Non-nicotine electronic vaping device

Abstract

To provide a non-nicotine e-vaping device.SOLUTION: A non-nicotine e-vaping device includes a heater element, a power control circuit, and a memory module. The heater element is configured to heat a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation being devoid of nicotine and including at least one non-nicotine compound. The power control circuit is coupled to the heater element through a wire. The power control circuit is configured to apply a pulse width modulated power signal to the heater element through the wire, and to receive information over the wire. The memory module is configured to detect a plurality of pulses in the pulse width modulated power signal, record information based on the detected plurality of pulses, and output the recorded information to the power control circuit via the wire.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-nicotine electronic vaping device or non-nicotine e-vaping device. [Background technology]

[0002] A non-nicotine electronic vaping or non-nicotine e-vaping device includes a heating element that heats a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to produce a non-nicotine vapor.

[0003] The non-nicotine e-vaping device includes a power source, such as a rechargeable battery, disposed within the device. The power source is electrically connected to the heater. The power source provides power to the heater such that the heater is heated to a temperature sufficient to convert the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation into a non-nicotine vapor. The non-nicotine vapor exits the non-nicotine e-vaporizing device through a mouthpiece that includes at least one outlet. The non-nicotine e-vaporizing device may include a memory, such as a heat-resistant Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM). Summary of the Invention

[0004] At least one exemplary embodiment provides a non-nicotine e-vaping device comprising a heater element, a power control circuit, and a memory module. The heater element is configured to heat a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, where the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is nicotine-free and includes at least one non-nicotine compound. The power control circuit is coupled to the heater element via a wire and configured to apply a pulse-width modulated power signal to the heater element via the wire and to receive information via the wire. The memory module is configured to detect a plurality of pulses in the pulse-width modulated power signal, record information based on the detected plurality of pulses, and output the recorded information to the power control circuit via the wire.

[0005] At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a non-nicotine cartridge for a non-nicotine e-vaping device. The non-nicotine cartridge includes an array of fuses, a memory controller, a reservoir, and a heater element. Each fuse in the array of fuses is configured to open based on a threshold voltage. The memory controller is configured to receive a pulse-width modulated power signal via a wire and apply a voltage equal to or greater than the threshold voltage to one or more fuses in the array of fuses based on a plurality of pulses in the pulse-width modulated power signal. The reservoir is configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, where the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is nicotine-free and includes at least one non-nicotine compound. The heater element is configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation extracted from the reservoir, where the heater element is part of the wire.

[0006] At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a non-nicotine cartridge for a non-nicotine e-vaping device, the non-nicotine cartridge comprising a memory, a memory controller, a reservoir, and a heater element. The memory controller is coupled to the memory and configured to read information stored in the memory and output the information via the wire by modifying a pulse width modulated power signal carried by the wire. The reservoir is configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, where the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is nicotine-free and includes at least one non-nicotine compound. The heater element is configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation extracted from the reservoir, where the heater element is part of the wire.

[0007] At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a non-nicotine e-vapor device comprising a reservoir, a heater element, a power application circuit, and an integrated circuit. The reservoir is configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, where the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation does not include nicotine and includes at least one non-nicotine compound. The heater element is configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation extracted from the reservoir. The power application circuit is configured to output a pulse-width modulated power signal to the heater element via a wire, where the heater element is part of the wire. The integrated circuit includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and is configured to receive a data transmission via the wire and control the power application circuit to output the pulse-width modulated power signal by detecting a change in current in one or more pulses of the pulse-width modulated power signal.

[0008] At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a memory module for a non-nicotine cartridge of a non-nicotine e-vaping device, the memory module comprising an array of fuses and a memory controller, each fuse in the array of fuses configured to open based on a threshold voltage, the memory controller configured to receive a pulse-width modulated power signal via a wire and apply a voltage equal to or greater than the threshold voltage to one or more fuses in the array of fuses based on a plurality of pulses in the pulse-width modulated power signal.

[0009] At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a memory module for a non-nicotine cartridge of a non-nicotine e-vaping device, the memory module comprising: a memory; and a memory controller coupled to the memory and configured to read information stored in the memory and output the information over the wires by modifying a pulse width modulated power signal carried by the wires.

[0010] At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a power control circuit for a non-nicotine e-vaping device, the power control circuit comprising: a power application circuit; and an integrated circuit, the power application circuit configured to output a pulse width modulated power signal over a wire to a heater element, the integrated circuit including an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to receive a data transmission over the wire by detecting a change in current in one or more pulses of the pulse width modulated power signal and control the power application circuit to output the pulse width modulated power signal, where the heater element is part of the wire. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein will become more apparent upon consideration of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly stated. Various dimensions of the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a non-nicotine electronic vaping device or non-nicotine e-vaping device according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0013] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an electrical system of a non-nicotine e-vaping device and heater according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0014] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a memory module according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0015] [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a flow diagram illustrating a method for recording information in a memory module in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0016] [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a flow diagram illustrating a method for transmitting information to a body according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0017] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a fuse memory according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0018] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a time lapse diagram illustrating an example of a recording operation in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0019] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an example of a pulse width modulated signal according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0020] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is another example pulse width modulated signal according to at least one example embodiment.

[0021] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is another example pulse width modulated signal in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0022] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is another example pulse width modulated signal according to at least one example embodiment.

[0023] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is another example pulse width modulated signal according to at least one example embodiment.

[0024] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an example power circuit according to at least one example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Several detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing the exemplary embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to only the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0026] Thus, while exemplary embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the exemplary embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, in at least one exemplary embodiment, a non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 includes a body (or first section) 100 and a replaceable cartridge (or second section) 200. The first section 100 and the second section 200 may be coupled together. For example, the first section 100 and the second section 200 may be coupled together using a connector (not shown). The connector may include a male connector piece having mutual threads on the first section 100 and a female connector piece having mutual threads on the second section 200. The female connector and the male connector may be connected by turning the threads together. Alternatively, the connector may be a snug fit connector, a detent connector, a clamp connector, a clasp connector, or the like. Also, the positions of the male connector and the female connector may be reversed as desired, such that the female connector piece is part of the first section 100 and the male connector piece is part of the second section 200.

[0029] 1, first section 100 includes a power source 110, a power control circuit 120, a sensor 134, and an LED array 137. Power control circuit 120 includes a power circuit (or power application circuit) 124 and an integrated circuit 127.

[0030] The second section 200 includes a memory module 210, a reservoir 220, and a heater 240 (or heater element). The reservoir 220 is configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The power control circuitry 120 and the memory module 210 may be electrically connected via a power line 150. As described in more detail below, the power control circuitry 120 and the memory module 210 may communicate information via the power line 150. The power control circuitry 120 may also provide power to the heater 240 and the memory module 210 via the power line 150.

[0031] The power line 150 may be a single wire or multiple wires. The heater 240 may be part of the power line 150. The power line 150 may also include connecting elements and other conductive elements.

[0032] In some exemplary embodiments, one or both of the sensor 134 and the air inlet 160 may be included in the second section 200. The first section 100 may include a first outer housing 104. The second section 200 may include a second outer housing 204.

[0033] The integrated circuit 127 may control the power circuit 124, the sensor 134, and the LED array 137. The integrated circuit 127 may also receive a sensor signal from the sensor 134. The integrated circuit 127 may control the power circuit 124 and provide a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) power signal (or PWM power signal) over power line 150 to the heater 240 and the memory module 210.

[0034] The integrated circuit 127 may also receive information from the memory module 210 via the power line 150. The information received from the memory module 210 may indicate, for example, the level of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the reservoir 220. The integrated circuit 127 may control the LED array 137 to indicate the level of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation based on the received information. For example, the LED array 137 may include six LEDs. In this example, if the information received from the memory module 210 indicates that the reservoir 220 is half full, the integrated circuit 127 may control the LED array 137 to illuminate three of the six LEDs to indicate that the reservoir 220 is half full.

[0035] The sensor 134 may be a capacitive sensor capable of sensing an internal pressure drop within the first section 100. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the sensor 134 is configured to generate an output indicative of the magnitude and direction of airflow through the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10. In this example, the integrated circuit 127 receives the output of the sensor 134 and determines (1) whether the direction of the airflow indicates the application of negative pressure (e.g., drawing) to the air outlet 250 (versus positive pressure or blowing) and (2) whether the magnitude of the application of negative pressure exceeds a threshold level. The threshold level may be set based on empirical data. If these non-nicotine vaping conditions are met, the integrated circuit 127 controls the power circuit 124 to output a PWM signal to the heater 240 via the power line 150.

[0036] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the sensor 134 is described with respect to a capacitive sensor, but the sensor 134 may be any suitable pressure sensor, such as a Micro Electronic Mechanical System (MEMS) including a piezo-resistive or other pressure sensor.

[0037] The heater 240 may heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from the reservoir 220 by the wick 224. The wick 224 may draw the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir 220 (e.g., via capillary action), and the heater 240 may heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the central portion of the wick 224 to a temperature sufficient to vaporize it, thereby generating a non-nicotine vapor. As referred to herein, a non-nicotine vapor is any substance generated or output from any non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 according to any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. The airflow may carry the non-nicotine vapor out of the air outlet 250.

[0038] Additionally, in other exemplary embodiments, the air inlet 160 may be between the first section 100 and the second section 200. In some exemplary embodiments, the heater 240 may be in the first section 100.

[0039] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the reservoir 220 may include a storage medium, where the storage medium may be a fibrous material including at least one of cotton (e.g., a roll of cotton gauze), polyethylene, polyester, rayon, combinations thereof, and the like. In at least one other exemplary embodiment, the reservoir 220 may lack any storage medium and include a filled tank containing only the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The reservoir 220 may be sized and configured to hold sufficient non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation for the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 to be configured for non-nicotine vaping for at least about 1000 seconds. Also, the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 (more specifically, the integrated circuit 127) may be configured such that each puff lasts a maximum of about 5 seconds.

[0040] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is a material or combination of materials that can be converted into a non-nicotine vapor.

[0041] In at least one exemplary embodiment, flavoring (at least one flavorant) and / or non-nicotine compounds may be included in the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is a liquid, solid, dispersion and / or gel formulation that includes, but is not limited to, water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, botanical extracts, natural or artificial flavors, and / or at least one non-nicotine vapor former, such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0042] The non-nicotine compound does not include nicotine. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine compound does not include tobacco or compounds derived from tobacco. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine compound is cannabis or includes at least one cannabis-derived component. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the cannabis-derived component includes at least one of cannabis-derived cannabinoids (e.g., phytocannabinoids, or cannabinoids synthesized by the cannabis plant), at least one cannabis-derived terpene, at least one cannabis-derived flavonoid, or combinations thereof.

[0043] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine compound is in the form of or is included in a solid, semi-solid, gel, hydrogel, or a combination thereof, and the non-nicotine compound is injected into, mixed into, or combined with the non-nicotine prevapor formulation. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine compound is in the form of or is included in a liquid or partial liquid, including an extract, oil, tincture, suspension, dispersion, colloid, alcohol, general non-neutral (slightly acidic or slightly basic) solution, or a combination thereof, and the non-nicotine compound is injected into, mixed into, or combined with the non-nicotine prevapor formulation. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine compound is a component of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine prevapor formulation is in the form of or is part of a dispersion, suspension, gel, hydrogel, colloid, or a combination thereof, and the non-nicotine compound is a component of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation.

[0044] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine compound undergoes a slow, natural decarboxylation process over an extended period of time at low temperatures, including room temperature (e.g., 72° F.) or below. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine compound may undergo a significantly increased decarboxylation process, on the order of 50% or more decarboxylation, when the non-nicotine compound is exposed to elevated temperatures, particularly in the range of about 175° F. or above, for periods of time (minutes or hours, at relatively low pressures, such as 1 atmosphere). At even higher temperatures (above about 240° F.), rapid or instantaneous decarboxylation may occur with potentially high decarboxylation rates (50% or more), but at even higher temperatures, some or all of the chemical properties of the non-nicotine compound may be degraded.

[0045] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the at least one non-nicotine prevapor former of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation includes a diol (such as propylene glycol and / or 1,3-propanediol), glycerin, and combinations or subcombinations. Various amounts of the non-nicotine prevapor former may be used. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the at least one non-nicotine prevapor former is included in an amount ranging from about 20% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation to about 90% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation (e.g., the non-nicotine prevapor former is in the range of about 50% to about 80%, or about 55% to about 75%, or about 60% to about 70%), etc. As another example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine prevapor formulation includes a weight ratio of diol to glycerin in the range of about 1:4 to 4:1, where the diol is propylene glycol, or 1,3-propanediol, or a combination thereof. In at least one exemplary embodiment, this ratio is about 3:2, although other amounts or ranges may also be used.

[0046] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine prevapor formulation includes water. Various amounts of water may be used. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, water may be included in an amount ranging from about 5% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation to about 40% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation, or from about 10% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation to about 15% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation. Other amounts or percentages may also be used. For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the remainder of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation that is not water (and is not a non-nicotine compound and / or flavoring) is a non-nicotine prevapor former (as described above), where the non-nicotine prevapor former is 30% to 70% by weight propylene glycol, and the remainder of the non-nicotine prevapor former is glycerin. Other amounts or percentages may also be used.

[0047] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine prevapor formulation comprises at least one flavorant in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 15% by weight (e.g., the flavorant may range from about 1% to 12% by weight, about 2% to 10% by weight, or about 5% to 8% by weight). In at least one exemplary embodiment, the at least one flavorant comprises a volatile cannabis flavor compound (flavonoid). In at least one exemplary embodiment, the at least one flavorant comprises a flavor compound instead of or in addition to the cannabis flavor compound. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the at least one flavorant may be at least one of a natural flavor, an artificial flavor, or a combination of a natural flavor and an artificial flavor. For example, the at least one flavorant may comprise menthol, wintergreen, peppermint, cinnamon, clove, combinations thereof, and / or extracts thereof. Additionally, flavoring agents may be included to provide herbal flavors, fruit flavors, nut flavors, liqueur flavors, roasted flavors, mint flavors, savory flavors, combinations thereof, and any other desired flavors.

[0048] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine compound may be derived from a medicinal plant (e.g., a naturally occurring component of a plant that provides a medically recognized therapeutic effect). The medicinal plant may be a cannabis plant, and the component may be at least one cannabis-derived component. A cannabinoid (e.g., a phytocannabinoid) is an example of a cannabis-derived component, and cannabinoids interact with receptors in the body to produce a variety of effects. As a result, cannabinoids are ascribed a variety of medicinal properties. Cannabinoid-derived materials include leaf and / or flower material of one or more cannabis plants, or extracts from one or more cannabis plants. For example, the one or more cannabis plants may include Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine prevapor formulation comprises a mixture of cannabis and / or cannabis-derived components that is, or is derived from, 60-80% (e.g., 70%) Cannabis sativa and 20-40% (e.g., 30%) Cannabis indica.

[0049] Examples of cannabinoids derived from cannabis include tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol acid (CBDA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), etc. Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the precursor of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol acid (CBDA) is the precursor of cannabidiol (CBD). Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiol acid (CBDA) may be converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), respectively, via heating. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heat from heater 60 may cause decarboxylation to convert tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) in the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and / or may cause decarboxylation to convert cannabidiol acid (CBDa) in the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to cannabidiol (CBD).

[0050] When both tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are present in the non-nicotine prevapor formulation, decarboxylation and the resulting conversion reduces tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and increases tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). At least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) may be converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) via a decarboxylation process during heating of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation for vaporization. Similarly, in examples where both cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabidiol (CBD) are present in the non-nicotine prevapor formulation, decarboxylation and the resulting conversion reduces cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and increases cannabidiol (CBD). At least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of cannabidiol acid (CBDA) may be converted to cannabidiol (CBD) via a decarboxylation process during heating of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation for vaporization.

[0051] Non-nicotine prevapor formulations may include non-nicotine compounds that provide a medically recognized therapeutic effect (e.g., treatment of pain, nausea, epilepsy, psychiatric disorders). Details of the therapeutic methods are described in U.S. Application No. 15 / 845,501, entitled "VAPORIZING DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DELIVER A COMPOUND USING THE SAME," filed December 18, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0052]

[0053] Referring back to FIG. 1, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the wick 224 may include filaments (or threads) capable of drawing the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir 220. For example, the wick 224 may be a bundle of glass (or ceramic) filaments, a bundle including windings of glass filaments, etc., all of which may be capable of drawing the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation via capillary action due to the gaps between the filaments. The filaments may be arranged in a direction generally perpendicular (transverse) to the longitudinal direction of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the wick 224 may include 1-8 filament strands, each strand twisting together multiple glass filaments. The ends of the wick 224 are flexible and can be folded within the reservoir 220. The filaments may have a cross-section that is generally cross-shaped, clover-shaped, Y-shaped, or any other suitable shape.

[0054] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the wick 224 may include any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, glass, ceramic, or graphite-based materials. The wick 224 may have any suitable capillary attraction to accommodate non-nicotine pre-vapor formulations having different physical properties, such as density, viscosity, surface tension, vapor pressure, etc. The wick 224 may be conductive or non-conductive.

[0055] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heater 240 may include a coil of wire (heater coil) that at least partially surrounds the wick 224. The wire used to form the coil of wire may be metallic. The heater 240 may extend fully or partially along the length of the wick 224. The heater 240 may also extend fully or partially around the circumference of the wick 224. In some exemplary embodiments, the heater 240 may or may not be in contact (or in direct contact) with the wick 224.

[0056] In at least some other exemplary embodiments, heater 240 may be a flat body, a ceramic body, a solid wire, a mesh, a cage of resistive wire, or any other suitable form. More generally, heater 240 may be any heater configured to vaporize a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation.

[0057] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heater 240 can heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the wick 224 by thermal conduction. Alternatively, heat from the heater 240 can be conducted to the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation by a thermally conductive element, or the heater 240 can transfer heat to incoming ambient air that is drawn through the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 during non-nicotine vaping, which can heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation by convection.

[0058] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heater 240 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. Examples of suitable electrically resistive materials may include, but are not limited to, copper, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include, but are not limited to, alloys including stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum-titanium-zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, and stainless steel. For example, the heater 240 may be formed of nickel aluminide, materials having a layer of alumina on the surface, iron aluminide, and other composite materials, and the electrically resistive material may be optionally embedded, encapsulated, or coated in an insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the required external physicochemical properties. The heater 240 may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, superalloys, and combinations thereof. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heater 240 may be formed of a nickel-chromium alloy or an iron-chromium alloy. In another exemplary embodiment, the heater 240 may be a ceramic heater having an electrically resistive layer on its outer surface.

[0059] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the first outer housing 104 and the second outer housing 204 may have a generally cylindrical cross-section. In other exemplary embodiments, the first outer housing 104 and the second outer housing 204 may have a generally triangular, rectangular, oval, square, or polygonal cross-section. Additionally, the first outer housing 104 and the second outer housing 204 may have the same or different cross-sectional shapes, or the same or different sizes. As described herein, the first outer housing 104 and the second outer housing 204 may also be referred to as outer housings or main housings.

[0060] Although the exemplary embodiments may be described in some examples with respect to a first section 100 coupled to a second section 200, the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to these examples.

[0061] The first section 100 may be a reusable section of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10, where the reusable section may be rechargeable by an external charging device. Alternatively, the first section 100 may be disposable. In this example, the first section 100 may be used until the energy from the power source 110 is depleted (e.g., the energy falls below a threshold level).

[0062] Power source 110 may be a lithium ion battery or a variation of a lithium ion battery, such as a lithium ion polymer battery, and may be disposable or rechargeable.

[0063] The air inlet 160 may be one or more holes drilled into the first outer housing 104. The air inlet 160 allows for detection of a puff by the sensor 134 due to a change in pressure as air is drawn through the air inlet 160.

[0064] With respect to the air inlet 160, although one hole is shown in Figure 1, the exemplary embodiment should not be limited to this example. Rather, the first outer housing 104 may include any number of holes or air inlets 160. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the air inlet 160 may be sized and configured such that the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 has a resistance-to-draw (RTD) in the range of about 60 mmH2O to about 150 mmH2O.

[0065] The air outlet 250 may be one or more holes drilled into the second outer housing 204 or may be a separate mouthpiece provided at the end of the housing 204. Although one hole is shown in FIG. 1 for the air outlet 250, the exemplary embodiment should not be limited to this example. Rather, the second outer housing 204 may include any number of holes or air outlets 250. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the air outlet 250 may be sized and configured such that the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 has a resistance-to-draw (RTD) in the range of about 60 mmH2O to about 150 mmH2O.

[0066] There may be a continuous air passage between the air inlet 160 and the air outlet 250 such that air is drawn into the air inlet 160 , passes through the heater 240 , and exits through the air outlet 250 .

[0067] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an electrical system of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 according to at least one exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the power circuit 124 includes a transistor 125, and an output signal from an integrated circuit 127 is input to a gate of the transistor 125 via a control wire 130. The source of the transistor 125 may be connected to a rail 140. The rail 140 is connected to a power source 110, and the voltage applied to the rail is the voltage of the power source 110. The drain of the transistor 125 may be connected to a power line 150. In this configuration, the output signal from the integrated circuit 127 may switch the gate of the transistor 125 ON, allowing current from the power source 110 to pass through the power circuit 124. The power circuit 124 should not be limited to this example and may include other electrical circuit elements such as transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, combinations thereof, subcombinations thereof, etc. For example, FIG. 12 includes an alternative embodiment for the power circuit 124.

[0068] The integrated circuit 127 may specifically include a control unit 129. The control unit 129 may include a processing circuit, such as hardware including logic circuits, a hardware / software combination, such as a processor executing software, or a combination thereof. For example, the processing circuit may more specifically include, but is not limited to, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a System-on-Chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and the like.

[0069] In another exemplary embodiment, the integrated circuit 127 may be connected to a manually operable switch (not shown) for an adult vaper to activate the heater 240 .

[0070] It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 2, the integrated circuit 127 may further include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 128. The ADC 128 may be an oscillator-based converter. As described in more detail below, the ADC 128 may be connected to the power line 150 and configured to determine when the current through the power line 150 changes beyond a certain threshold. For example, the integrated circuit 127 (or the controller 129) via the ADC 128 may detect a first bit value (e.g., “1”) in response to determining that the current of the PWM signal changes beyond a threshold during a pulse of the PWM signal, and detect a second bit value (e.g., “0”) in response to determining that the current of the PWM signal does not change beyond a threshold during a pulse of the PWM signal. The first bit value “1” and the second bit value “0”, respectively, are used only as examples. In some exemplary embodiments, the first bit value and the second bit value may be reversed. The ADC 128 may output a signal based on the current detected through the power line 150. The integrated circuit 127 may determine what data has been transmitted based on the signal output from the ADC 128. The integrated circuit 127 may also be configured to receive information from the memory module 210 only via the power line 150. In this way, no additional electrical connection is required for data transmission between the control unit 212 and the integrated circuit 127.

[0071] The integrated circuit 127 may also determine a threshold value based on the load of the power circuit 124. For example, in a start-up phase, a series of bits "010101..." may be transmitted by varying the load of the memory module 210 during a series of pulses of the PWM signal. The integrated circuit 127 may measure the current of the data bits "0" and "1" and determine a threshold value for further transmission.

[0072] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the integrated circuit 127 may include a time period limiting portion for limiting the time period during which the PWM signal is continuously provided to the heater 240. The time period may be set or preset depending on the amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to be vaporized. As one example, the time period for the continuous application of the PWM signal to the heater 240 may be limited such that the heater 240 heats a portion of the wick 224 in less than about 10 seconds. As another example, the time period for the continuous application of the PWM signal to the heater 240 may be limited such that the heater 240 heats a portion of the wick 224 in about 5 seconds.

[0073] The operation of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 to generate a non-nicotine vapor when the first section 100 is coupled to the second section 200 will now be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 1, air is drawn primarily into the first section 100 via the air inlet 160 in response to the application of negative pressure to the air outlet 250 .

[0075] If the sensor 134 detects airflow through the first section 100 that exceeds a threshold, the sensor 134 sends a signal to the integrated circuit 127. In response to the signal from the sensor 134, the integrated circuit 127 controls the power circuit 124 to begin providing a PWM signal to the heater 240, which causes the heater 240 to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation on the wick 224 to generate a non-nicotine vapor.

[0076] Air drawn in through air inlet 160 enters first outer housing 104 , passes through heater 240 , and flows through air outlet 250 .

[0077] Air flowing past heater 240 combines and / or mixes with the non-nicotine vapor produced by heater 240 and the air vapor mixture passes through air outlet 250.

[0078] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the PWM signal may be generated by integrated circuit 127 by intermittently applying a voltage to the gate of a transistor in power circuit 124.

[0079] 3 is a diagram of a memory module 210 according to at least one exemplary embodiment. FIGs. 2 and 3 are connected at node 260N.

[0080] The memory module 210 may be directly or indirectly connected to the power line 150. The memory module 210 may include a regulator 215, a controller (or memory controller) 212, a fuse memory 217, and an additional load 219.

[0081] The regulator 215 may be directly or indirectly connected to the power line 150 and may be configured to charge a decoupling capacitor (not shown) in the regulator 215 and provide power to the controller 212. In some exemplary embodiments, the regulator 215 may be omitted. The controller 212 may also be directly or indirectly connected to the power line 150. The controller 212 may be configured to receive data transmitted over the power line 150 (via node 260N) based on the PWM signal. Exemplary methods and protocols by which the controller 212 may receive data based on the PWM signal are described below with reference to FIGS. 7-11. The controller 212 may operate using power received directly from the PWM signal or may operate using power received from the regulator 215 in gaps between pulses of the PWM signal. The memory module 210 may be configured to receive power only from the PWM signal over the power line 150.

[0082] The control unit 212 may include a processing circuit such as hardware including a logic circuit, a combination of hardware / software such as a processor executing software, or a combination thereof. For example, the processing circuit may more specifically include, but is not limited to, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a System-on-Chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and the like.

[0083] As will be described in more detail below with respect to Figures 7-11, the control unit 212 may transmit data over the power line 150 by selectively connecting or disconnecting the additional load 219 to or from the power line 150 (e.g., connecting the additional load 219 to the power line 150 during a portion of a pulse of the PWM signal to indicate a first bit value ("1") and not connecting the additional load 219 to the power line 150 during a pulse of the PWM signal to indicate a second bit value ("0").

[0084] The control unit 212 may also record the received information in the fuse memory 217 by applying a voltage to a fuse included in the fuse memory 217. The fuse memory 217 may include an array of fuses. Each fuse included in the array of fuses can be opened by applying a voltage to the fuse that exceeds a set voltage. For example, the fuses may have a set voltage of about 2 volts to open the fuse. The control unit 212 may be configured to apply a voltage to the fuse that exceeds a set voltage (in this example, more than 2 volts) to open the fuses in the fuse array. As an example, the fuse memory 217 may include an array of 1024 fuses, where the first 1016 fuses are dedicated to recording information related to the amount of non-nicotine prevapor formulation left in the reservoir 220, and the remaining 8 fuses are dedicated to storing other information, such as a product identifier, a serial number, etc.

[0085] The additional load 219 may be connected between the power line 150 and ground. The additional load 219 may be a transistor 220 with a gate of the transistor 220 connected to the control unit 212. As an example, the transistor 220 may be an NMOS transistor. As another example, the transistor 220 may be a PMOS transistor.

[0086] The additional load may also be implemented in other configurations. For example, the additional load 219 may include a number of transistors, resistors, capacitors, combinations thereof, or subcombinations thereof.

[0087] 4A is a flow diagram illustrating a method of recording information in the memory module 210 according to at least one exemplary embodiment. For illustrative purposes, the method shown in FIG. 4A will be described with respect to the non-nicotine e-vaping device and electrical system shown in FIGS. 1-3.

[0088] In S310, the power control circuit 120 outputs a PWM signal to the control unit 212 via the power line 150 based on the battery voltage. The power control circuit 120 may output the PWM signal in response to a signal from the sensor 134. The PWM signal may be a rectangular PWM signal and may include an embedded signal. The PWM signal is received by the control unit 212 via the power line 150.

[0089] In S320, the control unit 212 obtains information from the PWM signal. For example, the control unit 212 may detect the number of pulses of the PWM signal and determine the time (operation time) during which the heater 240 is operating based on the detected number of pulses. The control unit 212 may also determine the information to be recorded based on the detected number of pulses or the time during which the heater 240 is operating. As another example, the control unit 212 may detect a signal embedded in the PWM signal and determine the information to be recorded based on the signal embedded in the PWM signal. Exemplary methods and protocols for embedding a signal in the PWM signal will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11.

[0090] In S330, the control unit 212 records the acquired information. For example, the acquired information may be the time that the heater 240 is operating, and the control unit 212 may open one fuse in the fuse memory 217 for each second that the heater 240 is operating based on the number of pulses of the PWM signal. As another example, the control unit 212 may open some fuses based on information carried by a signal embedded in the PWM signal. For example, the embedded signal may include an indication of the number of fuses to open. The embedded signal may also include other commands, such as requesting the memory 217 to transmit a signal indicating the number of fuses already opened in the fuse portion dedicated to the amount of non-nicotine prevapor formulation in the reservoir 220. Alternatively, the control unit 212 may be programmed to transmit data indicating the number of fuses already opened if the PWM signal continues for at least a set number of pulses.

[0091] FIG. 4B is a flow diagram illustrating a method for transmitting information to a main body according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0092] In S340, the control unit 212 may transmit data over the power line 150 by changing the load of the power circuit 124 while the PWM signal is output by the power control circuit 120. Since the battery acts as a voltage source, a change in the load changes the current drawn over the power line 150. The change in the load may be achieved by connecting an additional load 219 to the power line 150. For example, the additional load 219 may include a transistor 220. The transistor 220 may be turned on by the control unit 212 applying a voltage to a gate of the transistor 219. The transistor 220 may be connected between the power line 150 and ground. When the transistor 220 is turned on, the current flowing through the power line 150 increases. Thus, the control unit 212 may change the load of the power circuit 124 by turning on the transistor 220. In this manner, the control unit 212 may communicate information by selectively changing the load of the power circuit 124 (e.g., turning on / off the transistor 220) during a PWM clock cycle. In this manner, control unit 212 may output the information recorded in fuse memory 217 to power control circuit 120 via power line 150. That is, control unit 212 may output the recorded information via power line 150 while power control circuit 120 is outputting a PWM signal to heater 240 via power line 150. Exemplary methods and protocols for transmitting or communicating information by selectively changing the load of power circuit 124 are described below with reference to FIGS. 7-11.

[0093] In S350, the integrated circuit 127 (via the ADC 128) detects the transmitted data by measuring the current of the PWM signal in response to a change in current caused by the connection of the additional load 219 by the control unit 212. That is, for example, the integrated circuit 127 senses a change in the current drawn through the power line 150 and detects the transmitted data based on the sensed change in the current drawn through the power line 150. The data may include one or more last bits as a checksum (e.g., including at least one parity or validation bit).

[0094] In S360, integrated circuit 127 determines whether the data has been received without error. Integrated circuit 127 may use one or more checksum bits to check the sum of previously received bits against a checksum to determine whether the data has been received without error. Methods for using a checksum to determine whether data has been received correctly are known and will not be described further.

[0095] If the integrated circuit 127 determines in S360 that the data was received without error, the integrated circuit 127 may control the power circuit 124 to transmit an acknowledgment of receipt via a PWM signal in S370. The acknowledgment may be embedded in the PWM signal. Alternatively, the acknowledgment may be received by simply transmitting a pulse set in the PWM signal. Exemplary methods and protocols for embedding information (e.g., acknowledgment information or bit(s)) in the PWM signal are described below with reference to FIGS. 7-11.

[0096] Returning to S360, if the integrated circuit 127 determines that the data was received in error (e.g., the checksum failed), the integrated circuit 127 may control the power circuit 124 to send a request to resend the data (negative acknowledgement) via the PWM signal. The request may be embedded in the PWM signal, as described in more detail below with reference to Figures 7-11. Alternatively, the request to resend the data may be sent by shortening the set pulse of the PWM signal, as described in more detail below. Based on the request to resend the data (or negative acknowledgement), the memory module 210 may resend the data.

[0097] Using the same or substantially the same operations, integrated circuit 127 may request and receive information stored in fuse memory 217 (eg, a product identifier, a serial number, a combination thereof, etc.).

[0098] The integrated circuit 127 may determine the number of LEDs to activate in the LED array 137 based on the data. For example, the data may indicate the total number of seconds the heater 240 has been active (as indicated by the data stored in the fuse memory 217). The integrated circuit 127 may determine the percentage (or fraction) of the total time the heater 240 may be active before the reservoir 220 is depleted (e.g., all or substantially all of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored in the reservoir 220 is vaporized, the reservoir 220 is empty, or falls below a threshold level), represented by the total number of seconds the heater 240 was active, and cause the LED array 137 to activate the same percentage of LEDs. The integrated circuit 127 may know in advance or determine the total time the heater 240 may be active before the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored in the reservoir 220 is depleted in a number of different ways. For example, the data may indicate a total number of seconds that the heater 240 may be activated before the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored in the reservoir 220 is depleted. As another example, the integrated circuit 127 may pre-program the number of seconds that the heater 240 may be activated before the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the reservoir 220 is depleted. As yet another example, the integrated circuit 127 may pre-program the number of seconds that the heater 240 may be active for a particular product type before the reservoir 220 is depleted. In this case, the integrated circuit 127 may request the product type from the memory module 210 and determine the number of seconds based on the identified product type.

[0099] As another example, the controller 212 may determine the number of LEDs in the LED array 137 to activate based on the above-mentioned ratio, and the controller 212 may send data indicating the determined number of LEDs in the LED array 137 to the integrated circuit 127. The integrated circuit 127 may activate the LEDs in the LED array 137 according to the number indicated in the data.

[0100] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of fuse memory 217 according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0101] As discussed above, the fuse memory 217 may include an array of fuses. For example, the array of fuses may include 1024 fuses. The reservoir 220 may include enough non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to cause the heater 240 to vaporize the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation for approximately 1016 seconds. A first portion of the fuse array (e.g., 1016 fuses) may indicate a total operating time of the heater 240. A second portion (e.g., 8 fuses) may store other information, such as a product identifier or serial number of the cartridge 200. The number of fuses in a section of the fuse memory 217 need not correlate one-to-one with the number of seconds the heater 240 will actively heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to generate a non-nicotine vapor before the reservoir 220 is depleted, but may correlate to any time. For example, if the reservoir 220 only holds enough non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation for the heater 240 to operate for approximately 508 seconds before the reservoir 220 is depleted, the first portion of the fuse array may still include 1016 fuses, each representing 0.5 seconds of total operating time of the heater 240.

[0102] The fuse array may store other information in a second portion and may include information indicative of at least one flavor of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation, a date, or other information associated with the cartridge 200.

[0103] FIG. 6 is a time lapse diagram illustrating the recording of information in fuse memory 217 in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0104] FIG. 6 shows that the control unit 212 n Each time t i shows an example of how to apply a set voltage to one of the fuses. For example, each time t i From the next time t i+1If the time to open is 1 second and the period of the PWM signal is 50 ms, then the controller 212 may apply a set voltage across one of the fuses after 20 pulses are received at time t1. Then the controller 212 may apply a set voltage across a second fuse after 20 more pulses are received at time t2. In this manner, one fuse is opened for each set of 20 pulses received by the heater 240 and the controller 212.

[0105] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the fuse is permanently open and does not require a voltage to be maintained to hold an open or closed position. Therefore, the fuse memory 217 is non-volatile. Therefore, even after the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 is turned off and turned on again, the control unit 212 can continue to record information regarding the total operating time of the heater 240 by continuing to open one fuse at each time t. Also, the ability of the fuse to hold an open or closed state is not significantly affected by the heat generated by the heater 240. As a result, the above-mentioned fuse memory 217 can hold information without a constant voltage and without being significantly affected by the heat generated by the heater 240. Also, fuse memories are generally less expensive than heat-resistant Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM).

[0106] The controller 212 may be configured to determine which fuses are not open so as to know which fuse to open next. The controller 212 may also determine the number of fuses already open in the portion of the reservoir 220 dedicated to the amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in order to respond to a request for the memory module 210 to transmit a signal indicating the amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation remaining in the reservoir 220.

[0107] 7 is an example of a PWM signal according to at least one exemplary embodiment. FIG 8 is another example PWM signal according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0108] 7 and 8, power control circuit 120 and memory module 210 may communicate according to a first protocol. The top graph shows the current through power line 150, the middle graph shows the voltage on power line 150, and the third graph shows the PWM clock cycles.

[0109] In the first protocol, the PWM signal may not include an embedded signal from the power control circuit 120 .

[0110] The memory module 210 may count the number of pulses received in the PWM signal to determine when to open a fuse in the fuse memory 217 .

[0111] The control unit 212 may transmit the data after scanning the data stored in the fuse memory 217. Scanning the fuse memory 217 may take approximately 10 PWM clock cycles.

[0112] After scanning the fuse memory 217, the control unit 212 transmits formulation data indicating the number of fuses in the first portion of the fuse memory 217 that are still open. D9-D0: Non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation remaining in the reservoir 220.

[0113] After the formulation data portion, the control unit 212 transmits the product identifier or serial number stored in the second section of the fuse memory 217. P7 to P0: Product identifier or serial number.

[0114] After the product identifier or serial number, the control unit 212 transmits two checksum or parity bits: C1-C0: Checksum.

[0115] If all information is correctly received by the power control circuit 120, the integrated circuit 127 controls the power circuit 124 to send a full PWM pulse in an acknowledgement (ACK) PWM clock cycle, as shown in Fig. 8. If all information is not correctly received by the power control circuit 120, the integrated circuit 127 controls the power circuit 124 to send a short PWM pulse (negative acknowledgement) in an acknowledgement (ACK) PWM clock cycle, as shown in Fig. 7. The short PWM pulse may have a shorter length than the previous pulse of the PWM signal (e.g., less than half a PWM clock cycle).

[0116] In FIG. 7, in response to a short pulse of the ACK PWM clock cycle, the transmitted data (including the data portion, the product identifier or serial number, the checksum, any combination thereof, or any subcombination thereof) is retransmitted.

[0117] As described above, the controller 212 may connect an additional load 219 to increase the current through the power line 150 to transmit data. For example, in Fig. 7, the current graphs of D9, D0, P1, and C1 indicate that a data bit "1" is transmitted, while the current graphs of D8, P7, P0, and C0 indicate that a bit "0" is transmitted. The controller 212 is configured to output the data by connecting the additional load 219 to the power line 150 during a portion of a pulse of the PWM signal to indicate a first bit value ("1") and not connecting the additional load 219 to the power line 150 during a portion of a pulse of the PWM signal to indicate a second bit value ("0").

[0118] 9 is another example PWM signal according to at least one example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, power control circuit 120 and memory module 210 may communicate according to a second protocol. The hardware used to communicate using the second protocol may be the same or substantially the same as the hardware used to communicate using the first protocol.

[0119] In the second protocol, the power control circuitry 120 may communicate with the memory module 210 by modifying the pulse width of the PWM signal. For example, in the first mode, the power control circuitry 120 may modify the pulse to have a width greater than 50% of the PWM clock cycle to indicate a "1". In the second mode, the power control circuitry 120 may modify the pulse to have a width less than 50% of the PWM clock cycle to indicate a "0". The memory module 210 (more specifically, the control unit 212) may be configured to detect one pulse width in the PWM signal and record information based on the pulse width. Furthermore, the memory module 210 may be configured to detect each pulse width in the PWM signal and record information based on the pulse width.

[0120] In the second protocol, power control circuitry 120 and memory module 210 may alternate which device communicates over power line 150. For example, power control circuitry 120 may communicate 10 bits in the first 10 PWM clock cycles and memory module 210 may communicate 10 bits in the second 10 PWM clock cycles. In the second protocol, memory module 210 may communicate in the same or substantially the same manner as described above with reference to FIG. 4B by selectively connecting load 219 during PWM clock cycles.

[0121] Alternatively, both power control circuitry 120 and memory module 210 may transmit information in the same PWM cycle using a combination of the methods described with reference to Figures 7-9. As an example, the length of the pulse may indicate the information being transmitted from power control circuitry 120, and the current through power line 150 may indicate the information being transmitted by memory module 210.

[0122] 9, the first graph shows data transmitted by the power control circuit 120 by changing the pulse length of the PWM signal. The second and third graphs show the voltage and current on the power line 150 when the memory module 210 communicates data by connecting / disconnecting the additional load 219.

[0123] 10 is another example PWM signal according to at least one example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, power control circuit 120 and memory module 210 may communicate according to a third protocol. In the third protocol, each PWM clock cycle may be divided into four sections: transmit, idle, receive, and off.

[0124] In the transmit section, the power control circuit 120 may modulate the voltage of the PWM signal to transfer data. Multiple bits of data may be transmitted in the transmit section of each pulse of the PWM signal. The transmit section may include multiple data PWM cycles in which a single bit is transmitted. As an example, a short pulse with a low voltage may indicate a "1" and a long pulse with a high voltage may indicate a "0". For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a short pulse with a lower voltage in cycle 1 may indicate a "1" and a longer pulse in cycle 2 may indicate a "0".

[0125] During the idle and receive sections of the PWM clock cycle, the voltage may be at the higher of two voltage levels. During the receive section, the memory module 210 may communicate multiple data bits by selectively connecting additional loads 219 to the power line 150 to draw extra current through the power line 150. A shorter pulse of lower current may indicate a "1," as shown in data PWM cycle 1, and a longer pulse of lower current may indicate a "0," as shown in data PWM cycle 2.

[0126] In the off section, the PWM signal may be at zero volts and zero amps.

[0127] FIG. 11 is another example PWM signal according to at least one example embodiment.

[0128] 11, power control circuit 120 and memory module 210 may communicate according to a fourth protocol, in which each PWM clock cycle may be divided into four sections, similar to the third protocol.

[0129] Unlike the third protocol, data may be transmitted by varying the pulse frequency of a lower voltage (in the case of power control circuit 120) or a higher current (in the case of memory module 210). As an example, a group of pulses having a high frequency may indicate a "1" and one or more pulses of a low frequency may indicate a "0". Memory module 210 (more specifically, controller 212) may be configured to detect the pulse frequency of the PWM signal and record information based on the pulse frequency.

[0130] FIG. 12 is an exemplary power circuit 124 according to at least one exemplary embodiment. The power circuit 124 may include an operational amplifier 126, a transistor 125′, and resistors R1 and R2 arranged as a voltage divider. The operational amplifier 126 may receive an output signal from an integrated circuit 127 at a negative input terminal of the operational amplifier 126. The negative input terminal is connected to a control wire 130. The output of the operational amplifier 126 may be input to a gate of the transistor 125′. The operational amplifier 126 may also receive a feedback voltage at a positive input terminal of the operational amplifier 126. The feedback voltage may be a voltage at a node between resistors R1 and R2. The transistor 125′ may have a source connected to the rail 140 and a drain connected to a power line 150. The resistor R1 may also be connected between the power line 150 and resistor R2. The resistor R2 may be connected between resistor R1 and ground.

[0131] In one exemplary embodiment, resistors R1 and R2 may have equal resistance values. When resistors R1 and R2 are equal, the voltage applied to power line 150 is twice the voltage of the output signal from integrated circuit 127. Thus, the integrated circuit may control the voltage applied to power line 150 to any voltage between ground and the voltage of rail 140 based on the output signal from integrated circuit 127.

[0132] In the above-mentioned third or fourth protocol example, the integrated circuit 127 may control the power circuit 124 shown in Fig. 12 to output an output signal alternately between two other voltage levels, thereby applying a PWM signal having two voltage levels to the power line 150. Note that the two other voltage levels may be half of the two voltage levels applied to the power line 150 when the resistance values ​​of the resistors R1 and R2 are equal.

[0133] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," "coupled to," or "covering" another element or layer, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to, coupled to, attached to, adjacent to, or covering the other element or layer, or that intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. As used herein, like numbers refer to like elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0134] In this specification, terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but it should be understood that these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section described below can be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0135] For ease of description, spatially relative terms (e.g., "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," etc.) may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as depicted in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use and operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" may encompass both an orientation above and below. Also, the device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees, oriented in other directions, etc.) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein would be interpreted accordingly.

[0136] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing various exemplary embodiments only and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further understood that the terms "includes," "including," "comprises," and / or "comprising," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0137] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of exemplary embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations are expected as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Thus, exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but should include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

[0138] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the illustrated embodiment belongs. Furthermore, terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0139] Although exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations are possible. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications that would be apparent to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A non-nicotine e-vaping device comprising: A heater element, a power control circuit, and a memory module, the heater element is configured to heat a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, wherein the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is free of nicotine and includes at least one non-nicotine compound; the power control circuit is coupled to the heater element via wires and configured to apply a pulse width modulated power signal to the heater element via the wires and to receive information via the wires; The memory module includes: Detecting a plurality of pulses in the pulse width modulated power signal; recording information based on the detected plurality of pulses; configured to output the recorded information to the power control circuit via the wire.

2. 2. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, The memory module is configured to output the stored information via the wires while the power control circuit outputs the pulse width modulated power signal via the wires to the heater element.

3. 2. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, The memory module includes: Detecting the number of pulses included in the plurality of pulses; configured to record the information based on the number of pulses.

4. 2. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, The memory module includes: Detecting pulse widths contained in the plurality of pulses; configured to record the information based on the pulse widths contained in the plurality of pulses.

5. 2. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, The memory module includes: detecting a pulse frequency contained in the plurality of pulses; configured to record the information based on the pulse frequency contained in the plurality of pulses.

6. 2. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, The memory module includes: a fuse memory having an array of fuses; configured to record the information by opening at least one fuse in the array of fuses.

7. 7. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 6, The memory module is configured to store the information by opening a fuse every set number of pulses in the pulse-width modulated power signal.

8. 8. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 7, The memory module is configured to store additional information indicative of at least one of an identifier, a flavor of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation, a date, or a combination thereof.

9. 2. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, The power control circuit is configured to apply the pulse width modulated power signal in response to application of a negative pressure to the non-nicotine e-vaping device.

10. 2. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, the memory module is further configured to receive power only from the pulse width modulated power signal; The power control circuit is configured to receive the information only via the wire.

11. 2. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, the memory module is configured to output the stored information to the power control circuit by selectively connecting a load to the wire; The power control circuit is configured to receive the recorded information by detecting a change in current passing through the wire as a result of selectively connecting the load.

12. 2. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, The memory module is configured to output the recorded information by increasing a current passing through the wire during at least one pulse of the pulse-width modulated power signal.

13. 2. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, Further comprising a cartridge; the cartridge comprises the memory module and a reservoir, the reservoir configured to hold the non-nicotine prevapor formulation; The non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation comprises a non-nicotine vapor former and at least one non-nicotine compound.

14. 2. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, The at least one non-nicotine compound is cannabis, at least one cannabis-derived component, or both cannabis and at least one cannabis-derived component.

15. 1. A memory module for a non-nicotine cartridge of a non-nicotine e-vaping device, comprising: an array of fuses; and a memory controller; each fuse in the array of fuses is configured to open based on a threshold voltage; The memory control unit receiving a pulse width modulated power signal over the wire; configured to apply a voltage equal to or greater than the threshold voltage to one or more fuses in the array of fuses based on a plurality of pulses in the pulse-width modulated power signal.

16. 16. The memory module of claim 15, The memory control unit storing information in the array of fuses based on the plurality of pulses; Configured to store at least one of an identifier, a flavor of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation, a date, or a combination thereof.

17. 16. The memory module of claim 15, The memory controller is configured to apply the voltage to fuses in the array of fuses for every set number of pulses in the plurality of pulses.

18. 16. The memory module of claim 15, The memory control unit detecting a pulse frequency contained in the plurality of pulses; configured to apply the voltage equal to or greater than the threshold voltage to one or more fuses in the array of fuses to record information in the array of fuses based on the pulse frequency.

19. 16. The memory module of claim 15, The memory control unit Detecting pulse widths contained in the plurality of pulses; configured to apply the voltage equal to or greater than the threshold voltage to one or more fuses in the array of fuses to record information based on the pulse widths included in the plurality of pulses.

20. 16. The memory module of claim 15, The memory controller is further configured to receive information from outside the memory controller only via the wires.

21. 16. The memory module of claim 15, The memory controller is further configured to receive power only via the pulse width modulated power signal.

22. A non-nicotine cartridge, comprising: A memory module according to claim 15, a reservoir, and a heater element, the reservoir is configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, wherein the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is free of nicotine and includes at least one non-nicotine compound; The heater element is configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation extracted from the reservoir, wherein the heater element is part of the wire.

23. 23. The non-nicotine cartridge of claim 22, The non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation comprises a non-nicotine vapor former and at least one non-nicotine compound.

24. 23. The non-nicotine cartridge of claim 22, The at least one non-nicotine compound is cannabis, at least one cannabis-derived component, or both cannabis and at least one cannabis-derived component.

25. 1. A memory module for a non-nicotine cartridge of a non-nicotine e-vaping device, comprising: A memory and a memory control unit, The memory control unit coupled to the memory; Reading the information stored in the memory; configured to output said information over wires by modifying a pulse width modulated power signal carried by said wires.

26. 26. The memory module of claim 25, The memory controller is configured to output the information by varying a current of at least one pulse of the pulse width modulated power signal.

27. 27. The memory module of claim 26, The memory controller is further configured to output a checksum after transmitting the information.

28. 28. The memory module of claim 27, The memory controller is further configured to retransmit the information in response to a negative acknowledgment transmission indicating that the information was not correctly received.

29. 30. The memory module of claim 28, The negative acknowledgement transmission is a pulse in the pulse width modulated power signal having a shorter length than a previous pulse of the pulse width modulated power signal.

30. 26. The memory module of claim 25, The memory control unit connecting a load to the wire during a pulse of the pulse width modulated power signal to indicate a first bit value; indicating a second bit value that does not connect a load to the wire during a pulse of the pulse width modulated power signal; Further configured to output the information.

31. 26. The memory module of claim 25, The memory controller is configured to output the information by selectively connecting a load to the wire.

32. A non-nicotine cartridge, comprising:

26. A system comprising: the memory module of claim 25; a reservoir; and a heater element; the reservoir is configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, wherein the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is free of nicotine and includes at least one non-nicotine compound; The heater element is configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation extracted from the reservoir, wherein the heater element is a portion of a wire.

33. 33. The non-nicotine cartridge of claim 32, The non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation comprises a non-nicotine vapor former and at least one non-nicotine compound.

34. 33. The non-nicotine cartridge of claim 32, The at least one non-nicotine compound is cannabis, at least one cannabis-derived component, or both cannabis and at least one cannabis-derived component.

35. 1. A power control circuit for a non-nicotine e-vaping device, comprising: A power application circuit and an integrated circuit, the power application circuit is configured to output a pulse width modulated power signal over a wire to a heater element; The integrated circuit comprises: an analog-to-digital converter (ADC); receiving a data transmission over the wire by detecting a change in current in one or more pulses of the pulse width modulated power signal; configured to control the power application circuitry to output the pulse width modulated power signal, wherein the heater element is a portion of a wire.

36. 36. The power control circuit of claim 35, The integrated circuit is configured to control the power application circuit to output a first pulse having a first pulse length in response to determining that the data transmission is not correctly received, where the first pulse length is shorter than a second pulse length of a pulse of the pulse width modulated power signal that precedes the first pulse.

37. 36. The power control circuit of claim 35, the data transmission is a digital signal; The integrated circuit comprises: detecting a first bit value in response to determining that the pulse width modulated power signal changes by more than a threshold during a pulse of the pulse width modulated power signal; and further configured to detect a second bit value in response to determining that the current of the pulse-width modulated power signal does not change by more than the threshold during a pulse of the pulse-width modulated power signal.

38. 38. The power control circuit of claim 37, The integrated circuit is further configured to determine the threshold based on a load of the power application circuit.

39. 36. The power control circuit of claim 35, the integrated circuit controls the power application circuit to output power to the heater element in a first mode and a second mode; the pulses of the pulse width modulated power signal have a first pulse width in the first mode; The pulses of the pulse width modulated power signal have a second pulse width in the second mode, the second pulse width being less than the first pulse width.

40. 36. The power control circuit of claim 35, The data transmission indicates a level of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation in the reservoir.

41. 41. The power control circuit of claim 40, The integrated circuit is further configured to output an indication of the level of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation based on the data transmission.

42. 1. A non-nicotine e-vaping device comprising:

36. A power control circuit as claimed in claim 35, a reservoir, and a heater element, the reservoir is configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, wherein the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is free of nicotine and includes at least one non-nicotine compound; The heater element is configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation extracted from the reservoir, wherein the heater element is part of the wire.

43. 36. The power control circuit of claim 35, The integrated circuit is configured to control the power application circuit to output the pulse width modulated power signal such that information is conveyed by varying a pulse width in the pulse width modulated power signal.

44. 36. The power control circuit of claim 35, The integrated circuit is configured to control the power application circuit to output the pulse width modulated power signal such that information is conveyed by varying a pulse frequency in the pulse width modulated power signal.

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