Electronic Cigarette Assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides improved devices, components, and conduit assemblies for delivery of a breathable/inhalable fluid stream containing a solvation-enhancing atomized liquid, the fluid stream carrying a functional liquid component. In one aspect, devices of the invention incorporate an exchangeable fluid-permeable body, such as a cartridge comprising a fluid-permeable packing material, containing the functional liquid. In another aspect, devices of the invention incorporate an electronic control system configured to detect and store physical states, settings, modes/configurations, and/or usage of the device over time. Optionally, the detected states may be exported to a separate electronic device via a Wi-Fi or other suitable remote connection. In other embodiments, the electronic control system provides passcode authorization for actuating an atomizing element and/or toggling the device between locked and unlocked states.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 203,560, filed Mar. 11, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to electronic cigarettes and more specifically to a configuration for introduction of chemical species into an atomized fluid airstream provided thereby.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]In the use of electronic cigarettes, users often prefer an atomized liquid that is flavored and or combined with physiologically active chemicals, such as nicotine, over one that is not. Prior art achieves the delivery of such a fluid by way of an atomizing a mixture of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, or other suitable chemicals that are mixed with chemical species that provide a flavor or physiological effect, or both simultaneously.[0004]There are several shortcomings of the prior art that utilizes this approach. In ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The fluid conduits include an atomization liquid storage chamber, an atomization chamber, a suitable exchangeable fluid-permeable body, illustrated and described herein as a “cartridge” comprising a porous packing material for containing a functional liquid, and a mouthpiece. Cartridges generally referred to herein include a casing for containing the porous packing material, which is desirable for retaining functional liquid within the cartridge and / or imparting a shape to certain packing materials. However, if the packing material is a solid, stiff, unitary mass, which may be termed a “pod” in the context of the invention, the casing is not essential to hold the shape of the pod, and may optionally be omitted despite the possible increased tendency of leaking or evaporation of functional liquid therefrom. In some embodiments, the device includes an atomizing element associated with the cartridge itself, to atomize and facilitate the introduction of the functional liquid contained in the cartridge into the breathable fluid stream, either in lieu of or in addition to an atomizer tank assembly connected in line with the cartridge.

Problems solved by technology

Given that users often prefer to fill a tank with a large volume of liquid, it is inconvenient in the sense that a user must completely consume the liquid or must remove the liquid manually and replace it with a different liquid if they desire a different mixture.

Furthermore, since it is difficult to completely remove a previous mixture from the internal components of a tank and atomizing apparatus, the mixtures can interact and create combinations that may be undesirable.

Additionally, prior art utilizing a heating element for atomization of a said mixture present the possibility of degradation and pyrolysis of chemical species residing in the mixture.

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