Vaporization System

Abstract

To provide a vaporization system providing consumers with improved customization ability.SOLUTION: The present disclosure relates to vaporization systems and interchangeable elements forming such systems. In particular, a plurality of control devices may be interchangeably combined with one or more cartridges to provide an overall vaporization system that provide customizable vaporization characteristics for a consumer. The vaporization system further can include at least one external connection device for charging and / or data communication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices such as smoking articles, and more particularly to aerosol delivery devices (e.g., smoking articles commonly referred to as e-cigarettes) that can utilize electrically generated heat for the generation of an aerosol. The smoking article can be configured to heat an aerosol precursor, which can be made from or incorporate tobacco-derived materials or can incorporate tobacco, and the precursor can form an inhalable substance for human consumption. [Background technology]

[0002] Many smoking devices have been proposed over the years as an improvement or replacement for smoking products that require the burning of tobacco for use. Many of these devices are intentionally designed to provide the sensation associated with cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking, but without delivering significant amounts of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products resulting from the burning of tobacco. For this purpose, many smoking products, flavor generators, and medicinal inhalers have been proposed that utilize electrical energy to vaporize or heat volatile substances, or to provide the sensation of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking without significantly burning tobacco. For example, see the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and heat sources described in the background art in U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 by Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 by Griffith Jr. et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 by Sears et al., which are incorporated herein by reference. See also, for example, U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 170,838 to Bless et al., filed February 3, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference, for various types of smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and electrically powered heat sources referenced by trade name and commercial source. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 [Patent Document 3] US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 170,838 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a vaporization system that offers consumers improved customization capabilities. It would further be desirable to provide a vaporization system that includes multiple interchangeable elements so that a consumer has a single system with interchangeable parts that provide different vaporization characteristics as may be desired by the consumer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods of forming such devices, and elements of such devices. In particular, the present disclosure may relate to an aerosol delivery system formed from one or more cartridges that are interchangeably connectable to one or more devices that are connectable to an external connector (e.g., for charging and / or data or information transfer).

[0006] Thus, in one or more embodiments, the present disclosure can provide a vaporization system. In an exemplary embodiment, such a vaporization system includes a device outer housing defining a device exterior wall, a control device having a device distal end and a device proximal end including an opening formed therein, a device chamber defined by a device inner frame having at least a chamber sidewall and a chamber bottom wall, the opening at the device proximal end providing access to the device chamber, a device battery disposed within the device outer housing, a device printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) disposed within the device outer housing, a device electrical connector disposed within the first device chamber so as not to be disposed on the chamber bottom wall, a device external connection element, and a device outer frame having a proximal end and a closure. The cartridge may comprise a reservoir defined by an outer reservoir wall including a closed distal end, the reservoir configured to contain a liquid composition, a mouthpiece defined by an outer mouthpiece wall including a proximal end having an outlet port and a distal end engaging the proximal end of the reservoir, a heater, a liquid transport element, and electrical contacts not disposed at the closed distal end of the reservoir, wherein the cartridge is configured to engage a controller such that at least a portion of the reservoir of the cartridge is received within the device chamber and functionally combines with the electrical contacts of the cartridge electrically engaging the device electrical connector to form a vaporization system. In further embodiments, such a vaporization system may be defined in association with one or more of the following statements, which may be combined in any number and order:

[0007] The vaporization system can include a first control device and a second control device, the first control device and the second control device being interchangeably connectable with the cartridge such that at least a portion of the tank of the cartridge is separately received within a first device chamber present in the first device and a second device chamber present in the second device, respectively, to form a vaporization system in functional combination, and the first control device is different from the second control device.

[0008] The first control device can differ from the second control device in one or more of the following ways: the first device comprises a first device outer housing, and the second device comprises a second device outer housing, wherein the first device outer housing and the second device outer housing are each formed from different materials; the first device comprises a first device battery, and the second device comprises a second device battery, wherein the first device battery is different from the second device battery; the first device comprises a first device PCBA, and the second device comprises a second device PCBA, wherein the first device PCBA is different from the second device PCBA; the first device comprises a first device external connection element, and the second device comprises a second device external connection element, wherein the first device external connection element is different from the second device external connection element.

[0009] The first device battery can differ from the second device battery in one or more of battery type, maximum voltage, and capacity.

[0010] The first device PCBA can differ from the second device PCBA in one or more of memory, user programmability, heater control, and feedback functionality.

[0011] The control device may include a device window present in the device outer housing, said window positioned to provide visual access to the device chamber.

[0012] The control device can include a device light source and at least one opening through the device outer housing through which light from the device light source is visible.

[0013] The outer wall of the cartridge reservoir may be transparent or translucent.

[0014] The distal end of the cartridge mouthpiece may include a rim wall that is inserted through the mouthpiece wall and engages the interior of the proximal end of the reservoir.

[0015] The mouthpiece can include an interior upper wall between the proximal and distal ends, and also includes an interior lower wall between the upper wall and the distal end of the mouthpiece.

[0016] The mouthpiece wall, the interior upper wall, and the interior lower wall can define a vaporization chamber in which the heater is located.

[0017] The top wall may include an opening through which vapor from the vaporization chamber passes toward the exit portal.

[0018] The lower wall may include an opening through which the liquid transport element extends between the heater and the tank.

[0019] The electrical contacts can be located within the mouthpiece wall.

[0020] The mouthpiece wall may include a flange disposed between its proximal and distal ends.

[0021] The electrical contacts can be disposed in the mouthpiece wall between the flange and the distal end of the mouthpiece.

[0022] The opening at the proximal end of the device can include a recess having an inwardly projecting lip.

[0023] The flange of the mouthpiece can be configured to be at least partially received within the recess so as to contact the inwardly projecting lip.

[0024] One or more of the following conditions may be met: the flange comprises a magnetic component and the inwardly protruding lip comprises a metallic component configured for magnetic attraction; the inwardly protruding lip comprises a magnetic component and the flange comprises a metallic component configured for magnetic attraction; the flange comprises a magnetic component and the inwardly protruding lip comprises a magnetic component.

[0025] The cartridge may include an air inlet located in the outer mouthpiece wall.

[0026] The control device may include a pressure drop opening located in the device inner frame.

[0027] The system can include a first cartridge and a second cartridge different from the first cartridge.

[0028] The first cartridge can include a first heater and the second cartridge includes a second heater different from the first heater.

[0029] The first cartridge can include a first tank having a first volume, and the second cartridge includes a second tank having a second volume different from the first volume of the first tank.

[0030] The first cartridge can include a first liquid transport element and the second cartridge includes a second liquid transport element that is different from the first liquid transport element.

[0031] The vaporization system may further include an external connector configured to make electrical contact with the controller external connection element.

[0032] The present invention includes, but is not limited to, the following embodiments.

[0033] Embodiment 1: A control device having a device outer housing defining a device outer wall, a device distal end and a device proximal end including an opening formed therein, a device chamber defined by a device inner frame having at least a chamber sidewall and a chamber bottom wall, the opening in the device proximal end providing access to the device chamber, a device battery disposed within the device outer housing, a device printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) disposed within the device outer housing, a device electrical connector disposed within the first device chamber such that it is not disposed on the chamber bottom wall, a device external connection element, and a proximal end and a closed distal end. a cartridge including a reservoir defined by an outer reservoir wall including a reservoir configured to contain a liquid composition, the reservoir defined by an outer mouthpiece wall including a proximal end having an outlet port and a distal end engaging the proximal end of the reservoir; a heater; a liquid transport element; and electrical contacts not disposed at the closed distal end of the reservoir, wherein the cartridge is configured to engage with a controller such that at least a portion of the reservoir of the cartridge is received within a device chamber and in functional combination with the electrical contacts of the cartridge electrically engaging the device electrical connector form a vaporization system.

[0034] Embodiment 2: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the vaporization system comprises a first controller and a second controller, wherein the first controller and the second controller are interchangeably connectable with the cartridge such that at least a portion of the tank of the cartridge is separately received within a first device chamber present in the first device and a second device chamber present in the second device, respectively, to form, in functional combination, the vaporization system, and wherein the first controller is different from the second controller.

[0035] Embodiment 3: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the first control device differs from the second control device in one or more of the following aspects: the first device comprises a first device outer housing, and the second device comprises a second device outer housing, and the first device outer housing and the second device outer housing are each formed from different materials; the first device comprises a first device battery, and the second device comprises a second device battery, and the first device battery is different from the second device battery; the first device comprises a first device PCBA, and the second device comprises a second device PCBA, and the first device PCBA is different from the second device PCBA; the first device comprises a first device external connection element, and the second device comprises a second device external connection element, and the first device external connection element is different from the second device external connection element.

[0036] Embodiment 4: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the first device battery differs from the second device battery in one or more of battery type, maximum voltage, and capacity.

[0037] Embodiment 5: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the first device PCBA differs from the second device PCBA in one or more of memory, user programmability, heater control, and feedback functionality.

[0038] Embodiment 6: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the control device includes a device window present in the device outer housing, said window positioned to provide visual access to the device chamber.

[0039] Embodiment 7: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the control device includes a device light source and at least one opening through the device outer housing through which light from the device light source is visible.

[0040] Embodiment 8: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the outer wall of the cartridge's reservoir is transparent or translucent.

[0041] Embodiment 9: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the distal end of the mouthpiece of the cartridge includes a rim wall that is inserted through the mouthpiece wall and engages with the interior of the proximal end of the reservoir.

[0042] Embodiment 10: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the mouthpiece includes an internal upper wall between the proximal end and the distal end, and also includes an internal lower wall between the upper wall and the distal end of the mouthpiece.

[0043] Embodiment 11: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the mouthpiece wall, the interior upper wall, and the interior lower wall define a vaporization chamber in which the heater is disposed.

[0044] Embodiment 12: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the top wall includes an opening through which vapor from the vaporization chamber passes toward the exit portal.

[0045] Embodiment 13: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the bottom wall includes an opening through which the liquid transport element extends between the heater and the tank.

[0046] Embodiment 14: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the electrical contacts are disposed on the mouthpiece wall.

[0047] Embodiment 15: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the mouthpiece wall includes a flange disposed between its proximal and distal ends.

[0048] Embodiment 16: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the electrical contacts are disposed within the mouthpiece wall between the flange and the distal end of the mouthpiece.

[0049] Embodiment 17: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the opening at the proximal end of the device includes a recess having an inwardly protruding lip.

[0050] Embodiment 18: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the flange of the mouthpiece is configured to be at least partially received within the recess so as to contact the inwardly protruding lip.

[0051] Embodiment 19: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein one or more of the following conditions are met: the flange comprises a magnetic component and the inwardly protruding lip comprises a metal component configured for magnetic attraction; the inwardly protruding lip comprises a magnetic component and the flange comprises a metal component configured for magnetic attraction; the flange comprises a magnetic component and the inwardly protruding lip comprises a magnetic component.

[0052] Embodiment 20: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the cartridge comprises an air inlet disposed in the outer mouthpiece wall.

[0053] Embodiment 21: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the control device comprises a pressure drop opening disposed in the device inner frame.

[0054] Embodiment 22: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the system comprises a first cartridge and a second cartridge different from the first cartridge.

[0055] Embodiment 23: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the first cartridge includes a first heater and the second cartridge includes a second heater different from the first heater.

[0056] Embodiment 24: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the first cartridge includes a first tank having a first volume, and the second cartridge includes a second tank having a second volume different from the first volume of the first tank.

[0057] Embodiment 25: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, wherein the first cartridge includes a first liquid transport element and the second cartridge includes a second liquid transport element different from the first liquid transport element.

[0058] Embodiment 26: The vaporization system of any preceding embodiment, further comprising an external connector configured to make electrical contact with the controller external connection element.

[0059] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The present invention includes any combination of two, three, four, or more of the above-described embodiments, as well as combinations of any two, three, four, or more features or elements described in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are explicitly combined in the description of a specific embodiment herein. The present disclosure, in any of its various aspects and embodiments, is intended to be read as a whole, such that any separable features or elements of the disclosed invention are intended to be combinable unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0060] Having thus described the present disclosure in general terms above, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0061] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an external connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0062] The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof. These exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0063] As described below, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aerosol delivery systems or vaporization systems, the terms being used interchangeably herein. Aerosol delivery systems according to the present disclosure use electrical energy to heat a material (preferably without burning the material to any significant extent and / or significantly chemically altering it) to form an inhalable substance, and components of such systems most preferably have the form of an article compact enough to be considered a handheld device. That is, use of preferred aerosol delivery system components does not result in the production of smoke—i.e., from by-products of tobacco combustion or pyrolysis—but rather, use of these preferred systems results in the production of vapor resulting from the volatilization or vaporization of certain components incorporated therein. In various embodiments, the aerosol delivery system components can be characterized as electronic cigarettes, which can incorporate tobacco and / or tobacco-derived components and thus deliver tobacco-derived components in aerosol form.

[0064] The aerosol-generating components of certain embodiments can provide many of the sensations (e.g., inhalation and exhalation rituals, taste or flavor varieties, sensory stimulating effects, physical feel, usage rituals, visual cues such as those provided by a visible aerosol, etc.) of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking by lighting and burning tobacco (and thus inhaling tobacco smoke) without any appreciable combustion of any of its components. For example, a user of an aerosol-generating component of the present disclosure can hold and use the component as a smoker would use a traditional type of smoking article, draw on one end of the component to inhale the aerosol generated by the component, take a puff or smoke on the cigarette at selected time intervals, etc.

[0065] The aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure can also be characterized as a vapor product or drug delivery article. Accordingly, such an article or device can be configured to provide one or more substances (e.g., flavorings and / or active pharmaceutical ingredients) in an inhalable form or state. For example, the inhalable substance can be substantially in vapor form (i.e., a substance in the gas phase at a temperature below its critical point). Alternatively, the inhalable substance can be in the form of an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas). For simplicity, the term "aerosol" as used herein is meant to include vapors, gases, and aerosols in any form or type suitable for human inhalation, whether or not visible and whether or not in a form that can be considered smoke-like.

[0066] The aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure most preferably comprises some combination of a power source (i.e., an electrical power source), at least one control component (e.g., a means for activating, controlling, regulating, and terminating power for heat generation, such as by controlling the power supply to other components of the article—e.g., a microcontroller or microprocessor), a heater or heat-generating member (e.g., an electrical resistance heating element or other component, alone or in combination, with one or more additional elements sometimes commonly referred to as an “atomizer”), an aerosol precursor composition (e.g., a liquid that can generate an aerosol upon application of sufficient heat, such as the components commonly referred to as “smoke juice,” “e-liquid,” and “e-juice”), and a mouthpiece or mouth area that allows for drawing by the aerosol delivery device for aerosol inhalation (e.g., a defined air flow path through which the article, such as the generated aerosol, can be withdrawn upon inhalation).

[0067] More specific forms, configurations, and arrangements of components within the aerosol delivery systems of the present disclosure will be apparent in light of the further disclosure provided below. Additionally, the selection and arrangement of various aerosol delivery system components can be understood in light of commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such as the representative products referenced in the Background section of this disclosure.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a vaporization system formed from multiple elements that provide interchangeability of components to provide consumer-defined combinations of components. For example, a vaporization system can include a single controller and at least two different cartridges that can be interchangeably used with at least one controller to provide different vaporization characteristics. As a further example, a vaporization system can include at least two different controllers that can be interchangeably used with at least one cartridge to provide different vaporization characteristics. More preferably, as another example, a vaporization system can include at least two different controllers that can be interchangeably used with at least two different cartridges to provide different vaporization characteristics. The structural and functional elements that make two or more controllers different from one another will be apparent from further descriptions of vaporization systems provided herein. Similarly, the structural and functional elements that make two or more cartridges different from one another will also be apparent from further descriptions of vaporization systems provided herein. There is no limit to the number of controllers and cartridges that can be interchangeably utilized in a vaporization system, so long as certain standardized elements are provided, as further described herein. In addition to the controller and cartridge, the vaporization system also includes an external connector that can be interchangeably used with one or more controllers. The external connector may be characterized as a charging cord, a communication cord, etc., and is further described herein.

[0069] An exemplary embodiment of a first controller 100 for use in the vaporization system of the present disclosure is shown in Figure 1, and an exemplary embodiment of a second controller 200 for use in the vaporization system of the present disclosure is shown in Figure 2. Both the first controller 100 and the second controller 200 are shown because the vaporization system can include multiple controllers. However, it is understood that in one or more embodiments, only a single controller may be required for the vaporization system, such as when multiple different cartridges can be included in the vaporization system.

[0070] 1 , first control device 100 comprises a first device outer housing 102 defining a first device outer wall 104, a first device distal end 106, and a first device proximal end 108. First device proximal end 108 includes an opening 110 providing access to a first device chamber 112 defined by a first device inner frame 114. In some embodiments, first device inner frame 114 can include a pressure drop opening 115 configured to communicate a pressure differential to a sensor 143 disposed within device 100 when air is drawn into first device chamber 112.

[0071] 2 , second control device 200 comprises a second device outer housing 202 defining a second device outer wall 204, a second device distal end 206, and a second device proximal end 208. Second device proximal end 208 includes an opening 210 providing access to a second device chamber 212 defined by a second device inner frame 214. In some embodiments, second device inner frame 214 can include a pressure drop opening 215 configured to communicate a pressure differential to a sensor 243 disposed within device 200 when air is drawn into second device chamber 212.

[0072] When the vaporization system of the present disclosure includes two (or more) control devices, it is understood that the control devices differ from one another in one or more aspects. For example, with reference to Figures 1 and 2, it is apparent that the second device outer housing 202 is larger in size than the first device outer housing 102. As further described herein, there may be additional differences between the respective control devices.

[0073] The nature of the control device 100 is more clearly apparent in relation to FIG. 3 , which shows a partial cross-section of the first control device 100. As can be seen therein, the first control device 100 further includes a first device battery 116 disposed within the first device outer housing 102, and also includes a first device external connection element 118. Preferably, the first device external connection element 118 is disposed at the distal end 106 of the first device outer housing 102. The first device electrical connector 120 is disposed within the first device chamber 112 and, as shown, resides within the side wall 114 a of the first device inner frame 114 that defines the boundary of the first device chamber 112. However, it will be understood that the first device electrical connector 120 may also be located on the bottom wall 114 b of the first device inner frame 114. Furthermore, the first device electrical connector 120 may reside anywhere on the side wall 114 a or bottom wall 114 b of the first device inner frame 114. For example, the first device electrical connector 120 may be located at a point on the side wall 114a between the proximal end 108 of the first device outer housing 102 and the bottom wall 114b of the first device inner frame 114. Further, the first device electrical connector 120 may be located between the midpoint of the side wall 114a and the proximal end 108 of the first device outer housing 102 (i.e., in the upper half of the side wall). Alternatively, the first device electrical connector 120 may be located between the midpoint of the side wall 114a and the bottom wall 114b of the first device inner frame 114 (i.e., in the lower half of the side wall). In some embodiments, the first device electrical connector 120 is not explicitly located in or on the bottom wall 114b of the first device inner frame 114. In such embodiments, the first device electrical connector 120 is specifically located instead in or on the side wall 114 b or at the proximal end 108 of the first device outer housing 102 .

[0074] While FIG. 3 illustrates a first control device 100, it is understood that the elements described in FIG. 3 can also be present in a second control device 200, as shown in FIG. 4. Specifically, the second control device 200 can include a second device battery 216 disposed within the second device outer housing 202 and can also include a second device external connection element 218. Preferably, the second device external connection element 218 is disposed at the distal end 206 of the second device outer housing 202. A second device electrical connector 220 is disposed within the second device chamber 212 and, as shown, resides within the side wall 214a of the second device inner frame 214 that defines the boundary of the second device chamber 212. However, it is understood that the second device electrical connector 220 can also be disposed within the bottom wall 214b of the second device inner frame 214. Additionally, the second device electrical connector 220 may be located anywhere on the side wall 214a or bottom wall 214b of the second device inner frame 214. For example, the second device electrical connector 220 may be located at a point on the side wall 214a between the proximal end 208 of the second device outer housing 202 and the bottom wall 214b of the second device inner frame 214. Furthermore, the second device electrical connector 220 may be located between the midpoint of the side wall 214a and the proximal end 208 of the second device outer housing 202 (i.e., in the upper half of the side wall). Alternatively, the second device electrical connector 220 may be located between the midpoint of the side wall 214a and the bottom wall 214b of the second device inner frame 214 (i.e., in the lower half of the side wall). In some embodiments, the second device electrical connector 220 is not explicitly located in or on the bottom wall 214b of the second device inner frame 214. In such embodiments, the second device electrical connector 220 is specifically located instead in or on the side wall 214 b or at the proximal end 208 of the second device outer housing 202 .

[0075] The various components of the aerosol delivery device according to the present disclosure can be selected from those described in the art and commercially available. An example of a battery that can be used in accordance with the present disclosure is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0028766 to Peckerar et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0076] As is apparent from FIGS. 3 and 4, the first device chamber 112 and the second device chamber 212 are separate elements from the first device outer housing 102 and the second device outer housing 202, respectively. In other words, the chambers are not simply interior spaces defined by the outer housings. Rather, the inner frame defining the chambers exists independently and separately from the outer housings. The opening of the chamber may coincide with the opening at the proximal end of the outer housing. Thus, the inner frame may be an entirely separate element attached to the outer housing. Alternatively, the inner frame and outer housing may be formed as a continuous piece. However, in either case, the sidewalls forming the inner frame reside within the outer housing and are separate from the outer housing.

[0077] The first device outer housing 102 and the second device outer housing 202 may be formed from any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, etc. Preferably, the first device inner frame 114 and the second device inner frame 214 are formed from the same material used to form the first device outer housing 102 and the second device outer housing 202. However, different materials may be used. The material selection as described above may also extend to the device outer housings for any additional controls included in the vaporization system.

[0078] The systems of the present disclosure can include a single controller (e.g., first controller 100 or second controller 200 or similar additional controller). Such a single controller can be interchangeably connectable with multiple cartridges to form multiple different vaporization systems. For example, a first controller may be interchangeably connectable with a first cartridge to form a first functional vaporization system having a first set of properties, and the first controller may be interchangeably connectable with a second cartridge to form a second functional vaporization system having a second, different set of properties. Such vaporization systems can include two, three, or even multiple different cartridges, all interchangeable with the first controller.

[0079] The systems of the present disclosure can include multiple controllers (e.g., first controller 100 and second controller 200, and optionally a third controller or even more controllers). The multiple controllers can be interchangeably connectable with at least one cartridge to form multiple different vaporization systems. For example, a first controller can be interchangeably connectable with a first cartridge to form a first functional vaporization system having a first set of properties, and a second controller can be interchangeably connectable with the first cartridge to form a second functional vaporization system having a second, different set of properties.

[0080] There is no limit to the number of controllers and the number of cartridges that can be used from a vaporization system. A single controller can be separately and interchangeably combined with two, three, four, five, or even more cartridges, each having different characteristics, to form a functional vaporization system comprised of multiple different systems (e.g., controller 1 with cartridge 1, controller 1 with cartridge 2, etc.). Similarly, a single cartridge can be separately and interchangeably combined with two, three, four, five, or even more controllers, each having different characteristics, to form a functional vaporization system comprised of multiple different systems (e.g., controller 1 with cartridge 1, controller 2 with cartridge 1, etc.). Furthermore, multiple controllers, each having different characteristics, can be separately and interchangeably combined with multiple cartridges, each having different characteristics, to form a functional vaporization system comprised of multiple different systems (e.g., controller 1 with cartridge 1, controller 1 with cartridge 2, controller 2 with cartridge 1, controller 2 with cartridge 2, etc.). Thus, the vaporization systems of the present disclosure can be formed from any number of controllers and any number of cartridges, so long as the vaporization system includes at least two different versions of one of the components (i.e., at least two different controllers and / or at least two different cartridges). Factors for determining what makes two controllers different and what makes two cartridges different are further described herein, and further differences can be realized based on the knowledge of the present disclosure.

[0081] An exemplary embodiment of a first cartridge 300 for use in the vaporization system of the present disclosure is shown in Figure 5, and an exemplary embodiment of a second cartridge 400 for use in the vaporization system of the present disclosure is shown in Figure 6. Both the first cartridge 300 and the second cartridge 400 are shown because the vaporization system can include multiple cartridges. However, it is understood that in one or more embodiments, only a single cartridge may be required for the vaporization system, such as when multiple different controllers can be included in the vaporization system.

[0082] As seen in FIG. 5 , the first cartridge 300 comprises a tank 301 defined by an outer tank wall 303 including a proximal end 305 and a closed distal end 307. Thus, the tank 301 can be characterized in that the tank wall 303 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and the distal end 307 defines a bottom wall. The distal end 307 of the tank 301 can further define the bottom end of the cartridge 300. The tank is configured to contain a liquid composition for vaporization, i.e., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition, which can be configured as otherwise described herein. The first cartridge 300 can further comprise a mouthpiece 309 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 311 including a proximal end 313 having an exit portal 315 and a distal end 317 engaging the proximal end 305 of the tank 301. Although the mouthpiece 309 is described as being a separate element from the reservoir 301, it will be appreciated that the reservoir wall 303 may extend a greater distance to form an integral mouthpiece. Thus, the mouthpiece may be attached to the reservoir, or the mouthpiece may be integrally formed with the reservoir.

[0083] The first cartridge 300 is further shown in FIG. 7. As seen there, the cartridge 300 further includes a heater 319 and a liquid transport element 321 extending between the heater and a liquid 323 contained within the tank 301. The heater 319 and the liquid transport element 321 may be configured as separate fluidly connected elements or as a combined element. Furthermore, the heater 319 and the liquid transport element 321 may be formed from any structure as otherwise described herein. The first cartridge 300 also includes one or more electrical contacts 325 configured to electrically connect the heater 319 to a battery (116, 216) of one of the control devices (100, 200).

[0084] An additional cartridge 400 is shown in Figures 6 and 8 and can be characterized as being a second cartridge 400 in that it differs in at least one aspect from the first cartridge 300. Thus, with reference to Figures 5 and 7, the components of the first cartridge 300 may be characterized as being the first reservoir 301, the first mouthpiece 309, the first heater 319, etc. In Figures 6 and 8, the second cartridge 400 differs from the first cartridge 300 with respect to cartridge size, i.e., the second reservoir 401 is larger than the first reservoir 301 in the first cartridge, and the second mouthpiece 409 is larger than the first mouthpiece 309 in the first cartridge. However, as described further herein, the two cartridges can differ in various ways.

[0085] 6 and 8, the second cartridge 400 includes a second tank 401 defined by an outer tank wall 403 including a proximal end 405 and a closed distal end 407. The second tank 401 can thus be characterized in that the tank wall 403 is a continuous sidewall around the tank, and the distal end 407 defines a bottom wall. The distal end 407 of the tank 401 can further define the bottom end of the cartridge 400. The second tank is configured to contain a liquid composition for vaporization, i.e., an e-liquid or aerosol precursor composition, which can be configured as otherwise described herein. The second cartridge 400 can further include a second mouthpiece 409 defined by an outer mouthpiece wall 411 including a proximal end 413 having an exit portal 415 and a distal end 417 that engages the proximal end 405 of the second tank 401.

[0086] 8, the second cartridge 400 further includes a second heater 419 and a second liquid transport element 421 extending between the second heater and a liquid 423 contained within the tank 401. The second heater 419 and the second liquid transport element 421 may be configured as separate fluidly connected elements or may be configured as a combined element. Furthermore, the second heater 419 and the second liquid transport element 421 may be formed from any structure as otherwise described herein. The second cartridge 400 also includes one or more electrical contacts 425 configured to electrically connect the second heater 419 to a battery (116, 216) of one of the control devices (100, 200).

[0087] The liquid transport element (321, 421) can be formed from one or more materials configured to transport liquid, such as by capillary action. The liquid transport element can be formed, for example, from fibrous materials (e.g., organic cotton, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose fabric, glass fiber), porous ceramic, porous carbon, graphite, porous glass, sintered glass beads, sintered ceramic beads, capillaries, etc. Thus, the liquid transport element (321, 421) can be any material that includes an open pore network (i.e., multiple interconnected pores that allow fluid to flow from one pore to another in multiple directions through the element). As described further herein, some embodiments of the present disclosure may specifically relate to the use of non-fibrous transport elements. Thus, fibrous transport elements can be explicitly excluded. Alternatively, a combination of fibrous and non-fibrous transport elements may be utilized. Representative types of substrates, reservoirs, or other components for supporting aerosol precursors are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0261487 to Chapman et al. and 2014 / 0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which are incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, various suction materials, and the configuration and operation of these suction materials within specific types of electronic cigarettes, are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the liquid transport element (321, 421) can be partially or completely formed from a porous monolith, such as a porous ceramic or porous glass. Exemplary monolithic materials suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 988,109, filed January 5, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0123989 to LaMothe, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The porous monolith can form a substantially solid wick.

[0088] Various embodiments of materials configured to generate heat upon the passage of electrical current can be used to form the heaters (319, 419). In some embodiments, the heaters (319, 419) can be wire coils. Examples of materials from which the wire coils can be formed include Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), aluminum-doped molybdenum disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite, and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns). In further embodiments, the heaters (319, 419) can be formed from conductive inks, boron-doped silica, and / or ceramics (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramics). Other types of heaters, such as laser diodes or microheaters, can also be utilized. The laser diode can be configured to deliver electromagnetic radiation of a specific wavelength or wavelength band that can be tuned for vaporizing the aerosol precursor composition and / or for heating a liquid transport element to which the aerosol precursor composition can be provided for vaporization. The laser diode can be specifically positioned to deliver electromagnetic radiation into the chamber, and the chamber can be configured to be a radiation trap (e.g., a black body or a white body). Suitable microheaters are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. The microheater can include, for example, a substrate (e.g., quartz, silica) having a heater trace thereon (e.g., a resistive element such as Ag, Pd, Ti, Pt, Pt / Ti, boron-doped silicon, or other metal or metal alloy), which can be printed or otherwise applied to the substrate. A passivation layer (e.g., aluminum oxide or silica) can be provided on the heater trace. The heater (319, 419) can be specifically configured to be substantially flat. Such a heater is described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0345633 to DePiano et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0089] The outer tank wall (303, 403) can be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid (323, 423) contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, the entire outer tank wall (303, 403) can be transparent or translucent. Alternatively, only one side (303, 403) of the outer tank wall can be transparent or translucent, while the remaining portion of the outer tank wall can be substantially opaque. In some embodiments, the outer tank wall (303, 403) can be substantially opaque, and a strip (e.g., about 1 mm to about 20 mm wide, or about 2 mm to about 18 mm wide, or about 5 mm to about 15 mm wide) extending from the proximal end (305, 405) of the tank (301, 401) to the distal end (307, 407) of the tank can be transparent or translucent. In further embodiments, the outer tank wall (303, 403) can be colored. The color can be configured so that the liquid (323, 423) within the tank (301, 401) remains visible, or the color can be configured so that the outer tank wall (303, 403) is substantially opaque.

[0090] In one or more embodiments, the mouthpiece (309, 409) of the cartridge (300, 400) can be configured to engage with the reservoir (301, 401). For example, as shown in FIGS. 5-8, the distal end (317, 417) of the mouthpiece (309, 409) can include a rim wall (i.e., a first mouthpiece rim wall 330 and a second mouthpiece rim wall 430) at least partially inserted from the outer mouthpiece wall (311, 411), and the rim wall can be configured to engage with the interior of the proximal end (305, 405) of the outer reservoir wall (303, 403). The rim wall (311, 411) can have a length of about 1 mm to about 20 mm, about 2 mm to about 18 mm, or about 5 mm to about 15 mm. The rim wall (311, 411) may engage the outer tank wall (303, 403) via a friction fit only, or the rim wall may be substantially permanently attached to the outer tank wall, such as by welding or adhesive.

[0091] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece (309, 409) can be substantially defined only on an open interior space where the formed vapor can combine with air to form an aerosol that is output through the mouthpiece's exit portal (315, 415). In one or more embodiments, the mouthpiece (309, 409) can include one or more additional interior walls that can be arranged to define one or more compartments within the mouthpiece. For example, the mouthpiece can include an interior upper wall between the proximal and distal ends of the mouthpiece, and can also include an interior lower wall between the interior upper wall and the proximal end of the mouthpiece. More specifically, as seen in FIG. 7 , the first mouthpiece 309 can include a first interior upper wall 332 between the first proximal end 313 and the first distal end 317. Similarly, as seen in FIG. 8 , the second mouthpiece 409 can include a second interior upper wall 432 between the second proximal end 413 and the second distal end 417. Additionally, the first mouthpiece 309 can include a first internal lower wall 334 between the first internal upper wall 332 and the mouthpiece first distal end 317. Similarly, the second mouthpiece 409 can include a second internal lower wall 434 between the second internal upper wall 432 and the mouthpiece second distal end 417.

[0092] Two or more walls of the mouthpiece can be configured to define a vaporization chamber in which a heater can be disposed. As seen in FIG. 7 , the first outer mouthpiece wall 311, the first inner upper wall 332, and the first inner lower wall 334 define a first vaporization chamber 342 in which the first heater 319 is disposed. Similarly, as seen in FIG. 8 , the second outer mouthpiece wall 411, the second inner upper wall 432, and the second inner lower wall 434 define a second vaporization chamber 442 in which the second heater 419 is disposed. One or more electrical contacts (325, 425) can be disposed within a portion of the outer mouthpiece walls (311, 411) that defines the vaporization chamber (342, 442). However, it is understood that one or more electrical leads may extend from the heater (319, 419) to one or more electrical contacts located in different portions of the outer mouthpiece wall or located on the outer tank wall (303, 403). For example, one or more electrical contacts (325, 425) may be located along the side of the outer tank wall (303, 403). If desired, the electrical contacts (325, 425) may be located on or at the distal end (307, 407) of the tank (301, 401). In certain embodiments, the electrical contacts (325, 425) may be explicitly excluded from being located on or at the distal end (307, 407) of the tank (301, 401) and therefore may also be excluded from being located on or at the bottom surface or wall of the cartridge (300, 400). To this end, it is understood that the bottom surface or wall of the cartridge (300, 400) can correspond to the distal end (307, 407) of the reservoir (301, 401). Not locating the electrical contacts (325, 425) at the distal end (307, 407) of the reservoir (301, 401) can be beneficial to improve compatibility of the various devices and cartridges described herein. It is also understood that the location of the electrical contacts (325, 425) on the cartridge (300, 400) substantially corresponds to the location of the electrical connectors (120, 220) in the chambers (112, 212) of the device (100, 200).The electrical contacts (325, 425) can be characterized as extending through the outer tank wall (303, 403) or the outer mouthpiece wall (311, 411). Similarly, the electrical contacts (325, 425) can be characterized as being disposed within the outer tank wall (303, 403) or the outer mouthpiece wall (311, 411) such that they are exposed and configured to contact the electrical connector (120, 220).

[0093] One or more walls of the mouthpiece may also include one or more openings for the passage of one or more additional elements (300, 400) of the cartridge or the passage of the formed vapor / aerosol. For example, the first interior top wall 332 may include a first vapor opening 333 through which vapor formed in the first vaporization chamber 342 may pass toward the first exit portal 315. Similarly, the second interior top wall 432 may include a second vapor opening 433 through which vapor formed in the second vaporization chamber 442 may pass toward the second exit portal 415. The vapor openings (333, 433) of the interior top walls (332, 432) may be substantially centrally located within the interior and substantially aligned with the heaters (319, 419) along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge (300, 400). As a further example, the first internal lower wall 334 can include a first wick opening 335 through which a first liquid transport element 321 (e.g., a wick) can pass between the first heater 319 and the liquid 323 in the first tank 301. Similarly, the second internal lower wall 434 can include a second wick opening 435 through which a second liquid transport element 421 (e.g., a wick) can pass between the second heater 419 and the liquid 423 in the second tank 401. The wick openings (335, 435) of the internal lower walls (334, 434) can be substantially centrally located within and substantially aligned with the heaters (319, 419) along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge (300, 400).

[0094] Two or more walls of the mouthpiece can be configured to define a cooling chamber in which the formed aerosol can be allowed to expand and / or cool before passing through the exit portal. As seen in FIG. 7 , the first outer mouthpiece wall 311 and the first inner top wall 332 define a first cooling chamber 344 that receives the formed vapor / aerosol from the first heater 319, specifically, from the first vaporization chamber 342. Thus, the formed vapor / aerosol enters the first cooling chamber 344 from the first vaporization chamber 342 through the first vapor opening 333. Similarly, as seen in FIG. 8 , the second outer mouthpiece wall 411 and the second inner top wall 432 define a second cooling chamber 444 that receives the formed vapor / aerosol from the second heater 419, specifically, from the second vaporization chamber 442. Thus, the formed vapor / aerosol passes from the second vaporization chamber 442 through the second vapor opening 433 into the second cooling chamber 444 .

[0095] The vaporization chamber (342, 442) and the cooling chamber (344, 444) can be configured to have a predetermined relative volume ratio. In particular, the volume ratio of the vaporization chamber (342, 442) to the cooling chamber (344, 444) can be about 2:1 to about 1:4, about 1:1 to about 1:4, or about 1:1.5 to about 1:3.

[0096] Optionally, the mouthpiece (309, 409) can include one or more elements configured to reduce or prevent leakage of condensate therefrom. For example, all or a portion of the interior of the mouthpiece wall (311, 411) and / or the interior top wall (332, 432) defining the cooling chamber (344, 444) can be formed from or include an absorbent or adsorbent material configured to retain liquid. Alternatively or additionally, all or a portion of the interior of the mouthpiece wall (311, 411) and / or the interior top wall (332, 432) defining the cooling chamber (344, 444) can be configured to direct liquid back toward the atomization chamber (342, 442), such as by the addition of microchannels or the like.

[0097] In one or more embodiments, the cartridge (300, 400) can be configured such that the mouthpiece wall (311, 411) can include a flange disposed between its proximal end (313, 413) and distal end (317, 417). For example, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7, a flange 350 can be present and can extend circumferentially from the mouthpiece wall 311 around substantially the entire mouthpiece 309. The distance that the flange 350 extends from the mouthpiece wall 311 can be substantially uniform around the entire circumference of the mouthpiece 309. In some embodiments, the distance that the flange 350 extends from the mouthpiece wall 311 can vary at one or more points around the circumference of the mouthpiece 309. The overall cartridge 300 or mouthpiece 309 can be separately defined with respect to a longitudinal axis (L), a first transverse axis (T1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second transverse axis (T2) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the first transverse axis. Thus, the overall cartridge 300 and / or mouthpiece 309 can be defined with respect to an overall length along the longitudinal axis (L), an overall width along the first transverse axis (T1), and an overall depth along the second longitudinal axis (T2). The length can be greater than the width, and the width can be greater than the depth. The distance that the flange 350 extends away from the mouthpiece wall 311 can be greater along the second transverse axis (T2) than along the first transverse axis (T1). Thus, in alternative embodiments, the total distance between the opposing outer edges of the flange 350 across the mouthpiece 309 along the first horizontal axis (T1) may be greater than the total distance between the opposing edges of the flange across the mouthpiece along the second horizontal axis (T2); the total distance between the opposing outer edges of the flange 350 across the mouthpiece 309 along the first horizontal axis (T1) may be substantially equal to the total distance between the opposing edges of the flange across the mouthpiece along the second horizontal axis (T2); or the total distance between the opposing outer edges of the flange 350 across the mouthpiece 309 along the first horizontal axis (T1) may be less than the total distance between the opposing edges of the flange across the mouthpiece along the second horizontal axis (T2).In certain embodiments, the distance (d2) between the mouthpiece wall 311 and the outer edge of the flange 350 as measured along the second transverse axis (T2) may be greater than the distance (d1) between the mouthpiece wall and the outer edge of the flange as measured along the first transverse axis (T1). The distances (d1, d2) may be measured, in particular, at approximately the midpoint of each of the first transverse axis (T1) and the second transverse axis (T2).

[0098] 6 and 8, a flange 450 can be present and can extend circumferentially from the mouthpiece wall 411 around substantially the entire mouthpiece 409. The distance that the flange 450 extends from the mouthpiece wall 411 can be substantially uniform around the entire circumference of the mouthpiece 409. In some embodiments, the distance that the flange 450 extends from the mouthpiece wall 411 can vary at one or more points around the circumference of the mouthpiece 409. The overall cartridge 400 or mouthpiece 409 can be separately defined with respect to a longitudinal axis (L), a first transverse axis (T1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second transverse axis (T2) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the first transverse axis. Additionally, the measurements described above with respect to the cartridge 300 of FIGS. 5 and 6 are equally applicable to the cartridge 400.

[0099] When the electrical contacts (325, 425) are present in the mouthpiece wall (311, 411), they can preferably be longitudinally disposed between the flanges (350, 450) and the distal ends (317, 417) of the mouthpieces (309, 409). Additionally, in some embodiments, the flanges (350, 450) can be substantially aligned with the interior top walls (332, 432). Thus, the flanges (350, 450) can be substantially parallel to and / or in substantially the same horizontal plane as the interior top walls (332, 432). Preferably, the flanges (350, 450) are disposed above the vaporization chambers (342, 442) and above the heaters (319, 419) along the longitudinal axis (L) of the mouthpieces (309, 409).

[0100] The flanges (350, 450) can interact with corresponding lips on the control devices (100, 200) to ensure proper connection between the cartridges (300, 400) and the control devices. For example, referring to FIG. 1 , the first device 100 can be configured such that the opening 110 at the first device proximal end 108 includes a recess having a first inwardly protruding lip 121. The recess can thus include a first rim wall 122 that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device 100. The first rim wall 122 extends downwardly from the proximal end 108 a short distance, which can substantially correspond to the thickness of the flanges (350, 450) of the cartridges (300, 400) and / or the thickness of additional elements that may be present adjacent the flanges. For example, the first rim wall 122 forming the downwardly extending recess can have a height (i.e., as measured from the top surface of the inwardly projecting lip 121 to the first device proximal end 108) of about 1 mm to about 8 mm, about 1 mm to about 6 mm, or about 1 mm to about 5 mm. The first inwardly projecting lip 121 can have a width (i.e., the distance the lip extends inwardly from the rim wall 122 to its terminus) of about 1 mm to about 8 mm, about 1 mm to about 6 mm, or about 1 mm to about 5 mm. The first inwardly projecting lip 121 can have a substantially constant width around the entire circumference of the opening 110. In some embodiments, the first inwardly projecting lip 121 can be discontinuous and thus formed from one or more inwardly extending lips spaced about the opening 110.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 2, the second device 200 can similarly be configured such that the opening 210 of the second device proximal end 208 includes a recess having a second inwardly-projecting lip 221. The recess can thus include a second rim wall 222 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second device 200. The second rim wall 222 extends downwardly from the second proximal end 208 a short distance, which can substantially correspond to the thickness of the flanges (350, 450) of the cartridges (300, 400) and / or the thickness of additional elements that may be adjacent to the flanges. For example, the second rim wall 222 forming the downwardly-extending recess can have a height (i.e., as measured from the upper surface of the inwardly-projecting lip 121 to the first device proximal end 108) of about 1 mm to about 8 mm, about 1 mm to about 6 mm, or about 1 mm to about 5 mm. The second inwardly-projecting lip 121 can have a width (i.e., the distance the lip extends inwardly from the rim wall 122 to its terminus) of about 1 mm to about 8 mm, about 1 mm to about 6 mm, or about 1 mm to about 5 mm. The second inwardly-projecting lip 121 can have a substantially constant width around the entire circumference of the opening 110. In some embodiments, the second inwardly-extending lip 121 can be discontinuous and thus formed from one or more inwardly-extending lips spaced around the opening 110.

[0102] In one or more embodiments, the flange (350, 450) of the mouthpiece (309, 409) is configured to be at least partially received within a recess formed by the rim wall (122, 222) so as to contact the inwardly projecting lip (121, 221). Thus, a bottom surface of the flange (350, 450) can be in substantial contact with the inwardly projecting lip (121, 221), and an outer edge of the flange can be substantially adjacent to the rim wall (122, 222).

[0103] The flanges (350, 450) and / or the inwardly protruding lips (121, 221) can be configured to bias the cartridges (300, 400) into connection with the device (100, 200). For example, a magnetic connection can be utilized. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first cartridge 300 can include a first magnet 352 disposed adjacent to the bottom surface of the first flange 350, and the second cartridge 400 can include a second magnet 452 disposed adjacent to the bottom surface of the second flange 450. The magnets (352, 452) can extend substantially completely around the mouthpiece (309, 409) or can be discontinuous so as to be configured as one or more separate magnets. The magnets (352, 452) may be bonded to the mouthpiece wall (311, 411), to the flange (350, 450), or to both the mouthpiece wall and the flange. The inwardly protruding lip (121, 221) may be formed from a metal or other material to which the magnets (352, 452) are magnetically attracted. In further embodiments, the magnets (352, 452) may be disposed on the first device 100 or the second device 200. Specifically, the magnets (352, 452) may be bonded to the inwardly extending lip (121, 221). In such embodiments, the flange (350, 450) may be formed from a metal or other material to which the magnets (352, 452) are magnetically attracted. In further embodiments, magnets (352, 452) may be present on the cartridge (300, 400) as well as the device (100, 200). Thus, a magnet present adjacent the underside of a flange (350, 450) on the cartridge (300, 400) can be magnetically attracted to a magnet present adjacent the upper surface of an inwardly projecting lip (121, 221) on the device (100, 200).If a magnet (352, 452) is present on the mouthpiece (309, 409), the combined thickness of the magnet and flange (350, 450) is preferably substantially the same as the height of the rim wall (122, 222) of the device (100, 200) so that the top surface of the flange is substantially flush with the proximal end (108, 208) of the device when the cartridge and device are engaged.

[0104] As described above, one or both of the first device 100 and the second device 200 (or additional devices) can be configured to be interchangeably connectable with one or both of the first cartridge 300 and the second cartridge 400 (or additional cartridges) such that at least a portion of the tanks (301, 401) are separately receivable within the chambers (112, 212) of the devices (100, 200) and, in functional combination, form a vaporization system. The vaporization system can be configured such that different combinations of the devices (100, 200) and cartridges (300, 400) result in a system having one or more different functions. Thus, two or more cartridges that can be combined with a single device can exhibit one or more different structures and / or functions. Similarly, two or more devices that can be combined with a single cartridge can exhibit one or more different structures and / or functions.

[0105] In some embodiments, a vaporization system including at least two devices and at least one cartridge can be configured such that the at least two devices differ from one another in one or more aspects. For example, a first control device can differ from a second control device in that the first device outer housing and the second device outer housing are formed from different materials, respectively. As a further example, the outer walls of the first device and the second device can have different surface finishes, respectively. In yet another example, the battery of the first device can differ from the battery of the second device (e.g., different battery type, maximum voltage, and / or capacity). In yet another example, the PCBA in the first device can differ from the PCBA in the second device (e.g., different PCBA in one or more of memory, user programmability, heater control capability, and feedback function). In yet another example, the external connection elements of the first device can differ from the external connection elements of the second device.

[0106] In further embodiments, a vaporization system including at least two cartridges and at least one device can be configured such that the at least two cartridges differ from one another in one or more aspects. For example, a first cartridge can include a first heater, and a second cartridge can include a second heater that is different from the first heater. As another example, the first cartridge can include a first tank having a first volume, and the second cartridge can include a second tank having a second volume that is different from the first volume of the first tank. As yet another example, the first cartridge can include a first liquid transport element, and the second cartridge can include a second liquid transport element that is different from the first liquid transport element.

[0107] In some embodiments, the device (100, 200) can be configured so that at least a portion of the reservoir (301, 401) is visible when the cartridge (300, 400) is engaged with the device. As described above, at least a portion of the outer reservoir wall (303, 403) can be configured to be at least partially transparent or translucent so that the liquid (323, 423) contained therein is visible from the outside. Thus, the outer wall (104, 204) of the device (100, 200) can be configured to include a window that can make the outer reservoir wall (303, 403) and, optionally, any liquid (323, 423) present in the reservoir (301, 401) visible when the cartridge (300, 400) is engaged with the device (100, 200). As seen in FIG. 1 , the first window 135 is configured as a cutout in the outer wall 104 of the device 100 located near the proximal end 108 of the device. The window is preferably positioned to provide visual access to the first device chamber 112. As shown, the cutout is substantially oval-shaped. However, it is understood that any shape is encompassed herein. In some embodiments, the window 135 may be configured as a notch extending a fixed distance from the proximal end 108 of the outer wall 104 of the device 100 toward the distal end 106 of the device. In other embodiments, the window 135 may be configured without any open boundaries, thus explicitly excluding the notch configuration as described above. In certain embodiments, the window 135 may be explicitly excluded from the device 100. Furthermore, the window 135 may be completely open, or the window may have a transparent member (e.g., glass or plastic) disposed within the opening defined by the window or covering the window on one or both of the interior and exterior surfaces of the exterior wall 104 of the device 100.

[0108] As seen in FIG. 2 , the second window 235 is configured as a cutout in the outer wall 204 of the device 200 located near the proximal end 208 of the device. The window is preferably positioned to provide visual access to the second device chamber 212. As shown, the cutout is substantially oval-shaped. However, it is understood that any shape is encompassed herein. In some embodiments, the window 235 may be configured as a notch extending a fixed distance from the proximal end 208 of the outer wall 204 of the device 200 toward the distal end 206 of the device. In other embodiments, the window 235 may be configured without any open boundaries and thus may explicitly exclude the notch configuration as described above. In certain embodiments, the window 235 may be explicitly excluded from the device 200. Furthermore, the window 235 may be completely open, or the window may have a transparent member (e.g., glass or plastic) located within the opening defined by the window or covering the window on one or both of the interior and exterior surfaces of the outer wall 204 of the device 200.

[0109] In one or more embodiments, the first device 100 may include a first light source 139 and at least one opening 137 through the exterior wall 104 of the first device through which light from the first light source is visible. The first light source 139 may comprise, for example, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) capable of providing illumination of one or more colors. As shown in FIG. 3 , the first light source 139 may be disposed directly on a printed circuit board (PCB) 141, which may include additional control components (e.g., a microcontroller and / or memory components). The opening 137 may be provided in any desired shape, and may particularly be located near the distal end 106 of the first device 100. The opening 137 may be completely open, filled with a light guide material or the like, or covered by a transparent or translucent member (e.g., glass or plastic) on one or both of the interior and exterior surfaces of the exterior wall 104 of the device 100. Similarly, the second device 200 may include a second light source 239 and at least one opening 237 through the outer wall 204 of the second device through which light from the second light source is visible. The second light source 239 may comprise, for example, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) capable of providing illumination of one or more colors. As shown in FIG. 4 , the second light source 239 may be disposed directly on a printed circuit board (PCB) 241, which may include additional control components (e.g., a microcontroller and / or memory components). The opening 237 may be provided in any desired shape, particularly near the distal end 206 of the second device 200. The opening 237 may be completely open, filled with a light guide material or the like, or covered by a transparent or translucent member (e.g., glass or plastic) on one or both of the inner and outer surfaces of the outer wall 204 of the device 200. The aerosol delivery device most preferably incorporates a control mechanism for controlling the amount of power to the heating element during inhalation.Representative types of electronic components, their structure and configuration, their features, and their general method of operation are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,874 to Brooks et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 8,205,622 to Pan; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2009 / 0230117 to Fernando et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014 / 0060554 to Collet et al., and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014 / 0270727 to Ampolini et al.; and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015 / 0257445 to Henry et al., which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0110] An airflow sensor, a pressure sensor, and the like may also be included in the device. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the first device 100 may include a sensor 143 on a PCB 141. Printed circuit board and pressure sensor configurations are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0245658 to Worm et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The sensor 143 may be located anywhere within the first device 100 to receive airflow and / or pressure changes that may signal suction in the device and thus cause the battery 116 to power the heaters (319, 419) in the cartridges (300, 400). For example, the sensor 143 may be located in a region of the proximal end 108 of the device 100, such as at or near the side wall 114 a or bottom wall 114 b of the first device chamber 112. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4 , the second device 200 may include a sensor 243 on a PCB 241. However, the sensor can be located anywhere within the second device 200, as described immediately above. Alternatively, in the absence of an airflow sensor, the heater (319, 419) may be manually activated, such as by a push button. Further exemplary types of sensing or detection mechanisms, their construction and configuration, their components, and their general methods of operation are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al.; and WO 2010 / 003480 to Flick, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0111] In use, when the cartridge (300, 400) is inserted into the device chamber (112, 212), the fit can be such that air can pass between the outer surface of the reservoir wall (303, 403) and the inner surface of the device inner frame (112, 212). Thus, when a user puffs on the mouthpiece (309, 409), air can pass between the outer surface of the reservoir wall (303, 403) and the inner surface of the device inner frame (112, 212), pass through the air inlet (320, 420) of the cartridge (300, 400), pass through the vaporization chamber (342, 442) to mix with the formed vapor, pass through the cooling chamber (344, 444), and finally pass through the exit portal (315, 415). The air inlet (320, 420) can be specifically located in the mouthpiece wall (311, 411). Alternatively, the air inlet (320, 420) may be located in the tank wall (303, 403). The passage of air as defined above may be effective to cause a pressure drop within the device (100, 200) that can be detected by the sensor (143, 243) via the pressure drop opening (115, 215).

[0112] Input elements can be included in the aerosol delivery device (and can replace or supplement the airflow or pressure sensors). Inputs can be included to allow a user to control the device's functions and / or to output information to the user. Any component or combination of components can be utilized as an input to control the device's (100, 200) functions. For example, one or more push buttons can be used, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0245658 to Worm et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Similarly, a touchscreen can be used, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 643,626 to Sears et al., filed March 10, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference. As a further example, a component adapted for gesture recognition based on designated movements of the aerosol delivery device can be used as an input. See U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0158782 to Henry et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0113] In some embodiments, the input can include a computer or computing device such as a smartphone or tablet. In particular, the aerosol delivery device can be hardwired to a computer or other device, such as via a USB cord or similar protocol. The aerosol delivery device can also communicate with a computer or other device that serves as the input via wireless communication. See, for example, the system and method for controlling a device via a read request described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0007561 to Ampolini et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In such embodiments, an APP or other computer program can be used in conjunction with a computer or other computing device to input control instructions to the aerosol delivery device, including, for example, the ability to form an aerosol of a specific composition by selecting the nicotine content and / or additional flavor content to be included, selecting the total particulate matter (TPM) provided per puff, selecting a specific heating profile to be implemented, selecting an adjustable resistance to inhalation, etc.

[0114] In addition to or as an alternative to the LED, additional indicators (e.g., tactile feedback components, audio feedback components, etc.) can be included. Additional exemplary types of components that generate visual cues or indicators, such as light-emitting diode (LED) components, and their configuration and use, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,192 to Sprinkel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,499,766 to Newton and U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,959 to Scatterday; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015 / 0020825 to Galloway et al.; and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015 / 0216233 to Sears et al., which are incorporated herein by reference. It is understood that not all of the illustrated elements are required. For example, the LED may be absent or may be replaced by a different indicator, such as a vibration indicator. Similarly, the flow sensor may be replaced by a manual actuator, such as a push button.

[0115] In one or more embodiments, a vaporization system formed by any combination of one or more devices and one or more cartridges can further include an external connector 500 configured to electrically contact each of the device external connection elements (e.g., first device external connection element 118 and second device external connection element 218). The external connector 500 can include a first connector end 503 and a second connector end 505 interconnected by a union 507, which can be, for example, a variable length cord. The first connector end 503 can be configured for electrical and optionally mechanical connection with the device (100, 200). In particular, the first connector end 503 can include an insert wall 503a that can be received within a well (e.g., a first well 106a at the distal end 106 of the first device 100 or a second well 206b at the distal end 206 of the second device 200) present at the distal end (106, 206) of the device (100, 200). The external connector 500 can include a plurality of electrical pins 511 within the insertion wall 503a configured to provide a charging and / or information transfer connection with the device external connection element (118, 218). In some embodiments, the device (100, 200) can include mechanical connectors (e.g., a first mechanical connector 119 and a second mechanical connector 219) adjacent to the device external connection element (118, 218). The mechanical connectors (119, 219) can be magnets or metal (or similar elements) adapted for magnetic attraction to magnets. The first connector end 503 can then similarly include a mechanical connection element 513 disposed between the insertion wall 503a and the electrical pins 511. The mechanical connection element 513 can be magnets or metal (or similar elements) adapted for magnetic attraction to magnets. The second connector end 505 can be configured for connection to a computer or similar electronic device or for connection to a power source. As shown, the second connector end 505 has a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection, however, a different connection may be provided and / or an adapter (e.g., a USB / AC adapter) may be included as well.For example, an adapter including a USB connector on one end and a power unit connector on the opposite end is disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261495 to Novak et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0116] For aerosol delivery systems characterized as electronic cigarettes, the aerosol precursor composition most preferably incorporates tobacco or tobacco-derived components. In one aspect, the tobacco may be provided as tobacco parts or fragments, such as finely ground, crushed, or powdered tobacco flakes. It may also include tobacco beads, pellets, or other solid forms, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0335070 to Sears et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In another aspect, the tobacco may be provided in the form of an extract, such as a spray-dried extract incorporating many of the water-soluble components of tobacco. Alternatively, the tobacco extract may have the form of a relatively high-nicotine extract that also incorporates small amounts of other extracted components derived from tobacco. In another aspect, the tobacco-derived component may be provided in a relatively pure form, such as a particular flavoring derived from tobacco. In one aspect, a component derived from tobacco that can be used in a highly purified or essentially pure form is nicotine (e.g., pharmaceutical-grade nicotine). In some embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition may include nicotine in its free base form and / or protonated form. Protonation may be achieved by including one or more acids in the aerosol precursor composition. For example, organic acids such as levulinic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, and pyruvic acid may be included in the aerosol precursor with nicotine in amounts up to equimolar to nicotine (based on total organic acid content). Any combination of organic acids may be used. For example, the aerosol precursor may include about 0.1 to about 0.5 moles of any one or more of the above organic acids per mole of nicotine, up to a concentration where the total amount of organic acids present is equimolar to the total amount of nicotine present in the aerosol precursor composition.

[0117] The aerosol precursor composition, also referred to as a vapor precursor composition, may contain various ingredients, including, for example, a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, or a mixture thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extract, and / or flavoring. Representative types of aerosol precursor ingredients and formulations are also described and characterized in U.S. Pat. No. 7,217,320 to Robinson et al. and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0008457 to Zheng et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0213417 to Chong et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0060554 to Collett et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0020823 to Lipowicz et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0020830 to Koller, and International Publication No. WO 2014 / 182736 to Bowen et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other aerosol precursors that can be used include the aerosol precursors incorporated into VUSE® products by RJ Reynolds Vapor Company, BLU™ products by Lorillard Technologies, MISTIC MENTHOL products by Mistic Ecigs, and VYPE products by CN Creative Ltd. Also desirable are so-called "smoke juices" for e-cigarettes available from Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC.Further examples of aerosol precursor compositions are sold under the brand names BLACK NOTE, COSMIC FOG, THE MILKMAN E-LIQUID, FIVE PAWNS, THE VAPOR CHEF, VAPE WILD, BOOSTED, THE STEAM FACTORY, MECH SAUCE, CASEY JONES MAINLINE RESERVE, MITTEN VAPORS, DR. CRIMMY'S V-LIQUID, SMILEY E LIQUID, BEANTOWN VAPOR, CUTTWOOD, CYCLOPS VAPOR, SICBOY, GOOD LIFE VAPOR, TELEOS, PINUP VAPORS, SPACE JAM, MT. BAKER VAPOR, and JIMMY THE JUICE MAN.

[0118] The amount of aerosol precursor incorporated into the aerosol delivery system is such that the aerosol generating component provides acceptable sensory characteristics and desirable performance characteristics. For example, it is highly preferred to use a sufficient amount of aerosol-forming material (e.g., glycerin and / or propylene glycol) to provide visible mainstream aerosol production that resembles in many respects the appearance of tobacco smoke. The amount of aerosol precursor in the aerosol generating system may depend on factors such as the number of puffs desired per aerosol generating component. In one or more embodiments, about 1 ml or more, about 2 ml or more, about 5 ml or more, or about 10 ml or more of the aerosol precursor composition can be included.

[0119] Still other features, controls, or components that can be incorporated into the aerosol delivery systems of the present disclosure are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,148 to Harris et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,289 to Watkins et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,979 to Counts et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,742 to Hon; U.S. Pat. No. 8,402,976 to Fernando et al. ..., which are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0163063; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0192623 by Tucker et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0298905 by Leven et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0180553 by Kim et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 by Sebastian et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261495 by Novak et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261408 by DePiano et al.

[0120] Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. It is to be understood, therefore, that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. 1. A vaporization system comprising: A control device, an outer housing defining an outer wall, a distal end, and a proximal end including an opening; a chamber providing access therein through an opening at a proximal end; a recess defined by an opening in the outer wall at a proximal end of the outer wall; A battery, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA); a control device comprising: A first cartridge, a first tank defined by a first outer tank wall including a proximal end and a distal end, the first tank configured to contain a liquid composition; a first mouthpiece that engages the first tank; a first atomizer; a first flange extending a distance from the first mouthpiece; a first cartridge configured to engage with the control device such that at least a portion of a first tank of the first cartridge is received within a chamber of the control device and such that a first flange is at least partially received within a recess in the control device outer housing; a second cartridge, a second tank defined by a second outer tank wall including a proximal end and a distal end, the second tank configured to contain a liquid composition; a second mouthpiece that engages the second reservoir; and a second atomizer; and a second flange extending a distance from the second mouthpiece; a second cartridge comprising: Equipped with the second cartridge is configured to engage the control device such that at least a portion of the second tank of the second cartridge is received within the chamber of the control device and such that the second flange is at least partially received within the recess of the control device outer housing; A vaporization system in which the second cartridge differs from the first cartridge in one or more components or functions such that the system formed by the combination of the first cartridge and the control device differs from the system formed by the combination of the second cartridge and the control device.

2. 10. The vaporization system of claim 1, wherein the control device includes a device light source and at least one opening through the control device outer housing through which light from the device light source is visible.

3. 10. The vaporization system of claim 1, wherein the first atomizer of the first cartridge is different from the second atomizer of the second cartridge.

4. the first tank of the first cartridge has a first volume; The vaporization system of claim 1 , wherein the second tank of the second cartridge has a second volume different from the first volume.

5. the first cartridge includes a first liquid transport element; The vaporization system of claim 1 , wherein the second cartridge includes a second liquid transport element that is different from the first liquid transport element.

6. 10. The vaporization system of claim 1, wherein the distance the first flange extends from the first mouthpiece and the distance the second flange extends from the second mouthpiece vary.

7. the first cartridge is engaged with the control device to define a first configuration; a second cartridge engaged with the control device to define a second configuration; The vaporization system of claim 1 , wherein the first configuration is different from the second configuration.

8. the first reservoir of the first cartridge has a first distal end; the second reservoir of the second cartridge has a second distal end; the first cartridge exhibits a first distance between the first flange and the first distal end; the second cartridge exhibits a second distance between the second flange and the second distal end; The vaporization system of claim 1 , wherein the first distance is different from the second distance.

9. The first cartridge further comprises a first vaporization chamber; The second cartridge further comprises a second vaporization chamber; the first flange of the first cartridge is disposed above the first vaporization chamber; The vaporization system of claim 1 , wherein the second flange of the second cartridge is positioned above the second vaporization chamber.

10. 10. The vaporization system of claim 1, wherein the first flange of the first cartridge is positioned above the first atomizer and the second flange of the second cartridge is positioned above the second atomizer.

11. The vaporization system of claim 1 , wherein the control device further comprises a device electrical connector disposed within the chamber.

12. the first cartridge further comprises a plurality of first electrical contacts; the second cartridge further comprises a plurality of second electrical contacts; the first cartridge is configured to engage the control device so that the plurality of first electrical contacts electrically engage the device electrical connector; 12. The vaporization system of claim 11, wherein the second cartridge is configured to engage the controller such that the second plurality of electrical contacts electrically engage the device electrical connector.

13. The vaporization system of claim 1 , wherein the first cartridge and the second cartridge each include an air inlet.

14. The vaporization system of claim 1 , wherein the control device comprises a pressure drop opening in the chamber.

15. 10. The vaporization system of claim 1, wherein the first tank of the first cartridge has a first volume and the second tank of the second cartridge has a second volume, the second volume being different from the first volume.

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