Non-nicotine electronic vaping devices

Abstract

We provide a nicotine-free electronic vaping device. [Solution] The non-nicotine e-vaping device comprises a heater element, a power control circuit, and a memory module. The heater element is configured to heat a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, wherein the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation does not contain nicotine and contains at least one non-nicotine compound. The power control circuit is coupled to the heater element via a wire. The power control circuit is configured to apply a pulse-width modulated power signal to the heater element via the wire and to receive information via the wire. The memory module is configured to detect a plurality of pulses in the pulse-width modulated power signal, record information based on the detected plurality of pulses, and output the recorded information to the power control circuit via the wire.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

[0003] A non-nicotine e-vaping device includes a power source, such as a rechargeable battery, disposed within the device. The power source is electrically connected to the heater. The power source supplies power to the heater such that the heater is heated to a temperature sufficient to convert the non-nicotine pre-vaporizer formulation to a non-nicotine vapor. The non-nicotine vapor exits the non-nicotine e-vaping device through a mouthpiece that includes at least one outlet. The non-nicotine e-vaping device may include a memory, such as an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

Summary of the Invention

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

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

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

[0007] At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a non-nicotine e-vaping device. This non-nicotine e-vaping device comprises a reservoir, a heater element, a power application circuit, and an integrated circuit. The reservoir is configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, wherein the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is nicotine-free and contains at least one non-nicotine compound. The heater element is configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation extracted from the reservoir. The power application circuit is configured to output a pulse-width modulated power signal to the heater element via a wire, wherein the heater element is part of the wire. The integrated circuit includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to receive data transmissions via the wire by detecting changes in current in one or more pulses of the pulse-width modulated power signal, and to control the power application circuit to output the pulse-width modulated power signal.

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

[0009] At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a memory module for a non-nicotine cartridge of a non-nicotine e-vaping device. The memory module comprises a memory and a memory control unit. The memory control unit is coupled to the memory and configured to read information stored in the memory and output the information via the wire by modifying a pulse-width modulated power signal carried on the wire.

[0010] At least one other exemplary embodiment provides a power control circuit for a non-nicotine e-vaping device. This power control circuit comprises a power application circuit and an integrated circuit. The power application circuit is configured to output a pulse-width modulated power signal to a heater element via a wire. The integrated circuit includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to receive data transmissions via the wire by detecting changes in current in one or more pulses of the pulse-width modulated power signal, and to control the power application circuit to output the pulse-width modulated power signal, wherein the heater element is part of the wire. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

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

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

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

[0014] [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram of a memory module according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0015] [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a flowchart illustrating a method for recording information in a memory module according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

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

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

[0018] [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a time-lapse diagram showing an example of recording operation according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

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

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

[0021] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is another exemplary pulse-width modulated signal according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

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

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

[0024] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exemplary power circuit according to at least one exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Some detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for explaining the exemplary embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments can be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited only to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0026] Therefore, while exemplary embodiments are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, these exemplary embodiments are shown as examples in the drawings and are described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not intended to limit themselves to any particular form disclosed, but rather to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Similar numbers refer to similar elements throughout the description of the figures.

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

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

[0029] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, the first section 100 comprises a power supply 110, a power control circuit 120, a sensor 134, and an LED array 137. The power control circuit 120 includes a power circuit (or power application circuit) 124 and an integrated circuit 127.

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

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

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

[0033] The integrated circuit 127 may control the power circuit 124, the sensor 134, and the LED array 137. The integrated circuit 127 may also receive sensor signals from the sensor 134. The integrated circuit 127 may control the power circuit 124 and supply pulse-width modulated (PWM) power signals (or PWM power signals) to the heater 240 and the memory module 210 via the power line 150.

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

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

[0036] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the sensor 134 is described in relation to a capacitive sensor. However, the sensor 134 may be any suitable pressure sensor, for example, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) including a piezoresistive or other pressure sensor.

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

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

[0039] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the reservoir 220 may include a storage medium, which may be a fibrous material comprising at least one of the following: cotton (e.g., a roll of cotton gauze), polyethylene, polyester, rayon, or a combination thereof. In at least one other exemplary embodiment, the reservoir 220 may lack any storage medium and include a filled tank containing only the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The reservoir 220 may be sized and configured to hold a sufficient amount of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation so that the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 is configured for non-nicotine vaping for at least about 1000 seconds. The non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 (more specifically, the integrated circuit 127) may also be configured so that each puff lasts up to about 5 seconds.

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

[0041] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a flavoring (at least one flavor) and / or a non-nicotine compound may be included in the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is a liquid, solid, dispersion and / or gel formulation comprising, but not limited to, water, beads, solvent, active ingredient, ethanol, plant extract, natural or artificial flavor, and / or at least one non-nicotine vapor-forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0042] Non-nicotine compounds do not contain nicotine. In at least one exemplary embodiment, non-nicotine compounds do not contain tobacco and do not contain compounds derived from tobacco. In at least one exemplary embodiment, non-nicotine compounds are cannabis or contain at least one cannabis-derived component. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the cannabis-derived component contains at least one of the following: at least one cannabis-derived cannabinoid (e.g., phytocannabinoid, or cannabinoid synthesized by the cannabis plant), at least one cannabis-derived terpene, at least one cannabis-derived flavonoid, or at least one combination thereof.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0052]

[0053] Referring back to Figure 1, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the wick 224 may include filaments (or threads) having the ability to draw out the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir 220. For example, the wick 224 may be a bundle of glass (or ceramic) filaments, a bundle including a group of windings of glass filaments, and all these arrangements may allow the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to be drawn out via capillary action through the gaps between the filaments. The filaments may generally be arranged in a direction perpendicular (lateral) to the longitudinal direction of the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the wick 224 may include 1 to 8 filament strands, each strand consisting of several glass filaments twisted together. The ends of the wick 224 are flexible and can be folded within the range of the reservoir 220. The filaments may generally have a cross-section that is cruciate, cloverleaf, Y-shaped, or any other suitable shape.

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

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

[0056] In at least some other exemplary embodiments, the heater 240 may be a planar body, a ceramic body, a single wire, a mesh, a cage of resistance wires, or any other suitable form. More generally, the heater 240 may be any heater configured to vaporize a non-nicotine prevapor formulation.

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

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

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

[0060] Exemplary embodiments can be described in several examples with respect to the first section 100 coupled to the second section 200, but the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to these examples.

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

[0062] The power supply 110 may be a lithium-ion battery or a modified lithium-ion battery such as a lithium-ion polymer battery. Furthermore, the power supply 110 may be disposable or rechargeable.

[0063] The air inlet 160 may be one or more holes opened in the first external housing 104. The air inlet 160 allows the sensor 134 to detect puffs caused by pressure changes when air is drawn in through the air inlet 160.

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

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

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

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

[0068] The integrated circuit 127 may include a control unit 129 in particular. The control unit 129 may include a processing circuit such as hardware including logic circuits, a combination of hardware and software such as a processor that executes software, or a combination thereof. For example, the processing circuit may more specifically include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

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

[0070] As shown in Figure 2, the integrated circuit 127 may further include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 128. The ADC 128 may be an oscillator-based converter. As will be described in more detail below, the ADC 128 may be connected to a power line 150 and configured to determine when the current flowing through the power line 150 changes beyond a certain threshold. For example, the integrated circuit 127 (or control unit 129) via the ADC 128 may detect a first bit value (e.g., "1") in response to determining that the current of the PWM signal changes beyond a threshold during a pulse of the PWM signal, and detect a second bit value (e.g., "0") in response to determining that the current of the PWM signal does not change beyond a threshold during a pulse of the PWM signal. The first bit value "1" and the second bit value "0" are used only as examples. In some exemplary embodiments, the first bit value and the second bit value may be reversed. The ADC 128 may output a signal based on the current detected through the power line 150. The integrated circuit 127 may determine what data has been transmitted based on the signal output from the ADC 128. Alternatively, the integrated circuit 127 may be configured to receive information from the memory module 210 only via the power line 150. This eliminates the need for additional electrical connections for data transmission between the control unit 212 and the integrated circuit 127.

[0071] Furthermore, the integrated circuit 127 can determine a threshold based on the load of the power circuit 124. For example, in the initial stage, a series of bits "010101..." may be transmitted by changing the load of the memory module 210 between a series of pulses of the PWM signal. The integrated circuit 127 may measure the current of data bits "0" and data bits "1" and determine a threshold for further transmission.

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

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

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

[0075] When sensor 134 detects an airflow passing through the first section 100 that exceeds a threshold, sensor 134 transmits a signal to integrated circuit 127. In response to the signal from sensor 134, integrated circuit 127 controls power circuit 124 to begin supplying a PWM signal to heater 240. This causes heater 240 to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation on wick 224, generating non-nicotine vapor.

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

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

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

[0079] Figure 3 shows a memory module 210 according to at least one exemplary embodiment. Figures 2 and 3 are connected at node 260N.

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

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

[0082] The control unit 212 may include processing circuits such as hardware including logic circuits, a combination of hardware and software such as a processor that executes software, or a combination thereof. For example, the processing circuit may more specifically include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

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

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

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

[0086] Furthermore, the additional load may be implemented in other configurations. For example, the additional load 219 may include multiple transistors, resistors, capacitors, combinations thereof, or subcombinations thereof.

[0087] Figure 4A is a flowchart illustrating a method for recording information in a memory module 210 according to at least one exemplary embodiment. For illustrative purposes, the method shown in Figure 4A is described in relation to the non-nicotine e-vaping device and electrical system shown in Figures 1 to 3.

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

[0089] In S320, the control unit 212 acquires information from the PWM signal. For example, the control unit 212 may detect the number of pulses in the PWM signal and determine the operating time of the heater 240 based on the detected number of pulses. Alternatively, the control unit 212 may determine the information to record based on the detected number of pulses or the operating time of the heater 240. As another example, the control unit 212 may detect a signal embedded in the PWM signal and determine the information to record based on the signal embedded in the PWM signal. Exemplary methods and protocols for embedding a signal in the PWM signal will be described later with reference to Figures 7 to 11.

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

[0091] Figure 4B is a flowchart illustrating a method for transmitting information to the main unit according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

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

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

[0094] In S360, the integrated circuit 127 determines whether the data was received without errors. The integrated circuit 127 may use one or more checksum bits to determine whether the data was received without errors by comparing the sum of previously received bits with a checksum. Since the method of determining whether the data was received correctly using a checksum is known, no further explanation is provided.

[0095] If the integrated circuit 127 determines in S360 that the data has been received without errors, the integrated circuit 127 may control the power circuit 124 and send an acknowledgment of receipt via the PWM signal in S370. The acknowledgment may be embedded in the PWM signal. Alternatively, the acknowledgment may be received by sending the pulse set in the PWM signal as is. Exemplary methods and protocols for embedding information (e.g., acknowledgment information or bits) in the PWM signal will be described later with reference to Figures 7 to 11.

[0096] Returning to S360, if the integrated circuit 127 determines that the data was received with an error (for example, the checksum failed), the integrated circuit 127 may control the power circuit 124 and send a data retransmission request (negative response) via the PWM signal. The request may be embedded in the PWM signal, as will be described in more detail later with reference to Figures 7 to 11. Alternatively, the data retransmission request may be sent by shortening the setting pulse of the PWM signal, as will be described in more detail below. Based on the data retransmission request (or negative response), the memory module 210 may retransmit the data.

[0097] Using the same or substantially the same operation, the integrated circuit 127 may request and receive information stored in the fuse memory 217 (e.g., product identifiers, serial numbers, or combinations thereof).

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

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

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

[0101] As described above, the fuse memory 217 may include an array of fuses. For example, the fuse array may include 1024 fuses. The reservoir 220 may contain enough non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation for the heater 240 to vaporize the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation for approximately 1016 seconds. The first part of the fuse array (e.g., 1016 fuses) may indicate the total operating time of the heater 240. The second part (e.g., 8 fuses) may store other information, such as the product identifier or serial number of the cartridge 200. The number of fuses in the section of the fuse memory 217 does not need to correlate one-to-one with the number of seconds the heater 240 actively heats the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to produce non-nicotine vapor before the reservoir 220 is exhausted, but may correlate with any time. For example, if reservoir 220 holds only enough non-nicotine prevapor formulation so that heater 240 operates for approximately 508 seconds before reservoir 220 is depleted, then the first part of the fuse array may still contain 10¹⁶ fuses, each representing 0.5 seconds of the total operating time of heater 240.

[0102] The fuse array may store other information in the second part, and may also include information indicating at least one flavor of a non-nicotine prevapor formulation, a date, or other information related to the cartridge 200.

[0103] Figure 6 is a time-lapse diagram showing the recording of information in a fuse memory 217 according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0104] Figure 6 shows that the control unit 212 controls from t1 to t n Each time until t i The following shows an example of how to apply a set voltage to one of the fuses. For example, at each time t i From the next time t i+1If the time until is 1 second and the period of the PWM signal is 50 ms, the control unit 212 may apply a set voltage to one of the fuses after 20 pulses have been received at time t1. Then, the control unit 212 may apply a set voltage across a second fuse after another 20 pulses have been received at time t2. In this way, one fuse is opened for each set of 20 pulses received by the heater 240 and the control unit 212.

[0105] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the fuse is permanently open and does not require a voltage to be maintained to hold it in an open or closed position. Therefore, the fuse memory 217 is non-volatile. Thus, even after the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 is turned off and then on again, the control unit 212 can continue to record information about the total operating time of the heater 240 by keeping one fuse open at each time t. Furthermore, the ability of the fuse to hold an open or closed state is not significantly affected by the heat generated by the heater 240. As a result, the fuse memory 217 described above can retain information without a constant voltage and without being significantly affected by the heat generated by the heater 240. Also, fuse memory is generally less expensive than heat-resistant electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

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

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

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

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

[0110] The memory module 210 may count the number of pulses received by the PWM signal in order to determine the timing for opening the fuse of the fuse memory 217.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0125] In the idle and receive sections of the PWM clock cycle, the voltage may be the higher of two voltage levels. In the receive section, the memory module 210 may communicate multiple data bits by selectively connecting an additional load 219 to the power line 150 to draw in extra current through the power line 150. Shorter pulses with lower currents may indicate "1", as shown in data PWM cycle 1, and longer pulses with lower currents may indicate "0", as shown in data PWM cycle 2.

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

[0127] Figure 11 shows another exemplary PWM signal according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

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

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

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

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

[0132] In the example of the third or fourth protocol described above, the integrated circuit 127 may control the power circuit 124 shown in Figure 12 and alternately output two other voltage levels as output signals, thereby applying a PWM signal with two voltage levels to the power line 150. The two other voltage levels may each be half of the two voltage levels applied to the power line 150, provided that the resistance values ​​of resistors R1 and R2 are equal.

[0133] When an element or layer is said to be “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another element or layer, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to, coupled to, attached to, adjacent to, or covering the other element or layer, and there may be an intervening element or layer. On the other hand, when an element is said to be “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there is no intervening element or layer. In this specification, the same number means the same element. In this specification, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related entries.

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

[0135] In this specification, for the sake of clarity, spatially relative terms (e.g., "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," etc.) may be used to describe the relationship between one element or function and another, as shown in the diagrams. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the diagrams. For example, if the device in the diagram is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" of other elements or features will be oriented "above" of those elements or features. Therefore, the term "below" may encompass both up and down orientations. Furthermore, the device may be oriented in other directions (it may be rotated 90 degrees or oriented in other directions), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0136] The terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein are intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and / or “comprising” used herein identify the presence of a described feature, integer, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0137] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to schematic cross-sectional views of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the exemplary embodiments. Therefore, variations from the figures are expected, for example, as a result of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments should not be construed as being limited to the shapes of the regions shown herein, but should include, for example, deviations in shape resulting from manufacturing.

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

[0139] While this specification has disclosed exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that other modifications are possible. Such modifications should not be considered to deviate from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and all such modifications that would be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. It is a nicotine-free e-vaping device, It comprises a heater element, a power control circuit, and a memory module. The heater element is configured to heat a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, wherein the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation does not contain nicotine and contains at least one non-nicotine compound. The power control circuit is connected to the heater element via a wire and is configured to apply a pulse-width modulated power signal to the heater element via the wire and to receive information via the wire. The aforementioned memory module is Multiple pulses in the pulse-width modulated power signal are detected, Information is recorded based on the detected plurality of pulses. The recorded information is configured to be output to the power control circuit via the wire.

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

3. In the non-nicotine e-vaping device according to claim 1, The aforementioned memory module is The number of pulses included in the plurality of pulses is detected, A device configured to record the information based on the number of pulses.

4. In the non-nicotine e-vaping device according to claim 1, The aforementioned memory module is The pulse widths contained in the plurality of pulses are detected, A device configured to record the information based on the pulse widths contained in the plurality of pulses.

5. In the non-nicotine e-vaping device according to claim 1, The aforementioned memory module is The pulse frequencies included in the plurality of pulses are detected, A device configured to record the information based on the pulse frequencies included in the plurality of pulses.

6. In the non-nicotine e-vaping device according to claim 1, The aforementioned memory module is Includes a fuse memory having an array of fuses, A device configured to record the information by opening at least one fuse from the array of fuses.

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. In the non-nicotine e-vaping device according to claim 1, With additional cartridges, The cartridge comprises the memory module and a reservoir, the reservoir being configured to hold the non-nicotine prevapor formulation. The non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation comprises a non-nicotine vapor-forming agent and at least one non-nicotine compound.

14. In the non-nicotine e-vaping device according to claim 1, The at least one non-nicotine compound is cannabis, at least one cannabis-derived component, or both cannabis and at least one cannabis-derived component.

15. A memory module for non-nicotine cartridges of a non-nicotine e-vaping device, It comprises a fuse array and a memory control unit, Each fuse in the aforementioned fuse array is configured to open based on a threshold voltage, The memory control unit, Receive a pulse-width modulated power signal via a wire, A device configured to apply a voltage equal to or greater than the threshold voltage to one or more fuses in the fuse array based on a plurality of pulses in the pulse-width modulated power signal.

16. In the memory module according to claim 15, The memory control unit, Based on the plurality of pulses, information is stored in the fuse array. A device configured to store at least one of the following: an identifier, the flavor of a non-nicotine prevapor formulation, a date, or a combination thereof.

17. In the memory module according to claim 15, The memory control unit is configured to apply the voltage to the fuses in the fuse array for each set number of pulses included in the plurality of pulses.

18. In the memory module according to claim 15, The memory control unit, The pulse frequencies included in the plurality of pulses are detected, The device is configured to apply a voltage equal to or greater than the threshold voltage to one or more fuses in the fuse array, and to record information in the fuse array based on the pulse frequency.

19. In the memory module according to claim 15, The memory control unit, The pulse widths contained in the plurality of pulses are detected, The device is configured to apply a voltage equal to or greater than the threshold voltage to one or more fuses in the fuse array, and to record information based on the pulse widths included in the plurality of pulses.

20. In the memory module according to claim 15, The memory control unit is further configured to receive information from outside the memory control unit only via the wire.

21. In the memory module according to claim 15, The memory control unit is further configured to receive power only via the pulse-width modulated power signal.

22. It is a non-nicotine cartridge, The memory module according to claim 15, the reservoir, and the heater element are provided, The reservoir is configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, wherein the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation does not contain nicotine and contains at least one non-nicotine compound. The heater element is configured to heat the non-nicotine prevapor formulation extracted from the reservoir, wherein the heater element is part of the wire.

23. In the non-nicotine cartridge according to claim 22, The non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation comprises a non-nicotine vapor-forming agent and at least one non-nicotine compound.

24. In the non-nicotine cartridge according to claim 22, The at least one non-nicotine compound is cannabis, at least one cannabis-derived component, or both cannabis and at least one cannabis-derived component.

25. A memory module for non-nicotine cartridges of a non-nicotine e-vaping device, It comprises memory and a memory control unit, The memory control unit, Combined with the aforementioned memory, The information stored in the memory is read, A device configured to output the information via a wire by modifying a pulse-width modulated power signal carried by the wire.

26. In the memory module according to claim 25, The memory control unit is configured to output the information by changing the current of at least one pulse of the pulse-width modulated power signal.

27. In the memory module according to claim 26, The memory control unit is further configured to output a checksum after transmitting the information.

28. In the memory module according to claim 27, The memory control unit is further configured to retransmit the information in response to a negative response transmission indicating that the information has not been received correctly.

29. In the memory module according to claim 28, The negative response transmission is a pulse in the pulse-width modulated power signal having a shorter length than the preceding pulse in the pulse-width modulated power signal.

30. In the memory module according to claim 25, The memory control unit, A load is connected to the wire between pulses of the pulse-width modulated power signal to indicate a first bit value, By indicating a second bit value that does not connect a load to the wire during the pulses of the pulse-width modulated power signal, A device further configured to output the aforementioned information.

31. In the memory module according to claim 25, The memory control unit is configured to output the information by selectively connecting a load to the wire.

32. It is a non-nicotine cartridge, The memory module according to claim 25, the reservoir, and the heater element are provided, The reservoir is configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, wherein the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation does not contain nicotine and contains at least one non-nicotine compound. The heater element is configured to heat the non-nicotine prevapor formulation extracted from the reservoir, wherein the heater element is part of a wire.

33. In the non-nicotine cartridge according to claim 32, The non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation comprises a non-nicotine vapor-forming agent and at least one non-nicotine compound.

34. In the non-nicotine cartridge according to claim 32, The at least one non-nicotine compound is cannabis, at least one cannabis-derived component, or both cannabis and at least one cannabis-derived component.

35. A power control circuit for a non-nicotine e-vaping device, It comprises a power application circuit and an integrated circuit, The aforementioned power application circuit is configured to output a pulse-width modulated power signal to a heater element via a wire. The aforementioned integrated circuit is Includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), By detecting the change in current in one or more pulses of the pulse-width modulated power signal, data transmission is received via the wire. The power application circuit is controlled to output the pulse-width modulated power signal, wherein the heater element is part of a wire.

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

37. In the power control circuit according to claim 35, The aforementioned data transmission is a digital signal, The aforementioned integrated circuit is In response to determining that the pulse-width modulated power signal changes beyond a threshold during a pulse of the pulse-width modulated power signal, a first bit value is detected. The device is further configured to detect a second bit value in response to determining that the current of the pulse-width modulated power signal does not change beyond a threshold value during the pulses of the pulse-width modulated power signal.

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

39. In the power control circuit according to claim 35, The integrated circuit controls the power application circuit to output power to the heater element in a first mode and a second mode. The pulses of the pulse-width modulated power signal have a first pulse width in the first mode. The pulses of the pulse-width modulated power signal have a second pulse width in the second mode, and the second pulse width is smaller than the first pulse width.

40. In the power control circuit according to claim 35, The aforementioned data transmission indicates the level of the non-nicotine prevapor formulation in the reservoir.

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

42. It is a nicotine-free e-vaping device, The power control circuit according to claim 35, a reservoir, and a heater element are provided, The reservoir is configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, wherein the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation does not contain nicotine and contains at least one non-nicotine compound. The heater element is configured to heat the non-nicotine prevapor formulation extracted from the reservoir, wherein the heater element is part of the wire.

43. In the power control circuit according to claim 35, The integrated circuit is configured to control the power application circuit and output the pulse-width modulated power signal so that information is transmitted by changing the pulse width in the pulse-width modulated power signal.

44. In the power control circuit according to claim 35, The integrated circuit is configured to control the power application circuit and output the pulse-width modulated power signal so that information is transmitted by changing the pulse frequency in the pulse-width modulated power signal.

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