RU2812684C2 - Charging control for aerosol delivery device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: electrical engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the field of electrical engineering, in particular to aerosol delivery devices. The aerosol delivery device contains one or more rechargeable batteries, a charging circuit including an electrical connector made with the possibility of connection of one or more rechargeable batteries to a power supply unit, and a sensor made with the possibility of detection of use of the aerosol delivery device by a user and output of a signal. The device also contains a microprocessor connected to the charging circuit and a sensor, wherein the microprocessor, in response to reception of a signal from the sensor, is made with the possibility of control of the aerosol delivery device for provision of a possibility of vaping or puff by the user, while the aerosol delivery device is connected to a charger.

EFFECT: provision of a possibility of making puffs as soon as an aerosol delivery device is connected to a charger.

19 cl, 13 dwg

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[1] This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 16/537,784, entitled “Charging Control for an Aerosol Delivery Device,” filed August 12, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/769,296, entitled “System Controls for Monitoring Functions in an Evaporative System,” filed November 19, 2018, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[2] The present invention relates to aerosol delivery devices such as smoking articles, and more particularly to aerosol delivery devices that can use electrically generated heat to produce an aerosol (eg, smoking articles commonly referred to as electronic cigarettes). Smoking articles may be configured to heat an aerosol precursor, which may include materials that may be made or derived from tobacco, or otherwise include tobacco, which precursor is capable of forming an inhalable substance for human consumption.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[3] Representative products that are similar in many attributes to conventional cigarettes, cigars or smoking pipes are commercially available as ACCORD® manufactured by Philip Morris Incorporated; ALPHA™, JOYE 510™ and M4™ manufactured by InnoVapor LLC; CIRRUS™ and FLING™, manufactured by White Cloud Cigarettes; BLU™, manufactured by Fontem Ventures B.V.; COHITA™, COLIBRI™, ELITE CLASSIC™, MAGNUM™, PHANTOM™ and SENSE™ manufactured by EPUFFER® International Inc.; DUOPRO™, STORM™ and VAPORKING® manufactured by Electronic Cigarettes, Inc.; EGAR™, manufactured by Egar Australia; eGo-C™ and eGo-T™ manufactured by Joyetech; ELUSION™, manufactured by Elusion UK Ltd; EONSMOKE®, manufactured by Eonsmoke LLC; FIN™TM, manufactured by FIN Branding Group, LLC; SMOKE® manufactured by Green Smoke Inc. USA; GREENARETTE™, manufactured by Greenarette LLC; HALLIGAN™, HENDU™, JET™, MAXXQ™, PINK™ and PITBULL™ manufactured by Smoke Stik®; HEATBAR™ manufactured by Philip Morris International, Inc.; HYDRO IMPERIAL™ and LXE™, manufactured by Crown7; LOGIC™ and THE CUBAN™, manufactured by LOGIC Technology; LUCI®, manufactured by Luciano Smokes Inc.; METRO®, manufactured by Nicotek, LLC; NJOY® and ONEJOY™ manufactured by Sottera, Inc.; NO. 7™ manufactured by SS Choice LLC; PREMIUM ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE™ manufactured by PremiumEstore LLC; RAPP E-MYSTICK™ manufactured by Ruyan America, Inc.; RED DRAGON™, manufactured by Red Dragon Products, LLC; RUYAN®, manufactured by Ruyan Group (Holdings) Ltd.; SF® manufactured by Smoker Friendly International, LLC; GREEN SMART SMOKER®, manufactured by The Smart Smoking Electronic Cigarette Company Ltd.; SMOKE ASSIST®, manufactured by Coastline Products LLC; SMOKING EVERYWHERE®, manufactured by Smoking Everywhere, Inc.; V2CIGS™ manufactured by VMR Products LLC; VAPOR NINE™, manufactured by VaporNine LLC; VAPOR4LIFE®, manufactured by Vapor 4 Life, Inc.; VEPPO™, manufactured by E-CigaretteDirect, LLC; VUSE®, manufactured by R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company; Mistic Menthol products manufactured by Mistic Ecigs; and the Vype product, manufactured by CN Creative Ltd.; IQOS™, manufactured by Philip Morris International and GLO™, manufactured by British American Tobacco. Still other electrical aerosol delivery devices, and in particular devices that have been characterized as so-called electronic cigarettes, have been marketed under the brand names COOLER VISIONS™; DIRECT E-CIG™; DRAGONFLY™; EMIST™; EVERSMAKE™; GAMUCCI®; HYBRID FLAME™; KNIGHT STICKS™; ROYAL BLUES™; SMOKETIP® and SOUTH BEACH SMOKE™.

[4] It is preferable to allow the user to vape while the aerosol delivery device is connected to the charger. Additionally, in some cases, the aerosol delivery device may no longer be able to puff due to low battery power. Thus, it is preferable to allow puffs to be taken as soon as the aerosol delivery device (with a discharged battery) is connected to the charger, even if the battery level has not yet returned.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[5] The present invention relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods for making such devices, and elements of such devices. In particular, the present invention may relate to an aerosol delivery system configured to enable vaping by a user while the aerosol delivery device is connected to an external power source for charging. The present invention includes, without limitation, the following example implementations.

[6] Some embodiments provide an aerosol delivery device comprising:

a rechargeable battery or multiple batteries; a charging circuit including an electrical connector configured to connect the rechargeable battery(s) to the power supply; a sensor configured to detect the operation of using the aerosol delivery device by a user and output a signal; and a microprocessor coupled to the charging circuit and the sensor, wherein the microprocessor, in response to receiving a signal from the sensor, is configured to: determine a condition indicating the occurrence of electrical current flow from the power supply to the rechargeable battery(s) through the electrical connector; interrupting the flow of electrical current from the power supply to the rechargeable battery/batteries through the electrical connector; and activating the aerosol delivery device such that power is supplied from the rechargeable battery(s) to the additional element of the aerosol delivery device to provide output in response to the action of using the aerosol delivery device by the user while the electrical connector is connected to the power supply.

[7] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device of any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, configuring the microprocessor to interrupt the flow of electrical current includes configuring it to interrupt the flow of electrical current using a switch circuit between an electrical connector and a rechargeable battery/rechargeable batteries.

[8] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device of any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, the switch circuit includes a pair of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) switches respectively connected to the positive an electrical contact and a negative electrical contact of the electrical connector, wherein the microprocessor being configured to interrupt the flow of electrical current includes being configured to disconnect both the positive and negative electrical contacts from the rechargeable battery(s) using a switch circuit.

[9] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device of any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, the switch circuit includes a pair of optocoupler relays respectively connected to a positive electrical terminal and a negative electrical terminal of the electrical connector, wherein the microprocessor is interruptible the passage of electrical current includes making it capable of disconnecting both positive and negative electrical contacts from the rechargeable battery(s) using a switch circuit.

[10] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device of any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, the switch circuit is connected to one or both of a positive electrical terminal and a negative electrical terminal of an electrical connector, wherein the microprocessor is configured to interrupt the flow of electrical current including includes the ability to disconnect only one of the positive and negative electrical contacts from the rechargeable battery/rechargeable batteries using a switch circuit.

[11] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device of any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, the switch circuit includes a MOSFET switch integrated into the charging circuit and another switch located external to the circuit. charging, wherein executing the microprocessor to interrupt the flow of electrical current includes executing it to disconnect an electrical connector from the rechargeable battery(s) using a switch circuit.

[12] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device of any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, in response to detecting completion of an action by a sensor, the microprocessor is also configured to: determine that an electrical connector is connected to the power supply; and reconnecting the electrical connector to the rechargeable battery and thereby reconnecting the power supply to the rechargeable battery(s) to charge the rechargeable battery(s).

[13] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device of any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, the action includes the action of the user taking a puff.

[14] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device of any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, the additional element includes a heating element configured to heat and thereby vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition contained within the delivery device housing aerosol such that the output in response to action using the aerosol delivery device is the generation of an aerosol.

[15] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device of any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition is a liquid, solid, or semi-solid.

[16] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device of any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, the microprocessor is also configured to make a comparison between the voltage of the battery(ies) and the threshold voltage of the battery(s) to determine whether the voltage of the battery(s) exceeds threshold voltage, wherein executing the microprocessor to activate the aerosol delivery device includes executing it to activate the aerosol delivery device based on the comparison.

[17] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device of any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, executing the microprocessor with the ability to perform the comparison includes executing it with the ability to: change the threshold voltage of the battery/batteries from a first value to a second value that below the first value; and determining that the voltage of the battery/batteries is lower than the first value and higher than the second value.

[18] Some embodiments provide an aerosol delivery device comprising: a rechargeable battery; a charging circuit including an electrical connector configured to connect the rechargeable battery(s) to the power supply; a sensor configured to detect the operation of using the aerosol delivery device by a user and output a signal; and a microprocessor coupled to the charging circuit and the sensor, wherein the microprocessor, in response to receiving a signal from the sensor, is configured to: determine that the electrical connector is connected to the power supply; making a comparison between the voltage of the battery/batteries and a threshold voltage of the battery/batteries to determine whether the voltage of the battery/batteries exceeds the threshold voltage; and based on the comparison, determining whether to enable the aerosol delivery device to be activated such that power is supplied to an additional element of the aerosol delivery device to provide an output in response to the action of using the aerosol delivery device by the user while the electrical connector is connected to the power supply.

[19] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device of any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, executing the microprocessor to perform the comparison includes executing it to: change the threshold voltage of the battery(s) from a first value to a second value that below the first value; and determining that the voltage of the battery/batteries is lower than the first value and higher than the second value, wherein executing the microprocessor to determine whether to enable the aerosol delivery device to be activated includes executing it to be able to activate the aerosol delivery device to perform the action.

[20] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device of any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, the first value is 3.5 volts and the second value is 3.3 volts or 3.4 volts.

[21] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device of any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, executing the microprocessor to perform the comparison includes executing it to determine that the voltage of the battery(s) is below a second value; wherein executing the microprocessor to determine whether to enable the aerosol delivery device to be activated includes executing it to prevent the aerosol delivery device from being activated to perform said action.

[22] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device of any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, the action includes the action of the user taking a puff.

[23] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device of any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, the additional element includes a heating element configured to heat and thereby vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition contained within the delivery device housing aerosol.

[24] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device of any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition is a liquid, solid, or semi-solid.

[25] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device of any preceding embodiment or any combination of any preceding embodiments, in response to receiving a signal from the sensor, the microprocessor is also configured to: determine a condition indicating the occurrence of electrical current flow from the power supply to the rechargeable battery /rechargeable batteries via electrical connector; and interrupting the flow of electrical current from the power supply to the rechargeable battery(s) through the electrical connector.

[26] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the disclosure of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The disclosure of the present invention includes any combination of two, three, four or more features or elements disclosed herein, whether such features or elements are intentionally combined or otherwise set forth in the particular embodiment described herein. This invention is intended to be read as a whole, such that any individual features or elements of the invention in any of its aspects and embodiments are to be considered combinable unless the context of the invention clearly dictates otherwise.

[27] Thus, it should be understood that this disclosure is provided only for the purpose of summarizing certain embodiments so as to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the exemplary embodiments described above are exemplary only and should not be construed as limiting in any way the scope or spirit of the invention. Other exemplary implementations, aspects and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example, the principles of some of the described exemplary implementations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[28] Having therefore described the present invention in the foregoing general terms, reference is made below to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, in which:

[29] in FIG. 1 shows a control device for use in an aerosol delivery device or evaporative system of the present invention according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[30] in FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of the control device shown in FIG. 1;

[31] in FIG. 3 illustrates a cartridge for use in an aerosol delivery device or evaporative system of the present invention according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[32] in FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 3;

[33] in FIG. 5A, 5B and 5C, respectively, illustrate an external connector and two chargers for use in an aerosol delivery device or evaporative system of the present invention according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[34] in FIG. 6 shows components of the control device shown in FIG. 1, according to examples of implementation of the present invention;

[35] in FIG. 7(A), 7(B) and 7(C) show a circuit diagram of a switch in the control device shown in FIG. 1, according to examples of implementation of the present invention;

[36] in FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a charging control method according to embodiments of the present invention; And

[37] in FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a charging control method according to other embodiments of the present invention.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[38] The present invention is described in more detail below with reference to examples of its implementations. These exemplary implementations are described in such a way that the disclosure will thoroughly, completely and completely convey the scope of the invention to one skilled in the art. In fact, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments given herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to ensure that the present invention complies with applicable legal requirements. In this specification and in the accompanying claims, grammatical construction indicating that an element is in the singular also implies the plural unless the context of the invention clearly dictates otherwise.

[39] As described below, embodiments of the present invention relate to aerosol delivery systems or evaporative systems, the terms being used interchangeably herein. Aerosol delivery systems according to the disclosure of the present invention use electrical energy to heat a material (preferably without burning the material to any significant extent and/or without significantly chemically altering the material) to produce a respirable substance; and the components of such systems are in the form of articles that are most preferably compact enough to be considered portable devices. In other words, the use of components of the preferred aerosol delivery systems does not produce smoke - i.e. by-products of combustion or pyrolysis of tobacco, but rather the use of these preferred systems results in the production of vapors resulting from the volatilization or evaporation of certain components included in their composition. In preferred embodiments, the components of aerosol delivery systems may be characterized as electronic cigarettes, wherein such electronic cigarettes most preferably contain tobacco and/or tobacco-derived components and therefore deliver tobacco-derived components in the form of an aerosol.

[40] The aerosol-generating portions of certain preferred aerosol delivery systems can produce many of the same sensations (e.g., inhalation and exhalation rituals, types of tastes or aromas, sensory effects, physical sensation, usage rituals, visual stimuli such as those created by a visible aerosol, etc.) n.) smoking a cigarette, cigar or pipe that is used to light and burn tobacco (and therefore inhale tobacco smoke), without combustion to any significant extent of any component thereof. For example, a user of an aerosol-generating device according to the disclosure of the present invention may hold and use the device in the same manner as a smoker uses a traditional type of smoking article by puffing through one end of said means to inhale the aerosol produced by the means, taking or taking puffs at selected intervals of time. etc.

[41] The proposed aerosol delivery devices can also be characterized as vapor-generating products or drug delivery products. Thus, such articles or devices may be adapted to deliver one or more substances (eg, flavoring agents and/or pharmaceutical active ingredients) in an inhalable form or state. For example, the inhaled substances may be substantially in vapor form (eg, a substance that is in the gaseous phase at a temperature below its critical point). In yet another embodiment, the inhalable substances may be in the form of an aerosol (ie, a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas). For the sake of simplicity, as used herein, the term “aerosol” is intended to refer to vapors, gases and aerosols of a form or type suitable for human inhalation, whether or not visible and whether or not in a form that can be considered "smoke-like".

[42] Aerosol delivery devices according to the disclosure of the present invention most preferably comprise some combination of a power source (e.g., an electrical power supply), at least one control component (e.g., means for actuating, controlling, regulating, and stopping power to generate heat, for example, by controlling electric current from a power source to other components of the product - for example, a microcontroller or microprocessor), a heater or heat-producing element (for example, an electrical resistive heating element or material configured to generate heat by eddy currents by induction, which themselves alone or in combination with one or more additional elements may be generically referred to as an "atomizer"), aerosol precursor compositions (e.g., typically a liquid capable of forming an aerosol upon the application of sufficient heat; such ingredients are typically listed as "smoke juice", "e-liquid" " and "e-juice"), and a mouthpiece or mouthpiece area to allow a puff to be drawn through the aerosol delivery device for inhaling the aerosol (e.g., a defined air flow path through the article so that the generated aerosol can be expelled from it after a puff is taken).

[43] More specific formats, configurations and arrangements of components in aerosol delivery systems in accordance with the present invention will be apparent in light of the further disclosure of the invention presented below. In addition, the selection and arrangement of various components of aerosol delivery systems can be understood by considering commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such as those representative products referenced in the Background section of the disclosure of the present invention.

[44] In one or more embodiments, the present invention relates to a vaporization system that includes at least elements for providing power, elements for controlling power output and additional functionality, and elements for generating steam using power. In one or more embodiments, the evaporative system may be formed by a control device and a cartridge.

[45] An example implementation of a control device 100 for use in an aerosol delivery device or evaporative system of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The control device 100 includes an outer device casing 102 that defines an outer device wall 104, a device distal end 106, and a device proximal end 108. The proximal end 108 of the device includes an opening 110 that provides access to the device chamber 112, which is formed by the internal frame 114 of the device.

[46] The basic properties of the control device of the various embodiments are also apparent from FIG. 2, which shows a partial cross-section of the control device 100. As shown, the control device 100 also includes a device battery 116 located in the outer casing 102 and also includes an external device connection element 118. For example, control device 100 may have a replaceable battery or rechargeable battery, solid state battery, thin film solid state battery, rechargeable supercapacitor, or the like, and thus may be combined with any type of recharging technology, including connection to a conventional wall charger, connection to vehicle power source (for example, through a cigarette lighter socket, USB port, etc.) and connection to a computer, for example, through a cable or universal serial bus (USB) connector (for example, USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, USB type C), connection to USB connector (e.g. USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, USB Type C) (e.g. as may be implemented in a car, wall socket, electronic device, the like), connection to a photovoltaic cell (sometimes referred to as a solar photovoltaic cell) or to a solar solar PV panel, to a wireless charger, such as a charger that uses inductive wireless charging (including, for example, wireless charging in accordance with the Qi wireless charging standard developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC)) or to a wireless radio frequency (RF) charger, connecting to an external cell array(s), such as a portable charger for charging via a USB connector or wireless charger. Examples of inductive wireless charging systems are described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0112196 by Sur et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[47] The external device connection element 118 of some embodiments is located at the distal end 106 of the outer device housing 102, but it should be understood that alternative locations of the external device connection element 118 are provided within the scope of the present invention. The device electrical connectors 120 are located in the device chamber 112 and, as shown, are provided in the side walls 114a of the internal device frame 114, the frame defining the boundaries of the device chamber 112. However, it is understood that the electrical connectors 120 of the device may be located in the bottom wall 114b of the inner frame 114 of the device. Moreover, the electrical connectors 120 of the device may be provided in any position on the side walls 114a or the bottom wall 114b of the inner frame 114 of the device. For example, device electrical connectors 120 may be located at a point on the side walls 114a between the proximal end 108 of the outer device housing 102 and the bottom wall 114b of the inner device frame 114. Additionally, device electrical connectors 120 may be located between the middle of the side walls 114a and the proximal end 108 of the outer device housing 102 (ie, the upper half of the side walls). Alternatively, the device electrical connectors 120 may be located between the middle of the side walls 114a and the bottom wall 114b of the inner device frame 114 (ie, the lower half of the side walls).

[48] The various components of the aerosol delivery device of the present invention may be selected from components described in the prior art and commercially available. Examples of batteries that can be used in accordance with the invention are described in US Patent Publication No. 2010/0028766 to Peckerar et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[49] As is apparent from FIG. 2, the device chamber 112 is separated from the outer device casing 102. In other words, the chamber is not just an internal space that is formed by an outer casing. In contrast, the inner frame forming the chamber exists independently and separately from the outer casing. The opening in the chamber may coincide with an opening at the proximal end of the outer casing. Thus, the inner frame may be an entirely different element that is attached to the outer casing. Alternatively, the inner frame and the outer casing may be formed continuously. However, in any case, the side walls forming the inner frame are located inside the outer casing and are separated from it. However, it is understood that, if desired, the device chamber 112 may be explicitly defined by the outer casing 102. In such embodiments, the bottom wall 114b may extend between the walls defining the outer casing 102 so as to define the bottom wall of the chamber that is formed by the bottom wall and the walls of the outer casing. .

[50] The outer casing 102 of the device may be formed from any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, or the like. Preferably, the inner device frame 114 is formed from the same material that is used to form the outer device casing 102; however, different materials can be used.

[51] The system disclosed herein may comprise a single control device. Such a single control device may be configured to be interchangeably coupled with a plurality of cartridges to form a plurality of different evaporation systems. For example, the control device may be interchangeably coupled to a first cartridge to form a first functional vaporizer system having a first set of characteristics, and the control device may be interchangeably coupled to a second cartridge to form a second functional vaporizer system having a second different set of characteristics. characteristics. Such evaporation may comprise two different cartridges, three different cartridges, or even a greater number of different cartridges that are interchangeable with the first control device.

[52] The system disclosed herein may comprise a plurality of control devices (eg, a first control device 100 and a second control device 200, and optionally a third control device or even more control devices). The plurality of control devices may be configured to be interchangeably coupled to at least one cartridge to form a plurality of different evaporation systems. For example, a first control device may be interchangeably coupled to a first cartridge to form a first functional vaporizer system having a first set of characteristics, and a second control device may be interchangeably coupled to a first cartridge to form a second functional vaporizer system having a second set of characteristics. different set of characteristics.

[53] An example implementation of a cartridge 300 for use in an aerosol delivery device or evaporative system of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3. The cartridge 300 includes a container 301 that is formed by an outer container wall 303 that includes a proximal end 305 and a distal end 307 that is closed. Thus, the container 301 can be characterized in that the container wall 303 is a side wall that is continuous around the container and the distal end 307 forms a bottom wall. The container is configured to contain a liquid composition for evaporation, i.e. an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition, which may be configured as otherwise described herein. The cartridge 300 may also include a mouthpiece 309 that is formed by an outer mouthpiece wall 311 that includes a proximal end 313 with an outlet 315 and a distal end 317 that engages a proximal end 305 of the container 301.

[54] Cartridge 300 is also shown in FIG. 4. As shown, the cartridge 300 also includes a heater 319 and a liquid transfer element 321 that extends between the heater and the liquid 323 contained within the container 301. The heater 319 and the liquid transfer element 321 may be configured as separate elements that fluidly connected, or may be configured as a combined element. Moreover, the heater 319 and the fluid transfer element 321 may be formed of any structure as otherwise described herein. In various embodiments, the heating element can be made in various forms, such as foil, foam, mesh, hollow sphere, hemisphere, disks, spirals, fibers, wires, films, threads, strips, tapes or cylinders. Such heating elements often contain metallic material and are configured to generate heat as a result of electrical resistance associated with the passage of electric current through them. Such resistive heating elements may be located adjacent to and/or in direct contact with the fluid transfer element 321. A heating assembly or heating element may be located in the control device 100 and/or cartridge 300. In various embodiments, the fluid transfer element may include components (i.e., thermally conductive components) that are incorporated into or are part of the fluid transfer element. part, wherein the liquid transfer element may serve as or assist in the operation of a heating unit. Some examples of various heating elements and elements are described in US Pat. No. 9,078,473 to Worm et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The cartridge 300 also includes one or more electrical contacts 325 that are configured to electrically connect the heater 319 to the battery 116 in the control devices 100.

[55] The liquid transfer element 321 may be formed from one or more materials configured to transfer liquid, for example, by capillary effect. The liquid transfer member may be formed, for example, from fibrous materials (eg, organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, fiberglass), porous ceramic, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillary tubes, or things like that. Thus, fluid transfer element 321 can be any material that contains a network of open pores (ie, a plurality of pores that are interconnected such that fluid can flow from one pore to another in a plurality of directions through the element). As further described herein, some embodiments of the disclosure of the present invention may, in particular, relate to the use of non-fibrous transfer elements. In this way, fibrous transfer elements can be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, combinations of fibrous transfer elements and non-fibrous transfer elements can be used. Representative types of supports, reservoirs or other components for supporting an aerosol precursor are described in US Patent No. 8,528,569 to Newton, US Patent Publications No. 2014/0261487 to Chapman et al., US Pat. No. 2014/0059780 to Davis et al., and US Publication No. 2015/0216232 by Bless et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Also, various absorbent materials, as well as the design and operation of these absorbent materials in certain types of electronic cigarettes, are described in US Pat. No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, fluid transfer element 321 may be formed partially or entirely from a porous monolith, such as porous ceramic, porous glass, or the like. Examples of monolithic materials suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in US patent application No. 14/988,109, filed January 5, 2016, and in US patent No. 2014/0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The porous monolith may form a substantially solid wick.

[56] Various embodiments of materials configured to generate heat when electrical current is applied to them may be used to form the heater 319. In some embodiments, the heater 319 may be a wire coil. Examples of materials that the wire coil can be made from include fechral (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum alloyed molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al) ₂ ), titanium, platinum, silver , palladium, silver-palladium alloys, graphite and graphite-based materials (such as foams and carbon-based filaments). In additional embodiments, heater 319 may be formed from conductive ink, boron silica, and/or ceramic (eg, PTC or NTC ceramic). Other types of heaters such as laser diodes or microheaters can also be used. The laser diode may be configured to supply electromagnetic radiation of a specific wavelength or range of wavelengths that may be configured to vaporize the aerosol precursor composition and/or configured to heat the liquid transfer element by which the aerosol precursor composition may be provided for vaporization. The laser diode, in particular, may be arranged to supply electromagnetic radiation within the chamber, and the chamber may be configured to detect the radiation (eg, black body or white body). Suitable microheaters are described in US Pat. No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, microheaters may comprise a substrate (e.g., quartz, silica) with a heater track thereon (e.g., a resistive element such as Ag, Pd, Ti, Pt, Pt/Ti, boron-doped silicon, or other metals or metal alloys) , which can be printed or otherwise applied to a substrate. A passivation layer (eg aluminum oxide or silica) can be applied over the heater trace. In particular, the heater 319 may be substantially planar. Such heaters are described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0345633 by DePiano et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[57] The outer wall 303 of the container may be made at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid 323 contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, the entire outer wall 303 of the container may be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, only one side of the outer container wall 303 may be transparent or translucent, while the remaining portions of the outer container wall may be substantially opaque. In additional embodiments, the outer wall 303 of the container may be colored. The color may be configured so that the liquid 323 inside the container 301 is still visible, or the color may be configured so that the outer wall 303 of the container is substantially opaque.

[58] In one or more embodiments, the mouthpiece 309 of the cartridge 300 may be configured to interact with the container 301. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 and 4, the distal end 317 of the mouthpiece 309 may include a rim wall 330 that is at least partially inserted from the outer wall 330 of the mouthpiece, which rim wall may be configured to engage with the interior region of the proximal end 305 of the outer wall 303 of the container. The rim wall 330 may have a length of from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, from about 2 mm to about 18 mm, or from about 5 mm to about 15 mm. The rim wall 330 may interact with the outer wall 303 of the container only through a frictional fit, or the rim wall may be substantially permanently attached to the outer wall of the container, such as by welding or adhesive.

[59] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 309 may provide only a substantially open internal space through which the generated vapor can combine with air to form an aerosol for discharge through the mouthpiece outlet 315. In one or more embodiments, the mouthpiece 309 may include one or more additional inner walls that may be configured to form one or more mouthpiece compartments. For example, the mouthpiece may include an inner top wall between a proximal end and a distal end, and may also include an inner bottom wall between the inner top wall and a distal end of the mouthpiece. More specifically, the mouthpiece 309 may include an inner top wall 332 between the proximal end 313 and the distal end 317. Additionally, the mouthpiece 309 may include an inner bottom wall 334 between the inner top wall 332 and the distal end 317 of the mouthpiece.

[60] Two or more walls in the mouthpiece may be configured to form a vapor chamber within which a heater may be located. An outer mouthpiece wall 311, an inner top wall 332, and an inner bottom wall 334 may define a flash chamber 342 in which a heater 319 is located. One or more electrical contacts 325 may be located within a portion of the outer mouthpiece wall 311 defining a flash chamber 342; however, it is understood that one or more electrical leads may extend from the heater 319 to one or more electrical contacts located on another portion of the outer wall of the mouthpiece or located on the outer wall 303 of the container. One or more walls of the mouthpiece may also include one or more openings for passage therethrough of one or more additional elements of the cartridge 300 or passage of the generated vapor/aerosol. For example, the inner top wall 332 may include a steam hole 333 through which steam generated in the flash chamber 342 can flow to the outlet 315. The steam hole 333 in the inner top wall 332 may be substantially centrally located therein. and may be substantially aligned with the heater 319 along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 300. As a further example, the inner bottom wall 334 may include a wick passage 335 through which a liquid transfer element 321 (e.g., a wick) may extend between the heater 319 and liquid 323 in container 301. A wick passage 335 in the inner bottom wall 334 may be substantially centrally located therein and may be substantially aligned with heater 319 along the longitudinal axis of cartridge 300. If desired, a vapor chamber may be formed by the bottom of container 301 .

[61] Two or more walls in the mouthpiece may be configured to form a cooling chamber within which the generated aerosol may be allowed to expand and/or be cooled before passing through the outlet. Specifically, the outer wall 311 of the mouthpiece and the inner upper wall 332 form a cooling chamber 344 that receives the generated vapor/aerosol from the heater 319, particularly which receives the steam/aerosol from the vaporization chamber 342. Thus, the generated vapor/aerosol flows from the vaporization chamber chamber 342 through steam opening 333 into cooling chamber 344.

[62] Optionally, the mouthpiece 309 may include one or more elements configured to reduce or prevent leakage of condensed liquid therefrom. For example, all or part of the inner region of the mouthpiece wall 311 and/or the inner top wall 332 defining the cooling chamber 344 may be formed of or include an absorbent or adsorbent material configured to retain liquid. Alternatively or additionally, all or part of the inner region of the mouthpiece wall 311 and/or the inner top wall 332 defining the cooling chamber 344 may be configured to direct liquid back to the atomizer chamber 342, for example, by adding microchannels or the like.

[63] In one or more embodiments, the cartridge 300 may be configured such that the mouthpiece wall 311 may include a protruding portion located between its proximal end 313 and the distal end 317. For example, the protruding portion 350 may be located and extend along circumference from the mouthpiece wall 311 around substantially the entire mouthpiece 309. The distance that the protruding portion 350 extends from the mouthpiece wall 311 may be substantially uniform around the entire circumference of the mouthpiece 309. In some embodiments, the distance that the protruding portion 350 extends from the wall 311 of the mouthpiece may vary at one or more points around the circumference of the mouthpiece 309. The entire cartridge 300 or the mouthpiece 309 individually may be formed with respect to a longitudinal axis (L), a first transverse axis (T1) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second transverse axis ( T2), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the first transverse axis. Thus, the entire cartridge 300 and/or mouthpiece 309 can be formed with respect to an overall length along a longitudinal axis (L), an overall width along a first transverse axis (T1), and an overall depth along a second longitudinal axis (T2). The length can be greater than the width, which in turn can be greater than the depth. The distance that the protruding portion 350 extends away from the mouthpiece wall 311 may be greater along the second transverse axis (T2) than along the first transverse axis (T1). Thus, in alternative embodiments, the total distance between the opposite outer edges of the projection 350 through the mouthpiece 309 along the first transverse axis (T1) may be greater than the total distance between the opposite edges of the projection through the mouthpiece along the second transverse axis (T2); the total distance between the opposite outer edges of the projection 350 through the mouthpiece 309 along the first transverse axis (T1) may be substantially equal to the total distance between the opposite edges of the projection through the mouthpiece along the second transverse axis (T2); or the total distance between opposite outer edges of the projection 350 through the mouthpiece 309 along the first transverse axis (T1) may be less than the total distance between the opposite edges of the projection through the mouthpiece along the second transverse axis (T2). In specific embodiments, the distance (d2) between the mouthpiece wall 311 and the outer edge of the projection 350 when measured along the second transverse axis (T2) may be greater than the distance (d1) between the mouthpiece wall and the outer edge of the projection 350 when measured along the first transverse axis (T1). Said distances (d1, d2) can in particular be measured at approximately the midpoint of each of the first transverse axis (T1) and the second transverse axis (T2).

[64] The protruding portion 350 may cooperate with a corresponding protrusion on the control device 100 to ensure proper connection of the cartridge 300 to the control device. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, the device 100 may be configured such that the opening 110 at the proximal end 108 of the device includes a recess with an inwardly projecting projection 121. Thus, the recess may include a rim wall 122 that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device 100. The rim wall 122 extends downward from the proximal end 108 by a small distance, which may substantially correspond to the thickness of the projection 350 of the cartridge 300 and/or the thickness of an additional element that may be adjacent to the projection.

[65] The protruding portion 350 and/or the inwardly projecting projection 121 may be configured or configured to displace the cartridge 300 for connection to the device 100. For example, a magnetic connection may be used. For example, the cartridge 300 may include a magnet 352 adjacent the bottom surface of the projection 350. The magnet 352 may extend substantially completely around the circumference of the mouthpiece 309 or may be continuous such that it may be configured as one or multiple discrete magnets. The magnet 352 may be adhesively attached to the mouthpiece wall 311, may be adhesively attached to the projection 350, or may be adhesively attached to both the mouthpiece wall and the projection. The inwardly projecting protrusion 121 may be made of metal or other material to which the magnet 352 will be attracted by magnetic force. In additional embodiments, magnet 352 may be located on device 100. More specifically, magnet 352 may be attached by adhesion to inwardly extending protrusion 121. In such embodiments, protrusion 350 may be made of metal or other material to which magnet 352 will be attracted by magnetic force. In additional embodiments, a magnet 352 may be located on the cartridge 300 as well as the device 100. Optionally, the magnet 352 may be located at the distal end 307 of the container wall 303 to interact with a magnetic element located within the device chamber 112, and, in particular, on the bottom wall 114b.

[66] In some embodiments, the device 100 may be configured such that at least a portion of the container 301 is visible when the cartridge 300 interacts with the device. As discussed above, at least a portion of the outer wall 303 of the container may be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid 323 contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, the outer wall 104 of the device 100 may be configured to include a window 135 through which the outer wall 303 of the container and, if necessary, any liquid 323 contained in the container 301, can be visible when the cartridge 300 interacts with the device 100. The window 135 can be made in the form of a cutout in the outer wall 104 of the device 100 or can be made in the form a recess extending from the proximal end 108 of the outer wall 104 of the device 100 to a distance to the distal end 106 of the device. Moreover, the window 135 may be completely open, or the window may have a transparent element (e.g., glass or plastic) located in the opening defined by the window or covering the window on one or both of the inner surface and the outer surface of the outer wall 104 of the device 100 .

[67] In one or more embodiments, device 100 may include a light source 139 and at least one opening 137 extending through an outer wall 104 of the device through which light from the light source is visible. The light source 139 may include, for example, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to provide one or more colors of illumination. The light source 139 may be located directly on a printed circuit board (PCB) 141, which may include additional control components (eg, a microcontroller and/or memory components). The opening 137 may be provided in any desired shape and may in particular be located near the distal end 106 of the device 100. The opening 137 may be completely open or may be filled, for example, with light guide material, or may be covered with a transparent or translucent element (eg , glass or plastic) on one or both of the inner surface and the outer surface of the outer wall 104 of the device 100. The aerosol delivery device most preferably includes a control mechanism for controlling the amount of electrical power supplied to the heat generating element during a puff. Representative types of electronic components, their structure and configuration, their features and general methods of their operation are described in US Patent No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al., US Patent No. 4,947,874 to Brooks et al., US Patent No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., US Patent No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al., US Patent No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al., US Patent No. 8,205,622 to Pan, US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0230117 to Fernando et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0060554 by Collet et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0270727 by Ampolini et al., and U.S. Publication No. 2015/0257445 by Henry et al. etc., which are incorporated herein by reference.

[68] An air flow sensor, a pressure sensor or the like may be included in the device. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, device 100 may include a sensor 143 on circuit board 141. Circuit board and pressure sensor configurations are, for example, described in US Patent Publication No. 2015/0245658 to Worm et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The sensor 143 may be located anywhere within the device 100 to be exposed to air flow and/or pressure changes that may signal a puff on the device and thus cause the battery 116 to supply power to the heater 319 in the cartridge 300. Alternatively, , in the absence of an airflow sensor, the heater 319 can be activated manually, for example, by means of a push button. Additional characteristic types of sensing and detection mechanisms, their structure and configuration, their components and general methods of their operation are described in US Patent No. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr., US Patent No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., and PCT No. WO 2010/003480 by Flick, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[69] An input element may be included in the aerosol delivery device (and may replace or complement an airflow or pressure sensor). An input device may be included to allow the user to control functions of the device and/or to output information to the user. Any component or combination of components may be used as input to control a function of the device 100. For example, one or more push buttons may be used, as described in US Publication No. 2015/0245658 by Worm et al., which is incorporated herein by links. Likewise, a touch screen may be used, as described in US Patent Application No. 14/643,626, filed March 10, 2015 to Sears et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. As a further example, components configured to recognize gestures based on specified movements of the aerosol delivery device may be used as an input device. See US Publication No. 2016/0158782 by Henry et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. As another example, a capacitive sensor may be implemented on an aerosol delivery device to allow a user to provide input by, for example, touching the surface of the device on which the capacitive sensor is implemented. In another example, the aerosol delivery device may implement a sensor configured to detect motion associated with the device (eg, accelerometer, gyroscope, photoelectric proximity sensor, etc.) to allow user input. Examples of suitable sensors are described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0132528 to Sur et al. and US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0158782 to Henry et al., both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[70] In some embodiments, the data input device may comprise a computer or computing device such as a smartphone or tablet. In particular, the aerosol delivery device may be connected to a computer or other device via wires, such as by using a USB cable or similar protocol. The aerosol delivery device may also communicate with a computer or other device acting as an input device via wireless communication. See, for example, systems and methods for controlling a device via a read request as described in US Publication No. 2016/0007561 by Ampolini et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In such embodiments, an application or other computer program may be used in conjunction with a computer or other computing device to input control commands to the aerosol delivery device, such control commands including, for example, the ability to produce an aerosol of a specific composition by selecting nicotine content and/or content additional flavorings to be included.

[71] Additional indicators (eg, haptic feedback components, auditory feedback components, or the like) may be included in addition to or as an alternative to the LED. Additional representative types of components that provide visual signals or indicators, such as light-emitting diode components, and their construction and use are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,154,192 to Sprinkel et al., No. 8,499,766 to Newton, and No. 8,539,959 to Scatterday, and US Patent Publication No. 2015/0020825 to Galloway et al. and US Patent Publication No. 2015/0216233 to Sears et al., which are incorporated herein by reference. It is clear that not all illustrated elements are necessary. For example, the light emitting diode may be omitted or replaced by another indicator, such as a vibration indicator. Likewise, the flow sensor can be replaced by a manual actuator such as a push button.

[72] In FIG. 5A illustrates an external connector for use in an aerosol delivery device or evaporative system in accordance with the present invention according to some embodiments of the present invention. It will be understood that the external connector shown in FIG. 5A is provided by way of example and not by way of limitation. In this regard, aerosol delivery devices in accordance with various embodiments can be used in combination with various external connectors having different shapes and form factors and/or mating locations. For example, depending on the shape/form factor of the aerosol delivery device, any appropriate interface implemented on the aerosol delivery device (e.g., such as cavity 106a), the type and/or location of external device connection element 118 available on the delivery device may be used. aerosol, and/or other factors. In one or more embodiments, a vaporizer system formed by any combination of one device or devices and one cartridge or more cartridges may further include an external connector 500 configured to electrically contact the device external connection element 118. The external connector 500 may include a first connector end 503 and a second connector end 505 connected to each other by a connection 507, which may be, for example, a variable length cord. The first connector end 503 may be configured to be electrically and, if desired, mechanically coupled to the device 100. In particular, the first connector end 503 may include an insertion wall 503a that may be positioned in a cavity (e.g., a first cavity 106a on a distal end 106 of the device 100) present at the distal end 106 of the device 100. The external connector 500 may include a plurality of electrical pins 511 within the insertion wall 503a configured to charge and/or communicate with the external device connection element 118. In some embodiments, the device 100 may include a mechanical connector 119 adjacent the external device connection element 118. The mechanical connector 119 may be a magnet or a metal (or similar element) that is configured to be magnetically attracted to a magnet. Thus, the first end 503 of the connector may likewise include a mechanical coupling element 513 that is positioned between the insertion wall 503a and the electrical pins 511. The mechanical coupling element 513 may be a magnet or a metal (or the like) that is configured to magnetically attract to the magnet. The second end 505 of the connector may be configured to connect to a computer or similar electronic device or connect to a power source. As shown in the drawing, the second end 505 of the connector has a universal serial bus (USB) connection; however, another connection may also be provided and/or an adapter (eg, USB/AC adapter) may be similarly included. For example, an adapter including a USB connector at one end and a power supply connector at the opposite end is disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0261495 to Novak et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[73] In FIG. 5B shows a charger 518 for use in an aerosol delivery device or evaporative system in accordance with the present invention according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5V, charger 518 may include a charger base 520, contacts 521, and a USB connector end 522. The 518 charger can be connected to the power supply using a 523 USB cable. In FIG. 5C illustrates a charger 530 for use in an aerosol delivery device or evaporative system in accordance with the present invention according to some embodiments of the present invention. Charger 530 may include charger base 531 and contacts 532. Charger 530 may be coupled to the power supply via cable 533. In some embodiments, charger base 518 and/or 530 may be made of metal (e.g., aluminum ) or plastic materials.

[74] For aerosol delivery systems that are characterized as electronic cigarettes, the aerosol precursor composition most preferably includes tobacco or tobacco-derived components. On the one hand, tobacco may be presented in the form of tobacco parts or pieces, such as finely ground, shredded or powdered tobacco flakes. Tobacco balls, pellets, or other solid forms may be included, such as those described in US Patent Publication No. 2015/0335070 to Sears et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the tobacco may be provided in the form of an extract, such as a spray-dried extract, which includes many of the water-soluble components of tobacco. Alternatively, tobacco extracts may be in the form of a relatively high nicotine content extract that also contains smaller amounts of other extracted tobacco-derived components. In another respect, tobacco-derived components may be provided in a relatively pure form, such as certain tobacco-derived flavoring agents. In one respect, the tobacco-derived component that may be used in a highly purified or substantially pure form is nicotine (e.g., pharmaceutical grade nicotine.)

[75] The aerosol precursor composition, also referred to as a vapor precursor composition, may contain various components, including, for example, polyhydric alcohol (eg, glycerin, propylene glycol, or a mixture thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extract, and/or flavorings. Representative types of aerosol precursor components and compositions are also known and characterized in US Pat. No. 7,217,320 to Robinson and US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0008457 to Zheng et al.; No. 2013/0213417 by Chong and No. 2014/0060554 by Collett et al.; No. 2015/0020823 by Lipowicz et al.; and No. 2015/0020830 by Koller, and WO 2014/182736 by Bowen et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other aerosol precursors that may be used include the aerosol precursors that are included in the VUSE® product from R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, BLU™ from Lorillard Technologies, MISTIC MENTHOL from Mistic Ecigs, and VYPE from CN Creative Ltd. Also preferred are so-called "smoke juices" for electronic cigarettes, which are available from Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC. Still further examples of aerosol precursor compositions are marketed under the trademarks BLACK NOTE, COSMIC FOG, THE MILKMAN E-LIQUID, FIVE PAWNS, THE VAPOR CHEF, VAPE WILD, BOOSTED, THE STEAM FACTORY, MECH SAUCE, CASEY JONES MAINLINE RESERVE, MITTEN VAPORS, DR. CRIMMY'S V-LIQUID, SMILEY E LIQUID, BEANTOWN VAPOR, CUTTWOOD, CYCLOPS VAPOR, SICBOY, GOOD LIFE VAPOR, TELEOS, PINUP VAPORS, SPACE JAM, MT. BAKER VAPOR and JIMMY THE JUICE MAN.

[76] The amount of aerosol precursor that is included in the aerosol delivery system is such that the aerosol generating agent has acceptable sensory and desired performance characteristics. For example, it is most preferred that a sufficient amount of aerosol-forming material (eg, glycerin and/or propylene glycol) be used to produce a visible bulk aerosol stream that in many respects resembles the appearance of tobacco smoke. The amount of aerosol precursor within the aerosol generating system may depend on factors such as the number of puffs desired on the aerosol generating means. In one or more embodiments, about 1 ml or more, about 2 ml or more, about 5 ml or more, or about 10 ml or more of the aerosol precursor composition may be included.

[77] Other features, controls or components that may be contained in aerosol delivery systems according to the disclosure of the present invention are described in US Patent No. 5,967,148 to Harris et al., in US Patent No. 5,934,289 to Watkins et al., in Pat. U.S. No. 5,954,979 by Counts et al., in U.S. Patent No. 6,040,560 by Fleischhauer et al., in U.S. Patent No. 8,365,742 by Hon, in U.S. Patent No. 8,402,976 by Fernando et al., in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/ 0163063 to Fernando et al., US Patent Publication No. 2013/0192623 to Tucker et al., US Patent Publication No. 2013/0298905 to Leven et al., US Patent Publication No. 2013/0180553 to Kim et al. al., US Patent Publication No. 2014/0000638 to Sebastian et al., US Patent Publication No. 2014/0261495 to Novak et al., and US Patent Publication No. 2014/0261408 to DePiano et al. are incorporated herein by reference.

[78] In FIG. 6 shows components of the control device 100 shown in FIG. 1, according to example implementations of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, the control device 100 includes a rechargeable battery 601. In some examples, the rechargeable battery 601 may correspond to the battery 116 shown in FIG.2. The control device 100 also includes an electrical connector 602, such as a USB charging connector, which is configured to connect the rechargeable battery 601 to a suitable power supply. In some examples, electrical connector 602 may correspond to external connector 500 or, more specifically, the first connector end 503 shown in FIG. 5A. In some embodiments, electrical connector 602 may be connected to rechargeable battery 601 via USB charging circuit 603. Electrical connector 602 and charging circuit 603 are included in the charging circuit of control device 100. Electrical connector 602 may be connected to a power supply via charger 604. In some examples, charger 604 may include a wall transformer or a USB charging source or other source, such as otherwise described herein. In some embodiments, control device 100 may include a plurality of rechargeable batteries 601.

[79] In some embodiments, control device 100 may detect that charger 604 is connected and begin charging rechargeable battery 601. When electrical connector 602 is connected to a power source via charger 604, if the user attempts to take puffs, rechargeable battery 601 may be isolated from the power supply. To achieve this, in some embodiments, the control device 100 includes a sensor 605 configured to detect the action of using the aerosol delivery device by a user and output a signal indicating detection of the action, which may be an action of the user taking a puff. The control device 100 also includes a microprocessor 606 connected to a charging circuit including a USB charging circuit 603 and connected to a sensor 605.

[80] In some embodiments, the microprocessor 606, in response to receiving a signal from the sensor 605, is configured to determine a state of the aerosol delivery device indicative of the occurrence of electrical current flow from the power supply to the rechargeable battery 601 through the electrical connector 602. The microprocessor 606 of some embodiments is configured to , in response to the determination, with the ability to interrupt the flow of electrical current from the power supply to the rechargeable battery 601 through the electrical connector 602. In some such embodiments, the microprocessor 606 is configured to interrupt the flow of electrical current using a switch circuit 607 between the electrical connector 602 and the rechargeable battery 601. For example, switch circuit 607 may be opened to disconnect electrical connector 602 from USB charging circuit 603 and therefore from rechargeable battery 601.

[81] In some embodiments, upon interruption of current flow from the power supply to the rechargeable battery 601, the microprocessor 606 is configured to activate the aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery device is activated such that power is supplied from a rechargeable battery 601 to an additional element of the aerosol delivery device to provide an output in response to the action of using the aerosol delivery device by the user, while the electrical connector 602 is connected to the power supply. In some embodiments, the additional element includes a heating element configured to heat and thereby vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition contained within the housing of the aerosol delivery device. Thus, the output in response to the action of using the aerosol delivery device may be the generation of an aerosol for inhalation by the user. For example, the additional element may correspond to the heater 319 illustrated in FIG. 4. Thus, the action of using the device may be a puff on the device, and the output in response to a puff on the device may be the generation of an inhalable aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition is a liquid or a solid or semi-solid. In additional embodiments, the additional element may correspond to another functional component of the device, such as a feedback element (eg, a vibration component or a light component or an audio component) that is configured to provide a state of the device. Thus, power to the aerosol delivery device during use of the device (e.g., during aerosol generation and/or during other use of the device) comes directly from the battery rather than from the power supply to which the electrical connector 602 is connected. In some embodiments, the microprocessor 606 may be configured to activate the aerosol delivery device simultaneously when current flow from the power supply to the rechargeable battery 601 is interrupted. In some embodiments, the microprocessor 606 may be configured to activate the aerosol delivery device or initiate activation of the aerosol delivery device before interrupting the flow of current from the power supply to the rechargeable battery 601.

[82] An output in response to the action of using the aerosol delivery device may be any activity of the device that requires battery power to be supplied to an additional element of the aerosol delivery device. As stated above, the outcome may be the formation of an aerosol by applying power from the battery to a heater that vaporizes the liquid aerosol precursor composition. In some embodiments, the output may be the activation of a status indicator (e.g., a light, a haptic element, an audio element, a display, or the like) to provide an indication of the state of the device in response to an action of using the device, such as shaking the device or touching a capacitive sensor on the device. In such embodiments, the sensor may include a device (such as a gyroscope or the like) that is configured to sense movement of the device.

[83] In some embodiments, the above operations may be implemented by microprocessor 606. For example, the instructions for the above operations may be stored as computer-readable program codes in non-volatile non-volatile memory. The microprocessor 606 may be configured to implement computer-readable program codes to implement the instructions of the above operations. The microprocessor 606 may be a multiple processor, a multi-core processor, or some other type of processor depending on the particular implementation. In addition, microprocessor 606 may be implemented using a variety of heterogeneous processor systems in which a primary processor is provided with one or more secondary processors on a single chip. As another illustrative example, microprocessor 606 may be a symmetric multiprocessor system containing multiple processors of the same type. In another example, microprocessor 606 may be implemented as or otherwise incorporate one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or the like. Thus, although the microprocessor 606 may be configured to execute a computer program to perform one or more functions, the microprocessor 606 of various examples may be configured to execute one or more functions without the assistance of a computer program. In any case, the microprocessor 606 may be suitably programmed to perform functions or operations in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[84] In some embodiments, since there is no current from the power supply to the rechargeable battery 601, the heating element is powered only from the remaining electrical power in the rechargeable battery 601 and not from the power supply. Thus, the control device 100 allows the user to vape while the aerosol delivery device, or more specifically the electrical connector 602, is connected to the charger 604.

[85] In FIG. 7(A)-7(C) show a switch circuit 607 in the control device 100 shown in FIG. 1 according to example implementations of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7(A), in one embodiment, switch circuit 607 includes a pair of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) switches respectively connected to a positive electrical terminal and a negative electrical terminal of electrical connector 102. Microprocessor 606 This embodiment is configured to disconnect both the positive and negative electrical contacts from the rechargeable battery 601 using switch circuit 607. For example, microprocessor 606 may control the opening of both MOSFET switches.

[86] As shown in FIG. 7(B), in another embodiment, switch circuit 607 includes a pair of optocoupler relays respectively connected to a positive electrical terminal and a negative electrical terminal of electrical connector 102. The microprocessor 606 of this embodiment is configured to turn off both the positive and negative electrical terminals. from rechargeable battery 601 using switch circuit 607. For example, microprocessor 606 may control the opening of both optocoupler relays.

[87] As shown in FIG. 7(C), in another embodiment, the switch circuit 607 includes a MOSFET switch built into the charging circuit 603 and another switch located external to the charging circuit 603. The microprocessor 606 of this embodiment is configured to disconnect the electrical connector 602 from the rechargeable battery 601 using a switch circuit 607. For example, the external switch may send an enable signal to the microprocessor 606, the microprocessor 606 may control the opening of the MOSFET switch embedded in the charging circuit 603 and the opening of the external switch based on the enable signal.

[88] In a further example, switch circuit 607 is connected to one or both of the positive electrical contact and negative electrical contact of electrical connector 602. The microprocessor of this example is configured to disconnect only one of the positive and negative electrical contacts from rechargeable battery 601 using switch circuit 607 .

[89] In some embodiments, after interruption of current flow from the power supply to the rechargeable battery 601, the sensor 605 may detect that use has completed an action, such as a puff action. In response to detecting completion of the action by the sensor 605, the microprocessor 606 of such embodiments is configured to determine that the electrical connector 602 is still connected to the power supply, although the flow of current from the power supply to the rechargeable battery 601 has been interrupted. The microprocessor 606 is configured to reconnect the electrical connector 602 to the rechargeable battery 601 and thereby reconnect the power supply to the rechargeable battery 601 to charge the rechargeable battery 601. For example, the microprocessor 606 may control to close the switch circuit 607 such that the passage of electrical current from the power supply to the rechargeable battery 601 through an electrical connector 602.

[90] in FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a charging control method 800 according to embodiments of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, in such embodiments, at block 801, the microprocessor 606 may read the status of the pressure sensor 605. At block 802, the microprocessor 606 of such embodiments may determine whether a user's tightening action has been detected by the sensor 605 based on the output signal from the sensor. 605. If no tightening action is detected, method 800 may return to block 801 so that microprocessor 606 can continue to monitor the status of the sensor. On the other hand, if a puff action is detected, method 800 may proceed to block 803.

[91] At block 803, the microprocessor 606 of such embodiments may determine whether charging capability is provided. Charging capability is provided if the microprocessor 606 can determine a state of the aerosol delivery device indicating that electrical current has occurred from the power supply to the rechargeable battery 601 through the electrical connector 602. If charging capability is provided, the microprocessor 606 of such embodiments can turn off the charging connections to interrupt the electrical flow. current from the power supply to the rechargeable battery 601 through the electrical connector 602, as explained above. Upon interruption of electrical current flow, the microprocessor 606 may be controlled to activate a steam mechanism, such as a heater 319, to provide a puff, as shown at block 805. Alternatively, if charging capability is not provided, the microprocessor 606 of such embodiments may directly activate the steam mechanism , as shown at block 805.

[92] The microprocessor 606 of such embodiments may continue to monitor the status of the sensor to read the status of the pressure sensor and determine whether the user has completed the puffing action, as shown in blocks 806 and 807, respectively. If the tightening action is completed, the microprocessor 606 of such embodiments can determine whether the electrical connector 602 is connected to the power supply despite the absence of current from the power supply to the rechargeable battery 601, as shown at block 808. If the charging source is still present, i.e. While the electrical connector 602 is still connected to the power supply, the microprocessor 606 of such embodiments may reconnect the electrical connector 602 to the rechargeable battery 601 and thereby reconnect the power supply to the rechargeable battery 601 to charge the rechargeable battery 601, as shown at block 809 .

[93] A typical low battery threshold for a 3.7 V e-cigarette may be approximately 3.4 V. This low battery threshold may vary from 3.3 V to 3.5 V depending on the remaining circuitry and steam/heating mechanism. At this threshold, there is sufficient electrical power to continue operating the 606 microprocessor, lighting the LEDs, and the like. However, to protect the battery cell from excessive discharge, high current heating is blocked. In one example, the battery threshold for normal operation with only the rechargeable battery 601 is set to 3.5 V. If the voltage of the rechargeable battery 601 is below 3.5 V, the user cannot activate the heater 319 and a low battery level indication is provided via an LED or other way. If the user establishes a charging connection between the aerosol delivery device and the charging device (e.g., charger 604) at this point, the rechargeable battery 601 may take an unacceptably long time to absorb enough charging current to rise above the 3.5 V threshold. and cause the microprocessor 606 to resume allowing the tightening actions.

[94] In some cases, it is preferable to allow puffs to occur as soon as the aerosol delivery device (with a discharged battery) is connected to the charger, even if the battery level is still below the low battery threshold. Allowing puffs to occur once the aerosol delivery device (with a discharged battery) is connected to the charger can be achieved by using a different puff prevention threshold voltage (e.g., a lower threshold) when operating the rechargeable battery 601 while connected to the charger device 604 than a single threshold that can be used when operating only with rechargeable battery 601.

[95] In some embodiments, when charger 604 is connected to electrical connector 602, microprocessor 606 may lower the low battery threshold from 3.5 V (e.g., to a voltage in the range of about 3.4 V or about 3.3 B) to allow the user to activate the heater while electrical connector 602 is connected to the power supply. In other embodiments, different other threshold voltages may be used, both before charging and with the charger connected. In some embodiments, depending on the charge and discharge curves of a particular battery manufacturer, such as curves appropriate for a particular battery chemistry, cell capacity, and the like, the age or number of charge cycles of the battery, the microprocessor and heating circuit, and/or the desired experience user, threshold voltage values can be characterized and configured to any combination of voltages.

[96] In some embodiments, control device 100 may include a rechargeable battery 601 and an additional energy storage element, such as a supercapacitor or auxiliary battery. The auxiliary energy storage element may supply power to the heating element to produce an aerosol sufficient for a predetermined number of puffs, such as 10 puffs, or a predetermined period of time, such as 5 minutes. In such embodiments, while the rechargeable battery 601 can supply sufficient electrical power to the heating element to produce a puff aerosol for the user, the auxiliary energy storage element cannot be used to supply power to the heating element. When the rechargeable battery 601 is connected to the charger 604 for charging, the microprocessor 601 may test the auxiliary energy storage element. If the auxiliary energy storage element can supply power to the heating element to produce an aerosol sufficient for a given number of puffs or a given period of time, the microprocessor 606 can control the charger 604 to begin charging the rechargeable battery 601. If a user action is detected during charging, such as a puff action , and the rechargeable battery 601 has not regained sufficient capacity to supply sufficient power to the heating element, the microprocessor 606 may activate the auxiliary energy storage element to supply power to the heating element to produce an aerosol sufficient for a given number of puffs or a given period of time. The electrical power provided by the auxiliary energy storage element may depend on the recovery time of the rechargeable battery 601. The recovery time may be the time that the rechargeable battery 601 must be charged in order to provide sufficient power to the heating element to produce a puff aerosol for the user. In such embodiments, the rechargeable battery 601 and the auxiliary energy storage element may have insulated contacts with the heating element. Thus, when the heating element is supplied with power from the auxiliary power storage element, the rechargeable battery 601 can be charged simultaneously.

[97] In FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a charging control method 900 according to other embodiments of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, in such embodiments, at block 901, the microprocessor 606 may read the status of the pressure sensor 605. At block 902, the microprocessor 606 of such embodiments may determine whether a user's tightening action has been detected by the sensor 605 based on an output signal from the sensor. 605. If no tightening action is detected, method 900 may return to block 901 so that microprocessor 606 can continue to monitor the status of the sensor. On the other hand, if a puff action is detected, method 900 may proceed to block 903.

[98] At block 903, the microprocessor 606 of such embodiments may determine whether the voltage of the rechargeable battery 601 is greater than a battery threshold when operating only the rechargeable battery 601, such as 3.5 V. If the voltage of the rechargeable battery 601 is greater than the battery threshold, the method 900 may proceed directly to block 906, where the microprocessor 606 may enable the heater 319 in the aerosol delivery device to be activated to perform a puff action. On the other hand, if the voltage of the rechargeable battery 601 is below a battery threshold, method 900 may proceed to block 904.

[99] At block 904, microprocessor 606 of such embodiments may determine whether electrical connector 602 is connected to the power supply via charger 604. If not, method 900 may proceed to block 907. Because the voltage of rechargeable battery 601 is below a threshold value of the battery and charger connected to charge the rechargeable battery 601 is not present, the rechargeable battery 601 may be at a low battery level, and the microprocessor 606 of such embodiments may prevent the heater 319 in the aerosol delivery device from activating to perform a puff action, as shown at block 907.

[100] On the other hand, if, at block 904, the microprocessor 606 of such embodiments can determine that the electrical connector 602 is connected to the power supply via the charger 604, the microprocessor 606 can change the threshold voltage of the rechargeable battery 601 from a higher value to a lower value, such as from about 3.5 V to about 3.3 V. The lower value may be referred to as the charging threshold when operating on the rechargeable battery 601 with the charger 604 connected, which is below the battery threshold as described above. Method 900 may proceed from block 904 to block 905.

[101] At block 905, the microprocessor 606 in such embodiments may perform a comparison between the voltage of the rechargeable battery 601 and a charging threshold of the rechargeable battery 601 (e.g., approximately 3.3 V) to determine whether the voltage of the rechargeable battery 601 exceeds the charging threshold. If the voltage of the rechargeable battery 601 is above the charging threshold (but still below the battery charging threshold of approximately 3.5 V), the microprocessor 606 of such embodiments may be capable of activating the heater 319 in the aerosol delivery device to perform a puff action, as shown in the block 906. On the other hand, if the voltage of the rechargeable battery 601 is below a charging threshold, the microprocessor 606 may prevent the heater 319 in the aerosol delivery device from activating to perform a puff action, as shown at block 907.

[102] Methods 800 and 900 may be used together or separately. For example, if the microprocessor 606 detects a condition of the aerosol delivery device indicating that electrical current has passed from the power supply to the rechargeable battery 601 through the electrical connector 602, the microprocessor 606 may open the switch circuit 607 to interrupt the flow of electrical current and change the threshold voltage of the rechargeable battery 601 from higher value to a lower value to allow puffing to occur. In another example, when microprocessor 606 detects a puff action and determines that electrical connector 602 is connected to the power supply (switch circuit 607 may be open or closed), microprocessor 606 may change the threshold voltage of rechargeable battery 601 from a higher value to a lower value. to allow puffs to occur in response to the connection of the aerosol delivery device to the charger 604.

[103] Many modifications and other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art to which this invention relates using the disclosures set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used in a generalized and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims (44)

1. An aerosol delivery device containing: rechargeable battery; a charging circuit including an electrical connector configured to connect the rechargeable battery to the power supply; a sensor configured to detect the operation of using the aerosol delivery device by a user and output a signal; And a microprocessor operatively coupled to the charging circuit and the sensor, wherein the microprocessor, in response to receiving a signal from the sensor, is configured to: determining a condition indicating the occurrence of electrical current flowing from the power supply to the rechargeable battery through the electrical connector; interrupting the flow of electrical current from the power supply to the rechargeable battery through the electrical connector; performing a comparison between the battery voltage and a battery threshold voltage to determine whether the battery voltage exceeds the threshold voltage; And activating the aerosol delivery device based on the comparison and such that power is supplied from the rechargeable battery to the additional element of the aerosol delivery device to provide an output in response to the action of using the aerosol delivery device by the user while the electrical connector is connected to the power supply. 2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein configuring the microprocessor to interrupt the flow of electrical current includes configuring it to interrupt the flow of electrical current using a switch circuit between the electrical connector and the rechargeable battery. 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein the switch circuit includes a pair of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) switches respectively connected to a positive electrical terminal and a negative electrical terminal of the electrical connector, wherein executing the microprocessor with the ability to interrupt the flow of electrical current includes executing it with the ability to disconnect both positive and negative electrical contacts from the rechargeable battery using a switch circuit. 4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein the switch circuit includes a pair of optocoupler relays respectively connected to a positive electrical contact and a negative electrical contact of the electrical connector, wherein configuring the microprocessor to interrupt the flow of electrical current includes configuring it to disconnecting both the positive and negative electrical contacts from a rechargeable battery using a switch circuit. 5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein the switch circuit is connected to one or both of a positive electrical contact and a negative electrical contact of the electrical connector, wherein configuring the microprocessor to interrupt the flow of electrical current includes configuring it to disconnect only one of positive and negative electrical contacts from a rechargeable battery using a switch circuit. 6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein the switch circuit includes a MOSFET switch integrated in the charging circuit and another switch located external to the charging circuit, the microprocessor being configured to interrupt the flow of electrical current includes making it capable of disconnecting the electrical connector from the rechargeable battery using a switch circuit. 7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein, in response to detecting completion of an action by the sensor, the microprocessor is also configured to: determining that the electrical connector is connected to the power supply; And reconnecting the electrical connector to the rechargeable battery and thereby reconnecting the power supply to the rechargeable battery to charge the rechargeable battery. 8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the action includes the action of the user taking a puff. 9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the additional element includes a heating element configured to heat and thereby vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition contained within the housing of the aerosol delivery device such that output in response to the action using an aerosol delivery device represents the formation of an aerosol. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 9, wherein the aerosol precursor composition contained is a liquid, solid or semi-solid. 11. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, in which the implementation of the microprocessor with the ability to perform comparison includes its implementation with the ability to: changing the battery threshold voltage from a first value to a second value that is lower than the first value; And determining that the battery voltage is below the first value and above the second value. 12. An aerosol delivery device containing: rechargeable battery; a charging circuit including an electrical connector configured to connect the rechargeable battery to the power supply; a sensor configured to detect the operation of using the aerosol delivery device by a user and output a signal; And a microprocessor coupled to the charging circuit and the sensor, wherein the microprocessor, in response to receiving a signal from the sensor, is configured to: determining that the electrical connector is connected to the power supply; performing a comparison between the battery voltage and a battery threshold voltage to determine whether the battery voltage exceeds the threshold voltage; And based on the comparison, determining whether to enable the aerosol delivery device to be activated such that power is supplied to an additional element of the aerosol delivery device to provide output in response to the action of using the aerosol delivery device by the user while the electrical connector is connected to the power supply. 13. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 12, wherein executing the microprocessor with the ability to perform comparison includes executing it with the ability to: changing the battery threshold voltage from a first value to a second value that is lower than the first value; And determining that the battery voltage is below the first value and above the second value, wherein executing the microprocessor to determine whether to enable the aerosol delivery device to be activated includes executing it to be capable of activating the aerosol delivery device to perform said action. 14. The aerosol delivery device of claim 13, wherein the first value is 3.5 V and the second value is 3.3 V or 3.4 V. 15. The aerosol delivery device of claim 12, wherein executing the microprocessor to perform the comparison includes executing it to determine that the battery voltage is below the second value, wherein executing the microprocessor to determine whether to enable the aerosol delivery device to be activated includes executing it to prevent the aerosol delivery device from being activated to perform said action. 16. The aerosol delivery device of claim 12, wherein the action includes the action of the user taking a puff. 17. The aerosol delivery device of claim 12, wherein the additional element includes a heating element configured to heat and thereby vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition contained within the housing of the aerosol delivery device. 18. The aerosol delivery device of claim 12, wherein the aerosol precursor composition is a liquid, solid or semi-solid. 19. The aerosol delivery device according to claim 12, in which, in response to receiving a signal from the sensor, the microprocessor is also configured to: determining a condition indicating the occurrence of electrical current flowing from the power supply to the rechargeable battery through the electrical connector; And stopping the flow of electrical current from the power supply to the rechargeable battery through the electrical connector.