MXPA97009723A - System protector and expulsion of cigarettes for a electric lighter - Google Patents

Abstract

An ejection system is provided which comprises a mechanism such as a plunger (230) which is positioned to eject at least a portion of a cigarette from the lighter cavity by activating a smoker. The plunger can also be placed to occlude the opening of the lighter to protect the lighter cavity from dust, moisture, etc. The plunger has the shape, is positioned and arranged to apply a force on the end of the cigarette inserted in the lighter. In addition, an indicator with image for the smoker is provided on the condition of the cigarette inserted in the encended

Description

SYSTEM PROTECTOR AND EXPULSION OF CIGARETTES FOR AN ELECTRIC LIGHTER CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS The present application is a continuation in part of the commonly assigned patent application 08 / 380,718, filed on January 30, 1995, which in turn is a continuation in part of patent application 08 / 118,665, filed on October 10, 1995. September 1993, now U.S. Patent No. 5,388,594, issued February 14, 1995, and is a continuation in part of the commonly assigned patent application Series No. 07 / 943,504, filed on September 11, 1992, the which in turn is a continuation in part of the patent application Serial No. 07 / 666,926, filed on March 11, 1991, now abandoned in favor of the continuation request, Serial No. 08 / 012,799, filed on February 2, 1993, which is now U.S. Patent No. 5,249,586, issued October 5, 1993. The present application relates to the commonly assigned patent application Serial No. 07 / 943,747, which now is the United States Patent No U S 5,369,723, issued on November 29, 1994; and co-pending patent applications Serial No. 08 / 224,848, filed on April 8, 1994; Serial No. 08 / 225,120, filed on April 8, 1994; Serial No. 08 / 333,470, filed on November 2, 1994; Serial No. 08 / 314,463, filed on September 28, 1994; and Serial No. 08 / 370,125, filed January 9, 1995, and commonly assigned United States Patent No. 5,060,671, issued October 29, 1991; U.S. Patent No. 5,095,921, issued March 17, 1992; and U.S. Patent No. 5,224,498, issued July 6, 1992. The present application also refers to commonly assigned co-pending US patent applications, Series No. 08 / 365,952, filed on December 29, 1994, entitled "Aluminum Containing Iron-Base Alloys Useful as Electrical Resistance Heating Elements" (Iron-Based Alloys Containing Aluminum Useful as Heating Element for Electric Resistance) (No. of Proxy PM 1767), No. of Series 08 / 425,166, filed on April 20, 1995, entitled "Cigarette for Electrical Smoking System" (No. of Proxy PM 1759A), to Series No. 08 / 425,837, filed on April 20, 1995, entitled "Cigarette for Electrical Smoking System" (Proxy No. PM 1759B), Serial No. 08 / 426,165, filed on April 20, 1995, entitled, "Heater for Use hin an Electric to the Smoking System "(Heater for Use in an Electric Smoking System) (No. of Proxy PM 1768), and Serial No., filed on April 20, 1995, entitled "Iron Aluminum Alloys Useful as Electrical Resistance Heating Elements" (Aluminum Iron Alloys Useful as Heating Elements of Electric Resistance), ( Representative No. PM 1769); and commonly assigned United States Patent No. 5,408,574, issued April 18, 1995, which is a continuation in part of commonly assigned United States Patent No. 5,224,498, issued July 6, 1993, which is a continuation in part of commonly assigned United States Patent 5,093,894, issued March 3, 1992. All of these referenced and related patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for protecting an electric lighter and for expelling cigarettes from the electric lighter.

Discussion of Related Art Conventional ignited cigarettes, previously known to provide a flavor and aroma to the user as a result of the combustion of tobacco. A mass of combustible material. mainly tobacco, it is oxidized as a result of the heat applied with typical combustion temperatures in a conventional lit cigarette, which are greater than 800 ° C during smoking. The heat is expelled through an adjacent mass of tobacco expelling on the end of the mouth. During this heating, the inefficient oxidation of the combustible material occurs and produces various products of distillation and pyrolysis. Since these products are expelled through the body of the lit cigarettes, towards the mouth of the smoker, they are cooled and condense to form an aerosol or vapor that gives the consumer the flavor and aroma associated with smoking. Conventional lit cigarettes have several disadvantages associated with them. Among them, there is the production of side smoke during the slow fire between the smokes, which can be rejected for non-smokers. Also once lit, they must be completely consumed or disposed of. It is possible to relight a conventional cigarette, but it is usually an unattractive prospect for subjective reasons (taste, smell) to a smoker present. An earlier alternative to more conventional lit cigarettes includes those in which the same combustible material does not directly impart flavors to the aerosol inhaled by the smoker. In these lit cigarettes, a fuel-heating element, typically carbonaceous in nature, is combusted by perceiving the air as it is expelled on the heating element and through an area containing heat-activated elements that release a flavored aerosol. Since this type of lit cigarette produces less side smoke, it continues to generate combustion products and once ignited it is not adapted to be aspirated for future use in the conventional sense. Both in more conventional lit cigarettes and in charcoal cigarettes described above, combustion occurs during use. This procedure naturally gives rise to many by-products as the combustion material breaks down and interacts with the surrounding atmosphere. Several purposes have been presented, which significantly reduce unwanted side smoke while allowing the smoker to stop smoking the cigarette for a desired period, and then resume smoking. United States Patents commonly assigned Nos. 5,093,894; 5,225,498, 5,060,671 and 5,095,921 describe various electrical resistance heating elements and flavor generating systems, which significantly reduce side smoke, while allowing the smoker to selectively suspend and restart smoking. U.S. Patent No. 5,388,594, issued February 14, 1995, the patent application of the United States Serial No. 08 / 380,718, filed on January 30, 1995; Serial No. 08 / 425,166, filed on April 20, 1995; entitled "Cigarette for Electrical Smoking System" (Proxy No. PM 1759A), Serial No. 08 / 425,837, filed on April 20, 1995 entitled "Cigarette for Electpcal Smoking System" (Cigarette for Electric Smoking System) ), (Proxy No. PM 1759B), and Series No. 08 / 426,165, filed on April 20, 1995 (Attorney No. PM 1768) describe electric smoker systems, including novel, electrically powered lighters and novel cigarettes adapted to cooperate with the lighter The preferred embodiment of the lighter includes a plurality of metallic sinusoidal heaters, arranged in a configuration that desperately receives a portion of the tobacco rod from the cigarette. One of the many advantages of such a smoking system is the reuseability of the lighter for numerous cigarettes. electric smoking systems previously observed the cigarette is manually removed from the lighter r by the smoker Since the hot sections of the inserted cigarette are not visible to the smoker during use, a visual indication of the state of the cigarette is desirable, especially if the smoking of a particular cigarette is suspended for a period. Also, contact surfaces are desired. relatively tight between the cigarette and the blades of the heater, for example, blades deflected inwards, for good heat transfer to the cigarette, but may require a pulling force on the part of the smoker to remove the cigarette, potentially damaging the heater assembly , electrical connections, etc. Also this recall could possibly break the thermally weakened cigarette, thus complicating, if not frustrating the removal of the cigarette and potentially leaving remnants of the cigarette in the lighter, which can block the insertion of subsequent cigarettes, or affect the subjective qualities of l the cigarettes subsequently smoked. Once the cigarette is removed in the electric smoking systems previously observed, the smoker can choose to suspend the use and store the lighter in a bag, glove compartment, drawer, desk, console, etc. The dust, moisture, etc., may enter the open cigarette insertion opening of the lighter and possibly damage the components and / or alter the subjective quality of the subsequently inserted cigarettes. The invention seeks to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and therefore provides an ejection system for an electric cigarette lighter, having a heater, a housing surrounding the heater, and a receptacle in the housing for receiving a cigarette that will be heated by the heater and an end first inserted through an opening so that the opposite end of the cigarette mouth emerges from the lighter, the ejection system is characterized by a contact surface sized to travel longitudinally through the cigarette lighter receptacle and to contacting at least one central area of an inserted end of a cigarette, and by actuating said contact surface between a first position in the receptacle to allow insertion of a cigarette and a second position in the receptacle to move a cigarette inserted at least partially outside the receptacle ass. The invention also provides an electric cigarette lighter comprising a heater; a housing that surrounds at least one heater; a receptacle in the housing for receiving a cigarette that will be heated by the heater, and an end first inserted through an aperture so that the opposite mouth end of the cigarette exits the igniter; and an ejection system comprising a contact surface sized to travel longitudinally through the cigarette lighter receptacle and to contact an inserted end of a cigarette, and means for actuating the contact surface between a first position of the receptacle to allow the insertion of a cigarette and a second position into the receptacle for moving a cigarette inserted at least partially outside the receptacle. The invention has the advantage that the expulsion of the cigarettes from an electric lighter can be aided. In addition, it has the advantage that the thermal components of the cigarette lighter can be protected from potential damage caused by dust, moisture, etc., and a further advantage is that the desired placement of a cigarette inserted in an electric cigarette lighter can be provided.

A preferred embodiment has the advantage that a desired air flow can be provided to a cigarette inserted into an electric cigarette lighter. Preferably, the ejection system that modalizes the invention is in a manual electric igniter. Preferably, the ejection system is provided in a simple and direct manner. Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings and the specification presented below. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided an ejection system comprising a mechanism such as a plunger, which is positioned to eject at least a portion of a cigarette from the lighter cavity through the drive by of a smoker. The plunger can also be placed to occlude the opening of the lighter to protect the lighter cavity from dust, moisture, etc. The plunger is configured, located and arranged to apply a force on the cigarette and inserted into the cigarette lighter. In addition, an image-based indicator is provided to inform the smoker of the status of a cigarette inserted in the cigarette lighter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The embodiments of the invention will now be explained, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view, partially exposed of an electric smoker system, which modalizes the present invention and comprising a lighter and a cigarette; Figure 2A is a side, side view of a heater attachment of a lighter, includes an ejection mechanism that modalizes the present invention shown in a retracted or operational position; Figure 2B is a side cross-sectional view of a heating fixture of a lighter including an ejection mechanism, modeling the present invention shown in a first extended or ejecting position; Figure 2C is a side cross-sectional view of a heater fitting of a lighter including an ejection mechanism, modeling the present invention shown in a second extended or protective position, Figure 2D is a front view of a heater attachment of a lighter, including an ejection mechanism modeling the present invention; Figure 3A is a side view of a lighter including an image display modeling the present invention; Figure 3B is a side view of a lighter including a thumb-operated depression, modeling the present invention; Figure 3C is a side view of a lighter including a drive switch for an ejection mechanism modeling the present invention; and Figure 4 is an isometric view of a battery arrangement for use in a lighter modeling the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES A smoking system 21 according to the present invention is generally seen referring to Figure 1, and is described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,388,594 and Series No. 08 / 380,718, filed January 30. of 1995, which are hereby incorporated by reference, in their entirety. The present invention is discussed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2A-4. The smoking system 21 includes a cigarette 23 and a reusable lighter 25. The cigarette 23 is adapted to be inserted into and removed from a hole 27 at the end. front 29 of the lighter 25. The smoking system 21 is used in the same way as a conventional lit cigarette. The cigarette 23 is discarded after one or more smoking cycles. The lighter 25 is preferably discarded after a large number of puff cycles than the cigarette 23. The lighter 25 includes a housing 31 and has front and rear portions 33 and 35. An energy source 37 for supplying power to the heating elements to heat the cigarette 23, preferably it is disposed in the rear portion 35 of the lighter 25. The rear portion 35 is preferably adapted to be easily opened and closed, such as with screws or with quick-release components, to facilitate the replacement of the power source 37. The front portion 33 preferably houses heating elements and a circuitry in electrical communication with the power source 37 in the rear portion 35. The front portion 33 preferably is easily attached to the rear portion 35, such as a dovetail joint. or through a receptacle adjustment. The housing 31 is preferably made of a hard, heat resistant material. Preferred materials include metal-based materials, or more preferably, polymer-based materials. The housing 31 is preferably adapted to fit comfortably in the hand of a smoker and, in one embodiment, has overall dimensions of 10.7 cm by 3.8 cm by 1.5 cm. The power source 37 is sized to provide sufficient energy for the heating elements that heat the cigarette 23. The power source 37 is preferably replaceable and rechargeable and may include devices such as a capacitor, or most preferably a battery. In a currently preferred embodiment, the power source is a replaceable, rechargeable battery, such as four nickel-cadmium battery cells connected in series with a total, unloaded voltage of approximately 4.8 to 5.6 volts. The required characteristics of the power source 37 are, however, selected in view of the characteristics of other components in the smoking system 21, particularly the characteristics of the heating elements. U.S. Patent No. 5,144,962 discloses various forms of useful energy sources in conjunction with the smoking system of the present invention, such as rechargeable battery sources and fast discharge capacitor power sources that are charged through batteries, and is incorporated herein by reference. A heating fixture 39, substantially cylindrical, for heating the cigarette 23, and preferably, to hold the cigarette in place relative to the lighter 25, and an electrical control circuitry 41 for supplying a predetermined amount of energy from the energy source 37 to the heating elements 120 of the cigarette of the heating accessory, preferably are disposed in the front portion 33 of the lighter. As described in more detail in the co-pending United States Patent, commonly assigned Serial No. 08 / 426,165, filed April 20, 1995, entitled "Heater for Use of Electrical Smoking System" (Heater for Use in an Electric Smoker System) (Proxy No. PM 1768), a terminal end mass 110, generally circular, for example, welded, is fixed to be disposed within the interior of the cigarette heater fitting 39, for example, is fixed to a base 50, as shown in FIGURE 2A. In the presently preferred embodiment, the heating fixture 39 includes a plurality of equal or not equally radially spaced heating blades 120 supported to extend from the mass, seen in FIGURE 2A (i), which are energized individually by the power source 37 under control of circuit system 41 to heat a number of, for example, eight areas around the periphery of the inserted cigarette 23. Eight eight heating blades 120 are preferred for eight puffs as in a conventional lit cigarette, and Eight cigarette heating elements also lead to electrical control with binary devices. A desired number of puffs can be generated, for example, any number between 5-16, and preferably 6-10, or 8, per cigarette inserted. The heating elements 120 can comprise any heating element suitable for heating the tobacco to develop tobacco flavors. For example, the heating system can comprise any resistance and induction heating system described in U.S. Patent No. 5,388,594 and application Serial No. 08 / 380,718, filed January 30, 1995; Not of Series 08 / 225,120, filed on April 8, 1994; Not of Series 08 / 224,848, filed on April 8, 1994; Not of Series 08 / 314,463, filed on September 28, 1994, Series No. 08 / 333,470, filed on November 2, 1994, No. of Sene 08 / 370,125, filed on January 9, 1995, and No. of Sene 08 / 426,165, filed on April 20, 1994, entitled "Heater for Use in an Electrical Smoking System" (Proxy No. PM 1768). The circuit system 41 is preferably activated through a smoked-operated sensor 45, seen in FIGURE 1, which is sensitive to the pressure drops that occur when a smoker expels the cigarette 23 The smoked-operated sensor 35 preferably is arranged in the front portion 33 of the lighter 25 and communicates with a space within the cigarette heating fitting 39 and near the cigarette 23 through a passage extending through a separator and a base of the cigarette heating accessory and, if a smoking sensor tube (not shown) is desired. A smoked-operated sensor 45 suitable for use in the smoking system 21 is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,060,671, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and is in the form of a silicon sensor Model 163PC01D35 , manufactured by the MicroSwitch Division of Honeywell, Inc., Freeport, Illinois, which activates one of the appropriate elements or blades of the cigarette heater elements or blades 120 as a result of a change in pressure, when a smoker expels the cigarette. An indicator 51 is preferably provided on the exterior of the lighter 25, preferably on the front portion 33, to indicate the number of puffs remaining in a cigarette 23, inserted in the lighter. In one embodiment, the indicator 51 preferably includes a seven-segment liquid crystal display. In this embodiment, the indicator 51 displays the digit "8" for use with a cigarette of eight puffs, when a beam of light emitted by a light sensor 53, seen in FIGURE 1, is reflected on the front portion of a cigarette. recently inserted 23 and deed by the light sensor. The light sensor 53 is preferably mounted in a separator opening and the base of the cigarette heating accessory 39. The light sensor 53 provides a signal to the circuit system 41 which in turn, provides a signal to the indicator 51. example, the digit screen "8" in indicator 51 reflects that the eight puffs provided in each cigarette 23 are available, i.e., none of the heaters has been activated to heat the new cigarette. A counter is provided to count the number of blade ignitions to update the indicator number of the display 51. After the cigarette 23 is fully smoked, the indicator displays the digit "0". An alternative screen will be described later with reference to FIGURE 3A. When the cigarette 23 is removed from the lighter 25, the light sensor 53 does not de the presence of a cigarette 23 and the indicator 51 goes off. The light sensor 53 is modulated so that it constantly does not emit a light beam and provides unnecessary drainage of the power source 37. A currently preferred light sensor 53 suitable for use in the smoking system 21 is a light sensor type OPR5005 Light Sensor, manufactured by OPTEX nology, Inc., 1215 West Crosby Road, Carrollton, Texas 75006. As one of several possible alternatives for using the above-mentioned light sensor 53, a mechanical switch (not shown) can be provided for deing the presence or absence of a cigarette 23 and a reset button may be provided to restore the circuit 41 when a new cigarette is inserted into the lighter 25, for example, to cause the indicator 51 to display the digit "8", other images will be described later, etc. The power sources, the circuit system, the smoked-operated sensors and the indicators useful with the smoking system 21 of the present invention are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,060,671, and the U.S. Patent Application. United Nos. Series 07 / 943,504 and 08 / 380,718, filed on January 30, 1995, which are incorporated herein for reference. A cigarette 23 currently preferred for use with the smoking system 21 is described and shown in greater detail in Patent No. 5,388,594 and Serial No. 08 / 380,718, filed on January 30, 1995, and Series No. 08 / 425,166, filed April 20, 1995, entitled "Cigarette for Electrical Smoking System" (Proxy No. PM 1759A), and Serial No. 08 / 425,837, filed April 20, 1995, entitled "Cigarette for Electrical Smoking System", (No. of Proxy PM 1759B), which are incorporated here for reference in their totals, although any suitable cigarette may be used. The cigarette heater attachment is disposed in the hole 27 in the lighter 25. The cigarette 23 is inserted, first the end of the tobacco, into the hole 27 in the lighter 25 towards a substantially cylindrical space of the cigarette heater attachment 39, defined by a ring-shaped lid 83 having an open end for receiving the cigarette, a cylindrical air channel sleeve 87, a heating assembly including the heating blades 120, an electrically conductive pin or common lead 104A, which serves as a common conductor for the heating elements of the heater assembly, positive electrically conductive pins or conductors 104B and a separator. Substantially all of the cigarette heater attachment 39 is disposed within, and secured in place through an exact fit with the housing 31 of the front portion 33 of the lighter 25. A leading end 93 of the lid 83 is preferably disposed in , or extends slightly away from the first end 29 of the lighter 25, and preferably includes an internally beveled or round portion to facilitate guiding the cigarette 23 toward and away from the heating fitting 39 The pins 104A and 104B are preferably received in corresponding receptacles (not shown), thus providing support for the cigarette heating fixture 39 in the lighter 25, and conductors or a printed circuit cable from the receptacle to the various electrical elements. Other pins can provide additional support to reinforce the pin assembly. The pins 104A and 104B may comprise any suitable material and preferably comprise phosphorous tin bronze. Each blade 120 forms a resistive heating element in the embodiment presented. More specifically, the first end of the first blade section is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the power supply, and more specifically is an integral extension of the mass 110 or is mechanically and electrically connected to the ground 110, which at its is electrically and mechanically connected to the negative terminal pin 104A through spot welding or another technique such as brazing or soldering tin and lead. Preferably, two terminal pins 104A are used to provide a balanced support since the negative and positive, they also serve to mechanically support the heater The mass 110 thus functions as an electric common for all the heating blades 120 In either embodiment, the negative connection for each heater can be individually through, for example, an appropriate negative contact arranged on one end of the heater opposite the respective positive contact areas. A respective positive connection for each heater blade 120 is made by connecting the end section of the secondary blade section as described in Serial No. 08/426, 165, filed on April 20, 1995, entitled "Heater for Use of an Electrical Smoking System" (Warrant for Use in an Electric Smoking System) (Proxy No. PM 1768). The end sections of the blade can be tilted outward to define a throat section. Referring to Figures 2A-3C, an ejection system according to the present invention is shown. As best seen in Figures 2A-2D, a plunger 210 having a front face 212 is provided. As described in detail below, the plunger 210 can be placed in three positions within the lighter 25, primarily a retracted position u operational A, a first extended or ejected position B, and a second extended or protective position C. As discussed below, positions B and C can be combined. In the retracted or operational position A, the plunger 210 is placed in a cavity 50A defined by the base 50 with a sufficient, for example, clear clearance of about 3 mils, so that the plunger 210 can be moved from a retracted position outside the cavity 50a to a position B and moves back towards the cavity 50a to a retracted position A. For example, as shown, the front end of the plunger 210 has a larger diameter than the rear portions, and the base 50 defines a corresponding shape with a cavity 50A, whereby a stop for the plunger 50 is formed in the rest position A. A slot 214 is formed on the external surface of the plunger 210 and fixed with an O-shaped ring 220 , to form an airtight seal between the slightly spaced cavity 50A and the sides of the plunger 210. The plunger 210 is connected to an arm 230, in any manner. For example, a shoulder pin 235, for example, has a conventional Phillips-type head, is inserted into a cavity 215 defined in the front face 212 of the plunger and is compressively adjusted through the plunger 210 and toward a terminal end of the plunger 210. arm 230. The arm 230 in turn is connected to a sliding actuator 240 comprising a button or switch 245 for manual operation. Preferably, the slide actuator 240 is configured in such a way that an active surface of the switch 245 is substantially parallel with the arm 230. The switch 245 has access to the smoker and is preferably placed in a slot or rail 260 defined on the external surface of the driver. lighter housing, as shown in Figure 3C. The rail 260 is preferably located in a repressed area 265 of the external surface of the lighter, so that only the active surface of the switch 245 comes out above the plane of the external surface of the lighter, and specifically the rail 260 is located in, and the switch 245 exits above one of the two narrower walls of the generally rectangular housing of the lighter 25 A spring 250 is provided, which is spirally wound around the arm 230 between the sliding actuator 240 and the base 50 The spring 250 is compressed as the sliding actuator 240 moves towards the base 50 to move the plunger 210 from a retracted position A out of the cavity 50a to the positions B and / or C The arm 230 is provided with three circumferential grooves or detents 230A, 230B and 230C formed on its outer surface A ball 216 is provided, which is deflected by spring through a spring 217 located in a A cavity of the base 50 The spring-deflected ball 216 in this manner forms a ball-retainer relationship with a selected retention of 230A, 230B and 230C, exerting a sufficient force thereon such that the ball deflected by spring 216 it holds the arm 230 and holds it fixed against the compressive force of the spring 250 The detents 230A, 230B and 230C are separated on the external surface of the arm 230 to correspond relatively to (1) the retracted or operational position A(2) the first extended or ejected position B and (3) the second extended or protective position C of the plunger 210 connected to one end thereof The supporting force of the spring-biased ball 216 is overcome by the smoker in manually, or otherwise operating the switch 245 in the desired direction to move a detent out of engagement with the spring-biased ball 216 and move another arm retainer 230 toward engagement with the spring-biased ball 216, thereby placing it in shape sets the plunger 210 to a corresponding subsequent position A, B or C, as desired. The desired plunger position is either the adjacent position or the third remaining position. A passage 47 provides air flow to the heater fitting 39, preferably through a side wall of the igniter housing, so that the air is directed to the sides of an inserted cigarette. The smoked-operated sensor 45 is preferably located in this passage 47. The light sensor 53 senses the presence or absence of a cigarette 23 in the lighter 25. To operate the lighter 25, the smoker first places the switch 245 in position, for example, furthest from the opening of the igniter or hole 27, which corresponds to the retracted or operational position A of the plunger 210 to allow the insertion of the cigarette 23 into the cylindrical cavity defined by the heating blades 120, as shown in the Figure 2A. More specifically, the ejection system is arranged so that (1) the position A of the plunger 210 is located at the distal end of the cylindrical cigarette receptacle, defined by the heating blades 120, ie, opposite the insertion opening, (2) the end of the inserted cigarette rests on the front face 212 of the plunger, and (3) the cigarette 23 is positioned as desired in relation to the heating blades 120. For example, the cigarette 23 can be placed so that the heating blades 120 are disposed adjacent a cavity in the cigarette, and in a preferred embodiment are disposed as described in co-pending patent application, commonly assigned Serial No. 08 / 425,166, filed on April 20, 1990 , entitled "Cigarette for Electrical Smoking System" (Cigarette for Electric Smoking System) (Attorney No. PM 1759A) and co-pending patent application, commonly assigned No. d e Series 08 / 425,837, filed on April 20, 1995, entitled "Cigarette for Electrical Smoking System" (No. of Agent PM 1759B). The inserted cigarette end preferably abuts the front face 212 of the plunger so that the central air flow through the cigarette from this inserted end is substantially blocked, whereby the withdrawn air flow is directed primarily at transverse shape through the sides of the cigarette, especially through previously heated sections of cigarette. If the contact surface between the front face 212 of the plunger and the inserted cigarette end is air-tight, then the cigarette rod may be crushed or otherwise work unsatisfactorily, especially on the first puff before heating sections to provide openings for transverse air flow. Accordingly, some of the air flow is directed towards the sides of the plunger 210, between the front face 212 of the plunger and the cigarette end inserted, and longitudinally through the cigarette, for example, through a circumferential gap, between or to through a groove or grooves 213 formed in the plunger 210. For example, the plunger 210 is placed in the lighter 25, so that after the insertion of the cigarette 23, the first puff has a resistance to ejection of about 12.7 to about 30.48 cm (5 to about 12 inches) of water, for example, of approximately 22.86 cm (approximately 9 inches) of water, and the subsequent puffs have an expulsion strength of about 7.62 to about 20.32 cm (about 3 to about 8 inches) of water, for example, about 12.7 cm. (approximately 5 inches) of water, as the transverse air flow increases. In another preferred embodiment, the first puff has an expulsion resistance, which is about 2.54 cm (1 inch) in water greater than that of the subsequent puffs. This air flow is shown through a line with an arrowhead in Figure 2A. The cigarette is then smoked as described in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,388,594 and Series No. 08 / 380,718, filed January 30, 1995, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, by example, the smoker expelling through the mouthpiece to operate a smoking sensor and one of the heating blades 120 to heat a section of the inserted cigarette to generate a puff of smoke to supply the smoker. With each puff, screen 51 preferably updates the actual status, for example, the puffs taken or puffs remaining, of the particular cigarette. When a smoker has smoked a predetermined number of puffs, for example, eight puffs, the indicator screen 51 indicates that the cigarette 23 is finished. To remove the cigarette from the lighter 25, the smoker operates, for example, manually operates the switch 245, and specifically pushes the switch 245 in the direction of expulsion of the cigarette, that is, towards the opening or hole 27 of the lighter 25, to disengage the spring-deflected ball 216 of the arm retainer 230A for moving from (a) a switch position corresponding to the rest or "puff" position A of the plunger 210 towards (b) a switch position corresponding to the first extended or ejecting position B of the plunger 210, as shown in Figure 2B. The plunger 245 therefore moves in this ejection direction and pushes the inserted end of the cigarette 23 to move the inserted end of the cigarette 23 towards the opening 27, at least partially ejecting the cigarette 23. For clarity, the direction of The expulsion of the cigarette is represented by an arrow 2B, and the cigarette 23 is therefore not shown. The spring 250 is compressed as the sliding actuator 240 moves towards the base 50 to brake the movement of the plunger 210 towards the opening or hole 27. The actuation of the switch 24 continues until the spring-biased ball 216 engages the retainer arm 230B for positioning the temporary piston and fixedly in a first extended or ejected position B. The first extended or ejected position B, is located within the cylindrical cavity defined by the heating blades 120 at a sufficient distance from the position A for ejecting at least a portion of the smoked cigarette 23 from the cylindrical cavity and finally from the lighter 25. This distance, from the position A to the position B, may be either sufficient to eject the smoked cigarette 23 completely from the lighter 25 or to eject a suitable portion of the cigarette 23 from the lighter 25 to allow the smoker to remove the cigarette smoke thermally weakened, with a minimal risk of breaking the cigarette, for example, approximately 50 to 55 mm of the cigarette 23 can be expelled. Preferably, a portion of the cigarette 23 remains in the lighter 25 until it is grasped by the smoker to prevent the cigarette 23 from being completely and / or prematurely ejected from the lighter. It is noted that it is not always necessary that the plunger 210 and in this way, the switch 245 is fixedly positioned in the ejection position B, that is, the retainer 230B does not need to be coupled and thus can be optionally removed. Alternatively, the switch 245 and thus the plunger 210 move from a position A to the position B to eject the cigarette, and then the switch 245 is released, causing the spring 250 to expand and drive the slide actuator 240, and in this way the plunger 210 and the switch 245 from the position B back to the position A. After the expulsion of the smoked cigarette, the lighter 25 is ready for the insertion of another cigarette and the described smoking procedure is repeated. If necessary, the spring-biased ball 216 is decoupled from the retainer 230B through the actuation of the switch 245, for example, away from the hole 27. The switch 245 is preferably and conveniently released after being moved a sufficient distance to disengage the deflected ball 216 of retainer 230B, allowing spring 250 to expand and drive sliding actuator 240, and thus, plunger 210 and switch 245, from position B back to position A. Plunger 210 , and specifically the front face 212 of the plunger which looks and abuts the inserted end of the cigarette 23 as described in the operational or rest position A, exerts a substantial and evenly distributed force on the substantially circular inserted end of the substantially cylindrical cigarette as the switch 245, and in this way, the plunger 210, is driven to move the cigarette out of the cavity of the enclosure around This uniform application of force is achieved both by the space of the front face 212 defining at least one substantially circular surface, as best seen in Figure 2D, which can be substantially flat or concave relative to the plunger 210 for applying ejection force to an area located much more centrally of the cigarette end inserted as described below; through the location and arrangement of the plunger 210 and the arm 230, so that the action movement of the switch 245 is transferred substantially in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the longest dimension of the inserted cigarette 23; and / or through the braking action of spring 250 as it is compressed. This uniform application of force is important since the cigarette 23 weakens during smoking. Specifically, the circumferentially disposed and heated blades 120 are thermally weakened and reduce the mass of the underlying, longitudinally extending, respective portions of the cigar. If, for example, the ejection force was applied unevenly to the inserted cigarette end or mainly to the outer circumferential annular region of the inserted end, then these weakened portions of the smoked cigarette may be crushed or otherwise fail, possibly causing the portions of the cigarette are broken, especially if the smoker continues to operate the switch 245 without realizing that the cigarette has begun to deform. The front face 212 of the plunger 210 can be configured in any alternative manner, which achieves a successful ejection of the thermally weakened cigarette. For example, the front face 212 can be configured to extend across the diameter of, and thus cross the central portion of, the inserted cigarette end; traversing a central portion of the inserted cigarette end; or in any other way to prevent undue and / or asymmetric force applications to a smoked cigarette having thermally weakened external portions. If desired, an additional fixed position is provided for the plunger 210, so that all the cigarette 23 is retracted towards the body of the lighter 25 to protect the normally protruding cigarette mouth from breaking., bending or otherwise damaged during handling and periods of suspended use. To achieve this retraction, the plunger arm 230 is provided with an additional retainer (not shown) between the retainer 230A and the plunger 210 and, if necessary, is extended, and the rail 260 is correspondingly elongated. This additional catch of the plunger arm 230 is therefore coupled as discussed, to allow the cigarette 23 to be fully retracted into the receptacle defined by the heating blades 120. It is noted that the preferred total length of the lighter 25 is such that the unit It is manageable by hand. The smoker may choose to terminate the use of the lighter 25 for a period. As noted above, the lighter 25, and especially its internal components, are vulnerable to dust, moisture, etc., unless some protection is provided. The plunger 210 is preferably positioned to occlude the opening or hole 27 of the lighter 25, thus protecting the internal components of the lighter. To achieve this positioning, the plunger 210 is placed in a second extended or protective position C, as shown in FIGURES 2C More specifically, the smoker operates, for example, manually, the switch 245 and specifically pushes the switch 245 in the direction of ejection of the cigarette, ie, towards the hole 27 of the lighter 25 for decoupling the spring-biased ball 216 either from (a) the arm retainer 230A to move from a corresponding switch position to the rest position or "smoked" A of plunger 210 to a switch position corresponds to a second extended or protective position C of plunger 210 or (b) of an arm retainer 230B to move from a switch position corresponding to the first extended position or ejector B of the plunger 210 to a switch position corresponding to a second extended or protective position C of the plunger 210 The plunger 245 consequently it moves in this direction Spring 250 is compressed as the sliding actuator 240 moves towards the base 50 to brake the movement of the plunger 210 towards the hole 27 The actuation of the switch 245 continues until the ball deflected by spring 216 engages the arm retainer 230C to place the plunger in fixed form in the second extended or protective position C This second extended or protective position C is located such that the plunger 210 occludes the hole 27 For example, the plunger 210 is placed in the substantially trapezoidal insertion cavity defined by the internal walls 177 of the lid 83. The O-shaped ring 220 forms an air tight seal between the slightly separated inner lid walls 177 and the plunger 210. The front face 212 of the plunger 210 preferably is substantially flooded in the hole 27. Accordingly, the interior of the lighter is protected from dust, moisture etc., which could otherwise enter the open cigarette insertion opening of the lighter and possibly damage the components and / or alter the subjective qualities of the subsequently inserted cigarettes. To resume use, the smoker moves the switch 245 away from the hole 27 and preferably releases the switch 245 after, the switch 245 is moved a sufficient distance to disengage the deflected ball 216 from the retainer 230C, thereby allowing the spring 250 to expand. and drive the sliding actuator 240, and thus the plunger 210 and the switch 245, from the position C back to position A. The positions B and C, are optionally combined in a single position to eject and, if the retainer is engaged in fixed form with the spring-deflected ball 216, to protect the inside of the lighter. In any case, the light sensor 53 must be positioned so as not to recognize the plunger 210 in an ejected or fixed, protective position., and / or the plunger should not be marked as an activation or acceptable object. The corresponding portions of the insertion cavity defined by the inner lid walls 177, the base cavity 50A and the plunger 210 are similarly dimensioned and shaped, for example, substantially trapezoidal, to form together with the O-shaped ring 220, a substantially air-tight seal for (1) preventing undesired drops in resistance to eject the smoking system during smoking when the plunger 210 is located within the cavity 50A in the A position and (2) to protect the interior of the lighter of dust, moisture, etc., when the plunger 210 is located within the insertion cavity defined by the internal lid walls 177 in the position C. Also, the outermost portions of the plunger 210 are sized and configured so that the plunger 210 can move through the cylindrical cavity defined by the heating blades 120. Since the cigarette heating elements 120 are fired to generate a subsequent puff, the condensates of the cigarette heating elements 120 of the previous puffs are usually dissipated by this heating. The cigarette heating elements can also be cleaned through the movement of the plunger 210 from the operative or rest position A towards one of the extended positions B or C, which also clean the internal surfaces of the blades through a movement scraper. If desired, the outermost portions of the plunger 210 are sized and configured to contact the heating blades 120 to scrape and clean the heating blades. The plunger 210 is therefore sized to achieve a scraping without exerting unwanted forces on the blades during the movement of the plunger. Alternatively, a plunger defining a shape similar to the plunger 210 and the O-shaped ring 220, but not connected to the arm 230, is inserted into the hole 27 to block the opening of the lighter and protect the internal components. As noted above, the total longitudinal length of the lighter 25 must be such that the unit is conveniently held in the hand of a smoker, for example of about 100 mm, ± about 20 mm. The relatively narrow side walls 251 and the relatively wider side walls 252 are also similarly dimensioned, for example, about 23 mm, ± about 10 mm, about 37 mm, ± about 10 mm. Giving current technologies, the batteries 37 have the most important space requirements of any of the internal components of the lighter 25, as seen in Figure 1. For example, four nickel-cadmium batteries 37 have a length of approximately 40 to 48 mm , a width of 17 mm and a thickness of 5.75 mm. Since the arm 230 of the plunger must be long enough to eject, at least partially, a cigarette of approximately 60 mm, inserted into the lighter, provisions must be made to achieve positioning of the arm 230 of the plunger within a sustained lighter with hand. As shown in Figure 4, the batteries 37 are preferably positioned so that a passage 370 is defined for the arm 230 of the plunger and the sliding actuator 240. The passage 370 in this manner is preferably below the rail 260. Specifically , four rectangular batteries 37a-37d are provided, each having two first parallel side walls of a first width and two second parallel side walls of a second width greater than the first width, the first and second side walls being perpendicularly arranged. Two of the batteries, for example, 37a and 37b, are arranged so that the respective second walls face each other, and are separated by a gap. A third battery, for example 37c, is arranged with a second wall perpendicular to the second walls of the first two batteries 37a and 37b abutting the first respective walls of these batteries 37a and 37b to define a U-shape arranged to define the passage 370. underlying depressed area 265 and the bottom or rear wall of the lighter housing complete the enclosure of arm 230 of the plunger. The fourth battery 37d is then arranged so that a second wall thereof is in face-to-face contact with the third battery 37c. Accordingly, an optional battery arrangement is provided which allows the provision and actuation of an ejection system according to the present invention in a cigarette lighter 25 held by hand. Referring to Figure 3A, a preferred indication or screen 51 is shown, preferably located on one of the two narrower walls 251 of the generally rectangular housing of the lighter 25, and preferably on one of the two opposite narrower housing walls 251. to switch 245, to allow viewing of one of the two wider walls 252 that rest in the hand of a smoker. This screen 51 is preferably a liquid crystal display, which displays images indicative of the status of various functions of the lighter 25, and more broadly of the defined smoking system, including the cigarette 23. For example, the image 500 represents a cigarette comprising a filter image 502 defining a rectangular profile, that is, current is supplied to define the dark profile; and a plurality of, for example, eight rectangular, relatively small shaded areas 504, indicative of the remaining puffs in the inserted cigarette 23, i.e., the stream is initially supplied to all the rectangles. Since a heating blade 120 is turned on, the current supply is terminated to a corresponding shaded area 504 to cause the area 504 to either disappear or define a profile. Conversely, the areas 504 initially define a profile, and as the heating blade 120 is turned on, the current supply is terminated towards a corresponding profile area 504 to make the area 504 either disappear or define a shaded area. . Preferably, the supply of current to the area 504 located at the terminal end of the image 500 of the cigarette opposite the image 502 of the filter is terminated at the first puff, and then the supply of current to successively adjacent areas 504 is terminated with ignitions successive of the heated blades driven by the ejection, to alert the smoker, both the number of puffs remaining and the number of puffs taken in an inserted cigarette. Such imaging also simulates the burning of a combustion cigarette with the burning end approaching to the filter as the cigarette is smoked If desired, this visual representation may be coupled with a tone signal, conventional noise, or other audio signal A depression operated with the thumb 270 is located on the external surface of the cigarette lighter 25 Preferably located on at least one and preferably both wider walls 252 d the generally rectangular housing of the lighter 25 to facilitate handling of the lighter by the smoker, for example, when smoking a cigarette, operating the switch 245 and / or removing a smoked cigarette. As described more fully in the commonly assigned patent application , incorporated, co-pending 08 / 380,718 filed January 30, 1995, and United States Patent No. 5,388,594, issued February 14, 1995, when the time control network of the circuit system logic 41 sends a signal through a terminal to a logic circuit indicating that the time control has stopped walking, the particular ON FET heater switch is turned OFF, thus removing the energy from the heating blade 120. The logic circuit also has accounts decreasing and sends a signal to the indicator 51 through a terminal so that the indicator will show that one less smoke remains (ie "7", after s the first puff). When the smoker activates the following puffs in the cigarette 23, the logic circuit will turn ON another of the FET heater switches, thus supplying energy to the other of the predetermined heating elements. The procedure will be repeated until the indicator 51 displays "0", representing that there are no more smokes remaining in the cigarette 23. When the cigarette 23 is removed from the lighter 25, the light sensor 53, indicates that a cigarette is not present, and the logic circuit is restored. Other aspects, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 943,504, which is incorporated herein by reference, may be incorporated into the control circuit 41 instead of, or in addition to the aspects thereof. described above. For example, if desired, various deactivating accessories can be provided. For example, a type of deactivating accessory includes a timing control circuit (not shown) to prevent successive puffs from occurring too close, so that the power source 37 has time to recover. Another deactivation accessory includes means for disabling the heating blades 120 if an unauthorized cigarette or other product is inserted into the heating accessory 39. For example, the cigarette 23 may be provided with an identification feature that the lighter 25 must recognize before that the heating blades 120 be energized. Many modifications, substitutions and improvements may be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described and defined herein and in the following claims.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS 1 An ejector in combination with a cigarette lighter of an electric smoking system, the cigarette lighter includes a housing for containing a cigarette, the housing has a cylindrical receptacle for receiving a cigarette having a mouth end and a distal end inserted at the remote end first through an opening so that the opposite mouth end of the cigarette leaves the cigarette lighter, and at least one heater contained in the housing, the heater is located in thermal proximity to the inserted cigarette, and operable during an expulsion of the cigarette that comes out from the mouth end of the cigarette that comes out from a consumer to develop the tobacco flavor of the cigarette, while being inserted into the housing, the ejector is characterized by a movable contact surface, dimensioned so that it can travel longitudinally through the receptacle of the lighter and is contacted with at least one central area of the inserted remote end of a cigarette, and by an actuator for moving the contact surface between a first position in the receptacle to allow insertion of a cigarette and a second position in the receptacle for moving a cigarette inserted at least partially out of the receptacle An ejection system according to claim 1, wherein the contact surface in the first position defines an air flow gap between the contact surface and the inserted end of a cigarette 3. An ejection system according to the claim 1 or 2, further comprising a plunger, such a plunger defines a contact surface 4 an ejection system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising means for establishing a substantially air-tight seal between the receptacle and the piston in the first position 5 An ejection system according to any of the claims 1 to 4, further comprising means for deflecting the contact surface from the second position towards the first position 6. An ejection system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising means for fixedly placing the contact surface by of the opening of the receptacle, wherein the contact surface is further dimensioned to occlude the opening of the receptacle plunger 7 An ejection system according to any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising means for occluding the opening of the plunger of the receptacle. cylindrical receptacle 8 An ejection system according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein it comprises means for establishing a substantially air-tight seal between the receptacle and the environment when the contact surface is placed in the receptacle opening. An ejection system according to claim 2, wherein the air flow gap is such that the first puff of an inserted cigarette has an expulsion resistance of about 12.7 to about 30.5 cm (5 to about 12 inches) ). An ejection system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for actuating comprise a switch located on an outer surface of the housing, and a drive mechanism operatively connected to the switch and to the contact surface. An ejection system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising means for positioning the contact surface in a fixed manner in the first and second positions. An ejection system according to claims 10 and 11, wherein the means for positioning comprise at least one retainer located in the drive mechanism and a spring-deflected ball for coupling and decoupling at least one detent. 13. an ejection system according to claim 10, wherein the housing has a longitudinal axis, wherein the switch moves parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. 14. An ejection system according to claim 10, further comprising a channel for the path of the drive mechanism after actuation of the switch. 15. An ejection system according to claim 14, wherein the channel is at least partially defined by walls of an energy source. An ejection system according to claim 15, wherein the channel is U-shaped. 17. An ejection system for an electric cigarette lighter comprising at least one heater, a housing surrounding the heater, and a cylindrical receptacle in the housing for receiving a cigarette inserted at the first end through an opening that will be heated by the heater, so that an opposite cigarette end end leaves the lighter, the ejection system comprising: contact sized to travel longitudinally through the cylindrical receptacle of the cigarette lighter and to contact at least one central area of the inserted end of a cigarette; means for actuating the contact surface between a first position of the cylindrical receptacle to allow insertion of a cigarette and a second position in the cylindrical receptacle for moving a cigarette inserted out of the cylindrical receptacle, and; means for visually informing a smoker that an inserted cigarette has been heated a desired number of times. 18. An ejection system according to claim 17, wherein the means for visually informing comprise means for representing a cigarette image and means for correlating the presentation of the cigarette image with the number of times an inserted cigarette has been heated. 19. An ejection system according to claim 18, wherein the cigarette image comprises a filter image and a plurality of segmented cigarette bar images. An ejection system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact surface is dimensioned to contact a central area extending through a diameter of the inserted end of a cigarette. 21. An electric cigarette lighter comprising: a heater; a housing surrounding a cylindrical receptacle for receiving a cigarette having a mouth end and a distal end inserted at the first end through an opening; at least one heater contained in the housing and producing an inhaled tobacco flavor of a hot cigarette in response to an ejection of the cigarette by the consumer, at an opposite mouth end of the cigarette exiting the cigarette lighter; and an ejection system comprising: a contact surface sized to travel longitudinally through the receptacle of the igniter and to contact the inserted remote end of a cigarette, and means for actuating the contact surface between a first position in the receptacle to allow the insertion of a cigarette, and a second position in the receptacle to move a cigarette inserted at least partially outside the receptacle. 22. An electric cigarette lighter according to claim 21, wherein the contact surface is sized to contact a central mass area of the inserted end of a cigarette. 23. An electric cigarette lighter comprising: a heater; a housing that surrounds at least one heater; a receptacle in the housing for receiving a cigarette to be heated through the heater and inserted at the first end through an aperture so that the opposite mouth end of the cigarette exits the cigarette lighter; and an ejection system according to any of claims 1 to 20.