RU2814991C2 - Electronic vaping device, cartridge for electronic vaping device and method of configuring electronic vaping device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to an electronic vaping device, a cartridge for an electronic vaping device and a method for configuring an electronic vaping device. Cartridge for e-vaping device comprises a housing having a first and a second end. It also comprises at least a first and a second container arranged inside the housing between the first and second ends and configured to hold the first and second evaporated compositions, respectively. It also contains at least the first and the second evaporation units. Units are located inside the housing at opposite ends of the first and second containers. First evaporation unit is connected to the first container and is made with possibility of evaporation of the first evaporated composition for generation of the first steam closer to the first end than to the second end. Second evaporation unit is connected to the second container and is made with possibility of evaporation of the second evaporated composition for generation of the second steam closer to the second end than to the first end. First and second evaporation units are configured to generate the first and second vapors at different moments in time.

EFFECT: maintaining quality of separate evaporated compositions.

15 cl, 4 dwg

Description

Example embodiments relate to electronic vaping or e-vaping devices and cartridges for e-vaping devices.

E-vaping devices, also referred to herein as electronic vaping devices (EVDs), can be used by adult vapers for manual vaping. An e-vaping device can vaporize a vaporized compound to produce vapor. An E-vaping device may comprise a container that holds the vaporized composition and a heater that vaporizes the vaporized composition (see, for example, technical solutions disclosed in publications US 2014366898 A1 and RU 2509516 C2).

In some cases, an e-vaping device may contain multiple vaporized compounds. However, in some cases, separate vaporized compounds may react with each other when held in the container of an e-vaping device. Such reactions may result in deterioration of one or more vaporized formulations and/or the formation of one or more reaction products, thereby reducing the life of the vaping device part.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a cartridge for an e-vaping device may comprise a housing; at least first and second containers located inside the housing; and at least first and second evaporation units located inside the housing at opposite ends of the first and second containers. The housing may include first and second ends. The first and second containers may be located within the housing between its first and second ends. The first and second containers may be configured to hold the first and second vaporizable compositions, respectively. The first and second evaporation units may be located inside the housing at opposite ends of the first and second containers. The first evaporation unit may be connected to the first container. The first vaporizer assembly may be configured to vaporize the first vaporizable composition to generate the first vapor closer to the first end than to the second end. The second evaporation unit may be connected to the second container. The second vaporizer assembly may be configured to vaporize a second vaporizable composition to generate a second vapor closer to the second end than to the first end.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first vaporization assembly may include a first dispensing adapter configured to draw a first vaporizable composition from the first container, and a first heater coupled to the first dispensing adapter. The first heater may be configured to vaporize the drawn first vaporizable composition. The second evaporator assembly may include a second dispensing adapter configured to draw a second vaporizable composition from the second container, and a second heater connected to the second dispensing adapter. The second heater may be configured to vaporize the drawn second vaporizable composition.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first dispensing adapter may comprise a porous material located in fluid communication with the first heater.

In some exemplary embodiments, the porous material may be a wick having an elongated shape and located in fluid communication with the first container.

In some example embodiments, the wick may extend at least partially through the first heater.

In some exemplary embodiments, the second dispensing adapter may comprise a porous material located in fluid communication with the second heater.

In some exemplary embodiments, the porous material may be a wick having an elongated shape and located in fluid communication with the second container.

In some example embodiments, the wick may extend at least partially through the second heater.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first and second vaporizer units may be configured to generate the first and second vapors at different intensities.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first and second vaporizer units may be configured to generate the first and second vapors at different times.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the e-vaping device may include a cartridge and a power section. The cartridge may include a housing; at least first and second containers located inside the housing; and at least first and second evaporation units located inside the housing at opposite ends of the first and second containers. The housing may include first and second ends. The first and second containers may be located within the housing between the first and second ends. The first and second containers may be configured to hold the first and second vaporizable compositions, respectively. The first and second evaporation units may be located inside the housing at opposite ends of the first and second containers. The first evaporation unit may be connected to the first container. The first vaporizer assembly may be configured to vaporize the first vaporizable composition to generate the first vapor closer to the first end than to the second end. The second evaporation unit may be connected to the second container. The second vaporizer assembly may be configured to vaporize a second vaporizable composition to generate a second vapor closer to the second end than to the first end. The cartridge may be a cartridge according to the first aspect of the present invention, in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein. The power section may be configured to selectively supply power to the first and second evaporator units.

In some exemplary embodiments, the power section may further comprise control circuitry configured to independently control steam generation of the first and second evaporator units.

In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuitry may be configured to independently control steam generation of the first and second evaporator units by independently controlling the supply of power to the first and second evaporator units.

In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuitry may be configured to cause the first and second evaporator units to generate steam at different times by independently controlling the first and second evaporator units.

In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuitry may be configured to activate a first heater contained in the first vaporizer assembly so as to reduce the viscosity of the second vaporizable composition before controlling the second vaporizer assembly to vaporize the second vaporizer composition.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first vaporization assembly may include a first dispensing adapter configured to draw a first vaporizable composition from the first container, and a first heater coupled to the first dispensing adapter. The first heater may be configured to vaporize the drawn first vaporizable composition. The second evaporator assembly may include a second dispensing adapter configured to draw a second vaporizable composition from the second container, and a second heater connected to the second dispensing adapter. The second heater may be configured to vaporize the drawn second vaporizable composition.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first dispensing adapter may comprise a porous material located in fluid communication with the first heater.

In some exemplary embodiments, the porous material may be a wick having an elongated shape and located in fluid communication with the first container.

In some example embodiments, the wick may extend at least partially through the first heater.

In some exemplary embodiments, the second dispensing adapter may comprise a porous material located in fluid communication with the second heater.

In some exemplary embodiments, the porous material may be a wick having an elongated shape and located in fluid communication with the second container.

In some example embodiments, the wick may extend at least partially through the second heater.

In some example embodiments, the power section may contain a rechargeable battery and be removably coupled to the cartridge.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the method may include configuring the cartridge to generate separate vapors at separate ends of the housing. The configuration may include positioning at least the first and second containers in the housing such that the first and second containers are located between the first and second ends of the housing and are configured to hold the first and second vaporizable compositions, respectively. The configuration may include connecting at least the first and second vaporizer units to opposite ends of the first and second containers such that the first vaporizer assembly is configured to vaporize the first vaporizable composition to generate a first vapor closer to the first end than to the second end, and the second vaporizer assembly is configured to vaporize the second vaporizable composition to generate a second vapor closer to the second end than to the first end.

In some exemplary embodiments, the method may include connecting the cartridge to a power section such that the power section is configured to selectively supply power to the first and second vaporizer units.

In some exemplary embodiments, the power section may include control circuitry configured to control the supply of power from the power section such that, when the cartridge is coupled to the control circuitry, the control circuitry is capable of independently controlling the generation of steam by the first and second evaporator units.

In some exemplary embodiments, the first vaporization assembly may include a first dispensing adapter configured to draw a first vaporizable composition from the first container, and a first heater coupled to the first dispensing adapter. The first heater may be configured to vaporize the drawn first vaporizable composition. The second evaporator assembly may include a second dispensing adapter configured to draw a second vaporizable composition from the second container, and a second heater connected to the second dispensing adapter. The second heater may be configured to vaporize the drawn second vaporizable composition.

Thus, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for an e-vaping device, comprising:

a body containing first and second ends;

at least first and second containers located inside the housing between the first and second ends and configured to hold the first and second vaporizable compositions, respectively; And

at least first and second evaporation units located within the housing at opposite ends of the first and second containers, the first evaporation unit connected to the first container and configured to evaporate the first evaporable composition to generate a first vapor closer to the first end than to the second end, and the second evaporation unit is connected to the second container and configured to evaporate the second evaporable composition to generate a second vapor closer to the second end than to the first end,

wherein the first and second evaporation units are configured to generate the first and second vapors at different times.

Preferably, the first evaporation unit comprises:

a first dispensing adapter configured to draw a first vaporizable composition from the first container, and

a first heater connected to the first dispensing adapter and configured to vaporize the drawn first vaporizable composition; A

the second evaporation unit contains:

a second dispensing adapter configured to draw a second vaporizable composition from the second container, and

a second heater connected to the second dispensing adapter and configured to vaporize the drawn second vaporizable composition.

Preferably, the first and second evaporation units are configured to generate the first and second vapors with different intensities.

According to the second aspect of the invention, an e-vaping device is created containing:

cartridge containing

a body having first and second ends;

at least first and second containers located inside the housing between the first and second ends and configured to hold the first and second vaporizable compositions, respectively; And

at least first and second evaporation units located within the housing at opposite ends of the first and second containers, wherein the first evaporation unit is connected to the first container and configured to evaporate the first evaporable composition to generate the first vapor closer to the first end than to the second end, and the second evaporation unit is connected to the second container and configured to evaporate the second evaporable composition to generate a second vapor closer to the second end than to the first end; And

a power section configured to selectively supply power to the first and second evaporation units;

wherein the power section additionally contains a control circuit configured to independently control the generation of steam by the first and second evaporation units,

wherein the control circuit is configured to initiate the generation of the first steam and the second steam by the first and second evaporation units at different times by independently controlling the first and second evaporation units.

Preferably, the control circuit is configured to independently control the steam generation of the first and second evaporator units by independently controlling the supply of power to the first and second evaporator units.

Preferably, the cartridge further includes at least one outlet, wherein the control circuitry is configured to selectively control the supply of power to the first and second evaporator units so that the first and second pairs pass through the at least one outlet simultaneously.

Preferably, the control circuitry is configured to control the supply of electrical power to the second heater to activate the second heater for a certain period of time before the supply of electrical power to the first heater to activate the first heater.

Preferably, the cartridge further comprises at least one outlet, an interior portion in fluid communication with said at least one outlet and the first evaporator assembly, and a passage providing fluid connection between the second evaporation assembly and the interior. , while a certain period of time corresponds to the time of movement of the second steam through the channel from the second evaporation unit to the internal part.

Preferably, the control circuitry is configured to activate the first heater contained in the first evaporation unit so as to reduce the viscosity of the second evaporable composition before controlling the second evaporation unit to evaporate the second evaporator composition.

Preferably, the first evaporation unit comprises:

a first dispensing adapter configured to draw a first vaporizable composition from the first container, and

a first heater connected to the first dispensing adapter and configured to vaporize the drawn first vaporizable composition; And

the second evaporation unit contains:

a second dispensing adapter configured to draw a second vaporizable composition from the second container, and

a second heater connected to the second dispensing adapter and configured to vaporize the drawn second vaporizable composition.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for configuring an e-vaping device to produce one or more vapors, wherein:

the cartridge is configured to generate separate vapors at separate ends of the shell, wherein when configured:

placing at least the first and second containers in the housing so that the first and second containers are located between the first and second ends of the housing and are configured to hold the first and second vaporizable compositions, respectively;

connecting at least the first and second evaporation units to opposite ends of the first and second containers so that the first evaporation unit is configured to evaporate the first vaporizable composition to generate the first vapor closer to the first end than to the second end, and the second evaporation unit is configured to vaporize a second vaporizable composition to generate a second vapor closer to the second end than to the first end, and

connect the cartridge to the power section in such a way that the power section has the ability to selectively supply power to the first and second evaporation units,

wherein the power section contains a control circuit configured to control the supply of power from the power section so that, as a result of connecting the cartridge to the power section, the control circuit is configured to independently control the generation of steam by the first and second evaporation units,

wherein the control circuit is configured to ensure the generation of the first steam and the second steam by the first and second evaporation units at different times by independently controlling the first and second evaporation units.

Preferably, the cartridge further comprises at least one outlet, the control circuit being configured to selectively control the supply of power to the first and second evaporator units such that the first and second pairs pass through the at least one outlet simultaneously.

Preferably, the control circuit is configured to control the supply of electrical power to the second evaporator unit to activate the second evaporator unit for a certain period of time before the start of the supply of electrical power to the first evaporator unit to activate the first evaporator unit.

Preferably, the cartridge further comprises at least one outlet, an interior portion in fluid communication with said at least one outlet and the first evaporator assembly, and a passage providing fluid connection between the second evaporation assembly and the interior. , while a certain period of time corresponds to the time of movement of the second steam through the channel from the second evaporation unit to the internal part.

Preferably, the first evaporation unit comprises:

a first dispensing adapter configured to draw a first vaporizable composition from the first container, and

a first heater connected to the first dispensing adapter and configured to vaporize the drawn first vaporizable composition; A

the second evaporation unit contains:

a second dispensing adapter configured to draw a second vaporizable composition from the second container, and

a second heater connected to the second dispensing adapter and configured to vaporize the drawn second vaporizable composition.

Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments described herein will become more apparent when the detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying graphics are presented for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims. Accompanying graphics should not be considered to be to scale unless expressly indicated. For clarity, various dimensions in graphics may have been enlarged. On the drawings:

Fig. 1A is a side view of an e-vaping device according to some example embodiments;

Fig. 1B is a cross-sectional view along the line IB-IB' of the e-vaping device of FIG. 1A;

Fig. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for configuring an e-vaping device to produce one or more vapors according to some example embodiments; And

Fig. 3 is a flow diagram showing a method for configuring a cartridge according to some embodiments of the present invention.

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

Accordingly, although the example embodiments may have various modifications and alternative forms, the embodiments shown as examples in the drawings will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the example embodiments are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed, but rather, the example embodiments are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives within the scope of the example embodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the drawing descriptions.

It should be understood that if an element or layer is referred to as "located on", "connected to", "associated with" or "covering" another element or layer, it may be directly located on, connected to, associated with or may cover another element or layer, or intermediate elements or layers may be present. Conversely, if an element is designated as “directly located on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly associated with” another element or layer, then there are no intermediate elements or layers. Like numbers refer to like items throughout the description.

It should be understood that although the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers or sections, these elements, regions, layers or sections are not intended to be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, area, layer or section from another element, area, layer or section. Therefore, the first element, region, layer or section described below may be referred to as the second element, region, layer or section without departing from the ideas set forth in the example embodiments.

Terms of relative spatial location (e.g., “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc.) may be used herein for the purpose of simplifying description to reveal the relationship of one element or feature to another. element or feature shown in the drawings. It should be understood that the terms of relative spatial arrangement are intended to cover various orientations of the device during use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, then elements described as being located "under" or "below" other elements or features will appear to be located "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the term "under" can cover locations both above and below. The device may be oriented in a different manner (rotated 90 degrees or positioned in other orientations), and the definitions of relative spatial arrangement used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is intended to describe various embodiments only and is not intended to limit examples of embodiments. As used herein, singular forms are intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “contains,” and “comprising,” when used herein, indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components or groups thereof.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations, which are schematic representations of idealized embodiments (or intermediate structures) of example embodiments. As such, changes in the forms of said illustrations are to be expected as a result of changes in, for example, manufacturing techniques or tolerances. Therefore, exemplary embodiments should not be construed as being limited to the shapes of the regions depicted herein, but should include variations in shape that are due, for example, to the manufacturing process.

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

In fig. 1A is a side view of an e-vaping device 60 according to some example embodiments. In fig. 1B is a cross-sectional view along line IB-IB' of the e-vaping device of FIG. 1A. The E-vaping device 60 may include one or more of the features set forth in U.S. Patent Application Published No. 2013/0192623 to Tucker et al., published Jan. 31, 2013, and U.S. Patent Application Published No. 2013/0192619 to Tucker et al. , published January 14, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As used herein, the term “e-vaping device” includes all types of electronic vaping devices, regardless of their model, size or shape.

According to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the e-vaping device 60 includes a replaceable cartridge (or first section) 70 and a refillable power section (or second section) 72. The sections 70, 72 are connected to each other via complementary connectors 74, 84 of the corresponding sections 70, 72.

In at least some example embodiments, connectors 74, 84 may be threaded connectors. However, it should be appreciated that each of the connectors 74, 84 may be any type of connector, including a close-fit connector, a latch, a clamp, a bayonet connector, a latch, and combinations thereof. The one or more connectors 74, 84 may include a cathode connector, an anode connector, some combination thereof, etc. for electrically connecting one or more elements of the cartridge 70 to one or more power sources 12 in the power section 72 by interconnecting connectors 74, 84. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, connector 74 includes a connecting element 91 configured to electrically connect evaporator units 30A, 30B to power supplies 12 when connectors 74, 84 are interconnected.

As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in some example embodiments, an outlet end insert 20 is located at the outlet end of the cartridge 70. The outlet end insert 20 includes at least one outlet 21 that may be positioned offset from the longitudinal axis of the e-vaping device 60. The at least one outlet 21 may be inclined outward relative to the longitudinal axis of the e-vaping device 60. The outlet openings 21 may be uniformly or substantially uniformly distributed around the perimeter of the outlet end insert 20 such that there is a uniform or substantially uniform distribution of vapor drawn through the at least one outlet opening 21 during vaping. Therefore, by drawing steam through the at least one outlet 21, it is possible to move steam in different directions.

The cartridge 70 includes an outer housing 16 extending in the longitudinal direction and an inner tube (or flue) 62 coaxially disposed within the outer housing 16. The supply section 72 includes an outer housing 17 extending in the longitudinal direction. In some example embodiments, the outer housing 16 may be a one-piece tube housing both the cartridge 70 and the power section 72, and the entire e-vaping device 60 may be disposable. Each of the outer housings 16, 17 may have a generally circular cross-section. In some exemplary embodiments, each of the outer housings 16, 17 may have a generally or substantially triangular cross-section along the cartridge 70 and/or power section 72. In some exemplary embodiments, the circumference or dimensions of the outer housing 17 at its upper end may be greater than the circumference or dimensions of the outer housing 16 at the outlet end of the e-vaping device 60.

At one end of the inner tube 62, a protruding portion of the gasket (or seal) 15 is inserted inside the end portion of the inner tube 62. The outer perimeter of the gasket 15 provides at least a partial seal with the inner surface of the outer housing 16. In some example embodiments, the gasket 15 includes channels extending through the spacer 15 between the outer housing 16 and the inner tube 62. The outer surface of the inner tube 62 and the outer housing 16 at least partially define the annular channel 61. One or more channels through the annular portion of the spacer 18 provide connectivity between the annular channel 61 and the space 65, formed between the spacer 15 and the connecting member 91. The connecting member 91 may be included in the adapter 74.

In some example embodiments, a protruding portion of another spacer 18 is inserted inside another end portion of the inner tube 62. In some example embodiments, the spacer 18 includes passages through the spacer 18 between the outer housing 16 and the inner tube 62. One or more channels through the annular portion of the spacer 18 may provide a connection between the annular channel 61 and the inner area 67 of the outlet end insert 20.

In some exemplary embodiments, at least one air inlet port 44 is formed in the outer housing 16 adjacent to the connector 74 to minimize the likelihood that an adult vaper's fingers will block one of the ports and to regulate resistance-to-draw. RTD) while vaping. In some exemplary embodiments, air inlet ports 44 may be machined into the outer housing 16 using precision tooling so that their diameters are reliably controlled and reproducible from one e-vaping device 60 to another during the manufacturing process.

In yet another example embodiment, air inlet holes 44 may be drilled using carbide drills or other precision tools or techniques. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the outer housing 16 may be formed from metal or metal alloys so as to prevent the size and shape of the air inlet openings 44 from changing during manufacturing, packaging, or vaping operations. Therefore, the air inlets 44 can provide a stable RTD. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the air inlets 44 may be sized and shaped such that the RTD of the e-vaping device 60 is in the range of about 60 millimeters of water column to about 150 millimeters of water column.

According to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, cartridge 70 includes at least a first container 22A and a second container 22B. The space formed between the spacers 18 and 15 and the inner tube 62 at least partially defines the boundaries of the containers 22A, 22B. Said space is at least partially divided by one or more partitions 23 into a plurality of separate containers 22A, 22B. The separate containers 22A, 22B may be separate and unconnected containers 22A, 22B. In some example embodiments, the separate containers 22A, 22B are configured to hold different vaporizable compositions. For example, the separate containers 22A, 22B may contain different sets of storage media configured to store different vaporizable compositions.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the first and second containers 22A, 22B are located within the outer body 16 of the cartridge 70 between opposite ends of the cartridge 70. In the following description, the end of the cartridge 70 on which the outlet end insert 20 (outlet end) is located is referred to as the first end, and that end on which the adapter 74 (upper end) is located is referred to as the second end. The first end and the second end are opposite ends of the cartridge 70, and the first and second containers 22A, 22B are located between these opposite ends.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second containers 22A, 22B extend parallel in the longitudinal direction through the cartridge 70, however, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the first and second receptacles 22A, 22B extend parallel in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 70. In some exemplary embodiments, opposite ends, respectively, of the first and second receptacles 22A, 22B are aligned in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 70. however, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this.

Cartridge 70 contains a group of at least first and second evaporator units 30A, 30B connected to corresponding separate containers 22A, 22B. The first evaporator unit 30A is connected to the first container 22A. The second evaporation unit 30B is connected to the second container 22V. In some example embodiments, the e-vaping device 60 may include more than two vaporizer units.

According to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the first and second evaporator units 30A, 30B are connected to respective separate tanks 22A, 22B at opposite ends of the tanks 22A, 22B. For example, the first evaporator assembly 30A is connected to the first container 22A at the end of the containers 22A, 22B proximal to said first end. As a result, at least a portion of the first evaporator assembly 30A extends through the interior region 67 of the outlet end insert 20 at the first end of the cartridge 70. In yet another example, the second evaporator assembly 30B is connected to the second container 22B at the end of the containers 22A, 22B proximal to the second end. As a result, at least a portion of the second evaporator assembly 30B extends through the space 65.

The first and second evaporator units 30A, 30B are configured to generate corresponding separate first and second vapors. The first and second vaporizer assemblies 30A, 30B may draw separate vaporizable compounds from their respective containers 22A, 22B. The first and second vaporizer units 30A, 30B may vaporize the respective drawn first and second vaporizable compositions to produce first and second vapors, respectively. The first container 22A and the second container 22B may hold different vaporizable compositions such that the first and second pairs are respective different pairs. The first and second pairs may be formed closer to the respective opposite ends of the cartridge 70. Consequently, separate pairs may be formed in spatially separated areas of the cartridge 70.

According to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the evaporator assemblies 30A, 30B include corresponding separate dispensing adapters 31A, 31B and associated heaters 34A, 34B. For example, the first evaporator assembly 30A includes a dispensing adapter 31A and a first heater 34A. The first heater 34A is connected to the dispensing adapter 31A. In addition, the second evaporator assembly 30B includes a dispensing adapter 31B and a second heater 34B. The second heater 34B is connected to the dispensing adapter 31B.

The dispensing adapter 31A is configured to draw at least one vaporizable composition from the first container 22A. The first heater 34A is configured to heat the vaporizable compositions drawn by the dispensing adapter 31A to vaporize the vaporizable compositions and generate a first vapor.

The dispensing adapter 31B is configured to draw at least one vaporizable composition from the second container 22B. The second heater 34B is configured to heat the vaporizable compositions drawn by the dispensing adapter 31B to vaporize said vaporizable compositions and generate a second vapor.

In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the dispensing adapters 31A, 31B contains an absorption material. The absorption material may be positioned in fluid communication with a corresponding heater 34A, 34B coupled to a given at least one dispensing adapter 31A, 31B. The absorption material may include a wick having an elongated shape. The wick may be positioned in fluid communication with at least one of the containers 22A, 22B.

In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the dispensing adapters 31A, 31B comprises porous material. For example, at least one of the dispensing adapters 31A, 31B may include at least one ceramic rod configured to direct vaporizable composition from at least one of the containers 22A, 22B through the interior region of the at least one ceramic rod. In yet another example, at least one of the dispensing adapters 31A, 31B may comprise at least one wick material that is configured to direct vaporizable composition through an interior region of the at least one wick material. The wick material may be a flexible wick material.

In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the dispensing adapters 31A, 31B comprises a non-porous material. For example, at least one of the dispensing adapters 31A, 31B may include a channel device that includes a channel and is configured to direct vaporizable composition from at least one of the containers 22A, 22B through said channel. In another example, at least one of the dispensing adapters 31A, 31B may include a drip device. In yet another example, at least one of the dispensing adapters 31A, 31B may include a valve configured to direct vaporizable composition from at least one of the containers 22A, 22B using activation of said valve.

In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the dispensing adapters 31A, 31B may include a tube and one or more legs extending from the tube. Said one or more legs may be a plurality of legs separately connected to the separate containers such that the legs extend inside said separate containers. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, dispensing adapter 31A includes a tube 33A and a leg 32A. A leg 32A extends from the tube 33A into the first container 22A. In addition, as further shown in FIG. 1B, dispensing adapter 31B includes a tube 33B and a leg 32B. Leg 32B extends from tube 33B into the second container 22B.

According to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, heaters 34A, 34B are coupled to respective dispensing adapters 31A, 31B on respective tubes 33A, 33B and can separately vaporize vaporizable compounds drawn into tubes 33A, 33B through respective legs 32A, 32B, thereby forming separate pairs. For example, the first heater 34A is connected to the tube 33A. The first heater 34A may be configured to vaporize the vaporizable composition drawn into the tube 33A from the first container 22A through the leg 32A. The second heater 34B is connected to the tube 33B. The second heater 34B may be configured to vaporize the vaporizable composition drawn into the tube 33B from the second container 22B through the leg 32B.

In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the dispensing adapters 31A, 31B may contain one or more ceramic materials extending into the container. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the dispensing adapters 31A, 31B may comprise porous material extending within one or more containers 22A, 22B.

According to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, during vaping, the vaporized composition may be transferred from the first container 22A due to the capillary action of the dispensing adapter 31A. The vaporized composition may be drawn into the tube 33A of the dispensing adapter 31A. The first heater 34A may at least partially surround a portion of the tube 33A such that, upon activation of the first heater 34A, one or more vaporizable compositions drawn within the tube 33A can be vaporized by the first heater 34A to form an aerosol. In some example embodiments, including the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the first heater 34A completely surrounds the tube 33A.

During vaping, the vaporized composition may be transferred from the second container 22B due to the capillary action of the dispensing adapter 31B. The vaporized composition may be drawn into the tube 33B of the dispensing adapter 31B. The second heater 34B may at least partially surround a portion of the tube 33B such that, upon activation of the second heater 34B, one or more vaporizable compositions drawn within the tube 33B can be vaporized by the heater 34B to produce vapor. In some example embodiments, including the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the second heater 34B completely surrounds the tube 33B.

As mentioned above with reference to FIGS. 1A and FIG. 1B, the first and second vaporizer assemblies 30A, 30B may be configured to generate respective separate first and second vapors near respective opposite ends of the cartridge 70. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the first evaporator assembly 30A is configured to generate a first vapor by evaporation by the first heater 34A of a first vaporizable composition drawn into the tube 33A of the dispensing adapter 31A. As further mentioned above, the end of the cartridge 70 on which the outlet end insert 20 (outlet end) is located is referred to as the first end, and the end on which the adapter 74 is located (top end) is referred to as the second end. The tube 33A and the first heater 34A are located in the inner region 67 near the first end. As a result, since the first evaporator unit 30A is connected to the first container 22A at the end of the containers 22A, 22B that is close to the first end, it is possible to generate steam closer to the first end than to the second end.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1B, the second evaporator assembly 30B is configured to generate a second vapor by evaporation by the second heater 34B of a second vaporizable composition drawn into the tube 33B of the dispensing adapter 31B. Tube 33B and second heater 34B are located in space 65 near the second end. As a result, since the second evaporator unit 30B is connected to the second container 22B at those ends of the containers 22A, 22B that are located near the second end, it is possible to generate a second steam closer to the second end than to the first end.

By allowing the first and second vapors to be generated separately closer to, respectively, the first and second ends of the cartridge 70, it is possible for the first and second vapors to be generated near opposite ends of the containers 22A, 22B. Therefore, it is possible to locate the capacitors 22A, 22B between those areas in the cartridge 70 in which the first and second pairs are formed. This allows the first and second vapors to form in spatially separated areas in the cartridge 70.

According to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in some exemplary embodiments, it is possible to draw spatially separated first and second vapors through the at least one outlet 21 at different times during vaping due to the spatial separation of the regions in which the first and second vapors are generated in the cartridge 70. For example, , the second steam may be drawn through the at least one outlet 21 as a result of passing through the space 65, the annular channel 61 and the internal area 67, while the first steam may be drawn through the at least one outlet 21 through the internal area 67 The second steam may take a longer path to be drawn through the at least one outlet 21 compared to the path that the first steam may take to be drawn through the at least one outlet 21. Therefore, in If the first and second vapors are generated simultaneously or in concert in the respective separate areas 67, 65 during vaping, it is possible to draw the first vapor through the at least one outlet 21 before the second vapor is drawn through the at least one outlet 21, even though the first and second pairs may have been formed simultaneously or in concert.

Therefore, by spatially separating the regions in which the first and second pairs are formed, it is possible to create a time difference between the times at which the first and second pairs are drawn through the at least one outlet 21. In some example embodiments, due to the drawing separate vapors through said at least one outlet 21 at different times, it is possible to create an improved sensory experience. In some exemplary embodiments, by spatially separating the vapor generation regions, it is possible to separate the vapor generation moments in time without the use of complex circuitry by allowing the heaters 34A, 34B to be activated simultaneously or in concert rather than in accordance with a complex activation sequence.

According to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in some example embodiments, the cartridge 70 is configured to cause the vaporizer units 30A, 30B to produce separate vapors at different intensities. For example, the vaporizer units 30A, 30B may be configured to cause the heaters 34A, 34B to generate heat at different rates so that the first and second vapors are generated at different rates. Heaters 34A, 34B may contain different materials. One or more electrical circuits contained in the e-vaping device 60 may control and/or regulate one or more electrical power parameters supplied to the one or more heaters 34A, 34B. The above adjustable electric power parameters may include a voltage of the electric power.

According to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, cartridge 70 includes a connecting element 91 configured to at least partially make electrical connections between elements in cartridge 70 on the one hand and one or more elements in power section 72 on the other. In some example embodiments, the connecting element 91 includes an electrode element configured to electrically connect at least one electrical terminal to a power supply 12 in the power section by interconnecting connectors 74, 84. In some example embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A and FIG. 1B, for example, the electrical terminals 26-1 and 26-3 are connected to the connection element 91. The electrode element may be one or more cathode connection elements and anode connection elements. By interconnecting the connectors 74, 84, it is possible to connect the connecting element 91 to at least one portion of the power source 12, as shown in FIG. 1B.

In some exemplary embodiments, one or more connectors 74, 84 include a cathode coupling member and/or an anode coupling member. In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B, for example, electrical terminals 26-2 and 26-4 are connected to connector 74. Referring to FIG. 1B, power section 72 includes a terminal 92 that connects control circuit 11 to connector 84. When connectors 74, 84 are interconnected, connected connectors 74, 84 allow terminals 26-2 and 26-4 to be electrically connected to terminal 92.

By connecting an element in the cartridge 70 to terminals 26-1 and 26-2 or terminals 26-3 and 26-4, it is possible to form an electrical circuit passing through the cartridge 70 and the power section 72. The generated electrical circuit may include at least one element in the cartridge 70, a circuit 11, and a power source 12. Said electrical circuit may include terminal 92, connectors 74, 84, terminals 26-1, 26-2 and/or terminals 26-3, 26-4.

In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, heater 34A is connected to connector 74 and connector 91 via terminals 26-1 and 26-2 so that heater 34A can be electrically connected to power supply 12 through connector 74 and connector 91 when connectors 74, 84 are interconnected.

In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, heater 34B is connected to connector 74 and connector 91 via respective terminals 26-3 and 26-4 so that heater 34B can be electrically coupled to power supply 12 through connector 74 and connector 91 when connectors 74, 84 are interconnected.

The control circuit 11, further described below, is configured to be connected to the power supply 12, such that the control circuit 11 is capable of controlling the supply of electrical power from the power source 12 to one or more elements of the cartridge 70. The control circuit 11 can control the supply of electrical power to said elements by controlling the generated electrical circuit. For example, the control circuit 11 may selectively open or close said electrical circuit, regulate electric current through said circuit, and the like.

According to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the power section 72 includes a sensor 13 responsive to air drawn into the power section 72 through an air inlet 44a adjacent the free end or upper end of the e-vaping device 60, a power source 12, and a control circuit 11. The power source 12 may include a battery. Sensor 13 may be one or more pressure sensors, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors, or the like.

In some example embodiments, the power source 12 includes a battery located in the e-vaping device 60 such that its anode is located downstream of the cathode. The connecting element 91 contacts the downstream end of the battery. Both heaters 34A, 34B are connected to the power source 12 through corresponding groups of electrical terminals 26-1, 26-2 and 26-3, 26-4, with terminals 26-1 and 26-3 connected to the connecting element 91, and terminals 26- 2 and 26-4 are connected to connector 74.

The power source 12 may be a lithium-ion battery or one of its variants, for example, a lithium-ion polymer battery. Alternatively, power source 12 may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lithium-manganese battery, a lithium-cobalt battery, or a fuel cell. The E-vaping device 60 can be used by an adult vaper until the energy in the power supply 12 is used up, or, in the case of a lithium polymer battery, until a minimum voltage cut-off level is reached.

In addition, the power supply 12 may be rechargeable and include circuitry that allows the battery to be charged using an external charger. A universal serial bus (USB) charger or other suitable charger may be used to recharge the e-vaping device 60.

Once the connection between the cartridge 70 and the power section 72 is complete, at least one power source 12 is allowed to be electrically coupled to the heaters 34A, 34B of the cartridge 70 when the sensor 13 is activated. Air is drawn substantially into the cartridge 70 through one or more inlet ports 44 for air. Said one or more air inlet openings 44 may be located along the outer housing 16, 17 of the first and second sections 70, 72 or in connected connectors 74, 84.

Sensor 13 may be configured to detect a drop in air pressure and initiate voltage from power source 12 to heaters 34A, 34B. As shown in the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B, some example embodiments of the power section 72 include a heater activation indicator light 48 configured to illuminate when at least one of the heaters 34A, 34B is activated. The heater activation indicator light 48 may include a light emitting diode (LED). Additionally, the heater activation indicator light 48 may be positioned so that it is visible to an adult vaper while vaping. In addition, the heater activation light 48 may be used to diagnose the e-vaping system or to indicate that it is currently recharging. The heater activation light 48 may also be configured to allow an adult vaper to activate and/or deactivate the heater activation light 48 for privacy purposes. As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, a heater activation indicator light 48 may be located on the upper end of the e-vaping device 60. In some example embodiments, the heater activation indicator light 48 may be located on a side portion of the outer housing 17.

In addition, the at least one air inlet 44a is located adjacent to the sensor 13 so that the sensor 13 can detect an air flow indicating that the vaper is taking a puff through the outlet end 20 and activate the power source 12 and the heater activation indicator light 48 to notify that said one or more heaters 34A, 34B are currently operating.

In addition, the control circuit 11 may control the supply of electrical power to one or more heaters 34A, 34B in accordance with a signal from the sensor 13. In one example embodiment, the control circuit 11 may include a limiter that specifies a maximum period of time. In another exemplary embodiment, the control circuit 11 may include a manually operated switch for initiating vaping by an adult vaper. The timing of supplying electric current to one or more heaters 34A, 34B may be preset (eg, before controlling the supply of electric power to one or more heaters 34A, 34B) depending on the amount of vaporized composition required for vaporization. In some example embodiments, control circuit 11 may control electrical power to one or more heaters 34A, 34B while sensor 13 detects a pressure drop.

To control the supply of electrical power to at least one of the heaters 34A, 34B, the control circuit 11 may execute one or more computer readable codes. The control circuit 11 may include a processor and a memory. Memory may be a computer-readable storage medium that stores computer-executable code.

The control circuit 11 may comprise a processing circuit including, but not limited to, a processor, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (field programmable gate array, FPGA), system-on-chip (SoC), programmable logic module, microprocessor, or other devices capable of responding to instructions and executing them in a specific way. In some example embodiments, the control circuit 11 may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and an ASIC chip.

The control circuit 11 is designed as a special-purpose machine that executes computer-readable program code stored in a memory device. The program code may comprise at least one of the following: a program or computer-readable instructions, program elements, program modules, data files, data structures, and the like, capable of being executed by one or more hardware devices, such as one or more of the above-mentioned circuits management. Examples of program code include both machine code generated by a compiler and higher-level program code that is executed using an interpreter.

The control circuit 11 may include one or more data storage devices. The one or more storage devices may be a tangible or non-volatile computer-readable storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a read only mass storage device (such as a disk drive), a solid state device (such as NAND flash) and any other storage mechanisms capable of storing and writing data. The one or more storage devices may be configured to store computer programs, program codes, instructions, or some combination thereof for one or more operating systems and/or for implementing the embodiments described herein. Said computer programs, program codes, instructions, or some combination thereof may also be loaded from a separate computer-readable storage medium into said one or more storage devices and/or one or more computer processing devices using a disk drive. Such separate computer-readable storage media may be at least one of the following: a USB flash drive, flash memory, Blu-ray/DVD/CD-ROM drive, memory stick, and other similar computer-readable storage media. Said computer programs, program codes, instructions, or some combination thereof may be loaded into said one or more storage devices and/or one or more computer processing devices from a remote storage device via a network interface rather than via a local computer-readable storage medium. . In addition, said computer programs, program codes, instructions, or some combination thereof may be loaded into said one or more storage devices and/or processors from a remote computer system that is configured to transmit and/or distribute the computer programs, program codes, instructions or some combination thereof via the network. The remote computer system may transmit and/or distribute computer programs, program codes, instructions, or some combination thereof through at least one of a wired interface, a wireless interface, and any other similar transmission medium.

The control circuit 11 may be a special purpose machine capable of executing computer executable codes to control the supply of electrical power to one or more heaters 34A, 34B. In some exemplary embodiments, a variant of the computer-executable code, when executed by the control circuit 11, initiates control of electrical power to one or more heaters 34A, 34B by the control circuit in accordance with an activation sequence. The expressions “controlling the supply of electrical power to one or more heaters 34A, 34B” and “activating one or more heaters 34A, 34B” may be used interchangeably herein.

According to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, when at least one of the heaters 34A, 34B is activated, the activated heater among the heaters 34A, 34B is able to heat the portion of the dispensing adapter connected thereto among the dispensing adapters 31A, 31B in less than 10 seconds. Therefore, the power cycle (or maximum vaping duration) may range from about 2 seconds to about 10 seconds (e.g., from about 3 seconds to about 9 seconds, from about 4 seconds to about 8 seconds, or from about 5 seconds to about 7 seconds).

In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 11 of the e-vaping device 60 is configured to independently control the separate heaters 34A, 34B to independently control the production of the first and second vapors. This independent control provides the ability to regulate the sensory perception created by the adult vaper.

According to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 11 controls the separate heaters 34A, 34B by controlling the supply of electrical power from the power supply 12 to the respective separate heaters 34A, 34B. The control circuit 11 can control the supply of electric power in accordance with the activation sequence so that activation of the heaters 34A, 34B and generation of the first and second vapors occur in accordance with the specified activation sequence. The control circuit 11 may control the supply of electrical power to the heaters 34A, 34B such that both heaters 34A, 34B are activated simultaneously or in concert.

The control circuit 11 may selectively control the supply of electrical power to the heaters 34A, 34B such that the heaters 34A, 34B are activated during separate, at least partially overlapping periods of time. The control circuit 11 may selectively control the supply of electrical power to the heaters 34A, 34B such that the heaters 34A, 34B are activated during separate, non-overlapping periods of time. In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 11 may selectively control the supply of electrical power to the heaters 34A, 34B such that the first and second vapors pass through the at least one outlet 21 simultaneously or in concert, thereby providing mixed vapor to an adult vaper.

The control circuit 11 can selectively control the supply of electric power to the heaters 34A, 34B so that the formation of the first and second vapors occurs at different times. For example, the control circuit 11 may control the supply of electrical power to the second heater 34B to activate the second heater 34B for a certain period of time before the electrical power is supplied to the first heater 34A to activate the first heater 34A. Said specific period of time may be associated with the time of movement of the second steam to one or more parts of the internal region 67 from the space 65 through the channel 61 such that the control circuit 11 activates the first heater 34A to generate the first steam for approximately the same time as the second vapor passes through at least a portion of the inner region 67. As a result, the first vapor is allowed to form in the inner region 67 simultaneously or in concert with at least partial passage of the second vapor through the inner region 67. The first and second pairs can be at least partially mixed during internal area 67 with the formation of mixed steam. The mixed steam contains a mixture of first and second steams, wherein the first and second steams are mixed as a result of the simultaneous or coordinated passage of these first and second steams through the at least one outlet 21.

In some exemplary embodiments, control circuit 11 is configured to independently regulate the respective intensities at which separate pairs are produced in cartridge 70. For example, control circuit 11 may be configured to regulate the voltage of electrical power supplied to one or more heaters 34A, 34B, so that the heaters 34A, 34B generate heat at different rates. The control circuit 11 may be configured to regulate the power voltage supplied to one or more heaters 34A, 34B such that steam generation under the action of the second heater 34B occurs at a reduced steam generation rate compared to the steam generation rate under the second heater 34B. by the action of the first heater 34A.

According to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 11 may selectively control electrical power to the heaters 34A, 34B of the split evaporator units 30A, 30B to initiate control of steam production in at least one of the split evaporator units 30A, 30B. For example, the control circuit 11 may activate the second heater 34B before activating the first heater 34A so that the heat generated by the second heater 34B is transferred to at least the first container 22A to which the first evaporator assembly 30A is connected. The heat transferred to the first container 22A may be transferred to the first vaporizable composition held in the first container 22A, thereby heating the first vaporizable composition. Heating the first vaporizable composition may cause one or more properties of the first vaporizable composition to change. For example, the viscosity of the first vaporizable composition may decrease as a result of heating the first vaporizable composition.

Following the transfer of heat to the first container 22A, the control circuit 11 may activate the first heater 34A, and it is possible to control the production of vapor under the action of the first heater 34A by changing the properties of the first composition to be vaporized. For example, the first vaporizable composition may be drawn through the dispensing adapter 31A into the tube 33A at a higher rate after heat is transferred from the second heater 34B to the first container 22A. In yet another example, the heated first vaporizable composition may be vaporized at a higher rate by the first heater 34A as a result of heat transfer. Therefore, the circuit 11 has the ability to control the generation of steam by indirectly heating the vaporizable composition in a given one of the tanks 22A, 22B under the influence of heat generated by at least one of the vaporizer units 30A, 30B connected to one of the separate tanks 22A, 22B. By controlling the vapor production in this way, it is possible to control the amount of vapor drawn through the at least one outlet 21 during vaping, and thus improves the sensory experience provided by the e-vaping device 60 including the vaporizer units 30A, 30B and the control circuit 11 .

According to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, in some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the heaters 34A, 34B may be absent from at least one of the vaporizer assemblies 30A, 30B, such that at least one of the vaporizer assemblies 30A, 30B may be configured to generate steam using heat generated in another of the evaporator units 30A, 30B. For example, the second heater 34B may not be present in the dispensing adapter 31B. The second evaporator unit 30B may be configured to generate steam using steam generated by the first evaporator unit 30A in fluid communication with the dispensing adapter 31B. The steam generated by the first evaporator unit 30A can retain heat generated by the first heater 34A contained in the first evaporator unit 30A. The vapor generated by the first evaporation unit 30A may transfer at least some heat to the dispensing sub 31B, thereby causing vaporization of the vaporized composition held by the dispensing sub 31B. In some exemplary embodiments, the steam generated by the first vaporizer assembly 30A may remove (eg, flush out) one or more elements of the vaporizable composition from the dispensing adapter 31B.

A vaporizable composition described herein is a material or combination of materials that can be converted into vapor. For example, the vaporizable formulation may be at least one of the following: a liquid, solid or gel formulation containing, but not limited to, water, granules, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts and natural or artificial flavors and aerosol-forming agents , such as glycerin and propylene glycol. Different vaporized formulations may contain different elements. Different vaporized compounds may have different properties. For example, different vaporizable compositions may have different viscosities when the different vaporizable compositions are at the same temperature. Vaporizable formulations may include those described in US Patent Application Published No. 2015/0020823, by Lipowicz et al., published July 16, 2014, and US Patent Application Published No. 2015/0313275, by Anderson et al., published 21 January 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The vaporized composition may contain nicotine or it may not contain nicotine. The vaporized composition may contain one or more tobacco flavoring agents. The vaporized composition may contain one or more flavoring agents that are separate from one or more tobacco flavoring agents.

In some example embodiments, the vaporizer composition that contains nicotine may also contain one or more acids. Said one or more acids may be at least one of the following: pyruvic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, propionic acid, octanoic acid, lactic acid, levulinic acid, sorbic acid , malic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, oleic acid, aconitic acid, butyric acid, cinnamic acid, capric acid, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octanoic acid, 1-glutamic acid, heptanoic acid, caproic acid, 3-caproic acid, trans-2-caproic acid, isobutyric acid, lauric acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, myristic acid, nonanoic acid, palmitic acid, 4-pentenoic acid, phenylacetic acid, 3- phenylpropionic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid and combinations thereof.

At least one of the containers 22A, 22B may contain a vaporizable composition and, optionally, a storage medium configured to store the vaporizable composition. The storage medium may comprise a cotton gauze wrap around a portion of the cartridge 70.

The storage medium in one or more containers 22A, 22B may be a fiber material containing at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon, and combinations thereof. The fibers may have a diameter ranging from about 6 microns to about 15 microns (eg, from about 8 microns to about 12 microns or from about 9 microns to about 11 microns). The storage medium may be a sintered, porous or foamed material. In addition, the fibers may be sized to prevent inhalation, and their cross-section may be Y-shaped, cross-shaped, clover-shaped, or any other suitable shape. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more containers 22A, 22B may contain a filled container that does not contain any storage material and contains only the vaporizable composition.

At least one of the containers 22A, 22B may be sized and shaped to hold a sufficient amount of vaporized composition to allow the e-vaping device 60 to be configured to vape for at least about 200 seconds. The E-vaping device 60 may be configured to allow each vaping act to last up to a maximum of 5 seconds.

At least one of the dispensing adapters 31A, 31B may include threads (or strands) capable of drawing one or more vaporizable compounds. For example, at least one of the dispensing adapters 31A, 31B may be a bundle of glass (or ceramic) filaments, a bundle containing a group of twisted glass filaments, etc., all of which may be capable of drawing in the vaporized composition by capillary action created by voids in the spaces between these threads. The filaments may be generally aligned in a direction perpendicular (transverse) to the longitudinal direction of the e-vaping device 60. In some example embodiments, the wick may contain from one to eight filament bundles, each of which contains a plurality of glass filaments twisted together. The end portions of at least one of the dispensing adapters 31A, 31B may be flexible and capable of bending inward of the boundaries of one or more containers 22A, 22B. The cross-section of the threads may be substantially cross-shaped, clover-shaped, Y-shaped, or any other suitable shape. In some example embodiments, at least one of the dispensing adapters 31A, 31B includes a plurality of separate wicks connected to each other. The connected portions of the wicks may form a dispenser tube, and the unconnected portions of the wicks extending outward from said tube may constitute one or more legs of the dispenser adapter.

The dispensing adapter may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials, also referred to herein as wick materials. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, glass, ceramic or graphite based materials. The dispensing adapter may have any suitable capillary drawing action to accommodate vaporized compositions having different physical properties such as density, viscosity, surface tension and vapor pressure.

In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the heaters 34A, 34B may include a wire coil that at least partially surrounds the tube 33A, 33B of at least one dispensing adapter 31A, 31B. The wire may be a metal wire. The wire spool may extend entirely or partially along the length of the tube 33A, 33B. The wire spool may further extend completely or partially around the circumference of the tube 33A, 33B. In some exemplary embodiments, the wire spool may or may not be in contact with the dispensing adapter 31A, 31B to which the wire spool is connected.

In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B, the tubes 33A, 33B of the dispensing adapters 31A, 31B are oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 70. The legs 32A, 32B of the dispensing adapters 31A, 31B extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 70 in the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B. In some example embodiments, the tubes of one or more dispensing adapters 31A, 31B may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 70. In some example embodiments, a dispensing adapter having a tube that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 70 may be configured to provide improved vaporization delivery composition from the container to the tube and, therefore, improved evaporation of the evaporated composition. In some exemplary embodiments, a dispensing adapter tube that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 70 may provide improved contact with air drawn through the cartridge 70 during vaping, thereby increasing the amount of vapor drawn into the air stream during vaping.

At least one of the heaters 34A, 34B may be formed from any suitable electrically resistive materials. Examples of suitable electrical resistive materials may include, but are not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin. , gallium-, manganese- and iron-containing alloys, superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt and stainless steel. For example, at least one of the heaters 34A, 34B may be formed from nickel aluminides, alumina layer material, iron aluminides, and other composite materials, and the electrically resistive material may be optionally embedded in, encapsulated in, or coated with the insulating material. them, or vice versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the required external physicochemical properties. At least one of the heaters 34A, 34B may comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of at least one of the following: stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, superalloys, and combinations thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the heaters 34A, 34B may be formed from nickel-chromium alloys or iron-chromium alloys. In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the heaters 34A, 34B may be a ceramic heater having an electrically resistive layer on its outer surface.

At least one of the heaters 34A, 34B may heat one or more vaporizable compositions in at least one of the dispensing adapters 31A, 31B by conduction. Alternatively, heat from at least one of the heaters 34A, 34B may be transferred to said one or more vaporizable compositions via a thermal conductive element, or said at least one of heaters 34A, 34B may transfer heat to incoming ambient air that is drawn through e-vaping device 60 during vaping, which in turn results in heating of the vaporized composition due to convection.

In some exemplary embodiments, the e-vaping device 60 includes more than two vaporizer assemblies that are configured to separately produce respective separate vapors.

In some example embodiments, the cartridge 70 may be replaceable. In other words, when the vaporized composition in the cartridge 70 is used up, only the cartridge 70 can be replaced. An alternative arrangement may include an example embodiment in which the entire e-vaping device 60 can be discarded when the contents of one or more of the receptacles 22A, 22B are consumed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the e-vaping device 60 may have a length of from about 80 millimeters to about 110 millimeters and a diameter of from about 7 millimeters to about 8 millimeters. For example, in one example embodiment, the e-vaping device may have a length of 84 millimeters and a diameter of approximately 7.8 millimeters.

In fig. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for configuring an e-vaping device to produce one or more vapors, according to some example embodiments. Configuration may be made with respect to any embodiments of e-vaping devices included herein. In some example embodiments, one or more configuration steps are performed using a configurator. The configurator may be one or more of the following: a human operator, a machine, some combination thereof, or the like. The machine may be a production machine. The machine may be a special purpose machine configured to be configured by executing program code stored in a memory device.

According to FIG. 2, at step 210, the configurator configures the cartridge (or first section) to produce separate vapors at the separate ends of the cartridge. Such configuration includes configuring the elements of the cartridge, as shown with respect to cartridge 70 in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. Such configuration is described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 3.

At step 220, the configurator configures the power section (or second section) to supply electrical power. Configuring the power section may include one or more of the following: installing the power supply in the power section, charging the power supply in the power section, connecting the control circuit to the power section, etc.

At step 230, the configurator connects the cartridge and the power supply using complementary connectors such that the power supply in the power section is electrically coupled to the heaters included in the separate ends of the cartridge and is capable of being activated to initiate heating by the heaters of the separate vaporizable compositions drawn into the separate ends. ends of the cartridge.

In some exemplary embodiments, the cartridge may be replaced with another cartridge, and that other cartridge may contain a different set of vaporizable compounds.

In fig. 3 is a flowchart showing a method for configuring a cartridge according to some embodiments of the present invention. Configuration 210 may be made with respect to any cartridge embodiments included herein. Such configuration includes configuration of the cartridge elements shown in relation to the cartridge 70 of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. Configuration may be made with respect to any embodiments of e-vaping devices included herein. In some example embodiments, one or more configuration steps are performed using a configurator. The configurator may be one or more of the following: a human operator, a machine, some combination thereof, etc. The machine may be a production machine. The machine may be a special purpose machine configured to be configured by executing program code stored in a memory device.

According to FIG. 3, at step 310, the configurator provides the housing. The housing may include a shell and an opening at one end of the shell.

At step 320, the configurator places a plurality of containers within the cartridge shell between the separate ends of the shell. The containers can be connected via separate housings. Containers can be formed by dividing a shell area within a housing.

At step 330, the configurator connects the separate vaporizer assemblies to corresponding separate groups of one or more containers proximate the separate ends of the interior region of the cartridge body, such that the vaporizer assemblies are configured to draw the separate vaporizable compositions from the separate containers to the separate ends of the shell, and evaporation of separate evaporable compounds at said separate ends. Each evaporation unit may contain a dispensing adapter connected to a group of containers in the cartridge shell. Connecting the dispensing adapter to a group of containers may include connecting the dispensing adapter to portions of the cartridge and guiding the separate legs of the dispensing adapter into the individual containers through said portions of the cartridge. In some exemplary embodiments, the dispensing adapter is coupled to a spacer that seals one end of the containers such that the separate legs of the dispensing adapter extend into the separate containers through the interior area of the gasket. Each evaporator unit may include a heater connected to a dispensing adapter. Each heater may be coupled to the cartridge power section adapter through one or more sets of electrical terminals so as to enable the heaters to receive electrical power from a power source connected to the power section connector.

Although a number of exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein, it should be understood that other embodiments are possible. Such variations should not be construed as beyond the scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (47)

1. Cartridge for an e-vaping device containing: a body containing first and second ends; at least first and second containers located inside the housing between the first and second ends and configured to hold the first and second vaporizable compositions, respectively; And at least first and second evaporation units located within the housing at opposite ends of the first and second containers, the first evaporation unit connected to the first container and configured to evaporate the first evaporable composition to generate a first vapor closer to the first end than to the second end, and the second evaporation unit is connected to the second container and configured to evaporate the second evaporable composition to generate a second vapor closer to the second end than to the first end, wherein the first and second evaporation units are configured to generate the first and second vapors at different times. 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, in which the first evaporation unit contains: a first dispensing adapter configured to draw a first vaporizable composition from the first container, and a first heater connected to the first dispensing adapter and configured to vaporize the drawn first vaporizable composition; A the second evaporation unit contains: a second dispensing adapter configured to draw a second vaporizable composition from the second container, and a second heater connected to the second dispensing adapter and configured to vaporize the drawn second vaporizable composition. 3. The cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, in which the first and second evaporation units are configured to generate the first and second vapors with different intensities. 4. E-vaping device containing: cartridge containing a body having first and second ends; at least first and second containers located inside the housing between the first and second ends and configured to hold the first and second vaporizable compositions, respectively; And at least first and second evaporation units located within the housing at opposite ends of the first and second containers, wherein the first evaporation unit is connected to the first container and configured to evaporate the first evaporable composition to generate the first vapor closer to the first end than to the second end, and the second evaporation unit is connected to the second container and configured to evaporate the second evaporable composition to generate a second vapor closer to the second end than to the first end; And a power section configured to selectively supply power to the first and second evaporation units; wherein the power section additionally contains a control circuit configured to independently control the generation of steam by the first and second evaporation units, wherein the control circuit is configured to initiate the generation of the first steam and the second steam by the first and second evaporation units at different times by independently controlling the first and second evaporation units. 5. The E-vaping device according to claim 4, wherein the control circuit is configured to independently control the generation of vapor by the first and second vaporizer units by independently controlling the power supply to the first and second vaporizer units. 6. The E-vaping device according to claim 5, wherein the cartridge further comprises at least one outlet, wherein the control circuit is configured to selectively control the supply of power to the first and second evaporation units so that the first and second vapors pass through said at least one outlet at a time. 7. The E-vaping device according to claim 5, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the supply of electrical power to the second heater to activate the second heater for a certain period of time before the supply of electrical power to the first heater to activate the first heater. 8. The E-vaping device of claim 7, wherein the cartridge further comprises at least one outlet, an interior portion in fluid communication with said at least one outlet and the first vaporization unit, and a passage providing a fluid connection between the second evaporator unit and the interior, wherein a certain period of time corresponds to the time of movement of the second steam through the channel from the second evaporation unit to the interior. 9. The E-vaping device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the control circuit is configured to activate the first heater contained in the first vaporizer unit so as to reduce the viscosity of the second vaporized composition before controlling the second vaporizer unit to vaporize the second evaporated composition. 10. E-vaping device according to any one of claims 4-9, in which the first evaporation unit contains: a first dispensing adapter configured to draw a first vaporizable composition from the first container, and a first heater connected to the first dispensing adapter and configured to vaporize the drawn first vaporizable composition; And the second evaporation unit contains: a second dispensing adapter configured to draw a second vaporizable composition from the second container, and a second heater connected to the second dispensing adapter and configured to vaporize the drawn second vaporizable composition. 11. A method for configuring an e-vaping device to produce one or more vapors, in which: the cartridge is configured to generate separate vapors at separate ends of the shell, wherein when configured: placing at least the first and second containers in the housing so that the first and second containers are located between the first and second ends of the housing and are configured to hold the first and second vaporizable compositions, respectively; connecting at least the first and second evaporation units to opposite ends of the first and second containers so that the first evaporation unit is configured to evaporate the first vaporizable composition to generate the first vapor closer to the first end than to the second end, and the second evaporation unit is configured to vaporize a second vaporizable composition to generate a second vapor closer to the second end than to the first end, and connect the cartridge to the power section in such a way that the power section has the ability to selectively supply power to the first and second evaporation units, wherein the power section contains a control circuit configured to control the supply of power from the power section so that, as a result of connecting the cartridge to the power section, the control circuit is configured to independently control the generation of steam by the first and second evaporation units, wherein the control circuit is configured to ensure the generation of the first steam and the second steam by the first and second evaporation units at different times by independently controlling the first and second evaporation units. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the cartridge further comprises at least one outlet, wherein the control circuit is configured to selectively control the supply of power to the first and second evaporator units so that the first and second pairs pass through said at least one outlet at the same time. 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the supply of electrical power to the second evaporator unit to activate the second evaporator unit for a certain period of time before the start of supply of electrical power to the first evaporator unit to activate the first evaporator unit. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the cartridge further comprises at least one outlet, an interior portion in fluid communication with said at least one outlet and the first evaporation unit, and a channel providing fluid connection environment between the second evaporation unit and the internal part, wherein a certain period of time corresponds to the time of movement of the second steam through the channel from the second evaporating unit to the internal part. 15. The method according to any one of claims 11-14, in which the first evaporation unit contains: a first dispensing adapter configured to draw a first vaporizable composition from the first container, and a first heater connected to the first dispensing adapter and configured to vaporize the drawn first vaporizable composition; A the second evaporation unit contains: a second dispensing adapter configured to draw a second vaporizable composition from the second container, and a second heater connected to the second dispensing adapter and configured to vaporize the drawn second vaporizable composition.