., one or more particular users that may or may not use the substance within the payload reservoir) with application user information provided to the application 74 by the user to determine whether the user of the application 74 is allowed to operate the electronic smoking device and use the particular payload reservoir.

In some embodiments, an application (whether the application 74 running on the computing device 72 or the application running on a remote computing device) may use the unique payload identifier as a means of determining whether the payload may be consumed in the geographic region, location, country, state, or municipality in which the user is located. In these embodiments, an application may access global positioning system ("GPS") features that computing device 72 may possess to determine the physical location of computing device 72 and, thus, of its user. In other embodiments, the computing device 72 may use cell tower triangulation (cell tower triangulation) techniques or other cell phone location techniques as are well known to those skilled in the art to determine its geographic location.

After receiving the unique payload identifier, the application may retrieve payload information stored in the database in association with the unique payload identifier. The application may then determine whether the substance identified in the payload information may be legally consumed in the user's location (i.e., the location of computing device 72). In one embodiment, this determination is made by comparing the geographic location of the computing device 72 to a database of location information (which may be stored on the computing device 72 or a remote computing device) to determine whether the user may legally consume the substance in that location. The application may then generate a security setting indicating whether the substance identified by the unique payload identifier may be legally consumed in the location of the computing device 72 based on the comparison. The application may then cause transmission of the security setting (e.g., enable or disable the control signal) to the electronic vaping device. Operation of the e-vaping device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the substance identified by the unique payload identifier cannot be legitimately consumed in the location of the computing device 72 (because use of the substance would violate laws or regulations or for any other reason). However, if the security setting indicates that the substance identified by the unique payload identifier may be legitimately consumed in the location of the computing device 72, operation of the e-vaping device is permitted.

In some embodiments, an application (whether the application 74 running on the computing device 72 or an application running on a remote computing device) may use the unique payload identifier as a means of determining whether a payload reservoir has been recalled (e.g., whether a recall has been issued for the material contained in the payload reservoir). In one embodiment, the application makes this determination by retrieving recall information stored in the database in association with the unique payload identifier, where the recall information indicates whether the payload receptacle has been recalled. In another embodiment, the application makes this determination by accessing an online data source that identifies the payload receptacle that has been recalled (or alternatively, the substance that has been recalled, which may be compared to payload information stored in the database in association with the unique payload identifier). The application may then generate a security setting indicating whether the payload reservoir has been recalled and cause transmission of the security setting (e.g., enable or disable the control signal) to the electronic smoking device. Operation of the electronic vaping device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the payload reservoir has been recalled. However, if the security settings indicate that the payload reservoir has not been recalled, operation of the electronic vaping device is allowed. The security feature also enables recall messages and/or audible recall message sounds to be displayed on the computing device 72 and/or the e-vaping device itself. Of course, these recall messages are not needed if the payload reservoir has been exhausted, as described below.

In some embodiments, an application (whether the application 74 running on the computing device 72 or an application running on a remote computing device) may use the unique payload identifier as a means of determining whether the payload receptacle has been returned to a return center (e.g., for recycling the cartridge or payload receptacle). In one embodiment, the application makes this determination by retrieving return information stored in the database in association with the unique payload identifier, where the return information indicates whether a payload receptacle has been returned. In another embodiment, the application makes this determination by accessing an online data source that identifies the payload receptacle that has been returned. The application may then generate a security setting indicating whether the payload receptacle has been returned and cause transmission of the security setting (e.g., enable or disable the control signal) to the electronic smoking device. Operation of the electronic vaping device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the payload reservoir has been returned. However, if the security setting indicates that the payload reservoir has not been returned, operation of the electronic vaping device is allowed.

In some embodiments, an application (whether the application 74 running on the computing device 72 or an application running on a remote computing device) may use the unique payload identifier as a means of determining whether a payload receptacle has been stolen. In one embodiment, the application makes this determination by retrieving information stored in a database in association with a unique payload identifier, where the information indicates whether a payload receptacle has been stolen. In another embodiment, the application makes this determination by accessing an online data source that identifies a payload receptacle that has been stolen. The application may then generate a security setting indicating whether the payload receptacle has been stolen and cause transmission of the security setting (e.g., enable or disable control signal) to the electronic smoking device. Operation of the electronic smoking device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the payload receptacle has been stolen. However, if the security setting indicates that the payload receptacle is not stolen, operation of the electronic smoking device is allowed.

In some embodiments, the application (whether the application 74 running on the computing device 72 or the application running on a remote computing device) may use the unique payload identifier as a means of determining whether the control accessory of the electronic vaping device is authorized for use with a payload receptacle included in a cartridge of the electronic vaping device. In one embodiment, the application makes this determination by receiving a control accessory identifier of a control accessory of the e-vaping device (which may be stored in a microcontroller of the control accessory and transmitted to the computing device 72 along with the unique payload identifier). In one embodiment, the control accessory identifier comprises a unique control accessory identifier, but this is optional and not required. The application then identifies a list of one or more control accessory identifiers of control accessories authorized for use with the payload receptacle identified by the unique identifier. The application then compares the received control accessory identifier to the list of control accessory identifiers and generates a security setting based on the comparison that indicates whether the control accessory identified by the received control accessory identifier is authorized for use with the payload receptacle identified by the received unique payload identifier. The application may then cause transmission of the security setting (e.g., enable or disable the control signal) to the e-vaping device. Operation of the electronic smoking device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the control accessory identified by the control accessory identifier is not authorized for use with the payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier. However, if the security setting indicates that the control accessory identified by the control accessory identifier is authorized for use with the payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier, operation of the electronic vaping device is allowed.

In some embodiments, the application (whether the application 74 running on the computing device 72 or the application running on a remote computing device) may use the unique payload identifier as a means of determining whether a user of the electronic vaping device has a prescription for vaporizing a payload contained in the payload reservoir. In one embodiment, the application makes this determination by retrieving and analyzing user information and/or prescription information stored in a database in association with the unique payload identifier. The application may then generate a security setting that indicates whether the user has a valid prescription for evaporating the payload contained in the payload reservoir and cause transmission of the security setting (e.g., enable or disable the control signal) to the electronic vaping device. Operation of the electronic vaping device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the user does not have a valid prescription for vaporizing a payload contained in the payload reservoir. However, if the security setting indicates that the user has a valid prescription for evaporating the payload contained in the payload reservoir, operation of the electronic vaping device is allowed. Preferably, the prescription information is updated in the database when the user's prescription has changed.

In some embodiments, an application (whether the application 74 running on the computing device 72 or an application running on a remote computing device) may use the unique payload identifier as a means of determining whether the payload reservoir is depleted. In one embodiment, the application makes this determination by retrieving and analyzing payload information and historical payload reservoir usage information stored in association with the unique payload identifier in the database. The payload information includes an original volume of the payload contained within the payload receptacle. The historical payload reservoir usage information is updated based on the payload reservoir usage information obtained from the electronic smoking device, as described above. The application analyzes the payload information and historical payload reservoir usage information to determine whether the payload reservoir is depleted (e.g., whether a current calculated volume of the payload is below a predetermined threshold). The application then generates a security setting indicating whether the payload reservoir is depleted and causes transmission of the security setting (e.g., enables or disables the control signal) to the electronic vaping device. Operation of the electronic vaping device is prevented if the security setting indicates depletion of the payload reservoir. However, if the security setting indicates that the payload reservoir is not depleted, operation of the electronic vaping device is allowed. Such security features prevent operation of an electronic smoking device having a counterfeit payload receptacle (e.g., a payload receptacle having the same unique identifier as the payload receptacle) or an electronic smoking device in which the payload receptacle has been refilled without authorization. This security feature also prevents dry smoking (i.e., inhaling without any payload in the payload reservoir) by the user, which provides improved consumer health.

In some embodiments, an application (whether the application 74 running on the computing device 72 or an application running on a remote computing device) may use the unique payload identifier as a means of determining when the payload receptacle is nearly free of payload. In one embodiment, the application makes this determination by retrieving and analyzing payload information and historical payload reservoir usage information stored in association with the unique payload identifier in the database. The payload information includes an original volume of the payload contained within the payload receptacle. The historical payload reservoir usage information is updated based on the payload reservoir usage information obtained from the electronic smoking device, as described above. The application analyzes the payload information and historical payload receptacle usage information to determine when the payload receptacle is nearly free of payload. When this occurs, the application may alert the user to replace or order a new cartridge and/or automatically order a replacement cartridge.

In some embodiments, the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 may include disposable or single use versions with reduced functionality but adjusted from their higher quality embodiments.

In some embodiments, the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 may include a traditional "cigarette appearance," while other embodiments may include a non-cigarette appearance.

In some embodiments, the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 may include lights that mimic the embers of a cigarette while vapor is being inhaled.

In some embodiments, the e-vapor devices 10 and 100, in conjunction with the application 74 running on the personal computing device 72, may control the temperature and/or duty cycle of evaporation to optimize the flavor or amount of vapor for any given type of payload to be evaporated for inhalation. In some embodiments, the application 74 may be used to improve the efficiency of operation of the electronic vaping devices 10 and 100 and maximize the life of the fluid or oil filled cartridge or payload reservoir 26 used in the electronic vaping device.

In some embodiments, the application 74 may include customizing features of the user's e-vaping device 10 or 100, such as naming the e-vaping device, selecting its color, and controlling a vibrating device disposed in the e-vaping device. In some embodiments, the application 74 may contain security settings that control access to the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 and lock them when not in use.

In some embodiments, the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 may include a processor (i.e., such as contained within the microcontroller 31) that operates on firmware disposed thereon. The connectivity between the electronic vaping devices 10 and 100 and the application 74 disposed on the personal computing device 72 may enable a means for updating the firmware on the electronic vaping devices to keep them operating on the latest firmware. In some embodiments, the e-vapor device may include a physical configuration that may be adjusted to display the OEM brand or sub-brands depending on the brand, the sales channel for the branded e-vapor device, and the intended end use (such as medical, entertainment) of the e-vapor device, among others.

In some embodiments, the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 will be used with high quality oil products that cannot leak from the e-vapor device. The e-vapor device will avoid the production of stale vapor by precise temperature control, rapid cooling, and providing a rapid path for vapor drawn from the e-vapor device.

In some embodiments, the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 may include a battery 42 as a power source for the evaporative payload. The battery 42 may comprise a lithium ion battery, but other battery technologies may be used, as is well known to those skilled in the art. Because the e-vapor device is a personal use device, the battery 42 may include technology that prevents an explosion from occurring when the battery fails.

In some embodiments, the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 may be configured to not include or use propylene glycol "PG" or other unnecessary chemicals in any location (whether in the oil used in the e-vapor device or on the materials used in the manufacture of the e-vapor device).

In some embodiments, the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 may include means for preventing them from overheating.

In some embodiments, the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 may include means for preventing them from generating a potential smell or taste. The e-vapor devices 10 and 100 may be further configured to generate a vapor that may be seen when the user exhales.

In some embodiments, the electronic smoking devices 10 and 100 may be configured to be able to view the payload in the cartridge or payload receptacle 26 when the cartridge or payload receptacle 26 is inserted or attached to the electronic smoking device. In other embodiments, the electronic vaping device may be configured such that the payload in the cartridge is not visible when the cartridge is inserted into the electronic vaping device.

In some embodiments, the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 may be configured to be water resistant or waterproof.

In some embodiments, cartridges for use with the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 may be separate from the e-vapor device and may be provided in various sizes depending on the amount of payload they may contain.

In some embodiments, the electronic vaping devices 10 and 100 may include means for acquiring data about the cartridge that may be used to control the operation of the electronic vaping device based on the serial number of the cartridge. For example, the e-vaping device may acquire specific data specific to the payload in the cartridge to know the manufacturer's suggested temperature and/or duty cycle for heating the payload for optimal vaporization. In some embodiments, the electronic vaping device may include a means for enabling a user to alter one or more operational settings of the electronic vaping device to accommodate the user's personal preferences. In some embodiments, the electronic vaping device may include means for tracking data related to operation of the electronic vaping device and use thereof by the user. In some embodiments, the electronic vaping device may be configured to provide a warning when certain conditions of the electronic vaping device occur (such as when the heating element overheats or loses function when the battery is nearly empty, such as when the cartridge is nearly empty, to name a few examples). In some embodiments, the electronic vaping device may include means for monitoring and collecting data about how the user used the electronic vaping device, and in addition to being able to provide suggestions to the user about how to improve or optimize their use of the electronic vaping device based on their current use of the electronic vaping device, also provide information and an assessment about the manner in which the user used the electronic vaping device.

In some embodiments, the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 may be configured for use with other personal computing devices 72 (such as smart phones or devices (e.g., such as a smart phone) that a user may use or own

Or

) Or fitness tracking wristbands (e.g. for fitness tracking)

) Exchange data to provide users with further information about their lives and habits.

In some embodiments, the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 may include means for locating them when they are lost. This may include communicating with a smart phone or device to provide a similar as

And

find iPhone used above^TMa functional component of the app.

In some embodiments, the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 may be configured to communicate with an application 74 running on a smartphone or personal computing device 72, where the app may include the ability to adjust the temperature and/or duty cycle at which the heating element 22 operates, as well as the ability to control the operation of the e-vapor device for users of different experience. As an example, the application 74 may enable an anti-cough setting on an electronic vaping device for a novice (novice) user.

The electronic vaping devices 10 and 100 may preferably communicate with a smart phone or device and operate in conjunction with an application running thereon to control and monitor the use of the electronic vaping device by a user, as described above. In some embodiments, the application 74 may be configured to obtain specific information about the payload being vaporized based on the serial number of the cartridge. This information can then be used to control or meter the dose of vapour inhaled by the user.

In some embodiments, the electronic vaping devices 10 and 100 may be locked and unlocked by users using their personal computing devices 72. In some embodiments, the e-vapor device may be configured to be child-safe and resistant to use by unauthorized users. In some embodiments, the e-vapor device may be configured to be inherently locked when not connected to the application 74 for regulatory purposes. In some embodiments, the e-vaping device may further include means for identifying an authorized user when connectivity with the user's smart phone or device is lost, such as when the user does not have their smart phone or device, or when a battery in the smart phone or device is depleted. Such means may include a fingerprint sensor disposed on each electronic vaping device itself, wherein the electronic vaping device may maintain personal data about the user, such as one or more fingerprint scan data stored in memory on the electronic vaping device, in order to determine whether a fingerprint scan acquired by the fingerprint sensor matches the fingerprint scan data stored in the memory, thereby confirming that the identity of the person attempting to use the electronic vaping device is an authorized user.

Broadly speaking, in some embodiments, the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 may include: an atomizer comprising a heating element, the atomizer further comprising an inlet and an outlet; a mouthpiece operatively coupled to the outlet; and a payload receptacle operatively coupled to the intake, the payload receptacle including an identifier ("ID") tag including a unique identifier of the payload receptacle, the payload receptacle configured to receive a payload that is extractable into the nebulizer to evaporate when a user extracts on the mouthpiece.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the electronic vaping device may further include a radio frequency transceiver or wireless transceiver, and at least one antenna operatively coupled to the transceiver, the combination of the transceiver and the antenna configured to enable wireless transmission of data between the electronic vaping device and the personal computing device.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, an improved electronic vaping device system may be provided, the system comprising: an electronic vaping device and a personal computing device, wherein the electronic vaping device includes: an atomizer comprising a heating element, the atomizer further comprising an inlet and an outlet; a mouthpiece operatively coupled to the outlet; a payload receptacle operatively coupled to the intake, the payload receptacle including an identifier ("ID") tag including a unique identifier of the payload receptacle, the payload receptacle configured to receive a payload that is extractable into the nebulizer to evaporate as a user draws on the mouthpiece; and a radio frequency transceiver and at least one antenna operatively coupled to the transceiver, the combination of the transceiver and the at least one antenna configured to wirelessly send and receive data, and the personal computing device configured to wirelessly transmit data to and from the electronic vaping device.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the electronic vaping device may further include a switch or draw sensor operatively coupled to the mouthpiece, the switch or draw sensor configured to cause current to flow through the heating element when the switch is operated or when a user draws on the mouthpiece.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the e-vapor device may further comprise a battery configured to provide an electrical current.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the e-vapor device may further include a battery charger configured to charge the battery.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the personal computing device may include a software application running thereon, wherein the combination of the electronic vaping device and the personal computing device may be configured to wirelessly control the electronic vaping device using the personal computing device.

Broadly, in some embodiments, the software application may be further configured to perform the steps of: interpreting the ID tag via first data transmitted from the e-vaping device to the personal computing device, the first data comprising a unique payload identifier; using the unique identifier to determine what payload is in the payload reservoir; and transmitting an operational setting from the personal computing device to the electronic vaping device, the operational setting including instructions to the electronic vaping device to: enabling operation of the electronic vaping device if the user is authorized to use the electronic vaping device, or disabling operation of the electronic vaping device if the user is not authorized to use the electronic vaping device.

Broadly, in some embodiments, the operational settings may further include instructions to the electronic vaping device to: enabling operation of the electronic vaping device if the user is located in a geographic area in which the payload may be evaporated by the user; and disabling operation of the e-vapor device if the user is located in a geographic area in which the payload may not be evaporated by the user.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the electronic vaping device may further include a microcontroller operatively coupled to the nebulizer and the ID tag, the microcontroller configured to control operation of the electronic vaping device.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the electronic vaping device may further include a user interface operatively coupled to the microcontroller.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the user interface may include one or more user input controls operatively coupled to the microcontroller, the input controls being configured to control operation of the e-vapor device when operated by a user.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the user interface may further comprise one or more user output indicating devices operatively coupled to the microcontroller, the output indicating devices configured to relay information regarding the operation of the electronic vaping device to a user.

Broadly, in some embodiments, the atomizer may be disposed in an atomizer accessory; both the suction nozzle and the payload receptacle may be disposed in a suction nozzle fitting; and the microcontroller may be arranged in the control accessory, wherein the atomizer accessory may be arranged between the nozzle accessory and the control accessory.

Optimizing evaporation

In addition to operating as described above, the electronic vaping devices 10 and 100, the electronic vaping device system 102, and the electronic vaping device 2800 (described below) may also be configured to optimize vaporization for a particular user by using sensors and microcontrollers to monitor, analyze, and store a user's draw profile. The obtained information may be used to adjust the thermal profile of the electronic vaping device 10, 100, 2800 and the electronic vaping device system 102. Optimizing vaporization according to the systems and methods described below results in a more efficient electronic vaping device and a better user experience.

As described above, the e-vapor devices 10 and 100 include a nebulizer 20 for vaporizing a payload, such as, but not limited to, a fluid, an oil, or a tablet (in the form of a dry, oil, wax, crystal, or fragment) including nicotine. While the following description refers to electronic vaping devices 10 and 100, it is within the scope of the present invention to configure cartridges 900, 1000, 1100, 1900, 2100, 2400, 2500, and 2600 and electronic vaping device 2800 to operate in a similar manner. When atomizer 20 includes a heating element, such as heating element 22, to vaporize a payload, different compounds of the payload may vaporize at different temperatures.

The various compounds within the payload may produce different effects on the user when inhaled via fog, and thus the user may desire to control the temperature of the heating element 22 such that the heating element 22 releases a particular compound from the payload and not the other (which may not provide the desired effect or may be harmful). To ensure that the desired compound from the payload is released as the heating element 22 heats the payload, it is desirable that the temperature of the heating element 22 be as accurate and consistent as possible. The temperature of the heating element 22 may vary based on a number of different factors, including: the air flow through the mouthpiece 16 and atomizer 20 caused by the user drawing the vaporized payload and air through the electronic vaping device 10; a composition of the payload within the payload reservoir 26; and the thermal conductivity of the e-vapor device 10. The temperature of heating element 22 may also be adjusted by adjusting the amount of power supplied to heating element 22 from battery 42. The microcontroller 31 has the ability to adjust the power level (controlled by current or voltage) supplied from the battery 42 to the heating element 22.

Electronic vaping device users typically use electronic vaping devices in a similar manner from one fog inhalation session to the next. For example, fig. 6A-6D are graphs illustrating average and 95% confidence intervals calculated based on multiple measurements of draw or puffs from electronic vaping devices of twenty-two different electronic vaping device users. Fig. 6A shows the average and 95% confidence intervals for the measured puff duration or draw length in seconds for the user. Fig. 6B shows the average and 95% confidence intervals for the measured aspiration flow or withdrawal intensity for the user in ml/sec. Fig. 6C shows the average and 95% confidence intervals for the measured puff or draw volume in milliliters for the user. Fig. 6D shows the average and 95% confidence intervals for the measured time span between puffs or puffs/puffs for the user in seconds. As can be seen from the graph, most e-vaping device users have relatively narrow confidence intervals for puff duration (fig. 6A), puff flow (fig. 6B), and puff volume (fig. 6C). Many users also have relatively narrow confidence intervals for the puff interval (fig. 6D). The narrow confidence interval is an indication that each user has a similar draw length and draw intensity in each of a plurality of draws from the electronic vaping device.

By measuring the draw length, draw intensity, and other operating conditions of the electronic vaping device of the user over time, the user's preferred draw length, draw intensity, and other operating conditions may be predicted for future fog inhalation sessions, and used to optimize the operating settings of the electronic vaping device to correspond to a particular user. The measured operating conditions may also be used to predict a typical fog inhalation session for the user, which may constitute multiple puffs from the electronic vaping device having different puff lengths and puff intensities with a time interval between each puff. By way of example, a typical conversation for a user containing multiple draws may follow the following pattern: five total extractions; each draw has a draw length of about three seconds; each extraction consists of two seconds of relatively high extraction intensity, with the extraction intensity decreasing in the last second; and a fifteen second time interval between each decimation.

Fig. 5 illustrates one example of a typical representative fog inhalation session for a user based on measured draw length, draw intensity, and time interval between draws. The representative fog inhalation session shown in fig. 5 includes a first, second, and last (nth) puffs/aspirations. A representative fog inhalation session may be used by any of the electronic vaping devices and cartridges described herein to provide the appropriate amount of power to the heating elements of the electronic vaping devices and cartridges at the appropriate time. For example, the power sent to the heating element 22 may vary based on a representative fog inhalation session, where more power is sent to the heating element 22 at the time of peak draw intensity (shown in fig. 5 as a higher flow rate in ml/s), and less power is sent to the heating element 22 at the beginning and end of draw. Between extractions, no power or a minimal amount of power may be sent to the heating element 22. The power level sent to the heating element 22 may also be varied based on real-time measurements of extraction intensity and extraction length, which may be different from a representative misting session profile based on historical extraction intensity and historical extraction length measurements, the type of payload being heated, a preferred heating mode selected by the user (as described below), and a desired temperature associated with the payload and preferred selected heating mode. The representative fog inhalation session profile may be updated with each fog inhalation session such that it changes when the user's fog inhalation style changes.

A preferred e-vaping device for use in accordance with the systems and methods of optimizing vaporization described herein is described below in connection with e-vaping device 10; however, any of the electronic vaping devices and cartridges described herein, as well as other types of electronic vaping devices and cartridges, may be used in conjunction with such systems and methods. When used in conjunction with the systems and methods for optimizing vaporization described herein, the payload reservoir 26 of the electronic vaping device 10 is preferably configured to hold a payload or substance for vaporization. Heating element 22 or any other type of heating element is configured to heat the payload within payload receptacle 26. The heating element 22 may be placed in direct contact with the payload, or heat the payload by convection or other means as described herein. A battery 42 or any other type of power source is electrically coupled to the heating element 22. At least one sensor, such as the extraction sensor 18 or the sensor 70 (which may be one or more of an air flow sensor, an air pressure sensor, an air temperature sensor, a payload temperature sensor, a nebulizer ambient temperature sensor, a heating element temperature sensor, a dose measurement sensor, and/or any other type of suitable sensor) is configured to sense an operating condition of the e-vapor device 10 while the user is extracting vapor from the e-vapor device 10 or while vapor is being generated by the e-vapor device 10. The sensors used may include the capacitive vapor measurement system described below in connection with the e-vaping device 3100 and/or the integrated temperature control system described below in connection with the e-vaping device 4200. A processor such as contained within microcontroller 31 is configured to execute a set of instructions stored in a memory device, allowing it to receive operating conditions from the sensors and adjust the power provided to heating element 22 by battery 42 based on the sensed operating conditions. When the at least one sensor comprises an air pressure sensor or an air flow sensor, the sensed operating condition is air pressure and/or draw strength (i.e., air flow measured in ml/s, for example). When the at least one sensor comprises a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor is preferably configured to sense at least one of a temperature of heating element 22, a temperature of a payload in payload reservoir 26, or a temperature of an evaporated portion of the payload after it is evaporated by heating element 22. The processor in the microcontroller 31 is configured to operate the electronic vaping device 10 and the electronic vaping device system 102 according to any of the methods described below.

A first method for optimizing vaporization using the electronic vaping device 10 and the electronic vaping device system 102 (or any of the electronic vaping devices and cartridges described herein) includes: sensing an operating condition of the electronic vaping device 10 as a user draws vapor from the electronic vaping device 10 or, more broadly, as vapor is generated by the electronic vaping device 10; and adjusting the power provided to the heating element 22 based on the sensed operating condition. The operating conditions include at least one of draw strength, draw length, payload temperature, air pressure, atomizer ambient temperature, air flow, heating element temperature, and dose measurement. The operating condition(s) of the e-vapor device 10 are sensed by the extraction sensor 18 and/or the sensor 70 in real time, and the power provided to the heating element 22 is adjusted to, during extraction by the user or generation of vapor by the e-vapor device 10: maintaining the heating element 22 at a desired heating element temperature (or temperature range); maintaining a payload (not necessarily a payload positioned within payload reservoir 26 and not heated for evaporation) in contact with and/or heated by the heating element at a desired payload temperature (or payload temperature range); and/or maintain a sensed air temperature (e.g., a sensed air temperature proximate an outlet of the atomizer 20) at a desired air temperature (or air temperature range). The desired range of payload temperatures preferably corresponds to a user-selected payload. Preferably, the operating condition(s) of the e-vapor apparatus 10 are continuously sensed by the extraction sensor 18 or sensor 70 during user extraction of vapor from the e-vapor apparatus 10 and during a fog inhalation session, and the microcontroller 31 continuously adjusts the power provided to the heating element 22 to maintain the heating element 22 and payload at a desired temperature or within a desired temperature range.

When the operating condition is air pressure and/or extraction intensity, the power provided to the heating element 22 is increased to increase the temperature of the heating element 22 when the sensed outlet air pressure decreases relative to the inlet air pressure (or the inlet air pressure increases relative to the outlet air pressure) or the sensed extraction intensity increases. When the sensed outlet air pressure increases relative to the inlet air pressure (or the inlet air pressure decreases relative to the outlet air pressure) or the sensed pumping intensity decreases, the power provided to the heating element 22 is reduced to reduce the temperature of the heating element 22.

Because the extraction intensity and corresponding airflow rate affect the temperature of the heating element 22, an air pressure sensor or air flow sensor may be used to quantify the volume of airflow through the heating element 22. A stronger draw (more airflow) will cool the element and payload at a faster rate, which may result in a sub-optimal temperature for evaporation (which may become too low to be useful for evaporation). Weaker extraction (less air flow) will result in higher temperatures, which may result in vaporization of undesirable compounds or combustion of the payload. By measuring the air flow (using an air flow sensor or air pressure sensor), the power to the heating element 22 is dynamically adjusted in real time (controlled by current or voltage).

Fig. 7 and 8 show a flow chart of this first method of optimizing evaporation. As shown in fig. 7, heating element power is increased based on an increase in the desired temperature of the payload and heating element 22 and based on an increase in the airflow measurement taken by the airflow sensor. The heating element power increases the heating element temperature and the air flow decreases the heating element temperature. Thus, air flow measurement is used to increase the heating element power to account for the reduction in heating element temperature caused by the air flow.

Fig. 8 shows the same flow chart as fig. 7, in addition, the process in fig. 8 includes adjusting the heating element power using the heating element temperature as measured by the temperature sensor. The integrated temperature control system described below in connection with e-vaping device 4200 may be used to sense temperature and adjust heating element power. For example, if the heating element temperature rises above the desired temperature, the heating element power may be reduced to reduce the heating element temperature back to the desired temperature.

A second method for optimizing vaporization using the electronic vaping device 10 and the electronic vaping device system 102 (or any of the electronic vaping devices and cartridges described herein) includes sensing a plurality of draw intensities and a plurality of draw lengths using the draw sensor 18 and/or the sensor 70 (preferably an air pressure sensor or an air flow sensor) on the electronic vaping device 10. Each extraction intensity and each extraction length is associated with an instance of a user extracting vapor from the e-vapor device 10. A history extraction strength is determined from the sensed plurality of extraction strengths, and a history extraction length is determined from the sensed plurality of extraction lengths. A heating profile for the heating element 22 is determined based on the historical extraction intensity and the historical extraction length. The microcontroller 31 adjusts the power provided by the battery 42 to the heating element 22 according to the heating profile.

Using the historical extraction intensity and the historical extraction length, the heating profile may be predefined such that the heating element 22 is heated to a temperature suitable for the manner in which the user typically uses the electronic vaping device 10.

The historical extraction intensity and the historical extraction length may be determined by averaging all measured extraction intensities and extraction lengths, respectively, over time during use of the e-vapor apparatus 10 by a user. The historical extraction intensity and the historical extraction length may be determined by the microcontroller 31 based on individual extraction intensities and extraction lengths stored in memory on the electronic vaping device 10, memory on the computing device 72, or memory remote from the electronic vaping device 10 and the computing device 72. The historical extraction intensity and the historical extraction length may alternatively be determined by a processor 94 of the computing device 72 separate from the e-vapor device 10, the processor 94 executing a set of instructions stored in a memory of the computing device 72 (e.g., as provided by the application 74). The processor 94 may determine the historical draw intensity and draw length based on the individual draw intensities and draw lengths sent by the e-vapor device 10 to the computing device 72 and stored in the memory of the computing device 72. Further, the application 74 may be executed by the processor 94 to determine a historical extraction intensity and a historical extraction length based on the individual extraction intensity and extraction length that are sent by the e-vaping device 10 to the computing device 72 and sent by the computing device 72 via the global telecommunications network 92 to a database or remote computing device that is remote from the e-vaping device 10 and the computing device 72 and that is separate from the e-vaping device 10 and the computing device 72. The individual extraction strengths and extraction lengths may be stored in a remote database and accessed by the computing device 72 for determining the historical extraction strengths and historical extraction lengths, or a processor remote from the computing device 72 may access the individual extraction strengths and individual extraction lengths on the remote database, determine the historical extraction strengths and historical extraction lengths and send them to the computing device 72. The history extraction strength and history extraction length may be stored as: in a database remote from the e-vapor device 10 and the computing device 72; in memory on computing device 72; and/or memory on the e-vapor device 10.

The heating profile corresponds to the amount of power that needs to be provided to the heating element 22 over time to maintain the heating element 22 and the payload at a desired temperature over time. The amount of power within the heating profile preferably varies over time, taking into account the historical extraction intensity and the historical extraction length, and how the power provided to the heating element 22 needs to be varied based on the extracted cooling effect to maintain the temperature of the heating element 22 and the payload within the desired temperature range. The heating profile may be determined by any of the microcontroller 31, the processor 94 of the computing device 72 executing the application 74, or a processor remote from the electronic vaping device 10 and the computing device 72, and stored in the electronic vaping device 10, a memory of the computing device 72, or in a database remote from the electronic vaping device 10 and the computing device 72. If the heating profile is determined and stored remotely from the electronic vaping device 10, it is preferably sent to the microcontroller 31 of the electronic vaping device 10 so that the microcontroller 31 can adjust the power provided to the heating element 22 according to the heating profile. The historical extraction intensity, historical extraction length, and heating profile are preferably updated with each extraction from the user so that the electronic vaping device 10 learns the user's vaping profile over time.

The microcontroller 31 may begin providing power to the heating element 22 according to the heating profile and then adjust the heating profile in real time as the vapor is generated by the e-vapor device 10 according to the first method of optimizing vaporization described above. For example, operating conditions (such as draw intensity, draw length, payload temperature, air pressure, atomizer ambient temperature, air flow, heating element temperature, and dose measurements) may be measured in real-time as the vapor is produced by the e-vaping device 10, and a heating profile based on the historical draw length and historical draw intensity may be modified in real-time as the vapor is produced by the e-vaping device to adjust the power provided to the heating element 22 based on the sensed operating conditions.

In addition to being determined based on historical extraction intensity and historical extraction length, the heating profile is also preferably determined based on the particular payload being heated and the desired compound selected by the user. For example, different payloads and different desired compounds require different temperatures for optimal evaporation. The heating profile may also be determined based on operational settings determined by the processor 94 of the electronic vaping device 10, the computing device 72, or a central processor remote from the electronic vaping device 10 and the computing device 72 based on the unique payload identifier of the payload reservoir 26 described above. For example, a unique payload identifier may be transmitted from the electronic vaping device 10 to the computing device 72, the computing device 72 using the unique payload identifier to determine the particular compound(s) within the payload reservoir 26. The computing device 72 may send the unique payload identifier to the remote central processor and database using the global telecommunications network 92, where the unique payload identifier is associated with the particular compound(s) within the payload reservoir 26 and with the preferred operating settings for the particular compound. These operational settings may be transmitted back to the computing device 72 and the e-vapor device 10 and used to develop a heating profile. If the e-vaping device 10 is not connected to the computing device 72, the e-vaping device 10 may have the ability to independently determine operational settings and heating profile(s), the e-vaping device 10 may operate with default operational settings and heating profile(s) stored on the e-vaping device 10, and/or the e-vaping device 10 may operate with the most recent set of operational settings and heating profile(s) received from the computing device 72.

The heating profile is also preferably determined according to a heating mode selected by the user for the e-vapor device 10. For example, the user may use user input buttons or controls of the control accessory 14, or the application 74, to select a desired heating mode for the e-vapor device 10. Exemplary heating modes may include an effectiveness mode, an efficiency mode, and a decarboxylation (decarb) mode, each of which is described below.

When the efficacy mode is the selected heating mode for the e-vapor device 10, power is provided to the heating element 22 when the sensed extraction intensity indicates that the user is extracting vapor from the e-vapor device 10, and power is not provided to the heating element 22 when the sensed extraction intensity indicates that the user has stopped extracting vapor from the e-vapor device 10. Thus, power is provided to the heating element 22 throughout the process of the user extracting vapor from the e-vapor device 10. This results in steam generation throughout the extraction length. The amount of power provided to the heating element 22 for the effectiveness mode may be determined based on the heating profile (i.e., historical draw intensity, historical draw length, specific payload, and user-selected desired compound). At the end of extraction, the heating element 22 and payload will still be at the vaporization temperature for the particular compound required for vaporization, which may cause some of the payload to vaporize and be lost after the user has finished extracting vapor from the device.

When the efficiency mode is the selected heating mode for the e-vapor apparatus 10, the power is provided to the heating element 22 for no longer than an efficiency time period determined based on the historical extraction length of the user, such that the efficiency time period is shorter than the historical extraction length. The efficiency time period begins when the sensed extraction intensity indicates that the user is extracting vapor from the e-vaping device 10 and preferably ends before the user stops extracting vapor from the e-vaping device 10 unless the user stops extracting vapor before the efficiency time period ends. By turning off the heating element 22 before the end of extraction, the user is able to inhale all residual vapor generated as the heating element 22 and payload cool without substantial loss of the vaporized payload. As an alternative to completely turning off the heating element 22 before the end of the draw, the power supplied to the heating element 22 may be gradually or gradually reduced before the end of the user's historical draw length. The reduction in power may be determined based on the historical strength of the extraction by the user. If the actual draw length is shorter than the efficiency time period, the e-vapor device 10 may sense that the draw has ended and turn off the heating element 22 at the end of the draw, even if the efficiency time period has not completely ended. In this manner, the efficiency time period is the maximum time, but not the minimum time, for providing power to the heating element 22. Further, while in the efficiency mode, the e-vapor device 10 has more time to begin cooling, which reduces residual heat transfer to the user's hands, pocket, or purse.

When the decarboxylation mode is the selected heating mode for the e-vaping device 10, the heating profile corresponds to a decarboxylation temperature and a decarboxylation duration that allow a decarboxylation reaction of a payload of the e-vaping device. The decarboxylation duration may be selected by a user or based on a historical draw length of the user, and the decarboxylation temperature may be calculated based on the decarboxylation duration. If the actual draw is shorter than the preset decarboxylation duration, the decarboxylation duration may optionally be shortened based on the actual draw length.

Additionally or alternatively, to determine the historical extraction intensity and the historical extraction length of the user, the method of optimizing evaporation may include determining a fog inhalation session profile for the user. The fog inhalation session profile is based on a plurality of fog inhalation sessions conducted by the user, wherein each fog inhalation session contains a plurality of draws separated by relatively short time periods. The fog inhalation session profile may contain historical draw times during a typical fog inhalation session for a user. For each of the draws, the fog draw session profile may contain a historical draw length and a historical draw strength. For example, the fog inhalation session profile may contain a first historical extraction intensity and a first historical extraction length determined based on a first plurality of extraction intensities and a first plurality of extraction lengths (each corresponding to a first extraction of vapor from the electronic vaping device 10 during a plurality of fog inhalation sessions), respectively. The fog inhalation session profile may contain a second historical extraction intensity and a second historical extraction length determined based on a second plurality of extraction intensities and a second plurality of extraction lengths, respectively, each corresponding to a second extraction of vapor from the electronic vaping device 10 during a plurality of fog inhalation sessions. The fog inhalation session profile may further contain an additional history extraction strength and an additional history extraction length for each of the historical extraction times during a typical fog inhalation session of the user.

Further, each of the historical extraction times during a typical fogging session of the user may contain its own heating profile based on the historical extraction intensity and the historical extraction length of a particular extraction in the sequence of historical extraction times. For example, the fog inhalation session profile may include a first heating profile determined based on a first historical extraction intensity and a first historical extraction length, a second heating profile determined based on a second historical extraction intensity and a second historical extraction length, and additional heating profiles, each additional heating profile determined based on an additional historical extraction intensity and an additional historical extraction length. Each of these heating profiles may be determined as described above and used to adjust the power provided to the heating element 22 during a user's fog inhalation session such that each draw of the sequence of user's fog inhalation sessions has its own predefined heating profile depending on how the user typically draws steam during a fog inhalation session or the generation of steam with an e-vapor device. For example, power is provided to the heating element 22 according to a first heating profile during a first draw of a new fog inhalation session, power is provided to the heating element 22 according to a second heating profile during a second draw of the new fog inhalation session, and power is provided to the heating element 22 according to an additional heating profile during an additional draw of the new fog inhalation session.

The first heating profile, the second heating profile, and the additional heating profile may each be determined according to one of the exemplary heating modes described above (i.e., the efficacy mode, the efficiency mode, and the decarboxylation mode). The user may select a different heating profile for each of the first heating profile, the second heating profile and the additional heating profile, such that a different heating profile may be used for each vapour extraction from the e-vaping device 10 during a new vaping session. For example, if a user's typical fog inhalation session contains five aspirations, the user's fog inhalation session profile may be set such that the heating mode for the first three aspirations is set to the effectiveness mode and the heating mode for the last two aspirations is set to the efficiency mode. Because the user will perform additional extractions after each of the first three extractions, there is less concern about the loss of evaporated material, and thus the efficacy mode can be used during the first three extractions. Setting the latter two draws to an efficiency mode allows little steam to be lost and the e-vapor device time to cool before it is stored in the user's pocket, purse, or other desired location.

Alternatively, a heating profile for the user may be defined to have multiple heating modes per operation for a set period of time. For example, the heating profile may have a first heating mode and a second heating mode each selected as one of an effectiveness mode, an efficiency mode, or a decarboxylation mode. The heating profile may cause the e-vapor device 10 to operate in the first heating mode for a first time period of the heating profile and operate in the second heating mode for a second time period of the heating profile after the first time period. The additional heating mode operating for an additional time period may be subsequent to the second time period. The total time period for the heating mode may correspond to a total length of the user's historical fog inhalation sessions as determined based on the length of the plurality of fog inhalation sessions. For example, if the user's historical fog inhalation session length is 390 seconds, the first 300 seconds of a new fog inhalation session may be set to operate in the efficacy mode and the last 90 seconds (or longer depending on the time the new fog inhalation session lasts) may be set to operate in the efficiency mode.

The user may set the heating mode on a user control of the e-vapor device 10, or using the application 74, or may send information to another computing device of the e-vapor device 10 directly or through another computing device. Further, the user may view the measured operating conditions (e.g., draw intensity, draw length, payload temperature, air pressure, atomizer ambient temperature, air flow, heating element temperature, and dose measurements), historical draw intensity, historical draw length, fog inhalation session profile, heating profile, power levels, material selection, and/or specific compound(s) within the payload on an output display of the e-vaping device 10, or on the computing device 72, or on another computing device that may receive information from the e-vaping device 10 directly or through another computing device. The user may alter or fine-tune the fog inhalation session profile, heating profile, and power level to desired settings, preferably using the electronic vaping device 10 or the computing device 72. Further, the user may preferably set a plurality of fog inhalation session profiles, heating profiles and power levels, and optionally select one of a plurality of predefined fog inhalation session profiles, heating profiles and power levels for a new fog inhalation session.

Electronic cigarette device and cartridge for use with dry tablets

Additional embodiments of the invention described herein include: an e-vapor device designed to heat a payload comprising a desiccant material such that an active ingredient in the desiccant material is evaporated for inhalation; a cartridge portion of an electronic vaping device that receives a desiccant material; a tablet formed of a dry material for use with an electronic vaping device and a cartridge; methods of using an electronic cigarette device and a cartridge vaporization tablet; and a process for producing the tablet. Tablets may be formed from a dry material compressed into a shape. The tablets may be heated by conduction when they are in direct contact with the heating element, by convection above the tablets or when heated air is drawn through the tablets, or by a combination of conduction and convection. The term "dry material" as used herein is not limited to a material that is completely free of any fluid. More specifically, the term is used to refer to materials that can be compressed together to form a solid or semi-solid tablet for insertion into an electronic smoking device or cartridge.

A cartridge for evaporating a desiccant material according to one embodiment of the invention described herein is generally identified as 900 in fig. 9A. The cartridge 900 heats the tablet 940 by conduction (fig. 9B), wherein the tablet 940 is in direct contact with the heating element 942. Although the cartridge 900 is shown and described herein as being used with the tablet 940, it is within the scope of the present invention for the cartridge 900 to be used in conjunction with a payload that includes a dry material that is not necessarily compressed into tablet form. If tablet 940 has internal holes or flow passages (as described below), heated air may flow through tablet 940 to also heat tablet 940 by convection. The cartridge 900 comprises a housing formed by an outer sidewall 902 and end caps (end caps) 904 and 906 each removably screwed into engagement with the internal threads of the outer sidewall 902. The outer sidewall 902 is preferably transparent, but may be any color. The end cap 904 contains a first end wall 908 of the cartridge 900 and the end cap 906 contains a second end wall 910 of the cartridge 900. End cap 904 further includes a first cylindrical tube 912 (fig. 9B) integral with first end wall 908 and extending from first end wall 908, and a second cylindrical tube 914 integral with first cylindrical tube 912 and extending from first cylindrical tube 912. The outer surface of second cylindrical tube 914 has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the outer surface of first cylindrical tube 912. The inner surface of second cylindrical tube 914 has a diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the inner surface of first cylindrical tube 912. External threads are formed on the outer surfaces of first cylindrical tube 912 and second cylindrical tube 914. External threads on first cylindrical tube 912 removably engage internal threads of outer sidewall 902. End cap 906 further includes a cylindrical tube 916 integral with second end wall 910 and extending from second end wall 910. External threads formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical tube 916 removably engage the internal threads of the outer sidewall 902.

A tubular threaded connector 918 is integral with the first end wall 908 and extends outwardly from the first end wall 908 in a direction opposite the first cylindrical tube 912. The threaded connector 918 includes external threads on its outer surface. Preferably, the threaded connector 918 is configured to couple the cartridge 900 to a control accessory, such as the control accessory 14 described above and shown in fig. 1. The threaded connector 918 may be a 510 threaded connector. Further, the threaded connector 918 may be configured to operate in accordance with a two-lead communication system described below in connection with the e-vaping device 4000. A central opening 920 extends through the first end wall 908 and the threaded connector 918. A plurality of radial openings 922 (fig. 9A) extend through first end wall 908. The central opening 920 and the radial opening 922 include the inlet of the first end wall 908. The inlet of the first end wall 908 may be any opening through the first end wall 908 in fluid communication with an internal chamber 932 of the cartridge 900 described below.

Tube 924 is integral with second end wall 910 and extends outwardly from second end wall 910 in a direction opposite cylindrical tube 916. A central opening 926 extends through the second end wall 910 and the tube 924. The central opening 926 includes an outlet of the second end wall 910. The outlet of the second end wall 910 may be any opening through the second end wall 910 in fluid communication with the inner chamber 932 of the cartridge 900 described below. A tubular spring catch 928 is integral with the second end wall 910 and extends outwardly from the second end wall 910 in the same direction as the cylindrical tube 916. The spring catch 928 is concentric with the cylindrical tube 916. A central opening 926 extends through the spring catch 928.

Cartridge 900 includes an inner side wall 930 having internal threads that removably engage the external threads of second cylindrical tube 914. The inner sidewall 930 has an outer surface spaced apart from the outer sidewall 902 to form a gap between the inner sidewall 930 and the outer sidewall 902.

The outer sidewall 902, the first end wall 908, and the second end wall 910 define and surround an inner chamber 932 of the cartridge 900. The inner chamber 932 includes an inlet chamber 934 positioned between the outer sidewall 902 and the inner sidewall 930, an evaporation chamber 936 defined by the inner sidewall 930 and positioned within the inner sidewall 930, and a mixing chamber 938 defined by the outer sidewall 902 and positioned within the outer sidewall 902. The inlet chamber 934 is in fluid communication with the inlet (i.e., the central opening 920 and the radial openings 922) for receiving ambient air as the user draws air through the cartridge 900. The evaporation chamber 936 receives evaporated material from the tablets 940 heated in the evaporation chamber 936. The mixing chamber 938 is in fluid communication with the inlet chamber 934, the evaporation chamber 936, and the outlet (i.e., the central opening 926). When a user draws air through the cartridge 900, the mixing chamber 938 receives ambient air from the inlet chamber 934 and vaporized material from the vaporization chamber 936. The mixed ambient air and vaporized material exit the mixing chamber 938 through the central opening 926 for inhalation by a user.

The cartridge 900 further includes a heating element 942 positioned within the vaporization chamber 936. When the inner side wall 930 is threadably (readably) engaged with the end cap 904, the heating element 942 is held in place between the inner side wall 930 and the end cap 904. A wire (not shown) preferably electrically couples the heating element 942 to the threaded connector 918 for receiving an electrical current or signal from a control fitting coupled to the threaded connector 918 that causes the heating element 942 to power up or begin generating heat. A heating element 942 extends across evaporation chamber 936 and includes a payload retention surface 944 that faces end cap 906 (fig. 9C). The payload holding surface 944 may be a tablet holding surface when a tablet is used with the e-vaping device 900.

A spring 946 positioned within the inner chamber 932 has a first end positioned about the spring catch 928 and a second end positioned about the tablet adapter 948. The tablet adapter 948 engages the tablet 940 and the spring 946 presses the tablet 940 into the evaporation chamber 936 and into direct engagement with the payload retention surface 944 of the heating element 942. Heating element 942 heats tablet 940 by conduction to heat tablet 940 until the desired compound of the tablet evaporates. Spring 946 maintains tablet 940 in direct connection with heating element 942 as tablet 940 is vaporized and decreases in volume. Other types of biasing mechanisms may be used in place of spring 946 to maintain tablet 940 in engagement with heating element 942. Inner side wall 930 is preferably sized such that the inner diameter of inner side wall 930 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of tablet 940.

A suction nozzle (not shown) is preferably coupled to the end cap 906 and contains an internal passage in fluid communication with the central opening 926. The mouthpiece is preferably configured to be placed partially within the user's mouth so that the user can draw air through the mouthpiece and mixing chamber 938 to receive the vaporized material from the tablet 940.

The tablet 940 may be placed within the evaporation chamber 936 by unscrewing the end cap 906 from the outer sidewall 902 such that the evaporation chamber 936 is accessible to a user. After the tablet 940 is placed in the evaporation chamber 936, the end cap 906 is screwed back into engagement with the outer sidewall 902. Alternatively, end cap 904 may be unscrewed from outer sidewall 902 to place tablet 940 in evaporation chamber 936. Alternatively, another type of opening may be formed in the cartridge 900 to allow the tablet 940 to be placed within the evaporation chamber 936. The opening may preferably be closed after the tablet 940 is placed in the evaporation chamber 936 to prevent the evaporated material from leaking from the chamber. When the tablet 940 is exhausted, any remainder of the tablet 940 is removed before a new tablet 940 is placed within the cartridge 900.

The cartridge 900 may be integrally formed with a control fitting (e.g., control fitting 14) operable to provide power to the heating element 942, or the cartridge 900 may be screwed into the control fitting using the threaded connector 918 as shown. The threaded connector 918 is preferably a 510 threaded connector that allows the cartridge 900 to be used with a compatible 510 threaded control accessory or electronic vaping device.

A cartridge for evaporating a desiccant material according to another embodiment of the invention described herein is generally identified as 1000 in fig. 10A. The cartridge 1000 heats the tablet 1002 by convection as hot air heated by the heating element 1004 is drawn over the tablet and/or through the tablet 1002. Although the cartridge 1000 is shown and described herein as being used with a tablet 1002, it is within the scope of the present invention for the cartridge 1000 to be used in conjunction with a payload that includes a dry material that is not necessarily compressed into tablet form. The cartridge 1000 includes an outer side wall 1006 and end caps 1008 and 1010 each removably screwed into engagement with the internal threads of the outer side wall 1006. The outer sidewall 1006 is preferably transparent, but may be any color. The end cap 1008 contains a first end wall 1012 of the cartridge 1000 and the end cap 1010 contains a second end wall 1014 of the cartridge 1000. Referring to FIG. 10B, end cap 1008 further comprises a first cylindrical tube 1016 integral with first end wall 1012 and extending from first end wall 1012, and a second cylindrical tube 1018 integral with first cylindrical tube 1016 and extending from first cylindrical tube 1016. The outer surface of second cylindrical tube 1018 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the outer surface of first cylindrical tube 1016. The inner surface of second cylindrical tube 1018 has substantially the same diameter as the diameter of the inner surface of first cylindrical tube 1016. External threads are formed on the outer surfaces of first cylindrical tube 1016 and second cylindrical tube 1018. External threads on first cylindrical tube 1016 removably engage internal threads of outer sidewall 1006. The end cap 1010 further includes a cylindrical tube 1020 integral with the second end wall 1014 and extending from the second end wall 1014. External threads formed on the outer surface of cylindrical tube 1020 removably engage internal threads of outer sidewall 1006.

A tubular threaded connector 1022 is integral with the first end wall 1012 and extends outwardly from the first end wall 1012 in a direction opposite the first cylindrical tube 1016. The threaded connector 1022 includes external threads on its outer surface. Preferably, the threaded connector 1022 is configured to couple the cartridge 1000 to a control accessory, such as the control accessory 14 described above and shown in fig. 1. The threaded connector 1022 may be a 510 threaded connector. Further, the threaded connector 1022 may be configured to operate in accordance with the two-lead communication system described below in connection with the e-vapor device 4000. A central opening 1024 extends through the first end wall 1012 and the threaded connector 1022. A plurality of openings 1026 radially spaced from the central opening 1024 extend through the first end wall 1012. The central opening 1024 and the opening 1026 include an entrance to the first end wall 1012. The inlet of the first end wall 1012 may be any opening through the first end wall 1012 in fluid communication with the inner chamber 1040 of the cartridge 1000 described below.

Tube 1028 is integral with second end wall 1014 and extends outwardly from second end wall 1014 in a direction opposite cylindrical tube 1020. A central opening 1030 extends through the second end wall 1014 and the tube 1028. The central opening 1030 includes an outlet of the second end wall 1014. The outlet of the second end wall 1014 may be any opening through the second end wall 1014 in fluid communication with the inner chamber 1040 of the cartridge 1000 described below. A tubular spring fastener 1032 is integral with the second end wall 1014 and extends outwardly from the second end wall 1014 in the same direction as the cylindrical tube 1020. The spring fastener 1032 is concentric with the cylindrical tube 1020. A central opening 1030 extends through the spring fastener 1032.

The cartridge 1000 includes a divider 1034 coupled to the end cap 1008 and positioned within the outer sidewall 1006. The divider 1034 includes an inner sidewall 1036 that is cylindrical and concentric with the outer sidewall 1006. The inner sidewall 1036 is spaced apart from the outer sidewall 1006 to define a gap between the inner sidewall 1036 and the outer sidewall 1006. An inner sidewall 1036 extends from adjacent the first end wall 1012 to adjacent the second end wall 1014. The divider 1034 further includes a divider panel 1038 integral with an interior surface of the inner sidewall 1036 and extending across the inner sidewall 1036 to divide the interior of the divider 1034 into two compartments.

The outer sidewall 1006, first end wall 1012, and second end wall 1014 define and surround an inner chamber 1040 of the cartridge 1000. The inner chamber 1040 includes an outer chamber 1042 positioned between the outer sidewall 1006 and the inner sidewall 1036, an inlet chamber 1044 defined by the inner sidewall 1036 and positioned within the inner sidewall 1036 on the side of the divider panel 1038 facing the endcap 1008, and an evaporation chamber 1046 defined by the inner sidewall 1036 and positioned within the inner sidewall 1036 on the side of the divider panel 1038 facing the endcap 1010. A separation panel 1038 separates the inlet chamber 1044 from the evaporation chamber 1046. The inlet chamber 1044 is in fluid communication with the inlet (i.e., the central opening 1024 and the opening 1026) for receiving ambient air as the user draws air through the cartridge 1000.

The spiral flow guide 1048 is positioned within the inlet chamber 1044 along with the heating element 1004. Wires (not shown) preferably electrically couple the heating element 1004 to the threaded connector 1022 for receiving an electrical current or signal from a control accessory coupled to the threaded connector 1022 that causes the heating element 1004 to power up or begin generating heat. The spiral flow guide 1048 is positioned between the central opening 1024 and the heating element 1004, with the heating element 1004 in contact with the divider panel 1038. The spiral flow guide 1048 includes a continuous groove 1050 formed in an outer surface thereof in a spiral shape to direct air from adjacent the central opening 1024 to the heating element 1004 adjacent the divider panel 1038. The outer surface of the helical flow guide 1048 has a diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the inner surface of the inner sidewall 1036 such that air entering the central opening 1024 is directed through the groove 1050 as the user draws air through the cartridge 1000. The heating element 1004 heats the spiral flow guide 1048 and the air in the inlet chamber 1044. The spiral flow guide 1048 provides a relatively large heated surface area to enhance heating of the air passing through the inlet chamber 1044 and to cause the incoming air to remain in the inlet chamber 1044 for a length of time sufficient to heat it to a desired temperature.

The inner sidewall 1036 includes a first set of openings 1052 (fig. 10C) that place the outer chamber 1042 in fluid communication with the inlet chamber 1044 adjacent the heating element 1004. Air flowing through the inlet chamber 1044 enters the outer chamber 1042 through the opening 1052 after being heated by the heating element 1004 and the helical flow guide 1048. The inner sidewall 1036 includes a second set of openings or slots 1054 that place the outer chamber 1042 in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber 1046 adjacent the tablet 1002. As the user draws air through the cartridge 1000, heated air from the inlet chamber 1044 and the outer chamber 1042 flows through the openings 1054 into the vaporization chamber 1046. The heated air contacts the tablet 1002 to heat the tablet 1002 via convection. Tablet 1002 may also be heated via conduction as much as heating element 1004 heats divider 1034, which heats tablet 1002.

As tablet 1002 is heated, the compound and material evaporate from tablet 1002 and mix with the heated air within evaporation chamber 1046. The evaporation chamber 1046 is in fluid communication with an outlet (i.e., the central opening 1030). The mixed heated air and vaporized material from the tablet 1002 exit the vaporization chamber 1046 through the central opening 1030 for inhalation by the user.

A spring 1056 positioned within the evaporation chamber 1046 has a first end positioned around the spring fastener 1032 and a second end positioned around the tablet engager 1058. The tablet engager 1058 engages the tablet 1002 and the spring 1056 presses the tablet 1002 into the evaporation chamber 1046 and into direct engagement with the payload holding surface 1060 of the divider 1034. As the tablet 1002 is evaporated and the volume is reduced, the spring 1056 maintains the tablet 1002 in position within the evaporation chamber 1046 to maximize contact between the heated air and the tablet 1002. Other types of biasing mechanisms may be used in place of spring 1056 to maintain tablet 1002 in position. The inner sidewall 1036 is preferably sized such that the inner diameter of the inner sidewall 1036 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tablet 1002.

A mouthpiece (not shown) is preferably coupled to the end cap 1010 and contains an internal channel in fluid communication with the central opening 1030. The mouthpiece is preferably configured to be partially placed within the user's mouth so that the user can draw air through the mouthpiece and the evaporation chamber 1046 to receive evaporated material from the tablet 1002.

The tablet 1002 may be placed within the vaporization chamber 1046 by unscrewing the end cap 1010 from the outer sidewall 1006 so that the vaporization chamber 1046 is accessible to the user. After the tablet 1002 is placed in the evaporation chamber 1046, the end cap 1010 is screwed back into engagement with the outer side wall 1006. Alternatively, the end cap 1008 can be unscrewed from the outer side wall 1006 to place the tablet 1002 within the evaporation chamber 1046. Alternatively, another type of opening may be formed in the cartridge 1000 to allow the tablet 1002 to be placed within the vaporization chamber 1046. The opening may preferably be closed after the tablet 1002 is placed in the evaporation chamber 1046 to prevent evaporated material from leaking from the chamber. When the tablets 1002 are exhausted, any remainder of the tablets 1002 is removed before a new tablet 1002 is placed within the cartridge 1000.

The cartridge 1000 may be integrally formed with a control fitting (e.g., control fitting 14) operable to provide power to the heating element 1004, or the cartridge 1000 may be screwed into the control fitting using threaded connectors 1022 as shown. The threaded connector 1022 is preferably a 510 threaded connector that allows the cartridge 1000 to be used with a compatible 510 threaded control accessory or electronic vaping device.

Fig. 11A-11D illustrate another alternative embodiment of a cartridge 1100 for evaporating a desiccant material. As with the cartridge 900, the cartridge 1100 heats the tablet 1102 (or other dry material not compressed into tablet form) by conduction, wherein the tablet 1102 is in direct contact with the heating element 1104. If tablet 1102 has internal holes or flow passages (as described below), heated air can flow through tablet 1102 thereby heating tablet 1102 also by convection. The cartridge 1100 includes an outer sidewall 1106 and an end cap 1108 coupled to one end of the outer sidewall 1106. The outer sidewall 1106 is preferably transparent, but can be any color. The end cap 1108 contains a first end wall 1110 of the cartridge 1100, and a second end wall 1112 is integrated with an outer side wall 1106 on the opposite end of the cartridge 1100. Endcap 1108 further includes a cylindrical protrusion 1114 integral with first end wall 1110 and extending from first end wall 1110. External threads may be formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical protrusion 1114 to removably engage the internal threads of the outer sidewall 1106.

A tubular threaded connector 1116 is integral with the first end wall 1110 and extends outwardly from the first end wall 1110 in a direction opposite the first cylindrical protrusion 1114. The threaded connector 1116 includes external threads on an outer surface thereof. Preferably, the threaded connector 1116 is configured to couple the cartridge 1100 to a control accessory, such as the control accessory 14 described above and shown in fig. 1. The threaded connector 1116 may be a 510 threaded connector. Further, the threaded connector 1116 may be configured to operate according to a two-wire communication system described below in connection with the e-vapor device 4000. A central opening 1118 extends through the first end wall 1110 and the threaded connector 1116. A plurality of openings 1120 radially spaced from the central opening 1118 extend through the first end wall 1110. The opening 1120 includes an entrance to the first end wall 1110. The inlet of the first end wall 1110 may be any opening through the first end wall 1110 that is in fluid communication with the interior chamber 1125 of the cartridge 1100 described below.

A tube 1122 (fig. 11C) is integral with the second end wall 1112 and extends outwardly from the second end wall 1112 in a direction opposite the first end wall 1110. A central opening 1124 extends through the second end wall 1112 and the tube 1122. The central opening 1124 includes an outlet of the second end wall 1112. The outlet of the second end wall 1112 may be any opening through the second end wall 1112 in fluid communication with the interior chamber 1125 of the cartridge 1100 described below.

The outer sidewall 1106, the first end wall 1110, and the second end wall 1112 define and surround an interior chamber 1125 (fig. 11D) of the cartridge 1100. Heating element 1104 is positioned within interior chamber 1125 and includes a heater 1126 and a cap 1128 covering heater 1126. Wires (not shown) preferably electrically couple the heating element 1104 to the threaded connector 1116 for receiving an electrical current or signal from a control fitting coupled to the threaded connector 1116 that causes the heating element 1104 to power up or begin to generate heat. A spring 1130 presses the tablet 1102 against the cap 1128. One end of spring 1130 engages second end wall 1112 and the other end of spring 1130 engages a tablet retention plate 1132 adjacent tablet 1102. A hole is formed through tablet retention plate 1132 to allow evaporated material from tablet 1102 to travel through central opening 1124. Holes are also preferably formed in the tablet 1102 (as described below) so that when a user draws air through the cartridge 1100, the air enters the cartridge 1100 through the opening 1120 and then flows through the tablet 1102, the tablet retaining plate 1132 and the central opening 1124.

FIG. 11A illustrates one embodiment of a suction nozzle 1136 coupled to the second end wall 1112 (FIG. 11C) and the tube 1122. The suction nozzle 1136 includes an internal passageway in fluid communication with the central opening 1124 via a tube 1122. The mouthpiece 1136 is configured to be placed partially within the user's mouth such that the user can draw air through the mouthpiece 1136 to receive the vaporized material from the tablet 1102. 11B-11D illustrate an alternative embodiment of a suction nozzle 1138 also coupled to the second end wall 1112 and the tube 1122 and having an internal channel in fluid communication with the central opening 1124.

The tablet 1102 may be placed within the cartridge 1100 by decoupling the end cap 1108 from the outer sidewall 1106. After the tablet 1102 is placed within the cartridge 1100, the end cap 1108 is coupled back into engagement with the outer sidewall 1106. Alternatively, another type of opening may be formed in the cartridge 1100 to allow the tablet 1102 to be placed within the cartridge 1100. The opening may preferably be closed after the tablet 1102 is placed within the cartridge 1100 to prevent the vaporized material from leaking from the cartridge.

The cartridge 1100 may be integrally formed with a control fitting (e.g., control fitting 14) operable to provide power to the heating element 1104, or the cartridge 1100 may be screwed into the control fitting using a threaded connector 1116 as shown. The threaded connector 1116 is preferably a 510 threaded connector that allows the cartridge 1100 to be used with a compatible 510 threaded control accessory or electronic vaping device.

Fig. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a heating element 1200 that may be used in conjunction with any of the cartridges 900, 1000, and 1100 described herein. The heating element 1200 is configured to heat the tablet 1202 (or other dry material not compressed into tablet form) by conduction and preferably also by convection, as described below. The heating element 1200 includes a first wall 1204 and a second wall 1206 that define a heating chamber 1208 positioned between the first wall 1204 and the second wall 1206. The heating chamber 1208 is accessible through a first opening 1210 in the sidewall 1212 and through a second opening 1214 in the sidewall 1216.

Vents (not shown) may be provided through the first wall 1204 and the second wall 1206 to allow air to flow through the walls into the heating chamber 1208. The use of vents allows for convective heating of tablet 1202 and also reduces the thermal mass that must be heated when tablet 1202 is heated by conduction alone. The use of vents also provides an efficient way of allowing the release of steam for inhalation.

The first and second walls 1204, 1206 may also contain grooves or patterns (not shown) formed in the walls adjacent to the heating chamber 1208. The use of grooves or patterns preferably increases air turbulence and maximizes heat transfer from the heating element 1200 to the air proximate to the tablet 1202 if the contact between the heating element 1200 and the tablet 1202 is not perfect. The first and second walls 1204, 1206 of the heating element 1200 may be constructed of any suitable material, including ceramic, aluminum, and stainless steel. The first wall 1204 and the second wall 1206 may also contain metallic heating coils enclosed in a material such as ceramic. The metal heating coil may be implemented as single or multi-strand elements in a series or parallel configuration, as well as other configurations.

The heating chamber 1208 may be configured to receive tablets of different sizes and configurations. For example, the heating chamber 1208 may be configured to receive a round tablet (such as tablet 1300 shown in fig. 13A) and/or a rectangular tablet (such as tablet 1302 shown in fig. 13B). Any of the tablets described herein may also be circular, such as tablet 1304 shown in fig. 13C. With both ends of the heating chamber 1208 open, a tablet can be inserted through the first opening 1210 and once the tablet is exhausted, the remaining debris from the tablet can be pushed out of the heating chamber 1208 through the second opening 1214. The cleaning tool 1218 may be used to push the tablet debris out through the second opening 1214. The cleaning tool 1218 includes a grip 1220 for grasping by a user and a ram 1222 shaped to be received by the first opening 1210 and to push the tablet debris through and out of the heating chamber 1208.

Tablet formulation

The tablets and methods of making and using the same described herein provide a more convenient method of misting or blotting dry material. The composition, efficacy and physical properties of the tablets can be controlled such that they provide a convenient and repeatable smoking or smoking experience.

Referring to fig. 14A-14D, an exemplary embodiment of a tablet for use with a cartridge for evaporating a drying material is identified as 1400. The tablet 1400 may be used with any of the cartridges 900, 1000, and 1100 described above and in the heating element 1200. Tablet 1400 comprises a dry material compressed into a relatively flat cylindrical shape; other shapes are within the scope of the invention. Tablet 1400 may be formed from any suitable dry material, such as tobacco. It is within the scope of the present invention to mix the dry material with other materials that are solid, semi-solid, or liquid that help the dry material maintain the tablet shape.

Tablet 1400 includes a first surface 1402 and a second surface 1404 positioned opposite first surface 1402 (fig. 14C). Each of the first surface 1402 and the second surface 1404 is circular. An annular sidewall 1406 extends between the first surface 1402 and the second surface 1404. A recess 1408 is formed in the first surface 1402. The recess 1408 is helical, but may be shaped in any desired manner. Holes 1410 extend through tablet 1400 from first surface 1402 to second surface 1404. The bore 1410 is positioned at one end of the recess 1408 such that the bore 1410 is in fluid communication with the recess 1408. Another recess 1412 (shown in phantom in fig. 14A) is formed in the second surface 1404. The recess 1412 is also preferably helical, but extends across different portions of the tablet 1400. The recess 1408 on the first surface 1402 starts at the center of the tablet 1400, winds a fairly tight spiral (wind around)180 degrees, and then winds another 180 degrees in a larger radius spiral until it terminates at an aperture 1410 adjacent the peripheral edge of the tablet 1400. From the hole 1410, the recess 1412 wraps 270 degrees around the peripheral edge of the tablet 1400 and then bends 90 degrees toward the hole 1410.

While tablet 1400 includes recesses on both first surface 1402 and second surface 1404, it is within the scope of the present invention for only one of first surface 1402 and second surface 1404 to include recesses.

As shown in fig. 14D, sidewalls 1414 and 1416 are adjacent and define recess 1408. It is within the scope of the present invention for sidewalls 1414 and 1416 to include protrusions, ribs, or further recesses or patterns to increase the surface area of tablet 1400 exposed to the heated air flowing through recess 1408. The sidewalls 1414, 1416 of the recess 1412 may also contain protrusions, ribs (rib) or further recesses or patterns (e.g., protrusions 1417 shown in fig. 14D).

Recesses 1408 and 1412 and holes 1410 improve convective heating of the tablet by allowing heated air to reach portions of tablet 1400 that would not be accessible if tablet 1400 were solid. Recesses 1408 and 1412 and holes 1410 increase the total surface area of tablet 1400 exposed to heated air within the e-vapor device or cartridge. Accordingly, tablet 1400 is preferably suitable for use with an electronic vaping device or cartridge that heats tablet 1400 by convective heating. Tablet 1400 may also be used with an electronic smoking device or cartridge that uses conductive heating by itself or in combination with convective heating. The recesses 1408 and 1412 may be implemented as part of a logo or image of the manufacturer of the tablet 1400. The addition of surface discontinuities (e.g., protrusions, ribs, further recesses, or patterns) on the sidewalls 1414, 1416 that define the recesses 1408, 1412 may further improve heat transfer by causing turbulence as air flows through the recesses.

Tablets having recesses and apertures (such as tablet 1400) can also be formed by laminating or otherwise bonding two separate tablets together to form a combined, laminated tablet. Fig. 15 shows an exemplary embodiment of a laminated tablet 1500. The laminated tablet 1500 is formed from two tablets 1502 and 1504 laminated together to permanently bond the tablets 1502 and 1504 together. Each of tablets 1502 and 1504 is substantially similar to tablet 1400 described above. Tablet 1502 has a first surface 1506 and a second surface 1508, and tablet 1504 has a first surface 1510 and a second surface 1512. The second surface 1508 of the tablet 1502 is laminated to the second surface 1512. Tablet 1502 has a hole 1514 extending therethrough, and tablet 1504 has a hole 1516 extending therethrough. Tablets 1502 and 1504 are oriented such that apertures 1514 and 1516 are on opposite sides of laminated tablet 1500. The orientation of tablets 1502 and 1504 creates a serpentine flow path in which heated air flows through the tablets from recess 1518 on first surface 1510, through hole 1516, through recess 1520 on second surface 1512, through recess 1522 on second surface 1508, through hole 1514, and through recess 1524 on first surface 1506. Instead of permanently laminating tablets 1502 and 1504 together, the user may simply insert tablets 1502 and 1504 back-to-back into an e-vapor device or cartridge as shown in fig. 15 to achieve substantially the same effect.

Fig. 16A-16C illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a tablet 1600 comprising a heating element 1602, the heating element 1602 being coupled to a dry material compressed into a generally rectangular shaped tablet 1600. Heating element 1602 helps to achieve uniform evaporation and consumption of tablet material by heating a relatively large surface area of tablet 1600. The heating element 1602 may also be used in conjunction with the recesses and apertures of the tablet 1400 described above in conjunction with convective heating.

The tablet 1600 comprises a dry material (such as tobacco) compressed into a generally rectangular shape having a first surface 1604 and a second surface 1606 positioned opposite the first surface 1604. An annular sidewall 1608 extends between first surface 1604 and second surface 1606. Heating element 1602 is coupled to first surface 1604 and sidewall 1608. The contacts of the heating element 1602 are designed and positioned to contact electrical terminals of an e-vapor device or cartridge to allow current to flow through the heating element 1602. The contacts are positioned on the sidewall 1608, 180 degrees apart from each other on opposite sides of the tablet 1600. The heating element 1602 is preferably a resistive heating element. Heating element 1602 is preferably pressed into or onto tablet 1600 as part of the compression process used to form the dry material into tablet 1600.

The tablet 1600 preferably has a shape that only allows it to be inserted into the e-vaping device or cartridge in one particular orientation to ensure that the contacts of the heating element 1602 are in intimate electrical contact with the electrical terminals of the e-vaping device or cartridge. For example, the tablet 1600 may have an alignment structure configured to align the tablet 1600 into a cartridge in a particular orientation such that the heating element 1602 is in proper electrical contact with the electrical terminals of the cartridge. The e-vapor device or cartridge may have a mating alignment structure that receives or engages the alignment structure of the tablet 1600 to ensure proper orientation of the tablet 1600 when inserted into the e-vapor device or cartridge. The alignment structure of tablet 1600 with the e-vapor device may comprise an alignment notch on one of tablet 1600 and the e-vapor device and an alignment protrusion on the other of tablet 1600 and the e-vapor device. The alignment structure of the tablet 1600 with the e-vapor device may also include telescoping (pogo) contact pins.

Fig. 17 shows an exemplary embodiment of a laminated tablet 1700 formed of three separate tablets 1702, 1704, and 1706, the tablets 1702, 1704, and 1706 being laminated together with portions of a heating element 1708 laminated and positioned between adjacent tablets 1702, 1704, and 1706. Each of tablets 1702, 1704, and 1706 may be formed of dry material that is pressed together. The tablets 1702, 1704, and 1706 may then be positioned such that the first portion 1710 of the heating element 1708 is between the tablet 1702 and the tablet 1704 and the second portion 1712 of the heating element 1708 is between the tablet 1704 and the tablet 1706. The heating element 1708 also includes side portions 1714 and 1716 on the sides of the laminated tablet 1700. As an alternative to being formed of three separate tablets 1702, 1704 and 1706, tablet 1700 may be formed in a single compression operation. Integrating the heating element 1708 into the tablet 1700 improves heating of the tablet 1700 by conductively heating an inner region of the tablet 1700 and increasing the surface area of the tablet 1700 that is exposed to the conductive heating. Tablet 1700 can also include holes or recesses as described above in connection with tablet 1400 to improve convective heating of tablet 1700.

Any of the tablets 940, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1300, 1302, 1400, 1500, 1600, and 1700 described above may be manufactured according to the dose control method described below. One dose control method is simply to vary the thickness of a tablet having a predefined cross-sectional area so that there are a number of different doses of different thicknesses for the user to select. Further, any of the tablets 940, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1300, 1302, 1400, 1500, 1600, and 1700 described above may be formed in any shape including a cylindrical shape, for example, they may have a circular or elliptical cross-section or a circular ring shape.

According to another method, first, a quantity of loose, preferably relatively dry, material is provided. The percentage of the composition of the dry material by weight or volume may be measured. For example, the dried material may be analyzed to determine the weight percentage of one or more particular compounds of the dried material. Once the weight percentages of a particular ingredient are known for the type of plant or plants from which the dry material is derived, one or more plants of that type can be grown under known, repeatable conditions to produce a consistent distribution of material. This may reduce or eliminate the need to test future dried material produced by one or more plants of that type, as the percentage of the particular substance within the one or more plants of that type is known.

Next, a desired amount of the ingredient by weight or volume (e.g., 0.2g) may be determined. A desired volume of the tablet corresponding to the desired amount of the ingredient may be determined. Alternatively, if the tablet has a predefined cross-sectional area, a desired thickness of the tablet corresponding to a desired amount of the ingredient may be determined. The tablet press can be modified to compress the tablets to a desired volume or thickness. The dried material is then compressed into tablets of desired thickness, which contain the desired amounts of the ingredients.

To provide an additional level of control over the dosage, the thickness of the tablets can be increased or decreased with the production batch (using the same production tool) based on sample measurements of raw materials compressed into tablet form in order to adjust the content if necessary. This freedom to adjust the volume of the tablets is highly desirable because the relative concentrations of certain substances may vary from crop to crop, even though the crops are from the same genetic variety.

This method of manufacturing tablets helps users of tablets to control dosage by ensuring that the tablets contain a known, desired amount of the target ingredient so that the users of the tablets know how much of the target ingredient they inhale. By following this method, consistent and specified amounts of the target ingredient can be reliably delivered with the tablet. For example, the method may be used to manufacture tablets that a physician will prescribe to a patient so that the physician and the patient know precisely the amount of the target ingredient within each tablet. Tablets made according to this method will also help entertaining users of the tablets determine the amount of the target ingredient they inhale.

Any of the tablets described above may also be manufactured to contain multiple types of dry materials compressed together into a single tablet. For example, two or more types of loose, relatively dry materials may be provided. The percentage by weight or volume of the target component of one or more types of dry materials may be measured. A desired ratio between the target components may be determined. For example, if two types of dry materials are used to make a tablet, a desired ratio of a first percentage of the target ingredient of the first type of dry material to a second percentage of the target ingredient of the second type of dry material may be determined. The two types of dry materials are mixed together to form a combined dry material such that the combined dry material comprises a desired ratio of the first percentage and the second percentage. The combined dry materials are then compressed into tablets of the desired thickness. The desired thickness may be determined by determining a desired amount of the first component and/or the second component within the tablet and determining a desired thickness corresponding to that amount prior to compressing the tablet to the desired thickness, as described above. For example, a tablet may be produced according to this method to contain 1: 1 ratio and the desired amount of THC and/or CBD by weight or volume.

When it is desired to evaporate two or more types of dry material, the different types of dry material may each be compressed into separate tablets. The separate tablets may be combined by lamination, by heating and compressing the tablets together, by a binder, or any suitable method. Alternatively, a user of the tablet may use two or more tablets together by inserting the two or more tablets back-to-back within an electronic smoking device or cartridge. Each of the tablets may be produced according to the method described above such that the tablets are formed to have a desired thickness corresponding to a desired amount of the ingredient present within the tablet. Tablets may also be produced such that, when combined, a desired ratio of the ingredients within the separate tablets is achieved. For example, separate tablets may be produced to have a desired ratio between the weight or volume of a first ingredient within a first tablet and the weight or volume of a second ingredient within a second tablet. Separate tablets may be combined or simply used together.

Any of the cartridges 900, 1000, and 1100 and heating element 1200 described above may be used with any of the tablets 940, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1300, 1302, 1400, 1500, 1600, and 1700 described above to vaporize a desired component of the tablet for inhalation. With respect to the cartridge 900 and the tablet 940, the end cap 906 is removed from engagement with the outer sidewall 902 and the tablet 940 is inserted through an opening at the end of the outer sidewall 902. The tablet 940 is inserted into the inner chamber 932 adjacent the heating element 942. Heating element 942 is activated to evaporate a portion of tablet 940 into tablet vapor. The user inserts the mouthpiece of the cartridge 900 into his or her mouth and draws air and tablet vapor into his or her mouth for inhalation. The cartridge 900 heats the tablet by conduction, but the tablet may also be heated by convection as described above. Further, as described above with respect to cartridge 1000, the tablets may be heated primarily or solely by convection by heating the air drawn into contact with the tablets.

Any of the cartridges 900, 1000, and 1100 described above may be integrally formed with a control accessory (e.g., control accessory 14) to form an electronic vaping device operable to provide power to the heating element of the cartridge by supplying a controlled current or voltage to the atomizer according to the needs of a user. The cartridges 900, 1000 and 1100 may also be screwed into the control fitting using their threaded connectors or may have a snap clip or some other structure that incorporates them into the control fitting. The control accessory 14 is configured such that the cartridges 900, 1000 and 1100 provide steam through the outlet by supplying a controlled current or voltage to the heating element in response to user input, as described above. Any of the cartridges 900, 1000, and 1100 may be operated to heat the tablets according to the methods described above for the electronic vaping devices 10 and 100 and the electronic vaping device system 102, including according to the systems and methods for optimizing vaporization described above. The cartridges 900, 1000, and 1100, or tablets placed within the cartridges, may have an ID tag 28 containing a unique payload identifier that identifies the particular tablet. The cartridges 900, 1000, and 1100 may also contain sensors that measure the operating conditions of the cartridges. For example, cartridges 900, 1000, and 1100 may include an integrated temperature control system that regulates the temperature of a heating element as described below in connection with e-vaping device 4200 and a capacitive vapor measurement system as described below in connection with e-vaping device 3100. The conductive plates of the capacitive vapor measurement system (such as conductive plates 3114 and 3116 shown in fig. 31) may be positioned anywhere between the heating element and the outlet of the cartridge. For example, the conductive plate may be positioned in the mixing chamber 938 or tube 924 of the cartridge 900, the tube 1028 of the cartridge 1000, or the tube 1122 of the cartridge 1100. Data from the sensor may be transmitted to the control accessory via a threaded connector operating in accordance with a two-wire communication system described below in connection with the e-vaping device 4000 such that power is also provided to the cartridge via the threaded connector.

The tablet storage and dispensing apparatus 1800 shown in fig. 18 may be used to facilitate easier tablet transport and/or loading of tablets into a cartridge or e-vaping device. The tablet storage and dispensing apparatus 1800 includes a sidewall 1802 surrounding an internal cavity 1804. An end wall 1806 is coupled to one end of the side wall 1802 and an opening 1808 is at the other end of the side wall 1802. A plurality of tablets 1810 are positioned within the internal cavity 1804. The tablets 1810 may be preloaded at the time of manufacture or loaded by the end user. Spring 1812 engages end wall 1806 and tab 1810 to force tab 1810 upward toward opening 1808. The retention device 1814 engages the uppermost tablet 1810 and positions it with a slightly upwardly angled edge to facilitate grasping by a user or by a loading mechanism on an electronic vaping device or cartridge engaged by the tablet storage and dispensing device 1800. The tablet storage and dispensing apparatus 1800 may be designed for single use or it may be reusable. The tablet storage and dispensing device 1800 may be loaded into or engaged with an electronic vaping device or cartridge to enable a user to use the electronic vaping device with multiple tablets without having to load each tablet individually into the electronic vaping device. A mechanism may be incorporated into the tablet storage and dispensing device 1800 or electronic vaping device to expel waste from an exhausted tablet while or before loading the next tablet.

Any of the tablets described above and shown herein may be formed from a dry material that is milled (mil) or ground and then compressed in a specially designed tablet press. In one aspect, the dry material is milled using a Comil cone mill model 194, manufactured by Quadro Engineering corp, luo, ontario, canada. The dry material may be milled to have an average particle size of <1000 mesh. The dry material may be milled such that > 95% of the particle size of the milled dry material is between 100 μm and 200 μm.

The dried material can be milled at a temperature of less than 0 deg.C, less than-5 deg.C, less than-10 deg.C, less than-15 deg.C, less than-20 deg.C, less than-2 deg.C, less than-30 deg.C, less than-35 deg.C, less than-40 deg.C, less than-45 deg.C, less than-50 deg.C, less than-55 deg.C, less than-60 deg.C, less than-65 deg.C, less than-70 deg.C, less than-75 deg.C.

The following table identifies the variables and results of six dry material milling tests. The dry material used in the tablets disclosed herein may be milled according to any of the variables identified below.

A tablet press for forming tablets from milled dry material may use less than 10 tons of pressure to form the tablets. The tablet press may be an NP400 rotary tablet press manufactured by natio Engineering of saint charles, missouri. The tablets may be compressed into any shape, including, but not limited to, cylindrical shapes, which may have a circular or elliptical cross-section, or toroidal shapes, for example.

The dried material can be compressed to its final tablet shape at a temperature of less than 0 deg.C, less than-5 deg.C, less than-10 deg.C, less than-15 deg.C, less than-20 deg.C, less than-25 deg.C, less than-30 deg.C, less than-35 deg.C, less than-40 deg.C, less than-45 deg.C, less than-50 deg.C, less than-55 deg.C, less than-60 deg.C, less than-65 deg.C, less than-70 deg.C, less than-75 deg.C.

Fluid smoke cartridge

Other aspects of the invention described herein include cartridges and e-vapor devices designed to vaporize a payload comprising a fluid and an oil for inhalation, and preferably cartridges and e-vapor devices designed to vaporize a viscous oil for inhalation of a vapor stream. A cartridge is an improvement over the commonly used cartridges in the private tobacco vaporizer market, the vaporizer cartridge (or cartomizer) having a two-conductor electromechanical connector (commonly referred to as a 510-thread connector). The cartridge techniques described herein may also be incorporated into a self-contained electronic vaping device (e.g., a piece of disposable electronic vaping device or a piece of refillable and rechargeable electronic vaping device, such as e-vaping device 2800 described below).

The cartridges described herein are designed for use with highly viscous oils. The cartridges described herein are also configured to prevent oil leakage from contaminating areas where the cartridges are attached to a control accessory that includes a battery and a control unit.

One embodiment of a cartridge for an electronic vaping device in accordance with the invention described herein is generally identified as 1900 in figure 19A. The cartridge 1900 includes a first section 1902 (fig. 19D) and a second section 1904 that removably engages the first section 1902 via threads as described below. The first and second sections 1902, 1904 combine to form an outer shell 1906 of the cartridge 1900. Referring to fig. 19B, the atomizer 1908, deflectors 1910 and 1912, and power connector 1914 are positioned within the housing 1906.

Housing 1906 has a first end 1916 and a second end 1918. The longitudinal axis of housing 1906 extends from first end 1916 to second end 1918. At the second end 1918, the housing 1906 includes a threaded connector 1920 configured to couple the housing 1906 to a control accessory (such as the control accessory 14 described above and shown in fig. 1). The threaded connector 1920 may be a 510 threaded connector. Further, the threaded connector 1920 may be configured to operate in accordance with the two-wire communication system described below in connection with the e-vaping device 4000. The housing 1906 includes an outer sidewall 1922 and an inner sidewall 1924 spaced apart from the outer sidewall 1922. The outer sidewall 1922 includes a first section 1922a as part of the first section 1902 of the housing 1906 and a second section 1922b as part of the second section 1904. When the first and second sections 1902, 1904 of the housing 1906 are joined together, a seal 1926 seals between the first and second sections 1922a, 1922b of the outer sidewall 1922 to prevent leakage of the fluid payload from the cartridge 1900. The first section 1922a is preferably formed of a transparent material, such as glass or polymer. For example, the first section 1922a may be formed of a heat-resistant glass (such as borosilicate glass, glass ceramic, synthetic sapphire, or quartz). First section 1922a may also be nested in a metal sleeve positioned on the outer surface of outer sidewall 1922.

Housing 1906 includes a first end wall 1928 at first end 1916 and a second end wall 1930 at second end 1918. First end wall 1928 is preferably integrally formed with second section 1922b of outer side wall 1922 to form a generally cylindrical suction nozzle 1929 (fig. 19C). The second end wall 1930 is the portion of the end cap 1932 that includes a cylindrical tube 1934 that extends into a portion of the first section 1922a of the outer side wall 1922. Seals 1936 a-1936 b are positioned between cylindrical tube 1934 and outer sidewall 1922 to prevent leakage of fluid payload from cartridge 1900. The threaded connector 1920 extends outwardly from the second end wall 1930 away from the remainder of the cartridge 1900. The power connector 1914 extends through a central opening 1938 and a second end wall 1930 in the threaded connector 1920. A seal 1940a is positioned between the power connector 1914 and the end cap 1932 to prevent leakage of the fluid payload from the cartridge 1900. Threads 1942 are formed on an interior surface of cylindrical tube 1934 to removably join first section 1902 and second section 1904 of cartridge 1900. The cylindrical tube 1934 along with a portion of the second section 1904 form a portion of an interior sidewall 1924 of the cartridge 1900, as described below.

Second section 1904 includes a suction nozzle 1929 and a central post 1944 coupled to an end wall 1946 of suction nozzle 1929 and extending away from end wall 1946 in a direction opposite first end 1916. Central post 1944 may be coupled to suction nozzle 1929 in any suitable manner, including threaded or press-fit connections, or central post 1944 may be integrally formed with suction nozzle 1929. Central post 1944 is a generally cylindrical tube that includes external threads 1948 at an end of central post 1944 opposite suction nozzle 1929. Threads 1948 on central post 1944 are configured to removably engage threads 1942 on cylindrical tube 1934 for joining first and second sections 1902, 1904 of cartridge 1900. The cartridge 1900 is formed in a first section 1902 and a second section 1904 to allow refilling and cleaning of the cartridge 1900. The central post 1944 together with the cylindrical tube 1934 form an interior sidewall 1924 of the cartridge 1900. The central post 1944 includes an enlarged diameter portion 1944a (fig. 19D) that includes the atomizer 1908 and the deflector 1910 near the second end 1918 of the cartridge 1900 and a reduced diameter portion 1944b that extends from the mouthpiece 1929. Because the atomizer 1908 and the deflector 1910 do not fit within the reduced diameter portion 1944b, the reduced diameter portion 1944b holds the atomizer 1908 and the deflector 1910 in place within the central column 1944.

Power connector 1950 is partially inserted into the end of central post 1944 adjacent atomizer 1908. A seal 1940b seals between power connector 1950 and central post 1944 to prevent fluid payload leakage. Power connector 1950 and nebulizer 1908 are electrically coupled to provide power to nebulizer 1908. When the first and second sections 1902, 1904 of the cartridge 1900 are joined together, the power connector 1950 is also electrically connected with the power connector 1914. The power connector 1914 receives power from the control accessory when the threaded connector 1920 couples the cartridge 1900 to the control accessory.

The housing 1906 defines a payload reservoir 1952 (fig. 19A) positioned between an outer sidewall 1922 and an inner sidewall 1924. Payload reservoir 1952 preferably contains a fluid payload that may contain a substance (such as nicotine) for evaporation and inhalation by a user. Payload reservoir 1952 may also include propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, or vegetable glycerin. When the first section 1902 is separated from the second section 1904 (fig. 19D), the payload reservoir 1952 is accessible for refilling. To refill the cartridge 1900, a fluid payload may be injected into the first section 1902 and then the second section 1904 may be threadably coupled with the first section 1902. Seals 1926, 1936a, 1936b, 1940a, and 1940b prevent fluid payload from leaking out of the cartridge 1900.

Referring to fig. 19B, the housing 1906 defines an air flow chamber 1953 that extends through a suction nozzle 1929 and a center post 1944. A divider 1954 is positioned within the air flow chamber 1953 to divide the air flow chamber 1953 into an inlet flow chamber 1956 and an outlet flow chamber 1958. Divider 1954 is a cylindrical tube positioned within central column 1944 and spaced from an interior surface of central column 1944 to form inlet flow chamber 1956. The inlet flow chamber 1956 is concentric with the outlet flow chamber 1958.

The inlet 1960 is positioned adjacent the first end 1916 of the cartridge 1900 and the outlet 1962 is positioned adjacent the first end 1916 of the cartridge 1900. The air flow chamber 1953 is positioned between the inlet 1960 and the outlet 1962 such that air entering the inlet 1960 travels through the air flow chamber 1953 to the outlet 1962. The inlet 1960 is comprised of two apertures that extend through the exterior side walls 1922 of the suction nozzle 1929. The inlet 1960 is in fluid communication with the inlet flow chamber 1956. The divider 1954 engages the interior surface of the mouthpiece adjacent the inlet 1960 to seal the inlet flow chamber 1956 from the outlet flow chamber 1958. The outlet 1962 is an opening formed in the first end wall 1928 and is in fluid communication with the outlet flow chamber 1958 through the center of the divider 1954.

Fig. 20 shows a schematic of the flow of air within the cartridge 1900 from the inlet 1960 to the outlet 1962. When the user inserts the mouthpiece 1929 into his or her mouth and draws air through the outlet 1962, fresh air outside of the cartridge 1900 enters the inlet 1960 and travels through the inlet flow chamber 1956 toward the atomizer 1908. The divider 1954 is spaced apart from the first end 1964 of the atomizer 1908 to place the inlet flow chamber 1956 in fluid communication with an outlet flow chamber 1958 in the space between the divider 1954 and the atomizer 1908 adjacent the first end 1964 of the atomizer 1908. Air from the inlet flow chamber 1956 combines with the vaporized payload from the atomizer 1908 and enters the outlet flow chamber 1958. Air and vaporized payload are drawn through outlet flow chamber 1958 through outlet 1962 into the user's mouth. The inlet air through the inlet flow chamber 1956 may cool the vaporized payload and air flowing through the outlet flow chamber 1958 to prevent burning of the user's mouth or lips. Alternatively, the cartridge 1900 may be formed with an air flow path as shown in fig. 23A and described below.

Inner side wall 1924 is positioned around atomizer 1908 and at least a portion of air flow chamber 1953 (including inlet flow chamber 1956 and outlet flow chamber 1958). A plurality of openings 1966 are formed in the inner sidewall 1924 adjacent the atomizer 1908 to place the atomizer 1908 in fluid communication with the payload reservoir 1952. Referring to fig. 19A, each of the openings 1966 is an elongated slot that extends in a direction aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing 1906 that extends from the first end 1916 to the second end 1918. The openings 1966 are approximately equally spaced from each other about the circumference of the inner sidewall 1924. Any suitable number of openings 1966 may be formed in the inner sidewall 1924. For example, there may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 openings 1966. The opening 1966 is a rectangular slot with rounded vertices. Each of the openings 1966 is defined by a pair of linear side edges 1968 a-1968 b that are spaced apart from each other and a pair of rounded end edges 1970 a-1970 b that are each positioned at one end of the opening 1966. The linear side edges 1968a through 1968b extend in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing 1906. The end edge 1970b is positioned adjacent to the cylindrical tube 1934 of the end cap 1932. The end edge 1970b is positioned directly adjacent to the cylindrical tube 1934 and abuts the cylindrical tube 1934 such that when the cartridge 1900 is oriented with the first end 1916 facing upward and the second end 1918 facing downward, a payload within the payload reservoir 1952 is still in fluid communication with the opening 1966 even when very little payload remains in the payload reservoir 1952. Further, when the cartridge 1900 is oriented such that the first end 1916 faces upward and the second end 1918 faces downward, the opening 1966 may be configured to be at the bottom of the payload receptacle 1952. The linear side edges 1968 a-1968 b and the rounded end edges 1970 a-1970 b (comprising surfaces surrounding the opening 1966 and extending radially from the side edges 1968 a-1968 b, 1970 a-1970 b to the atomizer 1908) are coated with an oleophobic, hydrophobic, hydrophilic, or low surface energy coating to facilitate payload flow within the payload reservoir 1952 through the opening 1966. Further, the linear side edges 1968 a-1968 b and the rounded end edges 1970 a-1970 b (including surfaces surrounding the opening 1966 and extending radially from the side edges 1968 a-1968 b, the end edges 1970 a-1970 b to the atomizer 1908) may be micropatterned to facilitate payload flow through the opening 1966. The micropattern may include lands and/or pits.

The opening 1966 is preferably sized and configured to prevent air bubbles from blocking the opening 1966 and to prevent the fluid payload from flowing into the atomizer 1908. If a bubble forms in any of the openings 1966, the shape of the opening allows any bubble to pass upwardly through the (channel up) elongate slot and release to unblock the opening. The inclusion of openings 1966 spaced circumferentially (circumferentially) around the inner sidewall 1924 allows a fluid payload within the payload reservoir 1952 to contact the atomizer 1908 through the openings 1966 regardless of how the cartridges 1900 are rotationally oriented about their longitudinal axes (i.e., one of the openings 1966 will always be at or near the bottom of the cartridge 1900 regardless of how the cartridge 1900 rotates).

Preferably, the openings 1966 are all the same size and shape; however, it is within the scope of the present invention for the opening 1966 to have a different size and shape. In alternative embodiments, the opening 1966 may be oval shaped (oval shaped). Further, the end edges 1970 a-1970 b may be linear such that the opening 1966 is rectangular. The opening 1966 may additionally be any type of suitable shape (such as triangular or square). In alternative embodiments, the opening 1966 may be elongated around the circumference of the housing 1906 such that the side edges 1968 a-1968 b are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing 1906.

The opening 1966 may have the same shape on the outer surface of the inner side wall 1924 as on the inner surface of the inner side wall 1924 that abuts the atomizer 1908. Alternatively, the size of openings 1966 may gradually expand or decrease as they move from the outer surface of inner sidewall 1924 to the inner surface of inner sidewall 1924. The openings 1966 may be equally spaced from each other so they are symmetrically distributed about the inner sidewall 1924. Alternatively, openings 1966 may be asymmetrically distributed about inner sidewall 1924 with different distances between adjacent openings 1966. Each of the openings 1966 may be filled with a wicking filler (e.g., porous ceramic, metal mesh, metal fiber, glass fiber, porous or sintered plastic, or porous or sintered metal).

In one aspect, each of the openings 1966 can have a width of about 0.25mm²、0.5mm²、1.0mm²、1.5mm²、2mm²、3mm²、4mm²、5mm²、6mm²、7mm²、8mm²、9mm²、10mm²、11mm²、12mm²、13mm²、14mm²、15mm²、16mm²、17mm²、18mm²、19mm²、20mm²、21mm²、22mm²、23mm²、24mm²Or 25mm²Surface area of (a).

In one aspect, the aspect ratio of the length (i.e., the distance between the end edges 1970 a-1970 b) to the width (i.e., the distance between the side edges 1968 a-1968 b) of one or more of the openings 1966 may be about 1.1: 1. 1.2: 1. 1.3: 1. 1.4: 1. 1.5: 1. 1.6: 1. 1.7: 1. 1.8: 1. 1.9: 1. 2: 1. 2.1: 1. 2.2: 1. 2.3: 1. 2.4: 1. 2.5: 1. 2.6: 1. 2.7: 1. 2.8: 1. 2.9: 1. 3: 1. 3.2: 1. 3.4: 1. 3.6: 1. 3.8: 1. 4: 1. 4.2: 1. 4.4: 1. 4.6: 1. 4.8: 1 or 5: 1.

The atomizer 1908 is positioned within the housing 1906 adjacent the second end 1918 of the housing 1906. Atomizer 1908 is in fluid communication with both payload reservoir 1952 and air flow chamber 1953, as described above. Atomizer 1908 is a substantially cylindrical tube comprising an outer sidewall 1972 and an inner sidewall 1974 that defines a cylindrical atomizer chamber 1976. Atomizer 1908 has a first end 1964 facing first end 1916 of housing 1906 and a second end 1978 facing second end 1918 of housing 1906.

Atomizer 1908 is preferably made of a porous ceramic material (e.g., a non-fibrous material, such as a japanese alumina ceramic or a black porous ceramic (such as Al) surrounding a heating element positioned between outer sidewall 1972 and inner sidewall 1974₂O₃Or black Al₂O₃) ) is formed. AddingThe thermal element is electrically connected to power connector 1950. The heating element may be a coil enclosed with a porous ceramic material. The heating element may be a resistive or inductive heating element, and may comprise SS316L surgical stainless steel or titanium alloy. In one embodiment, the heating element has an electrical resistance of less than 2 ohms, less than 1.5 ohms, less than 1.3 ohms, or less than 1 ohm. In one embodiment, the heating element and atomizer 1908 do not comprise nichrome or chromium aluminum cobalt heat resistant steel. The heating element may also be applied to the inner sidewall 1974 of the atomizer 1908. Outer sidewall 1972 is coated with an oleophobic, hydrophobic, hydrophilic, or low surface energy coating to facilitate payload flow through opening 1966. Outer sidewall 1972 may also be micropatterned to facilitate payload flow through opening 1966. The micropattern may include lands and/or pits.

The payload within payload receptacle 1952 contacts outer sidewall 1972 through opening 1966. The payload travels through the porous atomizer 1908 from the outer sidewall 1972 to the atomizer chamber 1976. The heating element heats and vaporizes the payload as it passes through the atomizer 1908 to the atomizer chamber 1976. The vaporized payload within the atomizer chamber 1976 is drawn into the outlet flow chamber 1958 where it mixes with air from the inlet flow chamber 1956 (as described above).

Deflectors 1910 and 1912 are positioned in the air flow chamber 1953 between the atomizer 1908 and the outlet 1962 for the purpose of preventing unevaporated fluid payload from leaking out of the cartridge 1900. The deflector 1910 includes a sidewall 1980 having a cylindrical portion positioned within an atomizer chamber 1976. The sidewall 1980 defines a hollow deflector chamber 1982. The end of the sidewall 1980 facing the first end 1916 of the housing 1906 flares (flare) outward into a section 1980a of the sidewall 1980 having a diameter greater than the cylindrical portion of the sidewall 1980. Flared section 1980a is shaped as a truncated cone (truncated cone) and is positioned outside of atomizer chamber 1976. The frustoconical shape of section 1980a expands in diameter as it extends away from the cylindrical portion of sidewall 1980 toward first end 1916.

In one aspect, the largest diameter portion at the end of the deployed section 1980a has a diameter of about 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2 times the diameter of the cylindrical portion of the deflector 1910. In one aspect, the length of the deployed section 1980a (i.e., the distance from the cylindrical portion of the sidewall 1980 to the end of the deflector 1910) is about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5 times the length of the cylindrical portion of the deflector 1910.

The deflector 1910 is perforated with a plurality of holes. Each of the holes may have a diameter of between about 0.1mm to about 0.5mm, between about 0.5mm to about 1mm, between about 1mm to about 2mm, or between about 2mm to about 5 mm. In one aspect, each of the holes may have a diameter of about 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1.0mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm, 1.3mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, or 2.0 mm.

The deflector 1910 may also be formed from a hollow cylindrical mesh containing a plurality of openings. In one aspect, the longest distance across each of the openings of the hollow cylindrical mesh may be from about 0.1mm to about 0.5mm, from about 0.5mm to about 1mm, from about 1mm to about 2mm, or from about 2mm to about 5 mm. In one aspect, the longest distance across each of the openings can be about 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1.0mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm, 1.3mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, or 2.0 mm.

The deflector 1912 is positioned downstream of the deflector 1910, within the outlet flow chamber 1958, proximate to the outlet 1962. The deflector 1912 is a generally flat, perforated disk having a plurality of holes formed therein that allow air to flow through the deflector 1912. Each of the deflectors 1910 and 1912 may include an oleophobic coating, a hydrophobic coating, a hydrophilic coating, or a low surface energy coating. The deflectors 1910 and 1912 may include micro-patterned surfaces configured to be hydrophobic and/or oleophobic. The deflectors 1910 and 1912 are optional and may be omitted from the cartridge 1900. Further, the cartridge 1900 may contain one of the deflectors 1910 or 1912 but not the other.

In one aspect, each of the holes of the deflector 1912 can have a diameter of between about 0.1mm to about 0.5mm, between about 0.5mm to about 1mm, between about 1mm to about 2mm, or between about 2mm to about 5 mm. In one aspect, each of the holes of the deflector 1912 can have a diameter of about 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1.0mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm, 1.3mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, or 2.0 mm.

The deflector 1912 may be formed of a mesh or screen. In one aspect, the longest distance across each of the openings of the mesh may be from about 0.1mm to about 0.5mm, about 0.5mm to about 1mm, about 1mm to about 2mm, or about 2mm to about 5 mm. In one aspect, the longest distance across each of the openings can be about 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1.0mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm, 1.3mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, or 2.0 mm.

The deflectors 1910 and 1912 preferably capture or deflect the unevaporated fluid payload within the outlet flow chamber 1958 to prevent the heated fluid payload from entering the user's mouth through the outlet 1962. Deflectors 1910 and 1912 may inhibit any unevaporated payload egress outlet 1962 by limiting droplet accumulation with a micro-patterned surface configured to be hydrophobic and/or oleophobic. In another embodiment, inhibiting the droplets from exiting the outlet 1962 includes trapping the droplets on a micropatterned surface. The deflectors 1910 and 1912 may be positioned anywhere between the atomizer 1908 and the outlet 1962. The deflectors 1910 and 1912 may be made of a metal or metal alloy, such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, or another metal or metal alloy. Preferably, the deflectors 1910 and 1912 are made of SS316L surgical grade stainless steel or titanium alloy. Alternatively, the deflectors 1910 and 1912 may be made of suitable polymeric materials having heat resistance sufficient to maintain their shape and not remove volatiles at the typical operating temperatures of the cartridge 1900.

In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 1929, the end cap 1932, and the center post 1944 of the cartridge 1900 may be made of a metal or metal alloy (such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, or another metal or metal alloy).

The cartridge 1900 may also include a valve that adjusts the size of the opening 1966 that places the payload reservoir 1952 in fluid communication with the atomizer 1908. For example, the valve may be a rotating sleeve positioned between the atomizer 1908 and the inner sidewall 1924. The rotating sleeve may have a plurality of spaced apart openings similar to the openings 1966 in the inner sidewall 1924. The rotating sleeve is rotatable to: a fully open position, wherein the opening in the swivel sleeve is aligned with opening 1966; a plurality of partially open positions in which the openings in the rotating sleeve are partially aligned with the openings 1966 and the solid portion of the rotating sleeve blocks fluid flow through the portion of the openings; or a closed position in which the openings in the rotating sleeve are not aligned with the openings 1966 and the solid portion of the rotating sleeve completely blocks the openings 1966.

Fig. 21-23D show a portion of an alternative embodiment of a cartridge 2100, the cartridge 2100 being similar to the cartridge 1900 except that the cartridge 2100 has an inlet flow chamber 2102 that extends through a channel 2104 in a nebulizer 2106. Because the cartridge 2100 is similar to the cartridge 1900, only the differences between the cartridge 2100 and the cartridge 1900 are described in detail herein. Referring to fig. 22, cartridge 2100 has a divider 2108 that separates an air flow chamber 2110 within interior side walls 2112 into an inlet flow chamber 2102 and an outlet flow chamber 2114. Air enters the inlet flow chamber 2102 through an inlet in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the cartridge 1900. The divider 2108 abuts the atomizer 2106 such that air within the inlet flow chamber 2102 is directed through the channel 2104 in the atomizer 2106. The atomizer 2106 includes a first end 2116 facing a first end 2117 of the cartridge 2100 and a second end 2118 facing a second end 2119 of the cartridge 2100. Atomizer 2106 includes an outer sidewall 2120 and an inner sidewall 2122. Channel 2104 is positioned between outer sidewall 2120 and inner sidewall 2122 and extends through atomizer 2106 from first end 2116 to second end 2118. The channel 2104 forms part of an inlet flow chamber 2102 that extends through the cartridge 2100, such that the inlet flow chamber 2102 extends from the inlet through a first end 2116 of the nebulizer 2106 to a second end 2118 of the nebulizer 2106.

An inner side wall 2122 of the atomizer 2106 defines an atomizer chamber 2124. As shown in fig. 23B, a recess 2126 is formed in the second end 2118 of the nebulizer 2106 to place the channel 2104, and thus the inlet flow chamber 2102 is in fluid communication with the nebulizer chamber 2124 adjacent the second end 2118 of the nebulizer 2106. Nebulizer chamber 2124 is in fluid communication with outlet flow chamber 2114 adjacent first end 2116 of nebulizer 2106, as shown in fig. 22. An elongated slot 2128 (fig. 21) formed in the inner side wall 2112 is preferably circumferentially offset from the channel 2104 through the atomizer 2106 to allow a fluid payload from the payload reservoir 2130 to more easily pass through the atomizer 2106 into the atomizer chamber 2124 and to prevent the fluid payload from entering the channel 2104. The surface of the atomizer 2106 surrounding the channel 2104 may also be formed of, coated with, or covered with a non-porous material to prevent fluid payload in the payload reservoir 2130 from entering the channel 2104. For example, while the atomizer 2106 may be formed of a porous material (such as a porous ceramic), the surface surrounding the channel 2104 may be coated or glazed with a non-porous material, covered with a sheet of non-porous material, or heat treated to render the surface non-porous.

The interior side walls 2112 are positioned within the housing 2132 to define a payload receptacle 2130 between the interior side walls 2112 and the housing 2132. A seal or gasket 2134 is positioned between the inner side walls 2112 and the end wall 2136 of the housing 2132 to prevent leakage of the fluid payload out of the payload reservoir 2130 and to prevent air from entering the cartridge 2100. Medial wall 2112 can be joined to end wall 2136. For example, medial side wall 2112 can be bonded to end wall 2136 by fusing, forging, or gluing medial side wall 2112 to end wall 2136. Seals 2134 may also be eliminated if inner sidewall 2112 and end wall 2136 are joined in a manner that prevents fluid payload from leaking between inner sidewall 2112 and end wall 2136. Alternatively, as with the cartridge 1900 described above, the medial sidewall 2112 may be part of a central post removably screwed into the end cap. The elongated slot 2128 may extend to the end wall 2136 such that when the cartridge 2100 is oriented such that the first end 2117 is positioned above the second end 2119 and very little fluid payload remains in the cartridge 2100, the fluid payload is in communication with the elongated slot 2128.

In an alternative embodiment, the channel 2104 of the cartridge 2100 may be positioned between the atomizer 2106 and the inner sidewall 2112. For example, a plurality of circumferentially spaced recesses may be formed in outer side wall 2120 of atomizer 2106 to form channels between atomizer 2106 and inner side wall 2112. The recess is preferably circumferentially offset from the elongated slot 2128 that places the payload reservoir 2130 in fluid communication with the atomizer 2106. The surface surrounding the recess may be formed of, coated with, or covered with a non-porous material to prevent fluid payload in the payload reservoir 2130 from entering the channel.

Extending the inlet flow chamber 2102 through or adjacent to the atomizer 2106 improves the performance of the cartridge 2100. As the inlet air flows through or adjacent to the atomizer 2106, the atomizer 2106 preheats the inlet air, which allows the concentration of the vaporized payload to be more easily optimized with respect to the wattage of the heating element supplied to the atomizer 2106. Preheating the inlet air also allows for a more uniform temperature distribution that prevents undesirable pyrolysis of the payload as it is vaporized. In another aspect, the inlet air may cool the vaporized payload and air flowing through the outlet flow chamber 2114 to prevent burning of the user's mouth or lips.

In one embodiment, the ceramic material of the atomizer 2106 may be replaced with sintered metal or high heat resistant plastic. Divider 2108, inner side walls 2112, and outer shell 2132 can be formed of metal, plastic, wood, composite, or ceramic. The cartridge 2100 may include deflectors 1910 and 1912 (described above), where the deflector 1910 is modified to remove the deployed section 1980a so that the divider 2108 may abut the atomizer 2106.

The cartridge 2100 may have a rotary sleeve valve structured similar to the rotary sleeve valve described above for cartridge 1900 to regulate fluid flow through the elongate slot 2128.

Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of a cartridge 2400 having an air flow path different from that of cartridges 1900 and 2100. The air flow path of the cartridge 2400 may be used in the cartridge 1900 along with the elongated slot opening 1966 and the deflectors 1910 and 1912. The cartridge 2400 has a first end 2402 and a second end 2404. The inlet 2406 is adjacent the second end 2404 of the cartridge 2400 and the outlet 2408 is adjacent the first end 2402. An inlet flow chamber 2410 extends from the inlet 2406 to the atomizer 2412 and the atomizer chamber 2414. An outlet flow chamber 2416 extends from the atomizer chamber 2414 to the outlet 2408. As the user draws air through the mouthpiece adjacent the outlet 2408, the air enters the inlet 2406, the air mixes with the vaporized payload within the atomizer chamber 2414, and the air and vaporized payload exit the outlet 2408.

Any of cartridges 1900, 2100, and 2400 described above may be integrally formed with a control accessory (e.g., control accessory 14) to form an electronic vaping device operable to provide power to nebulizers 1908, 2106, and 2412 by supplying a controlled current or voltage to the nebulizers according to the needs of a user. Cartridges 1900, 2100, and 2400 may also be screwed into the control fitting using threaded connectors 1920 as shown or may have clips or some other structure that joins them to the control fitting. The control accessory 14 is configured such that the cartridges 1900, 2100, and 2400 provide vapor through the outlets by supplying a controlled current or voltage to the nebulizers 1908, 2106, or 2412 in response to user input, as described above. The threaded connector 1920 is preferably a 510 threaded connector that allows cartridges 1900, 2100, and 2400 to be used with a compatible 510 threaded control sub-assembly or e-vapor device. Any of the cartridges 1900, 2100, and 2400 may be operable to vaporize a fluid payload within a payload reservoir according to the methods described above for the electronic vaping devices 10 and 100 and the electronic vaping device system 102, including according to the systems and methods for optimizing vaporization described above. The cartridges 1900, 2100, and 2400 may have an ID tag 28 containing a unique payload identifier that identifies the cartridges 1900, 2100, and 2400. Cartridges 1900, 2100, and 2400 may also contain sensors that measure the operating conditions of the cartridges. For example, cartridges 1900, 2100, and 2400 may include an integrated temperature control system that adjusts the temperature of the nebulizer described below in connection with e-vaping device 4200 and a capacitive vapor measurement system described below in connection with e-vaping device 3100. The conductive plates of the capacitive vapor measurement system (such as conductive plates 3114 and 3116 shown in fig. 31) may be positioned anywhere between the atomizer and the outlet of the cartridge. For example, the conductive plate may be positioned in the outlet flow chamber 1958 of the cartridge 1900, in the outlet flow chamber 2114 of the cartridge 2100, or in the outlet flow chamber 2416 of the cartridge 2400. Data from the sensor may be transmitted to the control accessory via a threaded connector operating in accordance with a two-wire communication system described below in connection with the e-vaping device 4000 such that power is also provided to the cartridge via the threaded connector.

Cartridge with pressurized fluid reservoir

In addition to the cartridges 1900, 2100, and 2400 described above, another aspect of the invention described herein with respect to a cartridge for use with a fluid payload is a cartridge that pressurizes the fluid payload within a payload reservoir. Pressurizing the fluid payload allows the fluid payload to reliably flow into the atomizer without forming air bubbles in the opening or channel between the payload reservoir and the atomizer. This is particularly advantageous when the fluid payload is a highly viscous oil or fluid. Furthermore, pressurizing the fluid payload ensures that substantially all of the fluid payload is available for evaporation and that no substantial amount of fluid payload remains in the payload reservoir after use.

One embodiment of a cartridge having a pressurized fluid reservoir is generally identified as 2500 in figure 25A. The cartridge 2500 includes a housing 2502, a nebulizer 2504 (fig. 25B), a pressurizer 2506, a blocker 2508, a dose ring 2510, and a spring 2512. The atomizer 2504, pressure applicator 2506, stop 2508, and spring 2512 are positioned within an internal chamber 2513 defined by the housing 2502. The spring 2512 biases the pressurizer 2506 toward the payload reservoir 2514 of the housing 2502 to apply pressure to the fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2514, which forces the fluid payload into contact with the atomizer 2504. The dosing ring 2510 threadably engages the stopper 2508 and allows a user to move the stopper 2508 to adjust the amount of fluid payload forced into contact with the nebulizer 2504. Payload reservoir 2514 preferably contains a fluid payload comprising nicotine for vaporization and inhalation by the user. Payload reservoir 2514 can also contain propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, or vegetable glycerin.

As shown in fig. 25A, housing 2502 includes a mouthpiece 2516, an end cap 2518, and a cylindrical tube 2520 coupled to end cap 2518. The dose ring 2510 is positioned between the cylindrical tube 2520 and the mouthpiece 2516 in a manner that allows the dose ring 2510 to rotate and is coupled to the cylindrical tube 2520 and the mouthpiece 2516. End cap 2518 forms a first end wall 2522 of housing 2502 and mouthpiece 2516 forms a second end wall 2524. The outer sidewall 2526 is formed by the combination of a cylindrical tube 2520 and a mouthpiece 2516. End cap 2518 includes a threaded connector 2528 configured to couple housing 2502 to a control fitting, such as control fitting 14 described above and shown in fig. 1. Inlet 2530 is formed in exterior sidewall 2526 adjacent second end wall 2524, and outlet 2532 is formed in second end wall 2524. Inlet 2530 preferably includes a plurality of apertures extending through outer sidewall 2526 into chamber 2533 of housing 2502. The end cap 2518 may be permanently coupled to the cylindrical tube 2520 or removably coupled to the cylindrical tube 2520 for refilling the payload reservoir 2514.

The pressurizer 2506 includes a circular pressure plate 2534, a cylindrical tube 2536 coupled to the pressure plate 2534 and extending from the pressure plate 2534 toward the second end wall 2524, and a flange 2538 coupled to an end of the tube 2536 and extending generally perpendicularly outward from the tube 2536. The pressure plate 2534 has a first side 2534a positioned adjacent the payload receptacle 2514 and a second side 2534b positioned adjacent the atomizer 2504. Payload receptacle 2514 is positioned between pressure plate 2534, outer sidewall 2526 and first end wall 2522 and is defined by pressure plate 2534, outer sidewall 2526 and first end wall 2522. An outer peripheral edge of pressure plate 2534 sealingly engages outer sidewall 2526. Pressurizer 2506 moves within housing 2502 in a direction aligned with a longitudinal axis of housing 2502 (i.e., an axis extending between first end wall 2522 and second end wall 2524). Movement of the pressurizer 2506 within the housing 2502 reduces or expands the size of the payload reservoir 2514.

The pressure plate 2534 includes a central opening 2540 that places the atomizer 2504 in fluid communication with the payload reservoir 2514. Opening 2540 is preferably sized based on the viscosity of the fluid payload contained within payload reservoir 2514, the force applied to pressurizer 2506 by spring 2512, and the desired flow rate of the fluid payload through opening 2540. Tube 2536 extends through the central opening of dosing ring 2510 into chamber 2533 adjacent inlet 2530. A valve may be positioned adjacent the central opening 2540 to adjust the size of the opening 2540 and the amount of fluid that may flow through the opening 2540. For example, valve 2540 may slide to unblock opening 2540, partially block opening 2540, or completely block opening 2540.

Atomizer 2504 is positioned in a pressurizer tube 2536 adjacent to a second side 2534b of pressure plate 2534. Atomizer 2504 preferably comprises a porous ceramic surrounding a heating element. Atomizer 2504 may be formed of any material and may operate in the same manner as described above in connection with atomizer 1908. The atomizer 2504 is cylindrical and contains a central atomizer passage 2542, the central atomizer passage 2542 being aligned with an opening 2540 in the pressure plate 2534 to allow fluid payload to flow from the payload reservoir 2514 through the opening 2540 and into the atomizer passage 2542.

Divider 2544 extends from chamber 2533 into tube 2536. Divider 2544 is a cylindrical tube that divides the chamber 2533 and the inner chamber of tube 2536 into an inlet flow chamber 2546 positioned between the outer surface of divider 2544 and the inner surface of tube 2536 and an outlet flow chamber 2548 positioned within divider 2544. Inlet 2530 is in fluid communication with inlet flow chamber 2546 and outlet 2532 is in fluid communication with outlet flow chamber 2548. The end of the divider 2544 within the tube 2536 is spaced from the atomizer 2504 to place the inlet flow chamber 2546 in fluid communication with the outlet flow chamber 2548 adjacent the atomizer 2504. As a user draws air through outlet 2532, air enters inlet 2530 and travels through inlet flow chamber 2546. The vaporized fluid payload from the atomizer 2504 mixes with air from the inlet flow chamber 2546 and travels through the outlet flow chamber 2548 into the user's mouth for inhalation. Fig. 27 shows a schematic view of the air flow path through the cartridge 2500.

The stopper 2508 is a cylindrical tube positioned around the tube 2536 of the pressurizer 2506. The stopper 2508 is positioned between the flange 2538 and the pressure plate 2534 of the pressurizer 2506. The length of the stopper 2508 is less than the distance between the flange 2538 and the pressure plate 2534, such that the stopper 2508 is movable relative to the pressure applicator 2506 in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing 2502. The outer surface of the stop 2508 is threaded and engages threads on the inner surface of the dose ring 2510. The blocker 2508 engages a portion of the housing 2502 or tube 2536 in a manner that prevents rotational movement of the blocker 2508 about the tube 2536 but allows the blocker 2508 to move in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing 2502.

Dosage ring 2510 includes an outer surface that is substantially aligned with the outer surface of outer sidewall 2526 and an inner surface having threads that engage the threads on stop 2508. Dose ring 2510 can rotate relative to housing 2502.

Spring 2512 is positioned between dose ring 2510 and pressure plate 2534. When the blocker 2508 does not block movement of the pressurizer 2506, the spring 2512 biases the pressure plate 2534 toward the payload receptacle 2514 and the first end wall 2522. The spring 2512 also biases the flange 2538 towards the stop 2508. It is within the scope of the present invention to use other types of biasing mechanisms having the ability to apply force to pressurizer 2506 in place of spring 2512.

When a user desires to use the cartridge 2500 to vaporize a fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2514, the user connects the cartridge 2500 to a control accessory (such as the control accessory 14 described above). The control accessory is operable to provide power to the heating element of the atomizer 2504 according to the operating methods described above for the electronic vaping devices 10 and 100 and the electronic vaping device system 102. Prior to use, the stop 2508 is in a closed position where it engages the flange 2538 to prevent the spring 2512 from moving the pressurizer 2506 toward the payload reservoir 2514. This prevents the pressurizer 2506 from pressurizing the fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2514 to such an extent that the fluid payload will flow through the opening 2540 in the pressure plate 2534. To allow fluid payload to flow through opening 2540, the user rotates the dose ring 2510 in a direction that causes the stop 2508 to move away from engagement with the flange 2538. Alternatively, a motor may be used to rotate the dose ring 2510 and the motor may be controlled manually by the user, or by a processor that sends signals to turn the motor on and off. Because rotational movement of the stop 2508 is blocked, rotation of the dose ring 2510 causes longitudinal movement of the stop 2508 away from the flange 2538. Once the stop 2508 moves away from the flange 2538, the spring 2512 and pressure plate 2534 can apply pressure to the fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2514, causing the fluid payload to move through the opening 2540 in the pressure plate 2534 and into contact with the atomizer 2504.

The dose ring 2510 and housing 2502 preferably contain a dose indicator that corresponds to a specific amount of fluid payload contained within the payload reservoir 2514. For example, the dose indicator may be a line or set of lines on the dose ring 2510 and a line or set of lines on the outer sidewall 2526 adjacent the dose ring 2510. The user may rotate dose ring 2510 such that the line on the dose ring moves from alignment with the first line on outer sidewall 2526 to alignment with the second line on outer sidewall 2526. Dose ring 2510 can also move axially relative to housing 2502 as it rotates. Alternatively, if a first line on dose ring 2510 is aligned with a line on lateral sidewall 2526, the user may rotate dose ring 2510 until a second line on dose ring 2510 is aligned with a line on lateral sidewall 2526. The spacing between adjacent lines on either the dose ring 2510 or the outer sidewall 2526 corresponds to the angle of movement of the dose ring 2510, which corresponds to the longitudinal movement of the stop 2508. The longitudinal movement of the blocker 2508 toward the payload reservoir 2514 corresponds to the reduction in volume of the payload reservoir 2514 and the volume of fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2514 forced through the opening 2540 into the atomizer 2504 for evaporation. Thus, a user can select the volume or dose of fluid payload that the user wants to vaporize using the dose ring 2510 and dose indicators on the housing 2502. Other types of dose indicators may be used with the cartridge 2500 in place of a wire. For example, a detent mechanism (detent mechanism) may be used with spring-loaded balls or pins on dosing ring 2510 or housing 2502 to engage one of a series of holes or recesses on the other of dosing ring 2510 or housing 2502. Using a detent mechanism, tactile or audible feedback can be provided to the user so that the user knows when the dose ring has rotated from one position to the next, where each instance of rotation from one position to the next corresponds to a dose of fluid payload that will be forced through opening 2540.

After selecting a dose with the dose ring 2510, the user causes power to be supplied to the nebulizer 2504 by any method, for example, pressing a button on a control accessory connected to the cartridge 2500, starting to draw air through the outlet 2532, or other methods described above with respect to the electronic vaping devices 10 and 100. As the atomizer 2504 heats the fluid payload, the fluid payload evaporates, mixes with air from the inlet 2530, and is expelled through the outlet 2532 for inhalation. As the fluid payload passes through the opening 2540 and evaporates, the spring 2512 causes the pressurizer 2506 to move toward the payload reservoir 2514, which also causes the flange 2538 of the pressurizer 2506 to move toward the blocker 2508. When the flange 2538 engages the stopper 2508, the pressurizer 2506 is no longer able to move toward the payload reservoir 2514, which causes the fluid payload to stop flowing through the opening 2540 and evaporate. To re-vaporize the fluid payload, the user rotates the dose ring 2510 as described above.

The opening 2540 is preferably sized so that fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2514 does not leak through the opening 2540 when the stopper 2508 engages the flange 2538. The viscosity of the fluid payload in combination with the size of opening 2540 prevents leakage through opening 2540.

A heater may be positioned in the payload reservoir 2514 or adjacent to the payload reservoir 2514 to heat the fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2514 to a temperature that is below the evaporation temperature of the fluid payload but reduces the viscosity of the fluid payload to allow it to flow through the opening 2540 of the pressurizer 2506 in a desired manner.

In alternative embodiments, inlet flow chamber 2546 may extend from inlet 2530 through a passage in pressurizer 2506. The passage may be blocked by the stopper 2508 when the flange 2538 engages the stopper 2508 to prevent a user from drawing air through the cartridge 2500 when the stopper 2508 prevents the spring 2512 and the pressure applicator 2506 from forcing the fluid payload into contact with the atomizer 2504. Blocking airflow from the inlet 2530 and the inlet flow chamber 2546 may prevent a user from heating the atomizer 2504 when the fluid payload is not in contact with the atomizer 2504 for evaporation, which is advantageous because heating the atomizer 2504 may potentially damage the atomizer 2504 if the atomizer 2504 is not in contact with the fluid payload. If the cartridge 2500 has a pressure activated switch that senses a decrease in pressure before activating the atomizer 2504 as described above in connection with the electronic vaping devices 10 and 100, blocking airflow through the inlet flow chamber 2546 will prevent activation of the pressure activated switch and the atomizer 2504.

Another embodiment of a cartridge having a pressurized fluid reservoir is generally identified as 2600 in fig. 26A. The cartridge 2600 includes a housing 2602, a nebulizer 2604 (fig. 26B), a pressurizer 2606, a stopper 2608, a dose ring 2610, and a spring 2612. The atomizer 2604, the pressurizer 2606, the blocker 2608, and the spring 2612 are positioned within an internal chamber 2613 defined by the housing 2602. The spring 2612 biases the pressurizer 2606 toward the payload reservoir 2614 of the housing 2602 to apply pressure to the fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2614, which forces the fluid payload into contact with the atomizer 2604. The dose ring 2610, the pressurizer 2606, and the blocker 2608 allow a user to move the blocker 2608 to adjust the amount of fluid payload forced into contact with the nebulizer 2604, as described below. Payload reservoir 2614 preferably contains a fluid payload that includes nicotine for vaporization and inhalation by the user. Payload reservoir 2614 may also include propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, or vegetable glycerin.

The housing 2602 includes a mouthpiece 2616, an end cap 2618, and a cylindrical tube 2620 coupled to the end cap 2618. The dose ring 2610 is positioned between the cylindrical tube 2620 and the mouthpiece 2616 and is coupled to the cylindrical tube 2620 and the mouthpiece 2616 in a manner that allows the dose ring 2610 to rotate. The end cap 2618 forms a first end wall 2622 of the housing 2602 and the mouthpiece 2616 forms a second end wall 2624. The outer side wall 2626 is formed by a combination of a cylindrical tube 2620 and the suction nozzle 2616. The end cap 2618 may include a threaded connector configured to couple the housing 2602 to a control assembly, such as the control assembly 14 described above and shown in fig. 1. The inlet 2630 is formed in the outer side wall 2626 adjacent the second end wall 2624 and the outlet 2632 is formed in the second end wall 2624. Inlet 2630 preferably includes a plurality of apertures extending through outer side wall 2626. The end cap 2618 may be permanently coupled to the cylindrical tube 2620 or removably coupled to the cylindrical tube 2620 for refilling the payload reservoir 2614.

The center post 2631 is integrally formed with the nozzle 2616 and extends from the nozzle 2616 to a payload reservoir 2614 adjacent the first end wall 2622. The central post 2631 is positioned within an inner chamber 2613 defined by the housing 2602. A channel 2633 extends through central post 2631 and has an opening 2635 adjacent first end wall 2622. The atomizer 2604 is positioned within the passage 2633 at the end of the central post 2631 adjacent the first end wall 2622. The end of the center post 2631 is spaced from the first end wall 2622 such that a fluid payload in the payload reservoir 2614 can flow through the opening 2635 into the atomizer 2604 when the blocker 2608 is spaced from the first end wall 2622. The center post 2631 may also be attached to the first end wall 2622 with, for example, threads or clamps, in which case at least one opening would extend through the center post 2631 to place the atomizer 2604 in fluid communication with the payload reservoir 2614 when the opening is not covered by the blocker 2608.

The pressurizer 2606 includes an annular pressure plate 2634, and a cylindrical tube 2636 coupled to the pressure plate 2634 and extending from the pressure plate 2634 toward the second end wall 2624. The payload reservoir 2614 is positioned between and defined by the pressure plate 2634, the outer sidewall 2626 and the first end wall 2622. An outer peripheral edge of the pressure plate 2634 sealingly engages the outer side wall 2626. The pressurizer 2606 includes a threaded inner surface 2638 that extends through an inner chamber of the pressurizer 2606. Threaded inner surface 2638 engages threaded outer surface 2640 of stop 2608. The pressurizer 2606 moves within the housing 2602 in a direction aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing 2602 (i.e., an axis extending between the first end wall 2622 and the second end wall 2624). Movement of the pressurizer 2606 within the housing 2602 reduces or expands the size of the payload reservoir 2614.

The pressurizer 2606 includes at least one groove (flute)2642 positioned within the recess of the dose ring 2610. The engagement between the grooves 2642 and the recesses of the dose ring 2610 allows the pressurizer 2606 to rotate with rotation of the dose ring 2610 and also allows the pressurizer 2606 to move axially relative to the dose ring 2610 in a direction aligned with the longitudinal direction of the housing 2602. It is within the scope of the present invention to use other types of structures besides grooves and recesses, as long as the presser 2606 is rotationally fixed to the dose ring 2610 and the presser 2606 is axially movable relative to the dose ring 2610.

The atomizer 2604 preferably comprises a porous ceramic surrounding the heating element. The atomizer 2604 can be formed of any material and can operate in the same manner as described above in connection with the atomizer 1908. The atomizer 2604 is cylindrical and includes a central atomizer channel 2643, the central atomizer channel 2643 being in fluid communication with the payload reservoir 2614 to allow the fluid payload to travel from the payload reservoir 2514 into the atomizer channel 2643 when the blocker 2608 is not engaging the first end wall 2622.

Housing 2602 includes dividers 2644 positioned within channels 2633 of central post 2631. The divider 2644 is a cylindrical tube that divides the passage 2633 into an inlet flow chamber 2646 positioned between an outer surface of the divider 2644 and an inner surface of the center post 2631, and an outlet flow chamber 2648 positioned within the divider 2644. The inlet 2630 is in fluid communication with the inlet flow chamber 2646 and the outlet 2632 is in fluid communication with the outlet flow chamber 2648. The end of the divider 2644 within the center post 2631 is spaced from the atomizer 2604 to place the inlet flow chamber 2646 in fluid communication with the outlet flow chamber 2648 adjacent the atomizer 2604. As the user draws air through the outlet 2632, the air enters the inlet 2630 and travels through the inlet flow chamber 2646. The vaporized fluid payload from the nebulizer 2604 mixes with air from the inlet flow chamber 2646 and travels through the outlet flow chamber 2648 into the user's mouth for inhalation.

Blocker 2608 is a cylindrical tube positioned around central post 2631. A portion of blocker 2608 engages outer housing 2602, which may contain central post 2631, such that blocker 2608 cannot rotate about central post 2631, but the engagement allows blocker 2608 to move relative to central post 2631 in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of outer housing 2602. The blocker 2608 is positioned between the first end wall 2622 and an inner wall 2650 of the housing 2602. The length of the blocker 2608 is less than the distance between the first end wall 2622 and the inner wall 2650 such that the blocker 2608 is movable relative to the pressurizer 2606 and the center post 2631 in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing 2602. The outer surface 2640 of the blocker 2608 includes threads that engage threads on the inner surface 2638 of the pressurizer 2606.

The blocker 2608 has an end surface 2652 adjacent the first end wall 2622. The end surface 2652 surrounds a central opening 2654 extending through the stop 2608 (fig. 26C). Central post 2631 is positioned within opening 2654 of blocker 2608. The end surface 2652 is configured to sealingly engage the first end wall 2622, which prevents a fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2614 from flowing through the opening 2654 and into contact with the atomizer 2604 when the spring 2612 forces the blocker 2608 into engagement with the first end wall 2622. When the stopper 2608 is spaced from the first end wall 2622, the fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2614 may flow through the opening 2654 into contact with the atomizer 2604 for evaporation.

The dose ring 2610 includes an outer surface that is generally aligned with the outer surface of the outer sidewall 2626 and an inner surface that engages the pressurizer 2606 in a manner that rotationally secures the pressurizer 2606 to the dose ring 2610 but allows the pressurizer 2606 to move axially relative to the dose ring 2610. The dose ring 2610 can rotate relative to the housing 2602.

The spring 2612 is positioned between the dose ring 2610 and the pressure plate 2634. Spring 2612 biases pressure plate 2634 toward payload reservoir 2614 and first end wall 2622. The spring 2612 also biases the blocker 2608 toward the first end wall 2622 by virtue of the threaded engagement between the blocker 2608 and the pressurizer 2606. It is within the scope of the present invention to use other types of biasing mechanisms having the ability to apply force to the pressurizer 2606 and the blocker 2608 in place of the spring 2612.

When a user desires to use the cartridge 2600 to vaporize a fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2614, the user connects the cartridge 2600 to a control accessory (such as the control accessory 14 described above). The control accessory is operable to provide power to the heating element of the atomizer 2604 according to the operating methods described above for the electronic vaping devices 10 and 100 and the electronic vaping device system 102. Prior to use, the blocker 2608 is biased by a spring 2612 into a closed position in which it engages the first end wall 2622 to prevent a fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2614 from entering the opening 2654 in the blocker 2608 and contacting the nebulizer 2604. To allow the fluid payload to flow through the opening 2654, the user rotates the dose ring 2610 in a direction that causes the blocker 2608 to move away from engagement with the first end wall 2622. Alternatively, a motor may be used to rotate the dose ring 2610 and the motor may be controlled manually by the user, or by a processor that sends signals to turn the motor on and off. As the dose ring 2610 rotates, the pressurizer 2606 rotates in the same direction. Because the blocker 2608 engages the housing 2602 in a manner that blocks rotational movement of the blocker 2608 and the fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2614 prevents movement of the pressurizer 2606 toward the first end wall 2622, rotation of the pressurizer 2606 causes longitudinal movement of the blocker 2608 away from the first end wall 2622. Once the blocker 2608 moves away from the first end wall 2622, the pressure applied by the spring 2612 and pressure plate 2634 to the fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2614 causes the fluid payload to move through the opening 2654 in the blocker 2608 and into contact with the atomizer 2604.

The dose ring 2610 and the housing 2602 preferably contain a dose indicator substantially similar to the dose indicator described above for the cartridge 2500, such that a user can select a desired dose of the fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2614 by rotating the dose ring 2610 a specific amount.

After selecting a dose with the dose ring 2610, the user causes power to be provided to the nebulizer 2604 by any method such as pressing a button on a control accessory connected to the cartridge 2600, initiating air draw through the outlet 2632, or other methods described above with respect to the electronic vaping devices 10 and 100. As the atomizer 2604 heats the fluid payload, the fluid payload evaporates, mixes with air from the inlet 2630, and is expelled through the outlet 2632 for inhalation. As the fluid payload passes through the opening 2654 and evaporates, the spring 2612 causes the pressurizer 2606 and the blocker 2608 to move toward the first end wall 2622. When the selected dose has moved through the opening 2654 and evaporated, the blocker 2608 sealingly engages the first end wall 2622 to prevent further flow of the fluid payload into the nebulizer 2604. With the stopper 2608 sealingly engaging the first end wall 2622, the fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2614 is prevented from leaking out of the cartridge 2600. To re-vaporize the fluid payload, the user rotates the dose ring 2610 as described above.

The cartridge 2600 may also contain an optional heater positioned in or adjacent to the payload reservoir 2614 to heat the fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2614 to a temperature that is below the vaporization temperature of the fluid payload but reduces the viscosity of the fluid payload to allow it to flow through the opening 2654 in a desired manner. The inlet 2630 of the cartridge 2600 can also be positioned adjacent the first end wall 2618, in which case the divider 2644 would not be necessary as the incoming air would flow from near the first end wall 2618 through or past the atomizer 2604 before exiting through the outlet 2632.

Fig. 26D shows another cartridge 2656 that is similar to the cartridge 2600 except for the configuration of the atomizer 2658 and the center post 2660. A central post 2660 extends from proximate the second end wall 2662 to the atomizer 2658. A gap exists between the central post 2660 and the atomizer 2658. The damper 2664 may move in the same manner as the damper 2608 described above to block the gap and stop the flow of the fluid payload from the payload reservoir 2666 to the atomizer 2658 or to open the gap to allow the flow of the fluid payload from the payload reservoir 2666 to the atomizer 2658. The atomizer 2658 is positioned adjacent the first end wall 2668 where the atomizer 2658 is in electrical communication with the power connector 2670. The cartridge 2656 includes a threaded connector 2672 for engaging the cartridge to a control fitting that can power the atomizer 2658 in the same manner as described above with respect to other cartridges described herein.

Any of the cartridges 2500 and 2600 described above can be integrally formed with a control accessory (e.g., control accessory 14) to form an electronic vaping device that is operable to provide power to the atomizer 2504, 2604 by supplying a controlled current or voltage to the atomizer according to the needs of a user. Cartridges 2500 and 2600 may also be screwed into the control fitting using threaded connector 2528 or may have a clip or some other structure that binds them to the control fitting. The control accessory 14 is configured to cause the cartridge 2500, 2600 to provide steam through the outlet by supplying a controlled current or voltage to the atomizer 2504, 2604 in response to a user input, as described above. The threaded connector 2528 is preferably a 510 threaded connector that allows the cartridges 2500, 2600 to be used with a compatible 510 threaded control sub-assembly or electronic vaping device. Either of the cartridges 2500, 2600 may be operable to vaporize a fluid payload within a payload reservoir according to the methods described above for the electronic vaping devices 10 and 100 and the electronic vaping device system 102, including according to the systems and methods for optimizing vaporization described above. The cartridge 2500, 2600 may have an ID tag 28 that contains a unique payload identifier that identifies the cartridge 2500, 2600. The cartridges 2500, 2600 may also contain sensors that measure the operating conditions of the cartridges. For example, the cartridges 2500, 2600 may include an integrated temperature control system that regulates the temperature of the nebulizer described below in connection with the electronic vaping device 4200 and a capacitive vapor measurement system described below in connection with the electronic vaping device 3100. The conductive plates of the capacitor vapor measurement system (such as conductive plates 3114 and 3116 shown in fig. 31) may be positioned anywhere between the atomizer and the outlet of the cartridge. For example, the conductive plate may be positioned in the outlet flow chamber 2548 of the cartridge 2500, or in the outlet flow chamber 2648 of the cartridge 2600. Data from the sensor may be transmitted to the control accessory via a threaded connector operating in accordance with a two-wire communication system described below in connection with the e-vaping device 4000 such that power is also provided to the cartridge via the threaded connector.

The components of the cartridges 2500 and 2600 may be made of any of the materials described above in connection with the cartridge 1900.

Tamper-resistant e-vapor device with improved atomizer/fluid contact

An additional embodiment of the invention described herein is an electronic vaping device or cartridge that has the ability to keep the atomizer continuously immersed in a viscous payload fluid when the electronic vaping device or cartridge is substantially horizontal and even when very little payload remains. The electronic vaping device or cartridge according to the invention described herein does not require vertical storage or use with viscosity modifiers that dope the payload fluid. The electronic vaping device or cartridge may have the ability to orient itself in a predetermined position that keeps the atomizer continuously bathed in the payload fluid while the electronic vaping device or cartridge is placed on a horizontal surface. The e-vaping device or cartridge is also preferably tamper resistant. The e-vapor device may also be pre-charged and pre-filled.

An electronic vaping device in accordance with the invention described herein is generally identified as 2800 in figure 28A. Referring to fig. 28A, 28B, and 28D, the e-vapor device 2800 includes a housing 2802 and the following all positioned within an interior chamber defined by the housing: a tray 2804, a flexible circuit board 2806, a battery 2808, a pressure sensor 2810, a haptic motor 2812, a nebulizer 2814, a seal 2816, and a button 2818.

As shown in fig. 28D, the housing 2802 may be formed from a first section 2802a and a second section 2802b that are joined together to form a sidewall 2820, a first end wall 2822 at a first end of the housing 2802, a second end wall 2824 at a second end of the housing 2802, and a substantially planar surface 2826. The longitudinal axis of the housing 2802 extends between a first end wall 2822 and a second end wall 2824. The side wall 2820 and the substantially planar surface 2826 extend from the first end wall 2822 to the second end wall 2824 in the same direction as the longitudinal axis. The generally planar surface 2826 has a first side edge 2826a (fig. 28C) and a second side edge 2826b, and the sidewall 2820 extends around the housing 2802 from the first side edge 2826a to the second side edge 2826 b. The sidewall 2820 has a generally elliptical cross-section as shown in fig. 28C, with the major axis of the ellipse parallel to and spaced from the generally planar surface 2826 and the minor axis of the ellipse perpendicular to the generally planar surface 2826. It is within the scope of the present invention to have the cross-section of the side wall 2820 be any suitable shape, such as circular, triangular, or polygonal. Housing 2802 is generally shaped as an elongated, oval cylindrical tube with a closed end and a flat bottom.

Due to the oval-shaped sidewalls 2820 and the substantially flat surface 2826, the e-vapor device 2800 is configured such that when the housing 2802 is placed on a substantially horizontal surface and the longitudinal axis of the housing 2802 is substantially horizontal, the housing 2802 orients itself in a predetermined position (i.e., a position with the substantially flat surface 2826 facing downward). In this predetermined position, the substantially flat surface 2826 faces downward and abuts a substantially horizontal surface on which the housing 2802 rests. The e-vaping device 2800 assumes this predetermined position because if the sidewall 2820 is placed on a substantially horizontal surface, the oval shape of the sidewall 2820 will cause the e-vaping device 2800 to flip until the substantially flat surface 2826 faces downward and abuts the substantially horizontal surface. As described above, in addition to the oval-shaped sidewalls 2820 and the substantially flat surface 2826, the housing 2802 may be formed to have other shapes that are capable of orienting the electronic vaping device 2800 in a predetermined position when the electronic vaping device 2800 is placed on a substantially horizontal surface. Further, in addition to or in lieu of having a housing 2802 shaped to orient the electronic vaping device 2800 in a predetermined position, the weight and center of mass of the electronic vaping device 2800 may be configured to cause the electronic vaping device 2800 to orient itself in a predetermined position when the housing 2802 is placed on a substantially horizontal surface or a substantially flat surface. For example, the housing 2802 may have a sidewall with a circular or elliptical cross-section and the housing 2802 may not contain a substantially flat surface such that the entire outer surface of the housing 2802 is cylindrical or curved. The weight and center of mass of the e-vapor device 2800 may be configured such that when the sidewall is placed on a substantially horizontal surface, the e-vapor device 2800 rolls to its predetermined position regardless of how the sidewall is initially placed on the substantially horizontal surface. The approximately cylindrical shape of housing 2802 is preferably readily distinguishable from a round or polygonal pen, lipstick container, pencil, or pen-shaped flashlight.

Preferably, when the electronic smoking device 2800 is in a predetermined position, the payload reservoir 2856 (fig. 28B) is oriented such that the fluid payload within the reservoir forms a pool of the immersion atomizer 2814 when the payload reservoir 2856 is at least about 1% to 5% full, about 5% to 10% full, or about 10% to 15% full.

Referring to fig. 28A, the inlet 2828 of the housing 2802 is positioned adjacent the first end wall 2822. The inlet 2828 is generally comprised of six openings extending through the sidewall 2820 to an internal chamber surrounded by the housing 2802. Three of these openings are positioned on one side of housing 2802 and three of these openings are positioned on the opposite side of housing 2802. An outlet 2830 (fig. 28F) of the housing 2802 extends through the center of the second end wall 2824. The housing 2802 also includes a viewing port 2832 (fig. 28E) positioned adjacent the second end wall 2824. The viewport 2832 is positioned adjacent to a payload receptacle 2856 (described below) of the electronic smoking device 2800 so that a user of the electronic smoking device 2800 can view through the viewport 2832 to determine how much payload remains in the payload receptacle 2856. As shown in fig. 28E, the viewing port 2832 can include an opening formed through the sidewall 2820 and a sheet of transparent material (such as glass or a polymer material) covering the opening to substantially seal the interior chamber of the housing 2802. The viewing port 2832 is positioned on the sidewall 2820 opposite the generally planar surface 2826, about 180 degrees around the housing 2802 from the generally planar surface 2826. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure to have the viewing port 2832 placed in an alternating position, such as about 90 degrees around the housing 2802 from the viewing port 2832 on either side of the e-vapor device 2800. There may also be two or more viewing ports 2832, one on each side of housing 2802. If the payload reservoir 2856 cannot be completely filled, the viewport 2832 may contain a maximum fill line that indicates when the payload reservoir 2856 is full when the electronic smoking device 2800 is in a predetermined position as described above.

Referring to fig. 28B, the tray 2804 is positioned in the housing 2802 and extends substantially the entire length of the housing 2802 from the first end wall 2822 to the second end wall 2824. As shown in fig. 28D, the tray 2804 has a first section 2804a and a second section 2804b that is integrally formed with the first section 2804 a. It is also within the scope of the invention for the first and second sections 2804a and 2804b to be separate components that are joined together or simply placed adjacent to each other within the housing 2802. The first section 2804a has curved sidewalls 2834 a-2834 b shaped to abut the sidewall 2820 of the housing 2802 (fig. 28C). The first section 2804a has a substantially flat bottom 2836 shaped to abut a substantially flat surface 2826 of the housing 2802. Sidewalls 2834 a-2834 b each extend upward from one side of the generally planar bottom 2836 and terminate at a location approximately one-half of the overall height of the housing 2802. As shown in fig. 28D, sidewalls 2834 a-2834 b and generally flat bottom 2836 define a semi-cylindrical recess 2838. Sidewalls 2834 a-2834 b have flattened sections 2840 a-2840 b, respectively, adjacent to the major axis of elliptical sidewall 2820 and perpendicular to the major axis of elliptical sidewall 2820 (fig. 28C). The flattened sections 2840 a-2840 b form enclosed channels 2842 a-2842 b between the sidewalls 2834 a-2834 b, respectively, and the sidewall 2820 of the housing 2802. The enclosed channels 2842 a-2842 b form a portion of an inlet flow chamber of the e-vapor device 2800, as described below. As shown in fig. 28D, openings 2844 a-2844 b are formed in sidewalls 2834 a-2834 b. The openings 2844 a-2844 b are positioned adjacent the atomizer 2814 and place the passages 2842 a-2842 b and the inlet 2828 in fluid communication with the atomizer 2814. The tray 2804 has a first side positioned adjacent the housing 2802 and a second side adjacent the recess 2838. Openings 2844 a-2844 b extend through tray 2804 from a first side to a second side.

As shown in fig. 28B, the second section 2804B of the tray 2804 has an outer sidewall 2846 having an outer surface with a generally cylindrical shape and containing a flat bottom 2848 that matches the generally flat surface 2826 of the housing 2802. The interior surface of the outer sidewall 2846 forms a reservoir sidewall 2850. The first and second reservoir end walls 2852, 2854 are coupled to and integrated with the outer side wall 2846 and the reservoir side wall 2850. The reservoir side walls 2850 and the first and second reservoir end walls 2852, 2854 define and enclose a payload reservoir 2856 positioned adjacent the second end wall 2824 of the housing 2802. The reservoir opening 2858 extends through the second reservoir end wall 2854. The reservoir opening 2858 is spaced from the outlet 2830 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing 2802. Spacing the reservoir opening 2858 from the outlet 2830 makes it more difficult to access the reservoir opening 2858 through the outlet 2830, which facilitates preventing tampering with a payload positioned in the payload reservoir 2856 and preventing unauthorized refilling of the payload reservoir 2856 after depletion of the original payload. For authorized refilling, if the payload reservoir 2856 is designed in a manner that allows it to be refilled, the asymmetric design of the housing 2802 allows the refill machine to properly orient the electronic smoking device 2800 prior to filling the payload reservoir 2856. A plug, such as plug 2910 shown in fig. 29C or plug 2966 shown in fig. 29F-29G, is preferably inserted into the reservoir opening 2858 after the payload reservoir is filled. The plug may be tamper resistant as described below with respect to plug 2910 and/or designed to equalize pressure within payload reservoir 2856 as described below with respect to plug 2966. The first reservoir end wall 2852 includes a plurality of openings 2860 that place the payload reservoir 2856 in fluid communication with the atomizer 2814. The payload receptacle 2856 is preferably inserted into the housing 2802 after being filled.

The tray 2804 is advantageous during manufacture of the e-vapor device 2800 because it allows the flexible circuit board 2806, battery 2808, pressure sensor 2810, haptic motor 2812, atomizer 2814, seal 2816, and button 2818 to be pre-assembled on the tray 2804 before the tray 2804 is slid into the first section 2802a of the housing 2802. The second section 2802b of the housing 2802 may then be joined with the first section 2802 a. Payload receptacle 2856 may also be filled before tray 2804 is slid into housing 2802 for final assembly.

Referring to fig. 28B, the reservoir sidewall 2850 is shaped as a truncated cone and has a first end 2862 positioned adjacent the atomizer 2814 and a second end 2864 positioned adjacent the second end wall 2824. The truncated portion of the oblique cone is at the second end 2864. The apex of the cone is also positioned at the second end 2864 and at a height above the bottom of the e-vapor device 2800 that is about three-quarters of the overall height of the e-vapor device 2800. When the electronic vaping device 2800 is oriented in the predetermined position described above and shown in figure 28B (i.e., with the substantially planar surface 2826 of the housing 2802 facing downward and the electronic vaping device 2800 positioned such that the longitudinal axis of the housing 2802 is substantially horizontal), the reservoir sidewall 2850 slopes downward from the second end 2864 to the first end 2862 toward the atomizer 2814. In this predetermined position, the second end 2864 of the reservoir sidewall 2850 is positioned just below the reservoir opening 2858 at a height above the bottom of the electronic vaping device 2800 that is about two-thirds of the overall height of the electronic vaping device 2800. In this predetermined position, the first end 2862 of the reservoir sidewall 2850 is positioned near the bottom of the electronic vaping device 2800. The reservoir sidewall 2850 slopes upward from the first end 2862 to the second end 2864 at an angle X formed between the reservoir sidewall 2850 and the bottom of the electronic smoking device 2800. The angle X is preferably determined by the viscosity of the payload and the tendency of the payload to adhere to the reservoir sidewall 2850. For example, the angle X may be increased for stickier payloads and for payloads with a greater tendency to adhere to the reservoir sidewall 2850. The angle X is preferably optimized for the viscosity or other physical or chemical properties of the payload to improve the flow of the payload toward the atomizer 2814. The reservoir sidewall 2850 can be made of any suitable material, including plastic, metal, ceramic, and/or glass.

An atomizer 2814 is positioned in the housing 2802 adjacent the first reservoir end wall 2852. The atomizer 2814 is positioned about 1mm to 2mm above the bottom of the electronic vaping device 2800. It is within the scope of the present disclosure for the atomizers 2814 to be at different heights within the electronic smoking device 2800 and it is preferably within the scope of the present disclosure to optimize the location of the atomizers 2814 based on the characteristics (e.g., viscosity or other physical or chemical properties) of the payload within the payload reservoir 2856 and the configuration of the payload reservoir 2856. The atomizer 2814 is in fluid communication with the payload reservoir 2856 through an opening 2860 in the first reservoir end wall 2852. Payload reservoir 2856 preferably contains a fluid payload that may contain a substance (such as nicotine) for evaporation and inhalation by a user. Payload reservoir 2856 may also comprise propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, or vegetable glycerin. The atomizer 2814 is configured to heat and vaporize a payload to produce a vaporized payload. A valve is preferably positioned between the payload reservoir 2856 and the atomizer 2814 to regulate the flow of payload from the payload reservoir 2856 to the atomizer 2814. The valve may be operated mechanically by a user or electromechanically with instructions received from a processor as described below. In one embodiment, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pad may be positioned between the payload reservoir 2856 and the atomizer 2814 in place of the valve. The payload within payload reservoir 2856 preferably does not contain glycerol or propylene glycol as a solvent. The payload within the payload reservoir 2856 may be an aqueous-based payload. The payload is preferably substantially free of particulates.

The atomizer 2814 may be configured as any of a wafer (pancake) ceramic, a coil wound core, a coil wound ceramic rod, or a coil wound quartz rod. Additionally, the atomizer 2814 may include a titanium, stainless steel, nichrome, chromium aluminum cobalt heat resistant steel, and/or a nickel core.

Referring to fig. 28D, flexible circuit board 2806 is positioned within recess 2838 of tray 2804. The flexible circuit board 2806 includes a middle section 2866, a front section 2868 extending away from the middle section 2866 toward the first end wall 2822, and a rear section 2870 extending away from the middle section 2866 toward the second end wall 2824. The middle section 2866 is semi-cylindrical and defines a battery recess 2872 that receives the battery 2808 to place the flexible circuit board 2806 between the battery 2808 and the tray 2804. The front section 2868 is shaped as an inverted U and is connected to the bottom portion of the middle section 2866 with tabs (tab) 2874. The rear section 2870 is also shaped as an inverted U and is connected to the bottom portion of the middle section 2866 with tabs 2876. Battery 2808 can be any type of suitable battery, including a lithium ion battery, LiPo battery, nickel metal hydride battery, alkaline battery, or air-zinc battery.

As shown in fig. 28B, the front section 2868 contains lights 2878 a-2878B (preferably LEDs). The lights 2878 a-2878 b are positioned adjacent the first end wall 2822. At least a portion of the first end wall 2822 is preferably transparent or opaque such that the lights 2878 a-2878 b are visible to a user of the e-vapor device 2800. The lights 2878 a-2878 b are preferably illuminated according to the status of the e-vapor device 2800. For example, lights 2878 a-2878 b may turn on when the nebulizer 2814 is activated, the intensity of lights 2878 a-2878 b may increase during the entire draw length of the user, and lights 2878 a-2878 b may blink at certain preset time intervals during the entire draw. The lights 2878 a-2878 b may also change color at different times during the entire extraction length.

The flexible circuit board 2806 contains circuit components for controlling the e-vapor device 2800, which may be positioned in a rear section 2870 or other location on the flexible circuit board 2806. For example, the flexible circuit board 2806 may include the circuit components described above in connection with the electronic vaping device 10, including the microcontroller 31, the charger circuit 30 configured to charge the battery 2808, the input interface circuit 34, the RF transceiver circuit 36, the output interface circuit 38, the antenna(s) 40, and the electrical connector 35, all of which may operate as described above in connection with the electronic vaping device 10. Antenna(s) 40 may include NFC antennas and bluetooth antennas. The use of flexible circuit board 2806 provides a relatively large surface area for placement of antenna(s) 40. For example, the antenna(s) 40 may be placed in the middle section 2866 of the flexible circuit board 2806 to extend the length of the middle section 2866. The microcontroller 31 contains a microprocessor or processor configured to receive signals from the pressure sensor 2810, the pressure sensor 2880, and other sensors or controls of the electronic vaping device 2800 and activate the haptic motor 2812, lights 2878 a-2878 b, and the nebulizer 2814, as described below.

Pressure sensor 2810 is positioned between battery 2808 and payload reservoir 2856 adjacent a rear section 2870 of flexible circuit board 2806. Pressure sensor 2810 is electrically connected to flexible circuit board 2806. Pressure sensor 2810 preferably senses air pressure within air flow chamber 2882 (fig. 28B), described in more detail below. The haptic motor 2812 is positioned below the rear section 2870 of the flexible circuit board 2806 at a distance from the second end wall 2824 of about one-third of the overall length of the e-vapor device 2800 where a typical user's thumb would be placed during use. The haptic motor 2812 is electrically connected to the flexible circuit board 2806. The processor of the electronic vaping device 2800 may be programmed to activate the haptic motor 2812 when the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor 2810 falls below a pressure threshold for a predetermined amount of time.

A seal 2816 is positioned within the housing 2802 between the atomizer 2814 and the flexible circuit board 2806. Seal 2816 may be a silicone gasket (gasket). Seals 2816 separate electronics recess 2884 inside housing 2802 from air flow chamber 2882, atomizer 2814, and payload reservoir 2856. The electronics recess 2884 is positioned between the seal 2816, the first end wall 2822, and the tray 2804. The electronics recess 2884 is preferably not in fluid communication with the air flow chamber 2882. A seal 2816 seals the flexible circuit board 2806 and the battery 2808 within the electronics recess 2884 from the air flow chamber 2882 and the atomizer 2814 so that air entering the electronic vaping device 2800 and vaporized payload exiting the electronic vaping device 2800 do not contact components of the flexible circuit board 2806. Pressure sensor 2810 is positioned within an opening in seal 2816. A portion of the atomizer 2814 extends through the seal 2816 such that the atomizer 2814 is electrically connected to the flexible circuit board 2806.

An air flow chamber 2882 is positioned within the housing 2802 between the inlet 2828 and the outlet 2830. The air flow chamber 2882 includes an inlet flow chamber formed by enclosed passages 2842 a-2842 b (fig. 28C), and an outlet flow chamber 2886. The inlet flow chamber extends from the inlet 2828 through the enclosed passages 2842 a-2842 b to the openings 2844 a-2844 b (fig. 28D). The outlet flow chamber 2886 extends from the atomizer 2814 to the outlet 2830 around a gap formed between the second section 2804b of the tray 2804 and the housing 2802. The inlet flow chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet 2828 and the atomizer 2814 through openings 2844 a-2844 b. The outlet flow chamber 2886 is in fluid communication with the atomizer 2814 and the outlet 2830. When the user places his/her mouth over the outlet 2830 and draws air through the e-vapor device 2800, the air enters the inlet 2828 and travels through the enclosed channels 2842 a-2842 b to the openings 2844 a-2844 b. The air contacts the atomizer 2814 through openings 2844 a-2844 b and mixes with the vaporized payload from the atomizer 2814. The air and vaporized payload then travels through outlet flow chamber 2886 to outlet 2830 for inhalation by a user.

The e-vapor device 2800 may include a vapor measurement system configured to determine a dose of vaporized payload through the outlet flow chamber 2886, such as the capacitive vapor measurement system of the e-vapor device 3100 described below. The vapor measurement system can measure the dosage per unit time. Conductive plates, such as conductive plates 3114 and 3116 of e-vaping device 3100, may be positioned within outlet flow chamber 2886. The flexible circuit board 2806 may contain any of the sensor measurement circuits described in connection with the e-vaping device 3100, and the microcontroller 31 of the e-vaping device 2800 may determine the dose of the vaporized payload. The RF transceiver circuit 36 and antenna 40 may transmit the dose to a separate computing device that may be used to determine the operational settings of the electronic vaping device 2800 in accordance with the systems and methods described above in connection with the electronic vaping devices 10 and 100 and the electronic vaping device system 102. A separate computing device, for example, a mobile phone (such as a smartphone), tablet computer, or watch, may run a software application (e.g., as shown in fig. 3) that is accessible by the user. The application may record the dose that the user has inhaled and record the user's dose experience. This information can be analyzed by the application to track and optimize the user's experience with the inhaled substance. To help improve the analysis, the user may enter personal information such as illness, pain, weight, and food intake. The recorded information may be used to accurately monitor the user's intake details and may be submitted to a physician for review and/or improvement.

The application may also preferably connect with other users via the internet, which may be used to share experiences with the user community, receive suggestions, and network. The application may also be used as an e-commerce platform to purchase dosage capsules or vaporizer devices. The platform may provide a particular substance based on the rated experience of the user. Another enhancement use might be to find other users within a geographic location that may allow social interaction and meetings. These enhanced services may be integrated with other services over the internet.

The e-vapor device 2800 may also preferably be locked by the user via an application. This may serve as a safety feature against undesired use (by children or others). Applications may include custom lock settings to enhance security or restrict use by less self-controlling people.

An ID tag associated with the payload in the payload receptacle 2856 may also be located in the housing 2802. The ID tag may be configured in a manner similar to the ID tag 28 described above and may store a unique payload identifier as used in connection with the electronic vaping devices 10 and 100 and the electronic vaping device system 102 described above. The ID tag may be an RFID tag and may use NFC, any other type of RFID communication system (including UHF RFID), or any other type of suitable communication system to communicate with other devices. The ID tag may be updated when the payload reservoir 2856 is filled or refilled to include a unique payload identifier associated with the payload. The ID tag may simplify bluetooth registration by allowing registration to be done automatically without pressing a button.

Figure 29A shows an alternative configuration of a payload reservoir 2900 that may be used with an electronic smoking device 2800. Payload receptacle 2900 is defined by a receptacle sidewall 2902 having a first section 2902a shaped as a truncated cone and a second section 2902b that is cylindrical. First section 2902a is positioned adjacent to reservoir opening 2904 and second section 2902b is positioned adjacent to nebulizer 2814.

Fig. 29B illustrates an alternative placement of a nebulizer 2814 within an electronic vaping device 2800. In fig. 29B, the atomizer 2814 is positioned approximately 3mm to 4mm above the bottom of the electronic vaping device 2800.

Figure 29C shows another alternative configuration of a payload reservoir 2906 that may be used with an electronic smoking device 2800. Receptacle opening 2908 receives solid plug 2910 inserted after payload receptacle 2906 is filled with a payload. Figure 29C also illustrates an alternative configuration of the second end wall 2912 and tray 2914 that may be used with the e-vapor device 2800. Second end wall 2912 is formed from an end cap separate from sidewall 2916 and coupled to sidewall 2916 (e.g., the end cap may snap into sidewall 2916). Plug 2910 may be coupled to second end wall 2912 and configured in a tamper-resistant manner such that if second end wall 2912 is pried away from side wall 2916 without the use of special tools, plug 2910 is disconnected from second end wall 2912 near receptacle opening 2908. Thus, if second end wall 2912 is pried open by a user for the purpose of refilling payload receptacle 2906 or tampering with a payload in payload receptacle 2906, plug 2910 breaks within receptacle opening 2908 to prevent the user from accessing payload receptacle 2906. The tray 2914 includes an outlet flow chamber 2917 extending through a channel formed in the tray 2914 to an outlet 2918. A seal 2920 is positioned between the outer surface of the tray 2914 and the side wall 2916.

Figure 29D illustrates an alternative configuration of an electronic vaping device 2922 that is similar to the electronic vaping device 2800. The e-vaping device 2922 includes an air flow chamber extending through a housing 2928 of the e-vaping device 2922 from an inlet 2924 to an outlet 2926. The inlet 2924 is positioned on top of the electronic vaping device 2922, adjacent a first end of the electronic vaping device 2922. The air flow chamber includes an inlet flow chamber 2930 extending from the inlet 2924 under a tray 2932 holding the cell 2934. The inlet flow chamber 2930 flows around the circuit board 2936 and the haptic motor 2938 to the chamber 2940 that holds the atomizer. The air flow chamber includes an outlet flow chamber 2942 extending from chamber 2940 to outlet 2926 over payload reservoir 2944. Payload reservoir 2944 is also cylindrical in shape. The electronic vaping device 2922 may be substantially similar to the electronic vaping device 2800 except as described herein. The electronic vaping device 2800 may be modified to include the air flow chamber configuration and the payload reservoir configuration of the electronic vaping device 2922.

Figure 29E shows another alternative configuration of an electronic vaping device 2946 that is similar to the electronic vaping device 2800. The e-vapor device 2946 includes an air flow chamber extending from an inlet 2948 to an outlet 2950. The inlet 2948 is positioned adjacent the second end 2952 of the housing 2954 and the outlet 2950. The inlet 2948 is positioned directly above the atomizer chamber 2956. The inlet flow chamber extends straight down from the inlet 2948 to the atomizer chamber 2956, and the outlet flow chamber 2957 extends around the payload reservoir 2959 from the atomizer chamber 2956 to the outlet 2950. The payload receptacle 2959 is configured substantially the same as that shown in figure 29C. In this embodiment, the flexible circuit board 2958 is modified to position the haptic motor 2960 between the battery 2962 and the first end 2964 of the housing 2954. The battery 2962 and flexible circuit board 2958 are preferably sealed with a seal 2965 to isolate the atomizer chamber 2956. The electronic vaping device 2946 may be substantially similar to the electronic vaping device 2800 except as described herein. The e-vapor device 2800 may be modified to include the air flow chamber configuration, the flexible circuit board 2958, and the haptic motor 2960 arrangement of the e-vapor device 2946.

Fig. 29F and 29G show the plug 2966 placed within the reservoir opening 2968. The plug 2966 includes a vent 2970 and a breathable membrane 2972. The breathable membrane 2972 prevents fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2974 from leaking through the vent 2970. The breathable membrane 2972 and vents 2970 allow pressure to equalize within the payload reservoir 2974. For example, when payload reservoir 2974 is depleted (i.e., fluid therein is evaporated), breathable membrane 2972 and vent 2970 allow air to enter payload reservoir 2974. In addition, the breathable membrane 2972 and vents 2970 allow air to exit the payload reservoir 2974 when the ambient temperature increases or the external atmospheric pressure decreases. The plug 2966 preferably ensures that the fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2974 does not leak out in response to changes in air pressure, temperature, or altitude. The plug 2966 may be used with the electronic vaping device 2800 described above. The plug 2966 may be made of a self-healing material, such as silicone.

Figure 30 illustrates a method of operating an electronic vaping device 2800 that may also be used with other electronic vaping devices and cartridges disclosed herein. The processor of the microcontroller 31 (as incorporated into the circuit components of the e-vaping device 2800) may be programmed to perform the processes described herein. According to the method of figure 30, the electronic vaping device 2800 is unlocked and not used at step 3002. At step 3004, electronic vaping device 2800 determines whether a time period of an inactive state (inactivity) of electronic vaping device 2800 is greater than a predetermined amount of time. If the time period of the inactive state is less than the predetermined amount of time, the e-vapor device 2800 remains unlocked. If the time period of the inactive state is greater than the predetermined amount of time, electronic vaping device 2800 is locked and remains in the locked state 3008 at step 3006. To unlock the e-vaping device 2800, the user must provide a PIN code associated with the user or device to an application running on a separate computing device (e.g., a phone, tablet, or watch). If the PIN code is provided, the computing device instructs the e-vapor device 2800 to return to the unlocked state of step 3002. The electronic vaping device 2800 may also be manually locked at step 3010 via the user providing a manual lock instruction to the application regardless of the time period of the inactive state. The electronic vaping device 2800 may also be locked and unlocked for use in accordance with any of the systems and methods described above for the electronic vaping device 10.

From the unlocked state of step 3002, when the user draws air through the outlet 2830, the nebulizer 2814 of the electronic vaping device 2800 is activated at step 3012. The pressure sensor 2810 senses the pressure drop caused by the user drawing air and sends a signal to the processor of the electronic vaping device 2800 that causes current to be provided from the battery 2808 to the atomizer 2814. The electronic vaping device 2800 may also be activated when a user presses button 2818. At step 3012, lights 2878 a-2878 b are also turned on to a relatively low intensity. The method of operating the e-vapor device 2800 then proceeds to a series of steps of detecting the elapsed time of the draw by the user and activating the lights 2878 a-2878 and the haptic motor 2812 based on the elapsed time of the draw. At step 3014, the method waits for one second for which the elapsed time for the draw is determined before proceeding to step 3016. If the elapsed time is three seconds, six seconds, or nine seconds, the method proceeds to steps 3018, 3020, or 3022, respectively. If the elapsed time is three seconds, at step 3018, lights 2878 a-2878 b blink once and then remain on at an increased intensity of 30% of the maximum intensity of lights 2878 a-2878 b. The haptic motor 2812 is also turned on to vibrate once for a relatively short duration. If the elapsed time is six seconds, at step 3020, lights 2878 a-2878 b blink twice and then remain on at an increased intensity of 60% of the maximum intensity of lights 2878 a-2878 b. The haptic motor 2812 is also turned on to vibrate twice, each vibration having a relatively short duration. If the elapsed time is nine seconds, the intensity of the lamps 2878a to 2878b is increased to 100% of the maximum intensity of the lamps 2878a to 2878 b. The haptic motor 2812 is also turned on to vibrate once for a relatively long duration. From step 3022, the method continues to step 3024 where the processor locks the nebulizer 2814 to shut it down and prevent it from vaporizing the payload at step 3024.

If the elapsed time is not three, six, or nine seconds at step 3016, and after each of steps 3018, 3020, and 3024, the method continues to step 3026 where the elapsed time counted by the processor is increased by one second. The method then proceeds to step 3028 (if the nebulizer is not locked at step 3024), where the processor of the electronic vaping device 2800 determines whether the user is still drawing air through the electronic vaping device 2800. If the user is still drawing air, the method returns to step 3014, which repeats the loop of steps 3014, 3016, 3026 and 3028 and one of steps 3018, 3020 and 3022 (if applicable). If the nebulizer is locked after step 3026, or if the user is not still drawing air through the electronic vaping device at step 3028, the method proceeds to step 3030 where the nebulizer 2814 is deactivated and the lights 2878 a-2878 b are turned off. The method then returns to the beginning of step 3002.

The three and six second triggers for steps 3018 and 3020 may be configured by the user to any other value less than nine. Nine seconds represent the maximum elapsed draw time that is not user configurable. Thus, after nine seconds of extraction, the nebulizer is turned off and the method returns to step 3002. Preferably, the user may also select another trigger point (such as five seconds) where the intensity of lights 2878 a-2878 b is between the intensity set at step 3018 and the intensity set at step 3020. The user may also preferably change the manner in which lights 2878 a-2878 b and haptic motor 2812 operate at each of the trigger points.

The e-vapor device 2800 may be formed from two separate pieces (a cartridge and a control accessory) that are coupled together by a user. For example, threaded connectors 510 may be used on the cartridge and control assembly to couple the separate pieces together. Bayonet, magnetic or socket connections may also be used to join the cartridge with the control accessory. The cartridge may contain a payload reservoir 2856 and a nebulizer 2814, and the control accessory may contain a flexible circuit board 2806, a battery 2808, and a haptic motor 2812. The air flow chamber may be modified so that the inlet is positioned in the cartridge as shown in fig. 29E. Data from a sensor in the cartridge (e.g., the capacitive vapor measurement system of the electronic vaping device 3100 described below) may be transmitted to a processor on the flexible circuit board 2806 via a threaded connector operating in accordance with the two-lead communication system of the electronic vaping device 400 described below, such that power is also provided to the cartridge via the threaded connector. The electronic vaping device 2800 may be operable to vaporize the fluid payload within the payload reservoir 2856 in accordance with the methods described above for the electronic vaping devices 10 and 100 and the electronic vaping device system 102, including in accordance with the systems and methods for optimizing vaporization described above, which may include minimizing chemical decomposition or conversion of payload constituents. In addition to the pressure sensor 2810 and the capacitive vapor measurement system of the e-vapor device 3100, the e-vapor device 2800 may also include sensors to measure operating conditions of the e-vapor device 2800. For example, the e-vapor device 2800 may include an integrated temperature control system to regulate the temperature of the atomizer 2814 as described below in connection with the e-vapor device 4200.

In one aspect of the invention, a kit is provided that includes an e-vapor device 2800 and a payload. In one aspect of the invention, a kit is provided that includes an electronic vaping device 2800 and a payload that includes a terpene. In one aspect of the invention, a kit is provided that includes an electronic vaping device 2800 and a log for logging user experiences. In one aspect of the invention, a kit is provided that includes an electronic vaping device 2800 and a payload that includes a terpene and a log for logging user experience.

Capacitive steam measurement system

In some embodiments, the e-vapor device includes a capacitive vapor measurement system to accurately meter the concentration of the vaporized payload in the measurement cavity of the e-vapor device so that the dose of the vaporized payload can be accurately determined. The vapor measurement system includes a capacitive sensor (which may include a parallel plate capacitor, a roll capacitor, a interdigitated capacitor, or other type of capacitor known in the art) in combination with a sensor measurement circuit configured to measure the capacitance of the capacitive sensor. The vapor measurement system also includes a processor programmed to determine a dose of the vaporized payload based on the measured capacitance of the capacitive sensor. Various embodiments of a vapor measurement system are described below.

Referring to figure 31, one embodiment of an electronic vaping device 3100 utilizing a capacitive sensor in the form of a parallel plate capacitor is shown. The e-vaping device 3100 includes a housing 3102 defining an inlet 3104 and an outlet 3106, with an air flow chamber 3108 extending between the inlet 3104 and the outlet 3106. The atomizer 3110 is positioned in the air flow chamber 3108, and as described above, the atomizer 3110 is in fluid communication with a payload reservoir (not shown). The atomizer 3110 is configured to heat and vaporize a payload in order to output a vaporized payload 3112.

A first conductive plate 3114 and a second conductive plate 3116 are positioned in the air flow chamber 3108 between the atomizer 3110 and the outlet 3106. The conductive plates 3114 and 3116 each comprise a generally square or rectangular plate that may be formed of metal or any other conductive material, such as copper, stainless steel, silicon (which may be doped), gold, or titanium. The conductive plates 3114 and 3116 are mounted or otherwise attached to the inner surface of the housing 3102 using non-conductive mechanical supports (not shown). The conductive plates 3114 and 3116 are spaced apart in a generally parallel relationship to define a measurement cavity 3118 therebetween. Thus, conductive plates 3114 and 3116 form a parallel plate capacitor that functions as a capacitive sensor for the vapor measurement system. As the vaporized payload 3112 passes from the atomizer 3110 to the outlet 3106, it passes through the measurement cavity 3118 such that the vaporized payload 3112 effectively acts as a dielectric for the parallel plate capacitor formed by the conductive plates 3114 and 3116.

It should be understood that the components shown in figure 31 may be provided as part of a cartomizer accessory of an electronic vaping device, may be provided as part of a replaceable cartridge of the electronic vaping device, or may be provided as part of an integrated electronic vaping device. Further, it should be understood that the measurement cavity 3118 may be placed at any location between the atomizer and the mouthpiece of the electronic vaping device.

The capacitance of the parallel plate capacitor formed by the conductive plates 3114 and 3116 is represented by the following equation:

wherein

C-capacitance of parallel plate capacitor in farad

ε_rRelative dielectric constant of the material between the plates

ε₀Permittivity (8.854 × 10) in free space^-12Farad/rice)

A is the area of the panel in meters 2

d is the distance between the plates in meters.

Because the relative dielectric constant of air is about 1 (. epsilon.)_r1.00059), any material having a dielectric constant greater than the dielectric constant of the air passing through the measurement cavity 3118 between the conductive plate 3114 and the conductive plate 3116 will increase the capacitance of the parallel plate capacitor in a measurable manner. For example, the dielectric constant of the evaporated payload 3112 will typically be in the range of 2 to 10). This same principle applies to other types of capacitors comprising first and second electrical conductors forming a capacitive sensor, as described below.

In one embodiment, the electrical conductors of the capacitive sensor (e.g., conductive plates 3114 and 3116) are coated with a protective film to maintain the integrity of the conductors (i.e., protect them from degradation due to chemical reactions) and reduce the likelihood of capacitance changes due to condensate buildup, which would change the dielectric constant of the material between the conductors.

In another embodiment, the measurement cavity 3118 is isolated within the air flow chamber 3108 by placing a shield on the side of the measurement cavity 3118 adjacent to the outlet 3106. The shield includes conductors that are maintained at the same voltage as the measurement cavity 3118. When a voltage is applied to the conductive plates 3114 and 3116, separate circuits apply exactly the same voltage to the guard. Because there is no voltage difference between the measurement cavity 3118 and the shield, there is no electric field between them. Any conductors behind the shield will form an electric field with the shield rather than the measurement cavity 3118. Only the unprotected side of the measurement cavity 3118 adjacent to the atomizer 3110 is allowed to form an electric field with the vaporized payload 3112. This guarding technique enables a more accurate measurement of the capacitance of the capacitive sensor.

Many different circuits can be used to measure the capacitance of a capacitive sensor, both directly and indirectly. In some embodiments, the sensor measurement circuitry is configured to measure the absolute capacitance of the capacitive sensor as the vaporized payload 3112 passes through the measurement cavity 3118. In other embodiments, the sensor measurement circuit is configured to measure a capacitance shift (i.e., a change in capacitance) of the capacitive sensor. In all of these embodiments, the measurement of the capacitance of the sensor enables the dose of the constituent part of the vapour to be accurately determined.

Various examples of sensor measurement circuits that may be used to measure the capacitance of a capacitive sensor will now be described. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the use of these particular circuits and that other types of circuits configured to measure the capacitance of a capacitive sensor may also be used in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 32, in one embodiment, the sensor measurement circuit includes a capacitive sensor (C) configured to measure the system for vapor_sensor) The electrical conductor of (a). For example, the capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) A parallel plate capacitor as shown in fig. 31 may be included, in which case a first terminal connection (Term 1) is provided on conductive plate 3114 and a second terminal connection (Term 2) is provided on conductive plate 3116. Of course, other types of capacitive sensors may also be used, as described below.

The charge pump circuit also includes a voltage (V) coupled to the power supply voltage_DD) Of a first current source (I)_S1) And a second current source (I) connected to ground_S2). The current source passes through the first Switch (SW)₁) And a second Switch (SW)₂) And (5) separating. A controller (which may comprise control logic implemented in software) provides for separately opening the first Switches (SW)₁) And a second Switch (SW)₂) Up (Up) and Down (Down) control signals. When the "up" control signal is high (up 1) ) To open the first Switch (SW)₁) And the down control signal is low (down equals 0) to close the second Switch (SW)₂) The first current source (I) of the current output (I) is known_S1) To the capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) And (6) charging. By observing transcapacitive sensors (C)_sensor) Output voltage (V)_out) From the change in time (dV/dt), the capacitive sensor (C) can be determined using the following equation_sensor) The capacitance of (c):

wherein

Capacitive sensor (C) in farad_sensor) Capacitor of

I ═ a first current source in amperes (I ═ a)_S1) Current output of

dV/dt-output voltage (V)_out) According to the change of time.

If the charge pump is operating at a known switching frequency and duty cycle, it is known to deposit onto the capacitive sensor (C) with each "up" current pulse_sensor) The amount of charge on the electrical conductor. Thus, the capacitive sensor (C) may be determined by any of the following methods_sensor) The capacitance of (c): (1) for obtaining a desired output voltage (V)_out) The number of "up" current pulses required is counted; (2) for obtaining a desired output voltage (V) when providing 'up' current pulses at a fixed frequency and duty cycle_out) The required time count; and (3) measuring the output voltage (V) after a known number of "up" current pulses _out). Thus, the charge pump circuit shown in fig. 32 implements a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) Is measured directly.

Alternatively, the output voltage (V) may be set_out) Biased to a certain value (e.g. V)_DD/2) and a first switch and a second Switch (SW)₁And SW₂) Can be used to carefully measure capacitive sensors (C)_sensor) Is measured. Capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) A large displacement of the capacitance of (a) requires a first switch and a second Switch (SW)₁And SW₂) For the output voltage (V) with a large asymmetry between them_out) The measurable shift of (a). In contrast, capacitive sensors (C)_sensor) A small shift of the capacitance of (a) requires a first switch and a second Switch (SW)₁And SW₂) Small asymmetry between for an unclipped output voltage (V)_out) The measurable shift of (a).

It should be understood that all the components of the charge pump circuit shown in fig. 32 (excluding the capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) External) is provided with a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) Is connected to the first terminal connection (Term 1) and the second terminal connection (Term 2). In some embodiments, the sensor measurement circuit is positioned within the air flow chamber 3108 of the e-vaping device 3100, preferably proximate to a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor). In other embodiments, the sensor measurement circuit is located outside of the air flow chamber 3108, such as in the control accessory described above.

Referring to FIG. 33, in another embodiment, the sensor measurement circuit includes a resistor (R) including a first switched capacitor and a second switched capacitor₂) A first resistor (R) connected in series₁) A resistive voltage divider circuit of (1). Switched capacitor resistor (R)₂) Comprising a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) A first Switch (SW)₁) And a second Switch (SW)₂). A controller (which may comprise control logic implemented in software) provides for turning on a first Switch (SW)₁) And a second Switch (SW)₂) The control signal of (2). For example, a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) A parallel plate capacitor as shown in fig. 31 may be included, in which case a first terminal connection (Term 1) is provided on conductive plate 3114 and a second terminal connection (Term 2) is provided on conductive plate 3116. Of course, other types of capacitive sensors may also be used, as described below.

Switched capacitor resistor (R)₂) Equivalent resistance-dependent capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) And switching frequency, as by the following equationShowing:

wherein

R₂Switched capacitor resistor (R) in ohms₂) Equivalent resistance of

Capacitive sensor (C) in farad_sensor) Capacitor of

f is the switching frequency in hertz.

It will be appreciated that if the period (T) is long enough (i.e. the switching frequency (f) is low enough) to make the capacitive sensor (C) _sensor) Capable of full charge/discharge, the duty cycle (D) will not be applied to the switched capacitor resistor (R)₂) The equivalent resistance of (a) has a significant effect. In this sense, if the duty cycle (D) is reduced to the capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) To the extent that it is not fully charged/discharged, it will be to the switching capacitor resistor (R)₂) The equivalent resistance of (a) has an effect. Furthermore, to the capacitive sensor (C) at the switching frequency (f)_sensor) To the extent that the charge/discharge is not complete within one half of the period (T), the duty cycle (T) will switch the capacitor resistor (R)₂) The equivalent resistance of (a) has a direct and large influence. In the case where the duty cycle (D) has an influence, the capacitor resistor (R) is switched₂) Can be shown by the following equation:

wherein

R₂Switched capacitor resistor (R) in ohms₂) Equivalent resistance of

Parasitic resistance in a circuit in ohms

Duty cycle D

f is the switching frequency in hertz.

Referring to equation (4), a resistor may be added to provideFor well-controlled resistance values in the circuit, in which case the duty cycle can be modified as a control method to adjust the switched capacitor resistor (R)₂) The equivalent resistance of (c).

Across a series of resistances (R) ₁And R₂) Applying an input supply voltage (V)_DD) And across a switched capacitor resistor (R)₂) Read output voltage (V)_out). Output voltage (V)_out) Can thus be represented by the following formula:

wherein

V_DDInput supply voltage in volts

V_outOutput voltage in volts

R₁First resistor (R) in ohms₁) Resistance of

R₂Switched capacitor resistor (R) in ohms₂) The equivalent resistance of (c).

Equations (3) and (5) may be combined and rewritten as follows:

wherein

Capacitive sensor (C) in farad_sensor) Capacitor of

V_DDInput supply voltage in volts

V_outOutput voltage in volts

R₁First resistor (R) in ohms₁) Resistance of

f is the switching frequency in hertz.

Referring to equation (6), it can be understood that the input supply voltage (V)_DD) A first resistor (R)₁) Is a known value, and the switching frequency. Due to the fact thatThis is done by reading the output voltage (V)_out) The capacitive sensor (C) can be determined_sensor) The capacitance of (c). In some embodiments, the voltage (V) is output if the voltage variation is too small to be measured directly in a reliable manner_out) Can be scaled by a gain stage. Thus, the resistive divider circuit shown in FIG. 33 implements a capacitive sensor (C) _sensor) Is measured directly.

It should be understood that all of the components of the resistive voltage divider circuit shown in fig. 33 (except for the capacitive sensor (Csensor)) are provided with the to capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) And a first terminal connection (Term1) and a second terminal connection (Term 2). In some embodiments, the sensor measurement circuit is positioned within the air flow chamber 3108 of the e-vaping device 3100, preferably proximate to a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor). In other embodiments, the sensor measurement circuit is located outside of the air flow chamber 3108, such as in the control accessory described above.

Referring to fig. 34, in another embodiment, the sensor measurement circuit includes a phase locked loop circuit. The phase-locked loop circuit generally includes a reference frequency (f) generator_ref) And a phase comparator, a loop filter and a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) operating in a feedback loop. The phase comparator receives two input periodic signals from a variable frequency oscillator and a feedback loop and generates an output signal representative of the phase difference between the two inputs. The loop filter suppresses the higher frequency components of the output signal and provides a filtered signal to the VCO. The frequency of the periodic signal generated by the VCO is controlled by a control voltage (V) _c) And (5) controlling. Therefore, the VCO is an external voltage (i.e., a control voltage (V) is allowed_c) A variable frequency oscillator that controls the oscillation frequency thereof. An N-divider may optionally be provided to scale the output frequency of the VCO by a factor of N.

It can be seen that the capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) Included as part of the VCO. For example, a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) May comprise a parallel plate capacitor as shown in FIG. 31In this case a first terminal connection (Term 1) is provided on the conductive plate 3114 and a second terminal connection (Term 2) is provided on the conductive plate 3116. Of course, other types of capacitive sensors may also be used, as described below. By including capacitive sensors (C)_sensor) As part of the VCO, whenever the capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) When the capacitance of (e.g., as the vaporized payload 3112 passes through the measurement cavity 3118), there will be a shift in the output frequency of the VCO. The control voltage (V) supplied to the VCO when the circuit corrects for frequency shift by attempting to realign the phases of two input periodic signals received by the phase comparator_c) There will be a measurable change. Control voltage (V)_c) And a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) Is related to the capacitance of (c). Thus, the phase locked loop circuit shown in fig. 34 implements a capacitive sensor (C) _sensor) Is measured indirectly.

It should be understood that all components of the phase-locked loop circuit shown in fig. 34 (except for the capacitive sensor (Csensor)) are provided with the capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) Is connected to the first terminal connection (Term 1) and the second terminal connection (Term 2). In some embodiments, the sensor measurement circuit is positioned within the air flow chamber 3108 of the e-vaping device 3100, preferably proximate to a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor). In other embodiments, the sensor measurement circuit is located outside of the air flow chamber 3108, such as in the control accessory described above.

Referring to fig. 35, in another embodiment, the sensor measurement circuit includes a first order active low pass filter circuit connected to a rectifier circuit. The low pass filter circuit comprises an operational amplifier in which an input signal in the form of a sine wave is passed through a first resistor (R)₁) To the inverting input of the amplifier. Preferably, the input voltage (V) is chosen to be close to the 3dB point of the low pass filter_in). Second resistor (R)₂) And a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) Connected in parallel between the inverting input of the amplifier and the output of the amplifier. For example, a capacitive sensor (C) _sensor) May include FIG. 31The parallel plate capacitor shown in (a), in this case a first terminal connection (Term 1) is provided on conductive plate 3114 and a second terminal connection (Term 2) is provided on conductive plate 3116. Of course, other types of capacitive sensors may also be used, as described below.

The cut-off frequency (f) of the low-pass filter is expressed as follows:

wherein

f_cCut-off frequency of a low-pass filter in hertz

R₂Second resistor (R) in ohms₂) Resistance of

Capacitive sensor (C) in Czochralski_sensor) The capacitance of (c).

And, the stop frequency (f) of the low-pass filter_c) As follows:

wherein

f_sStop frequency of low-pass filter in hertz

R₁First resistor (R) in ohms₁) Resistance of

Capacitive sensor (C) in farad_sensor) The capacitance of (c).

At low frequencies, where f<f_cCapacitive sensor (C)_sensor) Is open circuit so that the gain of the amplifier is-R₂/R₁. At high frequencies, wherein f>f_sCapacitive sensor (C)_sensor) Is short-circuited so that the gain of the amplifier becomes zero. At f_cAnd f_sAt frequencies in between, the gain of the amplifier drops to-20 dB/decade. The bode plot of the low pass filter is shown in fig. 36.

Referring again to fig. 35, a rectifier circuit is used to convert an Alternating Current (AC) signal provided at the output of the amplifier to Direct Current (DC). Thus, a DC output voltage (V) is provided at the output of the circuit_out)。

It can be understood that the capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) The change in capacitance causes a change in the bandwidth of the low-pass filter. The increase or decrease in bandwidth changes the signal amplitude at the output of the amplifier, which in turn changes the DC output voltage (V)_out) The value of (c). DC output voltage (V)_out) Value of (C) and a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) Is related to the capacitance of (c). Thus, the circuit shown in fig. 35 implements a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) Is measured indirectly.

In some embodiments, the DC output voltage (V) is measured if the voltage variation is too small to be directly measured in a reliable manner_out) May be scaled by a gain stage. And in the capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) Can alternatively be used to increase the DC output voltage (V) using a higher order filter with a sharper roll-off_out) A change in (c).

It should be understood that all components of the circuit shown in fig. 35 (excluding the capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) External) is provided with a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) Is connected to the first terminal connection (Term 1) and the second terminal connection (Term 2). In some embodiments, the sensor measurement circuit is positioned within the air flow chamber 3108 of the e-vaping device 3100, preferably proximate to a capacitive sensor (C) _sensor). In other embodiments, the sensor measurement circuit is located outside of the air flow chamber 3108, such as in the control accessory described above.

Referring to FIG. 37, in another embodiment, the sensor measurement circuit includes a crystal oscillation circuit that generates a reference frequency (f) having a frequency that varies according to a variable frequency oscillator of the phase locked loop circuit_ref) The reference signal of (1). In this embodiment, the crystal oscillation circuit includes a Colpitts crystal oscillator including a quartz crystal (XTAL), a transistor, a first resistor (R)₁) A second resistor (R)₂) A third resistor (R)₃) A first capacitor (C)₁) And a second capacitor (C)₂) As shown in fig. 37. Of course, other types of oscillating circuits may be used.

The phase-locked loop circuit includes a phase comparator, a loop filter, a VCO, and an optional frequency divider, as described in more detail above in connection with the circuit of fig. 34. However, in this embodiment, the capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) And is not contained within the VCO. Instead, a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) Is used to load the crystal oscillation circuit. For example, a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) A parallel plate capacitor as shown in fig. 31 may be included, in which case a first terminal connection (Term 1) is provided on conductive plate 3114 and a second terminal connection (Term 2) is provided on conductive plate 3116. Of course, other types of capacitive sensors may also be used, as described below.

It can be understood that the capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) Causes a reference frequency (f) of a reference signal provided to the phase-locked loop circuit_ref) A change in (c). To compensate for reference frequency (f)_ref) Will change the control voltage (V) supplied to the VCO_c) The value of (c). Control voltage (V)_c) Value of (C) and a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) Is related to the capacitance of (c). Thus, the circuit shown in fig. 37 implements a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) Is measured indirectly.

It should be understood that all components of the circuit shown in fig. 37 (excluding the capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) External) is provided with a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) Is connected to the first terminal connection (Term 1) and the second terminal connection (Term 2). In some embodiments, the sensor measurement circuit is positioned within the air flow chamber 3108 of the e-vaping device 3100, preferably proximate to a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor). In other embodiments, the sensor measurement circuit is located outside of the air flow chamber 3108, such as in the control accessory described above.

It will be appreciated that what has been said above may be desirableThe sensor measurement circuit described accommodates small to large shifts in capacitance. Capacitive sensor (C), for example, when the measuring chamber is filled with air _sensor) Will be low. However, when the measurement cavity is filled with dense vapour, the capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) Will be several times larger (possibly 2 or more orders of magnitude higher). Thus, in some embodiments, the controller is used to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor measurement circuit (e.g., adjust the gain of the amplifier, charge pump current, or VCO).

The steam measurement system of the present invention further comprises a processor that is part of the control accessory, or alternatively may be provided as part of the sensor measurement circuitry. The processor is programmed to perform the steps of: (1) correlating the measured capacitance with a change in dielectric constant; (2) correlating the change in dielectric constant to a change in dielectric density (i.e., density of the vaporized payload); and (3) correlating the change in dielectric density with the dose of vaporized payload. Thus, measurement of the capacitance of the sensor enables the dose of the constituent part of the vapour to be accurately determined. The dosage may be used in various ways, including: (1) the dose may be reported to the user after being dispatched (administere); (2) the dose may be pre-selected by the user and once the dose has been dispensed, the system may shut down the nebulizer; or (3) a constant dose may be dispensed to the user (i.e., the dose is not configurable).

Because many types of payloads are viscous, it will be possible to accumulate residue over time on the surfaces of the conductive plates 3114 and 3116 (or other electrical conductors of the capacitive sensor, as described below). To compensate for the capacitance shift due to this residue accumulation, some embodiments utilize a calibration step in which the capacitive sensor (C) is measured_sensor) Is measured (i.e., the capacitance when no vaporized payload is present in the measurement chamber), and is used as a reference to be compared to one or more subsequent capacitance measurements. Re-measuring the capacitive sensor (C) as the vaporized payload passes through the measurement chamber_sensor) The capacitance of (c). Comparing this second capacitance measurement with a reference value and using the difference between them to determine the measurementConcentration of vaporized payload in the cavity. The calibration step may be performed periodically, for example, before each capacitance measurement or group of capacitance measurements. Of course, other calibration schedules will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the calibration step may be performed before and after the presence of the vaporized payload in the measurement chamber, in which case any new offset in the latter measurement is subtracted from the dose measured during inhalation, as long as the offset is attributable to a new residue build-up on the sensor.

In some embodiments, a capacitive sensor (C)_sensor) The capacitance of (a) is sampled at several points during use of the e-vapor device and used to modulate the vaporization profile of the nebulizer (i.e., produce more or less vaporized payload). For example, if the heating element of the atomizer is known to be hot but no vaporized payload is detected, power to the atomizer may be reduced to avoid overheating the assembly. As another example, if there are too many vaporized payloads in the measurement chamber, the power to the nebulizer may be limited to reduce the amount of vaporized payload produced. Of course, other examples of modifications to the vaporization profile of the nebulizer will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Referring again to the e-vaping device 3100 shown in fig. 31, the vapor measurement system of the present invention is not limited to use of a capacitive sensor positioned in the air flow chamber 3108 between the atomizer 3110 and the outlet 3106. In some embodiments, the conductive plate of the capacitive sensor forms part of the atomizer, which enables the use of a smaller electronic vaping device that is more convenient to use. For example, one or both of the conductive plates of the capacitive sensor may be used as a heating element/coil of the atomizer. In this case, the user may apply any amount of payload directly to the conductive plate using various dispensing methods known in the art (e.g., the outlet of the payload reservoir may be positioned directly on the sensor plate/coil). The system can measure a capacitive sensor (C) _sensor) And the difference can be used to provide an accurate measurement of the dose dispensed.

As described above, the steam test of the present inventionThe metrology system is not limited to the use of parallel plate capacitors as capacitive sensors (C)_sensor). Other types of capacitors, such as roll capacitors or interdigitated capacitors, may also be used. In general, any capacitor that includes a first electrical conductor spaced from a second electrical conductor to define a measurement cavity therebetween may be used.

Fig. 38A to 38C show examples of the roll capacitor. As shown in fig. 38A, the roll capacitor includes a first electrical conductor 3800 and a second electrical conductor 3802. The first electrical conductor 3800 includes a plurality of coils 3800a to 3800f connected to a common mounting board 3800g that provides a first terminal connection (Term 1). The second electrical conductor 3802 includes a plurality of coiled plates 3802 a-3802 d connected to a common mounting plate 3802e that provides a second terminal connection (Term 2). The first electrical conductor 3800 and the second electrical conductor 3802 may be formed of a metal or any other electrically conductive material, such as copper, stainless steel, silicon (which may be doped), gold, or titanium.

The rolled capacitor includes an air inlet 3804 and an air outlet 3806. Fig. 38B contains arrows indicating the direction of air flow in a plane parallel to the front face of the rolled capacitor. Fig. 38C contains arrows indicating the direction of air flow in a plane perpendicular to the front face of the rolled capacitor.

Referring to the electronic vaping device 3100 shown in fig. 31, the rolled capacitor is configured to be positioned in the air flow chamber 3108 between the atomizer 3110 and the outlet 3106 (as an alternative to the conductive plates 3114 and 3116) using a non-conductive mechanical support (not shown). The first and second electrical conductors 3800, 3802 define a measurement cavity between the coils 3800 a-3800 f and the coils 3802 a-3802 d. As the vaporized payload 3112 passes from the atomizer 3110 to the outlet 3106, it passes through the measurement cavity such that the vaporized payload 3112 effectively acts as the dielectric of the rolled capacitor.

Fig. 39A to 39C show examples of the interdigital capacitor. As shown in fig. 39A, the interdigitated capacitor includes a first electrical conductor 3900 and a second electrical conductor 3902. The first electrical conductor 3900 includes a plurality of interconnect segments 3900a through 3900e that provide a first terminal connection (Term 1). The second electrical conductor 3902 includes a plurality of interconnect segments 3902a to 3902e that provide a second terminal connection (Term 2). The first and second electrical conductors 3900 and 3902 can be formed of metal or any other electrically conductive material, such as copper, stainless steel, silicon (which can be doped), gold, or titanium.

The interdigitated capacitor includes an air inlet 3904 and an air outlet 3906. Fig. 39B contains arrows indicating the direction of air flow in a plane parallel to the front face of the interdigitated capacitor. Fig. 39C contains arrows indicating the direction of air flow in a plane perpendicular to the front face of the interdigitated capacitor.

Referring to the e-vaping device 3100 shown in fig. 31, the interdigitated capacitor is configured to be positioned in the air flow chamber 3108 between the atomizer 3110 and the outlet 3106 (as an alternative to the conductive plates 3114 and 3116) using a non-conductive mechanical support (not shown). The first and second electrical conductors 3900, 3902 define measurement lumens between the segments 3900 a-3900 e and the segments 3902 a-3902 e. As the vaporized payload 3112 passes from the atomizer 3110 to the outlet 3106, it passes through the measurement cavity such that the vaporized payload 3112 effectively acts as a dielectric for the interdigitated capacitor.

It should be understood that multiple capacitors may be used in different configurations (including multiple parallel capacitors or multiple series capacitors). Of course, the use of multiple parallel capacitors is preferred because such a configuration will increase the total capacitance of the capacitive sensor and make it easier to detect (in the case of multiple series capacitors the total capacitance will decrease and be more difficult to detect).

In one embodiment, a modified differential interdigitated capacitive sensor design is used in which the electrical conductor of one capacitor is chemically modified and the electrical conductor of the other capacitor is not chemically modified. The capacitors are positioned adjacent to each other such that substantially the same number of target molecules (e.g., THC and/or CBD molecules) are present within each capacitor. The electrical conductor of the chemically modified capacitor has a coating designed to absorb target molecules relative to the baseline capacitor. The surface absorption of the target molecule will alter the dielectric constant of the chemically modified capacitor (which can be measured by low noise electronics).

The capacitive vapor measurement system described above is configured to accurately determine a dose based on a measured capacitance of an evaporated payload in a measurement cavity of an e-vapor device. Such vapor measurement systems are beneficial to both medical patients and recreational users, as they will be able to accurately measure their dosage to achieve a desired effect in a repeatable manner.

Dual-lead communication system

In some embodiments, the electronic vaping device includes a two-lead communication system that utilizes an electromechanical connection, wherein a first connector provided as part of the control accessory is releasably coupled to a second connector provided as part of the cartridge. The electromechanical connection provides a two-conductor electrical interface capable of communicating a plurality of electrical signals (such as a power signal and one or more data signals) between the control accessory and the cartridge. Various embodiments of a two-wire communication system are described below.

Referring to figure 40, one embodiment of an electronic vaping device 4000 incorporating a two-wire communication system is shown. Generally, the e-vaping device 4000 includes a control accessory 4010 and a cartridge 4020 formed in separate housings and releasably connected to each other via an electromechanical connection 4040. In this embodiment, the control accessory 4010 is provided as a reusable component that can be used with a plurality of disposable cartridges (such as cartridge 4020). In other embodiments, the control accessory 4010 may be disposable and/or the cartridge 4020 may contain a payload reservoir that is accessible for refilling, as described above.

In fig. 40, a control accessory 4010 is shown having a microcontroller 4012, a power supply 4014, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader 4016, and a switch 4018, which are components that form part of a two-wire communication system. It should be understood that the control accessory 4010 can include many other components not shown in figure 40, as described above in connection with the control accessory 14 of the e-vapor device 10.

The microcontroller 4012 is configured to perform one or more electronic control functions related to the operation of the e-vaping device 4000, including control of the power supply 4014, control of the RFID reader 4016, and control of the switch 4018. In some embodiments, the microcontroller 4012 comprises a microprocessor with a central processing unit as known to those skilled in the art (which also incorporates any type of processor for the purposes of the present invention). The microcontroller 4012 further comprises a memory configured to store a series of instructions for operating the microprocessor and to store data (such as operational settings) collected from an RFID tag 4024 (described below) or a sensor disposed on the e-vaping device 4000 to control operation of the e-vaping device 4000.

The power supply 4014 is configured to generate a power signal for providing power to the heating element 4022 of the atomizer. In one embodiment, the power supply 4014 comprises a battery that generates direct current. The direct current may be pulsed in accordance with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) instructions provided by the microcontroller 4012 to control the temperature of the heating element 4022 in a particular desired manner. Alternatively, the temperature of the heating element 4022 may be adjusted by current and voltage control. In some embodiments, the control accessory 4010 further comprises an extraction switch (not shown) that sends an "on" signal to the microcontroller 4012. When the microcontroller 4012 receives an "on" signal from the draw switch, it can send a command to activate the heating element 4022 (i.e., deliver current from the power supply 4014 to the heating element 4022) if any other conditions required to activate the heating element 4022 have been met, as described above.

The RFID reader 4016 is configured to read data stored on the RFID tag 4024 (and optionally write data to the RFID tag 4024) according to instructions from the microcontroller 4012. In one embodiment, RFID reader 4016 operates according to the Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol and RFID tag 4024 comprises an NFC tag. Of course, the RFID reader 4016 may communicate with the RFID tag 4024 using other RFID type protocols, such as Ultra High Frequency (UHF) RFID, FeliCa, and analog signaling methods known to those skilled in the art.

The switch 4018 is configured to control signal communication between the control accessory 4010 and the cartridge 4020 through a two-conductor electrical interface provided by an electromechanical connection 4040 in accordance with instructions from the microcontroller 4012. In one embodiment, switch 4018 comprises a Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) switch having a first switch position and a second switch position. As shown in fig. 40, movement of the DPDT switch to the first switch position enables transmission of a power signal from power supply 4014 to heating element 4022. Movement of the DPDT switch to the second switch position enables transmission of one or more data signals between RFID reader 4016 and RFID tag 4024.

In fig. 40, a cartridge 4020 is shown having a heating element 4022 of an atomizer, an RFID tag 4024, capacitors 4026 and 4028, inductors 4030 and 4032, a choke (choke)4034, and electrical terminals 4036 and 4038, which are components that form part of a two-wire communication system. It should be understood that the cartridge 4020 may include many other components not shown in fig. 40, as described above in connection with the control accessory 14 of the electronic vaping device 10.

The heating elements 4022 are disposed within the atomizer for heating and vaporizing a payload contained in a payload reservoir (not shown) of the cartridge 4020, as described above. In this embodiment, the heating element 4022 comprises a heating coil. Choke 4034 comprises a high frequency choke provided to prevent low impedance heating element 4022 from loading the analog circuitry (i.e., capacitors 4026 and 4028, inductors 4030 and 4032, and RFID tag 4024). Choke 4034 is self-resonant at the radio frequency of RFID tag 4024 and is therefore a high impedance at that frequency.

The RFID tag 4024 comprises any type of electronic storage device that includes memory for storing data related to the cartridge 4000. In one embodiment, the RFID tag 4024 includes an Integrated Circuit (IC) chip for modulating and demodulating a radio frequency signal. For example, RFID tag 4024 may comprise a galvanically (galvaniclly) isolated NFC tag.

The data stored in the RFID tag 4024 may contain various different types of information, such as: (1) information about the particular payload contained in the payload reservoir of the cartridge 4000 (e.g., payload volume, payload composition, THC concentration, CBD concentration, terpene distribution); (2) information about the manufacture of the cartridge 4000 (e.g., date and batch code, serial number, MAC address); (3) information about one or more operational settings (e.g., current settings) for a particular payload included in a payload reservoir suggested for the evaporative cartridge 4000; (4) information (e.g., encryption key (s)) that enables authenticity verification of the cartridge 4000; (5) information about the software or hardware contained within the cartridge 4000 (e.g., software revision of the microcontroller of the temperature control circuit, as described below); and/or (6) information about the intended user of the cartridge 4000 (e.g., user information and prescription information for a particular individual having a prescription for a payload within a payload reservoir of the cartridge 4000). Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of data may also be stored in the RFID tag 4024.

The RFID tag 4024 may be programmed during production (e.g., during the filling of the payload reservoir) to store desired data in order to personalize the cartridge 4020. This may be done by connecting a two pin connector (described below) provided on the cartridge 4020 to a corresponding RFID reader capable of programming the RFID tag 4024 with the desired information.

In one embodiment, RFID tag 4024 operates at a frequency of 13.56 MHz. In another embodiment, the RFID tag 4024 operates at a frequency in the range of 860MHz to 960 MHz. In other embodiments, the RFID tag 4024 operates at a lower frequency (e.g., a frequency in the range of 125kHz to 134.2 kHz) or at a higher frequency (e.g., 2.45 GHz). Of course, other frequencies may be used in accordance with the present invention.

The capacitors 4026 and 4028 comprise DC blocking capacitors provided to isolate the RFID tag 4024 from power signals transmitted from the power supply 4014 to the heating element 4022 through the two-conductor electrical interface. The capacitors 4026 and 4028 are self-resonant at the radio frequency of the RFID tag 4024 and are therefore low impedance at that frequency.

Inductor 4030 serves as an antenna for RFID reader 4016, and inductor 4032 serves as an antenna for RFID tag 4024. Inductors 4030 and 4032 are positioned to allow magnetic coupling between them and provide wireless transmission within a very short range separating these inductors. Alternatively, inductors 4030 and 4032 may be replaced with transformers having the same function.

It should be understood that the cartridge 4020 supports two different modes: (1) a DC mode in which a DC voltage is applied across the electrical terminals 4036 and 4038; and (2) an AC mode in which the antenna terminals of RFID reader 4016 are connected across electrical terminals 4036 and 4038 so that RFID tag 4024 can be accessed through RFID reader 4016.

The electromechanical connection 4040 of the e-cigarette device 4000 enables communication of signals (e.g., a power signal and one or more data signals) between the control accessory 4010 and the cartridge 4020. The electromechanical connections 4040 comprise a pair of connectors, namely a first connector provided at one end of the control accessory 4000 and a second connector provided at one end of the cartridge 4020. The first connector and the second connector are configured to be mechanically and electrically connected together. The mechanical connection may include a threaded connection, a pressure or friction fit connection, a twist mechanical lock, a magnetic connection, and any other mechanical connection member known to those skilled in the art. The electrical connection provides a two-conductor electrical interface that forms part of a two-wire communication system.

In one embodiment, the first and second connectors comprise M7 x 0.5mm threaded connectors (commonly referred to as "510 threaded connectors"). The first connector (i.e., the connector on control fitting 4010) comprises a female 510 threaded connector, an example of which is shown in fig. 41A. Such a connector includes a two-pin electromechanical connector 4100 using the housing 4104 as a negative electrical terminal and the center pin 4106 as a positive electrical terminal, and an insulator may optionally be provided between the housing 4104 and the center pin 4106. The second connector (i.e., the connector on the cartridge 4020) comprises a male 510 threaded connector, an example of which is shown in fig. 41B. Such a connector includes a two-pin electromechanical connector 4102 that uses the housing 4108 as a negative electrical terminal and the center pin 4110 as a positive electrical terminal, and an insulator may optionally be provided between the housing 4108 and the center pin 4110.

When the male and female connectors 4102, 4100 are connected, (1) the center pin 4110 contacts the center pin 4106 to provide a positive lead extending between the positive electrical terminal of the switch 4018 and the positive electrical terminal 4036 of the cartridge 4020; and (2) the housing 4108 contacts the housing 4104 to provide a negative lead extending between the negative electrical terminal of the switch 4018 and the negative electrical terminal 4038 of the cartridge 4020.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the use of 510 threaded connectors and other types of two-conductor connectors may also be used.

The two-wire communication system provides a way to allow at least two functions to share a two-conductor electrical interface: (1) transmission of a power signal from power supply 4014 to heating element 4022; and (2) transmission of one or more data signals (e.g., NFC data transmission) between the RFID reader 4016 and the RFID tag 4024.

The first function is provided when switch 4018 is moved to its first switch position. In this case, a power signal (e.g., direct current or pulsed direct current) is transmitted from power supply 4014 to electrical terminals 4036 and 4038 through switch 4018 and through the two-conductor electrical interface. This power signal is then transmitted from electrical terminals 4036 and 4038 to heating element 4022 in order to activate the nebulizer.

The second function is provided when switch 4018 is moved to its second switch position. In this case, the transmission of the data signal will depend on whether the RFID tag 4024 comprises a passive tag, an active transponder tag, or an active beacon tag.

If RFID tag 4024 comprises a passive tag, RFID reader 4016 transmits interrogation signals to electrical terminals 4036 and 4038 through switch 4018 and through the two-conductor electrical interface. The interrogation signal is then coupled from inductor 4030 to inductor 4032, and inductor 4032 extracts energy from the radio frequency waves. This energy moves from inductor 4032 to RFID tag 4024 to provide power to the tag. In response, the RFID tag 4024 generates a response signal encoding the data stored on the tag. The response signal is then coupled from inductor 4032 to inductor 4030 and provided at electrical terminals 4036 and 4038. The response signal is then transmitted through the two-conductor electrical interface and through the switch 4018 to the RFID reader 4016.

If the RFID tags 4024 comprise active transponder tags, operation is similar to that of passive tags, except that the active transponder tags do not provide power through an interrogation signal. More precisely, an active transponder tag has its own internal power source.

If RFID tag 4024 comprises an active beacon tag, then there is no interrogation signal and the active beacon tag has its own power source. In this case, the RFID tag 4024 generates a signal encoding the data stored on the tag. The signal is then coupled from inductor 4032 to inductor 4030 and provided at electrical terminals 4036 and 4038. The signal is then transmitted through the two-conductor electrical interface and through switch 4018 to RFID reader 4016.

In the embodiments described above, the power signal and the data signal(s) are transmitted over the two-conductor electrical interface according to a time division multiplexing scheme. Thus, the DC and analog signaling paths require mutually exclusive time slots and cannot operate simultaneously. In other embodiments, the DC and analog signaling paths (which operate at different frequencies) may be provided simultaneously over a two-conductor electrical interface according to a frequency division multiplexing scheme. Such functionality would be incorporated into the RFID reader 4016 such that the transmit and receive functions operate in parallel at different frequencies, as known to those skilled in the art.

The dual-lead communication system described above enables cartridge data to be provided in a secure electronic memory within the cartridge. The cartridge data cannot be tampered with, discarded or lost and, therefore, the user can determine that the data is legitimate and not a forgery.

Integrated temperature control system

In some embodiments, the e-vapor device includes a cartridge with an integrated temperature control system. In particular, the cartridge contains a temperature sensor configured to sense or determine a temperature within the cartridge. The temperature sensor may include a component configured to sense a temperature within the cartridge, such as a thermistor, thermocouple, bandgap temperature sensor, analog temperature sensor, digital temperature sensor, or light sensor. The temperature sensor may also include circuitry configured to measure the resistance of the heating element and to use such measurements to determine the temperature within the cartridge. The temperature sensor is incorporated into a temperature control circuit configured to regulate power provided to the heating element based on a temperature within the cartridge and a desired temperature set point. Various embodiments of the temperature control circuit are described below.

Referring to figure 42, one embodiment of an electronic vaping device 4200 that includes a cartridge with an integrated temperature control system is shown. In general, the e-vapor device 4200 includes a control accessory 4210 and a cartridge 4220 that may be formed in separate housings that are releasably connected to one another via an electromechanical connection 4230. In this embodiment, the control accessory 4210 is provided as a reusable component that can be used with a plurality of disposable cartridges (such as cartridge 4220). In other embodiments, the control accessory 4210 may be disposable and/or the cartridge 4220 may contain a payload reservoir that may be accessed for refilling, as described above.

The electromechanical connection 4230 is configured to provide a mechanical connection between the control accessory 4210 and the cartridge 4220, and an electrical connection capable of routing power from a power supply 4212 in the control accessory 4210 to a heater or atomizer 4224 in the cartridge 4220. For example, the electromechanical connection 4230 may comprise a female 510 threaded connector on the control fitting 4210 that releasably engages a male 510 threaded connector on the cartridge 4220. Of course, the invention is not limited to the use of 510 threaded connectors and other types of two pin connectors, such as EGO connectors, may also be used.

As shown in fig. 42, the control accessory 4210 includes a power supply 4212. Of course, it should be understood that the control accessory 4210 may include many other components and circuits not explicitly shown in fig. 42, as described above in connection with the control accessory 14 of the e-vaping device 10. The power supply 4212 is configured to generate a power signal for providing power to the heating element of the atomizer 4224. In one embodiment, the power supply 4212 comprises a battery that generates direct current.

The cartridge 4220 is shown in fig. 42 as having a payload reservoir 4222, a heater or atomizer 4224, a temperature sensor 4226, and a temperature control circuit 4228. It should be understood that the cartridge 4220 may contain many other components not shown in fig. 42, as described above in connection with the electronic vaping devices 10, 100, and 2800 and cartridges 900, 1000, 1100, 1900, 2100, 2400, 2500, and 2600.

The payload reservoir 4222 is configured to contain a payload for evaporation or atomization, as described above. For example, the payload can be a liquid, oil, other fluid, or tablet. The payload may include nicotine oil, or any of the tablets 940, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1300, 1302, 1400, 1500, 1600, and 1700 described above (if the e-vaping device 4200 is modified to evaporate tablets of dry material).

The heater or atomizer 4224 includes a heating element disposed therein for heating and vaporizing the payload contained in the payload reservoir 4222. In this embodiment, the heating element comprises a heating coil. As described below, the heating element is connected to a temperature control circuit 4228, the temperature control circuit 4228 being configured to regulate power provided to the heating element based on a temperature sensed within the cartridge 4220 and a desired temperature set point.

The temperature sensor 4226 may comprise any type of component capable of sensing the temperature within the cartridge 4220. For example, temperature sensor 4226 may comprise a thermistor, thermocouple, bandgap temperature sensor, analog temperature sensor, digital temperature sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor with I2C interface compatibility), or any other type of temperature sensor known to one skilled in the art. The thermal path between the atomizer and the temperature sensor may be implemented with thermal paste, ceramic thermal bridges (e.g., Q-bridge thermal conductors available from American Technical Ceramics), or air and PCB dielectrics.

The temperature sensor 4226 may also comprise a light sensor configured to detect light emitted from a material within the cartridge 4220, wherein the intensity of the emitted light is proportional to the temperature of the material, as known to those skilled in the art. For example, the light sensor may include a photodiode or phototransistor that detects light emitted by the heating element and/or light emitted by the vaporized payload (which is typically in the infrared region of 0.7 microns to 20 microns). The light sensor is preferably capable of detecting light passing through a different seal or glass so that the light sensor can be isolated from the vaporized payload. The light sensor may be used to trigger when a particular threshold temperature has been reached or may be used to maintain operation within a temperature range. As an example, a light sensor may be used to detect when the wick is dry, in which case the heating element will heat up faster and turn red. The test dry core can be used as a way to prevent ingestion of burning silica and to conserve battery power.

The temperature sensor 4226 may also include circuitry configured to measure the resistance of the heating element and utilize such measurements to determine the temperature within the cartridge 4220. As is known in the art, the resistance of a heating element is proportional to the resistivity of the material from which the heating element is made (i.e., the resistance depends on the resistivity, length, and cross-sectional area of the heating element). The relationship between the resistivity and the temperature of the heating element is shown by the following equation (which is a linear approximation for the case where the temperature variation is not large):

ρ＝ρ₀(1+α(T-T₀)) (9)

Wherein

ρ ═ the resistivity of the heating element at a temperature T in ohm-meters

ρ₀Temperature T in ohm-meters₀Resistivity of the heating element

α is at T₀Temperature coefficient of resistivity of

T ═ current temperature in ° K

T₀A fixed reference temperature (e.g., ambient temperature) in units of ° K.

As can be seen from equation (9), the resistivity of the heating element increases as the current temperature of the heating element increases. Thus, if the resistance of the heating element is known at any given time, the resistivity of the heating element can be calculated and the current temperature of the heating element calculated using equation (9).

For example, the following method may be implemented to determine the current temperature of the heating element (and thus the temperature within the cartridge 4220): (a) measuring the ambient temperature within the cartridge 4220 (the heating element will be approximately the same temperature, provided it has not been activated recently); (b) periodically measuring the resistance of the heating element while the heating element is being powered; and (c) calculating a current temperature of the heating element based on the measured resistance (or determining a change in resistance of the heating element to provide a temperature increase above an ambient temperature value). Thus, the resistance of the heating element as a function of temperature may be used to provide an accurate estimate of the temperature within the cartridge 4220 at any given time.

The temperature control circuit 4228 is configured to regulate the power provided to the heating element of the atomizer 4224 based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 4226 within the cartridge 4220 and a desired temperature set point. Various methods may be used to adjust the power provided to the heating element. In one embodiment, the temperature control circuit 4228 is configured to increase or decrease a Direct Current (DC) voltage applied to the heating element. In another embodiment, the temperature control circuit 4228 is configured to increase or decrease the direct current delivered to the heating element. In another embodiment, the temperature control circuit 4228 comprises a processing component (e.g., a microcontroller) programmed to modify the pulse width of the pulsed direct current transmitted to the heating element (i.e., a fixed voltage/current implementation). In this embodiment, Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) (i.e., regular periodic pulses for several cycles) or irregular pulses may be used. An example of an irregular pulse is to turn the current on until a set point is reached, and then turn the current off until a hysteresis point is reached, and then turn the current on again). In yet another embodiment, the temperature control circuit 4228 is configured to interrupt the flow of direct current to the heating element. Of course, other power regulation methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Various examples of temperature control circuits that may be used to regulate the power provided to the heating element of the atomizer 4224 will now be described. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the use of these particular circuits and that other types of circuits configured to regulate the power provided to the heating element of the atomizer 4224 may also be used in accordance with the invention.

Referring to FIG. 43, in one embodiment, the temperature control circuit includes a voltage (V) having a connection to the battery_BATT) Input voltage (V) of_in) And a voltage (V) connected to the heating element_COIL) Output voltage (V)_out) DC-DC converter (DCDC). When the microprocessor, button or other control member applies the control voltageWhen added to the enable pin voltage (EN), enables the DC-DC converter (DCDC). Alternatively, a DC-DC converter (DCDC) may be enabled when power is present. Comprising a fixed resistor (R)_fixed) And PTC thermistor (R)_PTC) Is connected to the feedback pin voltage (FB) of the DC-DC converter (DCDC). The PTC thermistor (R)_PTC) Is thermally connected to the atomizer and has an electrical resistance that increases with increasing temperature and decreases with decreasing temperature. Thus, the PTC thermistor (R)_PTC) As a temperature sensor for the circuit.

In operation, when the PTC thermistor (R) _PTC) When the resistance of (b) increases, the DC-DC converter decreases the output voltage (V)_out) In order to reduce the voltage (V) applied to the heating element_COIL). On the contrary, when the PTC thermistor (R)_PTC) When the resistance of (b) decreases, the DC-DC converter increases the output voltage (V)_out) In order to increase the voltage (V) applied to the heating element_COIL). Therefore, the circuit is based on PTC thermistor (R)_PTC) The sensed temperature increases or decreases a Direct Current (DC) voltage applied to the heating element to regulate power to the heating element.

Referring to FIG. 44, in another embodiment, the temperature control circuit includes two reference resistors (R) passing therethrough_Ref1And R_Ref2) Connecting a non-inverting input to the voltage (V) of the battery_BATT) The operational amplifier of (1). The output of the operational amplifier is passed through a capacitor (C)₂) Is connected to the inverting input and the output of the operational amplifier is connected to the non-inverting input through a feedback circuit comprising a capacitor (C)₂) Explosion-proof fusible resistor (R)_FB) PTC thermistor (R)_PTC) And a capacitor (C)₁). The PTC thermistor (R)_PTC) Is thermally connected to the atomizer and has an electrical resistance that increases with increasing temperature and decreases with decreasing temperature. Thus, the PTC thermistor (R)_PTC) As a temperature sensor for the circuit. It can also be seen that the output of the operational amplifier is connected to the heating element through a p-type field effect transistor (PFET) that provides DC current gain.

In operation, when the PTC is heat-sensitiveResistor (R)_PTC) When the resistance of (a) increases, the voltage at the non-inverting input of the operational amplifier decreases in order to increase the voltage at the output and thus decrease the current transmitted through the p-type field effect transistor (PFET) to the heating element. On the contrary, when the PTC thermistor (R)_PTC) When the resistance of the operational amplifier is decreased, the voltage at the non-inverting input of the operational amplifier is increased to decrease the voltage at the output and thus increase the current transmitted through the p-type field effect transistor (PFET) to the heating element. Therefore, the circuit is based on PTC thermistor (R)_PTC) The sensed temperature increases or decreases the direct current delivered to the heating element to regulate power to the heating element.

Referring to fig. 45, in another embodiment, the temperature control circuit includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) connected through a general purpose input/output pin (GPIO) to a load switch positioned in the current path from the battery. The microcontroller unit (MCU) is programmed to transmit control signals to open and close the load switch and thereby generate a pulsed direct current at the output of the load switch. The microcontroller unit (MCU) also receives as feedback a temperature value from an analog temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the nebulizer, although any type of temperature sensor may be used to provide feedback to the Microcontroller (MCU), such as a digital temperature sensor, a serial bus read sensor, a PWM output sensor, or a sensor utilizing any type of analog temperature measurement as known to those skilled in the art.

In operation, when the temperature value received from the analog temperature sensor is higher than the desired temperature set point, the microcontroller unit (MCU) reduces the pulse width of the pulsed direct current in order to reduce the current delivered to the heating element. Conversely, when the temperature value received from the analog temperature sensor is below the desired temperature set point, the microcontroller unit (MCU) increases the pulse width of the pulsed direct current in order to increase the current delivered to the heating element. Thus, such a circuit adjusts the power to the heating element by increasing or decreasing the pulse width of the pulsed direct current transmitted to the heating element based on the temperature value received from the analog temperature sensor.

Refer to FIG. 46, anotherIn an embodiment, the temperature control circuit includes a first switch (S) connected through a general purpose input/output pin (GPIO) to be positioned in a current path from the battery₁) And a microcontroller unit (MCU) of a second switch (S2) positioned in the current path to the nebulizer. The microcontroller unit (MCU) is programmed to transmit a control signal to open and close the first switch (S)₁) And thereby at the first switch (S)₁) Produces a pulsed direct current at the output of the transformer. The microcontroller unit (MCU) also contains a thermocouple with a thermocouple junction (junction) included therein as part of the wiring that supplies the atomizer. If the thermocouple junction is positioned outside of the payload area, the thermal conductivity of the atomizer wiring is sufficient to communicate a temperature directly related to the atomizer temperature to the thermocouple junction. Thermocouple voltage (V) _SENSE) Is communicated to another general purpose input/output pin (GPIO) of the microcontroller unit (MCU) and thus the thermocouple acts as a temperature sensor for the circuit. The microcontroller circuit is programmed to implement a brief period of inactivity during which no power is provided to the atomizer so that the thermocouple voltage (V) can be read_SENSE)。

In operation, when the thermocouple voltage (V)_SENSE) Above the voltage associated with the desired temperature set point, the microcontroller unit (MCU) reduces the pulse width of the pulsed direct current in order to reduce the current delivered to the heating element. Conversely, when the thermocouple voltage (V)_SENSE) Below the voltage associated with the desired temperature set point, the microcontroller unit (MCU) increases the pulse width of the pulsed direct current to increase the current delivered to the heating element. Thus, this circuit is based on the sensed thermocouple voltage (V)_SENSE) The pulse width of the pulsed direct current delivered to the heating element is increased or decreased to adjust the power to the heating element.

Referring to fig. 47, in another embodiment, the temperature control circuit includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) including functionality similar to that described above in connection with fig. 45. However, instead of utilizing an analog temperature sensor, the circuit derives from another type of temperature sensor (T) positioned in the thermal path of the atomizer _SENSE) Feedback is received. For example, theTemperature sensor (T)_SENSE) May include thermistors, bandgap temperature sensors, digital temperature sensors, or any other type of PCB mounted passive or active temperature sensor.

In operation, when the slave temperature sensor (T)_SENSE) When the received sensor value is higher than a value associated with a desired temperature set point, a microcontroller unit (MCU) reduces the pulse width of the pulsed direct current in order to reduce the current transmitted to the heating element. On the contrary, when the slave temperature sensor (T)_SENSE) When the received sensor value is below a value associated with a desired temperature set point, a microcontroller unit (MCU) increases the pulse width of the pulsed direct current to increase the current delivered to the heating element. Therefore, such a circuit is based on a slave temperature sensor (T)_SENSE) The received sensor value increases or decreases the pulse width of the pulsed direct current transmitted to the heating element to adjust the power to the heating element.

Referring to fig. 48, in another embodiment, the temperature control circuit includes a photodiode (i.e., a light sensor) that turns off the heating element (L1) when the temperature reaches an upper temperature limit (e.g., 200 ℃). As shown, the circuit also includes a first resistor and a second resistor (R) ₁And R₂) And first and second transistors (Q1 and Q2), wherein the first resistor (R) can be changed₁) And/or the value of the second resistor (R)₂) To adjust the light level required to turn off the heating element (L1). It will be appreciated that such circuitry ensures consistent and safe performance of the e-vaping device.

Of course, it is understood that other temperature control circuits may be used in accordance with the present invention. For example, analog circuitry that provides power regulation based on a temperature sensing element (e.g., a thermistor) in a configuration that biases an electronic element capable of providing regulation (e.g., a MOSFET transistor) may be used. As another example, a simple thermal fuse may be used that temporarily interrupts the power connection when the temperature of the atomizer or heating element exceeds a desired temperature set point. When the temperature drops to a level below the temperature set point, the thermal fuse will be reset to provide power to the atomizer or heating element.

In all of the examples provided above, the desired temperature set point is determined by the value of the electronic components within the circuit or programmed into a microcontroller unit (MCU). In other embodiments, the desired temperature set point is user configurable, i.e., the temperature set point can be modified as needed by a particular user or for a desired temperature distribution.

In some embodiments, the temperature control circuit includes a potentiometer having a variable resistance, and the electronic vaping device includes a user actuation mechanism that enables a user to modify the variable resistance of the potentiometer to thereby modify the temperature set point.

An example of a temperature control circuit including a potentiometer is shown in fig. 49. This circuit includes a resistive divider that feeds an "analog input" pin of the microcontroller, where the value at the "analog input" pin changes the temperature set point. The resistive divider comprises a fixed resistor (R)_fixed) And a potentiometer. The potentiometer has a variable resistance that can be modified by a user as described below such that a change in the value of the resistance of the potentiometer changes the temperature set point. It should be understood that the microcontroller may be used in conjunction with any of the temperature control circuits described above (e.g., load switches, FETs, DCDC, etc.) to regulate the power provided to the atomizer. The microcontroller may optionally be connected to a radio tag, such as radio tag 4024 shown in fig. 40 of the two-wire communication system described above.

The temperature control circuit shown in fig. 49 may be used in conjunction with a user actuated mechanism that can translate a mechanical setting into a resistance value of a potentiometer. Various examples of these user actuation mechanisms are shown in fig. 50-52.

Figure 50 shows a portion of a cartridge containing a housing 5000 and a printed circuit board 5002 disposed therein. The printed circuit board contains the components of the temperature control circuit shown in fig. 49 (including potentiometer 5004). A rotary dial 5006 is positioned outside of the housing 500 for user access. The dial 5006 is connected to a potentiometer 5004 via a rotary connector 5008. Thus, the user can modify the resistance value of the potentiometer 5004 by turning the dial 5006.

Fig. 51 shows a portion of a cartridge comprising a housing 5100 and a printed circuit board 5102 disposed therein. The printed circuit board contains the components of the temperature control circuit shown in fig. 49 (including potentiometer 5104). The slidable tab 5106 is positioned outside the housing 500 for user access. The slidable tab 5106 is integrally connected to an arm 5106a that extends into the cartridge and engages a potentiometer 5104 extending through a slider switch 5108. Thus, a user can modify the resistance value of the potentiometer 5104 by sliding the tab 5106 along the housing 5100.

Fig. 52 shows a portion of a cartridge containing a housing 5200 and a printed circuit board 5202 disposed therein. The printed circuit board contains the components of the temperature control circuit shown in fig. 49 (including potentiometer 5204). The housing is rotatable and connected to a potentiometer 5204 via a rotating arm 5206, the rotating arm 5206 being rigidly mounted to the housing 5200 via a base (mount) 5208. Thus, the user can modify the resistance value of the potentiometer 5204 by rotating the housing 5200.

Of course, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the user actuated mechanisms shown in fig. 50-52 and that other mechanisms may be used in accordance with the present invention. Also, instead of using a potentiometer to change the resistance and thereby modify the temperature set point, the temperature control circuit may incorporate a user interface that enables a user to input a digital value (e.g., based on several bits) to modify the temperature set point.

The voltage setting may also be "transitioned" to the temperature setting (e.g., if the voltage output from the control accessory is 3.8 volts, the cartridge temperature is transitioned to 180 ℃; if the voltage output from the control accessory is 4.0 volts, the cartridge temperature is transitioned to 200 ℃, etc.). The cartridge is thus able to translate this voltage into the appropriate power setting to produce the predetermined temperature setting.

Cartridges with localized temperature sensing and control provide an additional layer of security for the end user. Due to the versatility of the connectors used on electronic vapor devices, these types of cartridges may be mounted on many different types of control accessories with different capabilities. If a conventional cartridge without local temperature control is mounted on a control accessory capable of supplying too much power, the cartridge may be damaged, the payload may be burned, or the user may be injured. However, if the cartridge contains local temperature control, the cartridge, payload, and user are protected from such control accessories.

It will be appreciated that the temperature control system described above adds local temperature control to the cartridge containing the atomizer or heating element so that no additional electrical signals need to be transmitted to facilitate temperature control by the electromechanical connector between the cartridge and the control accessory. Thus, the e-vaping device may use existing two-pin connector types while adding desired features (i.e., local control of the atomizer temperature).

Of course, the present invention may be used with electronic cigarette devices that utilize multi-pin connectors to enable communication between a control accessory and a cartridge. For example, the control accessory may send a signal to the temperature control circuit of the cartridge that sets an upper temperature limit for a particular species, whereby one of the user actuation mechanisms shown in fig. 50-52 may be used to reduce the temperature from the upper limit. If the cartridge is connected to a control accessory that does not provide this functionality (i.e., does not send a signal with an upper temperature limit), the temperature control circuit treats the signal as being ground and operates in a standalone mode.

Referring to fig. 53, another embodiment of a cartridge 5300 with an integrated temperature control system is shown. In this embodiment, the cartridge 5300 includes a heating element 5302 (described above) and a temperature control circuit (described above) disposed on the printed circuit board 5304. Printed circuit board 5304 provides connections 5304a and 5304b to electromechanical connector 5306 to enable power to be transferred from a power supply of a control accessory (not shown) to the temperature control circuitry. Electromechanical connector 5306 may include a male 510 threaded connector, although other types of connectors may be used as described herein. The heating element 5302 provides connections 5302a and 5302b to the printed circuit board 5304 to enable the temperature control circuit to regulate power provided to the heating element 5302.

The cartridge 5300 also includes two air inlets 5308 and 5310. When the user inserts a mouthpiece (not shown) into his or her mouth and draws air through outlet 5312, fresh air from outside of cartridge 5200 enters inlets 5308 and 5310 and travels toward heating element 5302. The fresh air combines with the vaporized payload 5314 from the heating element 5302 and enters the outlet 5312. The air and vaporized payload 5316 are drawn through outlet 5312 into the mouth of the user.

In this embodiment, a temperature sensor provided as part of the temperature control circuitry on the printed circuit board 5304 is positioned proximate to the heating element 5302 to enable measurement of the temperature within the atomizer. In other embodiments, a heat pipe may be used between the temperature sensor and the heating element, in which case the temperature control circuit may be positioned at a greater distance from the heating element. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to the structural configuration of the cartridge shown in fig. 53, and that other cartridge configurations may also be used.

The temperature control systems described herein may be used for conductive or convective heating of a payload (which may be a fluid payload or a payload comprising a dry material).

Smart cartridge with authenticated access control

In some embodiments, the electronic vaping device includes a cartridge releasably connected to the control accessory, wherein the cartridge contains an authentication device that allows access to the payload only if the cartridge and/or the control accessory are properly authenticated. Cartridges that incorporate this functionality may be referred to herein as "smart" cartridges, so long as the cartridge provides authentication and access control independent of the control accessory. Various embodiments of an electronic vaping device including a smart cartridge are described below.

Referring to figure 54, one embodiment of an electronic vaping device 5400 includes a control accessory 5410 and a smart cartridge 5420 formed in separate housings and releasably connected to each other via an electromechanical connector 5440. In this embodiment, the control accessory 5410 is provided as a reusable component that can be used with a plurality of disposable cartridges (such as smart cartridges 5420). In other embodiments, the control accessory 5410 may also be disposable.

As shown in fig. 54, the control accessory 5410 includes a microcontroller 5412 connected to a power supply 5414. It should be understood that the control accessory 5410 may contain many other components not shown in fig. 54, as described above in connection with the control accessory 14 of the e-vapor device 10.

The microcontroller 5412 is configured to perform one or more electronic control functions (including control of the power supply 5414) related to the operation of the e-vapor device 5400. In some embodiments, microcontroller 5412 comprises a microprocessor with a central processing unit as known to those skilled in the art (which also incorporates any type of processor for purposes of the present invention). The microcontroller 5412 further includes a memory configured to store a series of instructions for operating the microprocessor and also store data (such as operational settings) collected from one or more sensors disposed on the electronic vaping device 5400 to control operation of the electronic vaping device 5400.

The memory of the microcontroller 5412 may also be configured to store authentication data transmitted from the authentication device 5430 of the cartridge 5420 to the microcontroller 5412. In addition, the memory may be configured to store a list of valid public/private key pairs for cryptographic authentication purposes, as described below. The list includes public/private key pairs associated with various cartridges that have been manufactured for use with the control accessory 5410. Preferably, this list is periodically updated via communication with the remote server to add new public/private key pairs or to revoke a particular public/private key pair (if it is determined that a particular cartridge has been compromised).

The power supply 5414 is configured to generate a power signal for providing power to the atomizer 5422 of the cartridge 5420. In one embodiment, the power supply 5414 includes a battery that generates direct current. The direct current may be pulsed in accordance with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) instructions provided by the microcontroller 5412 in order to control the temperature of the atomizer 5422 in a particular desired manner. Alternatively, the temperature of the atomizer 5422 may be adjusted by current and voltage control. In some embodiments, the control accessory 5410 further includes a draw switch (not shown) that sends an "on" signal to the microcontroller 5412. When the microcontroller 5412 receives this "on" signal from the draw switch, it may send instructions to the power supply 5414 to deliver a power signal to the nebulizer 5422 if any other conditions required to activate the nebulizer 5422 have been met, as described above.

The cartridge 5420 is shown in fig. 54 as having a nebulizer 5422, a payload receptacle 5424, and an authentication accessory 5428. The authentication accessory 5428 includes an authentication device 5430 and a power gate 5432 that provide the "smart" capability of the cartridge 5420. It should be understood that the cartridge 5420 may contain many other components not shown in fig. 54, as described above in connection with the cartridge 12 of the electronic vaping device 10.

The inlet of the atomizer 5422 communicates with a payload reservoir 5424 containing a payload. For example, the payload can be a liquid, oil, other fluid, or tablet. As described above, the atomizer 5422 includes a heating element, such as a heating coil, configured to heat and vaporize a payload contained in the payload reservoir 5424 to produce a vaporized payload 5426 provided at the outlet of the atomizer 5422.

The authentication device 5430 includes a stand-alone or custom Integrated Circuit (IC) having a microcontroller unit (MCU) and a secure element capable of storing authentication data and performing cryptographic operations, as described below. The secure element may include inaccessible memory (i.e., a block of memory that is guaranteed to be inaccessible from outside the IC), encrypted memory, or other secure elements known to those skilled in the art. The authentication data may contain an encryption key (such as a public key of a public/private key pair). The authentication data may optionally include an expiration date of the cartridge (or alternatively a date of manufacture and a shelf life of the cartridge from which the expiration date may be determined), a maximum number of puff seconds allowed for operation of the cartridge, a unique identifier of the cartridge (e.g., a unique serial number), and other authentication data known to those skilled in the art. Because the authentication data is stored in the secure element, the data is not tampered with, discarded or lost, and thus the user can ensure that the data is legitimate and not a forgery.

The power gate 5432 is configured to control transmission of power signals from the power supply 5414 to the nebulizer 5422 over the electromechanical connector 5440 according to instructions received from the authentication device 5430. In this embodiment, the power gate 5432 includes a gate having an open position and a closed positionSingle pole single throw Switch (SW)₁). As shown in fig. 54, movement of the power gate 5432 to the open position inhibits transmission of a power signal from the power supply 5414 to the nebulizer 5422. In contrast, movement of the power gate 5432 to the closed position enables transmission of a power signal from the power supply 5414 to the nebulizer 5422. As described below, the authentication device 5430 is programmed to cause movement of the power gate 5432 from the open position to the closed position when the cartridge 5420 and/or the control accessory 5410 is determined to be authentic.

As shown in fig. 54, the authentication device 5430 and the power gate 5432 are provided as separate discrete components. In other embodiments, the authentication device 5430 and the power gate 5432 may be integrated into a single component, such as a silicon die, a multi-chip module (MCM), or other components known to those skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, the cartridge 5420 is initially provided in a locked state, i.e., the power gate 5432 is in an open position. When the cartridge 5420 is coupled to the control accessory 5410, the authentication device 5430 is configured to implement an authentication protocol to determine whether the cartridge 5420 is authentic. The authentication protocol may include one or more different tests relying on the use of authentication data stored in the secure element of the authentication device 5430, as described below. The authentication device 5430 then uses the results of the authentication protocol to control the power gate 5432, e.g., if the cartridge 5420 is authenticated, the power gate 5432 moves from an open position to a closed position to enable operation of the electronic vaping device 5400. This feature minimizes the chance of accidental or intentional misuse of the e-vapor device 5400.

In one embodiment, the cartridge 5420 is implemented to return to its locked state upon loss of power to implement strict access control, i.e., the power gate 5432 moves from the closed position back to the open position at the end of the power cycle. Thus, authentication must occur at each inhalation. Of course, the authentication action need not be noticed by the user, so that the cartridge may also appear to remain authenticated at the start of the session, although authentication occurs at each inhalation. In another embodiment, the cartridge 5420 is maintained in its unlocked state across power cycles to avoid having to authenticate on subsequent inhalations in the session. For example, the authentication device 5430 may store the last timestamp of the authentication and only need to re-authenticate when an internally defined time limit (user, factory, or other) has elapsed.

One test that is part of the authentication protocol includes an encrypted handshake (e.g., challenge-response) between the microcontroller 5412 and the authentication device 5430 to achieve authentication of the cartridge 5420 and the control accessory 5410. In one embodiment, the authentication device 5430 stores a public key and the microcontroller 5412 stores a list of valid public/private key pairs, as described above. The cryptographic handshake may be performed as follows: (1) the microcontroller 5412 transmits the message to the authentication device 5430; (2) the authentication device 5430 encrypts the message with the stored public key to generate an encrypted message; (3) the authentication device 5430 transmits the encrypted message and the public key to the microcontroller 5412; (4) the microcontroller 5412 accesses the stored list of public/private key pairs to identify the private key associated with the public key; (5) the microcontroller 5412 decrypts the encrypted message with the private key to generate a decrypted message; (6) the microcontroller 5412 determines if the original message matches the decrypted message and if so, the cartridge 5420 and control accessory 5410 are considered authentic. Of course, other cryptographic authentication protocols known to those skilled in the art may also be used.

Once the cryptographic handshake is complete, the microcontroller 5412 can transmit an indication of authenticity to the authentication device 5412. If the cartridge 5420 and control accessory 5410 are authentic, the authentication device 5430 moves the power gate 5432 directly to the closed position to enable transmission of a power signal from the power supply 5414 to the nebulizer 5422. Alternatively, the authentication device 5430 may move the power gate 5432 to the closed position after receiving an operation instruction from the microprocessor 5412. This can be done by changing the operational settings across the power cycle endurance or non-endurance as experienced by the cartridge 5420 or control accessory 5410.

It can be appreciated that the cryptographic handshake described above enables authentication of the cartridge 5420 and the control accessory 5410 without accessing a remote server. This authentication method is also sufficient to ensure that the cartridge 5420 and the control accessory 5410 are compatible, which eliminates the possibility of pairing an unmatched cartridge with the control accessory and potentially exposing the user to danger.

Another test that may optionally be performed as part of the authentication protocol includes a test to determine whether the cartridge 5420 is expired.

In one embodiment, the test to determine whether the cartridge 5420 is expired may be performed as follows: (1) the authentication device 5430 transmits the stored expiration date of the cartridge 5420 (or alternatively the manufacturing date and expiration date from which the expiration date may be determined) to the microcontroller 5412; (2) the microcontroller 5412 determines the current date; and (3) the microcontroller 5412 determines whether the expiration date of the cartridge 5420 is after the current date. The data transmitted from the authentication device 5430 to the microcontroller 5412 may be encrypted data or plain text data. If the cartridge 5420 is deemed to be non-authentic, the microcontroller 5412 may permanently disable the cartridge 5420 via the authentication device 5430.

In another embodiment, the test to determine whether the cartridge 5420 is expired may be performed as follows: (1) the microcontroller transmits the current date to the authentication device 5430; (2) the authentication device 5430 determines the expiration date of the cartridge 5420 (from the stored expiration date, or from the stored manufacturing date and expiration date from which the expiration date can be determined); and (3) the authentication device 5430 determines whether the expiration date of the cartridge 5420 is after the current date, and if so, the cartridge 5420 is deemed authentic. The data transmitted from the microcontroller 5412 to the authentication device 5430 may be encrypted data or plain text data.

Yet another optional test that may be performed as part of the authentication protocol includes a test that determines whether the cartridge 5420 is used beyond its maximum allowable operating time (i.e., the maximum allowable operating time of the cartridge 5420). The maximum allowable operating time may be measured in units of pumping seconds. As used herein, "pumped seconds" means a one second period during which power is provided to the atomizer 5422 and a portion of the payload in the payload reservoir 5424 is vaporized. To perform this test, the certification device 5430 is configured to record user analysis (i.e., puff count and puff duration) to enable determination of the total number of puff seconds elapsed during operation of the cartridge 5420, i.e., the current operating time.

In one embodiment, the test to determine whether the cartridge 5420 is used beyond its maximum allowable operating time may be performed as follows: (1) the authentication device 5430 transmits the stored maximum allowable operating time and the current operating time (or a user analysis from which the current operating time may be determined) to the microcontroller 5412; and (2) the microcontroller 5412 compares the maximum allowable operating time with the current operating time to determine whether the current operating time is greater than the maximum allowable operating time. In some cases, the microcontroller 5412 may use the comparison to determine whether the maximum allowable operating time has elapsed. If so, the microcontroller 5412 can permanently disable the cartridge 5420 via the authentication device 5430. Alternatively, the microcontroller may transmit the comparison result to the authentication device 5430 to be recorded in the authentication device 5430. In this case, the authentication device 5430 may refuse to provide power to the cartridge 5420 if the maximum allowable operating time has elapsed.

In another embodiment, the authentication device 5430 compares the stored maximum allowable operating time with the stored user analysis to determine whether the current operating time is greater than the maximum allowable operating time. In some cases, the authentication device 5430 may refuse to provide power to the cartridge 5420 if the maximum allowable operating time has elapsed. Alternatively, the authentication device 5430 may transmit the comparison result to the microcontroller 5412. If the maximum allowable operating time has elapsed, the microcontroller 5412 may permanently disable the cartridge 5420 via the authentication device 5430.

Yet another optional test that may be performed as part of the authentication protocol includes a test to determine whether the cartridge 5420 is a counterfeit. The test may be performed as follows: (a) the authentication device 5430 transmits the stored unique identifier for the cartridge 5420 to the microcontroller 5412; (2) the microcontroller 5412 transmits the unique identifier to the wireless transceiver of the control accessory 5410 (such as the RF transceiver circuitry 36 and antenna(s) 40 of the control accessory 14 shown in fig. 1); (3) the wireless transceiver transmits the unique identifier to an external computing device (such as computing device 72 shown in fig. 3) via an RF communication link (e.g., bluetooth); (4) determining, by the external computing device, whether the unique identifier is valid via accessing the remote server; (5) the external control device transmitting a response to the wireless transceiver indicating whether the unique identifier is valid; and (6) the write transceiver transmits the response to the microcontroller 5412 and if the unique identifier is valid, the cartridge 5420 is considered authentic. It will be appreciated that once a cartridge having its unique identifier has been registered with the remote server, any other cartridge having the same identifier will be considered a counterfeit.

The electronic vaping device 5400 may utilize any one or combination of the tests described above as part of its authentication protocol. If the cartridge 5420 is deemed authentic, the electronic smoking device 5400 can provide an indication to the user that the cartridge 5420 has been authenticated. For example, the control accessory 5410 may contain a Light Emitting Diode (LED) that turns green if the cartridge 5420 has been authenticated. In another example, the control accessory 5410 can wirelessly communicate the authentication information to an external computing device (such as computing device 72 shown in fig. 3), where an application running on the computing device causes the authentication information to be displayed to the user.

In some embodiments, after the cartridge 5420 has been authenticated, an additional key verification step is performed to verify that an operator of the electronic vaping device 5400 is authorized to use the cartridge 5420. In one embodiment, the owner of the cartridge 3420 enters a key (encrypted or plain) to lock the cartridge 5420, where the key is stored in a secure element of the authentication device 5430. The authentication device 5430 will thereafter ensure that the operator of the e-vapor device 5400 is in possession of a smart phone or other RFID enabled device that stores a cryptographic key before moving the power gate 5432 to the closed position to enable transmission of a power signal from the power source 5414 to the nebulizer 5422.

In one embodiment, multiple keys are allowed to be stored in the secure element of the authentication device 5430. Multiple keys provide the benefit of enabling multiple operators to access the same cartridge without sharing the keys. This is particularly beneficial if the owner has multiple applications on his/her smartphone or other RFID-enabled device capable of unlocking the cartridge, or if the owner has multiple accounts on the same application on his/her smartphone or other RFID-enabled device capable of unlocking the cartridge. Such a key verification scheme may be implemented by a single administrator who may add/remove keys, by multiple administrators, or by all shared owners that are administrators.

In another embodiment, the current owner of the cartridge may transfer ownership of the cartridge to the new owner via the transfer of a key using his/her smartphone or other RFID-enabled device. The transfer of cartridge ownership may be performed permanently or temporarily. Examples of temporary transfer of ownership of a cartridge include, but are not limited to, seconds of elapsed puffs, dose, date, time of day, location, and other information known to those skilled in the art. Also, the temporary transfer of cartridge ownership may occur during a scheduled time that defines a known usage window, such as the prescribing doctor temporarily transferring cartridge ownership to the patient for dose limiting, puff seconds, etc., before ownership is automatically transferred back to the prescribing doctor. Scheduled transmissions of the cartridge ownership may also reoccur.

Referring again to fig. 54, the electromechanical connector 5440 includes a pair of connectors, namely, a first connector provided at one end of the control fitting 5410 and a second connector provided at one end of the cartridge 5420. The first connector and the second connector are configured to be mechanically and electrically connected together. The mechanical connection may include a threaded connection, a pressure or friction fit connection, a twist mechanical lock, a magnetic connection, and any other mechanical connection member known to those skilled in the art. As described below, the electromechanical connector 5440 enables (1) transmission of power signals from the control accessory 5410 to the cartridge 5420 and (2) transfer of one or more data signals between the control accessory 5410 and the cartridge 5420. Of course, it should be understood that this same electromechanical connector 5440 is also used to read and write payload information (e.g., item information, optimal fog temperature, puff count, expiration date, etc.) that is used by the control accessory 5410 or an external computing device to modify operating parameters of the e-vapor device 5400.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical connector 5440 provides an electrical interface that includes two conductors. For example, in a common embodiment, the first and second connectors comprise M7 x 0.5mm threaded connectors (which are commonly referred to as "510 threaded connectors"). The first connector (i.e., the connector on the control fitting 5410) comprises a female 510 threaded connector and the second connector (i.e., the connector on the cartridge 5420) comprises a male 510 threaded connector, as described above and shown in fig. 41A. Of course, the invention is not limited to the use of 510 threaded connectors and other types of two-conductor connectors may be used.

A two-conductor electrical interface is typically used in electronic vaping devices to provide a power conductor and a ground conductor. To accommodate the transfer of one or more data signals between the control accessory 5410 and the cartridge 5420, the data signal must also be transmitted over one of these conductors. Various different multiplexing schemes, such as time division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, or voltage level multiplexing, may be used to provide this functionality. Of course, other types of multiplexing schemes may also be used in accordance with the present invention.

In embodiments using a time division multiplexing scheme, the power signal and the data signal are transmitted sequentially on the same conductor. An example of a circuit that may be used to implement a time division multiplexing scheme is shown in fig. 55. Of course, other circuits as known to those skilled in the art may be used to implement the time division multiplexing scheme.

As shown in fig. 55, the circuit 5500 contains a microcontroller 5510 of the control accessory and an authentication device 5520 of the cartridge connected by a two-conductor electrical interface. The electrical interface includes a first conductor that provides a data/power path (i.e., a data and power sharing first conductor) and a second conductor that provides a ground path. Data and power need mutually exclusive time slots on the first conductor, i.e. data and power cannot be transmitted on the first conductor at the same time.

In circuit 5500, microcontroller 5510 is connected through an input/output pin (IO) to an NMOS transistor (Q1), which in turn is electrically interfaced across an IO pin of authentication device 5520. This provides a data path on the first conductor to enable transmission of data signals between the microcontroller 5510 and the authentication device 5520.

The control accessory also comprises a resistor (R) having a relatively large resistance₁) Provide forPower supply (not shown) for power signal, the resistor (R)₁) Which in turn is connected across the electrical interface through a diode (D1) to the cartomiser (not shown) of the cartridge. Of course, a power gate (not shown) will also be provided in the cartridge to control the transmission of the power signal to the nebulizer, as described above. This provides a power path on the first conductor to enable transmission of a power signal from the power supply to the nebulizer. It can be seen that this power signal also provides a supply voltage (V) for both the microcontroller 5510 and the authentication device 5520 _DD). Capacitor (C)₁) A sufficiently large capacitance value is provided to maintain power to the authentication device 5520 during the transfer of data signals between the microcontroller 5510 and the authentication device 5520. Thus, the first conductor may be used to temporarily transfer data signals between the microcontroller 5510 and the authentication device 5520 while the authentication device 5520 remains powered.

In embodiments using a frequency division multiplexing scheme, the power signal and the data signal are transmitted simultaneously between the control accessory and the cartridge. In this case, data is encoded on the power or ground conductors using Alternating Current (AC) or Radio Frequency (RF) signals superimposed on the conductors. As known to those skilled in the art, frequency division multiplexing may support both full-duplex and half-duplex operation using different uplink and downlink frequencies. Filtering is then used to separate the data from the power. This can also be done using Amplitude Modulation (AM). Digital communication methods such as Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK), Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK), and other methods known to those skilled in the art may also be used.

In embodiments using a voltage level multiplexing scheme, both power and data signals are transmitted between the control accessory and the cartridge. As described below, if the logic low for digital signaling is greater than the minimum required supply voltage for the authentication device of the cartridge, the data signal may be communicated on the same conductor used to transmit the power signal. An example of a circuit that may be used to implement the voltage level multiplexing scheme is shown in fig. 56. Of course, other circuits as known to those skilled in the art may be used to implement the voltage level multiplexing scheme.

As shown in fig. 56, the circuitry 5600 contains a microcontroller of control accessories (referred to as processing device U1) and an authentication device of the cartridge (referred to as processing device U2) connected by a two-conductor electrical interface. The electrical interface includes a first conductor that provides a data/power path (i.e., a data and power sharing first conductor) and a second conductor that provides a ground path.

As can be seen, the processing device (U1) is connected through an output pin (DATA _ OUT) to an NMOS transistor (Q1) and a resistor (R2), which resistor (R2) is IN turn connected across an electrical interface to a resistor (R3), an analog comparator and an optional level shifter to an input pin (DATA _ IN) of the processing device (U2). This provides a data path on the first conductor to enable transmission of data signals from the processing device (U1) to the processing device (U2).

Similarly, the processing device (U2) is connected through an output pin (DATA _ OUT) to an NMOS transistor (Q3) and a resistor (R3), which resistor (R3) is IN turn connected across an electrical interface to a resistor (R2), an analog comparator and an optional level shifter to an input pin (DATA _ IN) of the processing device (U1). This provides a data path on the first conductor to enable transmission of data signals from the processing device (U2) to the processing device (U1).

The control accessory also includes a power supply with battery protection (U5) that provides a power signal through a resistor (R1) in parallel with an NMOS transistor (Q2) connected to the HIGH power pin (HIGH-PWR) of the processing device (U1), which resistor (R1) is in turn connected across an electrical interface to the power gate (SW 1). A control pin (SW1_ CTL) of the processing device (U2) is connected to the power gate (SW1) to control the transmission of a power signal to the cartomizer, as described above. This provides a power path on the first conductor to enable transmission of a power signal from the power supply to the nebulizer. It can be seen that the power signal provides a supply voltage (V _ PWR) to the processing device (U1) through an optional DC-DC converter (U3). Similarly, the power signal provides a supply voltage (V _ PWR) to the processing device (U2) through an optional DC-DC converter (U4).

In circuit 5600, the non-inverting input to each of the analog comparators (V _ THRESH) is selected such that the inverting input is greater than the minimum required supply voltage of the processing means (U2). Also, the resistor (R1) is selected to have a sufficiently small resistance value so that the current required to provide power to the processing device (U2) does not cause an excessive voltage drop. If the resistance value of the resistor (R1) is selected by mistake, the processing device (U2) may experience a voltage that is lower than its minimum required supply voltage.

It will be appreciated that the logic blocks depicted in FIG. 56 may be integrated as a monolithic integrated circuit, discrete components, or some combination thereof. Preferably, all cartridge electronics (excluding the atomizer) are integrated into a single Integrated Circuit (IC) or module. This is advantageous because the encapsulation for electronics (envelope) is extremely small in typical cartridge applications.

It will be appreciated that for the circuit shown in fig. 56, there are many alternative configurations that may be used to achieve the same effect, including but not limited to: (1) open-drain (open-drain) implementations of level shifters; (2) removing the optional level shifter(s) by integration or using compatible processing; (3) removing the optional DC-DC converter by integration or using compatible processes; (4) inverting the analog comparator to simplify logic; and (5) if V _510 accidentally drops too much within a short period of time, a diode and capacitor are added to help maintain the supply voltage (V _ PWR) of the processing device (U2) (or its corresponding DC-DC converter (U4)).

The data transfer protocol used by the circuit 5600 may be optimized for many different use cases, including but not limited to: (1) optimizing for data transmission rate; (2) optimized to minimize noise of V _ 510; and (3) optimizing to minimize noise and/or ripple of the supply voltage (V _ PWR) of the processing device (U2) (or its corresponding DC-DC converter (U4)).

An example of a data transfer protocol used by the circuit 5600 is shown in fig. 57, which includes an "unauthenticated" stage, an "authentication process" stage, and an "authenticated" stage. During each of these phases, the logic values for the pins of the processing device (U1) (i.e., DATA _ OUT, DATA _ IN, and HIGH _ PWR), the pins of the processing device (U2) (i.e., DATA _ OUT, DATA _ IN, and SW1_ CTL), V _510, and the nebulizer current are shown.

During the "unauthenticated" phase, the control accessory attempts to heat the nebulizer (i.e., the HIGH _ PWR pin of the processing device (U1) is active low), but the processing device (U2) in the cartridge has not yet enabled the control pin (SW1_ CTL) so that the power gate (SW1) remains in the open position. Thus, no current is delivered to the atomizer.

During the "authentication process" phase, an authentication protocol is implemented to authenticate the cartridge and control accessory. As can be seen, authentication DATA is initially transmitted from the processing device (U1) to the processing device (U2), as shown by the activation state of the DATA _ OUT pin of the processing device (U1) and the activation state of the DATA _ IN pin of the processing device (U2) (see also V-510). Next, authentication DATA is transmitted from the processing device (U2) to the processing device (U1), as shown by the activation state of the DATA _ OUT pin of the processing device (U2) and the activation state of the DATA _ IN pin of the processing device (U1) (see also V-510).

During the "certified" phase (i.e., once the certification process is complete), the control accessory again attempts to heat the nebulizer (i.e., the HIGH _ PWR pin of the processing device (U1) is active low) and the processing device (U2) in the cartridge has enabled the control pin (SW1_ CTL) such that the power gate (SW1) moves to the closed position. Thus, current is delivered to the atomizer to effect heating of the payload.

In all of the embodiments discussed above, the power signal may comprise a direct current that is pulsed according to Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) instructions to control the temperature of the atomizer in a particular desired manner. In this case, the cartridge must be able to ensure that the authentication device is sufficiently decoupled to avoid power starvation (brown outs) and reset/power cycling. Another way to ensure that the authentication device does not power down is to ensure that the minimum level of the PWM signal is still sufficient to meet the minimum supply voltage requirements of the authentication device.

In all of the embodiments discussed above, the power supply may also use a variable output voltage in order to control the temperature of the atomizer in a particular desired manner. In this case, the authentication device must be sufficiently decoupled and function at a sufficiently low voltage to avoid power starvation and reset/power cycling. The cartridge may also contain the required circuitry to up-convert the voltage of the power signal (i.e. raise the input voltage to a higher potential) to a voltage high enough to meet the minimum supply voltage requirements of the authentication device.

In some embodiments, the electromechanical connector 5440 provides an electrical interface that includes three or more conductors/pins. In this case, it is not necessary to use any of the multiplexing schemes described above. For a three pin electrical interface, there are separate pins for power, ground, and data. Several options also exist for a four pin interface, such as an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface. For example, data may be transmitted using dedicated signal pins of the ITC interface, such as SDA (data line) and SCL (frequency line) pins. A multi-conductor connector similar to a stereo headphone connector with an integrated microphone may also be used. Using this approach, a cartridge having 510 threads using more than two electrical connections while being compatible with a control fitting having only two electrical connections (and vice versa) may be used.

In all of the embodiments described above, the smart cartridge is used with a control accessory having functionality to implement a desired authentication protocol. However, in other embodiments, the smart cartridge may be used with a "dumb" control accessory, for example, in situations where the user may not care to authenticate the cartridge or may have previously authenticated the cartridge with another control accessory. In these embodiments, the cartridge is set by default to the unlocked state, i.e., the power door is in the closed position.

Cartridges not coupled to the control accessory may also be authenticated. For example, the cartridge may be implemented with RFID capabilities to enable communication with a smartphone or other RFID-enabled device. In this case, the cartridge may be wirelessly authenticated at a point of sale (POS) or by the owner using a smart phone or other RFID-enabled device. It will be appreciated that providing authentication and unlocking of cartridges at the POS is a desirable feature for retailers as this ensures that any stolen cartridges cannot be used.

While certain embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to these embodiments without changing or departing from their scope, purpose, or functionality. The terms and expressions which have been employed in the foregoing specification are used therein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the invention is defined and limited only by the claims which follow. From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the invention.

Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

While particular embodiments have been shown and discussed, various modifications may of course be made, and the invention is not limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts and steps described herein, except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims. Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

Claims (504)

1. An electronic vaping device, comprising:

a payload receptacle configured to receive a payload for evaporation;

a heating element configured to heat the payload;

a power source coupled to the heating element;

a sensor configured to sense an operating condition of the e-vapor device while the vapor is being generated by the e-vapor device;

a processor;

a memory device; and

a set of instructions stored in a memory device and executable by a processor to:

Receiving an operating condition from a sensor; and

the power provided by the power source to the heating element is adjusted based on the sensed operating condition.

2. The electronic vaping device of claim 1, wherein the sensor includes at least one of an air pressure sensor, an air flow sensor, or a temperature sensor, and the operating condition includes at least one of air pressure, draw intensity, or temperature.

3. The electronic vaping device of claim 2, wherein the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is at least one of a temperature of the heating element, a temperature of a payload in a payload reservoir, or a temperature of an evaporated portion of the payload.

4. The electronic vaping device of claim 1, wherein the operating condition includes at least one of draw strength, draw length, payload temperature, air pressure, atomizer ambient temperature, air flow, heating element temperature, and dose measurement.

5. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 1-4, wherein the operating condition includes at least one of air pressure and draw intensity, and wherein the set of instructions are executable by the processor to:

Increasing power provided to the heating element to increase a temperature of the heating element when the sensed outlet air pressure decreases relative to the sensed inlet air pressure, the sensed inlet air pressure increases relative to the sensed outlet air pressure, or the sensed draw intensity increases; and

when the sensed outlet air pressure increases relative to the sensed inlet air pressure, the sensed inlet air pressure decreases relative to the sensed outlet air pressure, or when the sensed draw intensity decreases, the power provided to the heating element is reduced to reduce the temperature of the heating element.

6. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 1-5, wherein the set of instructions are executable by the processor to continuously repeat the steps of receiving the operating condition from the sensor and adjusting the power provided to the heating element while vapor is being produced by the electronic vaping device.

7. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 1-6, wherein the set of instructions are executable by the processor to adjust power provided to the heating element to maintain a payload temperature, a heating element temperature, or an air temperature of a payload heated by the heating element within a desired range.

8. The e-vapor device of claim 7, wherein the desired range for the payload temperature corresponds to a user-selected material.

9. A system for determining a heating profile for an electronic vaping device, comprising:

a processor;

a memory device; and

a set of instructions stored in a memory device and executable by a processor to:

receiving a plurality of sensed draw intensities and a plurality of sensed draw lengths, wherein each draw intensity and each draw length is associated with an instance of a user drawing vapor from an e-vapor device;

determining a historical extraction intensity from the sensed plurality of extraction intensities;

determining a historical extraction length from the sensed plurality of extraction lengths; and

generating a heating profile for a heating element of the electronic vaping device based on the historical extraction intensity and the historical extraction length, wherein the heating profile corresponds to power provided to the heating element over time.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the heating profile is generated according to a heating mode selected for the e-vaping device, wherein the heating mode selected for the e-vaping device includes at least one of an effectiveness mode, an efficiency mode, and a decarboxylation mode.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein, when the efficacy mode is a selected heating mode for the e-vapor device, the heating profile is configured such that power is provided to the heating element when the sensed extraction intensity indicates that the user is extracting vapor from the e-vapor device and no power is provided to the heating element when the sensed extraction intensity indicates that the user has stopped extracting vapor from the e-vapor device.

12. The system of any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein, when the efficiency mode is a heating mode for selection of the e-vapor apparatus, the heating profile is configured such that power is provided to the heating element for no longer than an efficiency time period beginning when the sensed extraction intensity indicates that the user is extracting vapor from the e-vapor apparatus, wherein the efficiency time period is shorter than the historical extraction length.

13. The system of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, when the decarboxylation mode is the selected heating mode for the e-vaping device, the heating profile is configured to correspond to a decarboxylation temperature and a decarboxylation duration that allow a decarboxylation reaction of a payload of the e-vaping device.

14. The system of any of claims 9 to 13, wherein the set of instructions is executable by the processor to:

sensing an operating condition of the electronic vaping device while the vapor is being generated by the electronic vaping device; and

the power provided to the heating element is adjusted based on the sensed operating condition.

15. The system of any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the plurality of draw intensities and the plurality of draw lengths correspond to a first draw of vapor from the electronic vaping device during a plurality of fog inhalation sessions, and wherein the set of instructions are executable by the processor to:

receiving a second plurality of sensed draw intensities and a second plurality of sensed draw lengths, wherein the second plurality of draw intensities and the second plurality of draw lengths correspond to a second draw of vapor from the electronic vaping device during a plurality of fog inhalation sessions;

determining a second historical extraction intensity from the second plurality of sensed extraction intensities;

determining a second history extraction length from the second plurality of sensed extraction lengths; and

generating a second heating profile for the heating element based on the second historical extraction intensity and the second historical extraction length, wherein the second heating profile corresponds to power provided to the heating element over time.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the set of instructions is executable by the processor to:

causing the power provided to the heating element to be adjusted according to the heating profile during a first draw of a new misting session; and

such that the power provided to the heating element is adjusted according to the second heating profile during the second draw of the new misting session.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the set of instructions are executable by the processor to generate additional heating profiles for the heating element, each of the additional heating profiles being based on an additional historical extraction intensity and an additional historical extraction length, each of the additional historical extraction intensities being determined from a plurality of sensed extraction intensities corresponding to additional vapor extractions from the electronic vaping device during a plurality of fog inhalation sessions, and each of the additional historical extraction lengths being determined from a plurality of sensed extraction lengths corresponding to additional vapor extractions from the electronic vaping device during a plurality of fog inhalation sessions.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the heating profile, the second heating profile, and the additional heating profile are each generated according to a heating profile selected for the e-vaping device, wherein the heating profile selected for the e-vaping device includes at least one of an effectiveness mode, an efficiency mode, and a decarboxylation mode.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein a different heating profile may be selected for each of the heating profile, the second heating profile, and the additional heating profile.

20. The system of any of claims 10 to 19, wherein the heating profile is generated according to a second heating mode selected for the e-vaping device, wherein the second heating mode selected for the e-vaping device includes at least one of an effectiveness mode, an efficiency mode, and a decarboxylation mode, wherein the first heating mode corresponds to a first time period of the heating profile, and wherein the second heating mode corresponds to a second time period of the heating profile.

21. The system of any one of claims 9 to 20, wherein the set of instructions is executable by the processor to cause transmission of a heating profile to the electronic vaping device, or to cause adjustment of power provided by the power source to the heating element in accordance with the heating profile.

22. A method for operating an electronic vaping device, comprising:

sensing an operating condition of the electronic vaping device while the vapor is being generated by the electronic vaping device; and

Adjusting power provided to a heating element of an electronic vaping device based on the sensed operating condition.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the operating condition comprises at least one of an extraction intensity, an extraction length, a payload temperature, an air pressure, an atomizer ambient temperature, an air flow, a heating element temperature, and a dose measurement.

24. The method of any one of claims 22 to 23, wherein the operating condition comprises at least one of a gas pressure and a draw intensity, wherein the power provided to the heating element is increased to increase the temperature of the heating element when the sensed outlet gas pressure decreases relative to the sensed inlet gas pressure, the sensed inlet gas pressure increases relative to the sensed outlet gas pressure, or the sensed draw intensity increases, and wherein the power provided to the heating element is decreased to decrease the temperature of the heating element when the sensed outlet gas pressure increases relative to the sensed inlet gas pressure, the sensed inlet gas pressure decreases relative to the sensed outlet gas pressure, or the sensed draw intensity decreases.

25. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24, further comprising continuously repeating the steps of sensing an operating condition and adjusting the power provided to the heating element while the vapor is being generated by the e-vapor device.

26. The method of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the power provided to the heating element is adjusted to maintain a payload temperature, a heating element temperature, or an air temperature of a payload heated by the heating element within a desired range.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the desired range for payload temperature corresponds to a user selected material.

28. A method for operating an electronic vaping device, comprising:

sensing a plurality of draw intensities and a plurality of draw lengths, wherein each draw intensity and each draw length is associated with an instance of a user drawing vapor from an e-vapor device;

determining a historical extraction intensity from the sensed plurality of extraction intensities;

determining a historical extraction length from the sensed plurality of extraction lengths;

determining a heating profile for a heating element of the electronic vaping device based on the historical extraction intensity and the historical extraction length; and

the power provided to the heating element is adjusted according to the heating profile.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the heating profile is determined according to a heating mode selected for the e-vaping device, wherein the heating mode selected for the e-vaping device includes at least one of an efficacy mode, an efficiency mode, and a decarboxylation mode.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein when the efficacy mode is a selected heating mode for the e-vapor device, power is provided to the heating element when the sensed extraction intensity indicates that the user is extracting vapor from the e-vapor device, and power is not provided to the heating element when the sensed extraction intensity indicates that the user has stopped extracting vapor from the e-vapor device.

31. A method according to any one of claims 29 to 30, wherein when the efficiency mode is a heating mode for selection of the e-vapor apparatus, power is provided to the heating element for no longer than an efficiency time period, the efficiency time period starting when the sensed extraction intensity indicates that the user is extracting vapour from the e-vapor apparatus, wherein the efficiency time period is shorter than the historical extraction length.

32. The method of any of claims 29 to 31, wherein the heating profile corresponds to a decarboxylation temperature and a decarboxylation duration that allow a decarboxylation reaction of a payload of the e-vaping device when the decarboxylation mode is the selected heating mode for the e-vaping device.

33. The method of any of claims 28 to 32, further comprising:

Sensing an operating condition of the electronic vaping device while the vapor is being generated by the electronic vaping device; and

the power provided to the heating element is adjusted based on the sensed operating condition.

34. The method of any of claims 28 to 33, wherein the plurality of draw intensities and the plurality of draw lengths correspond to a first draw of vapor from the electronic vaping device during a plurality of fog inhalation sessions, and further comprising:

sensing a second plurality of draw intensities and a second plurality of draw lengths, wherein the second plurality of draw intensities and the second plurality of draw lengths correspond to a second draw of vapor from the e-vapor device during a plurality of fog inhalation sessions;

determining a second historical extraction intensity from the second plurality of sensed extraction intensities;

determining a second history extraction length from the second plurality of sensed extraction lengths; and

determining a second heating profile for a heating element of the electronic vaping device based on the second historical extraction intensity and the second historical extraction length; and

adjusting power provided to the heating element according to the second heating profile.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the step of adjusting the power provided to the heating element according to a heating profile is performed during a first draw of the new misting session, and wherein the step of adjusting the power provided to the heating element according to a second heating profile is performed during a second draw of the new misting session.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising determining additional heating profiles for a heating element of the electronic vaping device, each of the additional heating profiles being based on an additional historical extraction intensity and an additional historical extraction length, each of the additional historical extraction intensities being determined from a plurality of sensed extraction intensities corresponding to additional vapor extractions from the electronic vaping device during a plurality of fog inhalation sessions, and each of the additional historical extraction lengths being determined from a plurality of sensed extraction lengths corresponding to additional vapor extractions from the electronic vaping device during a plurality of fog inhalation sessions.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the heating profile, the second heating profile, and the additional heating profile are each determined according to a heating profile selected for the e-vaping device, wherein the heating profile selected for the e-vaping device includes at least one of an effectiveness mode, an efficiency mode, and a decarboxylation mode.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein a different heating profile may be selected for each of the heating profile, the second heating profile, and the additional heating profile.

39. The method of any of claims 29 to 38, wherein the heating profile is determined from a second heating mode selected for the e-vaping device, wherein the second heating mode selected for the e-vaping device includes at least one of an effectiveness mode, an efficiency mode, and a decarboxylation mode, wherein the first heating mode corresponds to a first time period of the heating profile, and wherein the second heating mode corresponds to a second time period of the heating profile.

40. The method of any of claims 28 to 39, wherein the historical extraction intensity, the historical extraction length, and the heating profile are determined by an application on a computing device separate from the electronic vaping device, and wherein the heating profile is transmitted to a processor of the electronic vaping device, the processor configured to send instructions to a power source to adjust power provided to a heating element.

41. A cartridge for vaporizing a payload comprising a desiccant material, the cartridge comprising:

a housing defining an inner chamber, wherein the housing comprises an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inner chamber is accessible through an opening in the housing, and wherein at least a portion of the housing is configured to movably cover and expose the opening; and

A heating element positioned within the interior chamber.

42. The cartridge of claim 41, further comprising: a payload holding surface positioned within the inner chamber; and a biasing mechanism engaging a portion of the housing and configured to bias the payload comprising the desiccant material against the payload retention surface.

43. The cartridge of any one of claims 41 to 42, wherein the housing comprises a threaded connector configured to couple the cartridge to a control accessory.

44. The cartridge of any one of claims 41 to 43, further comprising a mouthpiece coupled to or formed with the housing, wherein the mouthpiece includes an internal channel in fluid communication with the outlet of the housing.

45. The cartridge of any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of walls including first and second end walls and side walls coupled to the first and second end walls, wherein at least one of the first and second end walls is removably coupled to the side walls, and wherein the opening is covered when at least one of the first and second end walls is coupled to the side walls.

46. The cartridge of claim 45, wherein the heating element extends across at least a portion of the inner chamber, wherein the heating element includes a payload holding surface, wherein a biasing mechanism positioned within the inner chamber engages a portion of one of the walls and is configured to bias a payload including the desiccant material into direct connection with the payload holding surface of the heating element.

47. The cartridge of any one of claims 45 to 46, wherein the side wall includes an outer side wall, and wherein the plurality of walls further includes an inner side wall coupled to the first end wall and spaced apart from the outer side wall.

48. The cartridge of claim 47, wherein the inner chamber includes an inlet chamber positioned between the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall, an evaporation chamber defined by the inner sidewall, and a mixing chamber defined by the outer sidewall, wherein the inlet chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet, and wherein the mixing chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet chamber, the evaporation chamber, and the outlet.

49. The cartridge of claim 48, wherein the heating element is positioned within the vaporization chamber, and wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the payload comprising the desiccant material into the vaporization chamber.

50. The cartridge of claim 45, further comprising a divider coupled to at least one of the first end wall and the second end wall, wherein the divider is positioned within the interior chamber, and wherein the divider is spaced apart from the side wall.

51. The cartridge of claim 50, wherein the divider defines an inlet chamber and an evaporation chamber separated from the inlet chamber by a dividing panel, wherein the inlet chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet, and wherein the evaporation chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet.

52. The cartridge of claim 51, wherein the heating element is positioned within the inlet chamber, wherein the divider includes a payload holding surface positioned within the evaporation chamber, and wherein a biasing mechanism positioned within the evaporation chamber engages a portion of one of the walls and is configured to bias the payload including the desiccant material against the payload holding surface.

53. The cartridge of any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein the divider includes an inner side wall extending from adjacent the first end wall to adjacent the second end wall, wherein the outer chamber is positioned between the inner side wall and the side wall of the divider, wherein the inner side wall defines at least a first opening placing the inlet chamber in fluid communication with the outer chamber, and wherein the inner side wall defines at least a second opening placing the vaporization chamber in fluid communication with the outer chamber.

54. The cartridge of any one of claims 41 to 53, wherein the heating element comprises at least a first wall and a second wall defining a heating chamber positioned between the first wall and the second wall, wherein the heating chamber is accessible through a first opening and a second opening in the heating element.

55. The cartridge of claim 54, wherein a plurality of vents extend through the first wall and the second wall of the heating element, and wherein the vents are in fluid communication with the heating chamber.

56. The cartridge of any one of claims 54 to 55, wherein a groove or pattern is formed in each of the first and second walls adjacent the heating chamber.

57. The cartridge of any one of claims 54 to 56, wherein the first wall and the second wall of the heating element comprise a material selected from the group consisting of ceramic, aluminum, and stainless steel.

58. The cartridge of any one of claims 54 to 57, wherein the first and second walls of the heating element comprise metal heating coils encapsulated in a ceramic.

59. A tablet for use with a cartridge for evaporating a desiccant material, comprising:

a dry material pressed into a shape comprising at least a first surface and a second surface positioned opposite the first surface, wherein at least one recess is formed in at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

60. The tablet of claim 59, wherein the shape comprises at least one sidewall adjacent to at least one recess, and wherein a protrusion extends outwardly from at least one sidewall into a portion of at least one recess.

61. The tablet of any one of claims 59 to 60, wherein an aperture extends through the shape from the first surface to the second surface.

62. The tablet of claim 61, wherein the aperture is in fluid communication with the recess.

63. The tablet of claim 62, wherein the at least one recess comprises a first recess formed in a first surface and a second recess formed in a second surface, and wherein the aperture is in fluid communication with both the first recess and the second recess.

64. The tablet of claim 63, further comprising additional dry material compressed into a second shape comprising at least a third surface and a fourth surface positioned opposite the third surface, wherein at least one third recess is formed in at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface, wherein a second aperture extends through the second shape from the third surface to the fourth surface, wherein the second aperture is in fluid communication with the third recess, and wherein one of the third surface and the fourth surface is coupled to one of the first surface and the second surface such that the aperture and the second aperture are in fluid communication with each other.

65. The tablet of claim 64, wherein one of the third surface and the fourth surface is permanently laminated to one of the first surface and the second surface.

66. The tablet of any one of claims 59 to 65, wherein the dry material comprises tobacco.

67. A tablet for use with a cartridge for evaporating a desiccant material, comprising:

a drying material extruded into a shape including at least a first surface and a second surface positioned opposite the first surface, wherein a heating element is coupled to the drying material.

68. The tablet of claim 67, wherein a heating element is coupled to at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

69. The tablet of claim 68, wherein the shape comprises at least one side surface extending from the first surface to the second surface, and wherein the heating element is coupled to the at least one side surface.

70. The tablet of any one of claims 67 to 69, further comprising additional dry material compressed into a second shape comprising at least a third surface and a fourth surface positioned opposite the third surface, wherein the second surface is coupled to the third surface such that the heating element is positioned between the second surface and the third surface.

71. The tablet of any one of claims 67 to 70, wherein the shape comprises an alignment structure configured to align the shape within the cartridge in a particular orientation such that the heating element is in electrical contact with the electrical terminals of the cartridge.

72. A method of using an e-vapor device to vaporize tablets of compressed, dried material, comprising:

inserting a tablet into an inner chamber of an electronic vaping device through an opening in the electronic vaping device;

activating a heating element of the e-vapor device to vaporize a portion of the tablet into a tablet vapor; and

at least a portion of the tablet vapor is inhaled.

73. The method of claim 72, further comprising inserting a second tablet through an opening in an electronic vaping device such that the second tablet abuts the tablet.

74. The method of claim 73, wherein the tablet comprises a first aperture extending through the tablet, and wherein the second tablet comprises a second aperture extending through the second tablet, and wherein the second tablet abuts the tablet such that the first aperture is in fluid communication with the second aperture.

75. The method of claim 74, wherein the step of drawing air includes drawing air through the first aperture and the second aperture.

76. The method of any one of claims 72-75, wherein placing the tablet adjacent to a heating element causes the tablet to be heated by conduction.

77. The method of any one of claims 72 to 76, wherein a heating element heats air drawn into contact with the tablet to heat the tablet by convection.

78. A method of manufacturing a tablet for use with a cartridge for evaporating a desiccant material, comprising:

providing a dry material;

measuring the percentage of the composition of the dry material;

determining a desired amount of an ingredient;

determining a desired thickness corresponding to a desired amount of the composition; and

the dry material is compressed into tablets having a desired thickness to contain the desired amount of ingredients.

79. The method of claim 78, wherein the dry material is tobacco and the ingredient is nicotine.

80. The method of any one of claims 78 to 79, further comprising modifying the tablet press to compress the tablets to a desired thickness.

81. The method of any of claims 78-80, further comprising:

providing an additional drying material;

measuring a second percentage of a second component of the additional dry material;

determining a desired ratio of the first percentage and the second percentage;

mixing the dry material with the additional dry material to form a combined dry material comprising a desired ratio of a first percentage and a second percentage; and

wherein the step of compressing the dry material further comprises compressing the combined dry material into a tablet having a desired thickness.

82. A tablet made according to the method of any one of claims 78 to 81.

83. A method of manufacturing a tablet for use with a cartridge for evaporating a desiccant material, comprising:

providing a first dry material;

measuring a first percentage of a first component of the first dry material;

providing a second dry material;

measuring a second percentage of a second component of the second dry material;

determining a desired ratio of the first percentage and the second percentage; and

a tablet is formed comprising the desired ratio of the first percentage and the second percentage.

84. The method of claim 83, further comprising:

mixing the first dry material with the second dry material to form a combined dry material comprising a desired ratio of the first percentage and the second percentage; and

the combined dry materials are compressed into tablets comprising the first percentage and the second percentage in the desired ratio.

85. The method of claim 83, further comprising:

compressing the first dry material into a first tablet;

compressing the second dry material into a second tablet; and

combining the first tablet with the second tablet into a tablet comprising a desired ratio of the first percentage and the second percentage.

86. The method of claim 85, further comprising:

determining a desired amount of the first component;

determining a first thickness of the first tablet corresponding to the desired amount of the first ingredient, wherein the first tablet is formed to the first thickness;

determining a desired amount of the second component; and

a second thickness of a second tablet corresponding to a desired amount of the second ingredient is determined, wherein the second tablet is formed to the second thickness.

87. A tablet made according to the method of any one of claims 83 to 86.

88. A cartridge for an electronic vaping device, comprising:

a housing defining a payload reservoir, an inlet, an outlet, and an air flow chamber positioned between the inlet and the outlet;

an atomizer positioned within the housing, wherein the atomizer is in fluid communication with the payload reservoir; and

a deflector positioned in the air flow chamber between the atomizer and the outlet, wherein the deflector comprises a plurality of apertures.

89. The cartridge according to claim 88, wherein the deflector is substantially flat.

90. The cartridge of claim 88, wherein the deflector comprises a sidewall, and wherein the sidewall defines a deflector chamber.

91. The cartridge of claim 90, wherein at least a portion of the sidewall is cylindrical.

92. The cartridge of claim 91, wherein one end of the sidewall is shaped as a truncated cone extending outwardly from the cylindrical portion of the sidewall, wherein the truncated cone shape of the sidewall expands in diameter as it extends away from the cylindrical portion of the sidewall.

93. The cartridge of claim 90, wherein the atomizer includes an outer side wall and an inner side wall defining an atomizer chamber.

94. The cartridge of claim 93, wherein at least a portion of the deflector is positioned within the atomizer chamber.

95. The cartridge of claim 94, wherein at least a portion of the sidewall of the deflector is cylindrical, wherein an end of the sidewall of the deflector is shaped as a truncated cone extending outwardly from the cylindrical portion of the sidewall of the deflector, wherein a diameter of the truncated cone shape of the sidewall expands in diameter as it extends away from the cylindrical portion of the sidewall, and wherein the truncated cone shape of the sidewall is not positioned within the cylindrical atomizer chamber.

96. The cartridge of any one of claims 88 to 95, wherein the housing comprises an outer side wall and an inner side wall spaced from the outer side wall, wherein the payload reservoir is positioned between the outer side wall and the inner side wall, wherein the inner side wall is positioned around at least a portion of the airflow chamber, and wherein the inner side wall is positioned around at least a portion of the atomizer.

97. The cartridge of claim 96, wherein an opening is formed in an interior side wall of the housing adjacent the atomizer to place the atomizer in fluid communication with the payload reservoir.

98. The cartridge of claim 97, wherein each of the openings comprises an elongated slot extending in a direction aligned with a longitudinal axis of the outer shell.

99. The cartridge of any one of claims 97 to 98, wherein a divider is positioned within the air flow chamber, wherein the divider separates the air flow chamber into an inlet flow chamber and an outlet flow chamber.

100. The cartridge of claim 99, wherein the inlet extends through the outer sidewall of the housing and is in fluid communication with an inlet flow chamber, wherein the outlet is in fluid communication with an outlet flow chamber, and wherein the inlet flow chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet flow chamber at a location adjacent the atomizer.

101. The cartridge of any one of claims 96 to 100, wherein the housing comprises a first section and a second section removably engaged with the first section, wherein the first section comprises at least a portion of an exterior sidewall of the housing, and wherein the second section comprises at least a portion of an interior sidewall of the housing.

102. The cartridge of any one of claims 88 to 101, wherein the housing comprises a threaded connector configured to couple the housing to a control accessory.

103. The cartridge of any one of claims 88 to 102, wherein the payload reservoir comprises a fluid payload comprising at least one of nicotine, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, or vegetable glycerin.

104. The cartridge of any one of claims 88 to 103, wherein the atomizer comprises a porous ceramic surrounding the heating element.

105. The cartridge of any one of claims 88 to 104, wherein the deflector comprises an oleophobic, hydrophobic, hydrophilic, or low surface energy coating.

106. The cartridge according to any one of claims 88 to 105, wherein the deflector comprises a micropatterned surface configured to be hydrophobic.

107. The cartridge according to any one of claims 88-106, wherein the deflector is configured to inhibit unvaporized fluid from exiting the outlet.

108. A cartridge for an electronic vaping device, comprising:

a housing comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the housing defines a payload reservoir, an inlet positioned adjacent the first end, an outlet positioned adjacent the first end, and an air flow chamber positioned between the inlet and the outlet; and

An atomizer positioned within the housing, wherein the atomizer is in fluid communication with the payload reservoir and the air flow chamber.

109. The cartridge of claim 108, wherein a divider is positioned within the air flow chamber, wherein the divider separates the air flow chamber into an inlet flow chamber and an outlet flow chamber.

110. The cartridge of claim 109, wherein the inlet flow chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet flow chamber at a location adjacent the atomizer.

111. The cartridge of any one of claims 108 to 110, wherein the atomizer is positioned adjacent the second end.

112. The cartridge of any one of claims 109 to 111, wherein the housing comprises an outer side wall, a first end wall at the first end, and a second end wall at the second end, wherein the inlet extends through the outer side wall of the housing and is in fluid communication with the inlet flow chamber, and wherein the outlet extends through the first end wall and is in fluid communication with the outlet flow chamber.

113. The cartridge of claim 110, wherein the atomizer includes a first end facing the first end of the housing, and wherein the atomizer includes a second end facing the second end of the housing.

114. The cartridge of claim 113, wherein the divider is spaced from the first end of the atomizer, and wherein the inlet flow chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet flow chamber adjacent the first end of the atomizer in a space between the divider and the atomizer.

115. The cartridge of claim 113, wherein the inlet flow chamber extends from the inlet through a first end of the atomizer to a second end of the atomizer.

116. The cartridge of claim 115, wherein the atomizer includes an outer sidewall and an inner sidewall defining an atomizer chamber.

117. The cartridge of claim 116, wherein the inlet flow chamber is in fluid communication with the atomizer chamber adjacent the second end of the atomizer, and wherein the outlet flow chamber is in fluid communication with the atomizer chamber adjacent the first end of the atomizer.

118. The cartridge according to claim 117, wherein the atomizer defines at least one channel extending from a first end of the atomizer to a second end of the atomizer, and wherein the at least one channel defines a portion of the inlet flow chamber.

119. The cartridge of claim 118, wherein the atomizer is formed from a porous material, and wherein a non-porous material is coupled to a portion of the atomizer surrounding the at least one channel.

120. The cartridge according to claim 119, wherein the non-porous material is a coating, glaze or sheet of material.

121. The cartridge of claim 118, wherein the housing further comprises an inner side wall spaced from the outer side wall, wherein the payload reservoir is positioned between the outer side wall and the inner side wall, and wherein the inner side wall is positioned around at least a portion of the atomizer, the inlet flow chamber, and the outlet flow chamber.

122. The cartridge of claim 121, wherein an opening is formed in an interior side wall of the housing adjacent the atomizer to place the atomizer in fluid communication with the payload reservoir.

123. The cartridge of claim 122, wherein the opening formed in the inner side wall of the housing is offset from the at least one channel defined by the atomizer.

124. The cartridge of any one of claims 118-123, wherein the at least one channel is positioned between an outer sidewall and an inner sidewall of the atomizer.

125. The cartridge of any one of claims 123 of 118, wherein the at least one channel is positioned between the atomizer and an interior sidewall of the housing.

126. The cartridge of any one of claims 122-125, wherein each of the openings comprises an elongated slot extending in a direction aligned with a longitudinal axis of the outer shell.

127. The cartridge of any of claims 121-126, wherein a seal is positioned between the inner and outer side walls adjacent the second end of the atomizer.

128. The cartridge of any one of claims 121 to 127, wherein the housing comprises a first section and a second section removably engaging the first section, wherein the first section comprises at least a portion of an exterior sidewall of the housing, and wherein the second section comprises at least a portion of an interior sidewall of the housing.

129. The cartridge of any one of claims 108 to 128, wherein the housing comprises a threaded connector configured to couple the housing to a control accessory.

130. The cartridge of any one of claims 108 to 129, wherein the payload reservoir comprises a fluid payload comprising at least one of nicotine, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, or vegetable glycerin.

131. The cartridge of any one of claims 108 to 130, wherein the atomizer comprises a porous ceramic surrounding the heating element.

132. A cartridge for an electronic vaping device, comprising:

a housing comprising an outer side wall and an inner side wall spaced from the outer side wall, wherein the housing defines a payload reservoir positioned between the inner side wall and the outer side wall, wherein a plurality of elongate slots are formed in the inner side wall, wherein the housing defines an inlet, an outlet, and an air flow chamber positioned between the inlet and the outlet; and

An atomizer positioned within a chamber defined by the inner sidewall, wherein the plurality of elongated slots place the atomizer in fluid communication with the payload reservoir, and wherein the atomizer is in fluid communication with the air flow chamber.

133. The cartridge of claim 132, wherein the housing includes a first end and a second end, wherein a longitudinal axis of the housing extends from the first end to the second end, and wherein each of the plurality of elongated slots extends in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing.

134. The cartridge of any one of claims 132-133, wherein the plurality of elongate slots are spaced approximately equidistant from one another about the inner sidewall.

135. The cartridge of any one of claims 132-134, wherein each of the plurality of elongate slots is defined by a pair of linear side edges spaced apart from one another and a pair of end edges each positioned at one end of the elongate slot.

136. The cartridge of claim 135, wherein each of the pair of end edges is rounded.

137. The cartridge of any one of claims 135-136, wherein each of the pair of linear side edges and each of the pair of end edges are coated with an oleophobic, hydrophobic, hydrophilic, or low surface energy coating.

138. The cartridge of any one of claims 132-137, wherein an outer surface of the atomizer is coated with an oleophobic, hydrophobic, hydrophilic, or low surface energy coating.

139. The cartridge of any one of claims 132-138, wherein the atomizer comprises an outer sidewall and an inner sidewall defining an atomizer chamber.

140. The cartridge of any one of claims 132-139, wherein the atomizer comprises a porous ceramic surrounding the heating element.

141. The cartridge of any one of claims 132-140, wherein the payload reservoir comprises a fluid payload comprising at least one of nicotine, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, or vegetable glycerin.

142. The cartridge of any one of claims 132-141, wherein the housing comprises a threaded connector configured to couple the housing to a control accessory.

143. An electronic vaping device comprising the cartridge of any of claims 88-142.

144. The electronic vaping device of claim 143, wherein the electronic vaping device includes a control accessory, and wherein the cartridge is integrated with or configured to be removably attached to the control accessory.

145. A cartridge for an electronic vaping device, comprising:

a housing defining a payload receptacle;

an atomizer positioned within the housing; and

a pressurizer positioned within the housing, wherein the pressurizer is configured to apply pressure to the fluid payload within the payload reservoir to force the fluid payload into contact with the atomizer.

146. The cartridge according to claim 145, wherein the pressurizer is positioned adjacent the payload reservoir, wherein the pressurizer is biased toward the payload reservoir, and wherein the pressurizer is movable within the housing to reduce and enlarge a size of the payload reservoir.

147. The cartridge of any of claims 145-146, wherein the pressurizer includes a first side and a second side positioned adjacent the payload reservoir.

148. The cartridge according to any one of claims 145-147, wherein the opening through the pressurizer places the atomizer in fluid communication with the payload reservoir.

149. The cartridge of claim 148, wherein the opening is sized based on a viscosity of a fluid payload contained within the payload reservoir.

150. The cartridge of any of claims 145-149, wherein the housing comprises an outer side wall, a first end wall, and a second end wall, wherein the payload receptacle is positioned between the outer side wall, the first end wall, and the pressurizer, and wherein an outer peripheral edge of the pressurizer engages the outer side wall.

151. The cartridge of claim 150, wherein a stopper is positioned within the housing, wherein the stopper is configured to prevent movement of the pressurizer toward the first end wall, and wherein the stopper is movable to allow movement of the pressurizer toward the first end wall.

152. The cartridge of claim 151, further comprising a dose ring threadably engaging the blocker, and wherein rotational movement of the blocker is blocked such that rotation of the dose ring causes the blocker to move toward or away from the first end wall.

153. The cartridge of claim 152, wherein at least one of the dose ring or the housing includes a dose indicator corresponding to an amount of fluid payload contained within the payload reservoir.

154. The cartridge of claim 153, wherein the dose indicator comprises a plurality of indicia on at least one of the dose ring or a housing adjacent the dose ring.

155. The cartridge of any of claims 153-154, wherein the dose indicator comprises a detent mechanism.

156. The cartridge of any one of claims 151 to 155, wherein the pressurizer comprises a pressure plate positioned adjacent the payload reservoir, wherein the pressurizer comprises a tube coupled to the pressure plate and extending toward the second end wall, wherein the pressurizer comprises a flange coupled to the tube, and wherein the blocker is positioned between the pressure plate and the flange.

157. The cartridge of claim 156, wherein the stopper is configured to engage the flange to prevent movement of the pressurizer toward the first end wall, and wherein the stopper is movable away from the flange to allow movement of the pressurizer toward the first end wall.

158. The cartridge of any one of claims 156 to 157, further comprising a spring biasing the pressure plate toward the first end wall and the flange toward the blocker.

159. The cartridge according to any one of claims 157-158, wherein the pressurizer defines an inlet flow chamber and an outlet flow chamber, wherein the exterior side wall of the housing defines an inlet positioned adjacent the second end wall, wherein the second end wall of the housing defines an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with the inlet flow chamber when the damper does not engage the flange, wherein the inlet is not in fluid communication with the inlet flow chamber when the damper engages the flange, and wherein the outlet is in fluid communication with the outlet flow chamber.

160. The cartridge according to any one of claims 156-158, wherein the atomizer is positioned within a tube of the pressurizer adjacent the pressure plate, wherein a divider is positioned within the tube and separates an internal chamber within the tube into an inlet flow chamber and an outlet flow chamber.

161. The cartridge of claim 160, wherein the exterior sidewall of the housing defines an inlet positioned adjacent the second end wall, wherein the second end wall of the housing defines an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with the inlet flow chamber, and wherein the outlet is in fluid communication with the outlet flow chamber.

162. The cartridge of claim 146, wherein the housing includes an outer side wall, a first end wall, and a second end wall, wherein the payload reservoir is positioned between the outer side wall, the first end wall, and the pressurizer, and wherein an outer peripheral edge of the pressurizer engages the outer side wall.

163. The cartridge of claim 162, further comprising a damper coupled to the pressurizer, wherein the damper is biased toward the first end wall, wherein the damper includes an end surface configured to engage the first end wall, wherein an opening is formed in the end surface of the damper, and wherein the atomizer is in fluid communication with the payload reservoir through the opening when the end surface of the damper does not engage the first end wall.

164. The cartridge of claim 163, wherein the blocker is threadably coupled to the pressurizer, and wherein rotational movement of the blocker is blocked such that rotation of the pressurizer in the first direction causes an end surface of the blocker to move away from the first end wall when movement of the pressurizer toward the first end wall is blocked.

165. The cartridge of claim 164, further comprising a dosing ring that engages the pressurizer, wherein rotation of the dosing ring causes rotation of the pressurizer.

166. The cartridge of claim 165, wherein at least one of the dose ring or the housing includes a dose indicator corresponding to an amount of fluid payload contained within the payload reservoir.

167. The cartridge of claim 166, wherein the dose indicator comprises a plurality of indicia on at least one of the dose ring or a housing adjacent the dose ring.

168. The cartridge of any one of claims 166-167, wherein the dose indicator comprises a detent mechanism.

169. The cartridge of any one of claims 164 to 168, wherein the outer shell comprises a center post extending from adjacent the second end wall to adjacent the first end wall, wherein the center post is positioned within the opening of the damper, and wherein the channel extends through the center post.

170. The cartridge of claim 169, wherein the atomizer is positioned in the channel.

171. The cartridge of claim 169, wherein the atomizer is positioned adjacent the first end wall.

172. The cartridge of any one of claims 169 to 171, wherein a divider is positioned within the channel of the central column, and wherein the divider separates the channel of the central column into an inlet flow chamber and an outlet flow chamber.

173. The cartridge of claim 172, wherein the exterior sidewall of the housing defines an inlet positioned adjacent the second end wall, wherein the second end wall of the housing defines an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with the inlet flow chamber, and wherein the outlet is in fluid communication with the outlet flow chamber.

174. The cartridge of any one of claims 172 to 173, wherein the divider is spaced from the atomizer within the channel of the center post.

175. The cartridge of any one of claims 163 to 174, wherein the pressurizer includes an interior surface that engages an exterior surface of the stopper.

176. The cartridge of any one of claims 163 to 175, further comprising a spring biasing the pressurizer and the blocker toward the first end wall.

177. The cartridge of any one of claims 145 to 150, wherein a damper is positioned within the housing, wherein the damper is configured to prevent the fluid payload from flowing from the payload reservoir to the atomizer when the damper is in a closed position, and wherein the damper is movable to allow the fluid payload to flow from the payload reservoir to the atomizer.

178. The cartridge of any of claims 145-157, wherein the spring biases the pressurizer toward the payload reservoir.

179. The cartridge of any of claims 145-178, further comprising a heater positioned adjacent the payload receptacle, the heater configured to heat a fluid payload within the payload receptacle.

180. The cartridge of any one of claims 145-179, wherein the atomizer comprises a porous ceramic surrounding a heating element.

181. The cartridge of any of claims 145-180, wherein the payload reservoir comprises a fluid payload comprising at least one of nicotine, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, or vegetable glycerin.

182. The cartridge of any one of claims 145-181, wherein the housing includes a threaded connector configured to couple the housing to a control accessory.

183. An electronic vaping device comprising the cartridge of any of claims 145-182.

184. The electronic vaping device of claim 183, wherein the electronic vaping device includes a control accessory, and wherein the cartridge is integrated with or configured to be removably attached to the control accessory.

185. An electronic vaping device, comprising:

a housing comprising a first end and a second end, wherein a longitudinal axis of the housing extends between the first end and the second end;

An atomizer positioned in the housing; and

a payload reservoir positioned in the housing, wherein the payload reservoir is at least partially defined by a reservoir sidewall including a first end and a second end positioned adjacent the atomizer, wherein the reservoir sidewall slopes toward the atomizer from the second end of the reservoir sidewall to the first end of the reservoir sidewall when the housing is positioned such that the longitudinal axis is substantially horizontal.

186. The electronic vaping device of claim 185, wherein the electronic vaping device is configured such that the housing orients itself in a predetermined position when the housing is placed on a substantially horizontal surface and the longitudinal axis is substantially horizontal, and wherein the reservoir sidewall slopes downwardly toward the atomizer from the second end of the reservoir sidewall to the first end of the reservoir sidewall when the electronic vaping device is oriented in the predetermined position.

187. The electronic vaping device of claim 186, wherein a weight of the electronic vaping device and a center of mass of the electronic vaping device cause the housing to orient itself in a predetermined position when the housing is placed on a substantially horizontal surface.

188. The electronic vaping device of claim 185, wherein the housing includes a substantially flat surface extending in the same direction as the longitudinal axis, and wherein the reservoir sidewall slopes downward toward the atomizer from the second end of the reservoir sidewall to the first end of the reservoir sidewall when the electronic vaping device is oriented such that the longitudinal axis is substantially horizontal and the substantially flat surface faces downward.

189. The e-vapor device of claim 188, wherein the substantially planar surface comprises a first side edge and a second side edge, and wherein the housing comprises a sidewall extending from the first side edge to the second side edge.

190. The electronic vaping device of claim 189, wherein the side wall of the housing includes a substantially circular cross-section.

191. The electronic vaping device of claim 189, wherein the side wall of the housing includes a generally elliptical cross-section.

192. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 188-191, wherein the housing includes a viewing port positioned adjacent the payload reservoir, and wherein the viewing port is positioned on a portion of the housing opposite the substantially flat surface.

193. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 185 to 192, wherein the reservoir sidewall is shaped as a truncated cone.

194. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 185 to 191 or 193, wherein the housing includes a viewing port positioned adjacent the payload reservoir.

195. The e-vapor device of any one of claims 185-194, wherein the housing defines an inlet, an outlet positioned adjacent the second end of the housing, and an air flow chamber positioned between the inlet and the outlet.

196. The electronic vaping device of claim 195, wherein the inlet is positioned adjacent the first end of the housing.

197. The electronic vaping device of claim 195, wherein the inlet is positioned adjacent the second end of the outer housing.

198. The e-vapor device of any one of claims 195-197, further comprising a tray positioned in the housing, wherein the air flow chamber comprises an inlet flow chamber positioned between the tray and the housing.

199. The e-vapor device of claim 198, wherein the tray includes a first side positioned adjacent the housing and a second side, wherein the flexible circuit board is positioned in a recess defined by the tray adjacent the second side of the tray, and wherein the inlet flow chamber is positioned between the first side of the tray and the housing.

200. The e-vapor device of claim 199, further comprising a battery positioned in a recess defined by the tray, wherein the flexible circuit board is positioned between the battery and the tray.

201. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 199-200, wherein the tray includes a first section defining a recess and a second section including a reservoir sidewall.

202. The e-vapor device of any one of claims 199-201, wherein at least one opening extends through the tray from a first side of the tray to a second side of the tray, wherein the opening is positioned adjacent to the atomizer, and wherein the opening places the inlet flow chamber in fluid communication with the atomizer.

203. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 201-202, wherein the air flow chamber includes an outlet flow chamber in fluid communication with the atomizer and the outlet, and wherein the outlet flow chamber is positioned between the second section of the tray and the housing.

204. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 195-203, wherein the housing includes a side wall, a first end wall at a first end, and a second end wall at a second end, and wherein the outlet extends through the second end wall.

205. The electronic vaping device of claim 204, wherein the payload receptacle is further defined by a receptacle end wall positioned adjacent the second end wall of the housing, wherein the receptacle opening is formed in the receptacle end wall, and wherein the receptacle opening is spaced from the outlet in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

206. The electronic vaping device of claim 205, further comprising a plug received by the reservoir opening.

207. The electronic vaping device of claim 206, wherein the plug is tamper resistant.

208. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 185-207, wherein the payload is contained within a payload reservoir, and wherein the atomizer is configured to heat and vaporize the payload to produce a vaporized payload.

209. The e-vapor device of claim 208, further comprising a vapor measurement system configured to determine a dose of vaporized payload through a measurement lumen of the vapor measurement system.

210. The e-vapor device of claim 209, further comprising a wireless transceiver configured to receive a dose from the vapor measurement system and transmit the dose to a separate computing device.

211. The e-vapor device of any one of claims 208-210, further comprising an RFID tag positioned in the housing, wherein the RFID tag stores a unique payload identifier.

212. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 185-211, further comprising a valve positioned between the payload reservoir and the atomizer.

213. The e-vapor device of any one of claims 185-212, further comprising a processor positioned in the housing, a haptic motor positioned in the housing, a battery positioned in the housing, and a pressure sensor positioned in the housing.

214. The electronic vaping device of claim 213, wherein the processor is programmed to activate the haptic motor when the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor falls below a pressure threshold for a predetermined amount of time.

215. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 185 to 212, wherein the housing is configured to be coupled to a control accessory including a battery and a processor.

216. An electronic vaping device, comprising:

a housing comprising a first end and a second end, wherein a longitudinal axis of the housing extends between the first end and the second end, wherein the electronic vaping device is configured such that the housing orients itself in a predetermined position when the housing is placed on a substantially horizontal surface and the longitudinal axis is substantially horizontal.

217. The electronic vaping device of claim 216, wherein a weight of the electronic vaping device and a center of mass of the electronic vaping device cause the housing to orient itself in a predetermined position when the housing is placed on a substantially horizontal surface.

218. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 216-217, wherein the housing includes a substantially planar surface extending in the same direction as the longitudinal axis.

219. The e-vapor device of claim 218, wherein the substantially planar surface comprises a first side edge and a second side edge, and wherein the housing comprises a sidewall extending from the first side edge to the second side edge.

220. The electronic vaping device of claim 219, wherein the side wall of the housing includes a substantially circular cross-section.

221. The electronic vaping device of claim 219, wherein the side wall of the housing includes a generally elliptical cross-section.

222. An electronic vaping device, comprising:

a housing comprising a first end and a second end, wherein a longitudinal axis of the housing extends between the first end and the second end, wherein the housing defines an inlet, an outlet positioned adjacent the second end of the housing, and an air flow chamber positioned between the inlet and the outlet;

a tray positioned in the housing, wherein the tray includes a first section defining a recess and a second section defining a payload receptacle positioned adjacent to the second end of the housing, wherein the tray includes a first side positioned adjacent to the housing and a second side;

an atomizer positioned in the housing, wherein the atomizer is in fluid communication with the payload reservoir; and

a flexible circuit board positioned adjacent the second side of the tray in a recess defined by the tray.

223. The e-vapor device of claim 222, wherein the inlet is positioned adjacent the first end of the housing, and wherein the air flow chamber comprises an inlet flow chamber positioned between the first side of the tray and the housing.

224. The electronic vaping device of claim 223, wherein at least one opening extends through the tray from a first side of the tray to a second side of the tray, wherein the opening is positioned adjacent to the atomizer, and wherein the opening places the inlet flow chamber in fluid communication with the atomizer.

225. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 222-224, wherein the air flow chamber includes an outlet flow chamber in fluid communication with the atomizer and the outlet, and wherein the outlet flow chamber is positioned between the second section of the tray and the housing.

226. The e-vapor device of any one of claims 222-225, further comprising a seal positioned in the housing adjacent the atomizer, wherein the electronics recess is positioned between the seal, the first end of the housing, and the second side of the tray, wherein the flexible circuit board is positioned in the electronics recess, and wherein the electronics recess is not in fluid communication with the air flow chamber.

227. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 222-226, wherein the flexible circuit board defines a battery recess, and further comprising a battery positioned in the battery recess.

228. The e-vapor device of claim 222, wherein the inlet is positioned adjacent to the second end of the housing.

229. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 222-228, wherein the housing includes a side wall, a first end wall at a first end, and a second end wall at a second end, and wherein the outlet extends through the second end wall.

230. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 222-229, wherein the tray includes reservoir side walls defining the payload reservoir and a reservoir end wall, wherein the reservoir end wall is positioned adjacent the second end of the housing.

231. The electronic vaping device of claim 230, wherein the reservoir opening is formed in the reservoir end wall, and wherein the reservoir opening is spaced from the outlet in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

232. The electronic vaping device of claim 231, further comprising a plug received by the reservoir opening.

233. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 230 to 232, wherein the reservoir sidewall includes a first end positioned adjacent the atomizer, and a second end, wherein the electronic vaping device is configured such that the housing orients itself in a predetermined position when the housing is placed on a substantially horizontal surface and the longitudinal axis is substantially horizontal, and wherein the reservoir sidewall slopes downward toward the atomizer from the second end of the reservoir sidewall to the first end of the reservoir sidewall when the electronic vaping device is oriented in the predetermined position.

234. The electronic smoking device of any one of claims 230 to 232, wherein the reservoir sidewall includes a first end positioned adjacent the atomizer, and a second end, wherein the housing includes a substantially flat surface extending in the same direction as the longitudinal axis, and wherein the reservoir sidewall slopes downwardly toward the atomizer from the second end of the reservoir sidewall to the first end of the reservoir sidewall when the electronic smoking device is oriented such that the longitudinal axis is substantially horizontal and the substantially flat surface faces downwardly.

235. The e-vapor device of claim 234, wherein the substantially planar surface comprises a first side edge and a second side edge, and wherein the housing comprises a sidewall extending from the first side edge to the second side edge.

236. The electronic vaping device of claim 235, wherein the side wall of the housing includes a substantially circular cross-section.

237. The electronic vaping device of claim 235, wherein the side wall of the housing includes a generally elliptical cross-section.

238. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 222-237, wherein the payload is contained within a payload reservoir, and wherein the atomizer is configured to heat and vaporize the payload to produce a vaporized payload.

239. The e-vapor device of claim 238, further comprising a vapor measurement system configured to determine a dose of vaporized payload through a measurement lumen of the vapor measurement system.

240. The e-vapor device of claim 239, further comprising a wireless transceiver configured to receive a dose from a vapor measurement system and transmit the dose to a separate computing device.

241. The e-vapor device of any one of claims 222-240, further comprising an RFID tag positioned in the housing, wherein the RFID tag stores a unique payload identifier.

242. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 222-241, further comprising a valve positioned between the payload reservoir and the atomizer.

243. The e-vapor device of any one of claims 222-242, further comprising a processor positioned in the housing, a haptic motor positioned in the housing, a battery positioned in the housing, and a pressure sensor positioned in the housing.

244. The electronic vaping device of claim 243, wherein the processor is programmed to activate the haptic motor when the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor falls below a pressure threshold for a predetermined amount of time.

245. An electronic vaping device, comprising:

a housing defining an inlet, an outlet, and an air flow chamber positioned between the inlet and the outlet;

a nebulizer positioned in the air flow chamber, wherein the nebulizer is configured to heat and vaporize the payload to produce a vaporized payload;

a capacitive sensor positioned in the air flow chamber between the atomizer and the outlet, wherein the capacitive sensor defines a measurement cavity within the air flow chamber; and

A sensor measurement circuit connected to the capacitive sensor, wherein the sensor measurement circuit is configured to directly or indirectly measure a capacitance of the capacitive sensor as the vaporized payload passes through the measurement cavity.

246. The electronic vaping device of claim 245, wherein the capacitive sensor includes a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor.

247. The electronic vaping device of claim 246, wherein the measurement cavity includes a portion of the air flow chamber between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor.

248. The e-vapor device of any one of claims 245-247, wherein the capacitive sensor comprises a parallel plate capacitor.

249. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 245-247, wherein the capacitive sensor includes a rolled capacitor.

250. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 245-247, wherein the capacitive sensor includes an interdigitated capacitor.

251. The e-vapor device of any one of claims 245-250, wherein the sensor measurement circuit is positioned in the airflow chamber.

252. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 245-250, wherein the sensor measurement circuit is located outside the airflow chamber.

253. The e-vapor device of any one of claims 245-252, wherein the sensor measurement circuit comprises a charge pump circuit that charges the capacitive sensor.

254. The e-vapor device of any one of claims 245-252, wherein the sensor measurement circuit comprises a resistive divider circuit comprising a first resistor and a second switched capacitor resistor, wherein the capacitive sensor is contained within the switched capacitor resistor.

255. The e-vapor device of any one of claims 245-252, wherein the sensor measurement circuit comprises a phase-locked loop circuit including a voltage-controlled oscillator, wherein the capacitive sensor is included within the voltage-controlled oscillator.

256. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 245-252, wherein the sensor measurement circuit includes an active low pass filter circuit connected to a rectifier circuit, wherein the capacitive sensor is included within the low pass filter circuit.

257. The e-vapor device of any one of claims 245-252, wherein the sensor measurement circuit comprises a crystal oscillator circuit that provides a reference signal to a phase-locked loop circuit, wherein the crystal oscillator circuit is loaded with a capacitive sensor.

258. The e-vapor device of any one of claims 245-252, wherein the sensor measurement circuit measures an absolute capacitance of the capacitive sensor.

259. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 245-252, wherein the sensor measurement circuit measures a change in capacitance of the capacitive sensor.

260. The e-vapor device of any one of claims 245-259, wherein the measured capacitance of the capacitive sensor is adjusted according to a calibration procedure.

261. The e-vapor device of any one of claims 245-260, further comprising a processor programmed to correlate a measured capacitance of the capacitive sensor to a change in dielectric constant.

262. The electronic vaping device of claim 261, wherein the processor is further programmed to correlate the change in dielectric constant with a change in dielectric density.

263. The e-vapor device of claim 262, wherein the processor is further programmed to correlate the change in dielectric density with a dose of the vaporized payload.

264. A method of determining capacitance of a capacitive sensor, comprising:

heating and evaporating the payload to produce an evaporated payload;

Passing the vaporized payload through a measurement cavity defined by a capacitive sensor; and

the capacitance of the capacitive sensor is measured as the vaporized payload passes through the measurement cavity.

265. The method of claim 264, wherein the capacitive sensor comprises a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor.

266. The method of claim 265, wherein the measurement cavity is positioned between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor.

267. The method of any one of claims 264 to 266, wherein the capacitive sensor comprises a parallel plate capacitor.

268. The method of any one of claims 264 to 266, wherein the capacitive sensor comprises a roll capacitor.

269. The method of any one of claims 264 to 266, wherein the capacitive sensor comprises an interdigitated capacitor.

270. The method of any one of claims 264 to 269, wherein the capacitance of the capacitive sensor is measured by a sensor measurement circuit.

271. The method of claim 270, wherein the sensor measurement circuit comprises a charge pump circuit that charges the capacitive sensor.

272. The method of claim 270, wherein the sensor measurement circuit comprises a resistive divider circuit comprising a first resistor and a second switched capacitor resistor, wherein the capacitive sensor is contained within the switched capacitor resistor.

273. The method of claim 270, wherein the sensor measurement circuit comprises a phase locked loop circuit including a voltage controlled oscillator, and wherein the capacitive sensor is included within the voltage controlled oscillator.

274. The method of claim 270, wherein the sensor measurement circuit comprises an active low pass filter circuit connected to a rectifier circuit, and wherein the capacitive sensor is included within the low pass filter circuit.

275. The method of claim 270, wherein the sensor measurement circuit comprises a crystal oscillator circuit that provides a reference signal to the phase-locked loop circuit, wherein the crystal oscillator circuit is loaded with the capacitive sensor.

276. The method of claim 270, wherein the sensor measurement circuit measures an absolute capacitance of the capacitive sensor.

277. The method of claim 270, wherein the sensor measurement circuit measures a change in capacitance of the capacitive sensor.

278. The method of any one of claims 264-277, further comprising adjusting a measured capacitance of a capacitive sensor according to a calibration procedure.

279. The method of any one of claims 264 to 278, further comprising the step of correlating the measured capacitance of the capacitive sensor with a change in dielectric constant.

280. The method of claim 279 further comprising the step of correlating the change in dielectric constant with a change in dielectric density.

281. The method of claim 280, further comprising the step of correlating the change in dielectric density with a dose of vaporized payload.

282. A vapor measurement system for an electronic vaping device, comprising:

a capacitive sensor defining a measurement cavity; and

a sensor measurement circuit connected to the capacitive sensor, wherein the sensor measurement circuit is configured to directly or indirectly measure a capacitance of the capacitive sensor as the vaporized payload passes through the measurement cavity.

283. The vapor measurement system of claim 282, wherein the capacitive sensor comprises a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor.

284. The vapor measurement system of claim 283, wherein the measurement cavity is positioned between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor.

285. The vapor measurement system of any one of claims 282-284, wherein the capacitive sensor comprises a parallel plate capacitor.

286. The vapor measurement system of any one of claims 282-284, wherein the capacitive sensor comprises a roll capacitor.

287. The vapor measurement system of any one of claims 282-284, wherein the capacitive sensor comprises an interdigitated capacitor.

288. The vapor measurement system of any one of claims 282-287, wherein the sensor measurement circuit comprises a charge pump circuit that charges the capacitive sensor.

289. The vapor measurement system of any one of claims 282-287, wherein the sensor measurement circuit comprises a resistor divider circuit including a first resistor and a second switched capacitor resistor, wherein the capacitive sensor is included within the switched capacitor resistor.

290. The vapor measurement system of any one of claims 282-287, wherein the sensor measurement circuit comprises a phase-locked loop circuit that includes a voltage-controlled oscillator, wherein the capacitive sensor is included within the voltage-controlled oscillator.

291. The vapor measurement system of any one of claims 282-287, wherein the sensor measurement circuit comprises an active low pass filter circuit connected to a rectifier circuit, wherein the capacitive sensor is included within the low pass filter circuit.

292. The vapor measurement system of any one of claims 282 to 287, wherein the sensor measurement circuit comprises a crystal oscillator circuit that provides a reference signal to a phase locked loop circuit, wherein the crystal oscillator circuit is loaded with a capacitive sensor.

293. The vapor measurement system of any one of claims 282-287, wherein the sensor measurement circuit measures an absolute capacitance of the capacitive sensor.

294. The vapor measurement system of any one of claims 282-287, wherein the sensor measurement circuit measures a change in capacitance of the capacitive sensor.

295. The vapor measurement system of any one of claims 282-294, wherein a measured capacitance of the capacitive sensor is adjusted according to a calibration procedure.

296. The vapor measurement system of any one of claims 282-295, further including a processor programmed to correlate a measured capacitance of the capacitive sensor to a change in dielectric constant.

297. The vapor measurement system of claim 296, wherein the processor is further programmed to correlate the change in dielectric constant with a change in dielectric density.

298. The vapor measurement system of claim 297, wherein the processor is further programmed to correlate the change in dielectric density with a dose of vaporized payload.

299. An electronic vaping device, comprising:

a control accessory including a power source and a reader;

a cartridge comprising a heating element and an electronic memory configured to store data; and

A two-conductor electrical interface configured to (a) transmit power signals from a power source to the heating element and (b) transmit data signals from the electronic memory to the reader.

300. The electronic vaping device of claim 299, wherein the two-conductor electrical interface is provided by an electromechanical connection.

301. The electronic vaping device of claim 300, wherein the electromechanical connection includes a first connector coupled to a second connector, wherein the first connector is provided as part of the control accessory, and wherein the second connector is provided as part of the cartridge.

302. The e-vapor device of claim 301, wherein the first connector comprises a first housing spaced from the first center pin, wherein the second connector comprises a second housing spaced from the second center pin, and wherein the first housing contacts the second housing and the first center pin contacts the second center pin when the first connector is coupled to the second connector.

303. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 299 to 302, wherein the power source includes a battery, and wherein the power signal includes direct current or pulsed direct current.

304. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 299 to 303, wherein the reader comprises a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader, wherein the electronic memory includes an RFID tag configured to store the cartridge data, and wherein the data signal includes a modulated signal encoding the cartridge data.

305. The electronic vaping device of claim 304, wherein the cartridge data includes at least one of information about a payload contained in a payload receptacle of the cartridge, information about manufacture of the cartridge, information about one or more operational settings of a payload suggested for use in vaporizing a payload contained in a payload receptacle of the cartridge, information to enable authenticity verification of the cartridge, information about software or hardware contained within the cartridge, and information about an intended user of the cartridge.

306. The electronic vaping device of claim 304 or 305, wherein the RFID tag is configured to generate a data signal.

307. The electronic vaping device of claim 306, wherein the two-conductor electrical interface is further configured to transmit an interrogation signal from the RFID reader to the RFID tag, whereby the RFID tag generates the data signal in response to the interrogation signal.

308. The electronic vaping device of claim 307, wherein the RFID tag comprises a passive RFID tag that is powered by the interrogation signal.

309. The e-vapor device of any one of claims 299 to 308, wherein the control accessory includes a Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) switch having a first switch position and a second switch position, wherein movement of the DPDT switch to the first switch position effects transmission of a power signal from the power source to the heating element, and wherein movement of the DPDT switch to the second switch position effects transmission of a data signal from the electronic memory to the reader.

310. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 299 to 308, wherein the power signal and the data signal are sequentially transmitted over the two-conductor electrical interface according to a time division multiplexing scheme.

311. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 299 to 308, wherein the power signal and the data signal are transmitted simultaneously over the two-conductor electrical interface according to a frequency division multiplexing scheme.

312. A method of transmitting a plurality of signals over a two-conductor electrical interface between a control accessory and a cartridge of an electronic vapor device, comprising:

transmitting a power signal from a power source of the control accessory to the heating element of the cartridge through the two-conductor electrical interface; and

data signals are transmitted from the electronic memory of the cartridge to the reader of the control accessory through the two-conductor electrical interface.

313. The method of claim 312, wherein the two-conductor electrical interface is provided by an electromechanical connection.

314. The method of claim 313, wherein the electromechanical connection comprises a first connector coupled to a second connector, wherein the first connector is provided as part of the control accessory, and wherein the second connector is provided as part of the cartridge.

315. The method of claim 314, wherein the first connector includes a first housing spaced from the first center pin, wherein the second connector includes a second housing spaced from the second center pin, and wherein the first housing contacts the second housing and the first center pin contacts the second center pin when the first connector is coupled to the second connector.

316. The method of any one of claims 312 to 315, wherein the power source comprises a battery, and wherein the power signal comprises direct current or pulsed direct current.

317. The method of any one of claims 312 to 316, wherein the reader comprises a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader, wherein the electronic memory comprises an RFID tag configured to store cartridge data, and wherein the data signal comprises a modulated signal encoding the cartridge data.

318. The method of claim 317, wherein the cartridge data includes at least one of information regarding a payload contained in a payload receptacle of the cartridge, information regarding manufacture of the cartridge, information regarding one or more operational settings of a payload contained in a payload receptacle suggested for use in vaporizing the cartridge, information enabling authenticity verification of the cartridge, information regarding software or hardware contained within the cartridge, and information regarding an intended user of the cartridge.

319. The method of claim 317 or 318, wherein the RFID tag is configured to generate a data signal.

320. The method of claim 319, further comprising transmitting an interrogation signal from the RFID reader to the RFID tag, whereby the RFID tag generates the data signal in response to the interrogation signal.

321. The method of claim 320, wherein the RFID tag comprises a passive RFID tag that is powered by an interrogation signal.

322. The method of any one of claims 312 to 321, wherein the control accessory includes a Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) switch having a first switch position and a second switch position, wherein movement of the DPDT switch to the first switch position effects transmission of a power signal from the power source to the heating element, and wherein movement of the DPDT switch to the second switch position effects transmission of a data signal from the electronic memory to the reader.

323. The method of any one of claims 312 to 321, wherein the power signal and the data signal are transmitted sequentially over the two-conductor electrical interface according to a time division multiplexing scheme.

324. The method of any one of claims 312 to 321, wherein the power signal and the data signal are transmitted simultaneously over the two-conductor electrical interface according to a frequency division multiplexing scheme.

325. A dual-lead communication system for an electronic vaping device, comprising:

a control accessory;

a smoke cartridge; and

an electromechanical connection comprising a first connector coupled to a second connector, wherein the first connector is provided as part of the control accessory, wherein the second connector is provided as part of the cartridge, and wherein the electromechanical connection provides a two-conductor electrical interface capable of communicating a plurality of electrical signals between the control accessory and the cartridge.

326. The two-wire communication system of claim 325, wherein the first connector comprises a first housing spaced from the first center pin, wherein the second connector comprises a second housing spaced from the second center pin, and wherein the first housing contacts the second housing and the first center pin contacts the second center pin when the first connector is coupled to the second connector.

327. The dual-lead communication system of claim 325 or 326, wherein the control accessory comprises a power source and a reader, wherein the cartridge comprises a heating element and an electronic memory configured to store data, and wherein the two-conductor electrical interface is configured to (a) transmit power signals from the power source to the heating element and (b) transmit data signals from the electronic memory to the reader.

328. The two-lead communication system of claim 327 wherein the power source comprises a battery and wherein the power signal comprises direct current or pulsed direct current.

329. The two-lead communication system of claim 327 or 328, wherein the reader comprises a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader, wherein the electronic memory is configured as an RFID tag that stores cartridge data, and wherein the data signal comprises a modulated signal encoding the cartridge data.

330. The two-lead communication system of claim 329, wherein the cartridge data comprises at least one of information regarding a payload contained in a payload receptacle of the cartridge, information regarding manufacture of the cartridge, information regarding one or more operational settings of a payload recommended for use in vaporizing a payload contained in a payload receptacle of the cartridge, information enabling verification of authenticity of the cartridge, information regarding software or hardware contained within the cartridge, and information regarding an intended user of the cartridge.

331. The two-lead communication system of claim 329 or 330 wherein the RFID tag is configured to generate a data signal.

332. The two-lead communication system of claim 331, wherein the two-conductor electrical interface is further configured to transmit an interrogation signal from the RFID reader to the RFID tag, whereby the RFID tag generates the data signal in response to the interrogation signal.

333. The two-lead communication system of claim 332 wherein the RFID tag comprises a passive RFID tag powered by an interrogation signal.

334. The dual-lead communication system of any one of claims 325 to 333, wherein the control accessory comprises a double-pole-double-throw (DPDT) switch having a first switch position and a second switch position, wherein movement of the DPDT switch to the first switch position effects communication of a first electrical signal between the control accessory and the cartridge, and wherein movement of the DPDT switch to the second switch position effects communication of a second electrical signal between the control accessory and the cartridge.

335. The two-lead communication system of any one of claims 325 to 333, wherein electrical signals are communicated sequentially over a two-conductor electrical interface according to a time division multiplexing scheme.

336. The dual-lead communication system of any one of claims 325 to 333, wherein electrical signals are communicated simultaneously over a two-conductor electrical interface in accordance with a frequency division multiplexing scheme.

337. An electronic vaping device, comprising:

a control accessory including a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader;

a cartridge comprising an RFID tag; and

a two-conductor electrical interface configured to transmit cartridge data from the RFID reader to the RFID tag to thereby program the cartridge data into the RFID tag.

338. The electronic vaping device of claim 337, wherein the two-conductor electrical interface is provided by an electromechanical connection.

339. The electronic vaping device of claim 338, wherein the electromechanical connection includes a first connector coupled to a second connector, wherein the first connector is provided as part of the control accessory, and wherein the second connector is provided as part of the cartridge.

340. The e-vapor device of claim 339, wherein the first connector comprises a first housing spaced from the first center pin, wherein the second connector comprises a second housing spaced from the second center pin, and wherein the first housing contacts the second housing and the first center pin contacts the second center pin when the first connector is coupled to the second connector.

341. The electronic smoking device of any one of claims 337 to 340, wherein the cartridge data includes at least one of information about a payload contained in a payload reservoir of the cartridge, information about the manufacture of the cartridge, information about one or more operational settings of a payload suggested for use in vaporizing a cartridge contained in the payload reservoir, information enabling authenticity verification of the cartridge, information about software or hardware contained within the cartridge, and information about an intended user of the cartridge.

342. An electronic vaping device, comprising:

a control accessory comprising a power source; and

a cartridge releasably connected to the control accessory, wherein the cartridge comprises:

a payload receptacle configured to receive a payload for evaporation;

a heating element configured to heat a payload in a payload reservoir;

a temperature control circuit configured to adjust power provided by the power supply to the heating element based on the temperature sensed within the cartridge and a desired temperature set point.

343. The electronic vaping device of claim 342, wherein the temperature control circuit includes a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature within the cartridge.

344. The e-vapor device of claim 343, wherein the temperature sensor comprises one of a thermistor, a thermocouple, a bandgap temperature sensor, an analog temperature sensor, a digital temperature sensor, or a light sensor.

345. The electronic vaping device of claim 343, wherein the temperature sensor includes circuitry configured to measure resistance of the heating element and determine a temperature within the cartridge using the resistance.

346. The e-vapor device of claim 342 or 343, wherein the temperature control circuit is configured to regulate power provided to the heating element by modifying a Direct Current (DC) voltage applied to the heating element.

347. The e-vapor device of claim 342 or 343, wherein the temperature control circuit is configured to regulate power provided to the heating element by modifying the direct current delivered to the heating element.

348. The e-vapor device of claim 342 or 343, wherein the temperature control circuit is configured to adjust the power provided to the heating element by modifying a pulse width of the pulsed direct current transmitted to the heating element.

349. The e-vapor device of claim 342 or 343, wherein the temperature control circuit is configured to regulate power provided to the heating element by interrupting the flow of direct current delivered to the heating element.

350. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 342-349, wherein the desired temperature setpoint is user-configurable.

351. The electronic vaping device of claim 350, wherein the temperature control circuit incorporates a potentiometer having a variable resistance, and wherein the electronic vaping device further includes a user-actuated mechanism configured to modify the variable resistance of the potentiometer to thereby modify the temperature set point.

352. The electronic vaping device of claim 351, wherein the user-actuation mechanism includes a dial positioned on the housing of the cartridge.

353. The electronic vaping device of claim 351, wherein the user-actuation mechanism includes a slidable tab positioned on the outer housing of the cartridge.

354. The electronic vaping device of claim 351, wherein the user actuation mechanism includes a rotatable housing of the cartridge.

355. The e-vapor device of claim 350, wherein the temperature control circuit incorporates a user interface that enables a user to input a digital value to modify the temperature set point.

356. A method of controlling power provided to a heating element housed within a cartridge of an electronic vaping device, comprising:

sensing a temperature within the cartridge; and

The power provided to the heating element is adjusted based on the sensed temperature within the cartridge and a desired temperature set point.

357. The method of claim 356, wherein the temperature is sensed by one of a thermistor, thermocouple, bandgap temperature sensor, analog temperature sensor, or digital temperature sensor.

358. The method of claim 356, wherein the temperature is sensed by a light sensor configured to detect light emitted by the heating element.

359. The method of claim 356, wherein the heating element is configured to heat and vaporize the vaporized payload, and wherein the temperature is sensed by a light sensor configured to detect light emitted by the vaporized payload.

360. The method of claim 356, wherein the temperature is sensed by a circuit configured to measure a resistance of the heating element and determine the temperature within the cartridge using the resistance.

361. The method of claim 356, wherein the power provided to the heating element is adjusted by modifying a Direct Current (DC) voltage applied to the heating element.

362. The method of claim 356, wherein the power provided to the heating element is adjusted by modifying the direct current delivered to the heating element.

363. The method of claim 356, wherein the power provided to the heating element is adjusted by modifying a pulse width of the pulsed direct current delivered to the heating element.

364. The method of claim 356, wherein the power provided to the heating element is regulated by interrupting the flow of direct current delivered to the heating element.

365. The method of claim 356, wherein the desired temperature set point is user configurable.

366. A temperature control system for a cartridge of an electronic vaping device, comprising:

a heating element configured to heat the payload;

a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature within the cartridge; and

a temperature control circuit incorporating a temperature sensor, wherein the temperature control circuit is configured to adjust power provided to the heating element based on a sensed temperature within the cartridge and a desired temperature set point.

367. The temperature control system of claim 366, wherein the temperature sensor comprises one of a thermistor, thermocouple, bandgap temperature sensor, analog temperature sensor, digital temperature sensor, or optical sensor.

368. The temperature control system of claim 366, wherein the temperature sensor comprises a circuit configured to measure the resistance of the heating element and to determine the temperature within the cartridge using the resistance.

369. The temperature control system of claim 366, wherein the temperature control circuit is configured to adjust the power provided to the heating element by modifying a Direct Current (DC) voltage applied to the heating element.

370. The temperature control system of claim 366, wherein the temperature control circuit is configured to adjust the power provided to the heating element by modifying a direct current delivered to the heating element.

371. The temperature control system of claim 366, wherein the temperature control circuit is configured to adjust the power provided to the heating element by modifying a pulse width of the pulsed direct current delivered to the heating element.

372. The temperature control system of claim 366, wherein the temperature control circuit is configured to regulate power provided to the heating element by interrupting the flow of direct current delivered to the heating element.

373. The temperature control system of claim 366, wherein the desired temperature set point is user configurable.

374. The temperature control system of claim 373, wherein the temperature control circuit incorporates a potentiometer having a variable resistance that can be modified by a user to modify the temperature set point.

375. The temperature control system of claim 373, wherein the temperature control circuit incorporates a user interface that enables a user to input a digital value to modify the temperature set point.

376. An electronic vaping device, comprising:

a control accessory comprising a microcontroller and a power supply, wherein the microcontroller is configured to control the power supply so as to generate a power signal;

a cartridge comprising a nebulizer, a payload reservoir, and an authentication device, wherein the nebulizer is configured to heat a portion of a payload contained in the payload reservoir, and wherein the authentication device is configured to (a) implement an authentication protocol to determine whether the cartridge is authentic and (b) control transmission of a power signal from the power source to the nebulizer based on a result of the authentication protocol; and

an electromechanical connector comprising a first connector releasably coupled to a second connector, wherein the first connector is provided as part of the control accessory and the second connector is provided as part of the cartridge.

377. The e-vapor device of claim 376, wherein the authentication device is configured to securely store authentication data.

378. The e-vapor device of claim 377, wherein the authentication data comprises an encryption key, and wherein the authentication protocol comprises an encryption handshake between the authentication device and the microcontroller to effect authentication of the cartridge and the control accessory.

379. The e-vapor device of claim 377, wherein the authentication data includes an encryption key, and wherein the authentication protocol includes an encryption handshake between the authentication device and an external computing device to enable authentication of the cartridge.

380. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 377-379, wherein the authentication data includes data from which an expiration date of the cartridge is determined, and wherein the authentication protocol includes a comparison of the expiration date to a current date to determine whether the cartridge is expired.

381. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 377-380, wherein the authentication data includes a maximum allowed time of operation of the cartridge, and wherein the authentication protocol includes a comparison of the maximum allowed time of operation to a current time of operation of the cartridge to determine whether the maximum allowed time of operation has elapsed.

382. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 377-381, wherein the authentication data includes a unique identifier of the cartridge, and wherein the authentication protocol includes transmitting the unique identifier to the external computing device to determine whether the cartridge is a counterfeit.

383. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 376-382, wherein the cartridge further includes a power gate movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein movement of the power gate to the open position disables transmission of a power signal from the power source to the nebulizer, and wherein movement of the power gate to the closed position enables transmission of the power signal from the power source to the nebulizer.

384. The electronic vaping device of claim 383, wherein the authentication device causes the power gate to move from the open position to the closed position when the cartridge is determined to be authentic.

385. The electronic vaping device of any of claims 376-384, wherein the power source includes a battery, and wherein the power signal includes direct current or pulsed direct current.

386. The electronic vaping device of claim 376, wherein the electromechanical connector is configured to (a) transmit a power signal from the power source to the nebulizer and (b) communicate one or more data signals between the authentication device and the microcontroller as part of an authentication protocol.

387. The electronic vaping device of claim 386, wherein the electromechanical connector includes a two-conductor electrical interface including two conductors.

388. The electronic vaping device of claim 387, wherein the power signal and the data signal are sequentially transmitted over the two-conductor electrical interface according to a time division multiplexing scheme.

389. The electronic vaping device of claim 387, wherein the power signal and the data signal are simultaneously transmitted over the two-conductor electrical interface according to a frequency division multiplexing scheme.

390. The electronic vaping device of claim 387, wherein the power signal and the data signal are simultaneously transmitted over the two-conductor electrical interface according to a voltage level multiplexing scheme.

391. The electronic vaping device of claim 386, wherein the electromechanical connector includes a multi-conductor electrical interface including at least three conductors.

392. The electronic vaping device of claim 391, wherein the power signal and the data signal are transmitted simultaneously via a multi-conductor electrical interface.

393. A cartridge for an electronic vaping device, comprising:

a payload receptacle;

a nebulizer configured to heat a portion of a payload contained in a payload reservoir; and

an authentication device configured to (a) implement an authentication protocol to determine whether the cartridge is authentic and (b) control transmission of the power signal to the nebulizer based on a result of the authentication protocol.

394. The cartridge of claim 393, wherein the authentication device is configured to securely store authentication data.

395. The cartridge of claim 394, wherein the authentication data comprises an encryption key, and wherein the authentication protocol comprises an encryption handshake between the authentication device and a microcontroller of a control accessory of the electronic vaping device to effect authentication of the cartridge and the control accessory.

396. The cartridge of claim 394, wherein the authentication data comprises an encryption key, and wherein the authentication protocol comprises an encryption handshake between the authentication device and the external computing device to enable authentication of the cartridge.

397. The cartridge of any one of claims 394 to 396, wherein the authentication data includes data from which an expiration date of the cartridge is determined, and wherein the authentication protocol includes a comparison of the expiration date to a current date to determine whether the cartridge is expired.

398. The cartridge of any one of claims 394 to 397, wherein the authentication data includes a maximum allowed time of operation of the cartridge, and wherein the authentication protocol includes a comparison of the maximum allowed time of operation to a current time of operation of the cartridge to determine whether the maximum allowed time of operation has elapsed.

399. The cartridge of any one of claims 394-398, wherein the authentication data includes a unique identifier of the cartridge, and wherein the authentication protocol includes transmitting the unique identifier to the external computing device to determine whether the cartridge is a counterfeit.

400. The cartridge of any one of claims 393 to 399, further comprising a power gate movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein movement of the power gate to the open position disables transmission of the power signal to the nebulizer, and wherein movement of the power gate to the closed position enables transmission of the power signal to the nebulizer.

401. The cartridge of claim 400, wherein the authentication device causes the power door to move from the open position to the closed position when the cartridge is determined to be authentic.

402. The cartridge of any one of claims 393 to 401, wherein the power signal comprises direct current or pulsed direct current.

403. The cartridge of any one of claims 393 to 402, further comprising a first connector configured to releasably connect to a second connector of a control accessory of an electronic vaping device, wherein the first connector and the second connector form an electromechanical connection between the cartridge and the control accessory.

404. The cartridge of claim 403, wherein the electro-mechanical connector is configured to (a) transmit a power signal from the control accessory to the nebulizer and (b) transmit one or more data signals between the authentication device and the control accessory as part of an authentication protocol.

405. The cartridge of claim 404, wherein the electromechanical connector comprises a two-conductor electrical interface comprising two conductors.

406. The cartridge of claim 405, wherein the power signal and the data signal are sequentially transmitted over the two-conductor electrical interface according to a time division multiplexing scheme.

407. The cartridge of claim 405, wherein the power signal and the data signal are transmitted simultaneously over the two-conductor electrical interface according to a frequency division multiplexing scheme.

408. The cartridge of claim 405, wherein the power signal and the data signal are transmitted simultaneously over the two-conductor electrical interface according to a voltage level multiplexing scheme.

409. The cartridge of claim 404, wherein the electromechanical connector comprises a multi-conductor electrical interface including at least three conductors.

410. The cartridge of claim 409, wherein the power signal and the data signal are transmitted simultaneously via a multi-conductor electrical interface.

411. A method of authenticating a cartridge of an electronic vaping device, comprising:

storing the authentication data in an authentication device within the cartridge;

implementing an authentication protocol using authentication data to determine whether the cartridge is authentic; and

transmission of a power signal to the cartomizer of the cartridge is controlled based on the results of the authentication protocol.

412. The method of claim 411, wherein the authentication data comprises an encryption key, and wherein the authentication protocol comprises an encryption handshake between the authentication device and a microcontroller of a control accessory of the electronic vaping device to effect authentication of the cartridge and the control accessory.

413. The method of claim 411, wherein the authentication data includes an encryption key, and wherein the authentication protocol includes an encryption handshake between the authentication device and the external computing device to enable authentication of the cartridge.

414. The method of any one of claims 411 to 413, wherein the authentication data comprises data from which an expiration date of the cartridge is determined, and wherein the authentication protocol comprises a comparison of the expiration date with a current date to determine whether the cartridge is expired.

415. The method of any one of claims 411 to 414, wherein the authentication data includes a maximum allowed time of operation of the cartridge, and wherein the authentication protocol includes a comparison of the maximum allowed time of operation to a current time of operation of the cartridge to determine whether the maximum allowed time of operation has elapsed.

416. The method of any one of claims 411 to 415, wherein the authentication data comprises a unique identifier of the cartridge, and wherein the authentication protocol comprises transmitting the unique identifier to the external computing device to determine whether the cartridge is a counterfeit.

417. The method of claim 411, wherein the controlling step comprises enabling transmission of the power signal to the nebulizer when the cartridge is determined to be authentic and disabling transmission of the power signal to the nebulizer when the cartridge is determined to be not authentic.

418. A method according to claim 411, wherein the implementing step includes communicating one or more data signals between the authentication device and a control accessory of the electronic vaping device as part of an authentication protocol.

419. The method of claim 418, further comprising the step of transmitting the power signal and the data signal over an electrical interface with the control accessory.

420. The method of claim 419 wherein the electrical interface comprises a two-conductor electrical interface comprising two conductors.

421. The method of claim 420, wherein the transmitting step includes sequentially transmitting the power signal and the data signal over the two-conductor electrical interface using a time division multiplexing scheme.

422. The method of claim 420, wherein the transmitting step includes simultaneously transmitting the power signal and the data signal over a two-conductor electrical interface using a frequency division multiplexing scheme.

423. The method of claim 420, wherein the transmitting step includes simultaneously transmitting the power signal and the data signal over the two-conductor electrical interface using a voltage level multiplexing scheme.

424. The method of claim 419 wherein the electrical interface comprises a multi-conductor electrical interface comprising at least three conductors.

425. The method of claim 424, wherein the transmitting step includes transmitting the power signal and the data signal simultaneously via a multi-conductor electrical interface.

426. A system for authenticating a user of an electronic vaping device, wherein each of the electronic vaping devices includes a payload receptacle identified by a unique payload identifier, the system comprising:

a processor;

a memory device;

a set of instructions stored in a memory device and executable by a processor to:

receiving user authentication information input by a user;

receiving a unique payload identifier of a payload receptacle of an electronic smoking device;

retrieving authentication information stored in a database in association with the unique payload identifier;

comparing user authentication information input by the user with authentication information stored in the database;

generating security settings indicating whether a user inputting user authentication information is authorized to use the payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier based on the comparison; and

causing transmission of the security setting to the e-vaping device.

427. The system of claim 426 wherein the database is maintained in a memory device.

428. The system of claim 426 wherein the database is maintained in a second memory device located remotely from the processor and the memory device.

429. The system of claim 426, wherein the processor and the memory device are located within a personal computing device, and wherein the personal computing device transmits the security setting to the e-vapor device.

430. The system of claim 426, wherein the processor and the memory device are located within a remote server, and wherein the remote server transmits the security settings to the personal computing device, which in turn transmits the security settings to the e-vapor device.

431. The system of claim 426 wherein the set of instructions is further executable by the processor to:

retrieving an operational setting stored in association with the unique payload identifier in the database; and

causing the operation to set the transmission to the e-vaping device.

432. The system of claim 426, wherein the set of instructions is further executable by the processor to:

retrieving payload information stored in a database in association with the unique payload identifier, wherein the payload information includes an identification of a substance positioned within a payload reservoir of the electronic vaping device;

Determining an operational setting associated with a substance; and

causing the operation to set the transmission to the e-vaping device.

433. The system of claim 432, wherein determining an operational setting associated with a substance comprises: an operational setting stored in association with the substance in the second database is retrieved.

434. The system of claim 426, wherein the set of instructions is further executable by the processor to:

generating operational settings based on at least one of user information, prescription information, location information, payload information, historical electronic smoking device usage information, and historical payload receptacle information; and

causing the operation to set the transmission to the e-vaping device.

435. The system of any one of claims 431-434, wherein the operational setting includes at least one of a duty cycle setting, a temperature setting, an operational duration, and a dose setting.

436. The system of any one of claims 426 to 435, wherein the user authentication information includes at least one of a password, a fingerprint scan, a facial recognition scan, and a retina scan.

437. The system of any one of claims 426 to 436, wherein operation of the electronic smoking device is prevented if the security setting indicates that a user entering the user authentication information is not authorized to use the payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier.

438. A method for authenticating a user of an electronic vaping device, wherein each of the electronic vaping devices includes a payload receptacle identified by a unique payload identifier, the method comprising:

receiving user authentication information input into the personal computing device by a user;

receiving, from the electronic smoking device, a unique payload identifier of a payload receptacle;

retrieving authentication information stored in a database in association with the unique payload identifier;

comparing user authentication information input by a user into the personal computing device with authentication information stored in a database;

generating security settings indicating whether a user inputting user authentication information into the personal computing device is authorized to use the payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier based on the comparison; and

the security setting is transmitted to the e-vaping device.

439. The method of claim 438, further comprising:

retrieving an operational setting stored in association with the unique payload identifier in the database; and

transmitting the operation setting to the electronic vaping device.

440. The method of claim 438, further comprising:

Retrieving payload information stored in a database in association with the unique payload identifier, wherein the payload information includes an identification of a substance positioned within a payload reservoir of the electronic vaping device;

determining an operational setting associated with a substance; and

transmitting the operation setting to the electronic vaping device.

441. The method of claim 440, wherein determining an operational setting associated with a substance comprises: an operational setting stored in association with the substance in the second database is retrieved.

442. The method of claim 438, further comprising:

generating operational settings based on at least one of user information, prescription information, location information, payload information, historical electronic smoking device usage information, and historical payload receptacle information; and

transmitting the operation setting to the electronic vaping device.

443. The method of any of claims 439 to 442, wherein the operating setting comprises at least one of a duty cycle setting, a temperature setting, an operating duration, and a dose setting.

444. The method of any of claims 438 to 443, wherein user authentication information includes at least one of a password, a fingerprint scan, a facial recognition scan, and a retina scan.

445. The method of any one of claims 438 to 444, wherein operation of the electronic smoking device is prevented if the security setting indicates that a user entering the user authentication information is not authorized to use the payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier.

446. A system for authenticating a user of an electronic vaping device, comprising:

an electronic smoking device comprising a payload receptacle, wherein the electronic smoking device is configured to store a unique payload identifier that identifies the payload receptacle, and wherein the electronic smoking device is configured to transmit the unique payload identifier to the personal computing device; and

an application configured to be installed on a personal computing device, wherein the application is configured to enable the personal computing device to: (a) receiving user authentication information input by a user; (b) receiving a unique payload identifier from the electronic vaping device; (c) retrieving authentication information stored in a database in association with the unique payload identifier; (d) comparing the user authentication information with authentication information stored in a database; (e) generating security settings indicating whether a user inputting user authentication information is authorized to use the payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier based on the comparison; and (f) transmitting the security setting to the electronic vaping device.

447. The system of claim 446, wherein the database is maintained by a personal computing device.

448. The system of claim 446, wherein the database is maintained by a server located remotely from the personal computing device.

449. The system of claim 446, wherein the application is further configured to enable the personal computing device to: (g) retrieving an operational setting stored in association with the unique payload identifier in the database; and (h) transmitting the operation setting to the electronic vaping device.

450. The system of claim 446, wherein the application is further configured to enable the personal computing device to: (g) retrieving payload information stored in a database in association with the unique payload identifier, wherein the payload information includes an identification of a substance positioned within a payload reservoir; (h) determining an operational setting associated with a substance; and (i) transmitting the operation settings to the electronic vaping device.

451. The system of any one of claims 450, wherein determining the operational setting associated with the substance comprises: an operational setting stored in association with the substance in the second database is retrieved.

452. The system of claim 446, wherein the application is further configured to enable the personal computing device to: (g) generating operational settings based on at least one of user information, prescription information, location information, payload information, historical electronic smoking device usage information, and historical payload receptacle information; and (h) transmitting the operation setting to the electronic vaping device.

453. The system of any one of claims 449 to 452, wherein operation of the e-vapor device is controlled based on operational settings.

454. The system of any one of claims 449-453, wherein the operating setting includes at least one of a duty cycle setting, a temperature setting, an operating duration, and a dose setting.

455. The system of any one of claims 446 to 455, wherein user authentication information includes at least one of a password, a fingerprint scan, a facial recognition scan, and a retina scan.

456. The system of any one of claims 446 to 455, wherein operation of the electronic smoking device is prevented if the security setting indicates that a user entering user authentication information is not authorized to use the payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier.

457. A system for determining whether payload receptacles of an electronic smoking device are depleted, wherein each of the payload receptacles is identified by a unique payload identifier, the system comprising:

a processor;

a memory device;

a set of instructions stored in a memory device and executable by a processor to:

Receiving a unique payload identifier of a payload receptacle of an electronic smoking device;

retrieving payload information stored in a database in association with the unique payload identifier, wherein the payload information includes an original volume of a payload contained within a payload reservoir;

retrieving historical payload receptacle usage information stored in a database in association with the unique payload identifier;

analyzing the payload information stored in the database and historical payload receptacle usage information stored in the database;

generating a security setting indicating whether the payload reservoir is depleted based on the analysis; and

causing transmission of a security setting to the electronic vaping device, wherein operation of the electronic vaping device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the payload reservoir is depleted.

458. The system of claim 457, wherein the database is maintained in a memory device.

459. The system of claim 457, wherein the database is maintained in a second memory device located remotely from the processor and the memory device.

460. The system of claim 457, wherein the processor and the memory device are located within a personal computing device, and wherein the personal computing device transmits the security setting to the e-vapor device.

461. The system of claim 457, wherein the processor and the memory device are located within a remote server, and wherein the remote server transmits the security settings to the personal computing device, which in turn transmits the security settings to the e-vaping device.

462. The system of claim 457, wherein the set of instructions are further executable by the processor to:

receiving payload receptacle usage information from the electronic smoking device;

updating historical payload receptacle usage information based on payload receptacle usage information received from the electronic smoking device; and

the updated historical payload receptacle usage information is stored in the database in association with the unique payload identifier.

463. A method for determining whether payload receptacles of an electronic smoking device are depleted, wherein each of the payload receptacles is identified by a unique payload identifier, the method comprising:

receiving, from the electronic smoking device, a unique payload identifier of a payload receptacle;

retrieving payload information stored in a database in association with the unique payload identifier, wherein the payload information includes an original volume of a payload contained within a payload reservoir;

Retrieving historical payload receptacle usage information stored in a database in association with the unique payload identifier;

analyzing the payload information stored in the database and historical payload receptacle usage information stored in the database;

generating a security setting indicating whether the payload reservoir is depleted based on the analysis; and

transmitting a security setting to the electronic vaping device, wherein operation of the electronic vaping device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the payload reservoir is depleted.

464. The method of claim 463, further comprising:

receiving payload receptacle usage information from the electronic smoking device;

updating historical payload receptacle usage information based on payload receptacle usage information received from the electronic smoking device; and

the updated historical payload receptacle usage information is stored in the database in association with the unique payload identifier.

465. A system for determining whether a payload reservoir of an electronic vaping device is depleted, comprising:

an electronic smoking device comprising a payload receptacle, wherein the electronic smoking device is configured to store a unique payload identifier that identifies the payload receptacle, and wherein the electronic smoking device is configured to transmit the unique payload identifier to the personal computing device; and

An application configured to be installed on a personal computing device, wherein the application is configured to enable the personal computing device to: (a) receiving a unique payload identifier from the electronic vaping device; (b) retrieving payload information stored in a database in association with the unique payload identifier, wherein the payload information includes an original volume of a payload contained within a payload reservoir; (c) retrieving historical payload receptacle usage information stored in a database in association with the unique payload identifier; (d) analyzing the payload information stored in the database and historical payload receptacle usage information stored in the database; (e) generating a security setting indicating whether the payload reservoir is depleted based on the analysis; and (f) transmitting the security setting to the electronic vaping device, wherein operation of the electronic vaping device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the payload reservoir is depleted.

466. The system of claim 465, wherein the database is maintained by a personal computing device.

467. The system of claim 465, wherein the database is maintained by a server located remotely from the personal computing device.

468. The system of claim 465, wherein the electronic vaping device is configured to determine payload reservoir usage information based on usage of the electronic vaping device and transmit the payload reservoir usage information to the personal computing device, and wherein the application is further configured to enable the personal computing device to: (g) receiving payload receptacle usage information from the electronic smoking device; (h) updating historical payload receptacle usage information based on payload receptacle usage information received from the electronic smoking device; and (i) storing the updated historical payload receptacle usage information in the database in association with the unique payload identifier.

469. A system for determining whether payload receptacles of an electronic smoking device have returned to a return center, wherein each of the payload receptacles is identified by a unique payload identifier, the system comprising:

a processor;

a memory device;

a set of instructions stored in a memory device and executable by a processor to:

receiving a unique payload identifier of a payload receptacle of an electronic smoking device;

Determining whether a payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier has been returned;

generating a security setting indicating whether the payload receptacle has returned; and

causing transmission of a security setting to the electronic vaping device, wherein operation of the electronic vaping device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the payload reservoir has returned.

470. The system of claim 469, wherein the database is maintained in a memory device.

471. The system of claim 469, wherein the database is maintained in a second memory device located remotely from the processor and the memory device.

472. The system of claim 469, wherein the processor and memory device are located within a personal computing device, and wherein the personal computing device transmits the security setting to the e-vapor device.

473. The system of claim 469, wherein the processor and memory device are located within a remote server, and wherein the remote server transmits the security settings to the personal computing device, which in turn transmits the security settings to the e-vapor device.

474. A method for determining whether payload receptacles of an electronic smoking device have returned to a return center, wherein each of the payload receptacles is identified by a unique payload identifier, the method comprising:

Receiving, from the electronic smoking device, a unique payload identifier of a payload receptacle;

determining whether a payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier has been returned;

generating a security setting indicating whether the payload receptacle has returned; and

transmitting a security setting to the electronic vaping device, wherein operation of the electronic vaping device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the payload reservoir has returned.

475. A system for determining whether a payload receptacle of an electronic vaping device has returned to a return center, comprising:

an electronic smoking device comprising a payload receptacle, wherein the electronic smoking device is configured to store a unique payload identifier that identifies the payload receptacle, and wherein the electronic smoking device is configured to transmit the unique payload identifier to the personal computing device; and

an application configured to be installed on a personal computing device, wherein the application is configured to enable the personal computing device to: (a) receiving a unique payload identifier from the electronic vaping device; (b) determining whether a payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier has been returned; (c) generating a security setting indicating whether the payload receptacle has returned; and (d) transmitting the security setting to the electronic vaping device, wherein operation of the electronic vaping device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the payload reservoir has returned.

476. The system of claim 475, wherein the database is maintained by the personal computing device.

477. The system of claim 475, wherein the database is maintained by a server located remotely from the personal computing device.

478. A system for determining whether payload receptacles of an electronic smoking device have been recalled, wherein each of the payload receptacles is identified by a unique payload identifier, the system comprising:

a processor;

a memory device;

a set of instructions stored in a memory device and executable by a processor to:

receiving a unique payload identifier of a payload receptacle of an electronic smoking device;

determining whether a payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier has been recalled;

generating a security setting indicating whether the payload receptacle has been recalled; and

causing transmission of a security setting to the electronic vaping device, wherein operation of the electronic vaping device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the payload reservoir has been recalled.

479. The system of claim 478, wherein a database is maintained in the memory device.

480. The system of claim 478, wherein database is maintained in a second memory device located remotely from the processor and memory devices.

481. The system of claim 478, wherein the processor and memory device are located within the personal computing device, and wherein the personal computing device transmits the security setting to the e-vapor device.

482. The system of claim 478, wherein the processor and memory device are located within a remote server, and wherein the remote server transmits the security settings to the personal computing device, which in turn transmits the security settings to the e-vapor device.

483. The system of any one of claims 478 to 482, wherein the electronic vaping device displays a recall message or sounds an audible recall message when the security setting indicates that the payload reservoir has been recalled.

484. A method for determining whether payload receptacles of an electronic smoking device have been recalled, wherein each of the payload receptacles is identified by a unique payload identifier, the method comprising:

receiving, from the electronic smoking device, a unique payload identifier of a payload receptacle;

Determining whether a payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier has been recalled;

generating a security setting indicating whether the payload receptacle has been recalled; and

transmitting a security setting to the electronic vaping device, wherein operation of the electronic vaping device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the payload reservoir has been recalled.

485. A method according to claim 484, further comprising displaying a recall message or sounding an audible recall message when the security setting indicates that the payload reservoir has been recalled.

486. A system for determining whether a payload reservoir of an electronic vaping device has been recalled, comprising:

an electronic smoking device comprising a payload receptacle, wherein the electronic smoking device is configured to store a unique payload identifier that identifies the payload receptacle, and wherein the electronic smoking device is configured to transmit the unique payload identifier to the personal computing device; and

an application configured to be installed on a personal computing device, wherein the application is configured to enable the personal computing device to: (a) receiving a unique payload identifier from the electronic vaping device; (b) determining whether a payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier has been recalled; (c) generating a security setting indicating whether the payload receptacle has been recalled; and (d) transmitting the security setting to the electronic vaping device, wherein operation of the electronic vaping device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the payload reservoir has been recalled.

487. The system of claim 486, wherein the database is maintained by a personal computing device.

488. The system of claim 486, wherein the database is maintained by a server located remotely from the personal computing device.

489. The system of any one of claims 486-488, wherein one or both of the electronic vaping device and the personal computing device displays or sounds an audible recall message when the security setting indicates that the payload receptacle has been recalled.

490. A system for determining whether a control accessory is authorized for use with cartridges of an electronic smoking device, wherein each of the cartridges includes a payload receptacle identified by a unique payload identifier, the system comprising:

a processor;

a memory device;

a set of instructions stored in a memory device and executable by a processor to:

receiving a unique payload identifier of a payload receptacle of an electronic smoking device;

receiving a control accessory identifier of a control accessory of an electronic vaping device;

a list of one or more control accessory identifiers that identify a control accessory for use with a payload receptacle identified by a unique identifier;

Comparing the control accessory identifier to a list of control accessory identifiers;

generating a security setting based on the comparison that indicates whether the control accessory identified by the control accessory identifier is authorized for use with the payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier; and

causing transmission of the security setting to the e-vaping device.

491. The system of claim 490, wherein the database is maintained in a memory device.

492. The system of claim 490, wherein the database is maintained in a second memory device located remotely from the processor and the memory device.

493. The system of claim 490, wherein the processor and the memory device are located within a personal computing device, and wherein the personal computing device transmits the security setting to the e-vapor device.

494. The system of claim 490, wherein the processor and memory device are located within a remote server, and wherein the remote server transmits the security settings to the personal computing device, which in turn transmits the security settings to the e-vaping device.

495. The system of any one of claims 490-494, wherein the control accessory identifier comprises a unique control accessory identifier.

496. The system of any one of claims 490 to 495, wherein operation of the electronic vaping device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the control accessory identified by the control accessory identifier is unauthorized to be used with a payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier.

497. A method for determining whether a control accessory is authorized for use with cartridges of an electronic smoking device, wherein each of the cartridges includes a payload receptacle identified by a unique payload identifier, the method comprising:

receiving, from the electronic smoking device, a unique payload identifier of a payload receptacle;

receiving a control accessory identifier of a control accessory of an electronic vaping device;

a list of one or more control accessory identifiers that identify a control accessory for use with a payload receptacle identified by a unique identifier;

comparing the control accessory identifier to a list of control accessory identifiers;

generating a security setting based on the comparison that indicates whether the control accessory identified by the control accessory identifier is authorized for use with the payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier; and

The security setting is transmitted to the e-vaping device.

498. The method of claim 497, wherein controlling an accessory identifier comprises a unique controlling accessory identifier.

499. The method according to any one of claims 497 to 498, further comprising preventing operation of the electronic vaping device if the security setting indicates that the control accessory identified by the control accessory identifier is unauthorized for use with the payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier.

500. A system for determining whether a control accessory is authorized for use with a cartridge of an electronic vaping device, comprising:

an electronic smoking device comprising a control accessory and a cartridge comprising a payload receptacle, wherein the control accessory is configured to store a control accessory identifier, wherein the cartridge is configured to store a unique payload identifier, and wherein the electronic smoking device is configured to transmit the control accessory identifier and the unique payload identifier to a personal computing device; and

an application configured to be installed on a personal computing device, wherein the application is configured to enable the personal computing device to: (a) receiving a control accessory identifier and a unique payload identifier from an electronic vaping device; (b) a list of one or more control accessory identifiers that identify a control accessory for use with a payload receptacle identified by a unique identifier; (c) comparing the control accessory identifier to a list of control accessory identifiers; (d) generating a security setting based on the comparison that indicates whether the control accessory identified by the control accessory identifier is authorized for use with the payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier; and (e) transmitting the security setting to the electronic vaping device.

501. The system of claim 500, wherein the database is maintained by a personal computing device.

502. The system of claim 500, wherein the database is maintained by a server located remotely from the personal computing device.

503. The system of any one of claims 500-502, wherein the control accessory identifier comprises a unique control accessory identifier.

504. The system of any one of claims 500 to 503, wherein operation of the electronic smoking device is prevented if the security setting indicates that the control accessory identified by the control accessory identifier is not authorized for use with the payload receptacle identified by the unique payload identifier.

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