Charging barrel

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for use with a control device of an aerosol delivery device. The cartridge includes a mouthpiece portion having an outlet port defined therethrough, and a tank configured to contain at least a portion of the liquid composition, where the cartridge includes at least one connector configured to provide a mechanical connection and an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device, the control device is configured such that the cartridge can be removably and operably received into the cartridge receiving chamber of the control device, and wherein the at least one connector of the cartridge is located on the mouthpiece portion.

Description

[0001] This invention patent application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with international application number PCT / IB2019 / 058707, international application date October 11, 2019, application number 201980082888.9 entering the Chinese national phase, and name “Connector for forming electrical and mechanical connections between interchangeable units in an aerosol delivery system”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 386,940, filed on April 17, 2019, entitled “Connectors for Forming Electrical and Mechanical Connections Between Interchangeable Units in an Aerosol Delivery System,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 744,978, filed on October 12, 2018, entitled “Aerosol Forming Device,” the entire text of each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices such as smoking articles, and more particularly to aerosol delivery devices that can use electrically generated heat to generate an aerosol (e.g., smoking articles commonly referred to as electronic cigarettes). The smoking article can be configured to heat an aerosol precursor, which can include a material that can be made or derived from tobacco or can otherwise include tobacco, which precursor can form an inhalable substance for human ingestion. Background Art

[0005] In recent years, many smoking devices have been proposed as improvements or substitutes for smoking products that need to burn tobacco. It is said that many of the above-mentioned devices have been designed to provide the sensation associated with smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes, but do not deliver a large amount of incomplete combustion products and pyrolysis products produced due to the burning of tobacco. For this reason, it has been proposed to adopt electric energy to evaporate or heat volatile materials or to attempt to provide the sensation of smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes without burning tobacco to a significant degree of many cigarette products, flavor generators and medicated inhalers. For example, referring to the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and heating sources described in the background technology described in the U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 of Robinson et al., the U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 of Griffith Jr. et al. and the U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 of Sears et al., the above-mentioned document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. See also, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al. for various types of smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and electrically powered heat sources by reference to trade names and commercial sources, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol delivery device with advantageous usability features. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods of forming such devices, and elements of such devices. The present disclosure may specifically relate to an aerosol delivery device and a cartridge removably used in an aerosol delivery device. In this regard, various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an aerosol delivery device with advantageous usability characteristics, the aerosol delivery device comprising a control device and a cartridge, wherein electrical and mechanical connections are provided on the cartridge and the control device, thereby allowing the cartridge to be removably and operably connected to the control device. The present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following exemplary embodiments:

[0007] Exemplary embodiment 1: An aerosol delivery device, comprising: a control device, the control device comprising an outer shell defining an outer wall and having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the control device defining a cartridge receiving chamber, the control device also comprising a battery and a control component; and a cartridge, the cartridge comprising a mouthpiece portion and a tank, the mouthpiece portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the mouthpiece portion having an outlet port defined therethrough; the tank also defining a closed distal end and being configured to contain a liquid composition, the cartridge also comprising a heater configured to heat the liquid composition, wherein the cartridge and the control device each comprise at least one connector configured to provide a magnetic connection and an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device, so that the cartridge can be removably and operably received in the cartridge receiving chamber of the control body, and wherein at least one connector of the cartridge is located on the mouthpiece portion.

[0008] Exemplary embodiment 2: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange, a plurality of magnets spaced apart around the upper flange of the inner frame; and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins located on the inner frame and below the upper flange of the inner frame, the conductive pins being operably connected to a battery, wherein the cartridge further includes a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; a metal plate located below the flange; and a pair of conductive plugs operably connected to a heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of the cartridge.

[0009] Exemplary embodiment 3: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the magnet of the inner frame of the control device is exposed in the top surface of the upper flange, so that when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, the magnet of the inner frame of the control device directly contacts the metal plate of the cartridge.

[0010] Exemplary embodiment 4: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further comprises an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame comprises an upper portion, at least one attachment element, the at least one attachment element being located in an upper surface of the inner frame; and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins, the pair of conductive pins being located on the inner frame, the conductive pins being operably connected to a battery, wherein the cartridge further comprises: a flange, the flange being located between a proximal end and a distal end of a mouthpiece portion; at least one attachment element, the at least one attachment element being located in the flange of the cartridge; and a pair of conductive plugs, the conductive plugs being operably connected to a heater, wherein, when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is created between at least one attachment element of the control device and at least one attachment element of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of the cartridge.

[0011] Exemplary embodiment 5: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein an upper portion of an inner frame of the control device comprises an angled surface, wherein at least one attachment element of the control device comprises a plurality of magnets spaced about the angled surface of the inner frame, wherein a flange of the cartridge comprises a corresponding angled surface, and wherein at least one attachment element of the cartridge comprises a plurality of magnets spaced about the angled surface of the flange.

[0012] Exemplary embodiment 6: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the upper portion of the inner frame of the control device includes an angled surface, wherein at least one attachment element of the control device includes a plurality of magnets spaced around the angled surface of the inner frame, wherein the flange of the cartridge includes a corresponding angled surface, and wherein at least one attachment element of the cartridge includes a plurality of metal plates spaced around the angled surface of the flange.

[0013] Exemplary embodiment 7: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein an upper portion of an inner frame of the control device comprises an angled surface, wherein at least one attachment element of the control device comprises a plurality of magnets spaced about the angled surface of the inner frame, wherein a flange of the cartridge comprises an angled surface, and wherein at least one attachment element comprises a metal ring comprising the angled surface of the flange.

[0014] Exemplary embodiment 8: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein at least one attachment element of the control device comprises a magnetic ring comprising an angled surface, the angled surface comprising an upper portion of the inner frame, wherein the flange of the cartridge comprises the angled surface, and wherein at least one attachment element of the cartridge comprises a metal ring comprising the angled surface of the flange.

[0015] Exemplary embodiment 9: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further includes an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upper portion; a pair of separate magnets, the magnets including a portion of the upper portion of the inner frame, wherein the cartridge further includes a flange located between the proximal end and the distal end of the mouthpiece portion; a pair of metal plates, the metal plates including a portion of the flange of the cartridge, and the metal plates are operably connected to the heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection and an electrical connection are created between the pair of separate magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the pair of separate metal plates of the cartridge.

[0016] Exemplary embodiment 10: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein a pair of separate magnets of an inner frame of the control device include angled surfaces, and wherein a pair of metal plates of a flange of the barrel include corresponding angled surfaces.

[0017] Exemplary embodiment 11: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further includes an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber; a plurality of magnetic balls located in the inner frame; and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins located on the inner frame, the conductive pins being operably connected to a battery, wherein the cartridge further includes a pair of metal plates, each of the metal plates including receiving pawls on opposite ends thereof, the metal plates being operably connected to a heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is created between the magnetic balls of the inner frame of the control device and the receiving pawls of the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.

[0018] Exemplary embodiment 12: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further includes an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber; a pair of angled magnets located in the inner frame; and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins located in the inner frame and below the pair of angled magnets, the conductive pins being operably connected to a battery, wherein the cartridge further includes a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; a pair of sharp sliding metal plates located in the flanges; and a pair of conductive plugs operably connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is created between the angled magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the sharp sliding metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of the cartridge.

[0019] Exemplary embodiment 13: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further includes an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange; a plurality of cylindrical magnets extending into the upper flange of the inner frame; and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins located on the inner frame and below the upper flange of the inner frame, the conductive pins being operably connected to a battery, wherein the cartridge further includes a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; a metal plate located below the flange; and a pair of conductive plugs operably connected to the heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of the cartridge.

[0020] Exemplary embodiment 14: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein a plurality of cylindrical magnets extend through the upper flange of the inner frame such that the top surface of the magnets is substantially flush with the top surface of the upper flange.

[0021] Exemplary embodiment 15: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further includes an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange, a plurality of cylindrical magnets extending into the upper flange of the inner frame; and a pair of spring-loaded conductive pins extending into the upper flange of the inner frame, the conductive pins being operably connected to a battery, wherein the cartridge further includes a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; and a pair of metal plates, the metal plates including a portion of the bottom surface of the flange, the metal plates being operably connected to the heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.

[0022] Exemplary embodiment 16: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein a plurality of cylindrical magnets extend through the upper flange of the inner frame such that the top surface of the magnets is substantially flush with the top surface of the upper flange.

[0023] Exemplary embodiment 17: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further includes an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange; and a pair of spring-loaded cylindrical magnets extending into the upper flange of the inner frame, the magnets being operably connected to a battery, wherein the cartridge further includes: a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; and a pair of metal plates, the metal plates including a portion of the bottom surface of the flanges, the metal plates being operably connected to the heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection and an electrical connection are created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.

[0024] Exemplary embodiment 18: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein a pair of cylindrical magnets extend through the upper flange of the inner frame so that the top surface of the magnets is substantially flush with the top surface of the upper flange.

[0025] Exemplary embodiment 19: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further includes an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange, a pair of cylindrical magnets extending through the upper flange of the inner frame; and a pair of conductive shells, each conductive shell substantially surrounding the side surfaces of the corresponding magnets and extending through the upper flange of the inner frame so that the top edge of the shell is substantially flush with the top surface of the upper flange, the conductive shells being operably connected to a battery, wherein the cartridge further includes a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; and a pair of metal plates, the metal plates including a portion of the bottom surface of the flange, the metal plates being operably connected to the heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive shells of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.

[0026] Exemplary embodiment 20: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further includes an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange, a pair of cylindrical magnets extending into the upper flange of the inner frame; and a pair of conductive shells, each conductive shell substantially surrounding the top surface and side surfaces of a corresponding magnet and extending through the upper flange of the inner frame so that the top surface of the shell is substantially flush with the top surface of the upper flange, the conductive shells being operably connected to a battery, wherein the cartridge further includes a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; and a pair of metal plates, the metal plates including a portion of the bottom surface of the flange, the metal plates being operably connected to the heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive shells of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.

[0027] Exemplary embodiment 21: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further comprises an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame comprises an upper flange, a plurality of magnets located in the upper flange of the inner frame; and a pair of metal plates located in the upper flange of the inner frame, the top surfaces of the metal plates being substantially flush with the top surfaces of the upper flange, the metal plates being operably connected to a battery, wherein the cartridge further comprises a flange located between the proximal end and the distal end of the mouthpiece portion; and a first pair of metal plates and a second pair of metal plates located below the flange, the first pair of metal plates being operably connected to a heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the second pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the pair of metal plates of the inner frame of the control device and the first pair of metal plates of the cartridge.

[0028] Exemplary embodiment 22: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further includes an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange; a plurality of magnets located in the upper flange of the inner frame; and a pair of metal plates located in the upper flange of the inner frame, the top surfaces of the metal plates being substantially flush with the top surfaces of the upper flange, the metal plates being operably connected to a battery, wherein the cartridge further includes a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; and a pair of metal plates located below the flange, the metal plates being operably connected to a heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the pair of metal plates of the inner frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates of the cartridge.

[0029] Exemplary embodiment 23: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further includes: an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange; and a pair of magnets located in the upper flange of the inner frame and a pair of metal plates located in the upper flange of the inner frame, the metal plates being operably connected to a battery, wherein the cartridge further includes: a flange located between the proximal end and the distal end of the mouthpiece portion; and a pair of metal plates, the metal plates comprising a portion of the flange of the cartridge, the metal plates being operably connected to a heater, wherein, when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the pair of metal plates of the inner frame of the control device and the pair of metal plates of the cartridge.

[0030] Exemplary embodiment 24: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further includes an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange; and a pair of magnets located in the upper flange of the inner frame and a pair of metal plates located in the upper flange of the inner frame, the metal plates being operably connected to a battery, wherein the cartridge further includes a flange located between the proximal end and the distal end of the mouthpiece portion; a metal ring including a portion of the flange; and a pair of conductive spring contacts operably connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal ring of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the pair of metal plates of the control device and the pair of conductive spring contacts of the cartridge.

[0031] Exemplary embodiment 25: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further includes an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange; a plurality of cylindrical magnets extending into the upper flange of the inner frame; and a pair of conductive pins extending into the upper flange of the inner frame, the conductive pins being operably connected to a battery, wherein the cartridge further includes a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; and a pair of metal plates comprising a portion of the bottom surface of the flange, the metal plates being operably connected to the heater, and each metal plate including an integrated spring contact, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive pins of the inner frame of the control device and the integrated spring contacts of the metal plates of the cartridge.

[0032] Exemplary embodiment 26: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further includes an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange; a plurality of magnets spaced apart around the upper flange of the inner frame; and a pair of conductive spring contacts located on the inner frame and below the upper flange of the inner frame, the spring contacts being operably connected to a battery, wherein the cartridge further includes: a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; a metal plate located below the flange; and a pair of conductive plugs operably connected to the heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the spring contacts of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of the cartridge.

[0033] Exemplary embodiment 27: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further includes an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upper portion; at least one attachment element, the at least one attachment element being located in an upper surface of the inner frame; and a pair of conductive spring contacts, the pair of conductive spring contacts being located on the inner frame, the conductive spring contacts being operably connected to a battery, wherein the cartridge further includes: a flange, the flange being located between a proximal end and a distal end of a mouthpiece portion; at least one attachment element, the at least one attachment element being located in the flange of the cartridge; and a pair of conductive plugs, the conductive plugs being operably connected to a heater, wherein, when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is created between at least one attachment element of the control device and at least one attachment element of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive spring contacts of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of the cartridge.

[0034] Exemplary embodiment 28: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further includes an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber; a plurality of magnetic balls located in the inner frame; and a pair of conductive spring contacts located on the inner frame, the conductive spring contacts being operably connected to a battery, wherein the cartridge further includes: a pair of metal plates, each metal plate including receiving pawls on opposite ends thereof, the metal plates being operably connected to a heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is created between the magnetic balls of the inner frame of the control device and the receiving pawls of the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive spring contacts of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.

[0035] Exemplary embodiment 29: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further includes: an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber; a pair of angled magnets located in the inner frame; and a pair of electrical spring contacts located in the inner frame and below the pair of angled magnets, and a conductive pin operably connected to a battery, wherein the cartridge further includes: a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; a pair of sharp sliding metal plates located in the flanges; and a pair of conductive plugs operably connected to the heater, wherein, when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is created between the angled magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the sharp sliding metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive spring contacts of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of the cartridge.

[0036] Exemplary embodiment 30: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further includes: an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange; a plurality of cylindrical magnets extending into the upper flange of the inner frame; and a pair of conductive spring contacts located on the inner frame and below the upper flange of the inner frame, the conductive pin being operably connected to the battery, wherein the cartridge further includes: a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; a metal plate located below the flange; and a pair of conductive plugs operably connected to the heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plate of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the spring contacts of the inner frame of the control device and the conductive plugs of the cartridge.

[0037] Exemplary embodiment 31: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments or any combination of any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, wherein the control device further includes: an inner frame defining a cartridge receiving chamber, wherein the inner frame includes an upper flange; a plurality of cylindrical magnets extending into the upper flange of the inner frame; and a pair of conductive spring contacts extending into the upper flange of the inner frame, the conductive pins being operably connected to a battery, wherein the cartridge further includes: a flange located between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece portion; and a pair of metal plates, the metal plates including a portion of the bottom surface of the flange, the metal plates being operably connected to the heater, wherein when the cartridge is received into the cartridge receiving chamber, a magnetic connection is created between the magnets of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge, and an electrical connection is created between the conductive spring contacts of the inner frame of the control device and the metal plates of the cartridge.

[0038] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become clear by reading the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings briefly described below. The present invention includes any combination of two, three, four or more of the above-mentioned embodiments set forth in the present disclosure and any combination of two, three, four or more features or elements, whether or not these features or elements are explicitly combined in the specific embodiment description herein. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the context, the present disclosure is intended to be read as a whole, so that any separable features or elements of the present disclosure invention in any of its various aspects and embodiments should be regarded as intended to be combined. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Having generally described the present disclosure in the foregoing, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0040] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 a partial cross-sectional view of a control device of an aerosol delivery device as shown;

[0042] Figure 3A shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 3B The exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of a barrel;

[0044] Figure 4A A partial perspective view showing an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 4B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 6 A partial perspective view showing an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Fig. 8AA perspective view showing an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 8B A partially exploded top view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0051] Figure 8C shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Fig. 9 A partial cross-sectional view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Fig. 10A A perspective view showing an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Fig. 10B shows a partially exploded top view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Fig. 10C shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Fig.11 A partial cross-sectional view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] Fig. 12A An exploded partial perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0058] Fig. 12B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] Fig.13 A partial cross-sectional view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0060] Fig.14A A partial perspective view showing an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] Fig. 14B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] Fig. 14C shows a partial transparent perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] Fig.15A partial cross-sectional view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0064] Fig.16A A partial perspective view showing an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] Fig. 16B A top view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0066] Fig. 16C shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] Fig.17 A partial cross-sectional view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0068] Fig.18A A partial perspective view showing an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0069] Fig.18B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0070] Fig.19A shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge before being fully coupled with an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0071] Fig.19B A partial cross-sectional view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0072] Fig. 20A A partial transparent perspective view showing an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0073] Fig. 20B A partial perspective view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] Fig. 20C shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0075] Fig.21 A partial cross-sectional view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0076] Fig.22A A partial perspective view showing an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0077] Fig. 22B A partial perspective view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0078] Fig. 22C shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0079] Fig.23 A partial cross-sectional view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0080] Fig.24A A partial perspective view showing an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0081] Fig. 24B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0082] Fig.25 A partial cross-sectional view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0083] Fig.26A A partial perspective view showing an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0084] Fig.26B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0085] Fig. 27 A partial cross-sectional view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0086] Fig.28A An exploded partial perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0087] Fig.28B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0088] Fig.29 A partial cross-sectional view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0089] Fig. 30A A partially exploded perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0090] Fig. 30B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0091] Fig. 30Cshows a bottom view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0092] Fig.31 A partial cross-sectional view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0093] Fig.32A A partially exploded perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0094] Fig.32B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0095] Fig.32C shows a bottom view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0096] Fig.33 A partial cross-sectional view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0097] Fig.34 A partially exploded perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0098] Fig.35A A partial perspective view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0099] Fig.35B A partial transparent perspective view of a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0100] Fig.36A A partial perspective view showing an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0101] Fig.36B shows a partial transparent perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0102] Fig.37 A partial cross-sectional view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0103] Fig.38A A partial transparent perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0104] Fig.38B shows a partial perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0105] Fig.39A partial cross-sectional view showing a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0106] Fig.40 A partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0107] The present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These embodiments are described so that the present disclosure will be detailed and complete, and the scope of the present disclosure will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. In fact, the present disclosure can be implemented in many forms and should not be understood as being limited to the embodiments described herein; on the contrary, these aspects are proposed so that the disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Unless otherwise clearly stated herein, the singular forms "a", "one / kind", and "the" used in this specification and the appended claims include indications of the plural.

[0108] As described below, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aerosol delivery devices or vaporization devices, which terms are used interchangeably herein. Aerosol delivery devices according to the present disclosure use electrical energy to heat a material (preferably, without burning the material to any significant extent and / or without significant chemical changes in the material) to form an inhalable substance; and the components of such devices are in the form of an article, most preferably, the article is compact enough to be considered a handheld device. That is, the use of the components of the preferred aerosol delivery device does not result in the generation of smoke, i.e., the generation of smoke from the byproducts of the combustion or pyrolysis of tobacco, while the use of those preferred systems results in the generation of vapor, which is caused by the volatilization or evaporation of certain components therein. In preferred embodiments, the components of the aerosol delivery device can be characterized as electronic cigarettes, and those electronic cigarettes are most preferably combined with tobacco and / or components derived from tobacco, and thus deliver tobacco-derived components in the form of an aerosol.

[0109] The aerosol-generating member of certain preferred aerosol delivery devices can provide many of the sensations of smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe (e.g., the inhalation and exhalation habits, the variety of flavors or aromas, the sensory effects, the physical sensations, the usage habits, the visual cues provided by the visible aerosol, etc.), without burning any of the components therein to a significant degree, whereas these cigarettes, cigars, or pipes are used by lighting and burning tobacco (and thus inhaling tobacco smoke). For example, a user of the aerosol-generating member of the present disclosure can hold and use the article as a smoker would use a conventional type of smoking article, inhale on one end of the article to inhale the aerosol generated by the article, and take puffs or inhales at selected time intervals, etc.

[0110] Aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure can also be characterized as steam generation article or medicament delivery article.Therefore, this article or device can be modified, thereby one or more substances (for example, flavoring agent and / or pharmaceutical active ingredient) are provided in a form or state that can be inhaled.For example, inhalable substance can be in the form of steam (that is, the material in gas phase at a temperature below the critical point).Alternately, inhalable substance can be in the form of aerosol (that is, fine solid particles or droplet suspension in gas).For the purpose of simplification, the term "aerosol" used herein is intended to include steam, gas or aerosol in a form or type suitable for human body inhalation, whether visible or not, whether or not it can be considered as a smoke-like form.

[0111] Most preferably, the aerosol delivery device of the present invention includes some combination of the following components: a power source (i.e., a power supply); at least one control component (e.g., a device for actuating, controlling, regulating, and stopping the power used to generate heat, such as by controlling the current flowing from the power source to other components of the article, such as a microcontroller or microprocessor); a heater or heating component (e.g., a resistive heating element or other component, which element or component, alone or in combination with one or more additional components, is generally referred to as an "atomizer"); a liquid composition (e.g., an aerosol precursor composition such as ingredients commonly referred to as "smoke juice", "e-liquid" and "e-juice" that can generate an aerosol when sufficient heat is applied); and a mouthpiece or mouth end area that allows inhalation on the aerosol delivery device to inhale the aerosol (e.g., a defined airflow path through the article so that the generated aerosol can be drawn out of the airflow path during inhalation).

[0112] The more specific forms, configurations, and arrangements of the components within the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure will be apparent from the further disclosure provided below. In addition, the selection and arrangement of the components of different aerosol delivery devices can be understood by considering the commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such as those representative products cited in the background section of the present disclosure.

[0113] In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices and cartridges for aerosol delivery devices that provide a visual indication of one or more features of the device. For example, in some embodiments, the cartridge of the aerosol delivery device may include a liquid composition that includes a fragrance. The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices and cartridges for aerosol delivery devices, wherein the cartridge is configured to be removably received in a control device, and wherein, when the cartridge is received in the control device, at least one feature of the cartridge or at least one feature of the control device or at least one feature of both the cartridge and the control device provides a visual indication of a color associated with the fragrance.

[0114] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of an aerosol delivery device 100 according to the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the aerosol delivery device 100 includes a control device 200 and a removable cartridge 300. Although only one cartridge is shown in the depicted embodiment, it should be understood that in various embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 100 may include an interchangeable system. For example, in one or more embodiments, a single control device can be used with multiple different cartridges. Likewise, in one or more embodiments, a single cartridge can be used with multiple different control devices.

[0115] In various embodiments, the control device 200 includes an outer housing 202 defining an outer wall 204 including a distal end 206 and a proximal end 208. The aerosol delivery device 100 of the depicted embodiment also includes an indicator window 240 defined in the outer housing 202. Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a control device 200 of an aerosol delivery device 100. As shown, the control device 200 also includes an inner frame 215, which includes a cartridge receiving chamber 212 defined by an inner frame wall 214. The control device 200 also includes a battery 216 positioned within the outer shell 202, and also includes an external connection element 218. In the depicted embodiment, the external connection element 218 is positioned at the distal end 206 of the outer shell 202.

[0116] The various components of the aerosol delivery device according to the present disclosure can be selected from the components described in the prior art and the components available on the market. Examples of batteries that can be used according to the present disclosure are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0028766 to Peckerar et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, other power sources can be used. For example, in various embodiments, the power source can include a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery, a solid-state battery, a thin-film solid-state battery, a rechargeable supercapacitor, etc., and thus combined with any type of charging technology, including: connected to a wall charger, connected to a car charger (e.g., a cigarette lighter socket), and such as connected to a computer via a universal serial bus (USB) cable or connector (e.g., USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, USB Type-C), connected to a photovoltaic cell (sometimes referred to as a solar cell) or a solar cell solar panel, or a wireless charger such as a charger using inductive wireless charging (e.g., including wireless charging according to the Qi wireless charging standard of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC)), or a charger based on wireless radio frequency (RF). An example of an inductive wireless charging system is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0112196 to Sur et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In another embodiment, the power source may also include a capacitor. The capacitor discharges faster than a battery and can be charged between puffs, allowing the battery to discharge into the capacitor at a lower rate than when the heating member is directly powered. For example, a supercapacitor, such as an electric double layer capacitor (EDLC), may be used separately from a battery or in combination with a battery. When used alone, the supercapacitor may be charged before each use of the article. Therefore, the device may also include a charger component that can be attached to the smoking article between uses to replenish the supercapacitor. An example of a power source including a supercapacitor is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0112191 to Sur et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0117] In various embodiments, the control device 200 may further include a light source 230 and at least one hole 232 defined in the outer wall 204 of the control device 200 (see Figure 1 ), and light from the light source 230 can be seen through the hole 232. In some embodiments, the light source 230 may include, for example, at least one light emitting diode (LED) capable of providing light of one or more colors. In some embodiments, the light source may be configured to illuminate only one color, while in other embodiments, the light source may be configured to illuminate in a variety of different colors. In other embodiments, the light source may be configured to provide white light. Figure 2As shown, the light source 230 can be positioned directly on the control component 234 (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)), on which additional control components (e.g., a microcontroller and / or a memory component) can be included. In various embodiments, the hole 232 can be configured in any desired shape and can be specifically positioned near the distal end 206 of the control device 200. In some embodiments, the hole 232 can be completely open or can be filled with a light-conducting material, or can be covered with a transparent or translucent member (e.g., glass or plastic) on one or both of the inner and outer surfaces of the outer wall 204 of the control device 200. The aerosol delivery device 100 can also include a control mechanism for controlling the amount of electrical power provided to the heating element during inhalation. Representative electronic components, their structures and constructions, their features, and general descriptions of their methods of operation are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; U.S. Patent No. 4,947,874 to Brooks et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al.; U.S. Patent No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al. and U.S. Patent No. 8,205,622 to Pan; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009 / 0230117 to Fernando et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0060554 to Collet et al. and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0270727 to Ampolini et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0257445 to Henry et al.; the entire text of the foregoing documents is incorporated herein by reference.

[0118] The electrical connector 220 can be positioned in the cartridge receiving chamber 212 and in the depicted embodiment is present on both sides of the inner frame wall 214. In various embodiments, the electrical connector 220 can be operably connected to a battery (e.g., directly or through a control component 234). As will be discussed in more detail below, the electrical connector can have a variety of forms and can be positioned in various other locations of the inner frame 215. Figure 2 As shown, the proximal end 208 of the outer housing 202 includes an opening 210 that provides access to a cartridge receiving chamber 212 defined by an inner frame 215. It should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, the term "operably connected" should be interpreted broadly to encompass components that are directly connected and / or connected via one or more additional components.

[0119] In various embodiments, other indicators (e.g., tactile feedback components, audio feedback components, etc.) may be included in addition to or in lieu of light sources. Additional representative types of components or indicators that produce visual cues, such as light emitting diode (LED) components, and their construction and uses are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,192 to Sprinkel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,499,766 to Newton and U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,959 to Scatterday; U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2015 / 0020825 to Galloway et al.; and U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2015 / 0216233 to Sears et al.; the entire texts of the above documents are incorporated herein by reference. It should be understood that not all of the elements shown are required. For example, an LED may not be present or may be replaced by other indicators such as a vibration indicator.

[0120] In various embodiments, an air flow sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like may be included in the device. Figure 2 As shown, the control device 200 may include a sensor 236 on the control component 234. For example, the configuration of the printed circuit board and the pressure sensor is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0245658 to Worm et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In various embodiments, the sensor 236 may be positioned anywhere within the control device 200 so as to be affected by airflow and / or pressure changes, which may signal an inhalation on the device and thus cause the battery 216 to deliver power to the heater in the cartridge 300. In addition, in the absence of an airflow sensor, the heater may be manually activated, such as via a button that may be located on the control body 200 and / or the cartridge 300. Additional representative types of sensing or detection mechanisms, their structure and construction, their components, and general descriptions of their methods of operation are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al.; and PCT WO2010 / 003480 to Flick, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0121] In some embodiments, an input element may be included in the aerosol delivery device (and may replace or supplement an airflow sensor or pressure sensor). An input portion may be included to allow a user to control various functions of the device and / or output information to the user. Any component or combination of components may be used as an input for controlling the functions of the device 100. For example, one or more buttons may be used as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0245658 to Worm et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Similarly, a touch screen may be used as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 643,626 filed on March 10, 2015 by Sears et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As a further example, a component suitable for gesture recognition based on a specified movement of an aerosol delivery device may be used as an input portion. See U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0158782 to Henry et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0122] In some embodiments, the input may include a computer or computing device such as a smart phone or tablet computer. Specifically, the aerosol delivery device may be connected to a computer or other device, such as by using a USB cable or similar protocol wiring. The aerosol delivery device may also communicate with a computer or other device used as an input via wireless communication. For example, see the system and method for controlling the device via a read request as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0007561 to Ampolini et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In such an embodiment, an application or other computer program can be used in conjunction with a computer or other computing device to input control instructions to the aerosol delivery device, such control instructions including, for example, the ability to form an aerosol of a specific composition by selecting a nicotine content and / or the content of additionally included flavorings.

[0123] Although other embodiments may vary, in the depicted embodiment, the inner frame 215 is separate from the outer shell 202. In this way, the inner frame 215 defining the cartridge receiving chamber 212 can exist independently of the outer shell 202. The opening of the chamber can coincide with the opening at the proximal end 208 of the outer shell 202. Thus, in the depicted embodiment, the inner frame wall 214 can be a completely different element attached to the outer shell 202; however, in other embodiments, the inner frame wall and the outer shell can be continuously formed. In either case, the sidewalls forming the inner frame wall exist inside the outer shell and are separate from the outer shell.

[0124] In various embodiments, the outer shell 202 can be formed of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, or the like. In some embodiments, the inner frame 215 can be formed of a material different from that used to form the outer shell 202. For example, in some embodiments, the outer shell can be composed of a metal material and the inner frame can be composed of a plastic material. In other embodiments, the same materials can be used. As described above, the choice of material can also extend to the outer shell for any additional (one or more) control devices included in the device.

[0125] Figure 3A and 3B An exemplary embodiment of a cartridge 300 for use in an aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Figure 3A is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3B 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the barrel shown in FIG. Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the cartridge 300 includes a tank 302, which is defined by an outer tank wall 304, the outer tank wall including a proximal end 306 and a distal end 308, the distal end being closed. Thus, the tank 302 may be characterized in that the tank wall 304 is a continuous side wall around the tank, and the distal end 308 is defined by a bottom wall. The tank 302 is also configured to contain a liquid composition 324 (e.g., an electronic liquid or an aerosol precursor composition) for evaporation, which may be configured as described herein. The cartridge 300 also includes a mouthpiece 310, which is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 312, the outer mouthpiece wall including a proximal end 314 and a distal end 316, the proximal end is defined by an outlet port 315, and the distal end cooperates with the proximal end 306 of the tank 302.

[0126] For the aerosol delivery system characterized as an electronic cigarette, the aerosol precursor composition may include tobacco or a component derived from tobacco. On the one hand, tobacco can be provided as several parts or several pieces of tobacco, such as finely ground, ground or powdered tobacco flakes. It can include tobacco beads, pellets or other solid forms such as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0335070 of Sears et al., and its disclosure is generally incorporated herein by reference. On the other hand, tobacco can be provided in the form of an extract, such as a spray-dried extract, which contains many water-soluble components of tobacco. Alternatively, tobacco extracts can have the form of an extract with a relatively high nicotine content, and the extract also contains a small amount of components from other extracts of tobacco. On the other hand, components derived from tobacco can be provided in relatively pure form, such as some flavorings derived from tobacco. On the one hand, the component derived from tobacco and that can be used in a highly purified or substantially pure form is nicotine (e.g., pharmaceutical grade nicotine).

[0127] In the depicted embodiments, the liquid composition, which is sometimes referred to as an aerosol precursor composition, a vapor precursor composition, or an "e-liquid," may include a variety of components, including, for example, a polyol (e.g., glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extracts, and / or flavorants. Representative types of aerosol precursor components and compositions are also described and characterized in U.S. Pat. No. 7,217,320 to Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0008457 to Zheng et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0213417 to Chong et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0060554 to Collett et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0030823 to Lipowicz et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0020830 to Koller, and WO 2014 / 182736 to Bowen et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Other aerosol precursors that may be used include those contained in the following products: products; BLUTM products from Fontem Ventures; MISTIC MENTHOL products from Mistic Ecigs; MARK TEN products from Nu Mark LLC; JUUL products from Juul Labs; and VYPE products from CN Creative Ltd. Also contemplated are so-called "tobacco juices" for electronic cigarettes, which are already available from Johnson Creek Ltd. Additional exemplary aerosol precursor compositions are sold under the following trade names: BLACK NOTE, COSMIC FOG, MILKMAN E-LIQUID, FIVEPAWNS, VAPOR CHEF, VAPE WILD, BOOSTED, THE STEAM FACTORY, MECH SAUCE, CASEY JONESMAINLINE RESERVE, DR. CRIMMY'S V-LIQUID, SMILEY E LIQUID, BEANTOWN VAPOR, CUTTWOOD, CYCLOPS VAPOR, SICBOY, GOOD LIFE VAPOR, TELEOS, PINUP VAPORS, SPACE JAM, MT. BAKER VAPOR, and JIMMY THE JUICE MAN.

[0128] The amount of aerosol precursor incorporated in the aerosol delivery system enables the aerosol generating member to provide acceptable sensory and desired performance characteristics. For example, preferably a sufficient amount of aerosol-forming materials such as glycerol and / or propylene glycol can be used to ensure that a visible mainstream aerosol similar to the appearance of tobacco smoke is generated in many aspects. The amount of aerosol precursor in the aerosol generating system can depend on factors such as the number of puffs desired for each aerosol generating member. In one or more embodiments, an aerosol precursor composition of about 1 ml or more, about 2 ml or more, about 5 ml or more, or about 10 ml or more can be included.

[0129] In some embodiments, liquid composition may include one or more spices. As used herein, "spices" mentioned refer to compounds or components that can be aerosolized and delivered to users and give sensory experience in terms of taste and / or aroma. Exemplary spices include, but are not limited to, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, cheese, tea, coffee, fruit (e.g., apple, cherry, strawberry, peach and citrus flavor, including lime and lemon), maple, menthol, mint, peppermint, spearmint, holly, nutmeg, cloves, lavender, cardamom, ginger, honey, fennel, sage, rosemary, hibiscus, rose hip, mate, holly tea, honey tree tea, rooibos tea, Paraguayan tea, bacopa, ginkgo leaf, withania somnifera, cinnamon, sandalwood, jasmine, West Indian bittersweet tree, cocoa beans, licorice; and traditionally used as the flavoring type and characteristic condiments and flavoring packets of cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco. Syrups such as high fructose corn syrup may also be used. Suitable exemplary plant-derived compositions are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,107,453 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0152265 of Dube et al., and the disclosures thereof are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Based on factors such as the organoleptic properties required for smoking articles, the selection of these additional components is variable, and the disclosure is intended to cover any such additional components that are apparent to those skilled in the art of tobacco and tobacco-related or tobacco-derived products. See, for example, "Tobacco Flavoring Substances and Methods (Tobacco Flavoring Substances and Methods)" (1972) of Gutcho of Noyes Data Corp. and "Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products (Tobacco flavoring for smoking products)" (1972) of Leffingwell et al., and the disclosures thereof are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. It should be noted that reference to spices should not be limited to any single spice as described above, but can actually represent a combination of one or more spices.

[0130] like Figure 3BAs shown, cartridge 300 also includes heater 320 and liquid delivery element 322, which extends between heater and liquid composition 324 contained in storage tank 302. In various embodiments, heater 320 and liquid delivery element 322 can be configured as separate elements connected by fluid or can be configured as combined elements. In addition, heater 320 and liquid delivery element 322 can be formed by any configuration as described in other aspects herein. Cartridge 300 also includes one or more electrical contacts 325, which are configured to electrically connect heater 320 to battery 216 and / or control unit 200 control unit 234.

[0131] In various embodiments, the liquid delivery element 322 may be composed of one or more materials, and the liquid delivery element is configured to, for example, deliver liquid by capillary action. In some embodiments, the liquid delivery element may be formed by the following materials: for example, fibrous materials (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramics, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. The liquid delivery element 322 may also be any material comprising an open pore network (i.e., a plurality of interconnected holes so that fluid can flow from one hole to another hole in multiple directions through the element). As further discussed herein, some embodiments of the present disclosure may specifically relate to the use of non-fiber delivery elements. Thus, fiber delivery elements may be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fiber delivery elements and non-fiber delivery elements may be adopted. Representative types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 00597800 to Davis et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In addition, various wicking materials, as well as the construction and operation of those wicking materials within specific types of electronic cigarettes, are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the fluid transport element 322 may be formed partially or entirely of a porous monomer such as a porous ceramic, porous glass, etc. For example, exemplary monomer materials suitable for use in embodiments according to the present disclosure are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0188626 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In some embodiments, the porous monomer may form a substantially solid wicking portion.

[0132] In various embodiments, the heater 320 may include one or more different materials that are configured to generate heat when an electric current is applied therethrough. In some embodiments, the heater 320 may be a wire coil. Exemplary materials that may form a wire coil include stainless steel, pure nickel, nickel-iron alloys, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nickel-chromium alloys, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)2) doped with aluminum, titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite, and graphite-based materials. In other embodiments, the heater 320 may be formed of conductive ink, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramics (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramics). Other types of heaters may also be used, such as laser diodes or micro heaters. The laser diode may be configured to deliver electromagnetic radiation at a specific wavelength or wavelength band that may be tuned for evaporation of an aerosol precursor composition and / or tuned for heating a liquid delivery element that may provide an aerosol precursor composition for evaporation. The laser diode can be specifically positioned so that electromagnetic radiation is delivered within the chamber, and the chamber can be configured to be radiation capturing (e.g., black body or white body). Suitable micro-heaters are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For example, the micro-heater may include a substrate (e.g., quartz, silicon dioxide) having heater traces (e.g., resistive elements such as silver, palladium, titanium, platinum, platinum / titanium, boron-doped silicon, or other metals or metal alloys) thereon, the heater traces being printed or otherwise applied to the substrate. A passivation layer (e.g., aluminum oxide or silicon dioxide) may be provided on the heater traces. Specifically, the heater 320 may be configured to be substantially flat. Such a heater is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0345633 to DePiano et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0133] In the depicted embodiment, the outer tank wall 304 is configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent, so that the liquid composition 324 contained therein is visible outside. Therefore, in some embodiments, the entire outer tank wall 304 can be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, in some embodiments, only one side of the outer tank wall 304 can be transparent or translucent, and the rest of the outer tank wall can be substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall 304 can be substantially opaque, and the strip (e.g., about 1mm wide to about 20mm wide or about 2mm wide to about 18mm wide or about 5mm wide to about 15mm wide) extending from the proximal end 306 of the tank 302 to the distal end 308 of the tank can be transparent or translucent. In other embodiments, the outer tank wall 304 can be colored. In some embodiments, the color can be configured so that, such as by using a transparent or translucent outer tank wall, the liquid composition 324 in the tank 302 is still visible. In other embodiments, the tank walls may be configured such that the outer tank wall 304 has a substantially opaque color.

[0134] In various embodiments, the control device 200 may be configured such that at least a portion of the reservoir 302 is visible when the cartridge 300 is mated with the control device 200. As described above, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer reservoir wall 304 may be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid composition 324 contained therein is visible externally, and the outer wall 204 of the control device 200 may be configured to include an indication window 240 through which a portion of the outer reservoir wall 304 and any liquid composition 324 present in the reservoir 302 can be visible when the cartridge 300 is mated with the control device 200.

[0135] In various embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 100 and / or the control device 200 of the aerosol delivery device 100 may also include an external connector configured to electrically contact each of the device external connection elements (e.g., the device external connection elements 218). The external connector may include a first connector end and a second connector end interconnected by a joint, which may be, for example, a rope of variable length. In various embodiments, the first connector end may be configured to electrically connect to the control device and optionally mechanically connect. Specifically, the first connector end may include an insertion wall that may be received in a well present at the distal end 206 of the control device 200. The external connector may include a plurality of electrical pins embedded inside the wall, which are configured to connect to the device external connection elements 218 for charging and / or information transmission. In some embodiments, the control device 200 may include a mechanical connector (e.g., a mechanical connector 242) adjacent to the control device external connection elements 218. In some embodiments, the mechanical connector 242 may be a magnet or a metal (or similar element) suitable for magnetic attraction to a magnet. The first connector end of the external connection can then also include a mechanical connection element that can be positioned between the embedded wall and the electrical pin. In various embodiments, the mechanical connection element can be a magnet or a metal (or similar element) suitable for magnetic attraction to the magnet. The second connector end can be configured to connect to a computer or similar electronic device or to a power source. For example, the second connector end can have a universal serial bus (USB) connection; however, different connections can also be provided and / or an adapter (e.g., a USB / AC adapter) can also be included. For example, an adapter is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261495 to Novak et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0136] Nos. 5,967,148 to Harris et al.; 5,934,289 to Watkins et al.; 5,954,979 to Counts et al.; 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al.; 8,365,742 to Hon; 8,402,976 to Fernando et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0163063 to Fernando et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0163063 to Tucker et al. Other features, controllers or components that may be incorporated into the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 3 / 0192623 to Leven et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0298905 to Leven et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0180553 to Kim et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 to Sebastian et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261495 to Novak et al. and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261408 to DePiano et al., and the entire text of the above documents is incorporated herein by reference.

[0137] In various embodiments, the mouthpiece 310 of the cartridge 300 can be configured to mate with the reservoir 302. For example, Figure 3B As shown, the distal end 316 of the mouthpiece 310 may include a rim wall 330 at least partially inserted from the outer mouthpiece wall 312. The rim wall 330 may be configured to fit inside the proximal end 306 of the outer tank wall 304. In some embodiments, the length of the rim wall 330 may be about 1 mm to about 20 mm, about 2 mm to about 18 mm, or about 5 mm to about 15 mm. In some embodiments, the rim wall 330 may fit the outer tank wall 304 via a friction fit alone, or the rim wall may be substantially permanently attached to the outer tank wall, such as by welding or gluing.

[0138] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 310 can define an open interior space through which the formed vapor can combine with air to form an aerosol for output through the outlet port 315 of the mouthpiece 310. In one or more embodiments, the mouthpiece 310 can include one or more additional interior walls that can be arranged to define one or more compartments within the mouthpiece. For example, the mouthpiece can include an interior upper wall between the proximal end and the distal end of the mouthpiece, and also include an interior lower wall between the interior upper wall and the proximal end of the mouthpiece. More specifically, as Figure 3BAs shown, the mouthpiece 310 may include an inner upper wall 332 between the proximal end 314 and the distal end 316 of the mouthpiece 310. Further, the mouthpiece 310 may include an inner lower wall 334 between the inner upper wall 332 and the distal end 316 of the mouthpiece 310.

[0139] In various embodiments, two or more walls in the mouthpiece may be configured to define a vaporization chamber in which the heater may be positioned. Figure 3B As shown, the outer mouthpiece wall 312, the inner upper wall 332 and the inner lower wall 334 define a vaporization chamber 340, in which the heater 320 is positioned. In some embodiments, one or more electrical contacts 325 may be positioned within the portion of the outer mouthpiece wall 312 that defines the vaporization chamber 340; however, it should be understood that one or more electrical leads may extend from the heater 320 to one or more electrical contacts positioned at different portions of the outer mouthpiece wall or positioned in the outer tank wall 304. One or more walls of the mouthpiece may also include one or more openings for passing one or more additional elements of the cartridge 300 or for passing the formed vapor / aerosol. For example, the inner upper wall 332 may include a vapor opening 336, through which the vapor formed in the vaporization chamber 340 may pass toward the first outlet port 315. In some embodiments, the vapor opening 336 in the inner upper wall 332 may be substantially centered therein and may be substantially aligned with the heater 320 along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 300. As a further example, the interior lower wall 334 can include a wicking hole 338 through which the first liquid transport element 322 (eg, a wicking portion) can pass between the heater 320 and the liquid composition 324 in the reservoir 302 .

[0140] In various embodiments, two or more walls in the mouthpiece may be configured to define a cooling chamber in which the formed aerosol may be allowed to expand and / or cool before passing through the outlet port. Figure 3B As shown, the outer mouthpiece wall 312 and the inner upper wall 332 define a cooling chamber 342, which receives the formed vapor / aerosol from the evaporation chamber 340. Thus, the vapor / aerosol formed by the heater 320 passes from the evaporation chamber 340 through the vapor opening 336 and enters the cooling chamber 342. In some embodiments, the evaporation chamber 340 and the cooling chamber 342 can be configured to have a defined relative volume ratio. For example, in some embodiments, the volume ratio of the evaporation chamber 340 to the cooling chamber 342 can be about 2:1 to about 1:4, about 1:1 to about 1:4, or about 1:1.5 to about 1:3.

[0141] If desired, the mouthpiece 310 may also include one or more elements configured to reduce or prevent leakage of condensed liquid therefrom. For example, in some embodiments, all or a portion of the interior of the mouthpiece wall 312 and / or the interior upper wall 332 defining the cooling chamber 342 may be configured to be formed of or include an absorbent or adsorbent material that retains liquid. Alternatively or additionally, all or a portion of the interior of the mouthpiece wall 312 and / or the interior upper wall 332 defining the cooling chamber 342 may be configured to direct liquid back to the evaporation chamber 340, such as by adding microchannels or the like.

[0142] In one or more embodiments, the cartridge 300 can be configured such that the mouthpiece wall 312 includes a flange positioned between the proximal end 314 and the distal end 316 thereof. Figure 3A and 3B , the mouthpiece 310 includes a flange 350 that extends from the mouthpiece wall 312 around substantially the entire circumference of the mouthpiece 310. In some embodiments, the distance that the flange 350 extends from the mouthpiece wall 310 can be substantially uniform around the entire circumference of the mouthpiece 310. In other embodiments, such as the depicted embodiment, the distance that the flange 350 extends from the mouthpiece wall 312 can vary at one or more points around the circumference of the mouthpiece 310. The monolithic barrel 300 or the mouthpiece 310 can be defined about a longitudinal axis (L), a first transverse axis (T1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second transverse axis (T2) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the first transverse axis.

[0143] In some embodiments, the entire cartridge 300 and / or mouthpiece 310 may thus be defined with respect to an overall length along the longitudinal axis (L), an overall width along the first transverse axis (T1), and an overall depth along the second longitudinal axis (T2). The length may be greater than the width, which in turn may be greater than the depth. The distance that the flange 350 extends away from the mouthpiece wall 312 may be greater along the second transverse axis (T2) than along the first transverse axis (T1). Thus, in some embodiments, the total distance between the opposing outer edges of the flange 350 across the mouthpiece 310 along the first transverse axis (T1) may be greater than the total distance (T2) between the opposing edges of the flange across the mouthpiece along the second transverse axis; the total distance between the opposing outer edges of the flange 350 across the mouthpiece 310 along the first transverse axis (T1) may be substantially equal to the total distance between the opposing edges of the flange across the mouthpiece along the second transverse axis (T2); or the total distance between the opposing outer edges of the flange 350 across the mouthpiece 310 along the first transverse axis (T1) may be less than the total distance between the opposing edges of the flange across the mouthpiece along the second transverse axis (T2). In a specific embodiment, the distance (d2) between the mouthpiece wall 312 and the outer edge of the flange 350 measured along the second transverse axis (T2) may be greater than the distance between the mouthpiece wall and the outer edge of the flange measured along the first transverse axis (T1). The distance may in particular be measured at approximately the midpoint of each of the first transverse axis (T1) and the second transverse axis (T2).

[0144] According to the present disclosure, the cartridge and the control device each include at least one connector configured to provide a magnetic connection and an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device, so that the cartridge can be removably and operably received in the cartridge receiving chamber of the control body, and wherein at least one connector of the cartridge is located on the mouthpiece. As will be discussed in more detail below, in various embodiments, the at least one connector of the cartridge and the control device may have a variety of different forms, shapes, sizes, positions, etc., so as to provide a magnetic connection and an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device. In addition, in various embodiments, the same connector of the cartridge and / or the control device may provide one or both of the magnetic connection and the electrical connection.

[0145] For example, Figure 4A A partial perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Figure 4A A portion of an inner frame 415 is shown for use with a corresponding control device. In many respects, the control device can have a similar construction and can include similar components (and similar construction and component variations) as the control device 200 described above. Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and construction and component variations), which will not be repeated here.

[0146] As shown, the inner frame 415 of the depicted embodiment includes a cartridge receiving chamber 412 and a flange 450 defined at its upper end. The inner frame 415 of the depicted embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 452 located near the upper flange 450 of the inner frame 415. In the depicted embodiment, there are four separate magnets 452A, 452B, 452C, 452D, each of which has a substantially block or rectangular prism shape, but in other embodiments, more or fewer separate magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and / or sizes. In the depicted embodiment, the magnets 452A, 452B, 452C, 452D are spaced approximately equidistantly around the outside of the inner frame 415 and below its upper flange 450, and each of the plurality of magnets is located within a corresponding magnet receiving feature 453, which in the depicted embodiment is an extension of the upper flange 450. The magnets 452A, 452B, 452C, 452D of the depicted embodiment may be secured within the magnet receiving feature 453 via a press-fit connection and / or an adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process, although other methods are possible.

[0147] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned magnets or any other magnets described herein may include many different types of magnets, including rare earth magnets. For example, in some embodiments, one or more magnets may include neodymium magnets (also known as NdFeB, NIB or Neo magnets). In various embodiments, different grades of neodymium magnets may be used, including, for example, N35, N38, N40, N42, N45, N48, N50 and / or N52 grades. In other embodiments, one or more magnets may include samarium cobalt magnets (also known as SmCo magnets). In other embodiments, one or more magnets may include ceramic / ferrite magnets. In other embodiments, one or more magnets may include aluminum-nickel-cobalt (AlNiCo) magnets. In any of the foregoing embodiments, one or more magnets may be plated and / or coated. For example, in some embodiments, one or more magnets may be coated with nickel. In other embodiments, one or more magnets may be coated with one or more of zinc, tin, copper, epoxy, silver and / or gold. In some embodiments, one or more magnets may be coated with a combination of these materials. For example, in some embodiments, one or more magnets may be coated with nickel, copper, and nickel again. In another embodiment, one or more magnets may be coated with a top coating of nickel, copper, nickel, and gold.

[0148] The inner frame 415 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 420A, 420B located in the inner frame 415 and below the upper flange 450 of the inner frame. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 420A, 420B are operably connected to the battery of the control device to provide power to the heater of the inserted cartridge as will be discussed below. The conductive pins 420A, 420B of the depicted embodiment include spring-loaded pins (e.g., electric spring pins), each pin is biased inwardly so that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridge receiving chamber 412 and is configured to deflect outwardly against the force of the integral spring, but other types of conductive elements may be used in other embodiments. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 420A, 420B include gold-plated metal pins; however, other materials or material combinations that may also include coatings and / or platings of conductive materials are also possible. Examples of conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. Although other profiles are possible, the ends of the conductive pins 420A, 420B of the depicted embodiment have a rounded profile so as to facilitate deflection of the conductive pins 420A, 420B when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receiving chamber 412. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 420A, 420B may be secured inside the inner frame 415 via a press fit and / or adhesive connection or via an insert molding process so that the movable parts of the conductive pins can deflect outwardly against the force of the spring.

[0149] Figure 4B A perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Figure 4B A cartridge 500 is shown, which includes a tank 502, which is defined by an outer tank wall 504, which includes a proximal end 506 and a distal end 508, the distal end being closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 500 can have a similar construction to the cartridge 300 described above and can include similar components (and similar constructions and component variations), which will not be described in detail here. Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and constructions and component variations).

[0150] The cartridge 500 of the depicted embodiment includes a mouthpiece 510 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 512, the outer mouthpiece wall including a proximal end 514 and a distal end 516, the proximal end defining an outlet port 515, and the distal end mating with the proximal end 506 of the tank 502. In the depicted embodiment, the mouthpiece wall 512 includes a flange 550 positioned between its proximal end 514 and distal end 516. The cartridge 500 of the depicted embodiment also includes a metal plate 552, which is configured below the flange 550. In the depicted embodiment, the metal plate 552 is fixed to the bottom of the flange 550 of the mouthpiece 510 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, it is also possible to attach it by a method, including, for example, via an insert molding process. In various embodiments, the metal plate 552 may include any material configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and / or any combination thereof. The cartridge 500 also includes a pair of conductive plugs 525A, 525B located on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 510 and below the flange 550 and the metal plate 552. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive plugs 525A, 525B are secured to the interior of the mouthpiece 510 of the cartridge 500 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive plugs 525A, 525B are operably connected to the heater 520 (see Figure 5 In various embodiments, the conductive plugs 525A, 525B may be made of any conductive material, including, for example but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0151] In various embodiments, Figure 4B A portion of the barrel is constructed with Figure 4A The inner frame 415 of the cartridge receiving chamber 412 is connected so that a magnetic connection and an electrical connection are generated between the cartridge and the control device. Specifically, Figure 5A partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge 500 coupled to an inner frame 415 of a control device is shown. As shown, when the cartridge 500 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 415 of the control device, a magnetic connection is generated between a plurality of magnets 452A, 452B, 452C, 452D located in the inner frame 415 of the control device and a metal plate 552 of the cartridge 500. In addition, when the cartridge 500 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 415, an electrical connection is generated between a pair of conductive pins 420A, 420B of the inner frame 415 of the control device and conductive plugs 525A, 525B of the cartridge 500. Thus, when the cartridge 500 is received in the inner frame 415 of the control device 520, the heater 520 of the cartridge 500 can be operably connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 500 of the depicted embodiment is coupled with the inner frame 415 of a control device, the cartridge 500 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 415 of the control device such that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

[0152] It should be noted that for this embodiment and / or any other embodiment described herein, the magnets can facilitate the correct rotational orientation of the barrel relative to the control device. For example, while in some embodiments, the barrel can be mounted in the control device in any rotational orientation, and in other embodiments the geometry of the barrel and / or the control device can facilitate the correct rotational orientation of the barrel relative to the control device, in yet other embodiments, the magnets in the barrel and the magnets in the control device can facilitate the correct rotational orientation of the barrel relative to the control device. For example, if the same poles of the magnets in the barrel are inserted near the same poles of the magnets in the control device (e.g., the north pole of the magnet in the barrel and the north pole of the magnet in the control device, or the south pole of the magnet in the barrel and the south pole of the magnet in the control device), the magnets will repel each other. However, if the opposite polarities are placed close to each other (e.g., the north pole of the magnet in the barrel and the south pole of the magnet in the control device, or the south pole of the magnet in the barrel and the north pole of the magnet in the control device), the magnets will attract each other. As a result, the positioning of the polarity of the magnets in the cartridge and the control device can be configured so that the opposite polarities of the magnets attract each other in the correct rotational orientation of the cartridge relative to the control device and repel each other in other rotational orientations of the cartridge relative to the control device.

[0153] Figure 6A partial perspective view of an inner frame 615 of a control device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, the inner frame 615 of the depicted embodiment includes a flange 650 defined at its upper end, and a plurality of magnets 652 located near the upper flange 450 of the inner frame 615. In the depicted embodiment, there are four individual magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D. In various embodiments, the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D are configured to facilitate the inner frame 615 of the control device to be attached to a cartridge (e.g., Figure 4B Thus, the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D of the depicted embodiment are similar to those of Figure 4A The magnets described. For example, in the depicted embodiment, there are four individual magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D, each having a substantially block or rectangular prism shape, but more or fewer individual magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and / or sizes. Reference is made to the possible magnet materials discussed above. The inner frame 615 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 620A, 620B located in the inner frame 615 and below the upper flange 650 of the inner frame. Like the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D, the conductive pins 620A, 620B of the depicted embodiment are similar to those described with respect to Figure 4A For example, the conductive pins 620A, 620B of the depicted embodiment include spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical pogo pins), each of which is biased inwardly so that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridge receiving chamber 612 and is configured to deflect outwardly against the force of an integral spring, although other types of conductive elements may be used in other embodiments. Reference is made to possible materials for the conductive pins described above. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 620A, 620B may be secured within the inner frame 615 via a press fit and / or adhesive connection or via an insert molding process such that the movable portion of the conductive pins can deflect outwardly against the force of the spring.

[0154] Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 500 coupled to the inner frame 615 is shown. In the depicted embodiment, the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D are approximately equally spaced around the outside of the inner frame 615, with each magnet being located within a corresponding magnet receiving feature 653 (see Figure 6 ). Although other methods are possible, the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D of the depicted embodiment may be secured within the magnet receiving feature 653 via a press fit connection and / or an adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process. However, unlike Figure 4AIn the embodiment of the depicted embodiment, the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D are exposed in the top surface of the upper flange 650 of the inner frame 615, so that when the cartridge 500 is coupled to the inner frame 615 of the control device, the magnets 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D are in direct contact with the metal plate 552 of the cartridge 500. In this way, when a similar magnet configuration is used, Figure 7 The magnetic connection between the cartridge 500 and the inner frame 615 of the embodiment is comparable to Figure 5 The magnetic connection of the embodiment is stronger.

[0155] Fig. 8A A perspective view showing an inner frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 8B FIG. 1 is a partial exploded top view of an inner frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig. 8A and 8B An inner frame 815 is shown for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects, the control device can have a similar construction as the control device 200 described above and can include similar components (and similar construction and component variations). Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and construction and component variations), which will not be repeated here.

[0156] As shown, the inner frame 815 of the depicted embodiment includes a cartridge receiving chamber 812 and a plurality of flange features 856 extending outward from an upper portion 858 of the inner frame 815. Although other configurations are possible, the flange features 856 of the depicted embodiment are spaced approximately equidistantly around the perimeter of the upper portion 858 of the inner frame 815. The upper portion 858 of the inner frame 815 also defines an angled surface 860 that is angled downward and inward relative to its top edge. The inner frame 815 of the depicted embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 852 located in the angled surface 860. In the depicted embodiment, there are four separate magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, 852D, each having a substantially block or rectangular prism shape, but in other embodiments, more or fewer separate magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and / or sizes. Reference is made to the possible magnet materials discussed above. In the depicted embodiment, the magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, 852D are approximately equally spaced about the angled surface 860 of the inner frame 815. The magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, 852D of the depicted embodiment may be secured within the angled surface 860 via a press-fit connection and / or an adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process, although other methods are possible.

[0157] In addition, the inner frame 815 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 820A, 820B ( Fig. 8A 820B). In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 820A, 820B include spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical pogo pins), each of which is biased inwardly so that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridge receiving chamber 812 and is configured to deflect outwardly against the force of the integral spring, although other types of conductive elements may be used in other embodiments. Although other profiles are possible, the ends of the conductive pins 820A, 820B of the depicted embodiment have a rounded profile so that the deflection of the conductive pins 820A, 820B is facilitated when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receiving chamber 812. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 820A, 820B may be fixed inside the inner frame 815 via a press fit and / or adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process, so that the movable parts of the conductive pins can deflect outwardly against the force of the spring. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 820A, 820B are operably connected to a battery of the control device to provide power to the heater of the inserted cartridge as will be discussed below. In various embodiments, the conductive pins 820A, 820B may be comprised of any conductive material including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0158] Figure 8C A perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Figure 8C A cartridge 700 is shown, which includes a tank 702, which is defined by an outer tank wall 704, which includes a proximal end 706 and a distal end 708, the distal end being closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 700 can have a similar construction to the cartridge 300 described above and can include similar components (and similar constructions and component variations), which will not be described in detail herein. Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and constructions and component variations).

[0159] The cartridge 700 of the depicted embodiment includes a mouthpiece 710 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 712, the outer mouthpiece wall including a proximal end 714 and a distal end 716, the proximal end defining an outlet port 715, and the distal end mating with the proximal end 706 of the tank 702. In the depicted embodiment, the mouthpiece wall 712 includes a flange 750 positioned between its proximal end 714 and distal end 716. The flange 750 of the depicted embodiment also includes an angled surface 760 defined below its upper portion. The cartridge 700 of the depicted embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 752 located in the angled surface 760. In the depicted embodiment, there are four individual magnets 752A, 752B, 752C, 752D, each having a substantially block or rectangular prism shape, but in other embodiments, more or fewer individual magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and / or sizes. Reference is made to the possible magnet materials discussed above. In the depicted embodiment, the magnets 752A, 752B, 752C, 752D are approximately equally spaced about the angled surface 760 of the flange 750 of the cartridge 700. The magnets 752A, 752B, 752C, 752D of the depicted embodiment may be secured within the angled surface 760 via a press-fit connection and / or an adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process, although other methods are possible.

[0160] Although not shown in the figure, the cartridge 700 also includes the same Figure 4B 700. Specifically, the conductive plugs are located on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 710 and below the flange 750. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive plugs are secured to the interior of the mouthpiece 710 of the cartridge 700 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive plugs are operably connected to the heater 720 (see Fig. 9 ). In various embodiments, the conductive plug may be formed of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0161] In various embodiments, Figure 8C A portion of the barrel 700 is configured to Fig. 8A and 8B The inner frame 815 of the cartridge receiving chamber 812 is connected so that a magnetic connection and an electrical connection are generated between the cartridge and the control device. Specifically, Fig. 9A partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge 700 coupled to an inner frame 815 of a control device is shown. In the depicted embodiment, the angled surface 860 of the inner frame 815 is configured to complement the angled surface 760 of the flange 750 of the cartridge 700. Thus, when the cartridge 700 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 815 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between the plurality of magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, 852D located in the angled surface 860 of the inner frame 815 of the control device and the plurality of magnets 752A, 752B, 752C, 752D located in the angled surface 760 of the cartridge 700. In addition, when the cartridge 700 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 815, an electrical connection is created between a pair of conductive pins 820A, 820B of the inner frame 815 of the control device and a conductive plug of the cartridge 700. Thus, when the cartridge 700 is received in the inner frame 815 of the control device, the heater 720 of the cartridge 700 can be operably connected to the battery of the control device. Therefore, when the cartridge 700 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 815 of the control device, the cartridge 700 is mechanically biased to be connected to the inner frame 815 of the control device via a magnetic connection, so that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the multiple magnets 852A, 852B, 852C, 852D of the inner frame 815 of the control device or the multiple magnets 752A, 752B, 752C, 752D of the cartridge (or a combination of the two) can be replaced with a metal plate to achieve a magnetic connection between the cartridge 700 and the inner frame 815 of the control device.

[0162] Fig. 10A A perspective view showing an inner frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 10B FIG. 1 is a partial exploded top view of an inner frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig. 10A and 10B An inner frame 1015 is shown for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects, the control device can have a similar construction to the control device 200 described above and can include similar components (and similar construction and component variations). Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and construction and component variations), which will not be repeated here.

[0163] As shown, the inner frame 1015 of the depicted embodiment includes a cartridge receiving chamber 1012 and a plurality of flange features 1056 extending outwardly from an upper portion 1058 of the inner frame 1015. Although other configurations are possible, the flange features 1056 of the depicted embodiment are approximately equally spaced around the perimeter of the upper portion 1058 of the inner frame 1015. The upper portion 1058 of the inner frame 1015 also defines an angled surface 1060 that is angled downward and inward relative to its top edge. The inner frame 1015 of the depicted embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 1052 located in the angled surface 1060. In the depicted embodiment, there are four individual magnets 1052A, 1052B, 1052C, 1052D, each having a substantially block or rectangular prism shape, but in other embodiments, more or fewer individual magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and / or sizes. Reference is made to the possible magnet materials discussed above. In the depicted embodiment, the magnets 1052A, 1052B, 1052C, 1052D are approximately equally spaced around the angled surface 1060 of the inner frame 1015. The magnets 1052A, 1052B, 1052C, 1052D of the depicted embodiment may be secured within the angled surface 1060 via a press fit connection and / or an adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process, although other methods are possible.

[0164] In addition, the inner frame 1015 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 1020A, 1020B ( Fig. 10A1012). In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 1020A, 1020B comprise spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical pogo pins), each of which is biased inwardly so that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridge receiving chamber 1012 and is configured to deflect outwardly against the force of an integral spring, although other types of conductive elements may be used in other embodiments. Although other profiles are possible, the ends of the conductive pins 1020A, 1020B of the depicted embodiment have a rounded profile so that the deflection of the conductive pins 1020A, 1020B is facilitated when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receiving chamber 1012. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 1020A, 1020B may be secured within the inner frame 1015 via a press fit and / or adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process, so that the movable parts of the conductive pins can deflect outwardly against the force of the spring. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 1020A, 1020B are operably connected to a battery of the control device to provide power to the heater of the inserted cartridge as will be discussed below. In various embodiments, the conductive pins 1020A, 1020B may be constructed of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0165] Fig. 10C A perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig. 10C A cartridge 900 is shown, which includes a tank 902, which is defined by an outer tank wall 904, which includes a proximal end 906 and a distal end 908, the distal end being closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 900 can have a similar construction to the cartridge 300 described above and can include similar components (and similar constructions and component variations), which will not be described in detail here. Therefore, reference is made to the relevant discussion of these constructions and components (and constructions and component variations).

[0166] The cartridge 900 of the depicted embodiment includes a mouthpiece 910 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 912, the outer mouthpiece wall including a proximal end 914 and a distal end 916, the proximal end 914 defining an outlet port 915, and the distal end 916 mating with the proximal end 906 of the tank 902. In the depicted embodiment, the mouthpiece wall 912 includes a flange 950 positioned between its proximal end 914 and distal end 916. In the depicted embodiment, the flange 950 of the cartridge 900 also includes a metal ring 952 defining an angled surface 960. In the depicted embodiment, the metal ring 952 is fixed to the bottom of the flange 950 of the mouthpiece 910 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are also possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. In various embodiments, the metal ring 952 may include any material configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and / or any combination thereof.

[0167] Although not shown in the figure, the cartridge 900 also includes the same Figure 4B 900. Specifically, the conductive plugs are located on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 910 and below the flange 950. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive plugs are secured to the interior of the mouthpiece 910 of the cartridge 900 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive plugs are operably connected to the heater 920 (see Fig.11 ). In various embodiments, the conductive plug may be formed of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0168] In various embodiments, Fig. 10C A portion of the barrel 900 is configured with Fig. 10A and 10B The inner frame 1015 of the cartridge receiving chamber 1012 is connected to generate a magnetic connection and an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device. Specifically, Fig.11A partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge 900 coupled to an inner frame 1015 of a control device is shown. In the depicted embodiment, the angled surface 1060 of the inner frame 1015 is configured to complement the angled surface 960 of the metal ring 952 of the flange 950 of the cartridge 900. Thus, when the cartridge 900 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 1015 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between the plurality of magnets 1052A, 1052B, 1052C, 1052D located in the angled surface 1060 of the inner frame 1015 of the control device and the metal ring 952 comprising a portion of the flange 950 of the cartridge 900. In addition, when the cartridge 900 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 1015, an electrical connection is created between a pair of conductive pins 1020A, 102B of the inner frame 1015 of the control device and the conductive plug of the cartridge 900. Thus, when the cartridge 900 is received in the inner frame 1015 of the control device, the heater 920 of the cartridge 900 can be operably connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 900 of the depicted embodiment is coupled with the inner frame 1015 of the control device, the cartridge 900 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 1015 of the control device such that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

[0169] Fig. 12A FIG. 1 shows an exploded partial perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig. 12A An inner frame 1215 is shown for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects, the control device can have a similar construction as the control device 200 described above and can include similar components (and similar construction and component variations). Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and construction and component variations), which will not be repeated here.

[0170] As shown, the inner frame 1215 of the depicted embodiment includes a cartridge receiving chamber 1212 and a magnetic ring 1252 that defines an upper portion 1258 of the inner frame 1215. In the depicted embodiment, the magnetic ring 1252 defines an angled surface 1260 that is angled downward and inward relative to its top edge. In the depicted embodiment, the magnetic ring 1252 is fixed to the inner frame 1215 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are also possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. Reference is made to the possible magnet materials discussed above.

[0171] In addition, the inner frame 1215 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 1220A, 1220B located in the inner frame 1215 and near the upper portion 1258 of the inner frame. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 1220A, 1220B include spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical pogo pins), each of which is biased inwardly so that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridge receiving chamber 1212 and is configured to deflect outwardly against the force of the integral spring, but other types of conductive elements may be used in other embodiments. Although other profiles are possible, the ends of the conductive pins 1220A, 1220B of the depicted embodiment have a rounded profile so that the deflection of the conductive pins 1220 is facilitated when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receiving chamber 1212. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 1220A, 1220B can be fixed inside the inner frame 1215 via a press fit and / or adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process, so that the movable parts of the conductive pins can deflect outwardly against the force of the spring. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 1220A, 1220B are operably connected to a battery of the control device to provide power to the heater of the inserted cartridge as will be discussed below. In various embodiments, the conductive pins 1220A, 1220B may be constructed of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0172] Fig. 12B A perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig. 12B A cartridge 1100 is shown, which includes a tank 1102, which is defined by an outer tank wall 1104, which includes a proximal end 1106 and a distal end 1108, the distal end being closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 1100 can have a similar construction to the cartridge 300 described above and can include similar components (and similar constructions and component variations), which will not be described in detail here. Therefore, reference is made to the relevant discussion of these constructions and components (and constructions and component variations).

[0173] The cartridge 1100 of the depicted embodiment includes a mouthpiece 1110 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1112 including a proximal end 1114 and a distal end 1116, the proximal end defining an outlet port 1115 and the distal end mating with the proximal end 1106 of the reservoir 1102. In the depicted embodiment, the mouthpiece wall 1112 includes a flange 1150 positioned between the proximal end 1114 and the distal end 1116 thereof. In the depicted embodiment, the flange 1150 of the cartridge 1100 also includes a metal ring 1152 defining an angled surface 1160. In various embodiments, the metal ring 1152 may include any material configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and / or any combination thereof.

[0174] The cartridge 1100 also includes a pair of conductive plugs 1125A, 1125B located on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 1110 and below the metal plate 1152 of the flange 1150. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive plugs are secured to the interior of the mouthpiece 1110 of the cartridge 1100 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive plugs 1125A, 1125B are operably connected to the heater 1120 (see Fig.13 In various embodiments, the conductive plugs 1125A, 1125B may be made of any conductive material, including, for example but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0175] In various embodiments, Fig. 12B A portion of the barrel 1100 is configured with Fig. 12A The inner frame 1215 is connected to the cartridge receiving chamber 1212 so that a magnetic connection and an electrical connection are generated between the cartridge and the control device. Specifically, Fig.13A partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge 1100 coupled to an inner frame 1215 of a control device is shown. In the depicted embodiment, the angled surface 1260 of the magnetic ring 1252 of the inner frame 1215 is configured to complement the angled surface 1160 of the metal ring 1152 of the flange 1150 of the cartridge 1100, but in other embodiments, the contact surfaces may be flat (e.g., so as to create a substantially right-angle interface between the surfaces). Thus, when the cartridge 1100 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 1215 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between the magnetic ring 1252 of the inner frame 1215 of the control device and the metal ring 1152 comprising a portion of the flange 1150 of the cartridge 1100. In addition, when the cartridge 1100 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 1215, an electrical connection is created between a pair of conductive pins 1220A, 1220B of the inner frame 1215 of the control device and the conductive plugs 1125A, 1125B of the cartridge 1100. Thus, when the cartridge 1100 is received in the inner frame 1215 of the control device, the heater 1120 of the cartridge 1100 can be operably connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 1100 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 1215 of the control device, the cartridge 1100 is mechanically biased to connect to the inner frame 1215 of the control device so that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

[0176] Fig.14A A partial perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig.14A An inner frame 1415 is shown for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects, the control device can have a similar construction as the control device 200 described above and can include similar components (and similar construction and component variations). Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and construction and component variations), which will not be repeated here.

[0177] As shown, the inner frame 1415 of the depicted embodiment includes a cartridge receiving chamber 1412 and a pair of separate magnets 1452A, 1452B that define a portion of an upper portion 1458 of the inner frame 1415. In the depicted embodiment, the upper portion 1458 of the inner frame 1415 (defined by the pair of separate magnets 1452A, 1452B and the portion of the inner frame 1415 between the magnets 1452A, 1452B) defines an angled surface 1460 that is angled downward and inward relative to the top edge. In the depicted embodiment, the separate magnets 1452A, 1452B have an arcuate shape and are secured to the inner frame 1415 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. In the depicted embodiment, separate magnets 1452A, 1452B are operably connected to a battery of a control device to provide power to an inserted cartridge's heater as will be discussed below. Reference is made to the discussion above of possible magnet materials.

[0178] Fig. 14B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 14C A partial transparent stereoscopic view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig. 14B and 14C A cartridge 1300 is shown, which includes a reservoir 1302 defined by an outer reservoir wall 1304, the outer reservoir wall including a proximal end 1306 and a distal end 1308, the distal end being closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 1300 may have a similar construction to the cartridge 300 described above and may include similar components (and similar constructions and component variations), which will not be described in detail herein. Thus, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and constructions and component variations).

[0179] The cartridge 1300 of the depicted embodiment includes a mouthpiece 1310 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1312, the outer mouthpiece wall including a proximal end 1314 and a distal end 1316, the proximal end defining an outlet port 1315 and the distal end engaging the proximal end 1306 of the reservoir 1302. In the depicted embodiment, the mouthpiece wall 1312 includes a flange 1350 positioned between its proximal end 1314 and distal end 1316. In the depicted embodiment, the flange 1350 of the cartridge 1300 includes a pair of separate metal plates 1352A, 1352B. In the depicted embodiment, the pair of separate metal plates 1352A, 1352B and the portion of the flange 1350 between the metal plates 1352A, 1352B define an angled surface 1360 that is angled downwardly and inwardly. In the depicted embodiment, the separate metal plates 1352A, 1352B have an arrow shape and are attached to the flange 1350 of the cartridge 1300 via an adhesive or insert molding process, but other attachment methods are possible. In the depicted embodiment, the separate metal plates 1352A, 1352B are operably connected to the heater 1320 of the cartridge 1300 (see Figures 14 and 15). In various embodiments, the metal plates 1352A, 1352B may include any material configured to conduct electricity and be attracted to a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and / or any combination thereof.

[0180] In various embodiments, Fig. 14B and 14C A portion of the barrel 1300 is configured with Fig.14A The inner frame 1415 of the cartridge receiving chamber 1412 is connected to generate a magnetic connection and an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device. Specifically, Fig.15A partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 1300 coupled to the inner frame 1415 of the control device is shown. In the depicted embodiment, the angled surfaces 1460 of the separate magnets 1452A, 1452B and the portions of the inner frame 1415 are configured to complement the angled surfaces 1360 of the separate metal plates 1352A, 1352B of the portions of the flange 1350 of the cartridge 1300, but in other embodiments, the contact surfaces may be flat (e.g., so as to create a substantially right-angle interface between the surfaces). Thus, when the cartridge 1300 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 1415 of the control device, a magnetic connection and an electrical connection are created between the separate magnets 1452A, 1452B of the inner frame 1415 of the control device and the separate metal plates 1352A, 1352B comprising a portion of the flange 1350 of the cartridge 1300. Thus, when the cartridge 1300 is received in the inner frame 1415 of the control device, the heater 1320 of the cartridge 1300 can be operably connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 1300 of the depicted embodiment is coupled with the inner frame 1415 of the control device, the cartridge 1300 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 1415 of the control device such that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

[0181] Fig.16A A partial perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, Fig. 16B FIG. 1 shows a top view of an inner frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig.16A 16B shows a portion of an inner frame 1615 for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects, the control device can have a similar construction to the control device 200 described above and can include similar components (and similar construction and component variations). Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and construction and component variations), which will not be repeated here.

[0182] As shown, the inner frame 1615 of the depicted embodiment includes a cartridge receiving chamber 1612 and an upper portion 1658 defined at the upper end of the inner frame 1615. The inner frame 1615 of the depicted embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 1652 located near the upper portion 1658. In the depicted embodiment, there are four separate magnets 1652A, 1652B, 1652C, 1652D, each of which has a substantially spherical shape, but in other embodiments, more or less separate magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and / or sizes. Reference is made to the possible magnet materials discussed above. In the depicted embodiment, magnets 1652A, 1652B, 1652C, 1652D are spaced around the outside of the inner frame 1615 and near its upper portion 1658, wherein each of the plurality of magnets is located inside the corresponding magnet receiving feature 1653. In the depicted embodiment, each magnet receiving feature 1653 includes a compartment within which a corresponding magnet 1652 is captured. Each magnet receiving feature 1653 also defines an opening 1654 that extends into the cartridge receiving chamber 1612. In various embodiments, the magnets 1652A, 1652B, 1652C, 1652D are configured to move within the receiving feature 1653 such that at least a portion of each magnet 1652 is configured to extend through the corresponding opening 1654 in one direction, and each magnet can move away from the opening 1654 in an opposite direction.

[0183] In addition, the inner frame 1615 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 1620A, 1620B located in the inner frame 1615 and near the upper portion 1658 of the inner frame. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 1620A, 1620B include spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical pogo pins), each pin biased inwardly so that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridge receiving chamber 1612 and is configured to deflect outwardly against the force of the integral spring, but other types of conductive elements may be used in other embodiments. Although other profiles are possible, the ends of the conductive pins 1620A, 1620B of the depicted embodiment have a rounded profile so that the deflection of the conductive pins 1620A, 1620B is facilitated when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receiving chamber 1612. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 1620A, 1620B can be fixed inside the inner frame 1615 via a press fit and / or adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process, so that the movable parts of the conductive pins can be deflected outwardly against the force of the spring. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 1620A, 1620B are operably connected to a battery of the control device to provide power to the heater of the inserted cartridge as will be discussed below. In various embodiments, the conductive pins 1620A, 1620B can be made of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0184] Fig. 16C A perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig. 16C A cartridge 1500 is shown, which includes a tank 1502, which is defined by an outer tank wall 1504, which includes a proximal end 1506 and a distal end 1508, the distal end being closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 1500 can have a similar construction to the cartridge 300 described above and can include similar components (and similar constructions and component variations), which will not be described in detail here. Therefore, reference is made to the relevant discussion of these constructions and components (and constructions and component variations).

[0185] The cartridge 1500 of the depicted embodiment includes a mouthpiece 1510 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1512 including a proximal end 1514 and a distal end 1516, the proximal end defining an outlet port 1515 and the distal end mating with the proximal end 1506 of the reservoir 1502. In the depicted embodiment, the mouthpiece wall 1512 includes a flange 1550 positioned between its proximal end 1514 and distal end 1516. The cartridge 1500 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of metal plates 1552A, 1552B, each of which is disposed below the flange 1550 and on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 1510. In the depicted embodiment, the metal plates 1552A, 1552B are attached to the mouthpiece 1510 via an adhesive or insert molding process, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible. In the depicted embodiment, each of the metal plates 1552A, 1552B includes a pair of detents 1555 located on opposite ends thereof. In various embodiments, the detents 1555 are configured to receive a portion of the spherical magnet 1652 of the cartridge 1600. In the depicted embodiment, the metal plate 1552 is also operably connected to the heater 1520 (see Figure 5 ). In various embodiments, the metal plates 1552A, 1552B may include any material configured to be conductive and attracted to a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials including, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and / or any combination thereof.

[0186] In various embodiments, Fig. 16C A portion of the barrel 1500 is configured with Fig.16A and 16B The inner frame 1615 is connected to the cartridge receiving chamber 1612 so that a magnetic connection and an electrical connection are generated between the cartridge and the control device. Specifically, Fig.17A partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge 1500 coupled to an inner frame 1615 of a control device is shown. As shown, when the cartridge 1500 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 1615 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between a plurality of magnets 1652 located in the inner frame 1615 of the control device and a metal plate 1652 of the cartridge. Specifically, when the cartridge 1500 is coupled to the inner frame 1615 of the control device, a plurality of magnets 1652 are located within respective pawls 1555 of the metal plates 1552A, 1552B. In addition, when the cartridge 1500 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 1615, an electrical connection is created between a pair of conductive pins 1620A, 1620B of the inner frame 1615 of the control device and the metal plates 1552A, 1552B of the cartridge 1500. Thus, when the cartridge 1500 is received in the inner frame 1615 of the control device, the heater 1520 of the cartridge 1500 can be operably connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 1500 of the depicted embodiment is coupled with the inner frame 1615 of the control device, the cartridge 1500 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 1615 of the control device such that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

[0187] Fig.18A A partial perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig.18A A portion of an inner frame 1815 is shown for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects, the control device can have a similar construction and can include similar components (and similar construction and component variations) as the control device 200 described above. Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and construction and component variations), which will not be repeated here.

[0188] As shown, the inner frame 1815 of the depicted embodiment includes a cartridge receiving chamber 1812 that defines an upper portion 1858 of the inner frame. The inner frame 1815 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of magnets 1852A, 1852B located in the outer wall of the control device and above the upper portion 1858 of the inner frame 1815. In the depicted embodiment, the magnets 1852A, 1852B are located on opposite sides of the control device and each magnet 1852 has a wedge shape that defines an undercut surface 1857. In the depicted embodiment, the magnets 1852A, 1852B can be fixed to the control device via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. Reference is made to the possible magnet materials discussed above.

[0189] In addition, the inner frame 1815 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 1820A, 1820B located in the inner frame 1815 near the upper portion 1858 of the inner frame. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 1820A, 1820B include spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical pogo pins), each pin biased inwardly so that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridge receiving chamber 1812 and is configured to deflect outwardly against the force of the integral spring, but other types of conductive elements may be used in other embodiments. Although other profiles are possible, the ends of the conductive pins 1820A, 1820B of the depicted embodiment have a rounded profile so that the deflection of the conductive pins 1820A, 1820B is facilitated when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receiving chamber 1812. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 1820A, 1820B can be fixed inside the inner frame 1815 via a press fit and / or adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process, so that the movable parts of the conductive pins can be deflected outwardly against the force of the spring. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 1820A, 1820B are operably connected to a battery of the control device to provide power to the heater of the inserted cartridge as will be discussed below. In various embodiments, the conductive pins 1820A, 1820B can be constructed of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0190] Fig.18B A perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig.18B A cartridge 1700 is shown, which includes a reservoir 1702 defined by an outer reservoir wall 1704, the outer reservoir wall including a proximal end 1706 and a distal end 1708, the distal end being closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 1700 may have a similar construction to the cartridge 300 described above and may include similar components (and similar constructions and component variations), which will not be described in detail herein. Thus, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and constructions and component variations).

[0191] The cartridge 1700 of the depicted embodiment includes a mouthpiece 1710 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1712, the outer mouthpiece wall including a proximal end 1714 and a distal end 1716, the proximal end defining an outlet port 1715, and the distal end engaging the proximal end 1706 of the reservoir 1702. In the depicted embodiment, the mouthpiece wall 1712 includes a flange 1750 positioned between its proximal end 1714 and the distal end 1716. The cartridge 1700 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of sliding metal plates 1752A, 1752B, which are disposed below the flange 1750. In the depicted embodiment, each metal plate 1752 has a sharp structure defining a peak region 1759 and is configured to slide outwardly with a spring force and slide inwardly against a spring force. The extent to which the metal plates 1752A, 1752B extend outward is limited by the structure of the flange 1750. The cartridge 1700 also includes a pair of conductive plugs 1725A, 1725B located on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 1710 and below the flange 1750 and metal plates 1752A, 1752B. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive plugs 1725A, 1725B are secured to the interior of the mouthpiece 1710 of the cartridge 1700 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive plugs 1725A, 1725B are operably connected to the heater 1720 (see FIG. 1 ) of the cartridge 1700. Fig.19A and 19B ). As described above, in various embodiments, the conductive plugs 1725A, 1725B may be comprised of any conductive material, including, for example, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In various embodiments, the metal plates 1752A, 1752B may include any material configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and / or any combination thereof. In various embodiments, the conductive plugs 1725A, 1725B may be comprised of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0192] In various embodiments, Fig.18B A portion of the barrel 1700 is configured with Fig.18A The inner frame 1815 of the cartridge receiving chamber 1812 is connected to generate a magnetic connection and an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device. Specifically, Fig.19A shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 1700 prior to full coupling with the inner frame 1815 of the control device, and Fig.19BA partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge 1700 after coupling with the inner frame 1815 of the control device is shown. When the cartridge 1700 is inserted into the inner frame 1815 of the control device, the sharp sliding metal plates are first deflected inwardly until the peak regions 1759 of the metal plates 1752A, 1752B pass the top edges of the control device magnets 1852A, 1852B, where the sharp sliding metal plates 1752A, 1752B extend outwardly against the undercut surfaces 1857 of the magnets 1852A, 1852B until the cartridge is received in the inner frame 1815. As also shown, when the cartridge 1700 of the depicted embodiment is coupled with the inner frame 1815 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between a pair of magnets 1857 located in the control device and a pair of sliding metal plates 1752A, 1752B of the cartridge. In addition, when the cartridge 1700 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 1815, an electrical connection is created between a pair of conductive pins 1820A, 1820B of the inner frame 1815 of the control device and the conductive plugs 1725A, 1725B of the cartridge 1700. Thus, when the cartridge 1700 is received in the inner frame 1815 of the control device, the heater 1720 of the cartridge 1700 can be operably connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 1700 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 1815 of the control device, the cartridge 1700 is mechanically biased to connect to the inner frame 1815 of the control device so that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

[0193] Fig. 20A A partial transparent perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, Fig. 20B A partial perspective view of the inner frame of the control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig. 20A 20B shows a portion of an inner frame 2015 for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects, the control device can have a similar construction to the control device 200 described above and can include similar components (and similar construction and component variations). Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and construction and component variations), which will not be repeated here.

[0194] As shown, the inner frame 2015 of the depicted embodiment includes a cartridge receiving chamber 2012 and an upper flange 2050. The inner frame 2015 of the depicted embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 2052 located near the upper flange 2050 of the inner frame 2015. Specifically, the depicted embodiment includes two pairs of cylindrical magnets 2052A, 2052B, 2052C, 2052D, each pair of magnets located on opposite sides of the inner frame 2015 and extending near its upper flange 2050, each of the plurality of magnets being located within a corresponding magnet receiving feature 2053, which in the depicted embodiment is an extension of the upper flange 2050. Reference is made to the possible magnet materials discussed above. The magnets 2052A, 2052B, 2052C, 2052D of the depicted embodiment may be secured within the magnet receiving feature 2053 via a press-fit connection and / or an adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process, although other methods are possible.

[0195] In addition, the inner frame 2015 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 2020A, 2020B located in the inner frame 2015 and below the upper flange 2050 of the inner frame. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 2020A, 2020B include spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical pogo pins), each pin biased inwardly so that a portion of the end of the pin extends into the cartridge receiving chamber 2012 and is configured to deflect outwardly against the force of the integral spring, but other types of conductive elements may be used in other embodiments. Although other profiles are possible, the ends of the conductive pins 2020A, 2020B of the depicted embodiment have a rounded profile so that the deflection of the conductive pins 2020A, 2020B is facilitated when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receiving chamber 2012. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 2020A, 202B can be fixed inside the inner frame 2015 via a press fit and / or adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process, so that the movable parts of the conductive pins can be deflected outwardly against the force of the spring. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 2020A, 2020B are operably connected to a battery of the control device to provide power to the heater of the inserted cartridge as will be discussed below. In various embodiments, the conductive pins 2020A, 2020B can be made of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0196] Fig. 20C A perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig. 20CA cartridge 1900 is shown, which includes a reservoir 1902 defined by an outer reservoir wall 1904, the outer reservoir wall including a proximal end 1906 and a distal end 1908, the distal end being closed. In many respects, the cartridge 1900 may have a similar construction to the cartridge 300 described above and may include similar components (and similar constructions and component variations), which will not be described in detail herein. Thus, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and constructions and component variations).

[0197] The cartridge 1900 of the depicted embodiment includes a mouthpiece 1910 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 1912 including a proximal end 1914 defining an outlet port 1915 and a distal end 1916 that mates with the proximal end 1906 of the reservoir 1902. In the depicted embodiment, the mouthpiece wall 1912 includes a flange 1950 positioned between its proximal end 1914 and distal end 1916. The cartridge 1900 of the depicted embodiment also includes a metal plate 1952 disposed below the flange 1950. In the depicted embodiment, the metal plate 1952 is secured to the bottom of the flange 1950 of the mouthpiece 1910 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. The cartridge 1900 also includes a pair of conductive plugs 1925A, 1925B located on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 1910 and below the flange 1950 and metal plate 1952. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive plugs are secured to the interior of the mouthpiece 1910 of the cartridge 1900 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive plugs 1925A, 1925B are operably connected to the heater 1920 (see FIG. 1 ) of the cartridge 1900. Fig.21 ). In various embodiments, the conductive plugs may be comprised of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In various embodiments, the metal plate 1952 may include any material configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and / or any combination thereof. In various embodiments, the conductive plugs 1925A, 1925B may be comprised of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0198] In various embodiments, Fig. 20C A portion of the barrel 1900 is configured with Fig. 20A and 20BThe inner frame 2015 of the cartridge receiving chamber 2012 is connected to generate a magnetic connection and an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device. Specifically, Fig.21 A partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge 1900 coupled to an inner frame 2015 of a control device is shown. As shown, when the cartridge 1900 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 2015 of the control device, a magnetic connection is created between a plurality of magnets 2052A, 2052B, 2052C, 2052D located in the inner frame 2015 of the control device and a metal plate 1952 of the cartridge 1900. In addition, when the cartridge 1900 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 2015, an electrical connection is created between a pair of conductive pins 2020A, 2020B of the inner frame 2015 of the control device and conductive plugs 1925A, 1925B of the cartridge 1900. Thus, when the cartridge 1900 is received in the inner frame 2015 of the control device, the heater 1920 of the cartridge 1900 can be operably connected to a battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 1900 of the depicted embodiment is coupled with the inner frame 2015 of a control device, the cartridge 1900 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 2015 of the control device such that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

[0199] Fig.22A A partial transparent perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, Fig. 22B A partial perspective view of the inner frame of the control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig.22A 22B shows a portion of an inner frame 2215 for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects, the control device can have a similar construction to the control device 200 described above and can include similar components (and similar construction and component variations). Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and construction and component variations), which will not be repeated here.

[0200] As shown, the inner frame 2215 of the depicted embodiment includes a cartridge receiving chamber 2212 and an upper flange 2250. The inner frame 2215 of the depicted embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 2250 located near the upper flange 2252 of the inner frame 2215. Specifically, the depicted embodiment includes two pairs of cylindrical magnets 2252A, 2252B, 2252C, 2252D, each pair of magnets located on opposite sides of the inner frame 2215 and extending near its upper flange 2250, each of the plurality of magnets being located within a corresponding magnet receiving feature 2253, which in the depicted embodiment is an extension of the upper flange 2250. Reference is made to the possible magnet materials discussed above. The magnets 2252A, 2252B, 2252C, 2252D of the depicted embodiment may be secured within the magnet receiving feature 2253 via a press-fit connection and / or an adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process, although other methods are possible.

[0201] In addition, the inner frame 2215 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 2220A, 2220B located in the inner frame 2215 and near the upper flange 2250 of the inner frame. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 2220A, 2220B include spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical pogo pins), each of which is biased upward so that a portion of the end of the pin extends through the upper flange 2250 and is configured to deflect downward against the force of the integral spring, but other types of conductive elements may be used in other embodiments. In the depicted embodiment, the ends of the conductive pins 2220A, 2220B have a rounded profile, but other profiles are also possible. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 2220A, 2220B can be fixed inside the inner frame 2015 via a press fit and / or adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process, so that the movable parts of the conductive pins can deflect upward against the force of the spring. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 2220A, 2220B are operably connected to a battery of the control device to provide power to the heater of the inserted cartridge as will be discussed below. In various embodiments, the conductive pins 2220A, 2220B may be constructed of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0202] Fig. 22C A perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig. 22CA cartridge 2100 is shown, which includes a reservoir 2102 defined by an outer reservoir wall 2104, which includes a proximal end 2106 and a distal end 2108, the distal end being closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 2100 may have a similar construction to the cartridge 300 described above and may include similar components (and similar constructions and component variations), which will not be described in detail herein. Thus, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and constructions and component variations).

[0203] The cartridge 2100 of the depicted embodiment includes a mouthpiece 2110 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2112 including a proximal end 2114 and a distal end 2116, the proximal end defining an outlet port 2115 and mating with the proximal end 2106 of the reservoir 2102. In the depicted embodiment, the mouthpiece wall 2112 includes a flange 2150 positioned between the proximal end 2114 and the distal end 2116 thereof. The cartridge 2100 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of separate metal plates 2152A, 2152B that include a portion of the flange 2150. In the depicted embodiment, the metal plates 2152A, 2152B are secured to the flange 1950 of the mouthpiece 2110 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. In the depicted embodiment, separate metal plates 2152A, 2152B are operably connected to the heater 2120 of the cartridge 2100 (see Fig.23 ). In various embodiments, the metal plates 2152A, 2152B include any material configured to be conductive and attracted to a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and / or any combination thereof.

[0204] In various embodiments, Fig. 22C A portion of the barrel 2100 is configured with Fig.22A and 22B The inner frame 2215 of the cartridge receiving chamber 2212 is connected to generate a magnetic connection and an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device. Specifically, Fig.23A partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge 2100 coupled to an inner frame 2215 of a control device is shown. As shown, when the cartridge 2100 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 2215 of the control device, a magnetic connection is generated between a plurality of magnets 2252A, 2252B, 2252C, 2252D located in the inner frame 2215 of the control device and the metal plates 2152A, 2152B of the cartridge 2100. In addition, when the cartridge 2100 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 2215, an electrical connection is generated between a pair of conductive pins 2220A, 2220B of the inner frame 2215 of the control device and the metal plates 2152A, 2152B of the cartridge 2100. Thus, when the cartridge 2100 is received in the inner frame 2215 of the control device, the heater 2120 of the cartridge 2100 can be operably connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 2100 of the depicted embodiment is coupled with the inner frame 2215 of a control device, the cartridge 2100 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 2215 of the control device such that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

[0205] Fig.24A A partial perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig.24A A portion of an inner frame 2415 is shown for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects, the control device can have a similar construction and can include similar components (and similar construction and component variations) as the control device 200 described above. Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and construction and component variations), which will not be repeated here.

[0206] As shown, the inner frame 2415 of the depicted embodiment includes a cartridge receiving chamber 2412 and an upper flange 2450. The inner frame 2415 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of magnets 2452A, 2452B located near the upper flange 2450 of the inner frame 2415. Specifically, the depicted embodiment includes two cylindrical magnets 2452A, 2452B, which are located on opposite sides of the inner frame 2415 and extend through its upper flange 2450. With reference to the possible magnet materials discussed above. Although other configurations are possible, in the depicted embodiment, the top surface of magnets 2452A, 2452B is substantially flush with the top surface of the upper flange 2450. In the depicted embodiment, each magnet is located in a corresponding magnet receiving feature 2453, and in the depicted embodiment, the magnet receiving feature is an extension of the upper flange 2450. Although other methods are possible, the magnets 2452A, 2452B of the depicted embodiment can be secured within the magnet receiving feature 2453 via a press fit connection and / or an adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process. Although not shown in the figures, in the depicted embodiment, the magnets 2452A, 2452B are operably connected to the battery of the control device.

[0207] Fig. 24B A perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig. 24B A cartridge 2300 is shown, which includes a tank 2302, which is defined by an outer tank wall 2304, which includes a proximal end 2306 and a distal end 2308, the distal end being closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 2300 can have a similar construction to the cartridge 300 described above and can include similar components (and similar constructions and component variations), which will not be described in detail herein. Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and constructions and component variations).

[0208] The cartridge 2300 of the depicted embodiment includes a mouthpiece 2310 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2312 including a proximal end 2314 and a distal end 2316, the proximal end defining an outlet port 2315 and mating with the proximal end 2306 of the reservoir 2302. In the depicted embodiment, the mouthpiece wall 2312 includes a flange 2350 positioned between the proximal end 2314 and the distal end 2316 thereof. The cartridge 2300 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of separate metal plates 2352A, 2352B that include a portion of the flange 2350. In the depicted embodiment, the metal plates 2352A, 2352B are secured to the flange 2350 of the mouthpiece 230 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. In the depicted embodiment, separate metal plates 2352A, 2352B are operably connected to the heater 2320 of the cartridge 2300 (see Fig.23 ). In various embodiments, the metal plates 2352A, 2352B may include any material configured to be conductive and attracted to a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials including, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and / or any combination thereof.

[0209] In various embodiments, Fig. 24B A portion of the barrel 2300 is configured with Fig.24A The inner frame 2415 of the cartridge receiving chamber 2412 is connected to generate a magnetic connection and an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device. Specifically, Fig.25 A partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge 2300 coupled to an inner frame 2415 of a control device is shown. As shown, when the cartridge 2300 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 2415 of the control device, a magnetic connection is generated between a pair of magnets 2452A, 2452B located in the inner frame 2415 of the control device and the metal plates 2352A, 2352B of the cartridge 2300. In addition, when the cartridge 2300 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 2415, an electrical connection is generated between a pair of magnets 2452A, 2452B of the inner frame 2415 of the control device and the metal plates 2352A, 2352B of the cartridge 2300. Thus, when the cartridge 2300 is received in the inner frame 2415 of the control device, the heater 2320 of the cartridge 2300 can be operably connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 2300 of the depicted embodiment is coupled with the inner frame 2415 of a control device, the cartridge 2300 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 2415 of the control device such that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

[0210] Fig.26AA partial perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig.26A A portion of an inner frame 2615 is shown for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects, the control device can have a similar construction and can include similar components (and similar construction and component variations) as the control device 200 described above. Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and construction and component variations), which will not be repeated here.

[0211] As shown, the inner frame 2615 of the embodiment depicted includes a cartridge receiving chamber 2612 and an upper flange 2650. The inner frame 2615 of the embodiment depicted also includes a pair of magnets 2652A, 2652B located near the upper flange 2650 of the inner frame 2615. Specifically, the embodiment depicted includes two cylindrical magnets 2652A, 2652B located on opposite sides of the inner frame 2615, wherein each of the magnets 2652A, 2652B is located inside the corresponding conductive shell 2620A, 2620B, and each magnet / shell (2652A, 2620A, 2652B, 2620B) assembly extends through the upper flange 2650 of the inner frame. With reference to the possible magnet materials discussed above. In addition, each of the conductive shells 2620A, 2620B and the magnet 2652 is located inside the corresponding receiving feature 2653. Although other methods are possible, the magnet 2652 of the depicted embodiment can be secured inside the conductive housing 2620A, 2620B via an adhesive and / or a press-fit connection, and the conductive housing 2620A, 2620B (or the conductive housing and magnet assembly (2620A, 2652A, 2620B, 2652B)) of the depicted embodiment can be secured inside the receiving feature 2653 via a press-fit connection and / or an adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process. Although not shown in the figures, the conductive housing 2620A, 2620B can be operably connected to the battery of the control device. In various embodiments, the conductive housing 2620A, 2620B can be made of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0212] Fig.26B A perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig.26BA cartridge 2500 is shown, which includes a tank 2502 defined by an outer tank wall 2504, the outer tank wall including a proximal end 2506 and a distal end 2508, the distal end being closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 2500 may have a similar construction to the cartridge 300 described above and may include similar components (and similar constructions and component variations), which will not be described in detail herein. Thus, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and constructions and component variations).

[0213] The cartridge 2500 of the depicted embodiment includes a mouthpiece 2510 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2512 including a proximal end 2514 and a distal end 2516, the proximal end defining an outlet port 2515 and mating with the proximal end 2506 of the reservoir 2502. In the depicted embodiment, the mouthpiece wall 2512 includes a flange 2550 positioned between the proximal end 2514 and the distal end 2516 thereof. The cartridge 2500 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of separate metal plates 2552A, 2552B that include a portion of the flange 2550. In the depicted embodiment, the metal plates 2552A, 2552B are secured to the flange 2550 of the mouthpiece 2510 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. In the depicted embodiment, separate metal plates 2552A, 2552B are operably connected to the heater 2520 of the cartridge 2500 (see Fig. 27 ). In various embodiments, the metal plates 2552A, 2552B may include any material configured to conduct electricity and be attracted to a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials including, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and / or any combination thereof.

[0214] In various embodiments, Fig.26B A portion of the barrel 2500 is configured with Fig.26A The inner frame 2615 of the cartridge receiving chamber 2612 is connected so that a magnetic connection and an electrical connection are generated between the cartridge and the control device. Specifically, Fig. 27A partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge 2500 coupled to an inner frame 2615 of a control device is shown. As shown, when the cartridge 2500 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 2615 of the control device, a direct magnetic connection is generated between a pair of magnets 2652 located in the inner frame 2615 of the control device and the metal plates 2552A, 2552B of the cartridge 2500. In addition, when the cartridge 2500 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 2615, an electrical connection is generated between the conductive housings 2620A, 2620B of the inner frame 2615 of the control device and the metal plates 2552A, 2552B of the cartridge 2500. Thus, when the cartridge 2500 is received in the inner frame 2615 of the control device, the heater 2520 of the cartridge 2500 can be operably connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 2500 of the depicted embodiment is coupled with the inner frame 2615 of a control device, the cartridge 2500 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 2615 of the control device such that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

[0215] Fig.28A FIG. 1 shows an exploded partial perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig.28A A portion of an inner frame 2815 is shown for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects, the control device can have a similar construction and can include similar components (and similar construction and component variations) as the control device 200 described above. Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and construction and component variations), which will not be repeated here.

[0216] As shown, the inner frame 2815 of the depicted embodiment includes a cartridge receiving chamber 2812 and an upper flange 2850. The inner frame 2815 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of magnets 2852A, 2852B located near the upper flange 2850 of the inner frame 2615. Specifically, the depicted embodiment includes two cylindrical magnets 2852A, 2852B located on opposite sides of the inner frame 2815, wherein the top and side surfaces of each magnet 2852A, 2852B are substantially surrounded by a corresponding conductive housing 2820A, 2820B, and each magnet / housing (2852A, 2820A, 2852B, 2820B) assembly extends through the upper flange 2850 of the inner frame. Reference is made to the possible magnet materials discussed above. Although other configurations are possible, in the depicted embodiment, the top surface of the conductive housing 2820A, 2820B is substantially flush with the top surface of the upper flange 2850. In addition, each of the conductive housing 2820 and the magnet 2852 is located within a corresponding receiving feature 2853, which is an extension of the flange in the depicted embodiment. Although other methods are possible, the magnet 2852A, 2852B of the depicted embodiment can be fixed to the conductive housing 2820A, 2820B via an adhesive and / or a press-fit connection, and the conductive housing 2820A, 2820B (or the conductive housing and magnet assembly (2820, 2852)) of the depicted embodiment can be fixed to the receiving feature 2853 via a press-fit connection and / or an adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process. Although not shown in the figure, the conductive housing 2820A, 2820B can be operably connected to the battery of the control device. In various embodiments, the conductive housings 2820A, 2820B may be constructed of any conductive material including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0217] Fig.28B A perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig.28B A cartridge 2700 is shown, which includes a tank 2702 defined by an outer tank wall 2704, the outer tank wall including a proximal end 2706 and a distal end 2708, the distal end being closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 2700 may have a similar construction to the cartridge 300 described above and may include similar components (and similar constructions and component variations), which will not be described in detail herein. Thus, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and constructions and component variations).

[0218] The cartridge 2700 of the depicted embodiment includes a mouthpiece 2710 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2712 including a proximal end 2714 and a distal end 2716, the proximal end defining an outlet port 2715 and the distal end mating with the proximal end 2706 of the reservoir 2702. In the depicted embodiment, the mouthpiece wall 2712 includes a flange 2750 positioned between the proximal end 2714 and the distal end 2716 thereof. The cartridge 2700 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of separate metal plates 2752A, 2752B that include a portion of the flange 2750. In the depicted embodiment, the metal plates 2752A, 2752B are secured to the flange 2750 of the mouthpiece 2710 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. In the depicted embodiment, separate metal plates 2752A, 2752B are operably connected to the heater 2720 of the cartridge 2700 (see Fig.29 ). In various embodiments, the metal plates 2752A, 2752B may include any material configured to be conductive and attracted to a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials including, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and / or any combination thereof.

[0219] In various embodiments, Fig.28B A portion of the barrel 2700 is configured with Fig.28A The inner frame 2813 of the cartridge receiving chamber 2812 is connected to generate a magnetic connection and an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device. Specifically, Fig.29 A partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge 2700 coupled to an inner frame 2815 of a control device is shown. As shown, when the cartridge 2700 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 2813 of the control device, a magnetic connection is generated between a pair of magnets 2852A, 2852B located in the inner frame 2815 of the control device and the metal plates 2752A, 2752B of the cartridge 2700. In addition, when the cartridge 2700 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 2815, an electrical connection is generated between the conductive housings 2820A, 2820B of the inner frame 2815 of the control device and the metal plates 2752A, 2752B of the cartridge 2700. Thus, when the cartridge 2700 is received in the inner frame 2815 of the control device, the heater 2720 of the cartridge 2700 can be operably connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 2700 of the depicted embodiment is coupled with the inner frame 2815 of a control device, the cartridge 2700 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 2815 of the control device such that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

[0220] Fig. 30AA partially exploded perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig.31 A portion of an inner frame 3015 is shown for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects, the control device can have a similar construction and can include similar components (and similar construction and component variations) as the control device 200 described above. Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and construction and component variations), which will not be repeated here.

[0221] As shown, the inner frame 3015 of the depicted embodiment includes a cartridge receiving chamber 3012 and a flange 3050 defined at its upper end. The inner frame 3015 of the depicted embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 3052 located near the upper flange 3050 of the inner frame 3015. In the depicted embodiment, there are four separate magnets 3052A, 3052B, 3052C, 3052D, each of which has a substantially block or rectangular prism shape, but in other embodiments, more or less separate magnets can be used, and the magnets can have different shapes and / or sizes. With reference to the possible magnet materials discussed above. In the depicted embodiment, magnets 3052A, 3052B, 3052C, 3052D are spaced approximately equidistantly around the outside of the inner frame 3015 and below the upper flange 750 of the inner frame. Each of the plurality of magnets is positioned within a corresponding magnet receiving feature 3053, which in the depicted embodiment is an extension of the upper flange 3050. The magnets 3052A, 3052B, 3052C, 3052D of the depicted embodiment may be secured within the corresponding magnet receiving feature 3053 via a press fit connection and / or an adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process, although other methods are possible.

[0222] In addition, the inner frame 3015 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of metal plates 3020A, 3020B located in the upper flange 3050 of the inner frame 3015, which are exposed through the opening in the upper flange 3050. Although other configurations are possible, in the depicted embodiment, the metal plates have a curved shape configured to match a portion of the upper flange 3050, and the top surface of the magnets 3020A, 3020B is substantially flush with the top surface of the upper flange 3050. In the depicted embodiment, the metal plates 3020A, 3020B are operably connected to the battery of the control device to provide power to the heater of the inserted cartridge as will be discussed below. In various embodiments, the metal plates 3020A, 3020B can be made of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0223] Fig. 30B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 30C A bottom view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig. 30B and 30C A cartridge 2900 is shown, which includes a tank 2902 defined by an outer tank wall 2904, the outer tank wall including a proximal end 2906 and a distal end 2908, the distal end being closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 2900 may have a similar construction to the cartridge 300 described above and may include similar components (and similar constructions and component variations), which will not be described in detail herein. Thus, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and constructions and component variations).

[0224] The cartridge 2900 of the depicted embodiment includes a mouthpiece 2910 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 2912, the outer mouthpiece wall including a proximal end 2914 and a distal end 2916, the proximal end defining an outlet port, and the distal end engaging the proximal end 2906 of the reservoir 2902. In the depicted embodiment, the mouthpiece wall 2912 includes a flange 2950 positioned between its proximal end 2914 and distal end 2916. The cartridge 2900 of the depicted embodiment also includes two pairs of metal plates. In particular, the cartridge 2900 includes a pair of short metal plates 2925A, 2925B and a pair of long metal plates 2952A, 2952B, the short metal plates extending around the opposite corners of the flange 2950 of the cartridge 2900, and the long metal plates extending around the other opposite corners of the flange 2950 and terminating near the ends of the pair of short metal plates 2925A, 2925B. In the depicted embodiment, each of the first pair of metal plates 2925A, 2925B has a curved shape configured to match a portion of the flange 2950, ​​and each of the second pair of metal plates 2952A, 2952B has a curved shape configured to match another portion of the flange 2950. In the depicted embodiment, the first pair of metal plates 2925A, 2925B and the second pair of metal plates 2952A, 2952B are secured to the bottom of the flange 1950 of the mouthpiece 2910 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. In the depicted embodiment, the first pair of metal plates 2925A, 2925B are operably connected to the heater 2920 of the cartridge 2900 (see Fig.31). In various embodiments, the short metal plates 3020A, 3020B may be constructed of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In various embodiments, the long metal plates 2952A, 2952B may include any material configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and / or any combination thereof.

[0225] In various embodiments, Fig. 30B and 30C A portion of the barrel 2900 is configured with Fig. 30A The inner frame 3015 of the cartridge receiving chamber 3012 is connected so that a magnetic connection and an electrical connection are generated between the cartridge and the control device. Specifically, Fig. 30A A partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge 2900 coupled to an inner frame 3015 of a control device is shown. As shown, when the cartridge 2900 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 3015 of the control device, a magnetic connection is generated between a plurality of magnets 3052A, 3052B, 3052C and 3052D located in the inner frame 3015 of the control device and a second pair of metal plates 2952A and 2952B of the cartridge 2900. In addition, when the cartridge 2900 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 3015, an electrical connection is generated between a pair of metal plates 3020A, 3020B of the inner frame 3015 of the control device and a first pair of metal plates 2925A, 2925B of the cartridge 2900. Thus, when the cartridge 2900 is received in the inner frame 3015 of the control device, the heater 2920 of the cartridge 2900 can be operably connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 2900 of the depicted embodiment is coupled with the inner frame 3015 of a control device, the cartridge 2900 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 3015 of the control device such that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

[0226] Fig.32A A partially exploded perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig.32A A portion of an inner frame 3215 is shown for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects, the control device can have a similar construction to the control device 200 described above and can include similar components (and similar construction and component variations). Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and construction and component variations), which will not be repeated here.

[0227] As shown, the inner frame 3215 of the depicted embodiment includes a cartridge receiving chamber 3212 and a flange 3250 defined at its upper end. The inner frame 3215 of the depicted embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 3252 located near the upper flange 3250 of the inner frame 3015. In the depicted embodiment, there are four separate magnets 3252A, 3252B, 3252C, 3252D, each of which has a substantially block or rectangular prism shape, but in other embodiments, more or less separate magnets can be used, and the magnets can have different shapes and / or sizes. With reference to the possible magnet materials discussed above. In the depicted embodiment, magnets 3252A, 3252B, 3252C, 3252D are spaced approximately equidistantly around the outside of the inner frame 3215 and below the upper flange 3250 of the inner frame. Each of the plurality of magnets is positioned within a corresponding magnet receiving feature 3253, which in the depicted embodiment is an extension of the upper flange 3250. The magnets 3252A, 3252B, 3252C, 3252D of the depicted embodiment may be secured within the corresponding magnet receiving feature 3253 via a press fit connection and / or an adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process, although other methods are possible.

[0228] In addition, the inner frame 3215 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of metal plates 3220A, 3220B located on opposite corners of the upper flange 3250 of the inner frame 3215, which are exposed through the opening in the upper flange 3250. Although other configurations are possible, in the depicted embodiment, the metal plates have a curved shape configured to match a portion of the upper flange 3250, and the top surface of the magnets 3220A, 3220B is substantially flush with the top surface of the upper flange 3050. In the depicted embodiment, the metal plates 3020A, 3020B are operably connected to the battery of the control device to provide power to the heater of the inserted cartridge as will be discussed below. In various embodiments, the metal plates 3220A, 3220B can be made of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0229] Fig.32B shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig.32C A bottom view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig.32B and 32CA cartridge 3100 is shown, which includes a tank 3102, which is defined by an outer tank wall 3104, which includes a proximal end 3106 and a distal end 3108, the distal end being closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 3100 can have a similar construction to the cartridge 300 described above and can include similar components (and similar constructions and component variations), which will not be described in detail herein. Thus, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and constructions and component variations).

[0230] The cartridge 3100 of the depicted embodiment includes a mouthpiece 3110 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 3112, the outer mouthpiece wall including a proximal end 3114 and a distal end 3116, the proximal end defining an outlet port, and the distal end mating with the proximal end 3106 of the tank 3102. In the depicted embodiment, the mouthpiece wall 3112 includes a flange 3150 positioned between its proximal end 3114 and the distal end 3116. The cartridge 3100 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of separated metal plates. Specifically, the cartridge 3100 includes a pair of metal plates 3152A, 3152B, which are located on opposite sides of the cartridge 3100. In the depicted embodiment, each of the metal plates 3152A, 3152B has a curved shape configured to match a portion of the flange 3150. In particular, each plate 3152A, 3152B begins near a first corner of the flange 3150, extends around that corner and a second corner of the flange 3150, and ends near a corner of the flange opposite the first corner. In the depicted embodiment, the metal plates 3152A, 3152B are secured to the bottom of the flange 3150 of the mouthpiece 3110 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. In the depicted embodiment, the metal plates 3152A, 3152B are operably connected to the heater 3120 of the cartridge 3100 (see Fig.33 ). In various embodiments, the metal plates 3152A, 3152B may include any material configured to be conductive and attracted to a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials including, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and / or combinations thereof.

[0231] In various embodiments, Fig.32B and 32C A portion of the barrel 3100 is configured with Fig.32A The inner frame 3215 of the cartridge receiving chamber 3212 is connected to generate a magnetic connection and an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device. Specifically, Fig.33A partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge 3100 coupled to an inner frame 3215 of a control device is shown. As shown, when the cartridge 3100 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 3215 of the control device, a magnetic connection is generated between a plurality of magnets 3252A, 3252B, 3252C, and 3252D located in the inner frame 3215 of the control device and the metal plates 3152A, 3152B of the cartridge 3100. In addition, when the cartridge 3100 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 3215, an electrical connection is generated between the metal plates 3220A, 3220B of the inner frame 3215 of the control device and the metal plates 3152A, 3152B of the cartridge 3100. Thus, when the cartridge 3100 is coupled to the inner frame 3215 of the control device, the heater 3120 of the cartridge 3100 can be operably connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 3100 of the depicted embodiment is coupled with the inner frame 3215 of a control device, the cartridge 3100 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 3215 of the control device such that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

[0232] Fig.34 A partially exploded perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig.34 A portion of an inner frame 3415 is shown for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects, the control device can have a similar construction and can include similar components (and similar construction and component variations) as the control device 200 described above. Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and construction and component variations), which will not be repeated here.

[0233] As shown, the inner frame 3415 of the depicted embodiment includes a cartridge receiving chamber 3412 and a flange 3450 defined at its upper end. The inner frame 3415 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of magnets 3452A, 3452B on opposite sides of the flange 3450. In the depicted embodiment, each of the magnets 3452A, 3452B has a substantially block or rectangular prism shape with reference to the possible magnet materials discussed above. In other embodiments, more or fewer magnets may be used, and the magnets may have different shapes and / or sizes. In the depicted embodiment, each of the magnets 3452A, 3452B is located below the top surface of the flange 3450 and inside the corresponding magnet receiving feature 3453, which in the depicted embodiment is an extension of the upper flange 3450. The magnets 3452A, 3252B of the depicted embodiment may be secured within respective magnet receiving features 3453 via a press-fit connection and / or an adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process, although other methods are possible.

[0234] In addition, the inner frame 3415 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of metal plates 3420A, 3420B located on opposite sides of the upper flange 3450 of the inner frame 3215, which are exposed through the opening in the upper flange 3450. In the depicted embodiment, each of the metal plates 3420A, 3420B is located inside a corresponding receiving feature 3455, which in the depicted embodiment includes a portion of the upper flange 3450. Although other configurations are possible, in the depicted embodiment, the metal plates have a substantially block or rectangular prism shape, and the top surfaces of the metal plates 3420A, 3420B are substantially flush with the top surface of the upper flange 3450. In the depicted embodiment, the metal plates 3420A, 3420B are operably connected to the battery of the control device to provide power to the heater of the inserted cartridge as will be discussed below. In various embodiments, the metal plates 3420A, 3420B may be made of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials and / or any combination thereof.

[0235] Fig.35A shows a partial perspective view of a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig.35B A partial transparent stereoscopic view of a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig.35A and 35B A cartridge 3300 is shown, which includes a tank (not visible) defined by an outer tank wall, the outer tank wall including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 3300 may have a similar construction as the cartridge 300 described above and may include similar components (and similar constructions and component variations), which will not be described in detail herein. Thus, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and constructions and component variations).

[0236] The cartridge 3300 of the depicted embodiment includes a mouthpiece 3310, which is defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 3312, which includes a proximal end 3314 and a distal end (not visible), the proximal end is defined with an outlet port 3315, and the distal end cooperates with the proximal end of the tank. In the depicted embodiment, the mouthpiece wall 3312 includes a flange 3350 positioned between its proximal end 3314 and the distal end. The cartridge 3300 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of metal plates. In particular, the cartridge 3300 includes metal plates 3352A, 3352B, which extend around the corresponding adjacent sides of the flange 3350 of the cartridge so that they extend around a set of diagonal extensions of the flange 3350, but do not extend around another set of diagonal extensions of the flange 3350. In the depicted embodiment, each of the metal plates 3352A, 3352B has a curved J-shape that is configured to mate with a portion of the flange 3350 as described above and is operably connected to the heater 3320 of the cartridge 3300. In the depicted embodiment, the metal plates 3352A, 3352B are secured to the bottom of the flange 3350 of the mouthpiece 3310 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. In various embodiments, the metal plates 3352A, 3352B may include any material configured to be conductive and attracted to a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and / or combinations thereof.

[0237] In various embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 3300 is configured to couple with the cartridge receiving chamber 3412 of the inner frame 3415 so that a magnetic connection and an electrical connection are created between the cartridge and the control device. Fig.35A and 35B A partial perspective view of a cartridge 3300 coupled to an inner frame 3415 of a control device is shown. As shown, when the cartridge 3300 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 3415 of the control device, a magnetic connection is generated between the magnets 3452A, 3452B in the inner frame 3415 of the control device and the metal plates 3352A, 3352B of the cartridge 3300. In addition, when the cartridge 3300 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 3415, an electrical connection is generated between the metal plates 3420A, 3420B of the inner frame 3415 of the control device and the metal plates 3352A, 3352B of the cartridge 3300. Thus, when the cartridge 3300 is coupled to the inner frame 3415 of the control device, the heater 3320 of the cartridge 3300 can be operably connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 3300 of the depicted embodiment is coupled with the inner frame 3415 of a control device, the cartridge 3300 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 3415 of the control device such that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

[0238] Fig.36A A partial perspective view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig.36A A portion of an inner frame 3615 is shown for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects, the control device can have a similar construction and can include similar components (and similar construction and component variations) as the control device 200 described above. Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and construction and component variations), which will not be repeated here.

[0239] As shown, the inner frame 3615 of the depicted embodiment includes a cartridge receiving chamber 3612 and a flange 3650 defined at its upper end. The inner frame 3615 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of magnets 3652A, 3652B on opposite sides of the flange 3650. In the depicted embodiment, each of the magnets 3652A, 3652B has a substantially block or rectangular prism shape with reference to the possible magnet materials discussed above. In other embodiments, more or less magnets can be used, and the magnets can have different shapes and / or sizes. In the depicted embodiment, each of the magnets 3652A, 3652B is located below the top surface of the flange 3650 and inside the corresponding magnet receiving feature 3653, and in the depicted embodiment, the magnet receiving feature is an extension of the upper flange 3650. The magnets 3652A, 3652B of the depicted embodiment may be secured within respective magnet receiving features 3653 via a press-fit connection and / or an adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process, although other methods are possible.

[0240] In addition, the inner frame 3615 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of metal plates 3620A, 3620B located on opposite sides of the upper flange 3650 of the inner frame 3615. In the depicted embodiment, each of the metal plates 3620A, 3620B is located below the top surface of the flange 3650 and inside the corresponding receiving feature 3655, which in the depicted embodiment includes a portion of the upper flange 3650. Although other configurations are possible, in the depicted embodiment, the metal plates have a substantially block or rectangular prism shape. In the depicted embodiment, the metal plates 3620A, 3620B are operably connected to the battery of the control device to provide power to the heater of the inserted cartridge as will be discussed below. In various embodiments, the metal plates 3620A, 3620B can be made of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof.

[0241] Fig.36BA partial transparent stereoscopic view of a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig.36B A cartridge 3500 is shown, which includes a tank 3502, which is defined by an outer tank wall 3504, which includes a proximal end 3506 and a distal end 3508, the distal end being closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 3500 can have a similar construction to the cartridge 300 described above and can include similar components (and similar constructions and component variations), which will not be described in detail here. Therefore, reference is made to the relevant discussion of these constructions and components (and constructions and component variations).

[0242] The cartridge 3500 of the depicted embodiment includes a mouthpiece 3510 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 3512, the outer mouthpiece wall including a proximal end 3514 and a distal end 3516, the proximal end defining an outlet port 3515 and the distal end mating with the proximal end 3506 of the reservoir 3502. In the depicted embodiment, the mouthpiece wall 3512 includes a flange 3550 positioned between its proximal end 3514 and distal end 3516. The cartridge 3500 of the depicted embodiment also includes a metal plate 3552 disposed below the flange 3550. In the depicted embodiment, the metal plate 3552 is secured to the bottom of the flange 3550 of the mouthpiece 3510 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process, a press-fit connection, a heat-seal connection, etc. The cartridge 3500 also includes a pair of conductive springs 3525A, 3525B located on opposite sides of the mouthpiece 3510. In the depicted embodiment, each conductive spring includes a contact surface 3565A, 3565B that is exposed below the flange 3550 through a corresponding opening in the mouthpiece 3510. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive springs 3525A, 3525B are secured to the interior of the mouthpiece 3510 of the cartridge 3500 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive springs 3525A, 3525B are operably connected to the heater 3520 (see FIG. 1 ) of the cartridge 3500. Fig.37 ). In various embodiments, the conductive springs 3525A, 3525B may be made of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials, and / or any combination thereof. In various embodiments, the metal plate 3552 may include any material configured to be attracted by a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, and the like.

[0243] In various embodiments, a portion of the cartridge 3500 is configured to couple with the cartridge receiving chamber 3612 of the inner frame 3615 so that a magnetic connection and an electrical connection are created between the cartridge and the control device. Fig.37 A partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge 3500 coupled to an inner frame 3615 of a control device is shown. As shown, when the cartridge 3500 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 3615 of the control device, a magnetic connection is generated between the magnets 3652A, 3652B in the inner frame 3615 of the control device and the metal plate 3352 of the cartridge 3500. In addition, when the cartridge 3500 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 3615, an electrical connection is generated between the metal plates 3620A, 3620B of the inner frame 3615 of the control device and the conductive springs 3525A, 3525B of the cartridge 3500. Thus, when the cartridge 3500 is coupled to the inner frame 3615 of the control device, the heater 3520 of the cartridge 3500 can be operably connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 3500 of the depicted embodiment is coupled with the inner frame 3615 of a control device, the cartridge 3500 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 3615 of the control device such that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

[0244] Fig.38A A partial transparent stereoscopic view of an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig.38A A portion of an inner frame 3815 is shown for use with a corresponding control device. In many aspects, the control device can have a similar construction and can include similar components (and similar construction and component variations) as the control device 200 described above. Therefore, reference is made to the related discussion of these constructions and components (and construction and component variations), which will not be repeated here.

[0245] As shown, the inner frame 3815 of the depicted embodiment includes a cartridge receiving chamber 3812 and an upper flange 3850. The inner frame 3815 of the depicted embodiment also includes a plurality of magnets 3852 located near the upper flange 3850 of the inner frame 3815. Specifically, the depicted embodiment includes two pairs of cylindrical magnets 3852A, 3852B, 3852C, 3852D, each pair of magnets being located on opposite sides of the inner frame 3815 and extending near its upper flange 3850, each of the plurality of magnets being located in a corresponding magnet receiving feature 3853, which in the depicted embodiment is an extension of the upper flange 3850. Reference is made to the possible magnet materials discussed above. Although other methods are also possible, the magnets 3852 of the depicted embodiment may be fixed inside the magnet receiving feature 3853 via a press-fit connection and / or an adhesive connection, or via an insert molding process.

[0246] In addition, the inner frame 3815 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of conductive pins 3820A, 3820B located in the inner frame 3815 and near the upper flange 3850 of the inner frame. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 3820A, 3820B include cylindrical metal pins located on opposite sides of the inner frame 3815 and extending through the upper flange 3850. Although other configurations are possible, in the depicted embodiment, the top surfaces of the metal pins 3820A, 3820B extend above (e.g., extend slightly above) the top surface of the upper flange 3850. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive pins 3820A, 3820B are operably connected to a battery of the control device to provide power to the heater of the inserted cartridge as will be discussed below. In various embodiments, the conductive pins 3820A, 3820B may be made of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to, copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials and / or any combination thereof.

[0247] Fig.38B A partial perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Fig.38B A cartridge 3700 is shown, which includes a tank 3702, which is defined by an outer tank wall 3704, which includes a proximal end 3706 and a distal end (not shown), which is closed. In many aspects, the cartridge 3700 can have a similar construction to the cartridge 300 described above and can include similar components (and similar constructions and component variations), which will not be described in detail here. Therefore, reference is made to the relevant discussion of these constructions and components (and constructions and component variations).

[0248] The cartridge 3700 of the depicted embodiment includes a mouthpiece 3710 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 3712 including a proximal end 3714 and a distal end 3716, the proximal end defining an outlet port (not shown) and the distal end mating with the proximal end 3706 of the reservoir 3702. In the depicted embodiment, the mouthpiece wall 3712 includes a flange 3750 positioned between the proximal end 3714 and the distal end 3716 thereof. The cartridge 3700 of the depicted embodiment also includes a pair of separate metal plates 3752A, 3752B that include a portion of the flange 3750. In the depicted embodiment, each of the metal plates 3752A, 3752B includes an integrated spring contact 3765A, 3765B extending below the flange 3750. In the depicted embodiment, the metal plates 3752A, 3752B are secured to the flange 3750 of the mouthpiece 3710 via an adhesive, but in other embodiments, other attachment methods are possible, including, for example, via an insert molding process, a press fit connection, a heat staking connection, etc. In the depicted embodiment, the separate metal plates 3752A, 3752B are operably connected to the heater 3720 of the cartridge 3700 (see Fig.39 ). In various embodiments, the metal plates 3752A, 3752B may include any material configured to conduct electricity and be attracted to a magnet, such as various ferromagnetic materials, including but not limited to iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys such as steel, etc. In some embodiments, one or both of the metal plates may be composed of a bimetallic material, such as a bimetallic plate, wherein one or more portions of the plate configured to contact the conductive pins include a conductive spring material, and one or more portions of the plate configured to contact the magnet include a different material suitable for attraction to the magnet.

[0249] In various embodiments, Fig.38B A portion of the barrel 3700 is configured with Fig.38A The inner frame 3815 of the cartridge receiving chamber 3812 is connected so that a magnetic connection and an electrical connection are generated between the cartridge and the control device. Specifically, Fig.39A partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge 3700 coupled to an inner frame 3815 of a control device is shown. As shown, when the cartridge 3700 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 3815 of the control device, a magnetic connection is generated between a plurality of magnets 3852A, 3852B, 3852C, and 3852D located in the inner frame 3815 of the control device and the metal plates 3752A, 3752B of the cartridge 3700. In addition, when the cartridge 3700 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 3815, an electrical connection is generated between a pair of conductive pins 3820A, 3820B of the inner frame 3815 of the control device and the integrated spring contacts 3765A, 3765B of the cartridge 3700. Thus, when the cartridge 3700 is received in the inner frame 3815 of the control device, the heater 3720 of the cartridge 3700 can be operably connected to the battery of the control device. Thus, when the cartridge 3700 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 3815 of a control device, the cartridge 3700 is mechanically biased into connection with the inner frame 3815 of the control device such that an electrical connection is maintained between the cartridge and the control device.

[0250] It should be noted that in various embodiments, some components of the control device, the cartridge, or both the control device and the cartridge may be replaced with other components that are similar in function but different in structure. For example, several of the above embodiments describe the use of spring-loaded pins (e.g., electrical pogo pins) in the inner frame of the control device, where the spring-loaded pins are connected to the battery of the control device. In various alternative embodiments, one or both of the electrical pogo pins used in these embodiments may be replaced with a metal plate that includes a shaped contact surface. Examples of such embodiments are described in Fig.40 , which shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge coupled to an inner frame of a control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig.40The cartridge 3900 coupled to the inner frame 4015 of the control device is shown. In the depicted embodiment, the spring-loaded electric pin has been replaced by a metal plate 4020, which includes a circular deflection contact area 4065, which is configured to match the electrical contacts of the cartridge. In various embodiments, the metal plate 4020 can be made of any conductive material, including, for example, but not limited to copper, beryllium copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel, brass, bronze, graphite, conductive ceramic materials and / or any combination thereof. Therefore, as shown in the figure, when the cartridge 3900 of the depicted embodiment is coupled to the inner frame 4015 of the control device, a magnetic connection is generated between the magnet of the control device and the metal plate 3952 of the cartridge 3900, and an electrical connection is generated between the contact area 4065 of the metal plate 4020 of the inner frame 4015 of the control device and the electrical contacts 3925 of the cartridge 3900 connected to the heater 3920. Thus, when the cartridge 3900 is coupled to the inner frame 4015 of the control device, the heater 3920 of the cartridge 3900 can be operably connected to the battery of the control device.

[0251] Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs, having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and various modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used in a general and descriptive sense, not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. A cartridge for use with a control device of an aerosol delivery device, the cartridge comprising: a mouthpiece portion and a reservoir having an outlet port defined therethrough, the reservoir being configured to contain at least a portion of the liquid composition, The cartridge includes at least one connector configured to provide a mechanical and electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device, such that the cartridge can be removably and operably received in a cartridge receiving chamber of the control device, and wherein the at least one connector of the cartridge is located on the mouthpiece portion.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that The mechanical connection comprises a magnetic connection.

3. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that The reservoir is configured to contain substantially all of the liquid composition.

4. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that The mouthpiece portion further comprises a flange, and wherein the at least one connector of the cartridge is located on the flange.

5. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: a flange, said flange being located on said mouthpiece portion; a metal plate located below the flange; as well as Pair of conductive plugs, wherein the mechanical connection is produced via the metal plate of the cartridge, and wherein the electrical connection is produced via the electrically conductive plug of the cartridge.

6. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that The barrel also includes: a flange, said flange being located on said mouthpiece portion; at least one attachment element located in the flange of the cartridge; and Pair of conductive plugs, wherein the mechanical connection is produced via the at least one attachment element of the cartridge, and wherein the electrical connection is produced via the electrically conductive plug of the cartridge.

7. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: a flange, said flange being located on said mouthpiece portion; a pair of metal plates, the metal plates comprising a portion of the flange of the barrel, Therein, both the mechanical connection and the electrical connection are produced via pairs of separate metal plates of the cartridge.

8. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: a pair of metal plates, each of said metal plates including receiving detents on opposite ends thereof, wherein the mechanical connection is produced via the receiving detents of the metal plate of the cartridge, and wherein the electrical connection is produced via the metal plate of the cartridge.

9. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: a flange, said flange being located on said mouthpiece portion; a pair of sharp sliding metal plates located in the flange; as well as Pair of conductive plugs, Wherein the mechanical connection is produced via the sharp sliding metal plate of the cartridge, and wherein the electrical connection is produced via the conductive plug of the cartridge.

10. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: a flange, said flange being located on said mouthpiece portion; as well as a pair of metal plates, the metal plates comprising a portion of the bottom surface of the flange, wherein the mechanical connection is produced via the metal plate of the cartridge, and wherein the electrical connection is produced via the metal plate of the cartridge.

11. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: a flange, said flange being located on said mouthpiece portion; as well as a first pair of metal plates and a second pair of metal plates, the first pair of metal plates and the second pair of metal plates being located below the flange, wherein the mechanical connection is produced via the second pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and wherein the electrical connection is produced via the first pair of metal plates of the cartridge.

12. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: a flange, said flange being located on said mouthpiece portion; as well as a pair of metal plates, the metal plates being located below the flange, Wherein the mechanical connection is produced via the pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and wherein the electrical connection is produced via the pair of metal plates of the cartridge.

13. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: a flange, said flange being located on said mouthpiece portion; as well as a pair of metal plates, the metal plates comprising a portion of the flange of the barrel, The mechanical connection is produced via the pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and the electrical connection is produced via the pair of metal plates of the cartridge.

14. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: a flange, said flange being located on said mouthpiece portion; a metal ring comprising a portion of the flange; as well as Pairs of conductive spring contacts, Wherein the mechanical connection is produced via the metal ring of the cartridge, and wherein the electrical connection is produced via the pair of electrically conductive spring contacts of the cartridge.

15. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: a flange, said flange being located on said mouthpiece portion; as well as a pair of metal plates, the metal plates comprising a portion of the bottom surface of the flange, each of the metal plates including an integrated spring contact, wherein the mechanical connection is produced via the metal plate of the cartridge, and wherein the electrical connection is produced via the integrated spring contacts of the metal plate of the cartridge.

16. A cartridge for use with a control device of an aerosol delivery device, the cartridge comprising: a mouthpiece portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the mouthpiece portion having an outlet port defined therethrough, the reservoir also defining a proximal end and a closed distal end and configured to contain at least a portion of the liquid composition, wherein the cartridge includes at least one connector configured to provide a magnetic connection and an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control device such that the cartridge can be removably and operably received into a cartridge receiving chamber of the control device, wherein the mouthpiece portion engages the reservoir, and wherein the at least one connector of the cartridge is located on the mouthpiece portion.

17. The cartridge according to claim 16, characterized in that The reservoir is configured to contain substantially all of the liquid composition.

18. The cartridge according to claim 16, characterized in that The distal end of the mouthpiece portion is located adjacent the proximal end of the reservoir.

19. The cartridge according to claim 16, characterized in that The distal end of the mouthpiece portion engages the proximal end of the cartridge.

20. The cartridge according to claim 16, characterized in that Also includes: a flange located between the proximal end and the distal end of the mouthpiece portion; a metal plate located below the flange; as well as Pair of conductive plugs, wherein the magnetic connection is produced via the metal plate of the cartridge, and wherein the electrical connection is produced via the electrically conductive plug of the cartridge.

21. The cartridge according to claim 16, characterized in that The barrel also includes: a flange located between the proximal end and the distal end of the mouthpiece portion; at least one attachment element located in the flange of the cartridge; and Pair of conductive plugs, wherein the magnetic connection is produced via the at least one attachment element of the cartridge, and wherein the electrical connection is produced via the electrically conductive plug of the cartridge.

22. The cartridge according to claim 16, characterized in that Also includes: a flange located between the proximal end and the distal end of the mouthpiece portion; a pair of metal plates, the metal plates comprising a portion of the flange of the barrel, Therein, both the magnetic connection and the electrical connection are produced via pairs of separate metal plates of the cartridge.

23. The cartridge according to claim 16, characterized in that Also includes: a pair of metal plates, each of said metal plates including receiving detents on opposite ends thereof, wherein the magnetic connection is produced via the receiving detents of the metal plate of the cartridge, and wherein the electrical connection is produced via the metal plate of the cartridge.

24. The cartridge according to claim 16, characterized in that Also includes: a flange located between the proximal end and the distal end of the mouthpiece portion; a pair of sharp sliding metal plates located in the flange; as well as Pair of conductive plugs, Wherein the magnetic connection is produced via the sharp sliding metal plate of the cartridge, and wherein the electrical connection is produced via the conductive plug of the cartridge.

25. The cartridge according to claim 16, characterized in that Also includes: a flange located between the proximal end and the distal end of the mouthpiece portion; as well as a pair of metal plates, the metal plates comprising a portion of the bottom surface of the flange, wherein the magnetic connection is produced via the metal plate of the cartridge, and wherein the electrical connection is produced via the metal plate of the cartridge.

26. The cartridge according to claim 16, characterized in that Also includes: a flange located between the proximal end and the distal end of the mouthpiece portion; as well as a first pair of metal plates and a second pair of metal plates, the first pair of metal plates and the second pair of metal plates being located below the flange, wherein the magnetic connection is produced via the second pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and wherein the electrical connection is produced via the first pair of metal plates of the cartridge.

27. The cartridge according to claim 16, characterized in that Also includes: a flange located between the proximal end and the distal end of the mouthpiece portion; as well as a pair of metal plates, the metal plates being located below the flange, wherein the magnetic connection is produced via the pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and wherein the electrical connection is produced via the pair of metal plates of the cartridge.

28. The cartridge according to claim 16, characterized in that Also includes: a flange located between the proximal end and the distal end of the mouthpiece portion; as well as a pair of metal plates, the metal plates comprising a portion of the flange of the barrel, The magnetic connection is produced via the pair of metal plates of the cartridge, and the electrical connection is produced via the pair of metal plates of the cartridge.

29. The cartridge according to claim 16, characterized in that Also includes: a flange located between the proximal end and the distal end of the mouthpiece portion; a metal ring comprising a portion of the flange; as well as Pairs of conductive spring contacts, Wherein the magnetic connection is produced via the metal ring of the cartridge, and wherein the electrical connection is produced via the pair of conductive spring contacts of the cartridge.

30. The cartridge according to claim 16, characterized in that Also includes: a flange located between the proximal end and the distal end of the mouthpiece portion; as well as a pair of metal plates, the metal plates comprising a portion of the bottom surface of the flange, each of the metal plates including an integrated spring contact, wherein the magnetic connection is produced via the metal plate of the cartridge, and wherein the electrical connection is produced via the integrated spring contacts of the metal plate of the cartridge.

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