JP2017513673A - Apparatus and method for supplying E-liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

Since the E liquid can be transferred from the storage container to the electronic evaporation device using the apparatus (100) provided with the check valve, unintentional leakage of the E liquid cannot occur. A device (100) with a check valve can be used to supply liquid to the electronic evaporator using the device pre-filled with E liquid. [Selection] Figure 4

Description

This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 976,225, entitled “Apparatus Compiling A Check Valve for Dispensing E-Liquids,” filed April 7, 2014. And the disclosure of the provisional US patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

  The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus comprising a check valve. Since this apparatus can be used to transfer the E liquid to the chamber of the electron evaporation apparatus, there is no possibility that unintentional leakage and / or spillage of the E liquid may occur. The apparatus can be used to transfer the E-liquid to an upper filled chamber or a lower filled chamber. The present disclosure is further directed to an assembly of an apparatus comprising a check valve and an E liquid storage container. This assembly allows the E-liquid to be stored without accidental delivery and / or spillage of the E-liquid.

  Evaporation is used instead of combustion for the purpose of delivering and consuming various substances. Usually, the substance to be evaporated is present in a liquid, which is generally called “E liquid”. Examples of evaporating substances present in E liquid are selected from the group of glycerin, propylene glycol, fragrances, nicotine, drugs and combinations thereof. Evaporation can be performed using an electronic evaporator. Such electronic evaporators include, but are not limited to, electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars, electronic pipes and electronic evaporators.

  The E liquid to be evaporated is often stored in a chamber. This chamber carries or interfaces with the heat source of the electron evaporator. Depending on the configuration of the electron evaporator, the chamber containing the E liquid can take a variety of forms. Some chambers are called “cartomizers” in the art. For example, see-through, ie plastic or glass, cartomizers are often referred to as “clearomizers”. Usually, the caromizer and the clearomizer are equipped with a heating source such as an atomizer. The cartomizer or clearomizer may further include an absorbent material with or without an attached wick that serves to transfer the E liquid to a heating source that evaporates the E liquid. The cartomizer or clearomizer may further comprise a steam chimney through which the resulting E-liquid steam is passed and delivered to the consumer, such as via a mouthpiece.

  Once the E liquid is consumed, the chamber may be discarded or replaced with a new full chamber. However, some chambers can be refilled. The consumer may refill the chamber by opening the chamber and supplying the chamber with E liquid using, for example, a syringe or syringe. This task may be characterized by several disadvantages. First, during the filling operation, if the E-liquid is accidentally supplied to the steam chimney, the heating source can be compromised and / or leakage from the chamber can occur. For example, when the heating source is an atomizer, the atomizer is clogged with E liquid, and as a result, the electronic evaporation apparatus may break down. Second, and perhaps more importantly, there is a risk of spilling E-Liquid by transferring E-Liquid from the storage bottle to the cartomizer. In addition to fouling, spilling of E-liquid can be particularly inconvenient when E-liquid contains substances that should ideally not be in direct contact with human or animal skin (eg, nicotine).

  For these and other reasons, an apparatus for supplying E-liquid to the chamber of an electron evaporator that minimizes or does not cause E-liquid spillage and / or leakage when the E-liquid is transferred to the chamber There is still a need for a device that eliminates the case. In addition, there remains a need for such a device that prevents E-liquid from being accidentally fed into the chamber's vapor chimney. In addition, while storing and / or delivering E-Liquid, minimize the contact of humans (eg, consumers or children) or animals (eg, pets) with E-Liquid, or otherwise There remains a need for a device to eliminate. Furthermore, it would be advantageous if such an apparatus could be used to supply E liquid to an upper or lower filled chamber.

  A unique solution to address the above needs is a new device with a check valve. The apparatus is capable of leaking E liquid and / or when the E liquid is being supplied to the chamber of the electron evaporator, whether or not the chamber is configured to be filled via its upper or lower part. Minimize spillage or eliminate otherwise. An apparatus according to the present disclosure may achieve the above, at least in part, by precisely aligning the opening of the E liquid storage bottle with the opening of the customizer to which the E liquid is to be supplied. In addition or alternatively, the device may physically close the chamber's vapor chimney. By closing the steam chimney, the device can prevent misalignment of the E-liquid supply, and subsequently the E-liquid leaks from the chamber and, as a result, consumers are exposed to the E-liquid. Can be prevented. In addition or alternatively, the device may be engaged with an E liquid storage container to form an assembly. This prevents E liquid from accidentally spilling out of the container. In some embodiments, the assembly may be sold as a unit. Such an assembly can also prevent leakage and / or contamination outside the E liquid storage container and, as a result, exposure to anyone in contact with the E liquid storage container, such as a human or pet.

1 is a schematic diagram of a typical electronic evaporator. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an upper filling chamber or an upper filling chamber and a mouthpiece used in the electron evaporation apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an upper filling chamber or an upper filling chamber and a mouthpiece used in the electron evaporation apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an upper filling chamber or an upper filling chamber and a mouthpiece used in the electron evaporation apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a lower filling chamber or a lower filling chamber and a mouthpiece used in the electron evaporation apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a lower filling chamber or a lower filling chamber and a mouthpiece used in the electron evaporation apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a lower filling chamber or a lower filling chamber and a mouthpiece used in the electron evaporation apparatus shown in FIG. 1. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of an assembly comprised of the apparatus of FIG. 4 and an E liquid bottle. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the assembly of FIG. 6 connected to a chamber in which E liquid can be supplied. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of an assembly comprised of the apparatus of FIG. 9 and an E liquid bottle. FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the assembly of FIG. 10 connected to a chamber in which E liquid can be supplied. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of an adapter that may be used in conjunction with an apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of an adapter that may be used in conjunction with an apparatus according to the present disclosure.

  As used herein, the term “E-liquid” means a liquid containing a material to be evaporated. Examples of evaporating substances present in E liquid are selected from the group of glycerin, propylene glycol, fragrances, nicotine, drugs and combinations thereof.

  The term “chamber” refers to any “chamber”, “reservoir”, “liquid chamber”, “tank” that contains an E-liquid that is evaporated by an electronic evaporator. ”,“ Liquidmizer ”,“ cartomizer ”and“ clearomizer ”. The chamber may or may not be equipped with a heat source (eg, an atomizer) used to evaporate the E liquid. The chamber may be filled with E-liquid through its open top (ie it may be a “top-filled chamber”), or E-liquid through its open bottom. (Ie, it may be a “bottom-filled chamber”).

  As used herein, “check valve” means a valve that allows an E liquid to flow in only one direction therethrough.

  As used herein, an “electronic vaporization device” (hereinafter “EVD”) is a liquid for consumption by a consumer via, including but not limited to, inhalation. Means any electronic device that evaporates. EVD includes, but is not limited to, electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars, and electronic evaporators.

  “E-liquid storage container”, “E-liquid container”, “storage container”, “E-liquid bottle”, “storage bottle”, “E-liquid storage container”, “E-liquid container”, “E-liquid bottle”, “storage bottle” “Storage bottle” and “container” are used interchangeably herein to mean a container containing an E liquid.

  Hereinafter, elements or features of various embodiments will be described in detail. Any reference to a singular characteristic or limitation in this disclosure includes the corresponding plurality of characteristics or limitations unless otherwise specified, or unless clearly indicated to the contrary by the context in which the reference was made. Vice versa, and vice versa.

  The devices and methods described herein are the elements and features of the present disclosure described herein, as well as any additional or selections that are useful with respect to the devices and methods described herein or described above. May comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of general elements or features.

  All documents (patents, patent applications and other publications) cited in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

  In one aspect, an apparatus for supplying E liquid to a chamber of an electron evaporation apparatus includes a housing surrounding a void having a top and a base and configured to receive the E liquid, and a first fluid passage. A non-return valve that regulates the flow of E liquid entering the chamber or entering the device through the second passage. The upper portion of the device is a first fluid passage in fluid communication with the gap, the first fluid passage through which the E liquid is supplied to the chamber via the first fluid passage, and a device attached to the chamber. A first engagement means configured to fluidly communicate one fluid passage with the chamber; The base of the device is a second fluid passage that is in fluid communication with the air gap, wherein the E fluid from the E liquid container is supplied to the device via the second fluid passage, the second fluid passage, and the base Second engagement means is provided that is attached to the E liquid container and configured to fluidly communicate the second fluid passage with the E liquid container. The check valve includes a closing member and a biasing member that biases the closing member so as to have a sealing relationship with the first fluid passage.

  In one aspect, the check valve regulates E liquid flow through the first fluid passage, the chamber of the electronic evaporator is mounted with a vapor chimney, and the closure member is through the first fluid passage. The vapor chimney is configured to be sealed when the device is installed in the chamber while allowing E liquid to be supplied to the chamber.

  In one aspect, the check valve regulates E liquid flow through the first fluid passage, the first fluid passage comprising an opening at the top of the device, and the biasing member is sealed to the opening. The closing member is biased so that the relationship occurs.

  In one aspect, the check valve regulates E liquid flow through the first fluid passage and the closure member is spherical, hemispherical, rectangular, conical, hexahedral, pyramidal, prismatic and conical. Having a shape selected from the group of trapezoids.

  In one aspect, the check valve regulates E liquid flow through the first fluid passage, and the biasing member is selected from the group of springs, sealed air chambers, and combinations thereof.

  In one aspect, the check valve regulates the flow of E liquid through the first fluid passage, and the device further comprises an E liquid container attached to the base of the device.

  In one aspect, the check valve regulates E liquid flow through the first fluid passage, and the first engagement means is selected from the group of grooves, silicone seals, and combinations thereof.

  In one aspect, the check valve regulates the flow of E liquid through the first fluid passage, and the second fluid passage includes holes, O-rings, ports, metal rings, rubber rings, silicone rings, and these Having a structure selected from the group of combinations.

  In one aspect, the E liquid comprises a material to be vaporized, which material is selected from the group of glycerin, propylene glycol, fragrance, nicotine, drug and combinations thereof.

  In one aspect, the device further comprises an adapter configured to couple the device to the chamber.

  In one aspect, the check valve regulates the flow of E liquid flowing into the device through the second passage so that at least a portion of the top is inserted into the chamber opening when the device is attached to the chamber. Configured.

  In one aspect, the check valve regulates the flow of E liquid entering the device via the second passage, the chamber comprises a steam chimney, and at least a portion of the upper portion is routed via the first fluid passage. The vapor chimney is configured to be closed when the apparatus is installed in the chamber while allowing E liquid to be supplied to the chamber.

  In one aspect, the check valve regulates the flow of E liquid flowing into the device through the second passage, the second fluid passage comprises an opening at the base of the device, and the biasing member includes the opening. The closing member is urged so as to have a sealing relationship.

  In one aspect, the check valve regulates the flow of E liquid entering the device through the second passage, and the device further comprises an E liquid storage container attached to the lower portion of the device.

  In one aspect, the check valve regulates the flow of E liquid entering the device through the second passage, and the biasing member is selected from the group of springs, sealed air chambers, and combinations thereof.

  In one aspect, a method of supplying an E liquid to a chamber of an electronic evaporator includes providing a device that includes an upper portion and a base and surrounds a void configured to receive the E liquid. The upper portion of the device is a first fluid passage in fluid communication with the air gap, the first fluid passage through which the E liquid is supplied to the chamber, and a first fluid passage attached to the chamber. A first engagement means configured to fluidly communicate one fluid passage with the chamber; The base of the device is a second fluid passage in fluid communication with the air gap, the second fluid passage through which the E liquid from the E liquid container is supplied to the device through the second fluid passage, and the base. Second engagement means is provided that is attached to the E liquid container and configured to fluidly communicate the second fluid passage with the E liquid container. The flow of E liquid through the device is regulated by a check valve with a closing member and a biasing member. The method further includes attaching the device to the chamber via a first engagement means to form a first assembly, and supplying an E liquid to the chamber via a first fluid passage.

  In one aspect, the chamber carries a steam chimney, and the method further comprises the step of closing the steam chimney with a closure member.

  In one aspect, the method further includes attaching an E liquid container to the base of the device via a second engagement means to form a second assembly.

  In one aspect, the method includes inverting the second assembly, and supplying the E liquid to the chamber from the E liquid container to the first fluid passage, through the air gap, and through the second passage. Further included.

  In one aspect, the air gap is pre-filled with E liquid prior to attaching the device to the chamber to form the first assembly.

  A typical EVD 500 is shown in FIG. The EVD 500 includes a battery compartment 510 that is detachably attached to the chamber 200. Furthermore, the chamber 200 is detachably attached to the mouthpiece 530.

  Referring to FIG. 2a, chamber 200 and mouthpiece 530 are shown removed from battery compartment 510 (not shown) and removed from one another. In the present embodiment, the chamber 200 has an open top 511. The E liquid is supplied to the chamber 200 through the open top 511, usually using a syringe or syringe. Accordingly, the chamber is a top-filled chamber. The mouthpiece 530 is then reattached to the open top 511 of the chamber 200 and the chamber 200 is sealed. This filling operation may occur regardless of whether or not the chamber 200 is removed from the battery compartment 510 of the EVD.

  FIG. 2b shows the chamber 200 of FIG. 2a in an exploded state. Starting from the left in FIG. 2b, the atomizer assembly 230 is shown. Extending from the atomizer assembly 230 is a steam chimney 231. This steam chimney is partially surrounded by silicone or rubber ring 232. When assembling the chamber 200, the atomizer assembly 230 and the steam chimney 231 are fitted into the chamber 200. The open top 511 of the chamber 200 is covered with a hollow metal ring 234. This hollow metal ring is threaded on the inside and serves as a mounting location for the mouthpiece (not shown) to the chamber 200.

  2c shows a top view of the chamber 200 shown in FIG. 2b after the chamber 200 has been reassembled, i.e. the atomizer assembly 230 and the steam chimney 231 have been reinserted into the chamber 200 and accommodated in the chamber. It is. In FIG. 2c, a hollow metal ring 234 is shown starting from the end of the chamber 200 and into the interior. Further inside, the top of the silicone or rubber ring 232 and the steam chimney 231 is shown. As can be seen from FIG. 2 c, there is a narrow gap 240 between the silicone or rubber ring 232 and the hollow metal ring 234, and supplying the E liquid to fill the chamber 200 is via this narrow gap 240. Done. Due to the narrow gap 240, it may be very difficult to fill the chamber 200 without spilling E liquid outside the chamber 200 or contaminating the outside of the chamber 200 and / or other parts of the EVD. is there. Furthermore, if the gap 240 is diverted or filled too quickly, E liquid may be unnecessarily supplied to the upper part 233 of the steam chimney 231, which may cause the EVD to fail.

  FIG. 3a shows another embodiment of the chamber 200 found in EVD currently on the market. Rather than removing the mouthpiece 530 from the upper portion 511 of the chamber 200 and filling the chamber with E liquid, the atomizer assembly 230 is removed from the lower portion 512 of the chamber 200 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3b shows the chamber 200 of FIG. 3a after the atomizer assembly 230 has been removed. FIG. 3c shows a bottom view of the chamber 200 of FIG. 3b. In FIG. 2c, a hollow metal ring 234 is shown starting from the end of the chamber 200 and into the interior. The hollow metal ring is threaded on the inside and functions as an attachment point for the atomizer assembly 230. Further down, the lower portion 232 of the steam chimney 231 is shown. As can be seen from FIG. 3 c, there is a narrow gap 240 between the lower part 232 of the steam chimney 231 and the hollow metal ring 234. Supplying E liquid to fill chamber 200 is done through this narrow gap 240. Accordingly, the chamber 200 illustrated in FIG. 3b is a bottom-filled chamber. Because the gap 240 is narrow, filling the chamber 200 without spilling E-liquid outside the chamber 200 or contaminating the outside of the chamber 200 and / or other parts of the EVD (eg, mouthpiece) It can be very difficult. Furthermore, if the gap is narrowed 240 or filled too quickly, E-liquid may be unnecessarily supplied to the lower part 232 of the steam chimney 231. This can be a problem. This is because, after the chamber 200 is reassembled, the E liquid may then flow from the steam chimney 231 to the atomizer assembly 230. This can contaminate the atomizer assembly and cause it to fail.

  Despite the narrow gap and / or small opening for supplying E-Liquid, the apparatus according to the present disclosure eliminates the above-mentioned problems regardless of whether the chamber is top-filled or bottom-filled. Can do.

  An embodiment of an apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. The device 100 includes a housing 4. The housing 4 has a base 1 and an upper portion 8 and surrounds a void 50 configured to receive an E liquid. Each of these features will be described in turn below.

  Generally, the base of the device comprises at least one liquid passage and / or hole. As will be described later, through this, the E liquid can move from the E liquid storage container connected to the apparatus to the apparatus. The liquid passages and / or holes may be formed in any suitable manner using structural means as long as sufficient flow of E liquid from the E liquid storage container to the device is obtained. Useful structural means may be selected from the group of O-rings, ports, metal rings, rubber rings, silicone rings and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the liquid passages and / or holes provide only unidirectional flow. This means that E liquid can flow from the E liquid storage container to the device through the liquid passage and / or hole, but no E liquid can flow out of the device through the liquid passage and / or hole. . This one-way feature prevents the E liquid from leaking out of the device. This is a particularly desirable feature after the device has been removed from the E liquid storage container, where the E liquid is stored until its next use. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the two liquid passages 7 end as holes 7 a provided in the base 1 of the housing 4.

  Still referring to FIG. 4, the base 1 of the device 100 has a first end connected to the first side wall 41 and a second end connected to the second side wall 42. The first side wall 41 and the second side wall 42 are in contact with the opposite sides of the upper portion 8 of the housing. As shown in FIG. 4, the first side wall 41 and the second side wall 42 are straight, have the same thickness, and are parallel to each other. Thereby, the device has a substantially cylindrical shape. However, any suitable sidewall configuration may be utilized. For example, in some embodiments, the sidewalls may be curved, such as to form a device that is substantially spherical or hemispherical. In some embodiments, the side wall may touch another wall to form a device that is substantially hexahedral, cubic, pyramidal, or prismatic. In some embodiments, the sidewalls may be tilted with respect to each other, such as to form a device that is substantially conical or frustoconical. In any embodiment, each sidewall may have the same thickness or may have various thicknesses.

  As can be seen from FIG. 4, the housing 4 of the device 100 surrounds the gap 50. The E liquid can be stored in the void and / or the E liquid can pass through the void. In some embodiments, the air gap is defined by an interior comprised of the base 1 of the housing, the first side wall 41, the second side wall 42 and the top 8. In an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 4, the air gap is defined by a base 1, an inner wall composed of a first side wall 41, a second side wall 42, and an inner wall 51. By resetting the thickness of the base 1, the side walls 41, 42, the inner wall 51 and / or the upper part 8 of the housing, the volume of the gap 50 may be adjusted. Additionally or alternatively, the volume of the void 50 may be changed by adding another internal wall. In general, the void volume may be adjusted to store a predetermined amount of E-liquid in the chamber and / or to deliver a predetermined amount of E-liquid to the chamber to be filled.

  The upper part of the device housing may be provided with engagement means for connecting to the upper or lower part of the chamber to which E liquid is to be supplied. Any suitable engagement means may be used to removably connect the top of the housing to the chamber to be filled. However, this is limited to the case where the engaging means seals between the upper part of the housing and the chamber. Useful engagement means are selected from the group of grooves, silicone seals and combinations thereof. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the engagement means includes a threaded groove 5. The threaded groove 5 is shown from a different point of view in FIG. 5, which is a plan view of the upper part 8 of the device housing 4. As can be seen from FIG. 5, the groove 5 includes a circular groove located near the periphery of the upper portion 8 of the housing 4. In this embodiment, the groove 5 receives a threaded hollow metal ring 234 at the top of the clearomizer chamber 200 shown in FIG. 2c, or a threaded hollow metal ring shown in FIG. 3c. Formed to be received at the bottom of the chamber. The groove 5 may serve as a guide for aligning the check valve of the device with the chamber, as will be described in detail below. Other alignment means may be used instead of or in combination with the grooves. Useful means may be selected from the group of grooves, metal pins, gasket seals and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the alignment means includes a pin protruding from the closure member of the device, which pin is inserted into the steam chimney.

  FIG. 5 also shows that, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper portion 8 of the housing 4 further comprises an opening 60 for supplying E liquid from the apparatus 100 to a chamber (not shown). The opening 60 may be sealed by a check valve 6 that regulates the flow of E liquid from the device 100. The check valve 6 may include a closure member 16 having any suitable shape. However, only when the closure member 16 seals the opening 60 when the valve is in the closed position so that the E liquid does not leak from the device when the device 100 is not in use. Suitable shapes for the closure member may be selected from the group of sphere, hemisphere, rectangle, cone, regular hexahedron, pyramid, prism and frustoconical. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the closure member 16 is frustoconical. The closure member may be made from any suitable material. Provided that the material is stiff enough to close and seal the steam chimney. In some embodiments, the closure member includes plastic, metal, silicone, and combinations thereof.

  The check valve shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is in the closed position. In this closed position, the closing member 16 may be seated against the opening 60 by the biasing member. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member is a spring 2. This spring has a first end 21 connected to the closure member 16 and a second end 22 connected to the base 1 of the housing 4. In some embodiments, the biasing member may be selected from a spring, a compressible hydraulic element such as a sealed air chamber, and combinations thereof. The behavior of the check valve 6 may be limited so that the check valve maintains the positioning of the biasing member 2 and the behavior of the closing member 16. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the base support 3 is configured to maintain the position of the spring 2.

  Usually, in use, the base of the apparatus may be engaged with the E liquid storage container by using attachment means for preventing the E liquid from leaking from the mounting location. Useful attachment means may be selected from the group of welding (eg, ultrasonic welding), screws, magnetic connectors, flanges, and combinations thereof. FIG. 6 illustrates how the embodiment of the apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 4 can be sealably attached to an E liquid container. Specifically, the base 1 of the apparatus 100 is inserted into the mouth 401 of the E liquid bottle 400. In this embodiment, the flange 11 provided in the base 1 of the device 100 holds both the E liquid bottle 400 and the device 100 in a sealed position. The E liquid bottle 400 and the apparatus 100 may be sold in this assembled configuration, i.e., sold as an assembly and / or the consumer is ready to supply the E liquid to the chamber. Up to this point, it may be stored in this assembled configuration, i.e. stored as an assembly.

  During use, the top of the device may be engaged with the chamber to which E liquid is to be supplied as follows. The upper part of the apparatus is aligned with the open upper part of the upper filled chamber or the open lower part of the lower filled chamber and is sealingly connected thereto. This may be done using any suitable means including, but not limited to, screwing together by screw connection, magnetic coupling, crimping together, and combinations thereof. good.

  An example of the device 100 engaged with the top-filled chamber 200 shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c is shown in FIG. As can be seen from FIG. 7, the upper portion of the device 100 and the hollow metal ring 234 that otherwise serves as an attachment point between the chamber 200 and the mouthpiece 530 (shown in FIG. 2 a) They are aligned together via a groove 5 provided in the upper part 8. Once the upper portion 8 of the apparatus 100 and the chamber 200 are aligned, they are screwed together to engage them in a sealable manner (thread not shown). When the apparatus 100 and the chamber 200 are engaged, the steam chimney 231 presses the closing member 6. When the force applied to the closing member 6 by the steam chimney 231 overcomes the urging force of the spring 2 against the closing member 6, the closing member 6 separates and the opening 60 is opened. At that time, the E liquid 300 becomes free and enters the chamber 200 from the apparatus 100. Since the steam chimney 231 presses the closing member 6, the steam chimney 231 is temporarily sealed. As a result, there is no fear that the E liquid 300 may enter the steam chimney 231 or potentially contaminate the heat source (in this embodiment, the atomizer).

  The same apparatus 100 may be used in the same manner to supply E liquid to the lower filling chamber. Referring to FIGS. 3 a-c, the upper part of the device will be attached to the open lower part 512 of the chamber with a hollow metal ring 234 that otherwise serves as the attachment point for the atomizer assembly 230.

  The E liquid may be supplied to the clearomizer in several ways. First, the device 100 is connected at its base to the E liquid container 400 (eg, shown in FIG. 6), but then the device is placed on top of it (eg, as shown in FIG. 7). May be connected to the chamber 200 to be filled, and the resulting assembly may be inverted so that the E liquid flows from the storage bottle through the device to the chamber. Second, the apparatus 100 and the chamber 200 to be filled may first be attached together at the top of the apparatus 100, and then the bottom of the apparatus is attached to the storage bottle 400 (eg, as shown in FIG. 7). An assembly may be formed. The resulting assembly may be inverted so that E liquid flows from the storage bottle through the device to the chamber. Third, the apparatus 100 may be attached to the storage bottle 400 (eg, as shown in FIG. 6) and filled with E liquid, and after removal of the storage bottle 400, it may be attached to the chamber 200 to be filled; Thus, the E liquid may flow from the apparatus to the chamber. Regardless of which method is used, the apparatus provides (1) means for supplying E liquid from the storage bottle, (2) means for supplying E liquid to the apparatus, and (3) means for supplying E liquid to the chamber to be filled. However, the E liquid does not leak or spill from any one of these three locations and / or the location where they are attached. As a result, no human or animal is accidentally exposed to the E liquid.

  Referring to FIG. 7, once a desired amount of E liquid is supplied from apparatus 100 to chamber 200, apparatus 100 may be separated from chamber 200. This separation removes the force applied to the closure member 6 by the steam chimney 231 so that the biasing force of the spring 2 causes the closure member 6 to press into the opening 60 again (as shown in FIG. 6). Is done. Once the closure member 6 is seated again in the opening 60, the device 100 is resealed and, advantageously, the E-liquid 300 remaining in the device does not leak unnecessarily from the device.

  Still referring to FIG. 6, once the apparatus 100 and chamber 200 are separated, the chamber 200 may be resealed, such as by screwing the mouthpiece back into place (as shown in FIG. 2a). . In some embodiments, the device 100 may remain engaged with the storage bottle until such time as the E liquid stored in the E liquid storage bottle 400 is empty. Alternatively, the device 100 may be removed from the storage bottle 400 and stored for future use.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure. This embodiment comprises a device 100 pre-supplemented with E-liquid 1000, ie a “pre-replenished device”. By utilizing a pre-filled device, there is no need to transfer the E-liquid from the storage bottle to the device, thus eliminating the potential for leaks or spills associated therewith. The pre-refilled device may be disposable or sold alone or together in a pack. When sold together in packs, the E liquids contained in the pre-filled device may be the same or different.

  As can be seen from the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the pre-filled device 100 has been shown and described above with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4, except that the base 8 of the device 100 does not include a liquid passage and / or hole. Features common to the embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure. The embodiment of the device 100 shown in FIG. 9 has the check valve 6 and the liquid passages and / or holes 7, 7a reversed in position and uses an E liquid container to connect the device to the chamber to be filled. Except in a different way, it has features in common with the embodiments shown and described above with respect to FIGS. Hereinafter, these features and other features of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 will be described.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the housing 4 of the device 100 comprises a base 1 with a flange 11. The base has an opening 60 through which the E liquid can move. The base 1 has a first end connected to the first side wall 41 and a second end connected to the second side wall 42. The first side wall 41 and the second side wall 42 are in contact with the upper portion 8 of the housing 4 at their opposing surfaces. The top 8 of the housing 4 may be formed in any suitable manner and engaged with an open portion of a chamber (not shown) to be filled with E liquid. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the upper part 8 of the housing 4 is frustoconical, so that this upper part may be inserted into the mouth of an E liquid storage bottle (not shown).

  The opening 60 provided at the base of the device of FIG. 9 is reversibly sealed by the check valve 6. Useful check valves may comprise a closure member having any suitable shape including, but not limited to, spherical, hemispherical, rectangular, conical or frustoconical. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the check valve 6 includes a spherical closure member 16. The check valve 6 shown in FIG. 9 is in the closed position. In this closed position, the closing member 16 may be seated against the opening 60 by the biasing member. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the biasing member is a spring 2. The spring has a first end 21 connected to the closure member 16 and a second end 22 connected to the base 1 of the inner wall 53 of the housing 4. The behavior of the check valve 6 may be limited so that the check valve maintains the position of the biasing member 2 and the behavior of the closing member 16. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the base support 3 is configured to maintain the position of the spring 2.

  In an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 9, the housing 4 surrounds the gap 50. The E liquid can be accommodated in the gap and / or the E liquid can pass through the gap. Similar to the embodiment shown and described with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5, the volume of the air gap 50 in this embodiment is reset, the thickness of the side wall 42 and the inner walls 51, 53 is reset, and / or another inner wall ( Adjustments may be made by adding one or more. In general, the volume of the void 50 may be adjusted to store and / or deliver a predetermined amount of E-liquid to the chamber 200.

  In an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 9, the upper part 8 of the housing comprises at least one passage communicating with the gap 50 through which liquid can move. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the two liquid passages 7 extend through the inner wall 51 a of the housing 4 adjacent to the upper part 8 of the housing 4, and enter a hole 7 a provided in the upper part 8 of the housing 4. End. In general, the liquid passages and / or holes may have a discrete configuration or an integral configuration. Similar to the embodiments shown and described with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5, the liquid passages and / or holes of the presently described embodiments may be formed in any suitable manner using structural means. Non-limiting examples of useful structural means may be selected from O-rings, ports, metal rings, rubber rings, silicone rings, and combinations thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the base 1 of the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 9 may be inserted into the opening 401 of the E liquid storage container 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the E liquid storage container is a storage bottle in which an E liquid 300 to be supplied to the chamber 200 is accommodated. The flange 11 provided on the base 1 of the device 100 may hold the storage bottle 400 and the device 100 together, such as by engaging a female screw in the bottle mouth. In some embodiments, the flange may be flared so that irreversibly damaging the female thread (s) in the mouth of the storage bottle when separating the device from the storage bottle. good. The storage bottle 400 and device 100 may then be turned upside down and the top 8 of the device 100 may be aligned with the open top 301 of the chamber 200 to be filled with E-liquid 300. The alignment of the top 8 of the device 100 and the open top 301 of the chamber 200 forms the top 8 of the housing 4 of the device 100 to fit snugly inside the open top 301 of the chamber 200 as shown in FIG. Or alternatively, by forming any suitable means such as by forming the upper portion 8 of the housing 4 to fit snugly outside the open upper portion of a chamber (not shown) to be filled with E-liquid 300. May be used.

  As can be seen from FIG. 11, the top 8 of the device 100 and the metal ring 234 provided at the top of the chamber 200 are aligned and engaged together. Thereby, the inner wall 51a of the housing 4 adjacent to the upper part 8 of the housing 4 presses the vapor chimney 231 and seals the vapor chimney 231 against the intrusion of the E liquid 300, thereby eliminating potential contamination of the vapor chimney 231. Try to prevent.

  The E liquid may then be supplied to the cartomizer 520 as follows. When the force exerted by the consumer squeezing the storage bottle 400 containing the E liquid overcomes the urging force of the spring 2 against the closure member 6, the closure member 6 separates and the opening 60 is opened. . At that time, the E liquid 300 enters the chamber 200 freely. This E-liquid is then fed by gravity and / or squeezed into the chamber to be filled via the device. The steam chimney 231 is sealed by pressing the closing member 6. As a result, the E liquid 300 enters the steam chimney 231 and there is no possibility of potentially contaminating the heat source (in this embodiment, an atomizer (not shown)).

  The same apparatus 100 may be used in the same manner to supply E liquid to the lower filling chamber. Referring to FIGS. 3 a-c, the upper part of the device will be attached to the open lower part 512 of the chamber with a hollow metal ring 234 that otherwise serves as the attachment point for the atomizer assembly 230.

  Once the desired amount of E-liquid 300 has been supplied to the chamber 200, the force that has been exerted by squeezing the storage bottle 400 is removed, such as by the consumer loosening his grip on the storage bottle 400. When this force is removed, the closing member 6 is pressed into the opening 60 again by the biasing force of the spring 2. Once the closure member 6 is seated again in the opening 60, the device 100 is resealed and the risk of the E-liquid 300 remaining in the device escaping may be eliminated. Typically, the E liquid is due to the capillary action acting on the viscous E liquid and the negative pressure action on the E liquid in the fluid passage 7 resulting from the consumer's loosening of their grip on the storage bottle 400, The fluid passage 7 provided in the upper part 8 of the apparatus 100 is prevented from escaping. Furthermore, there is no possibility that the E liquid 300 flows into the apparatus 100 from the storage bottle 400. Similarly, the risk that the E liquid 300 may accidentally leak from the storage bottle 400 may be eliminated.

  Once the apparatus 100 and the chamber 200 are separated, the chamber 200 may be resealed, such as by screwing the mouthpiece (not shown) of the chamber 200 back to its original position. The apparatus 100 may be kept in a position engaged with the storage bottle 400 until such time as the content of the E liquid 300 accommodated in the E liquid storage bottle 400 becomes empty. Even if the bottle 400 is carelessly squeezed while the apparatus 100 and the storage bottle 400 are engaged, there is no possibility of leakage of the E liquid 300 to the outside of the storage bottle 400. Therefore, unwanted contact with the E liquid 300 is prevented.

  The EVD 500 currently on the market has various shapes and sizes. In order to use the device 100 with various EVDs 500, the device may further comprise one or more adapters 600. The adapter 600 may be built into the device 100 or connected to the device as necessary. For example, a relatively short adapter 600 may be useful for connecting the apparatus 100 to a chamber 200 with a relatively tall steam chimney 231. As a result, the steam chimney 231 is effectively sealed by the closure member 16 while supplying the E liquid as described above. Similarly, a relatively long adapter 600 may be useful for connecting the apparatus 100 to a chamber 200 with a relatively short vapor chimney 231. In a further example, the device 100 may have a width or diameter that is narrower or wider than the top of the chamber 200. In this way, the adapter allows the device 100 to be inserted into or around the chamber 200 where the device is otherwise not compatible. By utilizing a universal adapter 600 or a set of adapters 600 of various sizes in conjunction with the apparatus 100, various chambers 200, such as chambers 200 manufactured by various manufacturers, can be combined into a single apparatus. 100 may be used for filling.

  For example, FIG. 12 shows an adapter 600 for use with a top-filling EVD 500. The adapter 600 includes an upper portion 602, a lower portion 608, and a wall 610 that extends between the upper portion 602 and the lower portion 608. The adapter 600 further includes a tube 630 that extends centrally through the adapter 600. The upper portion 602 includes an opening 604 configured to receive the upper portion 8 of the device 100. When connecting the device 100 to the adapter 600, the closure member 16 of the device is aligned with the tube 630 of the adapter 600. The lower portion 608 of the adapter 600 is then connected to the chamber 200 of the EVD 500 so that the vapor chimney 231 is aligned with the tube 630 of the adapter 600. By aligning the chimney 231 with the tube 630 and the closure member 16, the chimney 231 is sealed. As a result, there is no possibility that the E liquid 300 enters the chimney 231 and potentially contaminates the heat source (in this embodiment, an atomizer (not shown)). As a result, the height of the tube 630 allows the adapter 600 to take into account chimneys 231 of varying heights.

  As shown also in FIG. 12, the diameter of the EVD 500 is larger than the diameter of the device 100. Thus, the diameter of the lower portion 608 of the adapter 600 is sized to correspond to the diameter of the EVD 500, while the diameter of the opening 604 in the upper portion 602 is sized to correspond to the diameter of the device 100. In other embodiments, the EVD 500 has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the device 100. The opening 604 and the lower portion 608 of the adapter 600 can be adjusted to accommodate this. Therefore, the adapter 600 allows the device 100 to be used with the EVD 500 having various sizes compared to the device 100.

  FIG. 13 shows another adapter 600 equivalent to the adapter 600 described above. However, the adapter 600 of FIG. 13 is used together with the lower filling type EVD 500. Referring to FIGS. 3 a-c, the lower portion of the adapter 608 will be attached to the open lower portion 512 of the chamber with a hollow metal ring 234 that otherwise serves as the attachment point for the atomizer assembly 230.

  While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Let's go. Accordingly, all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Embodiment
(1) An apparatus for supplying E liquid to a chamber of an electron evaporator,
(A) a housing that includes an upper portion and a base portion and encloses a gap configured to receive the E liquid;
i. The upper part is
1. A first fluid passage in fluid communication with the gap, wherein the E fluid is supplied to the chamber via the first fluid passage; and First engagement means configured to attach the device to the chamber and to place the first fluid passage in fluid communication with the chamber;
ii said base is
1. A second fluid passage in fluid communication with the gap, wherein the E fluid from the E liquid container is supplied to the device via the second fluid passage; and The housing comprising second engagement means configured to attach the base to an E liquid container and place the second fluid passage in fluid communication with the E liquid container;
(B) a check valve that regulates the flow of the E liquid that flows into the chamber through the first fluid passage or into the device through the second passage;
i. A closure member, and ii. The check valve comprising a biasing member that biases the closing member so as to have a sealing relationship with the first fluid passage;
The apparatus comprising:
(2) The check valve adjusts the flow of the E liquid through the first fluid passage, the chamber of the electronic evaporator is equipped with a vapor chimney, and the closing member is the first 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to seal the vapor chimney when the apparatus is attached to the chamber while allowing E-liquid to be supplied to the chamber through a fluid path of the apparatus.
(3) The check valve adjusts the flow of the E liquid via the first fluid passage, the first fluid passage includes an opening in the upper portion of the device, and the biasing member is Embodiment 3. The apparatus of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the closure member is biased to create a sealing relationship with the opening.
(4) The check valve regulates the flow of the E liquid through the first fluid passage, and the closing member is spherical, hemispherical, rectangular, conical, regular hexahedron, pyramid, prism 4. Apparatus according to any of embodiments 1 to 3, having a shape selected from the group of shapes and frustoconical shapes.
(5) The check valve adjusts the flow of the E liquid through the first fluid passage, and the biasing member is selected from the group of a spring, a sealed air chamber, and a combination thereof. Embodiment 5. Apparatus according to any of embodiments 1 to 4.

(6) Embodiment 1 wherein the check valve regulates the flow of the E liquid through the first fluid passage, and the device further comprises an E liquid container attached to the base of the device. To the embodiment 5.
(7) The check valve adjusts the flow of the E liquid through the first fluid passage, and the first engagement means is selected from the group of a groove, a silicone seal, and a combination thereof. Embodiment 7. The apparatus according to any of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein
(8) The check valve regulates the flow of the E liquid through the first fluid passage, and the second fluid passage includes a hole, an O-ring, a port, a metal ring, a rubber ring, and a silicone ring. And the device according to any of embodiments 1 to 7, having a structure selected from the group of and combinations thereof.
(9) The E liquid includes a substance to be evaporated, and the substance is selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, a fragrance, nicotine, a drug, and a combination thereof. A device according to the above.
The apparatus according to any of embodiments 1-9, further comprising an adapter configured to couple the apparatus to the chamber.

(11) The check valve regulates a flow of the E liquid flowing into the device through the second passage, and at least a part of the upper portion is provided in the chamber when the device is attached to the chamber. 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to be inserted into the opening of the apparatus.
(12) The check valve regulates the flow of the E liquid flowing into the device through the second passage, the chamber includes a steam chimney, and the at least part of the upper part is the first Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 11, wherein the vapor chimney is configured to be closed when the device is attached to the chamber while allowing E liquid to be supplied to the chamber through a fluid passage of The device described.
(13) The check valve adjusts a flow of the E liquid flowing into the device via the second passage, and the second fluid passage includes an opening at the base of the device, Embodiment 13. The apparatus of any of embodiments 1 and 11 to 12, wherein the biasing member biases the closure member such that a sealing relationship with the opening occurs.
(14) The check valve adjusts the flow of the E liquid flowing into the device through the second passage, and the device further includes an E liquid storage container attached to the lower portion of the device. Embodiment 14. An apparatus according to embodiment 1 and any one of embodiments 11 to 13, comprising.
(15) The check valve adjusts a flow of the E liquid flowing into the device through the second passage, and the biasing member is selected from a group of a spring, a sealed air chamber, and a combination thereof. Embodiment 15. The apparatus according to embodiment 1 and any of embodiments 11-14.

(16) A method for supplying E liquid to a chamber of an electron evaporator,
(A) providing an apparatus for enclosing a void comprising a top and a base and configured to receive the E-liquid;
i. The upper part is
1. A first fluid passage in fluid communication with the gap, wherein the E fluid is supplied to the chamber via the first fluid passage; and First engagement means configured to attach the device to the chamber and to place the first fluid passage in fluid communication with the chamber;
ii. The base is
1. A second fluid passage in fluid communication with the gap, wherein the E fluid from the E liquid container is supplied to the device via the second fluid passage; and Second engagement means configured to attach the base to an E liquid container and to fluidly communicate the second fluid passage with the E liquid container;
The flow of the E liquid through the device is
i. A closure member, and ii. Said step being adjusted by a check valve comprising a biasing member;
(B) attaching the device to the chamber via the first engagement means to form a first assembly;
(C) supplying the E liquid to the chamber via the first fluid passage;
Including said method.
17. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the chamber carries a steam chimney and the method further comprises sealing the steam chimney with the closure member.
18. The method of embodiment 16 or embodiment 17, further comprising attaching an E liquid container to the base of the device via the second engagement means to form a second assembly.
(19) Inverting the second assembly, and supplying E liquid to the chamber from the E liquid container to the first fluid passage through the gap and through the second passage. 19. The method of embodiment 18, further comprising:
20. The method of any one of embodiments 16-19, wherein the gap is prefilled with E liquid prior to attaching the device to the chamber to form the first assembly.

Claims (20)

An apparatus for supplying E liquid to a chamber of an electronic evaporator,
(A) a housing that includes an upper portion and a base portion and encloses a gap configured to receive the E liquid;
i. The upper part is
1. A first fluid passage in fluid communication with the gap, wherein the E fluid is supplied to the chamber via the first fluid passage; and First engagement means configured to attach the device to the chamber and to place the first fluid passage in fluid communication with the chamber;
ii said base is
1. A second fluid passage in fluid communication with the gap, wherein the E fluid from the E liquid container is supplied to the device via the second fluid passage; and The housing comprising second engagement means configured to attach the base to an E liquid container and place the second fluid passage in fluid communication with the E liquid container;
(B) a check valve that regulates the flow of the E liquid that flows into the chamber through the first fluid passage or into the device through the second passage;
i. A closure member, and ii. The check valve comprising a biasing member that biases the closing member so as to have a sealing relationship with the first fluid passage;
The apparatus comprising:   The check valve regulates the flow of the E liquid through the first fluid passage, the chamber of the electronic evaporator is equipped with a vapor chimney, and the closing member is the first fluid passage. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to seal the vapor chimney when the apparatus is attached to the chamber while allowing E-liquid to be supplied to the chamber via the.   The check valve regulates the flow of the E liquid through the first fluid passage, the first fluid passage includes an opening in the upper portion of the device, and the biasing member includes the opening. The device according to claim 1, wherein the closing member is biased so as to have a sealing relationship with the device.   The check valve regulates the flow of the E liquid through the first fluid passage, and the closing member is spherical, hemispherical, rectangular, conical, regular hexahedral, pyramidal, prismatic and conical. 4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, having a shape selected from the group of trapezoids.   The check valve regulates the flow of the E liquid through the first fluid passage, and the biasing member is selected from the group of springs, sealed air chambers, and combinations thereof. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   The check valve regulates the flow of the E liquid through the first fluid passage, and the device further comprises an E liquid container attached to the base of the device. The apparatus according to any one of 5.   The check valve regulates the flow of the E liquid through the first fluid passage, and the first engagement means is selected from the group of grooves, silicone seals, and combinations thereof. The apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-6.   The check valve regulates the flow of the E liquid through the first fluid passage, and the second fluid passage includes a hole, an O-ring, a port, a metal ring, a rubber ring, a silicone ring, and these 8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims having a structure selected from the group of combinations.   9. The E-liquid includes a substance to be evaporated, and the substance is selected from the group of glycerin, propylene glycol, fragrance, nicotine, drug and combinations thereof. The device described in 1.   The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an adapter configured to couple the apparatus to the chamber.   The check valve regulates the flow of the E liquid flowing into the device through the second passage, and at least a portion of the upper portion is open to the chamber when the device is attached to the chamber. The apparatus of claim 1, configured to be inserted.   The check valve regulates the flow of the E liquid flowing into the device through the second passage, the chamber is provided with a steam chimney, and the at least part of the upper part is the first fluid passage. 12. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 11, wherein the apparatus is configured to close the steam chimney when the apparatus is attached to the chamber while allowing E-liquid to be supplied to the chamber via .   The check valve adjusts the flow of the E liquid flowing into the device through the second passage, and the second fluid passage has an opening at the base of the device, and the biasing member 13. The device according to any one of claims 1 and 11 to 12, wherein the device biases the closure member such that a sealing relationship with the opening occurs.   The check valve regulates a flow of the E liquid flowing into the device through the second passage, and the device further includes an E liquid storage container attached to the lower portion of the device. 14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 11 to 13.   The check valve regulates the flow of the E liquid flowing into the device through the second passage, and the biasing member is selected from the group of a spring, a sealed air chamber, and a combination thereof. 15. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 11 to 14. A method of supplying E liquid to a chamber of an electronic evaporator,
(A) providing an apparatus for enclosing a void comprising a top and a base and configured to receive the E-liquid;
i. The upper part is
1. A first fluid passage in fluid communication with the gap, wherein the E fluid is supplied to the chamber via the first fluid passage; and First engagement means configured to attach the device to the chamber and to place the first fluid passage in fluid communication with the chamber;
ii. The base is
1. A second fluid passage in fluid communication with the gap, wherein the E fluid from the E liquid container is supplied to the device via the second fluid passage; and Second engagement means configured to attach the base to an E liquid container and to fluidly communicate the second fluid passage with the E liquid container;
The flow of the E liquid through the device is
i. A closure member, and ii. Said step being adjusted by a check valve comprising a biasing member;
(B) attaching the device to the chamber via the first engagement means to form a first assembly;
(C) supplying the E liquid to the chamber via the first fluid passage;
Including said method.   The method of claim 16, wherein the chamber carries a steam chimney, and the method further comprises sealing the steam chimney with the closure member.   18. A method according to claim 16 or claim 17, further comprising the step of attaching an E liquid container to the base of the device via the second engagement means to form a second assembly.   Inverting the second assembly; supplying E liquid to the chamber from the E liquid container to the first fluid passage through the gap and through the second passage; The method of claim 18, further comprising:   20. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the void is prefilled with E liquid prior to attaching the device to the chamber to form the first assembly.

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