Mechanically adjustable electronic vaping device flavoring assembly

Abstract

A cartridge (70) for an electronic vaporizer (60) is provided, the cartridge (70) including a vaporizer assembly (22) configured to form flavored vapor, and a flavoring assembly (24) coupled to the vaporizer assembly (22), the flavoring assembly (24) being configured to mechanically control the elution of a flavoring agent into the flavored vapor to form flavored vapor. The flavoring assembly (24) includes at least one flavoring material (28) carrying a flavoring agent and at least one exposure control mechanism (26) configured to adjustably expose the at least one flavoring material (28) to the vaporizer assembly (22) to control the elution of the flavoring agent into the flavored vapor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to electronic vaporizers and electronic vaporizer devices. Background Technology

[0002] The electronic vaping device (EVD), also referred to herein as an electronic vaping device, is a portable vaping device used by adult vapers. Flavored vapor within the electronic vaping device can be used to deliver flavorings along with the vapor generated by the device. The flavored vapor can be delivered via a flavoring system.

[0003] In some cases, flavoring vapors from a flavoring system may lose flavor when the system is exposed to a heat source. In other cases, flavoring vapors may lose flavor due to chemical reactions between the flavoring system and the vapor when the steam is at a sufficiently high temperature.

[0004] This loss of flavor from the flavoring system may diminish the sensory experience offered by electronic vaporizers that include a flavoring system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to some exemplary embodiments, a cartridge for an electronic vaporizer (EVD) device may include a vaporizer assembly configured to form flavored vapor; and a flavoring assembly coupled to the vaporizer assembly. The flavoring assembly may be configured to mechanically control the elution of a flavoring agent into the flavored vapor to form flavored vapor. The flavoring assembly may include at least one flavoring material carrying the flavoring agent, and at least one exposure control mechanism configured to adjustably expose at least one flavoring material to the vaporizer assembly to control the elution of the flavoring agent into the flavored vapor.

[0006] At least one exposure control mechanism can be configured to adjustably translate at least one fragrance material along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder to adjustably expose at least one fragrance material to the vaporizer assembly.

[0007] At least one exposure control mechanism may include a helical mechanism. The helical mechanism may be configured to adjustably translate at least one spice material along the longitudinal axis based on rotation of the helical mechanism about a longitudinal axis.

[0008] At least one exposure control mechanism may include a spring element. The spring element may be configured to apply a spring force to at least one fragrance material to adjustably expose at least one fragrance material to the vaporizer assembly.

[0009] At least one exposure control mechanism can be configured to move the sheath element to adjustably expose at least one fragrance material to the vaporizer assembly.

[0010] At least one exposure control mechanism can be configured to rotate the sheath element about the longitudinal axis of the cylinder to adjustably expose at least one fragrance material to the vaporizer assembly.

[0011] At least one flavoring material may include at least one permeation tube encapsulating a liquid flavoring agent, the permeation tube being configured to elute the liquid flavoring agent to the original flavor vapor based on the permeation of the liquid flavoring agent through the permeation tube.

[0012] At least one spice material may be a spiral extending around the longitudinal axis of the tube.

[0013] The flavoring assembly may contain multiple spice materials. At least two of the spice materials may carry different flavoring agents.

[0014] At least one exposure control mechanism can be configured to expose a selected fragrance material to the vaporizer assembly.

[0015] The flavoring assembly may include a drive motor coupled to an exposure control mechanism, the drive motor being operable to control the exposure control mechanism such that the exposure control mechanism adjustably exposes flavoring materials to the vaporizer assembly based on the drive motor.

[0016] At least one spice ingredient may contain at least one plant substance. At least one plant substance may contain at least one flavoring agent.

[0017] According to some exemplary embodiments, an electronic vaporizer may include a cartridge and a power supply section. The cartridge may include a vaporizer assembly configured to form flavored vapor; and a flavoring assembly coupled to the vaporizer assembly. The flavoring assembly may be configured to mechanically control the elution of a flavoring agent into the flavored vapor to form flavored vapor. The flavoring assembly may include at least one flavoring material carrying the flavoring agent, and at least one exposure control mechanism configured to adjustably expose at least one flavoring material to the vaporizer assembly to control the elution of the flavoring agent into the flavored vapor. The power supply section may be configured to selectively supply power to the vaporizer assembly.

[0018] The electronic vaporizer may also include control circuitry configured to control at least one exposure control mechanism to adjustably expose at least one flavoring material to the vaporizer assembly.

[0019] The seasoning assembly may include a drive motor coupled to an exposure control mechanism. Control circuitry may be configured to adjustably control the drive motor to adjustably control at least one exposure control mechanism based on the control of the drive motor.

[0020] The control circuit can be configured to adjustably expose at least one flavoring material to the vaporizer assembly based on the amount of original flavor vapor generated by the vaporizer assembly.

[0021] At least one exposure control mechanism can be configured to translate at least one fragrance material along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder to adjustably expose at least one fragrance material to the vaporizer assembly.

[0022] At least one exposure control mechanism may include a helical mechanism configured to adjustably translate at least one spice material along the longitudinal axis based on rotation of the helical mechanism about the longitudinal axis.

[0023] At least one exposure control mechanism may include a spring element configured to apply a spring force to at least one fragrance material to adjustably expose at least one fragrance material to the vaporizer assembly.

[0024] At least one exposure control mechanism can be configured to move the sheath element to adjustably expose at least one fragrance material to the vaporizer assembly.

[0025] At least one exposure control mechanism can be configured to rotate the sheath element about the longitudinal axis of the cylinder to adjustably expose at least one fragrance material to the vaporizer assembly.

[0026] At least one flavoring material may include at least one permeation tube encapsulating a liquid flavoring agent. The permeation tube may be configured to elute the liquid flavoring agent into the original flavor vapor based on the permeation of the liquid flavoring agent through the permeation tube.

[0027] At least one spice material may be a spiral extending around the longitudinal axis of the tube.

[0028] The flavoring assembly may contain multiple spice materials. At least two of the spice materials may carry different flavorings.

[0029] At least one exposure control mechanism can be configured to expose a selected fragrance material to the vaporizer assembly.

[0030] At least one spice ingredient may contain at least one plant substance. At least one plant substance may contain at least one flavoring agent.

[0031] According to some exemplary embodiments, a flavoring assembly module for an electronic vaporizer (EVD) device may include an interface and a flavoring assembly. The flavoring assembly may be in fluid communication with the interface. The interface may be configured to be detachably connected to a vaporizer assembly. The interface may be further configured to direct unflavored vapor formed by the vaporizer assembly to the flavoring assembly. The flavoring assembly may be configured to mechanically control the elution of a flavoring agent into the unflavored vapor to form flavored vapor. The flavoring assembly may include at least one flavoring material carrying the flavoring agent and at least one exposure control mechanism configured to adjustably expose at least one flavoring material in fluid communication with the interface.

[0032] At least one exposure control mechanism can be configured to translate at least one spice material along the longitudinal axis of the flavoring assembly module to adjustably expose at least one spice material for fluid communication with an interface.

[0033] At least one exposure control mechanism may include a helical mechanism. The helical mechanism may be configured to adjustably translate at least one spice material along the longitudinal axis based on rotation of the helical mechanism about the longitudinal axis.

[0034] At least one exposure control mechanism can be configured to move the sheath element to adjustably expose at least one fragrance material for fluid communication with the interface.

[0035] At least one exposure control mechanism can be configured to rotate the sheath element about the longitudinal axis of the flavoring assembly module to adjustably expose at least one flavoring material for fluid communication with the interface.

[0036] At least one spice material may include at least one permeation tube encapsulating a liquid flavoring agent. The flavoring assembly module may be configured to elute the liquid flavoring agent from the spice material based on the permeation of the liquid flavoring agent through the permeation tube.

[0037] At least one spice material may be a spiral extending around the longitudinal axis of the flavoring assembly module.

[0038] The flavoring assembly may contain multiple spice materials. At least two of the spice materials may carry different flavorings.

[0039] At least one exposure control mechanism can be configured to expose a selected fragrance material for fluid communication with the interface.

[0040] At least one spice material may contain at least one plant substance, and the at least one plant substance may contain at least one flavoring agent.

[0041] The flavoring assembly may include a drive motor coupled to an exposure control mechanism, the drive motor being operable to control the exposure control mechanism such that the exposure control mechanism adjustably exposes the flavoring material to fluid communication with the interface based on the drive motor.

[0042] The seasoning assembly may include a reservoir configured to hold seasonings. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein will become more apparent from reading the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the drawings should not be considered as drawn to scale. Various dimensions of the drawings may have been exaggerated for clarity.

[0044] Figure 1A This is a side view of an electronic vaporizer according to some example embodiments.

[0045] Figure 1B It is along Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of line IB-IB' of the electronic vaporizer.

[0046] Figure 2A This is a cross-sectional view of a seasoning assembly according to some example embodiments.

[0047] Figure 2B It is along Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of line IIB-IIB' of the seasoning assembly.

[0048] Figure 2C It is along Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the seasoning assembly line IIC-IIC'.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a seasoning assembly according to some example embodiments.

[0050] Figure 4A This is a cross-sectional view of a seasoning assembly according to some example embodiments.

[0051] Figure 4B It is along Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the IVB-IVB' line of the seasoning assembly.

[0052] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a seasoning assembly according to some example embodiments.

[0053] Figure 6A This is a cross-sectional view of a seasoning assembly according to some example embodiments.

[0054] Figure 6B It is along Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of line VIB-VIB' of the seasoning assembly.

[0055] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a spice material based on some example embodiments.

[0056] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a spice material based on some example embodiments.

[0057] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic vaporizer including a flavoring assembly with a drive motor, according to some example embodiments.

[0058] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a seasoning assembly module and a vaporizer assembly module according to some example embodiments.

[0059] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a seasoning assembly 24 including a seasoning reservoir, according to some example embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0060] This document discloses some detailed example embodiments. However, for the purpose of describing the example embodiments, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative. Furthermore, the example embodiments may be implemented in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the example embodiments set forth herein.

[0061] Therefore, while various modifications and alternatives are possible to the exemplary embodiments, they are illustrated by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed; on the contrary, the exemplary embodiments will encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Throughout the description of the figures, the same numbers refer to the same elements.

[0062] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," "attached to," or "covering" another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, attached to, or cover the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly" on, directly connected to, or directly attached to another element or layer, there are no intermediate elements or layers. Throughout this specification, the same designations refer to the same elements.

[0063] It should be understood that while the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, areas, layers, or segments, these elements, areas, layers, or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, area, layer, or segment from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, area, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, area, layer, or segment.

[0064] For ease of description, this document uses spatial relative terms (e.g., "below," "under," "lower," "above," "upper," etc.) to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figures. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, the spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, then an element described as "below" or "under" other elements or features will be oriented "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the term "below" can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0065] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “described” necessarily include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprising” and “including” as used in this specification specify the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, or groups thereof.

[0066] The exemplary embodiments described herein are illustrated by cross-sectional views of schematic diagrams of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) as exemplary embodiments. Therefore, it is expected that the shapes illustrated will vary due to, for example, manufacturing techniques or tolerances. Thus, the exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of the areas shown herein, but should include, for example, shape variations caused by manufacturing processes.

[0067] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments pertain. It should be further understood that terms including those defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with that in the context of the relevant art, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0068] Figure 1A This is a side view of an electronic vaporizer 60 according to some example embodiments. Figure 1B It is along Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the electronic vaporizer device along line IB-IB'. The electronic vaporizer device 60 may include one or more features set forth in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0192623, filed January 31, 2013, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0192619, filed January 14, 2013, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. As used herein, the term "electronic vaporizer device" encompasses all types of electronic vaporizer devices, regardless of form, size, or shape.

[0069] refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B The electronic vaporizer 60 includes a replaceable cartridge (or first section) 70 and a reusable power supply section (or second section) 72. Sections 70 and 72 can be connected together at complementary interfaces 74 and 84 of the respective sections 70 and 72.

[0070] In some example embodiments, interfaces 74 and 84 are threaded connectors. It should be understood that interfaces 74 and 84 can be any type of connector, including, but not limited to, at least one of sliding mating parts, pawls, clamps, pins, or snap-fits.

[0071] In some example embodiments, one or more of interfaces 74, 84 include one or more of cathode connector elements and anode connector elements. For example, in Figure 1B In the example embodiment shown, electrical lead 68-2 is connected to interface 74. As in Figure 1B The diagram further shows that the power supply section 72 includes a lead 92 that connects the control circuit 11 to the interface 84. When interfaces 74 and 84 are connected together, the connected interfaces 74 and 84 can electrically connect the lead 68-2 to 92.

[0072] In some exemplary embodiments, the cylinder 70 includes a connector element 91. The connector element 91 may include one or more of a cathode connector element and an anode connector element. For example, in... Figure 1B In the example embodiment shown, electrical lead 68-1 is connected to connector element 91. As... Figure 1B As further shown, connector element 91 is configured to connect to power supply 12 contained in power supply section 72. When interfaces 74 and 84 are connected together, connector element 91 and power supply 12 can be connected together. Connecting connector element 91 and power supply 12 together electrically connects lead 68 and power supply 12 together.

[0073] Connector element 91 may include insulating material 91b and conductive material 91a. Conductive material 91a electrically connects lead 68-1 to power supply 12, and insulating material 91b insulates conductive material 91a from interface 74, thereby reducing or preventing the possibility of electrical short circuit between lead 68-1 and interface 74. For example, if connector element 91 includes a cylindrical cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of electronic vapor device 60, the insulating material 91b contained in connector element 91 may be in the outer annular portion of connector element 91 and the conductive material 91a may be in the inner cylindrical portion of connector element 91, such that insulating material 91b surrounds conductive material 91a and reduces or prevents the possibility of electrical connection between conductive material 91a and interface 74.

[0074] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the outlet end insert 20 may be positioned at the outlet end of the cylinder 70. The outlet end insert 20 includes at least one outlet port 21 located off-axis from the longitudinal axis of the e-vaping device 60. One or more of the outlet ports 21 may be angled outward relative to the longitudinal axis of the e-vaping device 60. The plurality of outlet ports 21 may be evenly or substantially evenly distributed around the perimeter of the outlet end insert 20 so as to distribute substantially evenly the vapor drawn through the outlet end insert 20 during vaping. Thus, as vapor is drawn through the outlet end insert 20, the vapor may move in different directions.

[0075] The cartridge 70 includes a longitudinally extending outer housing 16 and an inner tube 62 coaxially positioned within the outer housing 16. The power supply section 72 includes a longitudinally extending outer housing 17. In some embodiments, the outer housing 16 may be a single tube housing both the cartridge 70 and the power supply section 72, and the entire electronic vaporizer 60 may be disposable. The outer housing 16 may have a generally cylindrical cross-section. In some embodiments, the outer housing 16 may have a generally triangular cross-section along one or more of the cartridge 70 and the power supply section 72. In some embodiments, the circumference or dimension of the outer housing 16 at its tip may be larger than the circumference or dimension at the outlet end of the electronic vaporizer 60.

[0076] The cylinder 70 includes a vaporizer assembly 22 and a seasoning assembly 24. The vaporizer assembly 22 can generate plain flavor vapor, and the seasoning assembly 24 can generate seasoned vapor 97 based on eluting one or more seasonings into the plain flavor vapor 95 generated by the vaporizer assembly 22.

[0077] The vaporizer assembly 22 may include an inner tube 62, a gasket 14, a gasket 18, a reservoir 32 configured to carry steam pre-prepared material, a distribution port 34 configured to draw steam pre-prepared material from the reservoir 32, and a heater 36 configured to vaporize the drawn steam pre-prepared material.

[0078] At one end of the inner tube 62, the nose portion of a sealing gasket (or seal) 14 is inserted into the end portion of the inner tube 62. The outer periphery of the sealing gasket 14 provides a substantially sealed seal to the internal surface of the housing 16. The sealing gasket 14 includes a passage 15 leading to the interior of the inner tube 62 defining a channel 66. A space 38 at the back portion of the sealing gasket 14 ensures communication between the passage 15 and one or more air inlet ports 44 located between the sealing gasket 14 and the connector element 91. The connector element 91 may be included in an interface 74.

[0079] In some embodiments, the nose portion of the sealing gasket 18 is inserted into another end portion of the inner tube 62. The outer periphery of the sealing gasket 18 can achieve a substantially airtight seal of the inner surface of the outer casing 16. The sealing gasket 18 includes a passage 19 disposed between the channel 66 of the inner tube 62 and the interior of the outlet insert 20. The passage 19 can deliver steam from the central channel 66 to the outlet insert 20 via the flavoring assembly 24. In some embodiments, the vaporizer assembly 22 and the flavoring assembly 24 define a space 40 therebetween. The passage 19 can deliver steam from the central channel 66 to the space 40, from where the steam can be drawn into the outlet insert 20 in flow communication with the flavoring assembly 24.

[0080] In some embodiments, at least one air inlet port 44 may be formed in the housing 16 adjacent to the interface 74 to minimize the possibility of an adult vapor user blocking one of the air inlet ports 44 with their finger and to control the resistance-to-draw (RTD) during vaporization. In some embodiments, the air inlet port 44 may be machined into the housing 16 using precision machining tools so that its diameter is tightly controlled during manufacturing and replicated from one e-vaping device 60 to the next.

[0081] In some embodiments, the air inlet port 44 can be drilled using a carbide drill bit or other high-precision tools or techniques. In some embodiments, the housing 16 can be formed of metal or a metal alloy, such that the size and shape of the air inlet port 44 can remain unchanged during manufacturing operations, packaging, and vapor extraction. Therefore, the air inlet port 44 can provide a consistent RTD. In some embodiments, the air inlet port 44 can be sized and configured such that the e-vaping device 60 has an RTD ranging from approximately 60 mm to approximately 150 mm of water.

[0082] Still referencing Figure 1A and Figure 1B The reservoir 32 may contain a pre-conditioning for steam. The space defined between gaskets 14 and 18, the outer casing 16, and the inner tube 62 may form the boundary of the reservoir 32, such that the reservoir 32 may be contained within an outer annular region between the inner tube 62, the outer casing 16, and the gaskets 14 and 18. Thus, the reservoir 32 may at least partially surround the channel 66.

[0083] Distribution interface 34 is connected to reservoir 32 such that distribution interface 34 can extend across channel 66 between opposite portions of reservoir 32. Distribution interface 34 is configured to draw steam pre-conditioning from reservoir 32.

[0084] Heater 36 is connected to distribution interface 34 and configured to generate heat. For example... Figure 1B As illustrated in the example embodiments described herein, heater 36 may extend across channel 66 between opposing portions of reservoir 32. In some example embodiments, heater 36 may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of channel 66.

[0085] The distribution port 34 is configured to draw steam pre-conditioning from the reservoir 32, so that the steam pre-conditioning can be vaporized from the distribution port 34 based on the heating of the distribution port 34 by the heater 36.

[0086] During the extraction of steam vapor, a pre-prepared steam medium can be transferred from the reservoir 32 and at least one of the stored media near the heater 36 via capillary action through the distribution port 34. The distribution port 34 may include a first end portion and a second end portion. The first and second end portions of the distribution port 34 may extend into opposite sides of the reservoir 32. The end portions of the distribution port 34 may be referred to herein as the root. The heater 36 may at least partially surround the central portion of the distribution port 34 such that when the heater 36 is activated to generate heat, the pre-prepared steam medium in the central portion of the distribution port 34 may be vaporized by the heater 36 to form steam. The central portion of the distribution port 34 may be referred to herein as the trunk.

[0087] The reservoir 32 may contain a flavoring-free pre-prepared steam compound, such that when the vaporizer assembly 22 vaporizes the pre-prepared steam compound by the heater 36 to form steam 95, the steam 95 may be substantially flavorless and therefore "plain steam". The absence of flavorings in the reservoir 32 of the vaporizer assembly 22 reduces the chemical reaction between the pre-prepared steam compound material and the flavorings in the reservoir 32 after vaporization due to heating of the pre-prepared steam compound by the heater 36.

[0088] Still referencing Figure 1A and Figure 1B The seasoning assembly 24 is positioned between the vaporizer assembly 22 and the outlet insert 20. The seasoning assembly 24 is configured to form seasoned vapor 97 based on the elution of seasoning into the original flavor vapor 95 formed by the vaporizer assembly 22.

[0089] The flavoring assembly 24 is positioned in flow communication with the vaporizer assembly 22, the space 40, and the outlet insertion 20. The cylinder 70 may be configured to guide the original flavor vapor 95 generated by the vaporizer assembly 22 out of the cylinder 70 via the outlet port 21. The cylinder 70 may be further configured to guide the original flavor vapor 95 through the space 40 toward the outlet port 21 in flow communication with the flavoring assembly 24. This flow communication with the flavoring assembly 24 may include passing through at least a portion of the flavoring assembly 24.

[0090] The flavoring assembly 24 includes at least one spice material 28 and at least one exposure control mechanism 26. The spice material 28 carries one or more flavorings. The original flavor steam 95 passing through space 40 can be used as an eluent to elute the flavorings from the spice material 28 and into the original flavor steam 95 to form an eluate. The eluate may contain the original flavor steam 95 and the flavorings. Such an eluate may be referred to as flavoring steam 97.

[0091] The spice material 28 can be an absorbent material configured to release one or more flavorings into the original flavor vapor 95 through a space 40 in flow communication with the surface of the spice material 28. For example, the spice material 28 can be a felt material that stores flavorings absorbed within the internal structure of the felt material. When the original flavor vapor 95 is in flow communication with the absorbent material, the absorbed flavorings can be released. For example, the passing original flavor vapor 95 can elute flavorings from the absorbent material to form flavored vapor 97.

[0092] The spice material 28 may be a porous structure configured to elute one or more flavoring agents into the flavor vapor 95 in flow communication with the spice material 28. The porous structure may be configured to guide the flavor vapor 95 through its internal structure to elute the flavoring agents into the flavor vapor 95.

[0093] The fragrance material 28 may at least partially include (e.g., "comprise") an integral structure. Such an integral structure may be manufactured in a single process step. Such a single process step may include extruding a fragrance-loaded thermoplastic material (during or after extrusion), a mold having or not having porous channels within the integral structure, or a combination thereof.

[0094] In some embodiments, the fragrance material 28 may comprise one or more materials, including thermoplastic or thermosetting materials, including one or more of polyolefins, polyesters, polyacrylates, polyurethanes, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the fragrance material 28 may comprise a combination of one or more polymers, fillers, additives, and combinations thereof, and may be impregnated with one or more fragrances. In some embodiments, the fragrance material 28 may comprise one or more phase change materials. The phase change material may comprise one or more of paraffin wax and fatty acids. In some embodiments, the flavored vapor 95 formed by the vaporizer assembly 22 may have an elevated temperature relative to the fragrance material 28, such that the flavored vapor 95 is "warm" flavored vapor 95 relative to the fragrance material 28. The phase change material contained in the fragrance material 28 may soften or melt as it is in fluid communication with the warm flavored vapor 95 from the vaporizer assembly 22, thereby promoting the elution of fragrance into the vapor 95 stream. In some embodiments, the fragrance material 28 may be a sponge-like monolithic material. The sponge may at least partially comprise cellulose-based polymers, synthetic polymers, and combinations thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, the sponge flavoring material 28 is configured to refill with one or more flavorings when the sponge flavoring material 28 is depleted or substantially depleted.

[0095] In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring material 28 may comprise individual flavor-loaded particles incorporated into an integral structure of a retainer conforming to the flavoring material 28. The flavor-loaded particles may comprise one or more of the following: silica, zeolite, activated carbon, inorganic salt-type particles, particles produced by a granulation process, microcrystalline cellulose spheres, starch-based particles, particles produced by spray drying and encapsulating flavorings (flavorings), other types of particles that can be impregnated to carry flavorings and can be bonded together using adhesives to form the structure of the flavoring system 28, and a combination thereof.

[0096] In some exemplary embodiments, flavoring material 28 may comprise a gel. The gel may comprise at least one of soft and hard solid gels. The gel may comprise natural polymers, synthetic polymers, combinations thereof, etc., which form a gel in an aqueous (hydrogel) system, an alcohol (alcohol gel) system, or both. The gel may comprise one or more natural polymers, and such one or more natural polymers may comprise carrageenan, amylopectin, alginate, agar, pectinate, and one or more natural gums. The gel may comprise one or more synthetic polymers, and such one or more synthetic polymers may comprise modified cellulose, polyacrylate, combinations thereof, etc. The gel may comprise one or more salts or pH adjusters configured to promote gelation. The gel may be configured to be affected by the presence of any pH adjuster in the flavor vapor 95 that can alter its pH, such that the gel is configured to change its gel state and promote flavor elution into the flavor vapor 95 stream as the flavor vapor 95 passes through the gel (e.g., in fluid communication with it). The gel may comprise one or more dispersed particles, each loaded (e.g., impregnated, soaked, etc.) with one or more flavorings.

[0097] Exposure control mechanism 26 is configured to adjustably expose at least one flavoring material 28 to vaporizer assembly 22, such that flavoring agents are adjustablely eluted into flavor vapor 95 to form flavored vapor 97. Adjustable control of flavoring agent elution into flavor vapor 95 may include adjustable control of one or more properties of the flavorings provided by flavored vapor 97. These properties may include at least one of the selection of one or more flavoring agents contained in flavored vapor 97 and the concentration of said one or more flavoring agents in flavored vapor 97.

[0098] In some exemplary embodiments, the adjustable control of the properties of the flavored vapor 97 allows for control over the sensory experience provided by the flavored vapor 97. The sensory experience can be controlled to provide an improved sensory experience. For example, as the amounts of flavoring and pre-prepared ingredients held in the respective flavoring assembly 24 and vaporizer assembly 22 are gradually consumed with continuous vapor inhalation, the elution of flavoring can be adjusted to maintain a substantially uniform concentration of flavoring in the flavored vapor 97. A substantially uniform concentration of flavoring in the flavored vapor 97 under continuous vapor inhalation can provide a consistent sensory experience.

[0099] In some exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the exposed control mechanism 26 extends at least partially through one or more holes in the housing 16. Figure 1A and Figure 1B(Not shown in the image), such that the exposure control mechanism 26 protrudes outside the cylinder 70. A portion of the exposure control mechanism 26 can be manually adjusted to adjustably expose the flavoring material 28 to the vaporizer assembly 22. Therefore, one or more properties of the flavored vapor 97 can be manually controlled by an adult vaporizer user to provide an improved sensory experience according to various adult vaporizer user preferences.

[0100] In some example embodiments, the exposure control mechanism 26 includes a drive motor ( Figure 1A and Figure 1B (not shown in the image) and through one or more electrical links ( Figure 1A and Figure 1B (Not shown) is connected to power supply 12. Exposure control mechanism 26 can adjustably expose fragrance material 28 to at least one of vaporizer assembly 22 and space 40 based on the operation of drive motor.

[0101] Still referencing Figure 1A and Figure 1B The power supply section 72 includes a sensor 13, at least one power supply 12, and control circuitry 11. The sensor 13 responds to air being drawn into the power supply section 72 via an air inlet port 44a adjacent to the free end or top of the electronic vaporizer 60. The power supply 12 may include a rechargeable battery. The sensor 13 may be one or more of a pressure sensor, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor, or the like.

[0102] In some exemplary embodiments, the power supply 12 includes a battery arranged in the electronic vaporizer 60 such that the anode is downstream of the cathode. A connector element 91 contacts the downstream end of the battery. The heater 36 is connected to the power supply 12 via at least two spaced-apart electrical leads 68-1 to 68-2.

[0103] The power source 12 may be a lithium-ion battery or a variant thereof, such as a lithium-ion polymer battery. Alternatively, the 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 electronic vaporizer 60 may be used by an adult vaporizer until the energy in the power source 12 is depleted, or, in the case of a lithium polymer battery, until a minimum voltage cutoff level is reached.

[0104] Additionally, the power supply 12 may be rechargeable and may include circuitry configured to allow the battery to be charged by an external charging device. For recharging the electronic vaporizer 60, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charger or other suitable charger assembly may be used.

[0105] After the connection between cylinder 70 and power supply section 72 is completed, at least one power source 12 may be electrically connected to heater 36 of cylinder 70 after actuator sensor 13. Air is drawn into cylinder 70 primarily through one or more air inlet ports 44. The one or more air inlet ports 44 may be located along the outer casings 16, 17 of the first section 70 and the second section 72 or at one or more of the connected interfaces 74, 84.

[0106] Sensor 13 can be configured to sense a drop in air pressure and begin applying voltage from power source 12 to heater 36. For example... Figure 1B As illustrated in the example embodiments described herein, some examples of power supply section 72 include a heater start light 48 configured to illuminate when the heater 36 is activated. The heater start light 48 may include a light-emitting diode (LED). Furthermore, the heater start light 48 may be arranged to be visible to an adult vaper during vaping. Additionally, the heater start light 48 can be used for electronic vaping system diagnostics or to indicate that recharging is in progress. The heater start light 48 may also be configured so that an adult vaper can activate, deactivate, or both activate and deactivate the heater start light 48 for privacy. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the heater start light 48 may be located on the tip of the electronic vaporizer 60. In some exemplary embodiments, the heater start light 48 may be located on the side portion of the housing 17.

[0107] Furthermore, at least one air inlet port 44a may be located adjacent to sensor 13, allowing sensor 13 to sense the airflow indicating the vapor being drawn through the outlet of the electronic vaporizer 60. Sensor 13 may activate power supply 12 and heater start indicator 48 to indicate that heater 36 has been activated.

[0108] In some embodiments, control circuitry 11 may respond to sensor 13 to control the power supply to heater 36. In some embodiments, control circuitry 11 may include a maximum time period limiter. In some embodiments, control circuitry 11 may include a manually operable switch to allow an adult vaporizer to manually begin inhaling vapor. The time period for the current supply to heater 36 may be preset depending on the amount of vapor pre-mixed material to be vaporized. In some embodiments, control circuitry 11 may control the power supply to heater 36 as soon as sensor 13 detects a voltage drop.

[0109] In some example embodiments, control circuitry 11 can control exposure control mechanism 26 to adjustably control the exposure of fragrance material 28 to vaporizer assembly 22. Control circuitry 11 can control the power supply from power source 12 to exposure control mechanism 26 to control exposure control mechanism 26.

[0110] In some embodiments, the control circuit 11 can automatically control the exposure control mechanism 26 (e.g., without manual intervention). In some embodiments, the control circuit 11 can control the exposure control mechanism 26 based on the amount of flavor vapor 95 formed by the vaporizer assembly 22. For example, the amount of flavoring agent carried in the flavoring material 28 can be reduced inversely proportional to the amount of flavor vapor 95 formed, because the flavoring agent can be gradually eluted into the continuously formed flavor vapor 95.

[0111] The control circuit 11 can control the exposure control mechanism 26 to gradually increase the exposure of the flavoring material 28 to the vaporizer assembly 22, such that the surface area of ​​the exposed flavoring material 28 increases as the amount of original flavor vapor 95 formed by the vaporizer assembly 22 increases.

[0112] Increasing the exposure of the flavoring material 28 to the vaporizer assembly 22 can improve the elution of flavoring from the flavoring material 28. For example, as the amount of flavoring carried in the flavoring material 28 is gradually consumed, the control circuit 11 can increase the exposure of the flavoring material 28 to the vaporizer assembly 22 to maintain a substantially uniform amount of flavoring eluted into the original flavor vapor 95 during each vaporization. As a result, when the flavoring material 28 gradually depletes its flavoring, the control circuit 11 can control the exposure control mechanism 26 to maintain a uniform flavoring content in the flavored vapor 97.

[0113] The control circuit 11 can determine the amount of original flavor vapor 95 formed by the vaporizer assembly 22 based on at least one of the amount of inhaled vapor supported by the vaporizer assembly 22, the duration of one or more inhaled vapors supported by the vaporizer assembly 22, and the cumulative duration of inhaled vapor supported by the vaporizer assembly 22.

[0114] In some example embodiments, control circuit 11 may determine the amount of original flavor vapor 95 formed based on a lookup table (“LUT”) storing relevant values ​​for the cumulative vaporization duration and corresponding values ​​for the amount of original flavor vapor 95 formed. The relevant values ​​included in the LUT may be determined through empirical research. Control circuit 11 may track the cumulative duration of vaporization supported by vaporizer assembly 22 based on tracking at least one of the amount of vaporization supported by vaporizer assembly 22 and the duration of one or more instances of vaporization supported by vaporizer assembly 22. Control circuit 11 may access the LUT and identify a value for the amount of original flavor vapor 95 corresponding to the cumulative vaporization duration determined in the LUT.

[0115] The control circuit 11 can store in a storage device a historical record of at least one of the following: the amount of vaporized smoke supported by the vaporizer assembly 22, the duration of one or more instances of vaporized smoke supported by the vaporizer assembly 22, and the cumulative duration of vaporized smoke supported by the vaporizer assembly 22. The control circuit 11 can track the cumulative duration of vaporized smoke supported by the vaporizer assembly 22 based on updating the historical record according to the continuous vaporized smoke supported by the vaporizer assembly 22.

[0116] Still referencing Figure 1A and Figure 1B In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 11 may control the exposure control mechanism 26 based on controlling the power supply to the exposure control mechanism 26. The control circuit 11 may control the power supply such that a specific amount of power is selectively supplied to the exposure control mechanism 26 so that the exposure control mechanism 26 performs specific adjustments to the exposure of the fragrance material 28.

[0117] The control circuit 11 can control the power supply to the exposure control mechanism 26 based on the relationship between the electrical power to be supplied to the exposure control mechanism 26 and the amount of one or more inhaled vapors supported by the vaporizer assembly 22 and the cumulative amount of flavor vapor 95 formed by the vaporizer assembly 22. This relationship can be stored in a lookup table (LUT). The relevant values ​​contained in the LUT can be determined through empirical research, where the electrical power is related to the amount of exposure of the flavor material 28 to the vaporizer assembly 22 caused by the exposure control mechanism 26. The LUT can be the same as one that stores the relationship between the amount of inhaled vapors, the duration of inhaled vapors, or both, and the amount of flavor vapor 95 formed.

[0118] When the control circuit 11 determines the accumulated amount of original flavor vapor 95 formed by the vaporizer assembly 22, the control circuit 11 can access the LUT. The control circuit 11 can identify the corresponding value of the amount of power to be supplied to the exposure control mechanism 26 according to the LUT. The control circuit 11 can control the power supply to the exposure control mechanism 26 according to the identified power value, so that a certain amount of power is supplied to the exposure control mechanism 26.

[0119] To control at least one of the power supply to heater 36 and the power supply to exposure control mechanism 26, control circuitry 11 may execute one or more instances of computer-executable program code. Control circuitry 11 may include a processor and memory. The memory may be a computer-readable storage medium that stores computer-executable code.

[0120] The control circuit 11 may include processing circuitry, including but not limited to a processor, central processing unit (CPU), controller, arithmetic logic unit (ALU), digital signal processor, microcomputer, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), system-on-a-chip (SoC), programmable logic unit, microprocessor, or any other device capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner. In some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 11 may be at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and an ASIC chip.

[0121] By executing computer-readable program code stored on a storage device, control circuit 11 can be configured as a dedicated machine. The program code may contain at least one of the following: a program or computer-readable instructions, software elements, software modules, data files, data structures, etc., that can be implemented by one or more hardware devices, such as one or more instances of control circuit 11 mentioned above. Instances of program code include both machine code generated by a compiler and higher-level program code executed using an interpreter.

[0122] Control circuitry 11 may include one or more storage devices. The one or more storage devices may be tangible or non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as at least one of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), permanent mass storage devices (e.g., disk drives), solid-state (e.g., NAND flash memory) devices, and any other similar data storage devices capable of storing and recording data. The one or more storage devices may be configured to store computer programs, program code, instructions, or a combination thereof for use with one or more operating systems, for implementing the exemplary embodiments described herein, or for both. A drive mechanism may also be used to load computer programs, program code, instructions, or a combination thereof from a separate computer-readable storage medium to one or more storage devices, one or more computer processing devices, or both. Such a separate computer-readable storage medium may include at least one of a USB flash drive, memory stick, Blu-ray / DVD / CD-ROM drive, memory card, or other similar computer-readable storage media. Computer programs, program code, instructions, or a combination thereof may be loaded from a remote data storage device via a network interface rather than via local computer-readable storage media to one or more storage devices, one or more computer processing devices, or both. Furthermore, computer programs, program code, instructions, or a combination thereof can be loaded onto one or more storage devices, one or more processors, or both, from a remote computing system configured to transmit, distribute, or transmit and distribute computer programs, program code, instructions, or a combination thereof via a network. The remote computing system can transmit, distribute, or transmit and distribute computer programs, program code, instructions, or a combination thereof via at least one of a wired interface, an air interface, or any other similar media.

[0123] The control circuit 11 may be a dedicated machine configured to execute computer-executable code to control at least one of the power supply to the heater 36 and the power supply to the exposure control mechanism 26. Controlling the power supply to the heater 36 is interchangeably referred to herein as starting the heater 36. Controlling the power supply to the exposure control mechanism 26 is interchangeably referred to herein as starting the exposure control mechanism 26.

[0124] A vapor preformulation is a material or combination of materials that can be converted into vapor. For example, a vapor preformulation can be at least one of a liquid, solid, or gel formulation, comprising, but not limited to, water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial fragrances, vaporizing agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and combinations thereof. Vapor preformulations can include those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0020823, filed July 16, 2014, to Lipowicz et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0313275, filed January 21, 2015, to Anderson et al., the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0125] In some exemplary embodiments, the vapor pre-conditioner is one or more of propylene glycol, glycerol, and combinations thereof.

[0126] The pre-vaporized blend may or may not contain nicotine. The pre-vaporized blend may contain one or more tobacco flavorings. The pre-vaporized blend may contain one or more flavorings separate from the one or more tobacco flavorings.

[0127] In some exemplary embodiments, the vapor pre-formulation containing nicotine may also contain one or more acids. These acids may be one or more of the following: pyruvic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, propionic acid, caprylic 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-octenic 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-pentenoic acid, phenylacetic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and combinations thereof.

[0128] In some exemplary embodiments, the original flavor vapor 95 formed at the vaporizer assembly 22 may be substantially free of one or more materials in the gaseous phase. For example, the original flavor vapor 95 may contain one or more materials that are substantially particulate and substantially non-gase.

[0129] The storage medium of reservoir 32 may be a fibrous material comprising at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon, and combinations thereof. The fibers may have a diameter ranging from about 6 micrometers to about 15 micrometers (e.g., about 8 micrometers to about 12 micrometers, or about 9 micrometers to about 11 micrometers). The storage medium may be a sintered, porous, or foamed material. Furthermore, the fiber size may be set to be non-absorbable and may have a Y-shaped, cross-shaped, clover-shaped, or any other suitable cross-section. In some exemplary embodiments, reservoir 32 may include a filling trough that does not contain any storage medium and contains only a pre-prepared vapor.

[0130] The reservoir 32 can be sized and configured to hold sufficient pre-mixed vapor to allow the electronic vaporizer 60 to be configured for continuous vapor inhalation for at least approximately 200 seconds. The electronic vaporizer 60 can be configured to allow each vapor inhalation to last for a maximum of approximately 5 seconds.

[0131] The dispensing interface 34 may include a core. The dispensing interface 34 may include filaments (or threads) capable of drawing in pre-mixed vapor. For example, the dispensing interface 34 may be a core, such as a bundle of glass (or ceramic) filaments, a bundle containing a group of glass filaments wound together, etc., all of which may be able to draw in pre-mixed vapor via capillary action through the gaps between the filaments. The filaments may be generally aligned in a direction perpendicular (transverse) to the longitudinal direction of the electronic vaporizer 60. In some exemplary embodiments, the dispensing interface 34 may include one to eight strands of filament, each strand comprising multiple glass filaments twisted together. The end portions of the dispensing interface 34 may be flexible and may be folded into the boundary of the reservoir 32. The filaments may have a generally cross-shaped, clover-shaped, Y-shaped, or any other suitable cross-section.

[0132] The dispensing interface 34 may contain any suitable material or combination of materials, also referred to herein as a wicking material. Examples of suitable materials may be, but are not limited to, glass, ceramic-based, or graphite-based materials. The dispensing interface 34 may have any suitable capillary action to accommodate vapor premixes with different physical properties, such as density, viscosity, surface tension, and vapor pressure.

[0133] In some exemplary embodiments, the heater 36 may be included in the vaporizer assembly 22 at least partially surrounding the dispensing interface 34. The wire may be a metallic wire. The wire may extend entirely or partially along the length of the dispensing interface 34. The wire may further extend entirely or partially around the circumference of the dispensing interface 34. In some exemplary embodiments, the wire may not be in direct contact with the dispensing interface 34.

[0134] Heater 36 may be formed of any suitable resistive material. Examples of suitable resistive materials may include, but are not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and metals from the platinum group. Examples of suitable metal alloys include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-titanium-zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, and iron-containing alloys, as well as superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, and stainless steel. For example, depending on the energy transfer kinetics and desired external physicochemical properties, heater 36 may be formed of nickel aluminide, materials having an alumina layer on their surface, iron aluminide, and other composite materials. The resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated in, or coated with an insulating material, or vice versa. Heater 36 may comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of: stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, superalloys, and combinations thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, heater 36 may be formed of a nickel-chromium alloy or an iron-chromium alloy. In some exemplary embodiments, heater 36 may be a ceramic heater having a resistive layer on its outer surface.

[0135] Heater 36 can heat the steam premix in distribution interface 34 via heat conduction. Alternatively, heat from heater 36 can be conducted to the steam premix by means of a heat-conducting element, or heater 36 can transfer heat to incoming ambient air that is drawn through electronic vaporizer 60 during vaporization, which in turn heats the steam premix by convection.

[0136] It should be understood that, without using the distribution interface 34, the vaporizer assembly 22 may include a heater 36, which is a porous material incorporated into a resistance heater formed of a high-resistivity material capable of rapidly generating heat.

[0137] In some embodiments, the cartridge 70 may be replaceable. In other words, once either the flavoring or the pre-prepared vaporizer in the cartridge 70 is depleted, only the cartridge 70 can be replaced. In some embodiments, once either the reservoir 32 or the flavoring assembly 24 is depleted, the entire e-vaporizer 60 can be discarded.

[0138] In some exemplary embodiments, the electronic vaporizer 60 may be about 80 mm to about 110 mm long and about 7 mm to about 8 mm in diameter. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the electronic vaporizer 60 may be about 84 mm long and may have a diameter of about 7.8 mm.

[0139] As used herein, the term "flavoring agent" is used to describe a compound or combination of compounds that can provide at least one of flavor and aroma to an adult vaper. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring agent is configured to interact with at least one sensory receptor of an adult vaper. The flavoring agent may be configured to interact with the sensory receptor via at least one of prenasal and postnasal stimulation. The flavoring agent may comprise one or more volatile flavoring substances.

[0140] At least one flavoring agent may comprise one or more of natural or artificial (“synthetic”) flavoring agents. At least one flavoring agent may comprise one or more plant-derived materials. In some exemplary embodiments, at least one flavoring agent is one or more of tobacco flavoring, menthol, wintergreen, peppermint, herbal flavoring, fruit flavoring, nut flavoring, alcoholic flavoring, and combinations thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring agent is contained in plant material. Plant material may comprise material from one or more plants. Plant material may comprise one or more herbs, spices, fruits, roots, leaves, grasses, etc. For example, plant material may comprise orange peel material and vanilla material. In another example, plant material may comprise tobacco material. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring agent as a tobacco flavoring (“tobacco flavoring agent”) comprises at least one of synthetic materials and plant-derived materials. The plant-derived material contained in the tobacco flavoring agent may be an extract from one or more tobacco materials.

[0141] In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material may comprise material from any member of the genus *Nicotiana*. In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material comprises a mixture of two or more different tobacco varieties. Examples of suitable types of tobacco material that may be used include, but are not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, Maryland tobacco, Oriental tobacco, rare tobacco, specialty tobacco, black tobacco, blends thereof, etc. The tobacco material may be provided in any suitable form, including, but not limited to, tobacco sheets, processed tobacco material such as expanded or fluffy tobacco, processed tobacco stems such as cut-rolled or cut-blown stems, reconstituted tobacco material, blends thereof, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, the tobacco material is in the form of substantially dry tobacco substance.

[0142] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent eluted into the original flavor vapor 95 is in the particulate phase. The particulate phase may include a liquid phase, a solid phase, etc. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent eluted into the original flavor vapor 95 is in the vapor phase, a gas phase, etc. The flavoring agent may contain volatile flavoring substances, and the volatile flavoring substances can be eluted into the original flavor vapor 95. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent eluted into the original flavor vapor 95 contains non-volatile flavoring substances.

[0143] In some exemplary embodiments, when the flavoring assembly 24 carries the flavoring agent and is separate from the vaporizer assembly 22, and the cylinder 70 is configured to guide the original flavor vapor 95 through the flavoring assembly 24 after its formation, the original flavor vapor 95 can be cooled from its initial temperature when formed in the vaporizer assembly 22. As the original flavor vapor 95 passing through the flavoring assembly 24 cools from its initial temperature, the chemical reactions between the flavoring agent eluted into the original flavor vapor 95 and the components of the original flavor vapor 95 can be reduced at least partially, thereby reducing the loss of desired flavor in the flavoring vapor 97.

[0144] In some exemplary embodiments, when the e-vaping device 60 includes a flavoring assembly 24 that carries the flavoring and is separate from the vaporizer assembly 22, the e-vaping device 60 can be configured to reduce the likelihood of a chemical reaction between the flavoring and one or more elements of the vaporizer assembly 22. The absence of such a chemical reaction results in the absence of reaction products in the flavored vapor 97. Such reaction products can diminish the sensory experience provided by the flavored vapor 97. Therefore, an e-vaping device 60 configured to reduce the likelihood of such a chemical reaction can provide a more harmonious and improved sensory experience through the flavored vapor 97.

[0145] In some exemplary embodiments, the seasoning assembly 24 is configured to cool the original flavor steam 95 passing through it. The seasoning assembly 24 may cool the original flavor steam 95 based on heat transfer from the original flavor steam 95 to at least one of the seasoning agent eluted into the original flavor steam 95 and the materials contained in the seasoning assembly 24. In some exemplary embodiments, the amount of seasoning agent eluted into the original flavor steam 95 is increased in the heat transfer from the original flavor steam 95 to at least one of the seasoning agent and the materials contained in the seasoning assembly 24. Seasoning steam 97 with an increased amount of eluted seasoning agent can provide an improved sensory experience. In some exemplary embodiments, the seasoning steam 97 exiting the seasoning assembly 24 may be colder than the original flavor steam 95 entering the seasoning assembly 24. Seasoning steam 97 that is colder than the original flavor steam 95 entering the seasoning assembly 24 can provide an improved sensory experience based on the lower temperature of the seasoning steam 97.

[0146] In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring included in the e-vaping device 60 is replaceable independently of the pre-vaporized ingredients in the cartridge 70. The flavoring is contained in a flavoring assembly 24, which is separate from the vaporizer assembly 22, which contains the pre-vaporized ingredients. The flavoring assembly 24 can be replaced by another flavoring assembly 24 for adult vapers to replace the flavoring included in the e-vaping device 60 as needed. The flavoring assembly 24 can be replaced by another flavoring assembly 24 to replenish the flavoring in the e-vaping device 60 rather than replacing the vaporizer assembly 22, wherein the vaporizer assembly 22 may contain sufficient pre-vaporized ingredients to support additional vaping.

[0147] Still referencing Figure 1A and Figure 1B When the heater 36 is activated, the activated heater 36 can heat a portion of the distribution interface 34 surrounded by the heater 36 for less than about 10 seconds. Therefore, the time range of the power cycle (or maximum vapor extraction duration) can be from about 2 seconds to about 10 seconds (e.g., about 3 seconds to about 9 seconds, about 4 seconds to about 8 seconds, or about 5 seconds to about 7 seconds).

[0148] Figure 2A This is a cross-sectional view of a seasoning assembly according to some example embodiments. Figure 2B It is along Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of line IIB-IIB' of the seasoning assembly. Figure 2C It is along Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the seasoning assembly line IIC-IIC'. Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C The seasoning assembly 24 shown may be included in any of the embodiments contained herein, including Figure 1B The seasoning assembly 24 shown.

[0149] In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring assembly 24 includes spice material 28, which is fixedly positioned relative to one or more portions of the container 70 containing the flavoring assembly 24. For example... Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown, for example, the seasoning assembly 24 is located within the space 40 of the cylinder 70, and the seasoning assembly 24 includes an exposure control mechanism 26 configured to hold the spice material 28 in a fixed position.

[0150] Exposure control mechanism 26 can be configured to adjustably move one or more of its elements to adjustably expose flavoring material 28 to the external environment of flavoring assembly 24. This exposure may include adjustably exposing flavoring material 28 to vaporizer assembly 22. Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C In the illustrated example embodiment, for instance, the exposure control mechanism 26 is configured to adjustably expose the flavoring material 28 to the space 40, wherein the flavoring assembly 24 and the vaporizer assembly 22 are in fluid communication through the space 40, such as Figure 1B As shown.

[0151] Still referencing Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2CThe exposure control mechanism 26 includes a fixed (i.e., stationary) structure comprising end seals 206a and 206b, a retaining ring 230, and sheaths 208a and 208b. The end seals 206a and 206b constrain opposite ends of the fragrance material 28. The retaining ring 230 and the retaining sheaths 208a and 208b encapsulate a portion of one or more side surfaces of the fragrance material 28. The fixed structure partially encapsulates the fragrance material 28 such that the unencapsulated portions of the fragrance material 28 are confined to portions 232a and 232b of the side surfaces of the fragrance material 28. The unencapsulated portions 232a and 232b are at least partially defined by elements of the fixed structure. For example, the unencapsulated portions 232a and 232b are at least partially defined by the retaining sheaths 208a and 208b.

[0152] In some example embodiments, the exposure control mechanism 26 includes a post 212 that connects the fixing structure to an external element to secure at least the fragrance material 28 in place relative to the external element. Figure 2A and Figure 2C In the illustrated example embodiment, for instance, the exposure control mechanism 26 includes a post 212 that connects an end sealing gasket 206b to the outer housing 16 of the cylinder 70, thereby securing the fragrance material 28 and the fixing structure of the exposure control mechanism 26 relative to the contained outer housing 16 and space 40.

[0153] Still referencing Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C The exposure control mechanism 26 can be configured to adjustably expose the unencapsulated portions 232a and 232b of the fragrance material 28 based on the adjustable movement of one or more movable elements. Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C In the illustrated example embodiment, for instance, the exposure control mechanism 26 is configured to adjustably expose the unencapsulated portions 232a and 232b of the fragrance material 28 to space 40 based on adjustable movable sheaths 222a and 222b.

[0154] like Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown, the exposure control mechanism 26 includes a movable structure configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis 200 of the flavoring assembly 24. The movable structure includes a rotatable ring 228, movable sheaths 222a and 222b, a manual interface element 220, and a post 226. The movable structure is configured to rotate the movable sheaths 222a and 222b about the longitudinal axis 200 such that the movable sheaths 222a and 222b can adjustably cover or expose the unencapsulated portions 232a and 232b of the flavoring material 28.

[0155] like Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown, the movable structure of the exposure control mechanism 26 includes a rotatable ring 228 coupled to the movable sheaths 222a and 222b. The rotatable ring 228 is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis 200 to move the movable sheaths 222a and 222b.

[0156] The rotatable ring 228 is connected to the manual interface element 220 via a separate post 226. The manual interface element 220 can be manually operated by an adult vapor user to rotate the rotatable ring 228, thereby causing movable sheaths 222a and 222b to adjustably expose the unencapsulated portions 232a and 232b of the flavoring material 28 to space 40. Therefore, Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C The exposure control mechanism 26 shown is configured to adjustably expose the fragrance material 28 to the space 40 based on manual manipulation of the manual interface element 220 of the exposure control mechanism 26.

[0157] As shown, the manual interface element 220 and the post 226 may protrude at least partially through one or more holes in the housing 16, such that at least the manual interface element 220 is exposed to the external environment relative to the cylinder 70. The sealing element 224 may substantially seal the gap between the elements of the exposed control mechanism 26 that protrude through the housing 16. The substantial seal of the gap may include sealing the gap to substantially prevent vapor flow through the gap.

[0158] In some exemplary embodiments, the seasoning assembly 24 may not include at least the manual interface element 220 and the post 226. For example, the seasoning assembly 24 may include a drive motor ( Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C (Not shown in the image), which is connected to a rotatable ring 228, such that the flavoring assembly 24 is configured to adjustably expose the unencapsulated portions 232a and 232b of the flavoring material 28 to space 40 based on a drive motor, thereby causing the movable ring to rotate about the longitudinal axis 200.

[0159] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a seasoning assembly according to some example embodiments. Figure 3 The seasoning assembly 24 shown may be included in any of the embodiments contained herein, including Figure 1B The seasoning assembly 24 shown.

[0160] In some exemplary embodiments, the exposure control mechanism 26 includes a helical mechanism configured to adjustably translate the flavoring material 28 along the longitudinal axis 200 based on a helical mechanism rotating about the longitudinal axis 200. The helical mechanism can be rotatably adjusted to regulate the translation of the flavoring material 28. The translation of the flavoring material 28 may include adjustingly extending the flavoring material 28 from inside a sheath configured to isolate the flavoring material 28 from at least one of the spaces 40 through which the vaporizer assembly 22 and the original flavor vapor 95 can pass from the vaporizer assembly 22. Thus, rotation of the helical mechanism can adjustably control the exposure of the flavoring material 28.

[0161] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated example embodiment, the flavoring assembly 24 includes an exposure control mechanism 26 and a flavoring material 28. The exposure control mechanism 26 includes a helical mechanism 302. The helical mechanism 302 is configured to adjustably translate the flavoring material 28 along the longitudinal axis 200 based on the rotation of the helical mechanism 302 about the longitudinal axis 200. Figure 3 As shown in the example embodiment, the spice material 28 may include one or more linear guides 28a, and the linear guides may be one or more of linear grooves and linear protrusions included in the spice material 28. The linear guide 28 may include toothed linear protrusions, which include a series of tooth gaps along the linear length of the protrusions. The helical mechanism 302 may include one or more threaded elements (“threads”) configured to interact (“engage”) with one or more linear guides 28 based on rotation of the helical mechanism 302 about axis 200. For example, the threaded element may extend through the tooth gaps in the toothed linear protrusion guide 28a to apply a linear force on the linear guide 28a based on rotation of the helical mechanism 302 about axis 200. Based on the interaction (“engagement”) between the threaded element of the helical mechanism 302 and one or more linear guides 28a of the spice material 28, the rotational motion of the helical mechanism 302 can be converted into linear motion of the spice material 28. Therefore, the exposure control mechanism 26 is configured to adjustably expose the fragrance material 28 to the space 40 based on the rotation of at least a portion of the exposure control mechanism 26 about the longitudinal axis 200.

[0162] exist Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the exposure control mechanism 26 includes a tube 308 and an end seal 306, which together comprise a sheath having an internal space 310. The tube 308 and the end seal 306 define the internal space 310 of the sheath. As shown, the sheath includes an opening 311 at an end remote from the end seal 306. The sheath is configured to enclose the flavoring material 28 within the space 310 such that the flavoring material 28 is at least partially isolated from the space 40. The exposure control mechanism 26 is configured to adjustably extend the flavoring material 28 through the opening 311 of the sheath to adjustably expose it to the space 40 based on the rotation of the helical mechanism 302. When the flavoring material 28 is exposed to the space 40, flavorings can be eluted 96 from the flavoring material 28 into the original flavor vapor 95 passing through the space 40, forming flavored vapor 97.

[0163] As shown, tube 308 may include linear guide rails 308a. Linear guide rails 308a may be one or more linear grooves contained in the inner surface of tube 308 and linear protrusions extending from the inner surface of tube 308. Linear guide rails 308a may be configured to interact with linear guide rails 28a of the fragrance material 28 to reduce or prevent rotational movement of the fragrance material 28 based on the interaction between the helical mechanism 302 and one or more individual linear guide rails 28a of the fragrance material 28.

[0164] For example, when the linear guide 308a is a linear groove in the inner surface of the tube 308, the linear guide 308a can be configured to accommodate a linear guide protruding from the fragrance material 28. The protruding linear guide 28a can slide within the grooved linear guide 308a, enabling linear guides 28a and 308a to achieve linear movement of the fragrance material 28. The grooved linear guide 308a can reduce the movement of the protruding linear guide 28a out of the groove, thereby reducing the rotational movement of the fragrance material 28 about the longitudinal axis 200. Based on reducing or preventing the rotational movement of the fragrance material 28, the linear guide 308a can improve the conversion of the rotational movement of the screw mechanism 302 into the linear movement of the fragrance mechanism 28.

[0165] The spice material 28 can be at least partially translated into space 310 to isolate it from space 40. Isolating the spice material 28 from space 40 can at least partially inhibit the elution of flavoring agent 96 into the original flavor vapor 95 passing through space 40, since the spice material 28 can be isolated from space 40 by one or more elements of the sheath. Therefore, the elution of flavoring agent 96 from the spice material 28 to form flavor vapor 97 can be adjusted based on the adjustable translation of the spice material 28 along the longitudinal axis 200, such that the spice material 28 is adjustablely positioned relative to the interior space 310 of the sheath.

[0166] In some embodiments, the spiral mechanism 302 is coupled to a manual interface element 220, which can be manually operated by an adult vapor user to adjustably rotate the spiral mechanism 302, thereby adjustingably translating the flavoring material 28. Figure 3 In the illustrated example embodiment, for instance, the exposure control mechanism 26 includes a manual interface element 220, which is coupled to the screw mechanism 302 via a post 226. The manual interface element 220 protrudes at least partially through one or more gaps in the housing 16, thus exposing the manual interface element 220 to manual operation by an adult vapor user. Therefore, the screw mechanism 302 is configured to rotate based on the rotation of the manually activated manual interface element 220. The gap between the housing 16 and the manual interface element 220 may be at least partially sealed by one or more sealing elements 224.

[0167] In some exemplary embodiments, the seasoning assembly 24 may not include at least the manual interface element 220 and the post 226. For example, the seasoning assembly 24 may include a drive motor coupled to the screw mechanism 302. Figure 3 (not shown in the image), such that the spiral mechanism 302 is configured to adjustably translate the spice material 28 along the longitudinal axis 200 based on the drive motor.

[0168] exist Figure 3 In the example embodiment shown, the exposure control mechanism 26 includes one or more posts 212 that secure the sheath to the housing 16 and further position the sheath within the space 40 defined by the housing 16.

[0169] Figure 4A This is a cross-sectional view of a seasoning assembly according to some example embodiments. Figure 4B It is along Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the IVB-IVB' line of the seasoning assembly. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The seasoning assembly 24 shown may be included in any of the embodiments contained herein, including Figure 1B The seasoning assembly 24 shown.

[0170] In some example embodiments, the flavoring assembly 24 includes an exposure control mechanism 26 configured to rotate one or more flavoring materials 28 within a fixed sheath structure to adjustably expose one or more flavoring materials 28 to at least one of the vaporizer assembly 22 and the space 40 through which the raw vapor 95 formed by the vaporizer assembly 22 may pass.

[0171] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe exposure control mechanism 26 includes a fixed sheath structure connected to the housing 16 via a post 212. The fixed structure includes end seals 406a and 406b and fixed sheath elements 401a and 401b, which together define an internal space 410.

[0172] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As further shown, the exposure control mechanism 26 includes a rotatable member 411, which is at least partially located within the interior space 410. The rotatable member 411 includes a rotatable disk 402, a column 412, fragrance material 28, and sheath elements 404a and 404b. The rotatable member 411 is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis 200. The longitudinal axis 200 may be a central axis of rotation of the rotatable member 411. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the fragrance material 28, rotatable disk 402, column 412, and sheath elements 404a and 404b may be omitted from the rotatable member 411.

[0173] like Figure 4B As shown, sheath elements 401a and 401b define gap spaces 490a and 490b between sheath elements 401a and 401b. Gap spaces 490a and 490b allow fluid communication between the interior space 410 and the space 40, thereby allowing flavorings to be eluted from the spice material 28 contained in the interior space 410 to the original flavor vapor 95 passing through the space 40.

[0174] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the illustrated embodiment, the flavoring material 28 can be adjustablely exposed to the space 40 based on the rotation of the rotatable member 411 about the longitudinal axis 200. Based on the adjustable exposure of the flavoring material 28 to the space 40, the elution of flavoring agents from the flavoring material 28 to the original flavor vapor 95 passing through the space 40 can be adjustablely controlled. For example, when the rotatable member 411 rotates such that the flavoring material 28 is isolated from the gap spaces 490a and 490b by one or more of the sheathing elements 401a, 401b, 404a, and 404b, the elution of flavoring agents between the flavoring material 28 and the space 40 can be substantially suppressed.

[0175] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the illustrated embodiment, the exposure control mechanism 26 includes a manual interface element 220 connected to the rotatable disk 402 via a post 226. The manual interface element 220 protrudes through the housing 16. The gap between the manual interface element 220 and the housing 16 can be sealed with a sealing element 224. Sheath elements 401a and 401b may have holes through which the post 226 can extend to connect with the rotatable disk 402.

[0176] Based on manual operation of the manual interface element 220, the rotatable member 411 can be adjusted to rotate about the longitudinal axis 200. This manual operation may involve manually rotating the manual interface element 220 about the longitudinal axis 200 to rotate the rotatable member 411 about the longitudinal axis 200.

[0177] In some exemplary embodiments, the seasoning assembly 24 may not include at least the manual interface element 220 and the post 226. For example, the seasoning assembly 24 may include a drive motor ( Figure 4A and Figure 4B (Not shown in the image), which is connected to at least one of the rotatable disk 402 and the column 412, such that the rotatable member 411 can be adjusted to rotate about the longitudinal axis 200 based on the drive motor.

[0178] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a seasoning assembly according to some example embodiments. Figure 5 The seasoning assembly 24 shown may be included in any of the embodiments contained herein, including Figure 4A and Figure 4B The seasoning assembly 24 shown.

[0179] In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring assembly 24 comprises a plurality of individual spice materials 28. Two or more of the spice materials 28 may comprise individual flavorings. Based on adjustable control of the exposure control mechanism 26 coupled to one or more spice materials 28, individual spice materials 28 may be selectively exposed to the space 40, the vaporizer assembly 22, etc. Thus, the elution of flavorings into the original flavor vapor 95 may be selectively controlled.

[0180] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated example embodiments, for instance, the flavoring assembly 24 includes a rotatable member 411 that also comprises four separate spice materials 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d. In some example embodiments, each of the spice materials 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d may contain a common material configured to carry one or more flavorings. In some example embodiments, two or more of the spice materials 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d may contain different materials. For example, spice material 502a may contain a felt material, while spice material 502b may contain a fibrous wicking material.

[0181] Two or more of the spice materials 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d may carry different flavorings. For example, each of the spice materials 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d may carry a different flavoring.

[0182] exist Figure 5In the illustrated example embodiment, the rotatable member 411 includes a column 506 and a partition 504, which separates adjacent spice materials 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d from each other. When adjacent spice materials 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d carry different flavorings, the partition 504 and the column 506 can reduce the pre-vaporization mixing of different flavorings between adjacent spice materials.

[0183] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated example embodiment, the flavoring assembly 24 includes a retaining sleeve 508 that at least partially encloses the rotatable member 411 and defines a gap space 510 that allows fluid communication between the interior of the retaining sleeve and the space 40. The rotatable member 411 is adjustablely rotatable about a longitudinal axis 200 to adjustably expose one or more of the flavoring materials 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d to the space 40 through the gap space 510. Based on the flavoring material 28 exposed to the space 40 through the gap space 510, the flavoring material 28 allows the flavoring agents carried therein to be eluted into the original flavor vapor 95 passing through the space 40.

[0184] In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the partition 504 and the pillar 506 may be configured to isolate one or more spice materials 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d from the gap space 510 based on the position of the rotatable member 411. Figure 5 In the illustrated example embodiment, for example, fragrance material 502c is exposed to space 40 through gap space 510, and partition 504, column 506 and sheath 508 isolate materials 502a, 502b and 502d from space 40.

[0185] Based on the adjustable rotation of the rotatable member 411, one or more spice materials 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d carrying one or more specific flavorings can be selectively exposed to the space 40 through the gap space 510, thereby configuring the flavoring assembly 24 to release the selected flavorings carried in one or more spice materials 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d into the original flavor vapor 95 passing through the space 40.

[0186] Figure 6A This is a cross-sectional view of a seasoning assembly according to some example embodiments. Figure 6B It is along Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of line VIB-VIB' of the seasoning assembly. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The seasoning assembly 24 shown may be included in any of the embodiments contained herein, including Figure 1B The seasoning assembly 24 shown.

[0187] In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring assembly 24 may be configured to adjustably translate the flavoring material 28 along the longitudinal axis 200 to adjustably expose the flavoring material 28 to the space 40 based on a lateral force applied parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 200.

[0188] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The seasoning assembly 24 shown includes a movable member 620, which includes a movable element 608 coupled to the spice material 28. The movable member 620 is configured to translate adjustably along a longitudinal axis 200 based on one or more forces applied to the movable element 608.

[0189] exist Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the illustrated example embodiment, for example, the seasoning assembly 24 is configured to adjustably translate the spice material 28 along the longitudinal axis 200 based on the translation of the movable element 608 along the longitudinal axis 200. The movable element 608 may be based on the spring force applied by the spring element 610, the lateral force applied to the movable element 608 from the manually operable manual interface element 220, and the force applied by the drive motor (in... Figure 6A and Figure 6B At least one of the forces (not shown) applied to the movable element 608 translates along the longitudinal axis 200.

[0190] exist Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the illustrated example embodiment, the flavoring assembly 24 includes a retaining sleeve 601 configured to enclose the flavoring material 28 within an internal space 602 defined by the retaining sleeve 601. The retaining sleeve 601 includes a gap space 604 and an opening 630. The flavoring assembly 24 is configured to adjustably translate the flavoring material 28 along a longitudinal axis 200 through the opening space 630 to adjustably expose the flavoring material 28 to the space 40.

[0191] The flavoring assembly 24 may include a post 226 that protrudes through a gap space 604 in the retaining sleeve 601 and a gap space 624 in the housing 16 to engage a movable element 608 to a manual interface element 220 outside the housing 16. Based on manual operation of the manual interface element 220, the movable member 620 can be adjustablely translated (one or both of 220a and 220b) through the internal space 602 to adjustably expose the flavoring material 28 to the space 40. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the gap spaces 604, 624 may be accessible via one or more sealing elements ( Figure 6A and Figure 6B (Not shown in the image) is at least partially sealed.

[0192] In some embodiments, the flavoring assembly 24 includes a spring element 610. The spring element 610 may be configured to apply a spring force to the movable member 620. The movable member 620, containing the flavoring material 28, may translate along the longitudinal axis 200 based on the spring force applied by the spring element 610. In some embodiments, the spring element 610 is configured to apply tension to the movable member 608. In some embodiments, the spring element 610 is configured to apply compressive force to the movable member 608.

[0193] In some exemplary embodiments, the movable element 608 may not be present in the movable member 620, such that the movable member 620 is configured to translate adjustably along the longitudinal axis 200 based on a force applied to the fragrance material 28. For example, the manual interface element 220 may be coupled to the fragrance material 28 via a post 226.

[0194] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the spice material 28 according to some example embodiments. Figure 7 The spice material 28 shown may be included in any of the embodiments contained herein, including Figure 1B The seasoning assembly 24 shown.

[0195] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one flavoring material 28 included in the flavoring assembly 24 comprises a permeation tube encapsulating a liquid flavoring agent. For example, in Figure 7 In the example embodiment shown, the flavoring material 28 includes a permeation tube 702 and a liquid flavoring agent 704 encapsulated therein.

[0196] The permeation tube 702 includes a material configured to allow the liquid flavoring agent 704 to permeate from the interior of the permeation tube 702 to the exterior of the permeation tube 702, such that the liquid flavoring agent 704 can be washed 96 into the original flavor vapor 95 flowing through the space 40 in communication with the flavoring material 28.

[0197] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a spice material based on some example embodiments. Figure 8 The spice material 28 shown may be included in any of the embodiments contained herein, including Figure 1B The seasoning assembly 24 shown.

[0198] In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring material 28 may comprise one or more materials having a high surface area shape. A high surface area shaped material may be a material whose surface area is increased relative to the surface area of ​​a cylindrical material having the same internal volume as the high surface area shaped material. Based on the increased surface area of ​​the high surface area flavoring material, the flavoring material having a high surface area shape can be configured to improve the elution of flavorings into the original flavor vapor relative to a cylindrical flavoring material.

[0199] In some exemplary embodiments, the fragrance material having a high surface area shape can be a spiral extending around a longitudinal axis 200. Figure 8 In the example embodiments shown, for example, the spice material 28 comprises one or more helical material structures 802-1 to 802-N, where N is a positive integer. Figure 8 As shown, each of material structures 802-1 to 802-N is a spiral extending about a common longitudinal axis 200. Each of material structures 802-1 to 802-N can carry a seasoning. In some exemplary embodiments, two or more of material structures 802-1 to 802-N can carry different seasonings. Original flavor vapor 95 can be in flow communication with one or more of material structures 802-1 to 802-N. One or more seasonings can be eluted from one or more of material structures 802-1 to 802-N into original flavor vapor 95 to form flavored vapor 97.

[0200] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic vaporizer including a flavoring assembly with a drive motor, according to some example embodiments. Figure 1B The electronic vaporizer 60 shown may be included in any of the embodiments contained herein, including Figure 1A and Figure 1B The electronic vapor device 60 shown is shown.

[0201] In some example embodiments, the flavoring assembly 24 includes a drive motor 98 coupled to the exposure control mechanism 26. The flavoring assembly 24 may be configured to adjustably control the exposure of the flavoring material 28 to the vaporizer assembly 22 based on the drive motor 98, which adjustably controls the position of the exposure control mechanism 26.

[0202] In some exemplary embodiments, the electronic vaporizer 60 includes a control circuit 11 configured to control a drive motor 98 via a link 99. The link 99 may be at least one of a communication link between the control circuit 11 and the drive motor 98, or an electrical link between the control circuit 11 and the drive motor 98.

[0203] Control circuit 11 can control drive motor 98 based on controlling the power supply to drive motor 98 via link 99. Control circuit 11 can therefore adjustably control the exposure of fragrance material 28 to at least one of vaporizer assembly 22 and space 40 based on controlling the power supply to drive motor 98. In some exemplary embodiments, control circuit 11 can automatically (e.g., without manual intervention) adjustably control drive motor 98 to automatically control exposure control mechanism 26, thereby adjustably controlling the exposure of fragrance material 28 to at least one of vaporizer assembly 22 and space 40.

[0204] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the seasoning assembly module 1002 and the vaporizer assembly module 1012 according to some example embodiments. Figure 10 As shown, some exemplary embodiments of the cylinder 70 may include a seasoning assembly module 1002 and a vaporizer assembly module 1012 coupled together. A cylinder 70 including one or more of the seasoning assembly module 1002 and the vaporizer assembly module 1012 may be included in any of the embodiments contained herein. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The cylinder 70 of the electronic vaporizer 60 shown. In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 10 The cylinder 70 shown can be used with Figure 1A and Figure 1B The power supply section 72 shown is connected to form an electronic vaporizer 60.

[0205] In some exemplary embodiments, cylinder 70 may include multiple modules that can be coupled together to configure cylinder 70 to provide flavoring steam 97. Flavoring assembly 24 may be included in flavoring assembly module 1002. Flavoring assembly module 1002 may be configured to be detachably coupled to vaporizer assembly module 1012. Vaporizer assembly module 1012 may include vaporizer assembly 22.

[0206] like Figure 10 As shown, cylinder 70 may include a seasoning assembly module 1002 and a vaporizer assembly module 1012. Modules 1002 and 1012 may be coupled together via complementary interfaces 1006 and 1016. It should be understood that interfaces 1006 and 1016 may include any of the types of interfaces described herein. Each module 1002 and 1012 may include a corresponding housing 1004 and 1014.

[0207] The vaporizer assembly module 1012 may contain the vaporizer assembly 22 within the housing 1014. Figure 10 The vaporizer assembly 22 shown may be Figure 1B The vaporizer assembly 22 shown is illustrated.

[0208] like Figure 10 As shown, the interface 1016 of the vaporizer assembly module 1012 may include a conduit 1018, such that the vaporizer assembly 22, which is held within the housing 1014 of the vaporizer assembly module 1012, remains in flow communication with the outside of the vaporizer assembly module 1012.

[0209] The vaporizer assembly module 1012 may be included at an interface 74 at one end remote from the interface 1016. The interface 74 may be configured to electrically connect the vaporizer assembly 22 to a power supply 12 included in a separate power supply section 72 of the electronic vaporizer device 60.

[0210] The seasoning assembly module 1002 may contain the seasoning assembly 24 within the housing 1004. Figure 10 The seasoning assembly 24 shown may be the seasoning assembly 24 included in any of the example embodiments contained herein.

[0211] like Figure 10 As shown, the interface 1006 of the seasoning assembly module 1002 may include a conduit 1008. The conduit 1008 may extend between the interface 1006 and the interior of the housing 1004, such that the seasoning assembly 24 held within the housing 1004 of the seasoning assembly module 1002 maintains flow communication with the outside of the seasoning assembly module 1002 via the conduit 1008. The interior of the housing 1004 may be referred to herein as the seasoning assembly compartment 1003. The seasoning assembly module 1002 may include an outlet end insert 20 at the outlet end of the seasoning assembly module 1002 and one or more outlet ports 21 in the outlet end insert 20.

[0212] In some exemplary embodiments, when modules 1002 and 1012 are connected via interfaces 1006 and 1016, modules 1002 and 1012 may form a cylinder 70, wherein cylinder 70 includes an outlet insert 20 at an outlet end and an interface 74 at a top end. Cylinder 70 may also include a flavoring assembly 24, which is in flow communication with vaporizer assembly 22 via connecting conduits 1008 and 1018 in connecting interfaces 1006 and 1016. Cylinder 70 may also include a flavoring assembly 24 in flow communication with outlet port 21, such that the original flavor vapor generated by vaporizer assembly 22 can exit cylinder 70 via a path extending through conduits 1018 and 1008 and through flavoring assembly 24 to outlet port 21. Flavoring assembly compartment 1003 within housing 1004 can guide the original flavor vapor 95 received in flavoring assembly compartment 1003 via conduits 1018 and 1008 through flavoring assembly 24.

[0213] As shown, the seasoning assembly module 1002 can be configured to restrict the flow communication through the seasoning assembly 24, such that the original flavor vapor delivered from the vaporizer assembly 22 to the outlet port 21 in the forming cylinder 70 is restricted to pass through the seasoning assembly 24. The housing 1004 of the seasoning assembly module 1002 can be sized to establish physical contact with the outer surface of the seasoning assembly 24.

[0214] The seasoning assembly module 1002 can be configured to be detachably connected to the vaporizer assembly module 1012, such that the seasoning assembly module 1002 can be replaced from the vaporizer assembly module 1012.

[0215] The flavoring assembly module 1002 can be decoupled from the vaporizer assembly module 1012 and replaced with another flavoring assembly module 1002, etc. Different flavoring assembly modules 1002 may contain different flavoring assemblies 24, different flavoring agents, different volatile flavoring substances, or combinations thereof. Different flavoring assemblies 24 can be configured to form different flavored vapors 97 associated with different flavorings. Therefore, replacing different flavoring assembly modules 1002 in the cylinder 70 allows adult vaporizer users to change the flavorings associated with the flavored vapors 97 provided to them during vaporization, separately from the replacement of the entire cylinder 70, thereby improving the sensory experience provided during vaporization.

[0216] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a seasoning assembly 24 including a seasoning reservoir, according to some example embodiments.

[0217] In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring assembly 24 may include a spice reservoir 1102. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more portions of the flavoring assembly 24 may be configured to be replaced from the cartridge 70. For example, when the spice material 28 is a monolithic material, the spice material 28 may be replaced from the flavoring assembly 24, the cartridge 70, or both when the spice material is depleted or substantially depleted. In some exemplary embodiments, the spice reservoir 1102 may be configured to be removably mounted within the housing 16 of the electronic vaporizer 60. In some exemplary embodiments, the spice material 28 contained in the flavoring assembly 24, including the spice material 28 contained in the reservoir 1102, may be configured to be removably mounted in the flavoring assembly such that the spice material 28 can be replaced when the flavoring carried in the spice material 28 is depleted or substantially depleted. Figure 11 As shown, the flavoring reservoir 1102 may include a housing 1101 that at least partially defines an internal reservoir space 1120 that may contain flavoring material 28. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring material 28 includes a storage medium configured to carry a flavoring agent within the reservoir space 1120. In some exemplary embodiments, the flavoring material 28 is a liquid flavoring material, and therefore the flavoring material 28 is a flavoring agent.

[0218] In some example embodiments, the reservoir 1102 is configured to be refilled with flavoring, making the reservoir 1102 reusable. For example, as Figure 11 As shown, some example embodiments of the reservoir 1102 may include a reservoir interface 1104 configured to direct flavoring into the reservoir space 1120. The interface 1104 extends between the reservoir housing 1101 and the outer housing 16 of the cylinder 70, thereby enabling fluid communication between the external environment and the reservoir space 1120.

[0219] like Figure 11 As shown, interface 1104 may include conduit 1106 configured to guide flavoring from the external environment into reservoir space 1120. Interface 1104 may include valve assembly ( Figure 11 (Not shown in the image), which is configured to reduce the backflow of flavoring agent from the reservoir space 1120 to the external environment through the interface conduit 1106. For example, the interface 1104 may include a check valve assembly.

[0220] Interface 1104 can be configured to guide an injection assembly (e.g., an injection needle) from the external environment to the interior space of reservoir 1102 via a conduit, such that flavoring can be introduced (e.g., injected) into the interior space of reservoir 1102 via the injection assembly. Interface 1104 can be configured to prevent the introduction of fluid-containing elements into reservoir 1102 without the need for insertion of the injection assembly via conduit 1106.

[0221] The seasoning assembly 24 may include an exposure control mechanism 26 configured to adjustably deliver at least a portion of the seasoning from the reservoir space 1120, such that the exposure control mechanism 26 adjustably exposes a film 1110 of the seasoning to the space 40. For example, in Figure 11 In the illustrated example embodiment, the exposure control mechanism 26 is a roller element defining at least a portion of the reservoir space 1120. The roller element can be configured to roll along at least one axis such that the surface of the roller element moves between being exposed to the reservoir space 1120 and being exposed to the space 40.

[0222] like Figure 11 As shown, some exemplary embodiments of the exposure control mechanism 26 can be rolled to deliver flavoring from the reservoir space 1120 to adjustably expose the film 1110 of the flavoring to the space 40. The film 1110 of the flavoring can be eluted into the steam 95, and the exposure control mechanism 26 can be rolled to deliver additional flavoring to expose the space 40, thereby replenishing the film 1110.

[0223] In some example implementations (including) Figure 11 In the illustrated example embodiment, the exposure control mechanism 26 can be coupled to the manual interface element 220, such that the exposure control mechanism 26 is configured to adjustably expose a portion of the flavoring agent to the space 40 based on manual interaction using the manual interface element 220. The manual interface element 220 can be coupled to the exposure control mechanism 26 via one or more linkage devices. The linkage device may include... Figure 11The shaft 1106 shown connects the roller element exposure control mechanism 26 to the manual interface element 220. The exposure control mechanism 26 can be configured to roll adjustably via one or more linkages based on manual interaction with the manual interface element to deliver flavoring from inside the reservoir 1102 to be exposed to space 40 as a film 1110.

[0224] In some example embodiments, the exposure control mechanism 26 can be coupled to the drive motor 98. Figure 11 (Not shown in the image). The drive motor 98 can be connected to the exposure control mechanism 26 via one or more linkage devices. The linkage device may include... Figure 11 The shaft 1106 shown connects the roller element exposure control mechanism 26 to the drive motor 98. The drive motor 98 can be configured to adjustably roll the exposure control mechanism 26 via one or more linkages to deliver flavoring from inside the reservoir 1102 to be exposed as a film 1110 to space 40.

[0225] While several exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the scope of this disclosure, and as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A replaceable cartridge for an electronic vaporizer, the cartridge comprising: A vaporizer assembly configured to generate original flavor steam; and A flavoring assembly connected to the vaporizer assembly, the flavoring assembly being configured to mechanically control the elution of flavoring agents into the original flavor vapor to form flavored vapor, the flavoring assembly comprising at least one spice material carrying the flavoring agents; and at least one exposure control mechanism configured to adjustably expose the at least one flavoring material to the vaporizer assembly to control the elution of the flavoring agent into the original flavor vapor; The at least one exposure control mechanism is configured to adjustably translate the at least one fragrance material along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder to adjustably expose the at least one fragrance material to the vaporizer assembly.

2. The replaceable cartridge of claim 1, wherein the at least one exposure control mechanism comprises a helical mechanism configured to adjustably translate the at least one fragrance material along the longitudinal axis based on rotation of the helical mechanism about the longitudinal axis.

3. The replaceable cartridge of claim 1, wherein the at least one exposure control mechanism comprises a spring element configured to apply a spring force to the at least one fragrance material to adjustably expose the at least one fragrance material to the vaporizer assembly.

4. The replaceable cartridge according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one flavoring material comprises at least one permeation tube encapsulating a liquid flavoring agent, the permeation tube being configured to elute the liquid flavoring agent into the original flavor vapor based on the permeation of the liquid flavoring agent through the permeation tube.

5. The replaceable cartridge according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one spice material is a spiral extending about the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

6. The replaceable cartridge according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the flavoring assembly comprises a plurality of flavoring materials, at least two of the plurality of flavoring materials carrying different flavorings.

7. The replaceable cartridge of claim 6, wherein the at least one exposure control mechanism is configured to expose a selected fragrance material to the vaporizer assembly.

8. The replaceable cartridge according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the flavoring assembly includes a drive motor coupled to the exposure control mechanism, the drive motor being operable to control the exposure control mechanism such that the exposure control mechanism adjustably exposes the flavoring material to the vaporizer assembly based on the drive motor.

9. The replaceable cartridge according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one spice material comprises at least one plant substance, and the at least one plant substance comprises at least one flavoring agent.

10. An electronic vaporizer, comprising: Replaceable cylinder and reusable power supply section, The cylinder includes: a vaporizer assembly configured to form authentic vapor; A flavoring assembly coupled to the vaporizer assembly, the flavoring assembly being configured to mechanically control the elution of a flavoring agent into the base flavor vapor to form flavored vapor, the flavoring assembly comprising: at least one spice material carrying the flavoring agent; and at least one exposure control mechanism configured to adjustably expose the at least one spice material to the vaporizer assembly to control the elution of the flavoring agent into the base flavor vapor, wherein the at least one exposure control mechanism is configured to translate the at least one spice material along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder to adjustably expose the at least one spice material to the vaporizer assembly; The reusable power section is configured to selectively supply power to the vaporizer assembly.

11. The electronic vaporizer according to claim 10, further comprising: A control circuit configured to control the at least one exposure control mechanism to adjustably expose the at least one fragrance material to the vaporizer assembly.

12. The electronic vaporizer according to claim 11, wherein... The seasoning assembly includes a drive motor coupled to the exposure control mechanism; and The control circuit is configured to adjustably control the drive motor to adjustably control the at least one exposure control mechanism based on controlling the drive motor.

13. The electronic vaporizer device of claim 11, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjustably expose the at least one flavoring material to the vaporizer assembly based on the amount of flavored vapor generated by the vaporizer assembly.

14. The electronic vaporizer of claim 10, wherein the at least one exposure control mechanism comprises a spiral mechanism configured to adjustably translate the at least one flavoring material along the longitudinal axis based on rotation of the spiral mechanism about the longitudinal axis.

15. The electronic vaporizer device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the at least one exposure control mechanism comprises a spring element configured to apply a spring force to the at least one flavoring material to adjustably expose the at least one flavoring material to the vaporizer assembly.

16. The electronic vaporizer according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the at least one flavoring material comprises at least one permeation tube encapsulating a liquid flavoring agent, the permeation tube being configured to elute the liquid flavoring agent into the original flavor vapor based on the permeation of the liquid flavoring agent through the permeation tube.

17. The electronic vaporizer according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the at least one flavoring material is a spiral extending about the longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

18. The electronic vaporizer according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the flavoring assembly comprises a plurality of flavoring materials, at least two of the plurality of flavoring materials carrying different flavorings.

19. The electronic vaporizer of claim 18, wherein the at least one exposure control mechanism is configured to expose a selected flavoring material to the vaporizer assembly.

20. The electronic vaporizer according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the at least one flavoring material comprises at least one plant substance, and the at least one plant substance comprises at least one flavoring agent.

21. A flavoring assembly module for an electronic vaporizer, the flavoring assembly module comprising: An interface and a flavoring assembly, the flavoring assembly being in fluid communication with the interface, the interface being configured to be detachably connected to a vaporizer assembly, and the interface being further configured to direct the original flavor vapor generated by the vaporizer assembly to the flavoring assembly; The seasoning assembly is configured to mechanically control the elution of seasoning into the original flavor steam to form seasoned steam; The flavoring assembly includes: at least one spice material carrying a flavoring agent; and at least one exposure control mechanism configured to adjustably expose the at least one spice material to fluid communication with the interface, wherein the at least one exposure control mechanism is configured to translate the at least one spice material along a longitudinal axis of the flavoring assembly module to adjustably expose the at least one spice material to fluid communication with the interface.

22. The flavoring assembly module of claim 21, wherein the at least one exposure control mechanism comprises a spiral mechanism configured to adjustably translate the at least one flavoring material along the longitudinal axis based on rotation of the spiral mechanism about the longitudinal axis.

23. The flavoring assembly module according to any one of claims 21 to 22, wherein the at least one flavoring material comprises at least one permeation tube encapsulating a liquid flavoring agent, the flavoring assembly module being configured to elute the liquid flavoring agent from the flavoring material based on the permeation of the liquid flavoring agent through the permeation tube.

24. The seasoning assembly module according to any one of claims 21 to 22, wherein the at least one spice material is a spiral extending about the longitudinal axis of the seasoning assembly module.

25. The flavoring assembly module according to any one of claims 21 to 22, wherein the flavoring assembly comprises a plurality of spice materials, at least two of the plurality of spice materials carrying different flavoring agents.

26. The flavoring assembly module of claim 25, wherein the at least one exposure control mechanism is configured to expose a selected flavoring material in fluid communication with the interface.

27. The flavoring assembly module according to any one of claims 21 to 22, wherein the at least one spice material comprises at least one plant substance, and the at least one plant substance comprises at least one flavoring agent.

28. The flavoring assembly module according to any one of claims 21 to 22, wherein the flavoring assembly includes a drive motor coupled to the exposure control mechanism, the drive motor being operable to control the exposure control mechanism such that the exposure control mechanism adjustably exposes the flavoring material to fluid communication with the interface based on the drive motor.

29. The seasoning assembly module according to any one of claims 21 to 22, wherein the seasoning assembly includes a reservoir configured to hold the seasoning.

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