Nicotine electronic vaping device

Abstract

A nicotine e-vaping device (10) includes a saturation sensor (427) configured to measure at least one electrical property of a wick (238) between a heating element (236) and a probe wire (705) at a first time and a second time, wherein the at least one electrical property includes electrical resistance, electrical capacitance, or both electrical resistance and electrical capacitance. The nicotine e-vaping device (10) also includes a control circuit (428) configured to cause the nicotine e-vaping device (10) to: calculate, based on the at least one electrical property at the first time and the at least one electrical property at the second time, a refill rate of nicotine pre-vapor formulation flow onto the wick (238); determine that the refill rate is less than a threshold refill rate; and output a low nicotine pre-vapor formulation alert in response to determining that the refill rate is less than the threshold refill rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a nicotine electronic vaping or e-vaping device. Background Technology

[0002] Nicotine electronic vaping or e-vaping devices include a heating element that vaporizes a nicotine vapor pre-preparation to produce nicotine vapor.

[0003] The nicotine e-vaporizer includes a power source, such as a rechargeable battery, disposed within the device. The power source is electrically connected to a heater. The power source supplies power to the heater, causing the heater to heat to a temperature sufficient to convert the nicotine vapor pre-preparation into nicotine vapor. The nicotine vapor exits the nicotine e-vaporizer through a mouthpiece including at least one outlet. Summary of the Invention

[0004] At least one exemplary embodiment provides a nicotine e-vaping device comprising: a nicotine reservoir configured to contain a nicotine pre-vaping preparation; a core configured to draw the nicotine pre-vaping preparation from the nicotine reservoir; a heating element configured to heat the nicotine pre-vaping preparation drawn from the nicotine reservoir; a probe wire along the length of the core, the probe wire being separated from the heating element by the core; a saturation sensor; and control circuitry. The saturation sensor is configured to: measure at least one electrical characteristic of the core between the heating element and the probe wire at a first time, the at least one electrical characteristic including resistance, capacitance, or both resistance and capacitance; and measure at least one electrical characteristic of the core between the heating element and the probe wire at a second time, the second time being after the first time. The control circuitry is configured to cause the nicotine e-vaping device to: calculate a refill rate of the nicotine pre-vaping preparation flowing onto the core based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the first time and the at least one electrical characteristic at the second time; determine that the refill rate is less than a threshold refill rate; and output a low nicotine pre-vaping preparation alarm in response to determining that the refill rate is less than the threshold refill rate.

[0005] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the control circuit may be configured to cause the nicotine electronic vaporizer to calculate the refill rate based on the difference between at least one electrical characteristic at a first time and at least one electrical characteristic at a second time.

[0006] The control circuit can be configured to cause the nicotine electronic vaporizer to: calculate a first impedance based on at least one electrical characteristic at a first time; calculate a second impedance based on at least one electrical characteristic at a second time; and calculate a refill rate based on the difference between the first impedance and the second impedance.

[0007] The control circuit can be configured to cause the nicotine e-vapor device to: measure at least one electrical characteristic of the core between the heating element and the probe wire at a third time; determine that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to a threshold; and disable vapor inhalation at the nicotine e-vapor device in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0008] The control circuit can be configured to cause the nicotine e-vapor device to: measure at least one electrical characteristic of the core between the heating element and the probe wire at a third time; determine that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to a threshold; and output a low nicotine vapor pre-preparation alarm in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0009] The control circuit can be configured to cause the nicotine e-vapor device to: measure at least one electrical characteristic of the core between the heating element and the probe wire at a third time; calculate the impedance of the core based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time; determine that the impedance is greater than or equal to a threshold; and disable vapor inhalation at the nicotine e-vapor device in response to determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0010] The control circuit can be configured to cause the nicotine electronic vaporizer to: measure at least one electrical characteristic of the core between the heating element and the probe wire at a third time; calculate the impedance of the core based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time; determine that the impedance is greater than or equal to a threshold; and output a low nicotine vapor pre-preparation alarm in response to determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0011] The nicotine e-vaping device may further include a power source configured to provide power to the nicotine e-vaping device.

[0012] The probe wire can be made of stainless steel.

[0013] At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a nicotine e-vaporizer device comprising: a housing; an inner tube coaxially positioned within the housing; a nicotine reservoir configured to hold a nicotine vapor pre-preparation, the nicotine reservoir being positioned between the inner tube and the housing; a wick configured to draw nicotine vapor pre-preparation from the nicotine reservoir; a heating element configured to heat the nicotine vapor pre-preparation drawn from the nicotine reservoir; a saturation sensor assembly; and control circuitry. The saturation sensor assembly is configured to measure at least one electrical characteristic between the housing and the inner tube at a first time and a second time, the second time being after the first time. The control circuitry is configured to cause the nicotine e-vaporizer device to: calculate a refill rate of nicotine vapor pre-preparation flowing onto the wick based on at least one electrical characteristic at the first time and at least one electrical characteristic at the second time; determine that the refill rate is less than a threshold refill rate; and output a low nicotine vapor pre-preparation alarm in response to determining that the refill rate is less than the threshold refill rate.

[0014] The nicotine e-vapor device may further include a probe wire surrounding the outer periphery of the inner tube, wherein a saturation sensor assembly is configured to measure at least one electrical characteristic between the housing and the inner tube by measuring at least one electrical characteristic between the housing and the probe wire surrounding the outer periphery of the inner tube. The probe wire may be a stainless steel wire.

[0015] The control circuit can be configured to enable the nicotine e-vapor device to calculate the refill rate based on the difference between at least one electrical characteristic at a first time and at least one electrical characteristic at a second time.

[0016] The control circuit can be configured to cause the nicotine electronic vaporizer to: calculate a first impedance based on electrical characteristics at a first time; calculate a second impedance based on electrical characteristics at a second time; and calculate a refill rate based on the difference between the first impedance and the second impedance.

[0017] The control circuit can be configured to cause the nicotine e-vapor device to: measure at least one electrical characteristic of the core between the heating element and the inner tube at a third time; determine that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to a threshold; and disable vapor inhalation at the nicotine e-vapor device in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0018] The control circuit can be configured to cause the nicotine electronic vaporizer to: measure at least one electrical characteristic of the core between the heating element and the inner tube at a third time; determine that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to a threshold; and output a low nicotine vapor pre-preparation alarm in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0019] The control circuit is configured to cause the nicotine e-vapor device to: measure at least one electrical characteristic of the core between the heating element and the inner tube at a third time; calculate the impedance of the core based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time; determine that the impedance is greater than or equal to a threshold; and disable vapor inhalation at the nicotine e-vapor device in response to determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0020] The control circuit can be configured to cause the nicotine electronic vaporizer to: measure at least one electrical characteristic of the core between the heating element and the inner tube at a third time; calculate the impedance of the core based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the third time; determine that the impedance is greater than or equal to a threshold; and output a low nicotine vapor pre-preparation alarm in response to determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0021] At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a method for detecting depletion of nicotine pre-vapor preparation in a nicotine reservoir of a nicotine e-vapor device, the method comprising: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of a core between a heating element and a probe wire at a first time, the at least one electrical characteristic including resistance, capacitance, or both resistance and capacitance; measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the core between the heating element and the probe wire at a second time, the second time being after the first time; calculating a refill rate of nicotine pre-vapor preparation flowing to the core based on the at least one electrical characteristic at the first time and the at least one electrical characteristic at the second time; determining that the refill rate is less than a threshold refill rate; and outputting a low nicotine pre-vapor preparation alarm in response to determining that the refill rate is less than the threshold refill rate.

[0022] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the method may further include: measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the core between the heating element and the probe wire at a third time; determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to a threshold; and disabling vapor inhalation at the nicotine electronic vaporizer in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time is greater than or equal to the threshold. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein will become more apparent upon 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 to be drawn to scale. Various dimensions of the drawings may have been enlarged for clarity.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a side view of a nicotine electronic vaping or e-vaping device according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1An exemplary embodiment of the first section of the nicotine electronic vaporizer shown is a cross-sectional view along line II-II'.

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the first segment shown.

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the second section of the electronic vapor device shown is a cross-sectional view along line II-II'.

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the second section shown.

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the nicotine electronic vaporizer shown is a cross-sectional view along line II-II'.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the saturation circuit assembly.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the saturation circuit assembly.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the saturation circuit assembly.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of the circuit device for determining saturation.

[0034] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a method for detecting the depletion of nicotine pre-vapor preparations according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0035] This document discloses some detailed exemplary embodiments. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are representative only for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments. Exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

[0036] Therefore, while the exemplary embodiments can have various modifications and alternatives, their exemplary embodiments are shown in the drawings by way of example 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, similar numbers refer to similar elements.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a side view of a nicotine electronic vaporizer according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0038] refer to Figure 1 In at least one exemplary embodiment, the nicotine electronic vaping device 10 includes a replaceable cartridge (or first section) 105 and a reusable battery section (or second section) 110. The first section 105 and the second section 110 may be coupled together at a connector assembly 115.

[0039] In at least one exemplary embodiment, connector assembly 115 may be a connector as described in U.S. Application No. 15 / 154,439, filed May 13, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As described in U.S. Application No. 15 / 154,439, connector assembly 115 may be formed by a deep drawing process.

[0040] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first segment 105 includes a first housing 120, and the second segment 110 includes a second housing 120'. The nicotine electronic vaporizer 10 includes a mouthpiece 125 at a first end 130 and an end cap 135 at a second end 140.

[0041] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the first housing 120 and the second housing 120' may have a generally cylindrical cross-section. In other exemplary embodiments, housings 120 and 120' may have a generally triangular, rectangular, elliptical, square, or polygonal cross-section along one or more of the first segment 105 and the second segment 110. Furthermore, housings 120 and 120' may have the same or different cross-sectional shapes, or the same or different dimensions. As discussed herein, housings 120 and 120' may also be referred to as outer shells or main housings.

[0042] Although exemplary embodiments may be described with respect to the first segment 105 connected to the second segment 110 in some cases, the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to these instances.

[0043] Figure 2 The first section 105 of the nicotine electronic vaporizer 10 is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of line II-II in the diagram. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the first segment 105 shown.

[0044] refer to Figure 2 and 3The first housing 120 extends in the longitudinal direction, and the air pipe 202 (or flue) is coaxially positioned within the first housing 120.

[0045] At a first end portion of the air duct 202 (e.g., upstream of the airflow during vapor extraction), the first nose portion 204 of the first gasket 206 (or seal) is fitted into the air duct 202. The outer periphery of the first gasket 206 provides a seal against the inner surface of the first housing 120. The first gasket 206 includes a central longitudinal air passage 208 in fluid communication with the air duct 202 to define an internal passage (also referred to as a central channel or central internal passage) 210. A transverse channel 212 at a rear portion of the first gasket 206 intersects with and communicates with the air passage 208 of the first gasket 206. The transverse channel 212 enables fluid communication between the air passage 208 and the central air passage 214, which will be discussed in more detail later.

[0046] The first connecting device 216 is mounted into the first end of the first housing 120. The first connecting device 216 is part of the connector assembly 115.

[0047] The first connecting device 216 is a hollow cylinder having a female thread on a portion of its outer surface. The first connecting device 216 is conductive and can be formed or coated with a conductive material. The female thread (or female thread segment) can mate with the male thread (or male thread segment) of the second segment 110 to connect the first segment 105 and the second segment 110. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to this exemplary embodiment. Instead, the connector can be, for example, a sliding fit connector, a pin connector, a clip connector, a snap-fit ​​connector, etc. Furthermore, the positioning of the male and female connectors can be reversed as desired, such that the male connector is part of the first segment 105.

[0048] The conductive post 218 is nested within the hollow portion of the first connecting device 216 and is electrically insulated from the first connecting device 216 by a gasket insulator 220. The conductive post 218 may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., stainless steel, copper, etc.) and may serve as the anode portion of the first connecting device 216.

[0049] Conductive post 218 defines a central air passage 214. The central air passage 214 is in fluid communication with air passage 208 via a transverse channel 212. Gasket insulator 220 holds conductive post 218 within the first connector 216. Gasket insulator 220 also electrically insulates conductive post 218 from the external portion 222 of the first connector 216.

[0050] The outer portion 222 of the first connecting device 216 serves as the cathode connector of the first connecting device 216, and the outer portion 222 is electrically insulated from the conductive post 218 by a gasket insulator 220. The outer portion 222 may sometimes be referred to herein as the cathode connector or cathode portion. The outer portion 222 may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., stainless steel, copper, etc.).

[0051] Still referencing Figure 2 and 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the second nose portion 224 of the second gasket 226 can be fitted into the second end portion 250 of the air tube 202. The outer periphery of the second gasket 226 can also provide a substantially tight seal with the inner surface of the first housing 120. The second gasket 226 may include a central passage 228 (or channel) disposed between the internal passage 210 of the air tube 202 and the interior of the mouthpiece 125. Nicotine vapor can flow from the internal passage 210 through the central passage 228 into the cavity within the mouthpiece 125.

[0052] The mouthpiece 125 includes at least two outlets 230, which are off-axis positioned from the longitudinal axis of the electronic vaporizer 10. The outlets 230 may be recessed or non-recessed and angled outwards relative to the longitudinal axis of the nicotine electronic vaporizer 10. The outlets 230 may be distributed substantially uniformly around the periphery of the mouthpiece 125 to distribute nicotine vapor substantially uniformly.

[0053] The first section 105 further includes a nicotine reservoir 232 and an evaporator 234 configured to store a pre-nicotine vapor preparation. The evaporator 234 includes a heating element 236 and a core 238. The evaporator 234 is configured to evaporate the pre-nicotine vapor preparation drawn from the nicotine reservoir 232. Figure 2 and 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the boundary of the nicotine reservoir 232 is defined between the first gasket 206, the second gasket 226, the first housing 120, and the air tube 202. However, the exemplary embodiment is limited by this example. The nicotine reservoir 232 may include a nicotine vapor preformulation and optional storage media 232LD, 232HD configured to store the nicotine vapor preformulation therein.

[0054] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the storage medium may be a fibrous material, including at least one of cotton (e.g., a wrapping of cotton yarn), polyethylene, polyester, rayon, combinations thereof, etc. Figure 2 and 3As shown, storage media 232LD and 232HD may comprise two layers of fibrous material. Each layer may have a different density. The diameter of the fibers may range 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 dimensions may be set to be non-inhalable and may have a Y-shaped, cross-shaped, clover-shaped, or any other suitable cross-section. Figure 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the storage medium includes a low-density gauze 232LD surrounding a high-density gauze 232HD. The high-density gauze 232HD may be positioned between the low-density gauze 232LD and the air tube 202, such that nicotine vapor pre-preparation is drawn toward the core 238.

[0055] In at least one other exemplary embodiment, the nicotine reservoir 232 may include a filled container that does not have any storage medium and contains only a pre-nicotine vapor preparation.

[0056] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the nicotine reservoir 232 may at least partially surround the internal passage 210 and the air duct 202. A heating element 236 may extend laterally across the internal passage 210 between opposing portions of the nicotine reservoir 232. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the heating element 236 may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the internal passage 210.

[0057] The nicotine reservoir 232 can be sized and configured to maintain a sufficient amount of nicotine vapor pre-preparation, such that the nicotine e-vaporizer 10 can be configured to provide vapor inhalation for at least approximately 200 seconds. Furthermore, the nicotine e-vaporizer 10 can be configured to allow each inhalation to last for a maximum of approximately 5 seconds.

[0058] As described above, the evaporator 234 includes a heating element 236 and a core 238. The core 238 may include at least a first end portion and a second end portion that extend into opposite sides of the nicotine reservoir 232. The heating element 236 may at least partially surround the central portion of the core 238.

[0059] The core 238 can draw nicotine pre-vapor preparation from the nicotine reservoir 232 (e.g., via capillary action), and the heating element 236 can heat the nicotine pre-vapor preparation in the central portion of the core 238 to a temperature sufficient to evaporate the nicotine pre-vapor preparation, thereby generating "vapor". As used herein, "vapor" refers to any substance generated or output from any nicotine e-vapor device according to any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

[0060] In addition to the features discussed herein, at least one exemplary embodiment of the nicotine electronic vaporizer 10 may include features set forth in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0192623, filed January 31, 2013, to Tucker et al., and / or features set forth in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 15 / 135,930, filed April 22, 2016, to Holtz et al., the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. In at least one other exemplary embodiment, the nicotine electronic vaporizer may include features set forth in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 135,923, filed April 22, 2016, and / or U.S. Patent No. 9,289,014, published March 22, 2016, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0061] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the nicotine vapor pre-preparation is a material or combination of materials that can be converted into nicotine vapor. For example, the nicotine vapor pre-preparation may be a liquid, solid, and / or gel formulation, including but not limited to water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavorings, and / or nicotine vaporizers such as glycerol and propylene glycol. In some exemplary embodiments, the nicotine vapor pre-preparation may include tobacco and / or other plant materials, which may or may not be mixed with flavorings, nicotine vaporizers, fillers, binders, and / or polymers. Tobacco and / or other plant materials may be in the form of leaves, strips, films, fragments, granules, powders, beads, and combinations thereof.

[0062] In at least one exemplary embodiment, core 238 may include filaments (or threads) capable of drawing nicotine vapor pre-preparation. For example, core 238 may be a glass (or ceramic) filament bundle, a bundle comprising a set of glass filament windings, etc., all arrangements of which may be capable of drawing nicotine vapor pre-preparation 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 nicotine e-vaping device 10. In at least one exemplary embodiment, core 238 may include one to eight filamentous cores, each core comprising multiple glass filaments twisted together. The end portions of core 238 may be flexible and foldable into the boundary of the nicotine reservoir 232. The filaments may have a generally cross-shaped, clover-shaped, Y-shaped, or any other suitable cross-section.

[0063] In at least one exemplary embodiment, core 238 may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials may be, but are not limited to, glass, ceramic-based, or graphite-based materials. Core 238 may have any suitable capillary action to accommodate nicotine vapor preformulations with different physical properties, such as density, viscosity, surface tension, and vapor pressure. Core 238 may be non-conductive.

[0064] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heating element 236 may include a coil (heater coil) at least partially surrounding the core 238. The wire used to form the coil may be metallic. The heating element 236 may extend entirely or partially along the length of the core 238. The heating element 236 may further extend entirely or partially around the circumference of the core 238. In some exemplary embodiments, the heating element 236 may or may not be in contact with the core 238 (or may be in direct contact).

[0065] exist Figure 2 and 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the heating element 236 is electrically connected to the conductive post 218 via a first electrical lead 240 and to the external portion 222 via a second electrical lead 240'. Therefore, the external portion 222 and the conductive post 218 form a corresponding external electrical connection with the heating element 236.

[0066] In at least some other exemplary embodiments, the heating element 236 may be in the form of a planar body, a ceramic body, a single filament, a mesh, a resistance wire cage, or any other suitable form. More generally, the heating element 236 may be any heater configured to evaporate a pre-prepared nicotine vapor.

[0067] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heating element 236 may be formed of any suitable resistive material. Examples of suitable resistive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, 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, the heating element 236 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. The heating element 236 may include at least one material selected from stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, superalloys, and combinations thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, the heating element 236 may be formed of a nickel-chromium alloy or an iron-chromium alloy. In another exemplary embodiment, the heating element 236 may be a ceramic heater having a resistive layer on its outer surface.

[0068] Still referencing Figure 2 and 3The air tube 202 may include a pair of opposing slots 242 such that the core 238 and the ends of the first electrical lead 240 and the second electrical lead 240', or the heating element 236, can extend from the respective opposing slots 242. Providing opposing slots 242 in the air tube 202 facilitates the proper placement of the heating element 236 and the core 238 within the air tube 202 without affecting the edges of the opposing slots 242 and the coiled sections of the heating element 236. Therefore, it may be unacceptable for the edges of the opposing slots 242 to influence and alter the coil spacing of the heating element 236, which would otherwise create potential hotspot sources. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the air tube 202 may have a diameter of approximately 4 mm, and each of the opposing slots may have a major dimension and a minor dimension of approximately 2 mm by approximately 4 mm.

[0069] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heating element 236 can heat the nicotine vapor pre-preparation in the core 238 via thermal conduction. Alternatively, heat from the heating element 236 can be conducted to the nicotine vapor pre-preparation by means of a heat-conducting element, or the heating element 236 can transfer heat to the ambient air drawn through the nicotine e-vapor device 10 during vaporization, which in turn heats the nicotine vapor pre-preparation by convection.

[0070] like Figure 3 As shown, the first section 105 may further include a cover tube 244, a spacer tube 246, and an inner tube 248. Although Figure 2 Not shown, but the cover tube 244 may be arranged to surround a portion of the air tube 202 between the heating element 236 and the second nose portion 224. Like the air tube 202, the cover tube 244 may extend in the longitudinal direction and may be coaxially positioned within the first housing 120. The cover tube 244 may cover a portion of each of the opposing slots 242.

[0071] The spacer tube 246 may extend in the longitudinal direction and is coaxially positioned within the air tube 202 between the heating element 236 and the conductive post 218. The inner tube 248 may extend in the longitudinal direction and is coaxially positioned within the spacer tube 246. Although the cover tube 244, the spacer tube 246, and the inner tube 248 are... Figure 3 As shown, but one or more of these tubes (e.g., inner tube 248) may be omitted.

[0072] Figure 4 The second section along the exemplary embodiment of the nicotine electronic vaporizer 10 Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line II-II'. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the second section 110 shown.

[0073] The second section 110 may be a reusable section of the nicotine e-vapor device 10, wherein the reusable section can be recharged by an external charging device. Alternatively, the second section 110 may be disposable. In this example, the second section 110 may be used until the energy from the power source 402 (described below) is depleted (e.g., the energy drops below a threshold level).

[0074] refer to Figure 4 and 5 According to at least this exemplary embodiment, the power source 402 includes an anode connection 404 and a cathode connection 406. Each of the anode connection 404 and the cathode connection 406 may be in the form of one or more electrical leads or wires. The power source 402 may be a battery. For example, the power source 402 may be a lithium-ion battery, or a variation of a lithium-ion battery, such as a lithium-ion polymer battery. The battery may be disposable or rechargeable.

[0075] The second segment 110 further includes a connecting device 408 at the first end of the second segment 110. Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connecting device 408 is a male connector configured to connect to the female first connecting device 216 of the first segment 105. Alternatively, the connecting device 408 may be a female connector configured to connect to the male connector of the first segment 105.

[0076] exist Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connecting device 408 includes a thread 410 configured to engage with a corresponding thread on the first connecting device 216 of the first segment 105. Although shown as a threaded connection, the connecting device 408 may be, for example, a sliding-fit connector, a pin connector, a clip connector, a snap-fit ​​connector, etc., according to at least some other exemplary embodiments.

[0077] The cathode connection (connector 408) of power supply 402 terminates at and is electrically connected to sensor assembly 424 positioned near the second end of second segment 110. Sensor assembly 424 will be discussed in more detail later.

[0078] Anode connection 404 terminates at and is electrically connected to conductive post 412. Conductive post 412 may serve as the anode portion of connection device 408. Conductive post 412 defines a central passage 414 in fluid communication with one or more side vents 416. Side vents 416 may be holes drilled in conductive post 412. Central passage 414 and one or more side vents 416 allow suction detection caused by pressure changes as air is drawn in through air inlet 145, as indicated by sensor assembly (e.g., suction sensor assembly) 424.

[0079] although Figure 4Only two side vents 416 and two air inlets 145 are shown in the illustration, but the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example. Instead, the conductive post 412 may include any number of side vents 416, and the connecting device 408 may include any number of air inlets 145. For example, the conductive post 412 may include four side vents 416 spaced equally apart around the conductive post 412. Similarly, the connecting device 408 may include four air inlets 145 spaced equally apart around the connecting device 408.

[0080] The conductive post 412 further includes an upper portion 418 with a notch, which, when connected to the second section 110, allows air drawn through the air inlet 145 to flow through the end of the second section 110 and / or be transferred to the first section 105.

[0081] The conductive post 412 may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., stainless steel, copper, etc.) and is nested within the hollow portion of the connecting device 408. When the connecting device 408 of the second segment 110 is coupled to the first connecting device 216 of the first segment 105, the upper portion 418 (and the conductive post 412) are physically and electrically connected to the conductive post 218 to allow current to flow from the power source 402 to the heating element 236. The electrical connection also allows electrical signal conduction between the first segment 105 and the second segment 110.

[0082] Still referencing Figure 4 and 5 The gasket insulator 420 holds the conductive post 412 within the connector 408. The gasket insulator 420 also electrically insulates the conductive post 412 from the external portion 422 of the connector 408. The external portion 422 may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., stainless steel, copper, etc.) and may serve as the cathode portion of the connector 408.

[0083] As described above, the connection device 408 includes one or more air inlets 145 configured to deliver ambient air into the connection device 408. The air inlets 145 may also be referred to as vents or air openings.

[0084] When the first section 105 is connected to the second section 110, ambient air drawn into the connector 408 may combine and / or mix with air exiting one or more side vents 416 and flow into the first section 105. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the air inlet 145 may be drilled into the connector 408 below the thread 410 at an angle perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the connector 408.

[0085] The sidewalls of the air inlet 145 may be tilted to allow them to slope inward (e.g., by "drilling countersunk holes" in the sidewalls at the edges of the air inlet 145). By tilting the sidewalls at the edges of the air inlet 145 (as opposed to using relatively sharp edges at the edges of the air inlet 145), the air inlet 145 is less likely to become blocked or partially blocked (due to the reduction of the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet 145 near its edges). In at least one exemplary embodiment, the sidewalls at the edges of the air inlet 145 may be tilted (skewed) by approximately 38 degrees relative to the longitudinal length (or longitudinal centerline) of the second housing 120' of the connecting device 408 and the second segment 110.

[0086] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the air inlet 145 may be sized and configured such that the nicotine e-vapor device 10 has a draw resistance (RTD) in the range of about 60 mm water to about 150 mm water.

[0087] Still referencing Figure 4 and 5 As described above, the second segment 110 includes a sensor assembly (e.g., a suction sensor assembly) 424.

[0088] like Figure 4 As shown, for example, sensor assembly 424 is electrically connected to and powered by power supply 402. In at least this exemplary embodiment, sensor assembly 424 includes a sensor (e.g., a suction sensor) 426, a saturation sensor 427, and control circuitry 428.

[0089] Control circuit 428 is configured to provide current and / or electrical signals to first segment 105. For this purpose, control circuit 428 is electrically connected to conductive post 412 (the anode portion of connector 408) via control circuit wiring (or lead) 430, and electrically connected to the external (cathode) portion 422 of connector 408 via control circuit wiring (or lead) 432. At least in this example, control circuit wiring 432 serves as the cathode for circuitry including sensor assembly 424.

[0090] Sensor 426 may be a capacitive sensor capable of sensing an internal pressure drop within the second section 110. When connected to the second section 110, sensor 426 and control circuit 428 may work together to turn on and off a heater control circuit (not shown) between power supply 402 and heating element 236 of the first section 105. In at least one exemplary embodiment, sensor 426 is configured to generate an output indicating the airflow value and direction in the nicotine e-vaping device 10. In this example, control circuit 428 receives the output of sensor 426 and determines (1) whether the direction of airflow indicates the application of negative pressure (e.g., inhalation) to mouthpiece 125 (relative to positive pressure or blowing) and (2) whether the amount of negative pressure applied exceeds a threshold level. If these vaporization inhalation states are met, control circuit 428 electrically connects power supply 402 to heating element 236 to activate heating element 236.

[0091] In one example, the heater control circuit may include a heater power control transistor (not shown). Control circuit 428 can electrically connect power supply 402 to heating element 236 by activating the heater power control transistor. In at least one example, the heater power control transistor (or heater control circuit) may be part of control circuit 428.

[0092] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, sensor assembly 424 may include one or more features set forth in U.S. Patent No. 9,072,321 to Loi Ling Liu and / or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0305410 to Loi Ling Liu, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. However, exemplary embodiments are not intended to be limited to this example. Rather, control circuitry 428 and sensor 426 may be separate elements arranged on a printed circuit board and connected via electrical contacts. Additionally, although capacitive sensors have been discussed herein, sensor 426 may be any suitable pressure sensor, such as a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) including piezoresistive or other pressure sensors.

[0093] like Figure 7-11As described further in detail, saturation sensor 427 is connected to power supply 402 via cathode connection 406 and electrical lead 430, and to first segment 105 via electrical lead 432. Saturation sensor 427 is configured to measure one or more electrical characteristics of the saturation circuitry included in first segment 105. According to one or more exemplary embodiments, saturation sensor 427 may measure the resistance and / or capacitance of the saturation circuitry. Control circuitry 428 may calculate the impedance of the saturation circuitry from the resistance and / or capacitance. In one example, based on the resistance, capacitance, and / or impedance, control circuitry 428 may detect when the nicotine vapor pre-formula in nicotine reservoir 232 becomes depleted (e.g., the amount of nicotine vapor pre-formula in the nicotine reservoir drops below a first minimum threshold level) and generate an alarm accordingly. In another instance, when the nicotine pre-vapor preparation in the nicotine reservoir is detected to be depleted, the control circuit 428 may disable vaporization and / or cut off power to the nicotine e-vapor device 10 (e.g., the amount of nicotine pre-vapor preparation in the nicotine reservoir drops below a second minimum threshold level, which is less than a first minimum threshold level).

[0094] In addition, control circuitry 428 may include a controller. According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the controller may be implemented using hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or a storage medium storing software. Hardware may be implemented using processing or control circuitry, such as, but not limited to, one or more processors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontrollers, one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more microcomputers, one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more system-on-a-chip (SoCs), one or more programmable logic units (PLUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any other one or more means capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner.

[0095] In another exemplary embodiment, control circuitry 428 may include a manually operable switch for an adult vapor user to supply power to heating element 236.

[0096] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the control circuit 428 may limit the duration for which current is continuously supplied to the heating element 236. The duration may be set or preset depending on the amount of nicotine vapor pre-preparation to be evaporated. In one example, the duration for which current is continuously applied to the heating element 236 may be limited such that a portion of the heating element 236's heating core 238 is less than about 10 seconds. In another example, the duration for which current is continuously applied to the heating element 236 may be limited such that a portion of the heating element 236's heating core 238 is about 5 seconds.

[0097] Still referencing Figure 4 and 5 The sensor assembly 424 is supported within the sensor holder 434 at the second end of the second segment 110. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the sensor holder 434 may be part of a silicone or rubber gasket. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to this example.

[0098] The thermally activated lamp 436 can also be arranged at the second end of the second section 110. Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, a thermal activation lamp 436 may be disposed within end cap 135. The thermal activation lamp 436 may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs may include one or more colors (e.g., white, yellow, red, green, blue, etc.). Furthermore, the thermal activation lamp 436 is visible to the adult vaporizer during vaporization and is configured to illuminate when power supply 402 supplies current to heating element 236. The thermal activation lamp 436 may be used for diagnosing the nicotine e-vaping system or indicating that recharging of power supply 402 is in progress. The thermal activation lamp 436 may also be configured to allow the adult vaporizer to activate or deactivate the thermal activation lamp 436 for privacy reasons. As described in U.S. Patent No. 9,072,321 to Loi Ling Liu and / or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0305410 to Loi Ling Liu, the thermal activation lamp 436 may be part of or electrically connected to the sensor assembly 424.

[0099] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the nicotine electronic vaporizer shown is a cross-sectional view along line II-II'.

[0100] exist Figure 6 In the diagram, the first segment 105 is shown as a connection to the second segment 110. Figure 6 The arrows in the diagram indicate the exemplary airflow through the nicotine electronic vaporizer 10.

[0101] Now refer to Figure 6 The operation of the nicotine electronic vaporizer 10 generating nicotine vapor is described when the first section 105 is connected to the second section 110.

[0102] refer to Figure 6 In response to the negative pressure applied to the mouthpiece 125, air is drawn into the first section 105 primarily through at least one of the air inlets 145.

[0103] If the control circuit 428 detects the vapor inhalation state described above, the control circuit 428 starts to supply power to the heating element 236, so that the heating element 236 heats the nicotine vapor pretreatment on the core 238 to generate nicotine vapor.

[0104] Air is drawn in through air inlet 145 into the cavity within connector 408 and enters central air passage 214 through a notch in upper portion 418. Air flows from central air passage 214 through transverse channel 212, through air passage 208, and then through internal passage 210.

[0105] Air flowing through internal passage 210 combines and / or mixes with nicotine vapor generated by heating element 236, and the air-nicotine vapor mixture enters central passage 228 from internal passage 210 and then enters a cavity within mouthpiece 125. The air-nicotine vapor mixture flows out of the cavity in mouthpiece 125 through outlet 230.

[0106] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the saturation circuit assembly 700. Figure 7 A portion of the first segment 105 of the nicotine electronic vaporizer 10 is depicted, enhancing the display of the heating element 236. In at least an exemplary embodiment, the saturation circuit assembly 700 includes a probe wire 705 extending along the length of the core 238 but separated from (not in contact with) the heating element 236. In various exemplary embodiments, the core 238 and the probe wire 705 are comparable Figure 7 The probe wire 705 is connected to the first electrical lead 240 via the first probe lead 710. When the first segment 105 engages with the second segment 110, the first probe lead 710 electrically connects the probe wire 705 to the power supply 402 in the second segment 110.

[0107] As previously mentioned and described in more detail below, the saturation sensor 427 can measure at least one electrical characteristic or determine the impedance across at least a portion of the first segment 105. More specifically, for example, the saturation sensor 427 can measure at least one electrical characteristic or determine the impedance across the saturation circuit assembly 700, connecting the probe wire 705 and the heating element 236 to the first electrical lead 240 and the second electrical lead 240'. In various exemplary embodiments, the at least one electrical characteristic may include, but is not limited to, resistance, capacitance, or both.

[0108] The control circuit 428 in the second section 140' can determine the impedance associated with the heating element 236 and the probe wire 705 based on one or more measured electrical characteristics (e.g., resistance) measured by the saturation sensor 427. In various exemplary embodiments, the control circuit 428 can determine the saturation level of the core 238 based on impedance or at least one electrical characteristic.

[0109] Because one or more electrical characteristics and the resulting impedance indicate (e.g., directly indicate) the saturation level of wick 238, the electrical characteristics and / or impedance can be used to detect the depletion of nicotine vapor pre-formula in the nicotine reservoir 232, preventing the generation of undesirable nicotine vapor elements. In other words, for example, the saturation sensor 427 and the measured electrical characteristics enable the detection of a dry wick state (also known as a dry suction state), and consequently, the depletion of nicotine vapor pre-formula in the nicotine reservoir.

[0110] The probe wire 705 may be made of stainless steel; however, any other conductive metal acceptable for product safety may be used. The saturation sensor 427 may be implemented using any suitable method for determining the impedance between the heating element 236 and the probe wire 705, such as based on measured resistance, measured capacitance, or a combination of measured resistance and capacitance.

[0111] As described below, the saturation circuit assembly 700 is sensitive to both the presence and amount of nicotine vapor pre-preparation in core 238. For example, when core 238 is initially dry, the impedance may have a resistance measurement of more than about 10 MΩ and a capacitance of about 2 pF. However, once (e.g., within a few seconds) a drop of nicotine vapor pre-preparation (e.g., about 5 mg) is placed on one end of core 238, the resistance measurement may be about 2 MΩ and the capacitance may be about 200 pF. As further nicotine vapor pre-preparation is added, the impedance continues to change until core 238 is saturated. When fully saturated, core 238 may have a resistance of about 45 KΩ and a capacitance of about 2200 pF.

[0112] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, in response to a resistance greater than or equal to about 10 MΩ and / or a capacitance less than or equal to about 2 pF, control circuitry 428 can shut off or disable vapor inhalation at the nicotine e-vaping device 10 by cutting off the power supply to heating element 236. Additionally or alternatively, control circuitry 428 can generate and display a dry coil alarm by illuminating an indicator light on the nicotine e-vaping device 10. The indicator light may be a thermally activated lamp 436 and may illuminate a specific color or flash when a dry coil alarm is generated. In various exemplary embodiments, a separate indicator light may be included on the first housing 120 of the nicotine e-vaping device 10.

[0113] One or more exemplary embodiments may provide more accurate resistance and / or capacitance measurements because the saturation circuit assembly 700 is more directly affected by the amount of nicotine vapor pre-preparation that saturates the core 238 due to the contact between the core 238 and the probe wire 705 and the heating element 236.

[0114] Additionally, the nicotine vapor pre-formulation includes glycerin, propylene glycol, and water, while other components are present in smaller amounts. Therefore, the nicotine vapor pre-formulation acts as a component formed in the heating element 236 and the probe wire 705 (or the first housing 120, as shown in the image). Figure 8 and 9 The electrolyte in the capacitor (shown in the figure). Therefore, the amount of nicotine vapor pre-preparation present has a more direct impact on the capacitance of the saturation sensor 427.

[0115] Because the nicotine vapor prepreg is not an insulator, it allows current to flow, which can be easily measured to determine resistance. Both capacitance and resistance change directly with the amount of nicotine vapor prepreg on core 238 (also known as the saturation level). One or both can be measured to determine if the amount of nicotine vapor prepreg on core 238 is decreasing (or has decreased) below a minimum threshold level (e.g., core 238 is beginning to dry out). A combination of resistance and capacitance can be used to determine the impedance of core 238.

[0116] When the nicotine vapor preform is heated to generate nicotine vapor, the saturation level of core 238 decreases, and additional nicotine vapor preform flows from the nicotine reservoir (e.g., via capillary action) into core 238 to replenish it. Therefore, the flow rate replenishing the saturation level of core 238 can be determined.

[0117] Control circuit 428 compares the flow or refill rate with a minimum flow rate threshold to determine if the nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the nicotine reservoir is becoming depleted. If the flow rate is below the minimum flow rate threshold, control circuit 428 determines that the nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the nicotine reservoir is becoming depleted and can output a corresponding indication or alarm to the adult vaper. This indication or alarm can illuminate an indicator light (simply powering on the light or executing a flashing mode).

[0118] The following will refer to Figure 11 The calculation of the flow or refill rate of core 238 is discussed in more detail.

[0119] Furthermore, electrical characteristic measurements can be performed during operation of the nicotine electronic vaporizer 10 (e.g., during inhalation when power is applied to the heating element 236), and can be performed using the first electrical lead 240 and the second electrical lead 240', without requiring an additional third electrical lead from the first segment 105 to the second segment 110.

[0120] Although described within the nicotine e-vapor device 10, the saturation sensor 427 and saturation circuit assembly 700 can be implemented in wicks included in paint or ink systems, food systems for wicking flavorings or other ingredients, feedback systems for increasing wick refill rates, medical systems for detecting bandage saturation, and the like. Because the saturation sensor 427 and saturation circuit assembly 700 are sensitive, the described system can be used to detect the presence or increase in liquid level before liquid begins to accumulate in a protected area, thereby expanding the system's applications.

[0121] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the saturation circuit assembly 800. Figure 8 A portion of the first section 105 of the nicotine electronic vaporizer 10 is depicted, enhancing the display of the heating element 236. Figure 8 The saturation circuit component 800 is similar to Figure 7 The exemplary embodiment shown differs in that the saturation circuit assembly 800 includes a probe wire 805 surrounding the air tube 202 and connected to the first electrical lead 240'. In various exemplary embodiments, the probe wire 805 may be connected to a second electrical lead 240'.

[0122] A first detection lead 810 connects one end of the detection wire 805 to a first electrical lead 240. Additionally, the first housing 120 is connected to the first electrical lead 240 via a first housing lead 820. A saturation sensor 427 measures the resistance and / or capacitance between the detection wire 805 and the first housing 120 to determine the amount of nicotine vapor pre-preparation in the nicotine reservoir 232. Then, as described above, the control circuit 428 accordingly disables the nicotine e-vaporizer 10 and / or outputs an alarm indicating an empty, low, or nearly depleted nicotine reservoir 232. In various exemplary embodiments, the saturation circuit assembly 800 may omit the first housing lead 820 and instead measure the resistance and / or capacitance across the detection wire 805 and the heating element 236. Similarly, as described above, the detection wire 805 is configured to define an air tube 202.

[0123] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the saturation circuit assembly 900. Figure 9 A portion of the first section 105 of the nicotine electronic vaporizer 10 is depicted, enhancing the display of the heating element 236. Figure 9 The saturation circuit component 900 is similar to Figure 8The exemplary embodiment shown differs in that the saturation circuit assembly 900 does not include the probe wire 805. Instead, the saturation sensor 427 measures the resistance and / or capacitance across the heating element 236 and the first housing 120 to determine the saturation level of the core 238.

[0124] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a saturation determination circuit device. Figure 7 The saturation circuit assembly 700 is electrically connected to the power supply 402, sensor assembly 424, saturation sensor 427, and control circuitry 428 via various electrical leads (first electrical lead 240, second electrical lead 240', anode connection 404, cathode connection 406, control circuit wiring 430 and 432) and conductive posts 218 and 418. The saturation sensor 427 measures the resistance and / or capacitance across the saturation circuit assembly 700. The same saturation determination circuitry can be used with… Figure 8 Saturation circuit component 800 and Figure 9 It is used together with the saturation circuit component 900.

[0125] The control circuit 428 may include a non-volatile memory (not shown) storing impedance thresholds, resistance thresholds, capacitance thresholds, flow or refill rate thresholds, etc.

[0126] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting the depletion of nicotine pre-vapor formulations.

[0127] For illustrative purposes, Figure 11 The exemplary embodiments shown will relate to resistance and related aspects. Figure 7 The exemplary embodiments shown are discussed herein. However, the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example. Instead, the control circuit 428 may perform operations based on the measured capacitance or impedance of the core 238. Figure 11 The method shown. In one example, control circuitry 428 can measure the capacitance of core 238, which can then be used in place of... Figure 11 The resistor in the method shown. In another example, control circuit 428 can measure the resistance and capacitance of core 238, which can then be used to calculate and / or determine the impedance of core 238. The impedance of core 238 can then be used instead. Figure 11 The resistor in the method shown. Furthermore, the control circuit 428 can be based on... Figure 8 and 9 The exemplary embodiment of the saturation circuit component shown in the diagram obtains information to perform a similar method.

[0128] refer to Figure 11At point 1000, control circuit 428 determines whether a vapor inhalation state exists at the nicotine e-vaping device 10. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, control circuit 428 may determine whether a vapor inhalation state exists at the nicotine e-vaping device 10 based on the output from sensor assembly 424. In one example, if the output from sensor assembly 424 indicates that a negative pressure above a threshold is applied at the mouthpiece 125 of the nicotine e-vaping device 10, control circuit 428 determines that a vapor inhalation state exists at the nicotine e-vaping device 10.

[0129] If the control circuit 428 determines that a vapor extraction state is present, then at 1100, the control circuit 428 measures (or causes the saturation circuit assembly 700 to measure) the resistance of core 238. As stated above, although resistance has been discussed... Figure 11 The exemplary embodiments shown are illustrated, but the control circuit 428 may measure and / or determine at least one electrical characteristic of the core 238, wherein the at least one electrical characteristic may include the resistance and / or capacitance of the core 238, or the impedance of the core 238 determined based on the resistance and / or capacitance.

[0130] At 1105, the control circuit 428 determines whether the measured resistance of the core 238 is greater than or equal to a first threshold (e.g., about 10 MΩ).

[0131] If the measured resistance of the core 238 is greater than or equal to a first threshold, then at 1110, the control circuit 428 disables the nicotine e-vaping device 10. In at least one exemplary embodiment, disabling the nicotine e-vaping device 10 may include disabling the vaporization function by cutting off the power to the heating element 236 or by de-energizing (or putting the nicotine e-vaping device 10 into a low-power state). The process then terminates. Although not shown, at 1110, the control circuit 428 may also illuminate the thermal activation lamp 436 in a specific color to indicate that the core 238 is dry and / or the nicotine reservoir 232 is depleted.

[0132] Returning to 1105, if the control circuit 428 determines that the measured resistance is less than the first threshold, then at 1115, the control circuit 428 determines whether the measured resistance is higher than the second threshold (e.g., about 2 MΩ).

[0133] If the measured resistance is higher than the second threshold (and therefore between about 10 MΩ and about 2 MΩ), then at 1120, the control circuit 428 generates and displays an alarm indicating that the nicotine vapor pre-preparation is low, such as by activating the thermal activation lamp 436.

[0134] At 1145, control circuit 428 determines whether the vapor fume extraction state still exists in the same or substantially the same manner as discussed above regarding 1000.

[0135] If the vapor inhalation state is still present, the process returns to 1100 and continues as described herein.

[0136] Returning to 1145, if there is no longer a vapor extraction state (e.g., extraction has ended), the process terminates.

[0137] Returning to 1115, if the measured resistance is less than the second threshold, then at 1117, the control circuit 428 determines whether the vapor fume extraction state still exists (whether the current extraction has ended) in the same or substantially the same manner as discussed above regarding 1000.

[0138] If the vapor extraction state is no longer present, at 1130, the control circuit 428 measures the resistance of the core 238 when the vapor extraction state stops and again at the end of a threshold time period (e.g., 0.5, 1, or 2 seconds).

[0139] At 1135, control circuit 428 calculates the refill rate or flow rate based on the difference between the saturation level (indicated by resistance measurement) at the end of suction and the saturation level (indicated by resistance measurement) at the end of the threshold time period. In this case, the saturation level can be indicated by the measured resistance level R0 of core 238 at the end of suction (first time) and the measured resistance level R1 of core 238 at the end of the threshold time period after suction (second time). In one example, control circuit 428 may calculate the refill rate as the change in resistance level divided by the threshold time period t. TH length In another instance of using impedance, the refill rate can be calculated as the change in impedance level divided by the length of the threshold time period; that is... Where Z0 is the impedance of core 238 at the end of aspiration, and Z1 is the impedance of core at the end of the threshold time period after aspiration.

[0140] In at least one other exemplary embodiment, control circuitry 428 may determine a minimum saturation level (e.g., a maximum resistance or impedance value) by monitoring the resistance, capacitance, and / or impedance of core 238 during suction, and then monitor the resistance, capacitance, and / or impedance of core 238 when core 238 becomes resaturated (reaching its initial resistance or impedance level) to calculate the flow or refill rate. Control circuitry 428 may then calculate the flow rate as the amount of resaturation (the difference between the impedance at depletion and resaturation, which may be indicated by a resistance measurement) during the time between when core 238 is at its minimum saturation level and when core 238 is resaturated.

[0141] At 1140, the control circuit 428 compares the refill rate calculated at 1135 with the minimum refill rate threshold to determine whether the refill rate is less than the minimum refill rate threshold.

[0142] As the amount of nicotine vapor pre-formula in nicotine reservoir 232 decreases, the refill rate of core 238 decreases. Therefore, control circuit 428 can determine that when the refill rate of core drops below a minimum threshold level, the nicotine vapor pre-formula in nicotine reservoir 232 is becoming depleted (dropping below the minimum threshold).

[0143] If control circuit 428 determines at 1140 that the refill rate is below a minimum threshold, then control circuit 428 determines that the nicotine vapor pre-formulation in nicotine reservoir 232 is becoming depleted (low). Therefore, the process proceeds to 1120 and continues as discussed herein.

[0144] Returning to 1140, if the refill rate is greater than the minimum refill rate threshold, the process returns to 1100 and continues as discussed in this paper.

[0145] Returning to 1117, if control circuit 428 determines that the vapor extraction state still exists, control circuit 428 continues to monitor the output of sensor assembly 424 to determine when the vapor extraction state stops (extraction has ended). Once the vapor extraction state no longer exists, the process proceeds to 1130 and continues as described herein.

[0146] Now return to Figure 11 If, at 1000, the control circuit 428 determines that a vapor extraction state does not yet exist, the control circuit 428 continues to monitor the output of the sensor assembly 424 for a vapor extraction state. Once a vapor extraction state is detected, the process proceeds to 1100 and continues as described herein.

[0147] 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, similar designations refer to similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0148] It should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or section.

[0149] For ease of description, spatial relative terms (e.g., “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc.) are used herein 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 figure 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 include both “above” and “below” orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein are to be interpreted accordingly.

[0150] 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” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, they specify the presence of the said feature, integer, step, operation, element, and component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0151] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional diagrams, which are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the exemplary embodiments. Therefore, variations in shape relative to the illustrations should be expected due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Thus, the exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shape of the areas shown herein, but should include, for example, shape deviations caused by manufacturing processes.

[0152] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments pertain. It will be further understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the relevant field, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formalized sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0153] The nicotine vaporization pre-formulation may include nicotine. In an exemplary embodiment, a flavoring agent (at least one flavoring agent) is included in the nicotine vaporization pre-formulation. In an exemplary embodiment, the nicotine vaporization pre-formulation is a liquid, solid, and / or gel formulation, including but not limited to water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors, and / or at least one nicotine vaporizing agent, such as glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0154] In exemplary embodiments, at least one nicotine vapor-forming agent in the nicotine vapor pre-formulation comprises a diol (such as propylene glycol and / or 1,3-propanediol), glycerin, and combinations or sub-combinations thereof. Various amounts of nicotine vapor-forming agent can be used. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the amount of at least one nicotine vapor-forming agent included ranges from about 20% by weight to about 90% by weight of the nicotine vapor pre-formulation (e.g., the nicotine vapor-forming agent is in the range of about 50% to about 80%, or in the range of about 55% to 75%, or in the range of about 60% to 70%), etc. As another example, in exemplary embodiments, the nicotine vapor pre-formulation comprises a weight ratio of diol and glycerin ranging from about 1:4 to 4:1, wherein the diol is propylene glycol or 1,3-propanediol, or combinations thereof. In exemplary embodiments, this ratio is about 3:2. Other amounts or ranges can be used.

[0155] In an exemplary embodiment, the nicotine vapor preform includes water. Various amounts of water can be used. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the amount of water may range from about 5% by weight to about 40% by weight of the nicotine vapor preform, or from about 10% by weight to about 15% by weight of the nicotine vapor preform. Other amounts or percentages may be used. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the remainder of the nicotine vapor preform that is not water (and not nicotine and / or flavoring) is a nicotine vapor-forming agent (described above), wherein the nicotine vapor-forming agent is propylene glycol between 30% and 70% by weight, and the remainder of the nicotine vapor-forming agent is glycerin. Other amounts or percentages may be used.

[0156] In an exemplary embodiment, the nicotine pre-vaporization formulation includes at least one flavoring agent in an amount ranging from about 0.2% by weight to about 15% by weight (e.g., the flavoring agent may range from about 1% to about 12%, or about 2% to about 10%, or about 5% to about 8%). In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one flavoring agent may be at least one of a natural flavoring agent, an artificial flavoring agent, or a combination of natural and artificial flavoring agents. For example, the at least one flavoring agent may include menthol, etc.

[0157] In an exemplary embodiment, the nicotine vaporization pre-formulation comprises nicotine in an amount from about 1% to about 10% by weight. For example, the nicotine content ranges from about 2% to 9%, or about 2% to 8%, or about 2% to 6%. In an exemplary embodiment, the portion of the nicotine vaporization pre-formulation that is not nicotine and / or flavoring comprises 10-15% by weight of water, wherein the remainder of the nicotine vaporization pre-formulation is a mixture of propylene glycol and a nicotine vaporizing agent, wherein the weight ratio of the mixture ranges from about 60:40 to 40:60. Other combinations, amounts, or ranges may be used.

[0158] While several exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations may be made. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the scope of this disclosure, and all such modifications that would be apparent to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A nicotine electronic vaporizer, comprising: A nicotine reservoir configured to retain the pre-formulation of nicotine vapor; A core configured to draw nicotine vapor pre-preparation from the nicotine reservoir; A heating element configured to heat the nicotine vapor pre-preparation drawn from the nicotine reservoir; A probe wire extending along the length of the core, the probe wire being separated from the heating element by the core; Saturation sensor, the saturation sensor is configured to At a first time point, at least one electrical characteristic of the core between the heating element and the probe wire is measured, said at least one electrical characteristic including resistance, capacitance, or both resistance and capacitance, and At a second time point, at least one electrical characteristic of the core between the heating element and the probe wire is measured, the second time point being after the first time point; as well as Control circuit, the control circuit being configured to cause the nicotine electronic vaporizer to... Based on at least one electrical characteristic at the first time point and at least one electrical characteristic at the second time point, the refill rate of the nicotine vapor pre-formulation flowing onto the core is calculated. Determining that the refill rate is less than a threshold refill rate, and A low nicotine vapor pre-formulation alarm is output in response to determining that the refill rate is less than the threshold refill rate.

2. The nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to cause the nicotine e-vaping device to calculate the refill rate based on the difference between at least one electrical characteristic at the first time and at least one electrical characteristic at the second time.

3. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control circuit is configured to cause the nicotine electronic vaporizer... The first impedance is calculated based on at least one electrical characteristic at the first time point. The second impedance is calculated based on at least one electrical characteristic at the second time point, and The refill rate is calculated based on the difference between the first impedance and the second impedance.

4. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control circuit is configured to cause the nicotine electronic vaporizer... At a third time point, at least one electrical characteristic of the core is measured between the heating element and the probe wire. Determine that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time point is greater than or equal to a threshold, and In response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time point is greater than or equal to the threshold, vapor inhalation at the nicotine electronic vaporizer is disabled.

5. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control circuit is configured to cause the nicotine electronic vaporizer... At a third time point, at least one electrical characteristic of the core is measured between the heating element and the probe wire. Determine that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time point is greater than or equal to a threshold, and The low nicotine vapor pre-preparation alarm is output in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time point is greater than or equal to the threshold.

6. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control circuit is configured to cause the nicotine electronic vaporizer... At a third time point, at least one electrical characteristic of the core is measured between the heating element and the probe wire. The impedance of the core is calculated based on at least one electrical characteristic at the third time point. Determine that the impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold, and In response to determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold, vapor inhalation at the nicotine e-vaporizer is disabled.

7. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control circuit is configured to cause the nicotine electronic vaporizer... At a third time point, at least one electrical characteristic of the core is measured between the heating element and the probe wire. The impedance of the core is calculated based on at least one electrical characteristic at the third time point. Determine that the impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold, and In response to determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold, an alarm for the low nicotine vapor pre-preparation is output.

8. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A power source configured to provide power to the nicotine electronic vaporizer.

9. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection wire is a stainless steel wire.

10. A nicotine electronic vaporizer, comprising: outer shell; An inner tube coaxially positioned within the outer casing; A nicotine reservoir configured to hold a pre-formulation of nicotine vapor, the nicotine reservoir being positioned between the inner tube and the outer shell; A core configured to draw nicotine vapor pre-preparation from the nicotine reservoir; A heating element configured to heat the nicotine vapor pre-preparation drawn from the nicotine reservoir; A saturation sensor assembly configured to measure at least one electrical characteristic between the housing and the inner tube at a first time and a second time, the second time being after the first time; as well as Control circuit, the control circuit being configured to cause the nicotine electronic vaporizer to... Based on at least one electrical characteristic at the first time point and at least one electrical characteristic at the second time point, the refill rate of the nicotine vapor pre-formulation flowing onto the core is calculated. Determining that the refill rate is less than a threshold refill rate, and A low nicotine vapor pre-formulation alarm is output in response to determining that the refill rate is less than the threshold refill rate.

11. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 10, further comprising: The probe wires surrounding the outer periphery of the inner tube, wherein The saturation sensor assembly is configured to measure at least one electrical characteristic between the housing and the inner tube by measuring the at least one electrical characteristic between the housing and the probe wire surrounding the outer periphery of the inner tube.

12. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 11, wherein the detection wire is a stainless steel wire.

13. The nicotine e-vaping device according to claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the control circuit is configured to cause the nicotine e-vaping device to calculate the refill rate based on the difference between at least one electrical characteristic at the first time and at least one electrical characteristic at the second time.

14. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 10, 11, or 12, wherein the control circuitry is configured to cause the nicotine electronic vaporizer... The first impedance is calculated based on the electrical characteristics at the first time point. The second impedance is calculated based on the electrical characteristics at the second time point, and The refill rate is calculated based on the difference between the first impedance and the second impedance.

15. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 10, 11, or 12, wherein the control circuitry is configured to cause the nicotine electronic vaporizer... At a third time point, at least one electrical characteristic of the core is measured between the heating element and the inner tube. Determine that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time point is greater than or equal to a threshold, and In response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time point is greater than or equal to the threshold, vapor inhalation at the nicotine electronic vaporizer is disabled.

16. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 10, 11, or 12, wherein the control circuitry is configured to cause the nicotine electronic vaporizer... At a third time point, at least one electrical characteristic of the core is measured between the heating element and the inner tube. Determine that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time point is greater than or equal to a threshold, and The low nicotine vapor pre-preparation alarm is output in response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time point is greater than or equal to the threshold.

17. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 10, 11, or 12, wherein the control circuitry is configured to cause the nicotine electronic vaporizer... At a third time point, at least one electrical characteristic of the core is measured between the heating element and the inner tube. The impedance of the core is calculated based on at least one electrical characteristic at the third time point. Determine that the impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold, and In response to determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold, vapor inhalation at the nicotine e-vaporizer is disabled.

18. The nicotine electronic vaporizer according to claim 10, 11, or 12, wherein the control circuitry is configured to cause the nicotine electronic vaporizer... At a third time point, at least one electrical characteristic of the core is measured between the heating element and the inner tube. The impedance of the core is calculated based on at least one electrical characteristic at the third time point. Determine that the impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold, and In response to determining that the impedance is greater than or equal to the threshold, an alarm for the low nicotine vapor pre-preparation is output.

19. A method for detecting the depletion of nicotine pre-preparation in the nicotine reservoir of a nicotine electronic vaporizer, the method comprising: At a first moment, at least one electrical characteristic of the core is measured between the heating element and the probe wire, said at least one electrical characteristic including resistance, capacitance, or both resistance and capacitance. At a second time point, between the heating element and the probe wire, at least one electrical characteristic of the core is measured, the second time point being after the first time point; The refill rate of the nicotine vapor preformed formulation flowing to the core is calculated based on at least one electrical characteristic at the first time point and at least one electrical characteristic at the second time point; Determining that the refill rate is less than a threshold refill rate; and A low nicotine vapor pre-formulation alarm is output in response to determining that the refill rate is less than the threshold refill rate.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: At a third time point, at least one electrical characteristic of the core is measured between the heating element and the probe wire; Determine that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time point is greater than or equal to a threshold; as well as In response to determining that at least one electrical characteristic at the third time point is greater than or equal to the threshold, vapor inhalation at the nicotine electronic vaporizer is disabled.

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