Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
  • A24F40/485—Valves; Apertures
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/44—Wicks
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/70—Manufacture
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
  • H01M2220/00—Batteries for particular applications
  • H01M2220/30—Batteries in portable systems, e.g. mobile phone, laptop
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
  • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries

Definitions

• Example embodiments relate to electronic vaping devices, e-vaping devices, or the like, and components thereof.
• E-vaping devices also referred to herein as electronic vaping devices (EVDs) may be used by adult vapers for fluid portable vaping.
• An e-vaping device may include a reservoir that holds pre-vapor formulation and a vaporizer assembly that may heat pre-vapor formulation drawn from the reservoir to generate a vapor.
• a vaporizer assembly for an e-vaping device includes a heating element, a conduit assembly, and a dispensing interface assembly.
• the conduit assembly may include one or more inner surfaces defining a conduit extending through an interior of the conduit assembly, such that the conduit assembly is configured to direct air to flow through the conduit in fluid communication with the heating element.
• the dispensing interface assembly may be configured to be in fluid communication with both the conduit and a reservoir holding pre-vapor formulation.
• the dispensing interface assembly may be configured to supply a limited amount of the pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir to the heating element.
• the dispensing interface assembly may include a first dispensing interface and a second dispensing interface.
• the first dispensing interface may extend through the conduit and be coupled to the heating element within the conduit such that the first dispensing interface is in direct fluid communication with the conduit and the heating element.
• a portion of the second dispensing interface may be exposed to an exterior of the vaporizer assembly such that the second dispensing interface is configured to be in direct fluid communication with the reservoir via the portion of the second dispensing interface.
• the second dispensing interface may be isolated from direct fluid communication with the heating element by the first dispensing interface.
• the first dispensing interface may be isolated from direct fluid communication with the reservoir by the second dispensing interface.
• the second dispensing interface may be configured to restrict a flow of pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir to the first dispensing interface.
• the conduit assembly may include a hollow cylindrical inner housing.
• the first dispensing interface may extend transversely between opposing inner surfaces of the hollow cylindrical inner housing.
• the second dispensing interface may include a hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure that extends around an outer surface of the hollow cylindrical inner housing.
• An inner surface of the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure may be direct contact with a surface of the first dispensing interface.
• An outer surface of the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure may be exposed to the exterior of the vaporizer assembly.
• the vaporizer assembly may include a cylindrical outer housing including a port extending through the cylindrical outer housing.
• the hollow cylindrical inner housing, the first dispensing interface, and the second dispensing interface may be enclosed within an interior space defined by the cylindrical outer housing.
• the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure may be in an annular space defined by the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical inner housing and an inner surface of the cylindrical outer housing.
• the cylindrical outer housing may be configured to expose the annular space to the reservoir through the port, such that the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure within the annular space is configured to be in direct fluid communication with the reservoir through the port.
• the first dispensing interface may be in direct contact with the heating element.
• the second dispensing interface may be in direct contact with the first dispensing interface.
• the second dispensing interface may be isolated from direct fluid communication with the conduit.
• the vaporizer assembly may be configured to be detachably coupled to the reservoir.
• a cartridge for an e-vaping device may include a reservoir configured to hold a pre-vapor formulation and a vaporizer assembly coupled to the reservoir.
• the vaporizer assembly may be configured to draw pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir.
• the vaporizer assembly may be configured to heat the drawn pre-vapor formulation to form a generated vapor.
• the vaporizer assembly may include a heating element, a conduit assembly, and a dispensing interface assembly.
• the conduit assembly may include one or more inner surfaces defining a conduit extending through an interior of the conduit assembly, such that the conduit assembly is configured to direct air to flow through the conduit in fluid communication with the heating element.
• the dispensing interface assembly may be configured to be in fluid communication with both the conduit and the reservoir.
• the dispensing interface assembly may be configured to supply a limited amount of the pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir to the heating element.
• the dispensing interface assembly may include a first dispensing interface and a second dispensing interface.
• the first dispensing interface may extend through the conduit and may be coupled to the heating element within the conduit such that the first dispensing interface is in direct fluid communication with the conduit and the heating element.
• a portion of the second dispensing interface may be exposed to an exterior of the vaporizer assembly such that the second dispensing interface is configured to be in direct fluid communication with the reservoir via the portion of the second dispensing interface.
• the second dispensing interface may be isolated from direct fluid communication with the heating element by the first dispensing interface.
• the first dispensing interface may be isolated from direct fluid communication with the reservoir by the second dispensing interface.
• the second dispensing interface may be configured to restrict a flow of pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir to the first dispensing interface.
• the conduit assembly may include a hollow cylindrical inner housing.
• the first dispensing interface may extend transversely between opposing inner surfaces of the hollow cylindrical inner housing.
• the second dispensing interface may include a hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure that extends around an outer surface of the hollow cylindrical inner housing.
• An inner surface of the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure may be direct contact with a surface of the first dispensing interface.
• An outer surface of the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure may be exposed to the exterior of the vaporizer assembly.
• the vaporizer assembly may include a cylindrical outer housing including a port extending through the cylindrical outer housing.
• the hollow cylindrical inner housing, the first dispensing interface, and the second dispensing interface may be enclosed within an interior space defined by the cylindrical outer housing.
• the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure of the second dispensing interface may be in an annular space defined by the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical inner housing and an inner surface of the cylindrical outer housing.
• the cylindrical outer housing may be configured to expose the annular space to the reservoir through the port, such that the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure within the annular space is configured to be in direct fluid communication with the reservoir through the port.
• the first dispensing interface may be in direct contact with the heating element.
• the second dispensing interface may be in direct contact with the first dispensing interface.
• the second dispensing interface may be isolated from direct fluid communication with the conduit.
• the vaporizer assembly may be detachably coupled to the reservoir.
• an e-vaping device may include a cartridge and a power supply assembly coupled to the cartridge.
• the cartridge may include a reservoir configured to hold a pre-vapor formulation and a vaporizer assembly coupled to the reservoir.
• the vaporizer assembly may be configured to draw pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir.
• the vaporizer assembly may be configured to heat the drawn pre-vapor formulation to form a generated vapor.
• the vaporizer assembly may include a heating element, a conduit assembly, and a dispensing interface assembly.
• the conduit assembly may include one or more inner surfaces defining a conduit extending through an interior of the conduit assembly, such that the conduit assembly is configured to direct air to flow through the conduit in fluid communication with the heating element.
• the dispensing interface assembly may be configured to be in fluid communication with both the conduit and the reservoir.
• the dispensing interface assembly may be configured to supply a limited amount of the pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir to the heating element.
• the dispensing interface assembly may include a first dispensing interface and a second dispensing interface.
• the first dispensing interface may extend through the conduit and may be coupled to the heating element within the conduit such that the first dispensing interface is in direct fluid communication with the conduit and the heating element.
• a portion of the second dispensing interface may be exposed to an exterior of the vaporizer assembly such that the second dispensing interface is configured to be in direct fluid communication with the reservoir via the portion of the second dispensing interface.
• the second dispensing interface may be isolated from direct fluid communication with the heating element by the first dispensing interface.
• the first dispensing interface may be isolated from direct fluid communication with the reservoir by the second dispensing interface.
• the second dispensing interface may be configured to restrict a flow of pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir to the first dispensing interface.
• the power supply assembly may include a power supply.
• the power supply assembly may be configured to supply electrical power from the power supply to the vaporizer assembly.
• the conduit assembly may include a hollow cylindrical inner housing.
• the first dispensing interface may extend transversely between opposing inner surfaces of the hollow cylindrical inner housing.
• the second dispensing interface may include a hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure that extends around an outer surface of the hollow cylindrical inner housing.
• An inner surface of the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure may be direct contact with a surface of the first dispensing interface.
• An outer surface of the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure may be exposed to the exterior of the vaporizer assembly.
• the vaporizer assembly may include a cylindrical outer housing including a port extending through the cylindrical outer housing.
• the hollow cylindrical inner housing, the first dispensing interface, and the second dispensing interface may be enclosed within an interior space defined by the cylindrical outer housing.
• the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure of the second dispensing interface may be in an annular space defined by the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical inner housing and an inner surface of the cylindrical outer housing.
• the cylindrical outer housing may be configured to expose the annular space to the reservoir through the port, such that the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure within the annular space is configured to be in direct fluid communication with the reservoir through the port.
• the first dispensing interface may be in direct contact with the heating element.
• the second dispensing interface may be in direct contact with the first dispensing interface.
• the second dispensing interface may be isolated from direct fluid communication with the conduit.
• the vaporizer assembly may be detachably coupled to the reservoir.
• the cartridge may be detachably coupled to the power supply assembly.
• the vaporizer assembly may be detachably coupled to the reservoir.
• the power supply may be a rechargeable battery.
• FIG. 1 A is a side view of an e-vaping device according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 1 B is a cross-sectional view along line IB-IB’ of the e-vaping device of FIG. 1A according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a vaporizer assembly according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view along line IIB-IIB’ of the vaporizer assembly of FIG. 2A according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view along line IIC-IIC’ of the vaporizer assembly of FIG. 2A according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a vaporizer assembly according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view along line IIIB-IIIB’ of the vaporizer assembly of FIG. 3A according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a vaporizer assembly according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view along line IVB-IVB’ of the vaporizer assembly of FIG. 4A according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view along line IVC-IVC’ of the vaporizer assembly of FIG. 4A according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a vaporizer assembly according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a vaporizer assembly according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the vaporizer assembly of FIG. 6A according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view along line VIC-VIC’ of the vaporizer assembly of FIG. 6A according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 7A is a side view of an e-vaping device according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 7B is a side view of the e-vaping device of FIG. 7A according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view along line VNC-VNC’ of the e-vaping device of FIG. 7A according to some example embodiments.
• first, second, third, and so forth may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Therefore, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.
• spatially relative terms for example, “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like
• the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Therefore, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below.
• the device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
• Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of example embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations are to be expected. Therefore, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes.
• Vapor, aerosol and dispersion are used interchangeably and are meant to cover the matter generated or outputted by the devices disclosed, claimed and equivalents thereof.
• Hardware may be implemented using processing or control circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more processors, one or more Central Processing Units (CPUs), one or more microcontrollers, one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more microcomputers, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more System-on-Chips (SoCs), one or more programmable logic units (PLUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), or any other device or devices capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner.
• processors such as, but not limited to, one or more processors, one or more Central Processing Units (CPUs), one or more microcontrollers, one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more microcomputers, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more System-
• FIG. 1A is a side view of an e-vaping device 100 according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 1 B is a cross-sectional view along line IB-IB’ of the e-vaping device 100 of FIG. 1A according to some example embodiments.
• the term“e-vaping device” is inclusive of all types of electronic vaping devices, regardless of form, size or shape.
• the e-vaping device 100 includes a vapor generator assembly 1 10 and a power supply assembly 120.
• a vapor generator assembly 1 10 that is configured to be detachably coupled to a power supply assembly 120 to form an e-vaping device 100 may be referred to herein as a cartridge.
• the vapor generator assembly 1 10 and power supply assembly 120 include respective complementary connector assemblies 1 18, 128 and are configured to be detachably connected to each other based on detachably coupling the connector assemblies 1 18, 128 together.
• the connector assemblies 1 18, 128 include threaded connectors. It should be appreciated that a connector assembly 1 18, 128 may be any type of connector, including, without limitation, a snug-fit, detent, clamp, bayonet, sliding fit, sleeve fit, alignment fit, threaded connector, magnetic, clasp, or any other type of connection, and combinations thereof.
• the vapor generator assembly 1 10 may include an outer housing 1 1 1
• the power supply assembly 120 may include an outer housing 121.
• the outer housing 1 1 1 of the vapor generator assembly 1 10 and the outer housing 121 of the power supply assembly 120 may include a unitary piece of material.
• the vapor generator assembly 1 10 may include a reservoir 1 12 and a vaporizer assembly 130.
• the outer housing 1 1 1 of the vapor generator assembly 1 10 may include an outer housing 1 13 of the reservoir 1 12 and a separate outer housing 131 of the vaporizer assembly 130.
• housings 1 13 and 131 are separate connectable housings, and in some example embodiments housings 1 13 and 131 form part of the same housing.
• the outer housing 1 13 of the reservoir 1 12 and the outer housing 131 of the vaporizer assembly 130 may be included in a unitary piece of material.
• where housing 1 13 meets with housing 131 may form part of the same housing, or these may be two separate housings that can be connected together via complementary connector assemblies 138, 148.
• the outer housing 1 13 of the reservoir 1 12 may at least partially define an interior space 1 15.
• the reservoir 1 12 may be configured to hold a pre-vapor formulation within the interior of the reservoir 1 12, where the interior may include the interior space 1 15 at least partially defined by the outer housing 1 13 of the reservoir 1 12.
• the vaporizer assembly 130 may include an outer housing 131 that at least partially defines an interior space 135 of the vaporizer assembly 130.
• the vaporizer assembly 130 may include a fluid port 134, which extends through the outer housing 131 of the vaporizer assembly 130 between the interior space 135 of the vaporizer assembly 130 and an exterior of the vaporizer assembly 130, such that the fluid port 134 may enable fluid communication between elements at least partially located within the interior space 135 and an exterior of the vaporizer assembly 130.
• the fluid port 134 may enable fluid communication between the reservoir 1 12 and the vaporizer assembly 130.
• the fluid port 134 extends through the outer housing 1 13 of the reservoir 1 12, in addition to or instead of extending through the outer housing 131 of the vaporizer assembly 130.
• the vaporizer assembly 130 and reservoir 1 12 include respective complementary connector assemblies 138, 148 and are configured to be detachably connected to each other based on detachably coupling the connector assemblies 138, 148 together.
• the vaporizer connector assembly 148 may be configured to detachably couple the reservoir 1 12 with the vaporizer assembly 130, for example based on detachably coupling with the connector assembly 138 of the vaporizer assembly 130.
• the connector assemblies 138, 148 include threaded connectors.
• a connector assembly 138, 148 may be any type of connector, including, without limitation, a snug-fit, detent, clamp, bayonet, sliding fit, sleeve fit, alignment fit, threaded connector, magnetic, clasp, or any other type of connection, and combinations thereof.
• the vaporizer assembly 130 may include conduit assembly 133, an inlet port 132, an outlet port 142, a heating element 136, and a dispensing interface assembly 150.
• the inlet port 132 may extend through the outer housing 131 of the vaporizer assembly 130 to an exterior of the vaporizer assembly 130
• the outlet port 142 may extend through the outer housing 131 of the vaporizer assembly 130.
• the outlet port 142 may extend through the outer housing 131 to be directly exposed to an exterior of at least the vapor generator assembly 1 10.
• the inlet port 132 may be coupled with inlet port 152 via conduit 154, where the inlet port 152 is directly exposed to the exterior of the vapor generator assembly 1 10 and the exterior of the e- vaping device 100, such that the inlet port 132 is in fluid communication with the exterior of at least the vapor generator assembly 1 10 via the inlet port 152 and the conduit 154.
• the inlet port 152 and the conduit 154 may be omitted from the e-vaping device 100. Accordingly, the inlet port 132 enables fluid communication, directly or indirectly, between at least a portion of the interior space 135 of the vaporizer assembly 130 and the exterior of the vapor generator assembly 1 10.
• the outlet port 142 may be coupled with outlet port 144 via conduit 140, where the outlet port 144 is directly exposed to the exterior of the vapor generator assembly 1 10 and the exterior of the e-vaping device 100, such that the outlet port 142 is in fluid communication with the exterior of at least the vapor generator assembly 1 10 via the outlet port 144 and the conduit 140. Accordingly, the outlet port 142 enables fluid communication between at least a portion of the interior space 135 of the vaporizer assembly 130 and the exterior of the vapor generator assembly 1 10.
• the conduit assembly 133 is a structure that extends between the inlet port 132 and the outlet port 142 of the vaporizer assembly 130 within the interior space 135 that is at least partially defined by the outer housing 131 of the vaporizer assembly 130.
• one or more inner surfaces 1331 of the conduit assembly 133 define a hollow space, referred to herein as a conduit 193, that extends continuously through the conduit assembly 133 between the inlet port 132 and the outlet port 142.
• the conduit assembly 133 establishes fluid communication, via the conduit 193 defined by the one or more inner surfaces 1331, between the inlet port 132 and the outlet port 142 through the vaporizer assembly 130.
• conduit assembly 133 may be a cylindrical structure with one or more inner surfaces 1331 that define the conduit 193 between inlet port 132 and outlet port 142 to establish fluid communication between the inlet port 132 and the outlet port 142 through the vaporizer assembly 130.
• the conduit 154 and inlet port 152 may be at least partially located in the connector assembly 1 18.
• the inlet port 152 may be included in, and may extend through, outer housing 1 1 1 of the vapor generator assembly 1 10 independently of connector assembly 1 18, outer housing 121 of the power supply assembly 120, connector assembly 128, a sub-combination thereof, or a combination thereof.
• the conduit 154 may extend at least partially through the vapor generator assembly 1 10, the power supply assembly 120, connector assembly 1 18, connector assembly 128, a sub-combination thereof, or a combination thereof.
• the dispensing interface assembly 150 is at least partially exposed to fluid port 134 and therefore is configured to be in fluid communication with the reservoir 1 12 through the fluid port 134.
• the dispensing interface assembly 150 further extends at least partially into the conduit assembly 133.
• the dispensing interface assembly 150 may be in fluid communication with the conduit 193 based on the dispensing interface assembly 150 being coupled to the heating element 136. Accordingly, the dispensing interface assembly 150 may be in fluid communication with both the reservoir 1 12 and the conduit 193 and therefore may be configured to draw pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir 1 12 to the conduit 193.
• the heating element 136 may be located at least partially within the conduit 193.
• the heating element 136 may be in fluid communication with the conduit 193, and the conduit assembly 133 may be configured to direct air received via inlet port 132 to flow through the conduit 193 in fluid communication with the heating element 136. As shown in at least FIG.
• the heating element 136 is in fluid communication with the dispensing interface assembly 150, such that the heating element 136 is configured to heat at least a portion of the pre-vapor formulation drawn into the conduit 193 via the dispensing interface assembly 150 to form a generated vapor within the conduit 193, such that the generated vapor may be drawn out of the vaporizer assembly 130 and out of the vapor generator assembly 1 10, and therefore out of the e-vaping device 100, through outlet port 142, conduit 140, and outlet port 144.
• the heating element 136 may be directly coupled to a portion of the dispensing interface assembly 150 that extends at least partially into the conduit 193, or may be in sufficiently close proximity to such a portion of the dispensing interface assembly 150, to be configured to generate sufficient heat to heat the pre-vapor formulation drawn into the portion of the dispensing interface assembly 150 to generate the generated vapor.
• the dispensing interface assembly 150 includes a first dispensing interface 150-1 and a second dispensing interface 150- 2 that are coupled together and therefore are configured to enable transfer of pre-vapor formulation therebetween.
• the first dispensing interface 150-1 may extend at least partially through the conduit assembly 133 and may be coupled to the heating element 136 within the conduit assembly 133, such that the first dispensing interface 150-1 is in fluid communication with the conduit 193 and the heating element 136. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1 B, the first dispensing interface 150-1 may extend at least partially out of the conduit assembly 133 while still within the interior space 135 of the vaporizer assembly 130, such that the first dispensing interface 150-1 is in direct fluid communication with the exterior of the conduit assembly 133 within the interior space 135 of the vaporizer assembly 130.
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 may be located external to the conduit assembly 133 within the interior space 135 of the vaporizer assembly 130.
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 may be located within an internal space 175 that is defined by at least the outer housing 131 and one or more outer surfaces 133U of the conduit assembly 133. Accordingly, it will be understood that the internal space 175 may be a limited portion of the interior space 135 that excludes the portion of the interior space 135 that is occupied by the conduit assembly 133 and the conduit 193 defined thereby.
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 is exposed to an exterior of the vaporizer assembly 130, for example based on being directly adjacent to and covering an end of the fluid port 134 as shown in FIG. 1 B.
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 may be configured to be in direct fluid communication with the reservoir 1 12 via the fluid port 134 to which the second dispensing interface 150-2 is directly exposed.
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 may be coupled to the first dispensing interface 150-1 externally to the conduit assembly 133, within internal space 175, while the first dispensing interface 150-1 may be coupled to the heating element 136, such that the second dispensing interface 150-2 may be isolated from direct fluid communication with the conduit 193, the heating element 136, or a combination thereof by the first dispensing interface 150-1 .
• Pre-vapor formulation drawn into the second dispensing interface 150-2 from the reservoir 1 12 through the fluid port 134 may be further drawn from the second dispensing interface 150-2 to the first dispensing interface 150-1 and may be further drawn into the conduit 193 and into fluid communication with the heating element 136 by the first dispensing interface 150-1 , while the second dispensing interface 150-2 remains isolated from directly transferring fluid into sufficient proximity to the heating element 136 to enable the heating element 136 to heat pre-vapor formulation held in the second dispensing interface 150-2 to generate the generated vapor.
• the first dispensing interface 150-1 may be isolated from direct fluid communication with the reservoir 1 12 by the second dispensing interface 150-2, such that the first dispensing interface 150-1 may be isolated from directly drawing pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir 1 12 independently of the second dispensing interface 150-2.
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 is configured to restrict a flow of pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir 1 12 to the first dispensing interface 150- 1 , relative to embodiments where the first dispensing interface 150-1 is directly exposed to both the conduit and the reservoir 1 12 and therefore may draw pre-vapor formulation directly from the reservoir 1 12 to fluid communication with the heating element 136. Accordingly, the second dispensing interface 150-2 may be configured to restrict an amount of pre-vapor formulation held in the dispensing interface assembly 150 to not exceed a particular amount, or may restrict a flow- rate of pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir 1 12 to the conduit assembly 133, or both.
• the first dispensing interface 150-1 may include a wicking material that is configured to be exposed to heat generated by the heating element 136 and may be configured to support a relatively high flowrate of pre-vapor formulation through the internal structure of the first dispensing interface 150-1
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 may be configured to support a relatively low flow rate of pre-vapor formulation through the internal structure of the second dispensing interface 150-2
• the first dispensing interface 150-1 may include a wicking material that is configured to be in direct contact with the heating element 136.
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 may have reduced resilience to heat that would be generated by heating element 136, in relation to the resilience of the first dispensing interface 150-1.
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 may have equal or greater resilience to heat that would be generated by heating element 136, in relation to the resilience of the first dispensing interface 150-1.
• the first dispensing interface 150-1 may be configured to support a first maximum flow rate of pre-vapor formulation through the internal structure of the first dispensing interface 150-1
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 may be configured to support a second maximum flow rate of pre-vapor formulation through the internal structure of the second dispensing interface 150-2, where the magnitude of the second maximum flow rate is equal to or less than one-half (that is, 50 percent) of the magnitude of the first maximum flow rate.
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 may be configured to“wick” pre-vapor formulation in at least twice the amount of time that the first dispensing interface 150-1 is configured to“wick” pre vapor formulation. Restated further, the second dispensing interface 150-2 may be associated with a“wicking speed” that is equal to or less than one-half the wicking speed with which the first dispensing interface 150-1 is associated.
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 is configured to hold an amount of pre-vapor formulation, within the internal structure of the second dispensing interface 150-2, that is sufficient to support at least one full generation of vapor, when the held amount of pre-vapor formulation is further drawn from the second dispensing interface 150-2 to the first dispensing interface 150-1 and is further heated by the heating element 136 to form the vapor.
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 is configured to hold an amount of pre-vapor formulation, within the internal structure of the second dispensing interface 150-2, that is sufficient to support up to three full generations of vapor, when the held amount of pre-vapor formulation is further drawn from the second dispensing interface 150-2 to the first dispensing interface 150-1 and is further heated by the heating element 136 to form the vapor.
• the vapor generator assembly 1 10 may be configured to generate at least one additional instance of vapor even after the reservoir 1 12 is completely depleted of all pre-vapor formulation, because an amount of pre-vapor formulation sufficient to support the generation of at least one additional instance of vapor is still held in the second dispensing interface 150-2 upon the moment of complete depletion of pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir 1 12.
• the configuration of the second dispensing interface 150-2 to hold pre-vapor formulation even upon depletion of the pre-vapor formulation held in the reservoir 1 12 may enable the second dispensing interface 15-2 to provide a buffer against complete depletion of pre-vapor formulation from the vapor generator assembly 1 10 prior to replenishment of the pre-vapor formulation in the reservoir 1 12, thereby enabling depletion of the pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir 1 12 to be observed through the outer housing 1 13, and the reservoir 1 12 to be replenished with additional pre-vapor formulation, while the dispensing interface 150-2 is able to support generation of at least one additional instance of vapor in the event that the complete depletion of the reservoir 1 12 is initially unnoticed, and at least one instance of vapor is generated, subsequent to depletion of the reservoir 1 12.
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 may provide a buffer against complete depletion of pre-vapor formulation at the first dispensing interface 150-1 , thereby protecting against overheating of the dispensing interface assembly 150 due to heating of a depleted first dispensing interface 150-1 by the heating element 136 and therefore improving performance of an e-vaping device 100 that includes the dispensing interface assembly 150.
• the dispensing interface assembly 150 that includes both the first and second dispensing interfaces 150-1 , 150-2 may be configured to control the flow of pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir 1 12 to the conduit 193 and therefore ensure that a particular amount of pre-vapor formulation is heated by the heating element 136 in the conduit 193 to generate the generated vapor, thereby improving operational performance of the e-vaping device 100 and improving the sensory experience provided by the e-vaping device 100 and efficiency of said e-vaping device with regard to utilization of pre-vapor formulation to generate a generated vapor.
• Such a dispensing interface assembly 150 may also mitigate or prevent leakage of un-vaporized pre-vapor formulation from the first dispensing interface 150-1 into the conduit assembly 133, and therefore potentially to an exterior of the vapor generator assembly 1 10 and exterior of the e-vaping device 100 through inlet ports 132, 152, or outlet ports 142, 144, or inlet ports 132, 152 and outlet ports 142, 144, thereby improving e-vaping device operational performance and efficiency with regard to utilization of pre-vapor formulation to generate a generated vapor.
• Such a dispensing interface assembly 150 may also mitigate or prevent storage of excessive amounts of pre-vapor formulation within the interior space 135 of the vaporizer assembly 130, thereby mitigating loss of pre-vapor formulation from the e-vaping device 100 in example embodiments where the vaporizer assembly 130 may be detachably coupled to the vapor generator assembly 1 10 via coupling of connector assemblies 138, 148 and therefore may be decoupled and swapped for a replacement vaporizer assembly 130.
• the dispensing interface assembly 150 being configured to restrict the amount of pre-vapor formulation held in the vaporizer assembly 130 to be less than a particular amount, thereby improving operational performance and efficiency of the e-vaping device 100. Accordingly, the dispensing interface assembly 150 may be configured to supply a limited amount of the pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir 1 12 to the heating element 136.
• the e-vaping device 100 may be a unitary piece that includes the vapor generator assembly 1 10 and the power supply assembly 120 in the unitary piece, instead of including the vapor generator assembly 1 10 and the power supply assembly 120 as separate pieces that are coupled together to form the e-vaping device 100.
• the power supply assembly 120 may include a power supply 122.
• the power supply 122 may be a rechargeable battery, and the power supply assembly 120 may be configured to supply electrical power from the power supply 122 to the heating element 136 via one or more electrical leads included in at least the vapor generator assembly 1 10 to support vapor generation at the vaporizer assembly 130.
• the e-vaping device 100 may include an instance of control circuitry 124 that may be configured to control the supply of electrical power from the power supply 122 to the vaporizer assembly 130.
• the control circuitry 124 is included in the power supply assembly 120, but it will be understood that, in some example embodiments, the control circuitry 124 may be included in the vapor generator assembly 1 10 instead of the power supply assembly 120.
• one or more electrical circuits through the vapor generator assembly 1 10 and the power supply assembly 120 may be established based on connector assemblies 1 18, 128 being coupled together.
• the established electrical circuits may include at least the heating element 136, the control circuitry 124, and the power supply 122.
• the electrical circuit may include one or more electrical leads in one or both of connector assemblies 1 18, 128.
• the power supply 122 may include a battery.
• the power supply 122 may be a Lithium-ion battery or one of its variants, for example a Lithium-ion polymer battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a lithium-manganese battery, a lithium-cobalt battery, a fuel cell, and so forth, a sub combination thereof, or a combination thereof.
• the e-vaping device 100 may be usable by an adult vaper until the energy in the power supply 122 is depleted or a minimum voltage cut-off level is achieved.
• the power supply 122 may be rechargeable and may include circuitry configured to allow the battery to be chargeable by an external charging device. T o recharge the e-vaping device 100, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charger or other suitable charger assembly may be used.
• USB Universal Serial Bus
• the power supply 122 may be electrically connected with the heating element 136 by control circuitry 124 based on a signal received at the control circuitry 124 from a sensor of the e-vaping device 100, an interface of the e-vaping device 100, or a combination thereof.
• the control circuitry 124 may execute one or more instances of computer-executable program code.
• the control circuitry 124 may include a processor and a memory.
• the memory may be a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable code.
• the control circuitry 124 may be a special purpose machine configured to execute the computer-executable code to control the supply of electrical power to the heating element 136.
• connector assemblies 1 18, 128 are omitted from the e- vaping device 100, such that the vapor generator assembly 1 10 and the power supply assembly 120 are fixedly coupled together and are precluded from being detachably coupled with each other.
• connector assemblies 138, 148 are omitted from the vapor generator assembly 1 10, such that at least the reservoir 1 12 and the vaporizer assembly 130 are fixedly coupled together and are precluded from being detachably coupled with each other.
• the pre-vapor formulation is a material or combination of materials that may be transformed into a vapor.
• the pre-vapor formulation is propylene glycol, glycerin, a sub-combination thereof, or a combination thereof.
• the pre-vapor formulation may include nicotine or may exclude nicotine.
• the pre-vapor formulation may include one or more tobacco flavors.
• the pre-vapor formulation may include one or more flavors that are separate from one or more tobacco flavors.
• a pre-vapor formulation that includes nicotine may also include one or more acids.
• the one or more acids may be one or more of 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, decanoic acid, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 1 -glutamic acid, heptanoic acid, hexanoic acid, 3-hexenoic acid, trans-2-hexenoic acid, isobutyric acid, lauric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, 2- methylvaleric acid, myristic acid, nonanoic acid, palmitic acid, 4-penenoic acid, phenylacetic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid
• the reservoir 1 12 may include a storage medium that may hold a pre-vapor formulation.
• the storage medium may be a fibrous material including at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon and combinations thereof.
• the fibers may have a diameter ranging in size from about 6 microns to about 15 microns (for example, about 8 microns to about 12 microns or about 9 microns to about 1 1 microns).
• the storage medium may be a sintered, porous or foamed material.
• the fibers may be sized to be irrespirable and may have a cross-section that has a Y-shape, cross shape, clover shape or any other suitable shape.
• the reservoir 1 12 may include a filled tank lacking any storage medium and containing only pre-vapor formulation.
• the reservoir 1 12 may be sized and configured to hold enough pre-vapor formulation such that the e-vaping device 100 may be configured for vaping for at least about 200 seconds.
• the e-vaping device 100 may be configured to allow each vaping to last a maximum of about 5 seconds.
• Each dispensing interface 150-1 , 150-2 of the dispensing interface assembly 150 may include a wick, also referred to herein as an instance of wicking material.
• Each dispensing interface 150-1 , 150-2 of the dispensing interface assembly 150 may include any suitable wicking material or combination of wicking materials. Examples of suitable wicking materials may be, but not limited to, glass, ceramic- or graphite-based materials.
• the wicking material of the first dispensing interface 150-1 , or the second dispensing interface 150-2, or both the first dispensing interface 150-1 and the second dispensing interface 150-2 may include a bundle of glass (or ceramic) filaments, a bundle including a group of windings of glass filaments, and so forth, a sub-combination thereof, or a combination thereof.
• the wicking material of the first dispensing interface 150-1 , or the second dispensing interface 150-2, or both the first dispensing interface 150-1 and the second dispensing interface 150-2 may be capable of drawing pre-vapor formulation via capillary action by interstitial spacings between filaments thereof.
• the filaments may be generally aligned in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the e-vaping device 100.
• the filaments may have a cross-section that is generally cross-shaped, clover-shaped, Y-shaped, or in any other suitable shape.
• Each instance of wicking material of each dispensing interface 150-1 , 150-2 of the dispensing interface assembly 150 may have any suitable capillary drawing action to accommodate pre-vapor formulations having different physical properties such as density, viscosity, surface tension and vapor pressure.
• the first and second dispensing interfaces 150-1 , 150-2 may include separate instances of wicking material.
• the first and second dispensing interfaces 150-1 , 150-2 may include separate instances of different wicking materials, including different cotton-based wicking materials.
• the first dispensing interface 150-1 may include an instance of COTTON BACON ® material (the mark COTTON BACON ® owned by Yiwu Taohui E- Commerce Co., Ltd.)
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 may include an instance of MUJI ® cotton pad material (the mark MUJI ® owned by Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd.), although it will be understood that example embodiments are not limited to this example.
• the first and second dispensing interfaces 150-1 , 150-2 may include separate instances of a common wicking material, including a common cotton-based wicking material.
• the first dispensing interface 150-1 and the second dispensing interface 150-2 may each include a separate instance of COTTON BACON ® material (the mark COTTON BACON ® owned by Yiwu Taohui E-Commerce Co., Ltd.).
• the first dispensing interface 150-1 and the second dispensing interface 150-2 may each include a separate instance of MUJI ® cotton pad material (the mark MUJI ® owned by Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd.).
• the separate instance of wicking material of each dispensing interface 150-1 , 150-2 of the dispensing interface assembly 150 may have a particular capacity to draw the pre-vapor formulation.
• the first and second dispensing interfaces 150-1 , 150-2 may include separate instances of wicking material that each have the same capacity to draw pre-vapor formulation.
• the first and second dispensing interfaces 150-1 , 150-2 may include separate instances of wicking material that have different capacities to draw pre-vapor formulation.
• a first dispensing interface 150-1 and the second dispensing interface 150-2 may include separate instances of different wicking materials, where the wicking material of the second dispensing interface 150-2 has a reduced capacity to draw pre-vapor formulation than the wicking material of the first dispensing interface 150-1.
• the heating element 136 may include a wire coil, although example embodiments are not limited thereto.
• the wire coil may at least partially surround the potion of the first dispensing interface 150-1 that is within the conduit 193 defined by the conduit assembly 133.
• the wire may be a metal wire.
• the wire coil may extend fully or partially along the length of the portion of the first dispensing interface 150-1.
• the wire coil may further extend fully or partially around the circumference of the portion of the first dispensing interface 150-1.
• the wire coil may be isolated from direct contact with the first dispensing interface 150-1 but may be understood to be in fluid communication with the first dispensing interface 150-1 , based on the heating element 136 being in sufficiently close proximity to the first dispensing interface 150-1 to be configured to generate heat to heat the pre-vapor formulation held in the first dispensing interface 150-1 to form the generated vapor.
• the heating element 136 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive materials.
• suitable electrically resistive materials may include, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum and metals from the platinum group.
• suitable metal alloys include, but not limited to, stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum-titanium-zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel.
• the heating element 136 may be formed of nickel aluminide, a material with a layer of alumina on the surface, iron aluminide and other composite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material or vice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the external physicochemical properties required.
• the heating element 136 may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, super alloys and combinations thereof.
• the heating element 136 may be formed of nickel-chromium alloys or iron-chromium alloys.
• the heating element 136 may be a ceramic heating element having an electrically resistive layer on an outside surface thereof.
• the heating element 136 may heat a pre-vapor formulation in the first dispensing interface 150-1 by thermal conduction. Heat from the heating element 136 may be conducted to the pre vapor formulation by means of a heat conductive element or the heating element 136 may transfer heat to the incoming ambient air that is drawn through the e-vaping device 100 during vaping, which in turn heats the pre-vapor formulation by convection.
• one or more portions of the vapor generator assembly 1 10 may be replaceable. Such one or more portions may include the vaporizer assembly 130, the reservoir 1 12, a sub-combination thereof, or a combination thereof. In some example embodiments, the entire e-vaping device 100 may be disposed once the reservoir 1 12, the vaporizer assembly 130, or a combination thereof is depleted.
• FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a vaporizer assembly 130 according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view along line IIB-IIB’ of the vaporizer assembly 130 of FIG. 2A according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view along line IIC-IIC’ of the vaporizer assembly 130 of FIG. 2A according to some example embodiments.
• the vaporizer assembly 130 may include a structure that includes the outer housing 131 and conduit assembly 133 collectively defining an internal space 175 that is external to the conduit assembly 133 and is internal to the vaporizer assembly 130.
• the conduit assembly 133 may include a structure having inner surfaces 133I and outer surfaces 133U, where the inner surfaces 133I of the conduit assembly 133 define the conduit 193 that extends continuously between opposite openings 133A and 133B, where opening 133A defines the inlet port 132 and opening 133B defines the outlet port 142 at opposite ends of the conduit 193.
• the first dispensing interface 150-1 may include first and second portions 150-1A, 150-1 B, where the first portion 150-1A is the portion of the first dispensing interface 150-1 that extends into the conduit assembly 133 and at least partially into the conduit 193 defined by the inner surfaces 133I of the conduit assembly 133 and where the second portion 150-1 B is the portion of the first dispensing interface 150-1 that extends into the internal space 175 and is external to the conduit assembly 133.
• first and second portions 150- 1A, 150-1 B are integral portions of a unitary piece of material comprising the first dispensing interface 150-1 , such that the first and second portions 150-1 A, 150-1 B are in direct fluid communication with each other and enable unrestricted flow of pre-vapor formulation between the first and second portions 150-1 A, 150-1 B and therefore between internal space 175 and the conduit 193 through the first dispensing interface 150-1.
• the outer housing 131 and outer surface 133U of the conduit assembly 133 may collectively define an internal space 175 that is isolated from the conduit 193 and is in fluid communication with an exterior of the vaporizer assembly 130 via the fluid port 134 which extends directly between the internal space 175 and the exterior of the vaporizer assembly 130 through the outer housing 131.
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 and the second portion 150-1 B of the first dispensing interface 150-1 may occupy the internal space 175, such that the second dispensing interface 150-2 is directly adjacent to and exposed to the fluid port 134 and further is directly adjacent to and coupled to the second portion 150-1 B of the first dispensing interface 150-1 , and further such that the second dispensing interface 150-2 enables fluid communication between the exterior of the vaporizer assembly 130 via fluid port 134 and the conduit 193 via second dispensing interface 150-2 and at least the second portion 150-1 B of the first dispensing interface 150-1.
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 may be in indirect fluid communication with the conduit 193 and with the heating element 136 via the first and second portions 150-1 A, 150-1 B of the first dispensing interface 150-1. Additionally, the structure of the conduit assembly 133 that isolates the internal space 175 from the conduit 193 and at least the second portion 150-1 B of the first dispensing interface 150-1 further isolates the second dispensing interface 150-2 from the conduit 193 and therefore isolates the second dispensing interface 150-2 from at least direct fluid communication with the heating element 136.
• the conduit assembly 133 may define a non-circular conduit 193, including a rectangular cylindrical conduit 193 as shown, but it will be understood that the conduit assembly 133 may define a conduit 193 having any shape, including a circular cylindrical conduit, a non-linear (for example, at least partially curved) conduit, a combination or sub combination thereof, or the like.
• FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a vaporizer assembly according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view along line IIIB-IIIB’ of the vaporizer assembly of FIG. 3A according to some example embodiments.
• the conduit assembly 133 includes a hollow cylindrical inner housing 333, and the first dispensing interface 150-1 extends transversely between opposing inner surfaces 333I of the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333 of the conduit assembly 133. In some example embodiments, including the example embodiments shown in FIGS.
• the second dispensing interface 150- 2 includes a hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure 350-2 that extends around an outer surface 333U of the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333, such that an inner surface 350-2I of the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure 350-2 is in direct contact with a surface of the first dispensing interface 150-1 , and an outer surface 350-2U of the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure 350-2 is exposed to the exterior of the vaporizer assembly 130.
• an inner surface 350-2I of the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure 350-2 may be in direct contact with a surface of the second portion 150-1 B of the first dispensing interface 150-1 as shown in FIG. 3B.
• some or all of the one or more outer surfaces 350-2U of the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure 350-2 may be directly exposed to the exterior of the vaporizer assembly 130, without being exposed via a space, port, conduit, or the like extending through one or more additional structural elements of the vaporizer assembly 130. Accordingly, pre-vapor formulation may be drawn directly into the second dispensing interface 150-2 through any exposed portion of an outer surface 350-2U of the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure 350-2.
• the first dispensing interface 150-1 may be in direct contact with the heating element 136, but example embodiments are not limited thereto.
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 is in direct contact with the first dispensing interface 150-1 , but example embodiments are not limited thereto.
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 is isolated from direct fluid communication with the conduit 193 by at least the conduit assembly 133 and the first dispensing interface 150-1 , but example embodiments are not limited thereto.
• vaporizer assembly 130 may include a connector assembly 138 that is configured to be detachably coupled with a connector assembly associated with a reservoir, such that the vaporizer assembly 130 is configured to be detachably coupled to the reservoir, but example embodiments are not limited thereto.
• the outer housing 131 may include a base structure 308 and cap structure 304.
• the base structure 308 may surround a lower portion of the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333 of the conduit assembly 133, such that a first opening 333A of the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333 defines the inlet port 132 of the vaporizer assembly 130.
• the cap structure 304 may cover at least a portion of the second opening 333B of the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333, such that a portion of the cap structure 304 defines the outlet port 142 of the vaporizer assembly 130.
• the cap structure 304 may include a gasket structure 306 that defines the outlet port 142.
• FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a vaporizer assembly according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view along line IVB-IVB’ of the vaporizer assembly of FIG. 4A according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view along line IVC-IVC’ of the vaporizer assembly of FIG. 4A according to some example embodiments.
• the outer housing 131 may include a cylindrical outer housing 302 that at least partially covers the one or more outer surfaces 350-2U of the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure 350-2 of the second dispensing interface 150-2.
• the cylindrical outer housing 302 may include one or more ports 302P extending through the cylindrical outer housing 302 to an outer surface 302U that is directly exposed to the exterior of the vaporizer assembly 130, where the port 302P at least partially comprises the fluid port 134.
• the outer housing 131 includes two ports 302P extending through opposite sides of the cylindrical outer housing to opposite sides of the outer surface 302U. It will be understood that, in some example embodiments, the outer housing 131 may include a single port 302P. It will be understood that, in some example embodiments, the outer housing
• 131 may include more than two ports 302P.
• the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333, the first dispensing interface 150-1 , and the second dispensing interface 150-2 may be enclosed within an interior space at least partially defined by an inner surface 302I of the cylindrical outer housing 302,
• the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure 350-2 of the second dispensing interface 150-2 may be in an annular space 335 that is at least partially defined by the outer surface 333U of the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333 and an inner surface 302I of the cylindrical outer housing 302. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS.
• the cylindrical outer housing 302 may be configured to expose the annular space 335 to an exterior of the vaporizer assembly 130 through the one or more ports 302P, such that the hollow cylindrical dispensing interface structure 350-2 within the annular space 335 is configured to be in direct fluid communication with the exterior of the vaporizer assembly 130 through the one or more ports 302P.
• the outer housing 131 may include a base structure 308 and cap structure 304 in addition to the cylindrical outer housing 302.
• the base structure 308 may surround a lower portion of the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333 of the conduit assembly 133, such that a first opening 333A of the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333 defines the inlet port 132 of the vaporizer assembly 130.
• the base structure 308 may enclose a lower end of the annular space 335 between the cylindrical outer housing 302 and the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333 to therefore at least partially define the annular space 335.
• the cap structure 304 may cover at least an upper end of the annular space 335 and may further cover at least a portion of the second opening 333B of the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333, such that a portion of the cap structure 304 both at least partially defines the annular space 335 and defines the outlet port 142 of the vaporizer assembly 130.
• the cap structure 304 may include a gasket structure 306 that defines the outlet port 142.
• FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a vaporizer assembly according to some example embodiments.
• a dispensing interface assembly 150 that includes a first dispensing interface 150-1 extending through the conduit assembly 133 and coupled to the heating element 136 within the conduit assembly 133 such that the first dispensing interface 150-1 is in direct fluid communication with the conduit assembly 133 and the heating element 136, and further includes a second dispensing interface 150-2 at least partially exposed to an exterior of the vaporizer assembly 130 and isolated from direct fluid communication with the heating element 136 by the first dispensing interface 150-1 , may further include one or more additional dispensing interfaces 150-3 interposing between the first and second dispensing interfaces 150-1 , 150-2.
• the one or more additional dispensing interfaces 150-3 may be directly coupled to both the first and second dispensing interfaces 150-1 , 150-2.
• the first and second dispensing interfaces 150-1 , 150-2 may be isolated from direct contact with each other by the one or more additional dispensing interfaces 150-3.
• the one or more additional dispensing interfaces 150-3 may enable fluid communication between the first and second dispensing interfaces 150-1 , 150-2.
• pre-vapor formulation drawn into the second dispensing interface 150-2 via one or more ports 302P may be further drawn from the second dispensing interface 150-2 and into the first dispensing interface 150-1 via the one or more additional dispensing interfaces 150-3.
• the one or more additional dispensing interfaces 150-3 may include one or more instances of one or more different wicking materials than either of the first or second dispensing interfaces 150-1 , 150-2 and the one or more different wicking materials may have different capacities to draw pre-vapor formulation than one or more of the wicking materials of the first and second dispensing interfaces 150-1 , 150-2.
• FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a vaporizer assembly according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the vaporizer assembly of FIG. 6A according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view along line VIC-VIC’ of the vaporizer assembly of FIG. 6A according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 7A is a side view of an e-vaping device according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 7B is a side view of the e- vaping device of FIG. 7A according to some example embodiments.
• FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view along line VIIC-VIIC’ of the e-vaping device of FIG. 7A according to some example embodiments.
• hollow cylindrical inner housing 333 of the conduit assembly 133 may include one or more slot structures 602 into which the first dispensing interface 150-1 may be received and held in place.
• the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333 includes two slot structures 602 extending through opposite sides of the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333. It will be understood that the hollow cylindrical inner housing 33 may include one slot structure 602. It will be understood that the hollow cylindrical inner housing 33 may include more than two slot structures 602.
• the first dispensing interface 150-1 may extend through, and may be structurally supported in place by, opposing slot structures 602 at opposite sides of the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333.
• a width W1 of each slot structure 602 is less than a diameter of the first dispensing interface 150-1 , such that a portion of the first dispensing interface 150-1 extending through a slot structure 602 is at least partially compressed by the slot structure 602 to cause the first dispensing interface 150-1 to be held in place by the slot structure 602.
• the first portion 150-1 A of the first dispensing interface 150- 1 is understood to be a portion of the first dispensing interface 150-1 that extends through conduit 193 between opposing slot structures 602 on opposite sides of the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333 of the conduit assembly 133
• the second portions 150-1 B of the first dispensing interface 150-1 may be understood to be the portions of the first dispensing interface 150-1 that extend beyond the slot structures 602 and out of the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333 and into the annular space 335 that extends between the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333 and the cylindrical outer housing 302.
• the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333 and the connector assembly 138 may form part of the same unitary piece of material.
• the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333 and the connector assembly 138 may be two separate elements that can be connected together.
• the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333, the connector assembly 138, and the base structure 308 may form part of the same unitary piece of material.
• the second dispensing interface 150-2 may be directly exposed to conduit 193 through the portions of the slot structures 602 that are not occupied by the first dispensing interface 150-1. However, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C and FIGS. 7A-7C, in some example embodiments, the second dispensing interface 150-2 may be directly exposed to conduit 193 through the portions of the slot structures 602 that are not occupied by the first dispensing interface 150-1. However, as shown in FIGS.
• the portions of the second dispensing interface 150-2 that are directly exposed to the conduit 193 through the slot structures 602 may be sufficiently distant from the heating element 136 to be isolated from being in direct fluid communication with the heating element 136 by the interposing space of the conduit 193 and slot structures between the exposed second dispensing interface 150-2 and the heating element 136, and the second dispensing interface is further isolated from direct fluid communication with the heating element 136 by the first dispensing interface 150-1.
• the inlet port 132 is at least partially defined by a channel structure 604 that extends into the conduit 193 defined by the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333 of the conduit assembly 133 and extends through the hollow gasket 609 shown in FIG. 6C.
• the channel structure 604 may be coupled to the hollow cylindrical inner housing 333 through the hollow gasket 609.
• the diameter of the inlet port 132 may be less than the diameter of the conduit 193.
• the channel structure 604 may be coupled to the heating element 136 via one or more electrical leads 606-1 , 606-2, such that the channel structure 604 may be configured to at least partially enable an electrical coupling between the heating element 136 and a power supply 122 of the power supply assembly 120 when the vapor generator assembly 1 10 in which the vaporizer assembly 130 is included is coupled to the power supply assembly 120.

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• 2018
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