Product usage and behavior monitoring equipment

Abstract

This device can be added to various e-smoking products and provides the ability to monitor and capture the usage of individual users and e-smoking products under normal conditions. [Solution] The product use and behavior device 100 includes a housing that defines a central compartment. A control device 102 is positioned within the central compartment. The control device includes a connector 110. The connector is configured to connect the product use and behavior device to an e-smoking article in an operable and detachable manner. The e-smoking article includes a heating element for heating a tobacco product. The e-smoking article includes a battery 118. A sensor circuit 116 is structured to collect at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior. Smoking behavior is associated with the use of at least one of the heating element and the battery. Local memory is structured to store at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 892,151, filed Feb. 8, 2018, and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 710,681, filed Sep. 20, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to aerosol delivery articles and their use for obtaining tobacco components or other materials in an inhalable form. The articles can be made from tobacco, derived from tobacco, or otherwise incorporate tobacco for human consumption. More particularly, the present invention generally relates to the field of electronic smoking articles or electric smoking articles.

Background Art

[0003] Over the years, numerous smoking devices have been proposed as improvements or alternatives to smoking products that require the combustion of tobacco for use. Many of these devices are designed to provide a sensation associated with smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, but are said not to deliver the substantial amounts of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products that result from the combustion of tobacco. For this purpose, many smoking products, flavor generators, and medicinal inhalers (e.g., "heated" products) have been proposed that utilize electrical energy to vaporize or heat volatile materials or attempt to provide the sensation of smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes without significantly burning tobacco. For example, see the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and heat sources described in the background art described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 by Griffith Jr. et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 by Sebastian et al., U.S. Patent Application No. 5,060,671 by Counts et al., U.S. Patent Application No. 9,016,274 by White, U.S. Patent Application No. 9,078,474 by Thompson, U.S. Patent Application No. 2014 / 0060554 by Collett et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 by Sears et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096782 by Ampolini et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0059780 by Davis et al., which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference. See also, for example, the various embodiments of the product and heating configuration described in the background art sections of U.S. Patent No. 5,388,594 by Counts et al. and U.S. Patent No. 8,079,371 by Robinson et al., which are incorporated in their entirety by reference.For example, Robinson et al.'s U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0040930 (U.S. Patent No. 9,814,268), Banerjee et al.'s U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0016549, Banerjee et al.'s U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0073687 (U.S. Patent No. 9,220,301), Banerjee et al.'s U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0065075 (U.S. Patent No. 8,469,035), Banerjee et al.'s U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0180082 (U.S. Patent No. 8,617,263), Sebastian et al.'s U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0041861 (U.S. Patent No. 8,464,726), Sebastian et al.'s U.S. Patent Application See the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and heated sources described in the background art of U.S. Patent Application No. 2013 / 0233329 (U.S. Patent No. 9,486,013), U.S. Patent Application No. 2011 / 0271972 (U.S. Patent No. 8,424,538) by Thomas et al., U.S. Patent Application No. 2012 / 0067360 by Conner et al., U.S. Patent Application No. 2013 / 0269720 (U.S. Patent No. 9,345,268) by Stone et al., U.S. Patent Application No. 2015 / 0157052 by Ademe et al., U.S. Patent Application No. 2017 / 0000188 by Nordskog et al., or U.S. Patent Application No. 2017 / 0238607 by Nordskog et al.

[0004] A typical electronic smoking article or electric smoking article (e.g., e-cigarette, e-cigarette, etc.) (collectively referred to herein as “electronic smoking article”) often includes a liquid storage component for containing an aerosol precursor material (e.g., an aerosol-forming agent, liquid smoke, etc.), a vaporization chamber having a heating coil fitted for vaporizing the aerosol precursor material, and a battery for powering the device. The aerosol precursor material typically includes a mixture of propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, water, and flavorings. Various electronic smoking articles have a single device, commonly called a cartomizer, that houses both the heating element and the aerosol precursor material in one unit.

[0005] Certain tobacco products, in particular known as e-cigarettes or e-smoking articles, which use electrical energy to generate heat for smoke or aerosol formation, are commercially available worldwide. Representative products that share many of the attributes of conventional cigarettes, cigars, or pipes include ACCORD(R) by Philip Morris Incorporated, ALPHA(TM), JOYE 510(TM), and M4(TM) by InnoVapor LLC, CIRRUS(TM) and FLING(TM) by White Cloud Cigarettes, COHITA(TM), COLIBRI(TM), ELITE CLASSIC(TM), MAGNUM(TM), PHANTOM(TM), and SENSE(TM) by Effer(R) International Inc., DUOPRO(TM), STORM(TM), and VAPORKING(R) by Electronic Cigarettes, Inc., EGAR(TM) by Egar Australia, eGo-C(TM) and eGo-T(TM) by Joyetech, ELUSION(TM) by Elusion UK Ltd, EONSMOKE(R) by Eonsmoke LLC, and GREEN by Green Smoke Inc. USA. SMOKE(R), GREENARETTE(TM) by Greenarette LLC, HALLIGAN(TM), HENDU(TM), JET(TM), MAXXQ(TM), PINK(TM) and PITBULL(TM) by Smoke Stik(R), HEATBAR(TM) by Philip Morris International, Inc., HYDRO IMPERIAL(TM) and LXE(TM) by Crown7, LOGIC(TM) and THE CUBAN(TM) by LOGIC Technology, LUCI(R) by Luciano Smokes Inc., METRO(R) by Nicotek, LLC, NJOY(R) and ONEJOY(TM) by Sottera, Inc., NO. by SS Choice LLC.7(TM), PREMIUM ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE(TM) by PremiumEstore LLC, RAPP E-MYSTICK(TM) by Ruyan America, Inc., RED DRAGON(TM) by Red Dragon Products, LLC, RUYAN(R) by Ruyan Group(Holdings)Ltd., SMART SMOKER(R) by The Smart Smoking Electronic Cigarette Company Ltd., SMOKE ASSIST(R) by Coastline Products LLC, SMOKING EVERYWHERE(R) by Smoking Everywhere, Inc., V2CIGS(TM) by VMR Products LLC, VAPOR NINE(TM) by VaporNine LLC, VAPOR4LIFE(R) by Vapor 4 Life, Inc., VEPPO(TM) by E-CigaretteDirect, LLC, and RJIt is marketed as VUSE(R) by Reynolds Vapor Company. Furthermore, other electric aerosol delivery devices, particularly those characterized as so-called e-cigarettes, are marketed under the trade names BLU(TM), COOLER VISIONS(TM), DIRECT E-CIG(TM), DRAGONFLY(TM), EMIST(TM), EVERSMOKE(TM), GAMUCCI(R), HYBRID FLAME(TM), KNIGHT STICKS(TM), ROYAL BLUES(TM), SMOKETIP(R), and SOUTH BEACH SMOKE(TM). In some of these e-smoking devices, when the user inhales the device, the aerosol precursor material is "pulled" from the reservoir to the vaporization chamber using gravity and capillaries within the wick. The aerosol precursor material is adsorbed onto or remains stationary on the vaporizer's heating element and heated until it vaporizes. The vapor is drawn away from the heated area of ​​the apparatus, then cooled and condensed into a high-density aerosol, generally a submicron aerosol, before exiting the apparatus. The core material can include any combination of silica, organic cotton, cellulose cotton rayon fibers, stainless steel, glass fiber, ceramics, and other materials with similar properties. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 5,060,671 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 9,016,274 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 9,078,474 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0060554 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 [Patent Document 8] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096782 [Patent Document 9] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0059780 [Patent Document 10] U.S. Patent No. 5,388,594 [Patent Document 11] U.S. Patent No. 8,079,371 [Patent Document 12] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0040930 [Patent Document 13] U.S. Patent No. 9,814,268 [Patent Document 14] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0016549 [Patent Document 15] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0073687 [Patent Document 16] U.S. Patent No. 9,220,301 [Patent Document 17] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0065075 [Patent Document 18] U.S. Patent No. 8,469,035 [Patent Document 19] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0180082 [Patent Document 20] U.S. Patent No. 8,617,263 [Patent Document 21] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0041861 [Patent Document 22] U.S. Patent No. 8,464,726 [Patent Document 23] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0233329 [Patent Document 24] U.S. Patent No. 9,486,013 [Patent Document 25] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0271972 [Patent Document 26] U.S. Patent No. 8,424,538 [Patent Document 27] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0067360 [Patent Document 28] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0269720 [Patent Document 29] U.S. Patent No. 9,345,268 [Patent Document 30] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0157052 [Patent Document 31] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0000188 [Patent Document 32] U.S. Patent Application No. 2017 / 0238607 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0007] At present, the options for recording and understanding how individuals use electronic smoking articles are limited. For example, in clinical trials, most attempts have been to adapt techniques used to measure the use of combustible tobacco (e.g., topography), use video recordings of people using electronic smoking articles, or test by asking individual users to recall how they used the electronic smoking article. These methods are limited by confining the individual users under surveillance to a single location. Thus, the recording and documentation of usage occur in an "unrealistic" situation. In other words, the act of measuring usage impairs how people use their electronic smoking articles by restricting individual users to a specific test location rather than under normal everyday locations and usage. Further, what "conventional" (e.g., under current monitoring methods) topography actually measures is not directly related to what occurs when people use electronic smoking articles. Conventional topography using electronic smoking articles focuses on the amount of air and pressure generated during a puff. The device is centered around a pressure transducer and an analog-to-digital converter that convert the pressure dynamics of a puff to collect and calculate a summary of puff characteristics per puff and per tobacco. The topography device is placed between the electronic smoking article and the user. This placement changes how the user uses the product compared to how the user would naturally use the product. This interference can change how the user uses the product during the test and may not provide information accurately representing how the user actually consumes the product. Also, using conventional topography requires consumers / subjects to sit connected to a conventional topography device in a laboratory environment, further affecting product use and behavior. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a device that can be added to various electronic smoking articles and can monitor and capture the usage of individual users and the electronic smoking articles under normal conditions (e.g., usage by ordinary individuals without surveillance).

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] Various exemplary embodiments relate to product use and behavior devices, as well as methods for using such devices. According to a first set of embodiments, the product use and behavior device includes a housing in which a central compartment is defined. A control device is positioned within the central compartment. The control device includes a connector. The connector is configured to operably and detachably connect the product use and behavior device to an e-smoking article. The e-smoking article includes a heating element for heating a tobacco product. The e-smoking article includes a battery. A sensor circuit is structured to collect at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior. Smoking behavior is associated with the use of at least one of the heating element and the battery. A local memory is structured to store at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior. A communication interface is structured to communicate the stored at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior to a remote computing device.

[0009] An e-smoking article is described according to a second set of embodiments. The e-smoking article includes a heating element configured to heat a tobacco product. The e-smoking article further includes a battery. The e-smoking article further includes a product use and behavior device. The product use and behavior device includes a control device. The control device includes a connector. The connector is configured to connect the product use and behavior device to the e-smoking article in an operable and detachable manner. A sensor circuit is structured to collect at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior. Smoking behavior is associated with the use of at least one of the heating element and the battery. A local memory is structured to store at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior. A communication interface is structured to communicate the stored at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior to a remote computing device.

[0010] Another set of embodiments describes a method for capturing at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior. The method includes providing a user with an e-smoking article. The e-smoking article includes a heating element configured to heat a tobacco product. The e-smoking article further includes a battery. The e-smoking article further includes a product use and behavior device. The product use and behavior device includes a control unit. The control unit includes a connector. The connector is configured to connect the product use and behavior device to the e-smoking article in an operable and detachable manner. A sensor circuit is structured to collect at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior. Smoking behavior is associated with the use of at least one of the heating element and the battery. A local memory is structured to store at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior. A communication interface is structured to communicate the stored at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior to a remote computing device. The control unit activates the sensor circuit in response to the initiation of smoking behavior. At least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior is captured by the sensor circuit. At least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior is stored in local memory.

[0011] According to another set of embodiments, the product use and behavior device includes a housing that defines a central compartment therein. A control device is positioned within the central compartment. The control device includes a first connector. The first connector is configured to operably and detachably connect the product use and behavior device to the battery element of the e-smoking article. A second connector is configured to operably and detachably connect the product use and behavior device to the tank element of the e-smoking article. A sensor circuit is structured to collect at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior. Smoking behavior is associated with the use of at least one of the tank and battery elements. A local memory is structured to store at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior. A communication interface is structured to communicate the stored use data characteristic of smoking behavior to a remote computing device.

[0012] According to another set of embodiments, an electronic smoking article is described. The electronic smoking article includes a tank element. The electronic smoking article further includes a battery element. The electronic smoking article further includes a product use and behavior device. The product use and behavior device includes a control device. The control device includes a first connector. The first connector is detachably and operably connected to the battery element. A second connector is detachably and operably connected to the tank element. A sensor circuit is structured to collect at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior. Smoking behavior is associated with the use of at least one of the tank and battery elements. A local memory is structured to store at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior. A communication interface is structured to communicate the stored at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior to a remote computing device.

[0013] Another set of embodiments describes a method for capturing at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior. The method includes providing a user with an e-smoking article. The e-smoking article includes a tank element. The e-smoking article further includes a battery element. The e-smoking article further includes a product use and behavior device. The product use and behavior device includes a control unit. The control unit includes a first connector. The first connector is detachably and operably connected to the battery element. A second connector is detachably and operably connected to the tank element. A sensor circuit is structured to collect at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior. Smoking behavior is associated with the use of at least one of the tank and battery elements. A local memory is structured to store at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior. A communication interface is structured to communicate the stored at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior to a remote computing device. Smoking behavior by the user is detected. The control unit activates the sensor circuit. At least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior is captured by the sensor circuit. At least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior is stored in local memory.

[0014] These and other features, along with their configuration and operation, will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings, and similar elements will have similar figures through some of the drawings described below.

[0015] The features set forth above and other features of this disclosure will become even more fully apparent from the following description and the accompanying claims, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. While understanding that these drawings illustrate only some embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, this disclosure is described with further specificity and detail using the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of this application will be described by reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an unassembled product use and behavior monitoring device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2A] This is a perspective view of an assembled e-smoking article according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2B] Figure 2A shows a perspective view of an unassembled product use and behavior monitoring device and an e-smoking article, according to further exemplary embodiments. [Figure 2C] Figure 2B is a perspective view of the product usage and behavior monitoring equipment and the assembled e-smoking article. [Figure 3A] This is a perspective view of an assembled electronic smoking article according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A shows a perspective view of an unassembled product use and behavior monitoring device, as well as an electronic smoking article, according to yet another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3C] Figure 3B is a perspective view of the product usage and behavior monitoring equipment and the assembled e-smoking article. [Figure 4A]This is a perspective view of an assembled e-smoking article according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A shows a perspective view of an unassembled product use and behavior monitoring device and an e-smoking article, according to further exemplary embodiments. [Figure 4C] Figure 4B is a perspective view of the product usage and behavior monitoring equipment and the assembled e-smoking article. [Figure 5] This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for transmitting data from an e-smoking article using product usage and behavior monitoring equipment, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6A] This is a perspective view of a product use and behavior monitoring device for an assembled electronic smoking article and tobacco heating system, according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6B] Figure 6A shows a perspective view of an unassembled product use and behavior monitoring device for a tobacco heating system, as well as an electronic smoking article, according to further exemplary embodiments. [Figure 6C] Figure 6B is a perspective view of the product usage and behavior monitoring equipment for the tobacco heating system and the assembled e-smoking article. [Figure 7A] A perspective view of an assembled e-smoking article according to a further exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7B] Further exemplary embodiments include a product use and behavior monitoring device for an unassembled tobacco heating system, as well as a perspective view of the e-smoking article shown in Figure 7A. [Figure 7C] Figure 7B is a perspective view of the product usage and behavior monitoring equipment for the tobacco heating system and the assembled e-smoking article. [Figure 8A] This is a cross-sectional perspective view of an assembled electronic smoking article according to yet another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8B] Figure 8A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of an unassembled product use and behavior monitoring device for a tobacco heating system, as well as an electronic smoking article, according to further exemplary embodiments. [Figure 8C]Figure 8B is a cross-sectional perspective view of a product usage and behavior monitoring device for a tobacco heating system and an assembled electronic smoking article. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] This disclosure is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show some, but not all, aspects of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the forms described herein. Rather, these forms are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, fully conveys the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art, and satisfies applicable legal requirements. Similar numbers refer to similar elements throughout. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein and in the accompanying claims include plural subjects unless otherwise explicitly indicated by the context.

[0018] Generally, the product use and behavior ("PUB") equipment will be described with reference to the drawings. The PUB equipment is structured to record various aspects of the use of an e-smoking item, including how the user uses the e-smoking item and how the e-smoking item responds to that use. The PUB equipment may also be configured to monitor tobacco heating system ("THS") e-smoking items that utilize a "heated" configuration that heats tobacco to a lower temperature than when conventional smoking items are burned, or heats tobacco in a way different from heating a liquid as conventional e-smoking items do. As should be understood, since the data collected and the general configuration are similar for PUB equipment and PUB for tobacco heating systems (PUB-THS) equipment, features described in relation to PUB equipment may be realized by PUB-THS equipment, and vice versa. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, embodiments and disclosures referenced in relation to PUB equipment may apply to PUB-THS equipment, and embodiments and disclosures referenced in relation to PUB-THS equipment may apply to PUB equipment. Therefore, references to PUB equipment include both PUB equipment and PUB-THS equipment.

[0019] As used herein, heating of an inhalable substance includes e-smoking articles that vaporize a liquid, e-smoking articles that use a heating element to heat a porous substrate tobacco, e-smoking articles that utilize precursor components in a tobacco substrate, e-smoking articles that use a precursor that is heated to form an aerosol that passes through a porous tobacco substrate, medical devices that can heat a drug in liquid and / or solid form to form an aerosol (the drug may be heated using any of the device configurations described herein), and any combination thereof. In configurations utilizing porous substrate tobacco, the porous tobacco substrate may include a filling layer of particles of a wide variety of shapes, such as being formed from crushed, pulverized or powdered tobacco flakes, tobacco monoliths with air passages, laminated (or bundled) layers of tobacco sheets and / or other forms of tobacco and / or reconstituted tobacco. Exemplary configurations using a tobacco substrate heated by an aerosolizing liquid, to which various embodiments may be applied, include the background art referenced in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015 / 0335070 and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2017 / 0065000, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In some configurations utilizing a precursor, the porous tobacco substrate is heated by the passing aerosol but not directly by the heating element. The precursor may or may not contain nicotine and / or other tobacco derivatives. In addition, any of the described e-smoking articles may be configured in a “dual heating” configuration. In these configurations, the e-smoking article includes a vapor precursor (e.g., liquid) heated by a first heating element and a porous tobacco substrate downstream of the precursor, heated by a second heating element. As understood, the heated vapor passes through / over the heated porous tobacco substrate. As a result, the porous tobacco substrate (e.g., fine fragments, spheres, granules, etc.) is heated by the second heating element and by the vapor passing over it. In addition, the aerosol precursor may be realized in either or both the packed bed of the tobacco chamber and / or the atomization chamber. Furthermore, the e-smoking articles described above may be configured to have dual and / or multiple heating elements.

[0020] In some embodiments, the configurations utilizing precursor components in the tobacco substrate may be extended to use a flammable heat source, such as a carbon heat source, in addition to or instead of an electric heater. The flammable heat source may be positioned at the front (e.g., non-mouse) end of the product to provide heat to the downstream tobacco filling layer. In these configurations, air is drawn in through the flammable heat source, heated, and transported through the tobacco layer containing the aerosol precursor. The hot air heats the tobacco and precursor material, vaporizing the precursor, which interacts with the tobacco substrate to produce vapor, which then condenses to form an aerosol. Exemplary configurations using a carbonaceous heat source, to which various embodiments may be applied, include the Premier™ and Eclipse™ e-smoking articles by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, as well as the configuration described in "Chemical and Biological Studies on New Cigarette Prototypes that Heat Instead of Burn Tobacco, RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company Monograph" (1988). Further exemplary configurations using a flammable fuel source to which various embodiments may be applied include the background art referenced in U.S. Patent No. 4,714,082 by Banerjee et al. and U.S. Patent No. 4,771,795 by White et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.Also, for example, Clearman et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 4,756,318, Banerjee et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 4,714,082, White et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 4,771,795, Sensabaugh et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 4,793,365, Clearman et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 4,917,128, Korte's U.S. Patent No. 4,961,438, Serrano et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 4,966,171, Bale et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 4,969,476, Serrano et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 4,991,6 U.S. Patent No. 06, Farrier et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 5,020,548, Clearman et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 5,033,483, Schlatter et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 5,040,551, Creighton et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 5,050,621, Lawson's U.S. Patent No. 5,065,776, Nystrom et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 5,076,296, Farrier et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 5,076,297, Clearman et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 5,099,861, Drewett et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 5 U.S. Patent No. 5,105,835, Barnes et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 5,105,837, Hauser et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 5,115,820, Best et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 5,148,821, Hayward et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 5,159,940, Riggs et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 5,178,167, Clearman et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 5,183,062, Shannon et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 5,211,684, Deevi et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 5,240,014, Nichols et al.'s U.S. Patent No. 5,240,0 See also the types of smoking articles described in Specification No. 16, U.S. Patent No. 5,345,955 by Clearman et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,551,451 by Riggs et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,595,577 by Bensalem et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,819,751 by Barnes et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,089,857 by Matsuura et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,095,152 by Beven et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,578,584 by Beven, and U.S. Patent No. 6,730,832 by Dominguez.

[0021] As used herein, heating a tobacco product involves using heat together with tobacco or a tobacco substrate, such as, for example, an e-smoking article that uses a heating element to heat a porous substrate tobacco, an e-smoking article that utilizes precursor components in the tobacco substrate, and an e-smoking article that uses a precursor that is heated to form an aerosol that passes through the porous tobacco substrate. As understood, either a PUB device or a PUB-THS device may be configured to engage with, monitor, and record a wide variety of e-smoking articles that heat inhalable substances, including, for example, medical devices that heat inhalable drugs.

[0022] Generally, PUB devices can record and detect the battery activation of an e-smoking article, battery characteristics (e.g., wattage, voltage, and resistance), position (e.g., global position), orientation of the device, movement of the device, temperature of the airflow entering the e-smoking article, and sound of the airflow entering the e-smoking article. Regarding user usage, PUB devices can measure usage characteristics, patterns over time and over periods (e.g., hourly, daily, weekly), puffing behavior (e.g., number, duration, volume, interval between puffs, etc.), and changes in characteristics over the entire usage time (e.g., smoking and non-smoking behavior using the PUB device) or over a period of time. Conveniently, any PUB device is structured to be added to a variety of e-smoking articles so as to be compatible with a wide variety of battery tanks, battery tobacco sticks, or battery cartridge connections. As used herein, the term “tank” refers to some or all of the aerosol-generating elements of an e-smoking article, including cartridges, cartomizers, wicks, atomizers, heating elements, substrates, reservoirs, and similar elements. As used herein, the term “tobacco stick” refers to some or all of an aerosol-generating element containing some form of tobacco. Forms of tobacco may include, for example, tobacco impregnated with a mixture of tobacco and other elements, a loose-leaf tobacco vaporizer involving placing loose-leaf tobacco into a chamber (which is electrically heated using an element), or similar elements. In some embodiments, the e-smoking article is a heatless delivery system that utilizes mechanical atomization.

[0023] Generally, a PUB device includes an array of sensors for recording product usage characteristics, onboard memory for storing collected data, an onboard rechargeable power supply, a wireless (e.g., Bluetooth™) communication array for transferring data to an external storage location, a first connector for the tank end, and a second connector for the battery end. Once the PUB device is installed on an e-smoking item, data monitoring and collection may be triggered or continued by the activation and deactivation of the e-smoking item. Once some data acquisition is complete, the PUB device may synchronize with a wireless communication-compatible computing device (e.g., a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone) and upload the data to a secure database. The data may be exported to any statistical software package for subsequent analysis or to task-specific summarization software. As understood, PUB devices may be used in clinical and non-clinical research to capture and track the use of e-smoking item usage data for behavioral modeling, to track usage, and to provide information on usage patterns.

[0024] Unlike conventional clinical techniques (e.g., topography), PUB devices do not primarily use airflow to generate values ​​related to blow-by dynamics, due to the differing nature of flammable smoking articles and e-smoking articles. Furthermore, PUB devices do not obstruct the pathway between the user (or clinical trial subject) and the product, nor do they interfere with the normal functioning of the product or the user's experience while using the e-smoking article. Finally, PUB devices are fully portable, allowing users to use e-smoking articles in clinic, laboratory, or outpatient (outside the clinic or laboratory) settings. This increases the likelihood that the device's recordings will match the actual usage characteristics of the e-smoking article.

[0025] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of an unassembled PUB device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The PUB device 100 includes a control unit 102 and a housing 104. In certain embodiments, the housing 104 includes a first outer shroud and a second outer shroud. The PUB device 100 monitors, records, and transmits multiple user usage data and e-smoking item device data. The PUB device 100 is structured to have a form, size, and connectors that allow it to be adapted to interface with a wide variety of e-smoking items (e.g., e-cigarettes, pens, open and / or closed system "tank" product designs) without interfering with their operation. As understood, the PUB device 100 is durable and can be used in both controlled and limited controlled environments, under and without supervision, in accordance with product safety standards for mobile research equipment.

[0026] The control device 102 includes a first end connector 110, a second end connector 112, a sensor array 116, a PUB battery 118, an onboard memory 120, and an antenna 122. The control device 102 is structured to monitor, record, and store multiple data and characteristics of the user and the e-smoking item. The control device 102 interfaces with a wide variety of e-smoking items and is structured to have a size and connector that does not physically interfere with the intended form of the e-smoking item as much as possible. The control device 102 acquires real-time data related to the characteristics of individual puffing behaviors (e.g., number, duration, volume, interval between puffs), changes in puffing characteristics at any given time, changes in puffing characteristics over a time interval, and similar information. For example, the captured rev characteristics may include, but are not limited to, rev volume (ml), rev duration (s), number of revs, number of sub-revs, average and peak flow rate (ml / s), average and peak airflow (ml / s), average and peak resistance, average and peak pressure drop (mmWg), interval between revs (s), and lighting time (s). The control device 102 may also record battery characteristics (e.g., wattage, voltage, and resistance), position, orientation of the device, movement of the device, temperature of the airflow entering the e-smoking article, and sound of the airflow entering the e-smoking article. The control device 102 facilitates the storage of data characteristics related to the user's behavior at any given time and usage patterns over periods of product interaction (e.g., hour, day, week). The control device 102 and related elements can be physically implemented on a circuit board.

[0027] The first end connector 110 includes a coupling element configured to removably connect to and interface with the battery terminal of an e-smoking article. E-smoking articles can have a wide variety of different “forms,” such as box-style, pen-style, or open-system “tank”-style product designs. Each type of e-smoking article may have various coupling mechanisms for attaching a battery to the tank. In some embodiments, one or more PUB devices 100 (e.g., modules) may be used in a single e-smoking article. In those embodiments, the first end connector 110 may be structured to connect to another module PUB device 100. As understood, the size and type of the coupling element of the first end connector 110 depend on the components that make up the interior of a particular e-smoking article. Exemplary connections are described in further detail in Figures 2A to 4C.

[0028] The second end connector 112 includes a coupling element structured to removably connect to and interface with the end of the tank (e.g., a reservoir for smoking material) of the e-smoking article. The e-smoking article can be a wide variety of different “forms,” such as e-cigarettes, pens, and open-system “tanks.” Each type of e-smoking article may have various coupling mechanisms for attaching a rechargeable battery to the tank. In some embodiments, one or more PUB devices 100 (e.g., modules) may be used with a single e-smoking article. In those embodiments, the second end connector 112 may be structured to connect to another PUB device 100. As understood, the size and type of the coupling element of the second end connector 112 depend on the components that make up the inside of a particular e-smoking article. Different connections are described in more detail in Figures 2A to 4C.

[0029] The onboard memory 120 is structured to store data and characteristics collected by the sensor array 116. The onboard memory 120 may be, for example, flash memory or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory ("EEPROM") memory. The onboard memory 120 should provide sufficient memory capacity to allow the highest estimated data load generated to be stored over a set period, for example, 7 days. In some embodiments, the onboard memory 120 may be reset to a null value, and the onboard clock may be resynchronized when data is uploaded. In other embodiments, the onboard memory 120 is structured to retain any data until the onboard memory 120 reaches its capacity. The onboard memory 120 may store the data in raw data format, date and time stamp it, and use it to determine the watt value. As understood, the watt value combined with the blow duration value may be used to generate a total particulate matter ("TPM") constant for the estimated mouth-level exposure ("eMLE") of the aerosol measurement. The data captured by the sensor array 116 is stored in the onboard memory 120 as part of a date and time stamped cumulative record, both for individual data points and for each individual data point.

[0030] The PUB battery 118 includes an onboard rechargeable battery. The PUB battery 118 may also be a rechargeable solid-state battery. The PUB battery 118 is structured to power the PUB device 100 and ensure that the performance of data acquisition by the PUB device 100 does not affect the battery's performance. The PUB battery 118 should be capable of maintaining a charge through the highest estimated level of subject use. In some embodiments, the PUB battery 118 lasts for at least 7 days without needing to be recharged. In some embodiments, the PUB battery 118 is recharged when the battery of the e-smoking item is recharged. In other embodiments, the PUB device 100 includes a charging port on the housing 104 from which the PUB battery 118 can be charged. In some embodiments, the PUB device 100 does not have a PUB battery 118. Instead, the PUB device 100 draws power from the battery of the e-smoking item.

[0031] Antenna 122 is structured to transmit data collected by sensor array 116 and stored in onboard memory 120. Antenna 122 may be structured to upload data continuously throughout the lifecycle of the e-smoking item, during the charging cycle of the e-smoking item, during the activation of the e-smoking item device, or during similar trigger events. In some embodiments, onboard memory 120 may be reset to a null value, and the onboard clock may be resynchronized when data uploading by antenna 122 is complete. In some embodiments, the PUB device 100 facilitates the transfer of data from the memory of the PUB device 100 to a secure location (e.g., a server location) via data transfer software (e.g., a PC, iOS™, or Android™) using Bluetooth™ or other wireless communication technology. Antenna 122 is designed to limit interference with the aerosols generated by the wireless transmission of data via Bluetooth™ as much as possible. In other embodiments, antenna 122 has a wired interface that enables a wired connection to a secure location via data transfer software. The security and integrity of data during the transfer from the antenna 122 of the PUB device 100 to a computer or smart device or database server can be maintained in accordance with appropriate research data standards. In some embodiments, data hosted in a secure database may be used to communicate with a PC and / or smart device (e.g., a smartphone and / or tablet) to present additional information to the user of the PUB device 100.

[0032] The sensor array 116 is structured to monitor and record one or more data characteristics of an e-smoking item, as well as user usage data. The sensor array 116 is structured to monitor and record a wide variety of user usage characteristics and data. The sensor array 116 can capture real-time data related to the characteristics of individual usage behaviors (e.g., number of revs, duration, capacity, interval between revs), how these characteristics change from time to time, and how battery characteristics such as power (e.g., wattage) change from time to time. The sensor array 116 may also measure the time between the end of a rev (e.g., battery deactivation) and the start of the next rev (e.g., battery activation), also known as the interval between revs ("IPI"). As understood, rev statistics captured by the sensor array 116 can be used to capture rev counts, and duration values ​​for revs, rapid revs, and sub-revs, as well as IPI counts and duration values. In some embodiments, the sensor array 116 monitors and captures battery activation coinciding with the start of revving, and measures the duration of battery activation to determine the duration of revving. In other embodiments, the sensor array 116 may record the end of revving when the battery is no longer activated.

[0033] With respect to the e-smoking article, the sensor array 116 may include specific sensors for detecting the battery activation of the e-smoking article, battery characteristics (e.g., wattage, voltage, current, and resistance), or battery usage time (e.g., length of smoking time). As understood, the data captured by the sensor array 116 is stored in the onboard memory 120 as part of a date and time stamped cumulative record, both at individual data points.

[0034] In some embodiments, the sensor array 116 includes hardware sensors that track the position of the e-smoking item in use. For example, a 9-axis gyroscope may be used to capture the orientation of the PUB device 100, an accelerometer to capture the movement of the PUB device 100, and a global position system ("GPS") or other satellite navigation system (e.g., Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, etc.) may be used to capture the position of the PUB device 100. In such embodiments, a position tracking device may be used to generate data on the position of the e-smoking item in relation to the positional relationship between the battery end and the tank end of the e-smoking item. Beneficially, recording this positional relationship allows researchers to determine how the user was holding the e-smoking item while puffing. By determining whether the user was smoking the e-smoking item while lying on a couch with the battery on top of the tank, compared to whether the user was holding the e-smoking item while sitting in a manner similar to that of a conventional cigarette, more information can be provided about the normal use of the e-smoking item, and details about tank leaks and malfunctions / failures of the e-smoking item product can be provided.

[0035] The sensor array 116 may include hardware sensors that detect changes in ambient temperature within the ventilation ports of the e-smoking article. Temperature changes may be used to identify when revving began and when the e-smoking article was used continuously. In some embodiments, the PUB equipment 100 may include hardware sensors that detect the speed at which the PUB equipment 100 moves from one position to another. In those embodiments, the linear acceleration of the PUB equipment 100 is measured in relation to use / non-use to identify the start of the product's usage period. In other embodiments, the PUB equipment 100 may include hardware sensors that record the frequency of sound in the air passing through the dedicated ventilation ports of the PUB equipment 100. In such embodiments, passive acoustic measurement may be used to provide information for understanding the revving speed and the general shape of individual revving characteristics.

[0036] The PUB device 100 may also include hardware sensors that track and record events measured by other components constituting the PUB device 100. Conveniently, this tracking is dated and stamped so that any recorded events form a cumulative record. The cumulative record is traceable and can be exported to any statistical software package for subsequent analysis or to task-specific summarization software. In other embodiments, the PUB device 100 may receive externally processed cumulative records through download to the PUB device 100. In such embodiments, the PUB device 100 may perform additional analysis or task-specific summarization of the externally processed data. In other embodiments, the PUB device 100 performs information and feedback analysis of the cumulative records within the device. In other embodiments, the PUB device 100 may include a photosensor, a mechanical sensor, and / or a pressure sensor to detect whether the PUB device 100 has been removed from the battery and / or tank end of an e-smoking article.

[0037] In some embodiments, the PUB device 100 includes a toggle function on the control unit 102. The toggle function can turn on, off, limit, or change one or more data characteristics monitored and recorded by the PUB device 100. For example, the toggle function may limit the total number of puffs generated over a specific period (e.g., minutes / hours / days / weeks, etc.) to limit the number of e-smoking articles used, e.g., in terms of duration, number, or a combination of both. In other embodiments, the PUB device 100 includes a single activation button that can be used to trigger or mark events (e.g., date / time / location) that occur during the use of e-smoking articles. In some embodiments, the PUB device 100 includes a screen (e.g., LCD, LED, OLED, or other preferred screen) inserted into the housing 104. The screen displays the status of any events recorded or managed by the PUB device 100. The screen may also facilitate user adjustment of data monitored and recorded by the sensor array, for example, via the toggle function. The user may use the screen to select the "Off" option for one or more data characteristics to be collected, for example, the user's location while using the PUB device 100.

[0038] The PUB device 100 may also include identifiers related to the structure and characteristics of the PUB device 100. The identifiers are updatable for each user during use of the PUB device 100. As understood, this may allow users to switch between clinical (e.g., data captured for third-party analysis) and non-clinical (e.g., data captured for user analysis) studies. The identifiers can be incorporated into the dataset to enable matching of data types (e.g., clinical, non-clinical, specific user, type of PUB device 100) with data sources. In addition, the identifiers may be encoded in the PUB device 100 and visually apparent through an embossed portion of the housing 104 of the PUB device 100, or affixed to the housing 104 of the PUB device 100 by a label. In some embodiments, the sensor array 116 may include access control via biometric security sensors, such as a fingerprint sensor for detecting fingerprint characteristics. In those embodiments, the use of e-smoking articles and / or data characteristic collection may only occur when the fingerprint sensor captures a fingerprint from an authorized user (e.g., associated with the PUB device). As can be understood, biometric security sensors may be structured to capture a wide variety of biometric data (e.g., iris, voice, gait, etc.) from authorized users.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the PUB device 100 is configured as a series of modules. A single module PUB device 100 may be positioned between the battery end and the tank end of an e-smoking article. A single module PUB device 100 may be structured to monitor and record one or more data or characteristics. Multiple module PUB devices 100 may be connected along an e-smoking article to monitor and record one or more data or characteristics. As understood, the module PUB devices 100 may cause the e-smoking article to be configured to capture a particular subset of data and characteristics. For example, a user may want to use the PUB device 100 to capture data characteristics but not allow the transmission or capture of location data. Therefore, the user's e-smoking article may include a module PUB device 100 that monitors and records data or characteristics that are not location-related. In some embodiments, the PUB device 100 includes a chip that interfaces with the e-smoking article and is structured to collect at least one usage data characteristic.

[0040] As understood, data collected by the sensor array 116 may be input into a graphics-based software program for summarizing and pattern recognition of e-smoking article use over a specific period. The software may import raw data exported from a database per user / trial. The data may be processed to summarize and apply algorithms for calculating individual product usage elements, product usage rates and / or patterns, and eMLE of aerosol measurements. Within the software program, information associated with the specific e-smoking article being evaluated (e.g., TPM data values) necessary to perform the analysis can be modified. The data generated by this process may be uploaded to the database of the PUB instrument 100. As understood, the imported data and exported results meet data security and integrity standards. In other embodiments, data collected by the sensor array 116 is sent to task-specific summarization software.

[0041] Referring to Figure 2A, a perspective view of an assembled e-smoking article 202 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The e-smoking article 202 includes a battery 204 and a cylindrical reservoir 206 that contains liquid or other smoking material. The battery 204 is detachably connected to the reservoir 206 via complementary torsional (e.g., twist) interfaces on the ends of the battery 204 and the reservoir 206. As can be understood, a user of the e-smoking article 202 may, for maintenance purposes, twist the battery 204 away from the reservoir 206 to replace any component, charge the battery 204, or perform similar operations. In some embodiments, the e-smoking article 202 has a light-emitting diode ("LED") indicator end on the battery 204. The LED indicator end mimics the lit end of a conventional cigarette and indicates when the e-smoking article is activated. The mouth end of the reservoir 206 allows the user to blow into or inhale the e-smoking item 202, drawing air through the battery 204, bringing it into contact (e.g., indirectly) with the liquid in the reservoir 206, and ultimately bringing the mouth end into contact with the user. In other embodiments, air is drawn into a heating or vaporization chamber and flows over / around a heated wick containing liquid from the reservoir 206. The air takes in heated vapor from the wick, condenses it into an aerosol, and the aerosol flows to the mouth end. In one embodiment, the vaporization process is initiated by inhalation to draw in air. Alternatively, the vaporization process is initiated by activation of circuit closure (mechanical or optical).

[0042] In contrast to conventional cigarettes, the products generated by electronic smoking articles 202 are not smoke, but aerosols or vapors resulting from the volatilization or vaporization of certain components incorporated therein. Inhalable substances can be found in both the particulate and vapor fractions of the aerosol. Vapor is defined as a substance in the gaseous phase at a temperature below its critical point. In electronic smoking articles, particulate matter consists of vapors condensed into tiny droplets. Both particles and vapors are suspended in the gases (primarily oxygen and nitrogen) that make up the inhaled air. For clarity, the term “vaporized liquid” as used herein means including vapors, gases and particles, i.e., aerosols, in forms or types suitable for human inhalation, regardless of whether they are visible or in a form that can be considered smoke-like.

[0043] The reservoir 206 contains a liquid that is vaporized and delivered to the user. In some embodiments, the liquid includes substances such as nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, water, flavoring agents, or other suitable materials that can be used for vaporization. In certain embodiments, the liquid is a combination of nicotine, propylene glycol, and glycerin. Furthermore, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or tobacco alkaloids may be generated during the heating process. The reservoir is not limited to a specific size and may be opaque or transparent so that the user can see the liquid inside.

[0044] Figure 2B shows a perspective view of an unassembled PUB device 100 and the e-smoking article of Figure 2A, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 2B, the PUB device 100 includes a first end connector 210 configured for a torsional interface with the battery 204 end of the e-smoking article 202. The PUB device further includes a second end connector 212 configured for a torsional (e.g., twisted) interface with the reservoir 206 end of the e-smoking article 202. As understood, the PUB device 100 may include one or more of the above-described components and a sensor array 116. Although only one PUB device 100 is shown in Figure 2B, in some embodiments one or more PUB devices 100 (e.g., modules) may be used with the e-smoking article 202. In those embodiments, the first end connector 210, the second end connector 212, or both may be structured to connect with another PUB device 100. In some embodiments, the housing 104 of the PUB device 100 is modified to better fit the form of the e-smoking article 202. As understood, the size and type of the connecting elements of the first end connector 110 are determined according to the components that make up the inside of the e-smoking article 202.

[0045] Referring to Figure 2C, a perspective view of the PUB equipment 100 and the e-smoking article 202 assembled in Figure 2B (a combination referred to herein as the “PUB delivery system” 200) is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The PUB delivery system 200 has the same general form and structure as the original e-smoking article 202. The PUB equipment 100 has a size and form structured to physically minimize interference with the intended form of the e-smoking article 202. The components of the PUB equipment 100 ensure that the performance and use of the PUB delivery system 200 are substantially similar to those of the e-smoking article 202.

[0046] Referring to Figure 3A, a perspective view of an assembled e-smoking article 302 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The e-smoking article 302 is similar to the e-smoking article 202. The difference between the e-smoking article 302 and the e-smoking article 202 is that the coupling interface between the battery 304 and the reservoir 306 of the e-smoking article 302 is an interlocking interface. The e-smoking article 302 includes a battery 304 and a cylindrical reservoir 306 that contains liquid or other smoking material. The battery 304 is removably coupled to the reservoir 306 via complementary interlocking (e.g., snap-fit) interfaces on the ends of the battery 304 and the ends of the reservoir 306. As can be understood, a user of the e-smoking article 302 can, for maintenance purposes, push or pull the battery 304 to snap-fit ​​into the reservoir 306 to replace any component, charge the battery 304, or perform similar operations. In some embodiments, the e-smoking article 302 has an LED indicator end on a battery 304. The LED indicator end mimics the lit end of a conventional cigarette and indicates when the e-smoking article is activated. The mouth end of the reservoir 306 allows the user to blow air into the e-smoking article 302, drawing air through the battery 304 into the liquid in the reservoir 306, and finally drawing the mouth end to the user. In one embodiment, the vaporization process is initiated by inhalation to draw in air. Alternatively, the vaporization process is initiated by activation of a circuit closure (mechanical or optical).

[0047] As described above, the byproducts generated by the electronic smoking article 302 are not smoke, but aerosols or vapors resulting from the volatilization or vaporization of certain components incorporated therein. For example, the inhalable substance may be substantially in the form of vapor (i.e., a substance in the gas phase at a temperature below its critical point). Alternatively, the inhalable substance may be in the form of an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or droplets in a gas). The reservoir 306 contains the liquid that is vaporized and delivered to the user.

[0048] Figure 3B shows a perspective view of an unassembled PUB device 100 and the e-smoking article of Figure 3A, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 3B, the PUB device 100 includes a first end connector 310 configured for an interlocking interface with the battery end of the e-smoking article 302. The PUB device further includes a second end connector 312 configured for an interlocking interface with the reservoir end 306 of the e-smoking article 302. As understood, the PUB device 100 may include one or more of the above-described components and a sensor array 116. Although only one PUB device 100 is shown in Figure 3B, in some embodiments one or more PUB devices 100 (e.g., modules) may be used with the e-smoking article 302. In those embodiments, the first end connector 310, the second end connector 312, or both may be structured to connect with another PUB device 100. In some embodiments, the housing 104 of the PUB device 100 is modified to better fit the form of the e-smoking article 302. As understood, the size and type of the connecting elements of the first end connector 110 are determined according to the components that make up the inside of the e-smoking article 302.

[0049] Referring to Figure 3C, a perspective view of the PUB equipment 100 and the e-smoking article 302 assembled in Figure 3B (a combination referred to herein as the “PUB delivery system” 300) is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The PUB delivery system 300 has the same general form and structure as the original e-smoking article 302. The PUB equipment 100 has a size and form structured to physically minimize interference with the intended form of the e-smoking article 302. The components of the PUB equipment 100 ensure that the performance and use of the PUB delivery system 300 are substantially similar to those of the e-smoking article 302.

[0050] Referring to Figure 4A, a perspective view of an assembled e-smoking article 402 according to another exemplary embodiment is shown. The e-smoking article 402 is similar to the e-smoking article 302. The difference between the e-smoking article 402 and the e-smoking article 302 is the construction of the battery 404 and reservoir 406 of the e-smoking article 402. The e-smoking article 402 includes a battery 404 and an elliptical reservoir 406 that houses liquid or other smoking material. The battery 404 is removably coupled to the reservoir 406 via complementary interlocking (e.g., snap-fit) interfaces on the ends of the battery 404 and the reservoir 406. As can be understood, a user of the e-smoking article 402 can, for maintenance purposes, push or pull the battery 404 to snap-fit ​​into the reservoir 406 to replace any component, charge the battery 404, or perform similar operations. In some embodiments, the e-smoking article 402 has an LED indicator end on the battery 404. The LED indicator end mimics the lit end of a conventional cigarette, indicating when the e-smoking item is activated. The mouth end of the reservoir 406 allows the user to blow air into the e-smoking item 402, drawing air through the battery 404 into the liquid in the reservoir 406, and finally drawing the mouth end to the user. In one embodiment, the vaporization process is initiated by inhalation to draw in air. Alternatively, the vaporization process is initiated by activation of a circuit closure (mechanical or optical).

[0051] As previously stated, the byproducts generated by the electronic smoking article 402 are not smoke, but aerosols or vapors resulting from the volatilization or vaporization of certain components incorporated therein. For example, the inhalable substance may be substantially in the form of vapor (i.e., a substance in the gas phase at a temperature below its critical point). Alternatively, the inhalable substance may be in the form of an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or droplets in a gas). The reservoir 406 contains the liquid that is vaporized and delivered to the user.

[0052] Referring to Figure 4B, an unassembled PUB device 414 and a perspective view of the e-smoking article in Figure 4A are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The PUB device 414 is similar to the PUB device 100. The difference between the PUB device 414 and the PUB device 100 is the shape of the housing 104 and the first and second end connectors (410, 412) of the PUB device 414. As shown in Figure 4B, the PUB device 414 includes a first end connector 410 configured for an interlocking interface with the battery end of the e-smoking article 402. The PUB device further includes a second end connector 412 configured for an interlocking interface with the reservoir end 406 of the e-smoking article 402. Although the PUB device 414 has a different shape, it may include one or more of the above-described components and a sensor array 116. Although only one PUB device 414 is shown in Figure 4B, in some embodiments, one or more PUB devices 414 (e.g., modules) may be used with the e-smoking article 402. In those embodiments, the first end connector 410, the second end connector 412, or both may be structured to connect with another PUB device 414. In some embodiments, the housing 104 of the PUB device 414 is modified to better fit the form of the e-smoking article 402. As understood, the size and type of the connecting element of the first end connector 110 are determined according to the components that make up the inside of the e-smoking article 402.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4C, the e-smoking article 402 is assembled with the PUB equipment 414 in Figure 4B (a combination referred to herein as the “PUB delivery system” 400). The PUB delivery system 400 has the same general form and structure as the original e-smoking article 402. The PUB equipment 414 has a size and form configured to physically interfere with the intended form of the e-smoking article 402 to the minimum extent. The components of the PUB equipment 414 ensure that the performance and use of the PUB delivery system 400 are substantially similar to those of the e-smoking article 402.

[0054] Referring to Figure 5, a schematic flowchart illustrating a method 500 for transmitting data from a PUB delivery system 200 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Method 500 is described in relation to recorded data on the PUB delivery system 200 that is synchronized to a user computing system 510 (e.g., laptop, tablet, desktop, mobile computing device), a secure server system 512 (e.g., database, cloud storage), and a clinical computing system 514. The PUB delivery system 200 may be a PUB delivery system similar to, for example, the PUB delivery systems (300, 400) in Figures 3C and 4C or the PUB-THS delivery systems (600, 700, 800) in Figures 6C, 7C, and 8C. As should be understood, the exported and imported data and results meet the standards of clinical data security and integrity.

[0055] Method 500 begins with 502, in which the PUB delivery system 200 synchronizes data stored in the onboard memory 120 of the PUB delivery system 200 with a user computing system 510 associated with the user. Data synchronization can be performed using the antenna 122 of the PUB device 100. Data synchronization can be triggered, for example, by the charging cycle of the components of the PUB delivery system 200, continuously throughout the lifecycle of the PUB delivery system 200 during activation of the PUB delivery system 200, or by similar trigger events. In some embodiments, the PUB delivery system 200 uses Bluetooth™ technology to facilitate the transfer of data from the memory of the PUB delivery system 200 to the user computing system 510 via data transfer software (e.g., PC, iOS™, or Android™). In other embodiments, the PUB delivery system 200 has a wired interface that enables a wired connection to the user computing system 510 via data transfer software.

[0056] Data synchronization may include data relating to the usage behavior at any given time and usage behavior patterns over a period of user interaction with the product (e.g., hour, day, week). The PUB delivery system 200 acquires real-time data relating to the characteristics of individual usage (puffing) behaviors (e.g., number, duration, capacity, interval between puffs), how these characteristics change from time to time, and how battery characteristics change from time to time. Multiple eMLEs of the PUB delivery system 200 aerosol can be determined using a predetermined and established TPM rate. In some embodiments, upon completion of data synchronization, the data stored in the onboard memory 120 is reset to a null value and the onboard clock is resynchronized.

[0057] In 504, data transferred from the user computing system 510 is transferred via a network to a secure server system 512. The network may include, for example, the internet, a cellular network, a proprietary cloud network, and similar infrastructure. In some embodiments, the transfer is maintained in accordance with appropriate research data standards.

[0058] In 506, data stored in a secure server system 512 is accessed by a clinical computing system 514. One or more clinical computing systems 514 may access secure data on the secure server system 512. As understood, the data accessed by the clinical computing system 514 may be input into a graphics-based software program for summarizing and recognizing patterns in the use of e-smoking items 202 over a specific period. The software may import raw data exported from a database per user / trial. The data may be processed to summarize and apply algorithms for calculating individual product use elements, product use rates and / or patterns, and eMLE. Within the software program, information associated with a particular e-smoking item 202 under evaluation (e.g., TPM data values) necessary to perform the analysis can be modified. The data generated by this process may be uploaded to the secure server system 512.

[0059] In some embodiments, data hosted on a secure server system 512 may be used to communicate with the user computing system 510 (508) and present additional information to the PUB delivery system 200. Such information may include, for example, software updates for PUB equipment, security updates for data transfer and storage, changes in functionality, additions to functionality, data presentation to users, statistics on user usage, additional control functions, updates for authorized users, and updates to data storage. For example, the PUB delivery system may monitor and capture data related to specific characteristics through communication.

[0060] In some embodiments, a PUB device may be implemented in conjunction with a THS e-smoking article (e.g., a heated tobacco product) to capture usage data characteristics of smoking behavior using the THS e-smoking article. As used herein, “PUB-THS device” refers to a PUB device configured for use with a THS e-smoking article. Generally, a THS e-smoking article includes a battery, a heating element, a control device, and a cavity for receiving a tobacco stick (e.g., a tobacco source). As understood, a THS e-smoking article is a type of e-smoking article. Depending on the type of THS e-smoking article, the tobacco stick may be a removable element similar in shape and size to a conventional cigarette, which can be removed after use. For example, it may have a tobacco end that is inserted into a tobacco stick cavity and mouth end for the user to receive the tobacco aerosol. In other embodiments, the tobacco stick may be in the form of a removable cigarette that can be positioned adjacent to the heating element in a tobacco holder and can be removed / cleaned after use. While THS smoking articles are described as those that heat tobacco elements / products within a tobacco stick using a tobacco heating element, PUB-THS devices may be used to monitor heated use of a wide variety of smoking products and consumables. For example, PUB-THS devices may be used to monitor smoking (e.g., consumption, heating temperature, duration, etc.) and non-smoking (e.g., movement, location, rest time, etc.) behaviors of smoking articles that heat nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinoids, or similar heated consumables. PUB-THS devices may also be used to monitor heated use of various pharmaceuticals.

[0061] The heating element is structured to heat the tobacco stick (like combustion) to produce tobacco vapor or aerosol rather than tobacco smoke. As understood, the tobacco stick may contain little to no tobacco and may contain an alternative consumable product that is heated and not burned. The heating element may surround the tobacco stick and, for example, heat the outside of the tobacco stick. Alternatively, the heating element may be inserted into the tobacco stick as a protrusion that heats the tobacco surrounding the heating element, for example, from the inserted tobacco end of the tobacco stick. In some embodiments, both configurations (inside to outside and outside to inside) are realized. Generally, the heating element heats the tobacco to 350°C. The control device is configured to monitor and control the temperature of the heating element to ensure a consistent taste experience and avoid overheating. The generated tobacco aerosol may contain water, glycerol, and other vaporized substances (e.g., flavors) present in the original tobacco mixture. The user of the THS electronic smoking article activates / starts the heating element and begins puffing. In some embodiments, the user of the THS e-smoking article may need to press a button to activate the heating element. In other configurations, the user begins to blow into the THS e-smoking article to activate the heating element. In some embodiments, the user may activate the THS e-smoking article through fingerprint scanning, activation of a mobile application on the user device, remote activation, or other activation mechanisms.

[0062] Beneficial in some cases, the PUB-THS device is configured to be added to various THS e-smoking articles so as to be compatible with the wide variety of battery-tank connections, battery-tobacco stick connections, or battery cartridge connections of THS e-smoking articles. The PUB-THS device includes at least one connector on either end of a board or housing so that the PUB-THS device can be attached to the THS e-smoking article. Generally, in some embodiments, the PUB-THS device is attached to the part of the THS e-smoking article where airflow enters the heater chamber, thereby allowing the PUB-THS device to record the actual passage of air into the heating chamber without obstructing the airflow necessary for normal product function. In other embodiments, the PUB-THS device is positioned between the power supply and the heating chamber of the THS e-smoking article. In other words, the PUB-THS device includes a connector on one end for the heater element part of the THS e-smoking article and a connector on the opposite end for the battery part of the THS e-smoking article. In another embodiment, the PUB-THS device may be formed to surround a portion of the THS e-smoking article of a consumable product (e.g., a tobacco stick) with which the user interacts. For example, the PUB-THS device may be a shroud formed in the shape of a protrusion formed by a tobacco stick loaded into the THS e-smoking article. In either embodiment, the components of the PUB-THS device are housed within a housing that allows the PUB-THS device to be used on a wide range of THS e-smoking articles without interfering with the use and / or function of the THS e-smoking article. Furthermore, the PUB-THS device includes one or more venturi airflow chambers positioned (e.g., molded, linked, etc.) within the internal cavity of the PUB-THS device, and the venturi airflow chambers are structured to allow for accurate measurement of changes in air pressure and airflow by capturing the pressure throughout the constricted portion of the venturi tube. Alternatively, the PUB-THS instrument may include one or more orifices positioned (e.g., molded, bonded, etc.) within the internal cavity of the PUB-THS instrument, the orifices being structured to allow for accurate measurement of changes in pneumatic pressure and airflow by capturing the pressure across the entire constricted portion of the orifice.

[0063] As understood, a PUB-THS device can record and detect the battery activation of a THS e-smoking article, battery characteristics (e.g., wattage, voltage, and resistance), position (e.g., global position), orientation of the device, movement of the device, temperature of the airflow entering the THS e-smoking article, and sound of the airflow entering the THS e-smoking article. With respect to user usage, a PUB-THS device can measure usage characteristics, patterns over time and over a period of time (e.g., hour, day, week), puffing behavior (e.g., number, duration, volume, interval between puffs, etc.), and changes in characteristics over the entire smoking time or over a period of time. Generally, a PUB-THS device includes an array of sensors for recording product usage characteristics, onboard memory for storing collected data, an onboard rechargeable power supply, a wireless (e.g., Bluetooth™) communication array for transferring data to an external storage location, a first connector for the tank end, and a second connector for the battery end. When a PUB-THS device is installed on a THS e-smoking item, the activation and deactivation of the THS e-smoking item may trigger or continue data monitoring and collection. Once some data acquisition is complete, the PUB-THS device may synchronize with a wireless communication-compatible computing device (e.g., desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.) and upload the data to a secure database. The data may be exported to any statistical software package for subsequent analysis or to task-specific summarization software. As understood, the PUB-THS device may be used in clinical and non-clinical research to capture and track the use of THS e-smoking item usage data for behavioral modeling, to track usage, and to provide information on usage patterns.

[0064] Referring to Figure 6A, an unassembled perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a THS e-smoking article 602 and a PUB-THS device 610 is shown. The THS e-smoking article 602 includes a housing 604 having a first end 605, a second end 607, and an activation switch 609. The second end 607 includes an airflow port 608 configured to facilitate airflow through the housing 604 of the THS e-smoking article 602. The first end 605 includes a tobacco stick cavity (not shown) for receiving a tobacco stick 606. In some embodiments, the tobacco stick 606 is a permanent structure on the housing 604 that is in fluid communication with a tobacco stick cavity into which a tobacco stick or loose-leaf tobacco may be inserted and heated. The mouth end of the tobacco stick 606 allows the user to blow or inhale air into the THS e-smoking item 602, drawing air through the airflow port 608, which then moves through the THS e-smoking item 602 and the tobacco, and finally to the user through the mouth end. In one embodiment, the vaporization process is initiated by the air drawn in by inhalation. Alternatively, the vaporization process is initiated by activating a circuit closure (mechanical or optical), such as an activation switch 609.

[0065] Inside the THS electronic smoking article 602 (for example, inside the housing 604 (not shown)) there may be a circuit board, a battery, a heating element, and a tobacco stick cavity. The battery powers the THS electronic smoking article 602, including the heating element. The circuit board is structured to activate, deactivate, and control the heating and use of the heating element, and to control other components of the THS electronic smoking article 602. The heating element may surround the tobacco stick 606 and heat the tobacco from the outside in, or be inserted into the tobacco stick 606 and heat the tobacco from the inside out, or a combination of the two. In another example, in some embodiments an induction heating configuration may be used, which may include an induction coil (or a number of induction coils) and one or more susceptors positioned adjacent to the tobacco stick 606, inserted into the tobacco stick 606, and / or integrated with the tobacco stick 606, which may include susceptor particles. In some embodiments, the THS e-smoking article 602 has an LED indicator that shows when the heating element is activated. As shown in Figure 6A, the LED is located around the activation switch 609. The activation switch 609 allows the user to activate or deactivate the heating element and use the THS e-smoking article 602.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6A, the PUB-THS device 610 includes a housing 616 having a first end 618 and a second end 620. The second end 620 is configured to interface with the second end 607 of the THS e-smoking article 602 via a connector. In some embodiments, the connector is part of a control device (not shown) inside the housing 616. In other embodiments, the connector is part of the housing 616. The first end 618 includes an airflow port (not shown) that is in fluid communication with the airflow port 614 of the second end 620. The second end 620 of the PUB-THS device 610 includes the airflow port 614 and a sensor holder 612. The airflow port 614 is in fluid communication with a venturi tube inside the housing 616. One or more venturi airflow chambers (not shown) may be molded into the internal cavity of the PUB-THS device 610. The use of a venturi airflow chamber enhances the PUB-THS instrument 610's ability to accurately measure changes in air pressure / airflow while a subject is using the THS. Specifically, the pressure transducer sensor of the PUB-THS instrument 610 can determine the airflow rate by measuring changes in the pressure difference across the constricted portion of the venturi tube. For example, the interval between bluffs ("IPI") may be measured by recording the time between the end of a bluff (end of airflow) and the start of the next bluff (e.g., start of airflow), as long as these events occur during the period when the heating element is at temperature and a consumable product being consumed (e.g., a cigarette) is present. This data is stored and uploaded in raw data format, dated and stamped, and used to generate bluff, rapid bluff and sub-bluff counts and duration values, as well as IPI counts and duration values. As understood, to enhance the PUB-THS instrument 610's ability to accurately measure changes in air pressure / airflow while a subject is using the THS, one or more orifices may be placed inside the housing 616.

[0067] More specifically, the PUB-THS device 610 monitors, records, and transmits multiple user usage data and THS e-smoking item device data. The PUB-THS device 610 is structured to have a form, size, and connectors that allow it to be adapted to interface with the bottom of the THS e-smoking item 602 without interfering with the operation of the THS e-smoking item 602. As understood, the PUB-THS device 610 is durable and can be used in both controlled and limited controlled environments, under and without supervision, in accordance with product safety standards for mobile research equipment. Inside the housing 616 is a control unit (not shown). The control unit may be similar to the control unit of the PUB device 100 in Figure 1, configured to be located inside the housing 616 of the PUB-THS device 610. The control unit includes a sensor array, a PUB battery, onboard memory, and an antenna. The control unit is structured to monitor, record, and store multiple user and THS e-smoking item 602 data and characteristics. The control device is structured to interface with a wide variety of THS electronic smoking articles, to be sized to interfere as little as possible with the intended form of the THS electronic smoking article 602, and to have connectors in some embodiments.

[0068] The control device acquires real-time data related to the characteristics of individual revving behaviors (e.g., number, duration, volume, interval between revving), changes in revving characteristics at any given time, changes in revving characteristics over a period of time, and similar information. For example, captured revving characteristics may include, but are not limited to, revving volume (ml), revving duration (s), number of revvings, number of sub-revvings, average and peak flow rate (ml / s), average and peak airflow (ml / s), average and peak resistance, average and peak pressure drop (mmWg), interval between revvings (s), and lighting time (s). The control device may also acquire battery characteristics (e.g., wattage, voltage, and resistance), position, orientation of the device, movement of the device, temperature of the airflow entering the THS electronic smoking article 602, and sound of the airflow entering the THS electronic smoking article 602. The control device facilitates the storage of data characteristics related to user usage behavior at any given time and usage patterns over periods of product interaction (e.g., hour, day, week). The control device and related elements can be physically implemented on a circuit board.

[0069] Onboard memory is structured to store data and characteristics collected by the sensor array. Onboard memory may be, for example, flash memory or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory ("EEPROM") memory. Onboard memory should provide sufficient memory capacity to store the highest estimated data load generated over a set period, e.g., 7 days. In some embodiments, onboard memory may be reset to a null value, and the onboard clock may be resynchronized when data is uploaded. In other embodiments, onboard memory is structured to retain any data until the onboard memory reaches its capacity. Onboard memory may store data in raw data format, date and time stamped, and use it to determine watt values. As understood, watt values ​​combined with blow duration values ​​may be used to generate a total particulate matter ("TPM") constant for the estimated mouse-level exposure ("eMLE") of aerosol measurements. Data captured by the sensor array, both at individual data points, is stored in onboard memory as part of a date and time stamped cumulative record.

[0070] The PUB-THS battery includes an onboard rechargeable battery. The PUB-THS battery may also be a rechargeable solid-state battery. The PUB-THS battery is structured to power the PUB-THS device 610 and ensure that the data acquisition performance by the PUB-THS device 610 does not affect the battery's performance. The PUB-THS battery should be capable of maintaining a charge through the highest estimated level of subject use. In some embodiments, the PUB-THS battery lasts for at least 7 days without needing to be recharged. In some embodiments, the PUB-THS battery is recharged when the THS e-smoking article 602 is recharged. In other embodiments, the PUB-THS device 610 includes a charging port on the housing 616 from which the PUB-THS battery can be charged. In some embodiments, the PUB-THS device 610 does not have a PUB-THS battery. Instead, the PUB-THS device 610 draws power from the battery in the THS e-smoking article 602.

[0071] The antenna is structured to transmit data collected by a sensor array and stored in onboard memory. The antenna may be structured to upload data continuously throughout the lifecycle of the THS e-smoking item 602, during the charging cycle of the e-smoking item, during the activation of the THS e-smoking item 602, or during similar trigger events. In some embodiments, the onboard memory may be reset to a null value, and the onboard clock may be resynchronized when the data upload by the antenna is complete. In some embodiments, the PUB-THS device uses wireless technology (e.g., Bluetooth™ technology) to facilitate the transfer of data from the memory of the PUB-THS device 610 to a secure location (e.g., a server location) via data transfer software (e.g., a PC, iOS™, or Android™). The antenna is designed to limit interference with the aerosols generated by the transmission of data via Bluetooth™ or other wireless communication technology as much as possible. In other embodiments, the antenna has a wired interface that enables a wired connection to a secure location via data transfer software. The security and integrity of data during the transfer from the antenna of the PUB-THS device 610 to a computer or smart device and / or database server can be maintained in accordance with appropriate research data standards. In some embodiments, data hosted in a secure database may be used to communicate with a PC and / or smart device (e.g., a smartphone and / or tablet) to present additional information to the user of the PUB-THS device 610.

[0072] The sensor array is configured to monitor and record one or more data characteristics of the THS electronic smoking article 602, as well as user usage data. The sensor array is configured to monitor and record a wide variety of user usage characteristics and data. The sensor array can capture real-time data relating to the characteristics of individual usage behaviors (e.g., number, duration, capacity, interval between puffs), how these characteristics change from time to time, and how battery characteristics such as power (e.g., wattage) change from time to time. The sensor array may measure the time between the end of a puff (e.g., battery deactivation) and the start of the next puff (e.g., battery activation), also known as IPI. As understood, puff statistics captured by the sensor array can be used to capture puff, rapid puff and sub-puff counts and duration values, as well as IPI counts and duration values. In some embodiments, the sensor array monitors and captures the activation of the battery or heating element coinciding with the start of a puff, and measures the time the battery is activated to determine the puff duration. Furthermore, the sensor array can capture the heater temperature during each revving period. In other embodiments, the sensor array may record the end of revving when the battery is no longer activated.

[0073] With respect to the THS electronic smoking article 602, the sensor array may include specific sensors for detecting battery activation of the THS electronic smoking article, battery characteristics (e.g., wattage, voltage, current, and resistance), or battery usage time (e.g., length of smoking time). As understood, the data captured by the sensor array is stored in onboard memory as part of a date and time stamped cumulative record, both at individual data points. As described in detail above, the sensor array may include pressure transducer sensors for measuring changes in the pressure difference across one or more venturi airflow chambers or orifices.

[0074] The sensor array may include hardware sensors for detecting the presence of tobacco sticks 606 within the THS e-smoking article 602. Hardware sensors may be used to verify that tobacco sticks 606, in stick, loose-leaf, or other forms, are properly inserted into the THS e-smoking article 602 and properly heated by the heating element. The sensors may be configured to identify the type of consumable used in the THS e-smoking article 602 (e.g., tobacco and non-tobacco products, or specific variations thereof) and the quantity of the consumables. The sensors may determine the tobacco stick insertion pressure, the quantity of tobacco sticks (in the case of loose-leaf tobacco), the load duration, the frequency of removal, and other interactions between the tobacco sticks 606 and the THS e-smoking article 602. In some embodiments, the sensor array may verify that the tobacco sticks are genuine (e.g., authorized, not counterfeit, etc.) tobacco sticks. Such unauthorized tobacco sticks may not meet the quality, performance, and safety parameters of the original manufacturer.

[0075] In some embodiments, the sensor array includes hardware sensors that track the position of the THS e-smoking article in use. For example, a 9-axis gyroscope may be used to capture the orientation of the PUB-THS device 610, an accelerometer to capture the movement of the PUB-THS device 610, and GPS or other satellite navigation systems to capture the position of the PUB-THS device 610. In such embodiments, a position tracking device may be used to generate data about the position of the THS e-smoking article 602 in relation to the positional relationship between the first end 605 and the second end 607 of the THS e-smoking article 602. Usefully, by recording this positional relationship, researchers can determine how the user held the THS e-smoking article 602 during smoking. By determining whether the user was smoking the THS e-smoking item 602 while lying on a couch with the battery on top of the tank, compared to when the user was holding the THS e-smoking item 602 while sitting in the same way as with a conventional cigarette, more information can be provided regarding the normal use of the THS e-smoking item 602, and details regarding tank leaks and malfunctions / failures of the THS e-smoking item 602 can be provided. Furthermore, a position sensor may be used to track the speed at which the THS e-smoking item 610 moves from one position to another, thereby allowing linear acceleration to be used to identify the start or end of use of the THS e-smoking item 602.

[0076] The sensor array may include hardware sensors that detect changes in ambient temperature within the ventilation ports of the THS e-smoking article 602. Temperature changes may be used to identify when revving has started and when the THS e-smoking article 602 is in continuous use. In some embodiments, the PUB-THS device 610 may include hardware sensors that detect the speed at which the PUB-THS device 610 moves from one position to another. In those embodiments, the linear acceleration of the PUB-THS device 610 is measured in relation to use / non-use to identify the start of the product's period of use. In other embodiments, the PUB-THS device 610 may include hardware sensors that record the frequency of sound in the air passing through the dedicated ventilation ports of the PUB-THS device 610. In such embodiments, passive acoustic measurements may be used to provide information for understanding the revving speed and the general shape of individual revving characteristics.

[0077] The PUB-THS device 610 may also include hardware sensors that track and record events measured by other components constituting the PUB-THS device 610. Conveniently, this tracking is dated and stamped so that any recorded events form a cumulative record. The cumulative record is traceable and can be exported to any statistical software package for subsequent analysis or to task-specific summarization software. In other embodiments, the PUB-THS device 610 may receive externally processed cumulative records via download to the PUB-THS device 610. In such embodiments, the PUB-THS device 610 may perform additional analysis or task-specific summarization of the externally processed data. In other embodiments, the PUB-THS device 610 performs informational and feedback analysis of the cumulative records within the device. In other embodiments, the PUB-THS device 610 may include a photosensor, a mechanical sensor, and / or a pressure sensor to detect whether the PUB-THS device 610 has been removed from the battery and / or tank end of an e-smoking article.

[0078] In some embodiments, the PUB-THS device 610 includes a toggle function on the control unit. The toggle function can turn on, off, limit, or change one or more data characteristics monitored and recorded by the PUB-THS device 610. For example, the toggle function may limit the total number of puffs generated over a specific period (e.g., minutes / hours / days / weeks, etc.) to limit the number of THS e-smoking articles used, e.g., with respect to duration, number, or a combination of both. In other embodiments, the PUB-THS device 610 includes a single activation button that can be used to trigger or mark events (e.g., date / time / location) that occur during the use of the e-smoking article. In some embodiments, the PUB-THS device 610 includes a screen (e.g., LCD, LED, OLED, or other preferred screen) inserted into the housing 616. The screen displays the status of any of the events recorded or managed by the PUB-THS device 610. The screen may also facilitate user adjustment of the data monitored and recorded by the sensor array, for example, via the toggle function. The user may use the screen to select an "off" option for one or more data characteristics to be collected, for example, the user's location while using the PUB-THS device 610. The toggle function may include the ability to change the wattage supplied to the heating element in the heating chamber of the THS electronic smoking article 602. The user may use this toggle function to change the total wattage supplied to an amount less than the wattage generated by the THS battery to a low level of 0. Furthermore, the toggle function may be used to track and record other components constituting the PUB-THS device 610, or events measured by the PUB-THS device 610.

[0079] The PUB-THS device 610 may also include identifiers related to the structure and characteristics of the PUB-THS device 610. The identifiers are updatable for each user during use of the PUB-THS device 610. As understood, this may allow users to switch between clinical (e.g., data captured for third-party analysis) and non-clinical (e.g., data captured for user analysis) studies. The identifiers can be incorporated into the dataset to enable matching of data types (e.g., clinical, non-clinical, specific user, type of PUB-THS device 610) with data sources. In addition, the identifiers may be encoded in the PUB-THS device 610 and visually apparent through embossed portions of the housing 616 of the PUB-THS device 610, or affixed to the housing 616 of the PUB-THS device 610 by labeling. In some embodiments, the sensor array may include access control via biometric security sensors, such as a fingerprint sensor for detecting fingerprint characteristics. In those embodiments, the use of the THS e-smoking article 602 and / or data characteristic collection may only occur if the fingerprint sensor captures a fingerprint from an authorized user (e.g., associated with a PUB-THS device). As understood, the biometric security sensor may be structured to capture a wide variety of biometric data (e.g., iris, voice, gait, etc.) from an authorized user.

[0080] In certain embodiments, the PUB-THS device 610 is configured as a series of modules. A single module PUB-THS device 610 may be positioned between the battery end and the tank end of the THS e-smoking article 602. A single module PUB-THS device 610 may be structured to monitor and record one or more data or characteristics. Multiple modules of PUB-THS devices 610 may be connected along the THS e-smoking article 602 to monitor and record one or more data or characteristics. As understood, the THS e-smoking article 602 may be adjusted by the module PUB-THS device 610 to capture a particular subset of data and characteristics. For example, a user may want to use the PUB-THS device 610 to capture data characteristics but not allow the transmission or capture of location data. Therefore, the user's THS e-smoking article 602 may include a module PUB-THS device 610 that monitors and records data or characteristics that are not location-related. In some embodiments, the PUB-THS device 610 interfaces with a THS e-smoking article 602 and includes a chip structured to collect at least one usage data characteristic.

[0081] As understood, data collected by the sensor array 116 may be input into a graphics-based software program for summarizing and pattern recognition of the use of THS e-smoking articles 602 over a specific period. The software may import raw data exported from a database per user / trial. The data may be processed to summarize and apply algorithms for calculating individual product usage elements, product usage rates and / or patterns, and eMLE of aerosol measurements. Within the software program, information associated with the specific THS e-smoking article 602 being evaluated (e.g., TPM data values) necessary to perform the analysis can be modified. The data generated by this process may be uploaded to the database of the PUB-THS instrument 610. As understood, the imported data and exported results meet data security and integrity standards. In other embodiments, data collected by the sensor array is sent to task-specific summarization software.

[0082] In some embodiments, the control device includes coupling elements structured to removably connect to and interface with the airflow ports 608 and second end 607 of the THS e-smoking article 602. A wide variety of different coupling mechanisms may be used to attach the PUB-THS device 610 to the THS e-smoking article 602, including projections extending from the control device that interface with the THS e-smoking article 602. As understood, the size and type of coupling elements depend on the components that make up the interior of a particular THS e-smoking article. In some embodiments, the PUB-THS device 610 is removably connected to the THS e-smoking article 602 via complementary interlocking (e.g., snap-fit) interfaces on the second end 620 of the PUB-THS device 610 and the second end 607 of the THS e-smoking article 602. As can be understood, a user of the PUB-THS device 610 can, for maintenance purposes, push the PUB-THS device 610 into the THS e-smoking article 602 to snap it into place, and then pull them apart to replace any component, charge the battery, or perform a similar operation. Alternative complementary interlocking interfaces on the second end 620 of the PUB-THS device 610 and the second end 607 of the THS e-smoking article 602 can be, for example, twist-fit, press-fit, friction-fit, overlap-lock-fit, and similar connection interfaces.

[0083] Figure 6B shows a perspective view of an unassembled PUB-THS device 610 and the THS e-smoking article 602 of Figure 6A, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 6B, the PUB-THS device 610 includes a connector on the second end 620 configured for an interlocking interface with the second end 607 of the THS e-smoking article 602. The PUB-THS device 610 is mounted on the THS e-smoking article 602 so that it can record the function and characteristics of the THS e-smoking article 602 without obstructing the airflow necessary for normal function. As understood, the PUB-THS device 610 may include one or more of the components described above and a sensor array. Although only one PUB-THS device 610 is shown in Figure 6B, in some embodiments one or more PUB-THS devices 610 (e.g., modules) may be used with the THS e-smoking article 602. In those embodiments, the first end 618, the second end 620, or additional connectors on both ends may be structured to connect to another PUB-THS device 610. In some embodiments, the housing 616 of the PUB-THS device 610 is modified to better fit the form of the THS e-smoking article 602. As understood, the size and type of the connecting elements of the connector on the second end 620 are determined depending on the components that make up the exterior and interior of the THS e-smoking article 602.

[0084] Referring to Figure 6C, a perspective view of the PUB-THS device 610 of Figure 6B and the assembled THS e-smoking article 602 (a combination referred to herein as the “PUB-THS delivery system” 600) is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The PUB-THS delivery system 600 has the same general form and structure as the original THS e-smoking article 602. The PUB-THS device 610 has a size and form structured to physically minimize interference with the intended form of the THS e-smoking article 602. The components of the PUB-THS device 610 ensure that the performance and use of the PUB-THS delivery system 600 are substantially similar to those of the THS e-smoking article 602.

[0085] Referring to Figure 7A, a perspective view of an assembled THS e-smoking article 702 according to another exemplary embodiment is shown. The THS e-smoking article 702 is similar to the THS e-smoking article 602. As previously stated, the by-product produced by the THS e-smoking article 702 is not smoke, but an aerosol or vapor resulting from the heating of tobacco in a tobacco stick 706. For example, the inhalable substance may be substantially in the form of an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or droplets in a gas). The THS e-smoking article 702 includes a housing 704 having a first end 705, a second end 707, and an activation switch 709. The second end 707 includes an airflow port 708 configured to facilitate airflow through the housing 704 of the THS e-smoking article 702. The first end 705 includes a cavity (not shown) for receiving a tobacco stick 706. In some embodiments, the tobacco stick 706 is a permanent structure on the housing 704 that fluidly communicates with a tobacco stick cavity into which a tobacco stick or loose-leaf tobacco can be inserted and heated. The mouth end of the tobacco stick 706 allows the user to blow or inhale air into the THS e-smoking article 702, drawing air through the airflow port 708, which then moves through the THS e-smoking article 702 and the heated tobacco, and finally to the user through the mouth end. In one embodiment, the vaporization process is initiated by inhalation to draw in air. Alternatively, the vaporization process is initiated by activating a circuit closure (mechanical or optical), such as an activation switch 709.

[0086] Referring to Figure 7B, an unassembled PUB-THS device 710 and a perspective view of the THS e-smoking article 702 in Figure 7A are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The PUB-THS device 710 is similar to the PUB-THS device 610 in that its internal structure (e.g., control devices, sensory arrays, etc.) is similar to or identical to that of the PUB-THS device 610 in terms of form and / or function. The differences between the PUB-THS device 710 and the PUB-THS device 610 are the shape of the housing 716 of the PUB-THS device 710, the connecting elements, and the connection location of the PUB-THS device 710. As shown in Figure 7B, the PUB-THS device 710 encloses a portion of the first end 705 of the THS e-smoking article 702 and the tobacco stick 706 protruding from the first end 705. In other words, the PUB-THS device 710 includes a portion (e.g., a hollow projection) that conforms to the position of the loaded tobacco stick and / or the position where the user interacts and consumes the tobacco product, in a manner similar to that of a shroud. The PUB-THS device 710 includes a projection 712 having an airflow opening 714 extending from a second end 718 of the housing 716 and a first end 720 that interfaces to connect with the first end 720 of the THS e-smoking article 702.

[0087] The protrusion 712 is in fluid communication with the tobacco stick 706 such that inhalation through the airflow opening 714 is substantially similar to tobacco consumption without the PUB-THS device 710 installed (e.g., THS e-smoking article 702 only). The PUB-THS device 710 has a different shape, but it may include one or more of the components described above (e.g., a control device, a sensor array, etc.). Although only one PUB-THS device 710 is shown in Figure 7B, in some embodiments one or more PUB-THS devices 710 (e.g., modules) may be used with the THS e-smoking article 702. In those embodiments, the first end 720, the second end 718, or both may be structured to connect with another PUB-THS device 710. In some embodiments, the housing 716 of the PUB-THS device 710 is modified to better fit the shape of the THS e-smoking article 702. As to be understood, the size and type of the connecting element and / or the interior of the housing 716 on the first end 720 are determined according to the components that make up the interior of the THS electronic smoking article 702.

[0088] A wide variety of different coupling mechanisms may be used to attach the PUB-THS device 710 to the THS e-smoking article 702, including a snap-fit ​​interface on the housing 716 that interfaces with the THS e-smoking article 702. As understood, the size and type of coupling elements depend on the components that make up the interior of a particular THS e-smoking article. In some embodiments, the PUB-THS device 710 is removably coupled to the THS e-smoking article 702 via complementary interlocking (e.g., snap-fit) interfaces on the first end 720 of the PUB-THS device 710 and the first end 705 of the THS e-smoking article 702. As understood, a user of the PUB-THS device 710 can push the PUB-THS device 710 to snap into the THS e-smoking article 702 for maintenance, and then pull them apart to replace any components, charge the battery, or perform similar operations. Alternative complementary interlocking interfaces on the first end 720 of the PUB-THS device 710 and the first end 705 of the THS electronic smoking article 702 may be, for example, twist-fit, press-fit, friction-fit, overlap-lock-fit and similar connection interfaces.

[0089] As shown in Figure 7C, the THS e-smoking article 702 is assembled with the PUB-THS device 710 in Figure 7B (a combination referred to herein as the “PUB-THS delivery system” 700). The PUB-THS delivery system 700 has the same general form and structure as the original THS e-smoking article 702. The PUB-THS device 710 has a size and form structured to physically interfere with the intended form of the THS e-smoking article 702 to the minimum extent. The components of the PUB-THS device 710 ensure that the performance and use of the PUB-THS delivery system 700 are substantially similar to those of the THS e-smoking article 702.

[0090] Referring to Figure 8A, a perspective view of an assembled THS e-smoking article 802 according to another exemplary embodiment is shown. The THS e-smoking article 802 is similar to the e-smoking article 202 in Figures 2A–2C. The difference between the THS e-smoking article 802 and the e-smoking article 202 is that the THS e-smoking article 802 uses a tobacco stick 806 on the mouth end of a heating element 805. The THS e-smoking article 802 includes a battery compartment 804, a heating element 805, and a cylindrical tobacco stick 806 containing tobacco or other smoking material. An airflow 808 may be drawn from the battery compartment 804 so that the user blows or inhales air through the battery compartment 804, through the heating element 805, into the tobacco stick 806, and finally into the user through the mouth end. In some embodiments, the airflow 808 may enter from the side of the battery compartment 804, for example, on or adjacent to the connector 814 of the heating element 805.

[0091] The battery compartment 804 includes a battery 812, a circuit board 822, an LED indicator 820, and an activation switch 818. The circuit board 822 is powered by the battery 812 and is operably connected to the LED indicator 820, the activation switch 818, and the heating element 805. The circuit board 822 is configured to control the operation of the THS e-smoking article 802, including activation, temperature control, and deactivation of the heating element 805. The activation switch 818 is operably connected to the circuit board 822 and allows the user to control the use (e.g., heating) of the THS e-smoking article 802. In one embodiment, the heating process is initiated by inhalation to draw in air. Alternatively, the heating process is initiated by activation of a circuit closure (mechanical or optical). As previously stated, the product generated by the THS e-smoking article 802 is not smoke, but an aerosol or vapor resulting from the heating of tobacco in the tobacco stick 806. For example, the inhalable substance may be substantially in the form of an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or droplets in a gas). In some embodiments, the THS e-smoking article 802 has an LED indicator 820 on a battery compartment 804. The LED indicator end shows when the THS e-smoking article 802 is activated. The battery compartment 804 is detachably connected to the heating element 805 via complementary torsional (e.g., twist) interfaces on the connector end 816 of the battery compartment 804 and the connector end 814 of the heating element 805. As understood, a user of the THS e-smoking article 802 may, for maintenance purposes, twist the battery compartment 804 away from the heating element 805 to replace any component, charge the battery compartment 804, or perform similar operations.

[0092] The tobacco stick 806 is inserted into the heating element 805 such that the heating element surrounds the tobacco stick 806. In some embodiments, the heating element 805 protrudes into the tobacco stick 806 and heats the tobacco from the inside. The mouth end of the tobacco stick 806 allows the user to blow into or inhale the THS e-smoking item 802, drawing in air, which then flows through the battery compartment 804 to the tobacco stick 806 and finally to the user through the mouth end (808).

[0093] Figure 8B shows a perspective view of the unassembled PUB-THS device 810 and the THS e-smoking article 802 in Figure 8A. The PUB-THS device 810 is similar to the PUB-THS device 610 in terms of form and / or function, such as its internal structure (e.g., control device, sensory array, etc.). The differences between the PUB-THS device 810 and the PUB-THS device 610 are the shape of the housing of the PUB-THS device 810, which has two connecting elements, and the connection point of the PUB-THS device 810 between the battery compartment 804 and the heating element 805 of the THS e-smoking article.

[0094] The PUB-THS device 810 includes a first end connector 826 structured for a torsional interface with the battery connector end 816 of the THS e-smoking article 802. The PUB-THS device 810 further includes a second end connector 824 structured for a torsional (e.g., twist) interface with the heating element connector end 814 of the THS e-smoking article 802. As understood, the PUB-THS device 810 may include one or more of the components described above (e.g., control devices, sensor arrays, etc.). Alternative complementary interlocking interfaces on the first end connector 826 and the second end connector 824 may be used to interface with suitable interface portions on the THS e-smoking article 802, e.g., twist-fit, press-fit, friction-fit, overlap-lock-fit, or similar connection interface portions. Although only one PUB-THS device 810 is shown in Figure 8B, in some embodiments one or more PUB-THS devices 810 (e.g., modules) may be used with the THS e-smoking article 802. In those embodiments, the first end connector 826, the second end connector 824, or both ends may be structured to connect with another PUB-THS device 810. In some embodiments, the housing of the PUB-THS device 810 is modified to better fit the form of the THS e-smoking article 802.

[0095] Referring to Figure 8C, a perspective view is shown of the PUB-THS device 810 of Figure 8B and the assembled THS e-smoking article 802 (a combination referred to herein as the “PUB-THS delivery system” 800), according to an exemplary embodiment. The PUB-THS delivery system 800 has the same general form and structure as the original THS e-smoking article 802. The PUB-THS device 810 has a size and form structured to physically minimize interference with the intended form of the THS e-smoking article 802. The components of the PUB-THS device 810 ensure that the performance and use of the PUB-THS delivery system 800 are substantially similar to those of the THS e-smoking article 802.

[0096] It should be noted that in this specification, the use of the term “example” to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily special or superlative examples). Furthermore, while several embodiments describe various dimensions and connections of PUB equipment or PUB-THS equipment, it is anticipated that PUB equipment or PUB-THS equipment may have a wide variety of target shapes and sizes of connection cross-sections.

[0097] Where used herein, the terms “substantially” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in accordance with the common and acceptable usage by those skilled in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure relates. Those skilled in the art considering this disclosure will understand that these terms are intended to enable the description of specific features described and claimed without limiting the scope of these features to a given exact numerical range. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that a non-substantially or insignificant modification or alteration of the subject matter described and claimed (e.g., within plus or minus 5 percent of a given angle or other value) is considered to fall within the scope of the invention described in the appended claims. Where used in relation to a value, the term “approximately” means plus or minus 5 percent of the relevant value.

[0098] As used herein, terms such as “connected” mean that two members are joined to each other directly or indirectly. Such a connection may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or detachable). Such a connection may be achieved by two members, or two members and any additional intermediate members, being formed integrally with each other as a single joint, or by two members, or two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to each other.

[0099] In this specification, references to the position of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” etc.) are used solely to describe the orientation of various elements in the drawings. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other typical exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be included in this disclosure.

[0100] The computer-readable program code (e.g., identification code) embodied on the processing circuit may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including, but not limited to, wireless, wired, fiber optic cable, radio frequency (RF), or any preferred combination thereof. In one embodiment, the computer-readable medium may include a combination of one or more computer-readable storage media and one or more computer-readable signaling media. For example, the computer-readable program code may be propagated as an electromagnetic signal via a fiber optic cable for execution by the processor and stored in a RAM memory device for execution by the processor.

[0101] It is important to note that the construction and configuration of various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. While this disclosure has described in detail only a few embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel teachings and merits of the subject matter described herein (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions of various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, material use, color, orientation, etc.). For example, elements shown as being integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise altered, and the properties, number or position of individual elements may be changed or altered. Any process or method step order or sequence may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. Furthermore, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, features from certain embodiments may be combined with features from other embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made to the designs, operating conditions and configurations of various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0102] Furthermore, the methods and symbols used are provided to illustrate the logical process of the schematic diagram and are not intended to limit the scope of the method illustrated by the diagram. Various types of arrows and lines may be used in the schematic diagram, but these are not intended to limit the scope of the corresponding method. In fact, some arrows or other connectors may be used solely to indicate the logical flow of a method. For example, an arrow may indicate an unspecified duration of waiting or monitoring time between the enumerated steps of the shown method. Furthermore, the order in which a particular method is performed may or may not strictly follow the order of the corresponding shown steps. It should also be noted that each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, as well as combinations of blocks in a block diagram and / or flowchart, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system or a combination of dedicated hardware and program code to perform a specified function or action.

Claims

1. Product usage and behavioral equipment, A housing that defines the central compartment inside, The housing comprises a control device located in the central compartment, and the control device is An electronic smoking article comprising a battery and a heating element for heating a tobacco product, a connector configured to connect a product usage and behavior device in an operable and detachable manner, A sensor circuit structured to collect at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior associated with the use of at least one of a heating element and a battery, A local memory structured to store at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior, A product usage and behavior device comprising a communication interface structured to communicate at least one usage data characteristic of stored smoking behavior to a remote computing device.

2. The housing further comprises at least one venturi airflow chamber, The product use and behavior device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor circuit includes a pressure sensor for measuring changes in air pressure or flow through at least one venturi airflow chamber.

3. The product use and behavior device according to claim 1, wherein the connector is operably and detachably connected to the battery of the e-smoking article, and the connector has an airflow cavity that allows airflow to the e-smoking article through the product use and behavior device.

4. The tobacco product is a tobacco stick inserted into a heating element, the tobacco stick protruding from the battery and having a mouth end, The product use and behavior device according to claim 1, wherein the connector is operably and detachably connected to a heating element, and the housing is formed around the tobacco stick so that the user of the electronic smoking article can access the mouth end.

5. The product use and behavior device according to claim 1, further comprising a first connector operably and detachably connected to the battery of an e-smoking article, and a second connector configured to operably and detachably connect a product use and behavior device to the heating element of an e-smoking article.

6. The product usage and behavior device according to claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a press-fitted connecting member.

7. The product use and behavior device according to claim 1, wherein at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior includes an activity component and a time component.

8. The activity component includes at least one of the following: number of revs, duration of revving, and interval between revs. The product use and behavior device according to claim 7, wherein the time component includes at least one of activity time, activity duration, and activity period.

9. The activity component includes at least one of the following: battery current, battery voltage, battery resistance, orientation, airflow temperature, and airflow pressure. The product use and behavior device according to claim 7, wherein the time component includes at least one of activity time, activity duration, and activity period.

10. The product use and behavior device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor circuit detects a change in ambient temperature inside the product use and behavior device and initiates the capture of at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior.

11. The product use and behavior device according to claim 1, further comprising a position sensor circuit structured to provide information regarding positioning and orientation during smoking behavior.

12. The control unit further includes a biometric sensor structured to capture biometric authentication from an authorized user. The product use and behavior device according to claim 1, wherein at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior is captured only when an authorized user is detected.

13. The product use and behavior device according to claim 1, further comprising a toggle button structured to change the operation of at least one of a sensor circuit, local memory, and communication interface.

14. Product use and behavior device according to claim 1, wherein at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior includes an identifier, the identifier includes at least one of a clinical data type, a non-clinical data type, and a user identifier.

15. The product use and behavior device according to claim 1, wherein the communication interface is structured to communicate to the receiving computing system at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior, stored in local memory, when the product use and behavior device is within range of the receiving computing system.

16. The product usage and behavior device according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply.

17. The product use and behavior device according to claim 1, wherein at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior includes a tobacco product identifier indicating the characteristics of a tobacco product used in an electronic smoking article.

18. The product use and behavior device according to claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable solid battery.

19. Electronic smoking article, A heating element configured to heat tobacco products, Batteries and The product includes a product usage and behavior device, and the product usage and behavior device is Equipped with a control device, the control device A connector configured to connect product usage and behavioral equipment to an electronic smoking article in an operable and detachable manner, A sensor circuit structured to collect at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior associated with the use of at least one of a heating element and a battery, A local memory structured to store at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior, An electronic smoking article comprising a communication interface structured to communicate at least one usage data characteristic of stored smoking behavior to a remote computing device.

20. The product usage and behavioral equipment further comprises at least one venturi airflow chamber, The electronic smoking article according to claim 19, wherein the sensor circuit includes a pressure sensor for measuring a change in the pressure or flow of air passing through at least one venturi airflow chamber.

21. The electronic smoking article according to claim 19, wherein the connector is operably and detachably connected to the battery of the electronic smoking article, and the connector has an airflow cavity that allows airflow to the electronic smoking article through the product use and behavior equipment.

22. The tobacco product is a tobacco stick inserted into a heating element, the tobacco stick protruding from the battery and having a mouth end, The electronic smoking article according to claim 19, wherein a connector is operably and detachably connected to a heating element, and product use and behavior equipment is formed around the tobacco stick so that the user of the electronic smoking article can access the mouth end.

23. The electronic smoking article according to claim 19, further comprising a first connector operably and detachably connected to a battery of the electronic smoking article, and a second connector configured to operably and detachably connect a product use and behavior device to a heating element of the electronic smoking article.

24. The electronic smoking article according to claim 19, wherein the connector comprises a twisted connecting member.

25. The electronic smoking article according to claim 19, wherein the connector comprises a press-fit connecting member.

26. The electronic smoking article according to claim 19, wherein the sensor circuit detects a change in ambient temperature within the electronic smoking article and initiates the capture of at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior.

27. The electronic smoking article according to claim 19, wherein the control device further comprises a position sensor circuit structured to provide information regarding the position and orientation of the electronic smoking article during use.

28. The control unit further includes a fingerprint sensor structured to capture fingerprints from authorized users. The electronic smoking article according to claim 19, wherein at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior is captured only when an authorized user is detected.

29. The electronic smoking article according to claim 19, wherein at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior includes an activity component and a time component.

30. The activity component includes at least one of the following: number of revs, duration of revving, and interval between revs. The electronic smoking article according to claim 29, wherein the time component includes at least one of activity time, activity duration, and activity period.

31. A method for capturing at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior, To provide electronic smoking products to users, the electronic smoking products are A heating element configured to heat tobacco products, Batteries and The product includes a product usage and behavior device, and the product usage and behavior device is Equipped with a control device, the control device A connector configured to connect product usage and behavioral equipment to an electronic smoking article in an operable and detachable manner, A sensor circuit structured to collect at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior associated with the use of at least one of a heating element and a battery, A local memory structured to store at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior, To provide a communication interface structured to communicate at least one usage data characteristic of stored smoking behavior to a remote computing device, In response to the initiation of smoking behavior, the control device activates the sensor circuit, The sensor circuit captures at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior, A method comprising storing at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior in local memory.

32. The method according to claim 31, further comprising transmitting at least one usage data characteristic stored in local memory to a receiving computing system via a communication interface.

33. The method according to claim 31, wherein detecting user smoking behavior includes detecting a change in ambient temperature inside an electronic smoking article using a sensor circuit.

34. Product usage and behavioral equipment, A housing that defines the central compartment inside, The housing comprises a control device located in the central compartment, and the control device is A first connector configured to connect the battery element of an electronic smoking article to a product usage and behavioral device in an operable and detachable manner, A second connector is provided on the tank element of the electronic smoking article, configured to operably and detachably connect the product usage and behavior equipment, A sensor circuit structured to collect at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior associated with the use of at least one of the tank element and battery element, A local memory structured to store at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior, A product usage and behavior device comprising a communication interface structured to communicate at least one usage data characteristic of stored smoking behavior to a remote computing device.

35. The product use and behavior device according to claim 34, wherein the first connector and the second connector are equipped with torsion connecting members.

36. The product use and behavior device according to claim 34, wherein the first connector and the second connector are equipped with press-fitted connecting members.

37. The product use and behavior device according to claim 34, wherein at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior includes an activity component and a time component.

38. The activity component includes at least one of the following: number of revs, duration of revving, and interval between revs. The product use and behavior device according to claim 37, wherein the time component includes at least one of activity time, activity duration, and activity period.

39. The activity component includes at least one of the following: battery current, battery voltage, battery resistance, orientation, airflow temperature, and airflow pressure. The product use and behavior device according to claim 37, wherein the time component includes at least one of activity time, activity duration, and activity period.

40. The product use and behavior device according to claim 34, wherein the sensor circuit detects a change in ambient temperature inside the product use and behavior device and begins capturing at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior.

41. The product use and behavior device according to claim 34, further comprising a position sensor circuit structured to provide information regarding positioning and orientation during smoking behavior.

42. Product use and behavior device according to claim 34, wherein the control device further comprises a fingerprint sensor structured to capture fingerprints from an authorized user, and at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior is captured only when an authorized user is detected.

43. Product use and behavior device according to claim 34, wherein the control device further comprises a toggle button structured to change the operation of at least one of a sensor circuit, local memory, and a communication interface.

44. Product use and behavior device according to claim 34, wherein at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior includes an identifier, the identifier includes at least one of a clinical data type, a non-clinical data type, and a user identifier.

45. The product use and behavior device according to claim 34, wherein the communication interface is structured to communicate to the receiving computing system at least one use data characteristic of smoking behavior, stored in local memory, when the product use and behavior device is within range of the receiving computing system.

46. The product use and behavior device according to claim 34, further comprising a power supply.

47. The product use and behavior device according to claim 34, further comprising a pressure sensor configured to measure airflow.

48. The product use and behavior device according to claim 34, further comprising a rechargeable solid battery.

49. Electronic smoking article, Tank elements, Battery elements, The product includes a product usage and behavior device, and the product usage and behavior device is Equipped with a control device, the control device A first connector that is detachably and operably connected to the battery element, A second connector is detachably and operably connected to the tank element, A sensor circuit structured to collect at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior associated with the use of at least one of the tank element and battery element, A local memory structured to store at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior, An electronic smoking article comprising a communication interface structured to communicate at least one usage data characteristic of stored smoking behavior to a remote computing device.

50. The electronic smoking article according to claim 49, wherein the first connector and the second connector are provided with a torsion connecting member.

51. The electronic smoking article according to claim 49, wherein the first connector and the second connector are equipped with press-fitted connecting members.

52. The electronic smoking article according to claim 49, wherein the sensor circuit detects a change in ambient temperature within the electronic smoking article and initiates the capture of at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior.

53. The electronic smoking article according to claim 49, wherein the control device further comprises a position sensor circuit structured to provide information regarding the position and orientation of the electronic smoking article during use.

54. The electronic smoking article according to claim 49, wherein the control device further comprises a fingerprint sensor structured to capture a fingerprint from an authorized user, and at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior is captured only when an authorized user is detected.

55. The electronic smoking article according to claim 49, wherein at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior includes an activity component and a time component.

56. The electronic smoking article according to claim 49, wherein the activity component includes at least one of the number of puffs, the duration of puffs, and the interval between puffs, and the time component includes at least one of the activity time, the duration of the activity, and the activity period.

57. A method for capturing at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior, To provide electronic smoking products to users, the electronic smoking products are Tank elements, Battery elements, The product includes a product usage and behavior device, and the product usage and behavior device is Equipped with a control device, the control device A first connector that is detachably and operably connected to the battery element, A second connector is detachably and operably connected to the tank element, A sensor circuit structured to collect at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior associated with the use of at least one of the tank element and battery element, A local memory structured to store at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior, To provide a communication interface structured to communicate at least one usage data characteristic of stored smoking behavior to a remote computing device, Detecting user smoking behavior, Activating the sensor circuit using a control device, The sensor circuit captures at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior, A method comprising storing at least one usage data characteristic of smoking behavior in local memory.

58. The method according to claim 57, further comprising transmitting at least one usage data characteristic stored in local memory to a receiving computing system via a communication interface.

59. The method according to claim 57, wherein detecting user smoking behavior includes detecting a change in ambient temperature inside an electronic smoking article using a sensor circuit.

Images