Non-nicotine electronic vaping devices

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Non-nicotine electronic vaping or non-nicotine e-vaping devices include a heating element that heats a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to produce a non-nicotine vapor.

[0003] The non-nicotine e-vapor device includes a power source, such as a rechargeable battery, disposed within the device. The power source is electrically connected to a heater. The power source provides power to the heater such that the heater heats the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to a temperature sufficient to convert the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation into a non-nicotine vapor. The non-nicotine vapor exits the non-nicotine e-vapor device through a mouthpiece including at least one outlet. The non-nicotine e-vapor device may include memory, such as a heat-resistant, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Summary of the Invention

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0052]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0063] Air inlet 160 may be one or more holes drilled in first outer housing 104. Air inlet 160 allows sensor 134 to detect puffs due to changes in pressure as air is drawn through air inlet 160.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0084] The controller 212 may also record the received information in the fuse memory 217 by applying a voltage to a fuse included in the fuse memory 217. The fuse memory 217 may include an array of fuses. Each fuse included in the fuse array can be opened by applying a voltage exceeding a set voltage to the fuse. For example, the set voltage for opening the fuse may be approximately 2 volts. The controller 212 may be configured to apply a voltage exceeding the set voltage (in this example, exceeding 2 volts) to a fuse in the fuse array to open it. As an example, the fuse memory 217 may include an array of 1024 fuses, with the first 1016 fuses dedicated to recording information related to the amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation remaining in the reservoir 220 and the remaining 8 fuses dedicated to storing other information, such as a product identifier, a serial number, etc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0101] As described above, the fuse memory 217 may include an array of fuses. For example, the fuse array may include 1024 fuses. The reservoir 220 may contain enough non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to cause the heater 240 to vaporize the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation for approximately 10 seconds. A first portion of the fuse array (e.g., 10 fuses) may indicate the total operating time of the heater 240. A second portion (e.g., 8 fuses) may store other information, such as a product identifier or serial number of the cartridge 200. The number of fuses in a section of the fuse memory 217 need not correlate one-to-one with the number of seconds the heater 240 actively heats the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to generate a non-nicotine vapor before the reservoir 220 is depleted, but may correlate to any time. For example, if the reservoir 220 only holds enough non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation for the heater 240 to operate for approximately 508 seconds before the reservoir 220 is depleted, the first portion of the fuse array may still include 1016 fuses, each representing 0.5 seconds of total operating time for the heater 240.

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

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

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

[0105] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the fuse is permanently open and does not require a sustained voltage to maintain an open or closed position. Therefore, the fuse memory 217 is nonvolatile. Therefore, even after the non-nicotine e-vaping device 10 is turned off and then turned back on, the controller 212 can continue to record information regarding the total operating time of the heater 240 by continuing to open one fuse at each time t. Furthermore, the fuse's ability to maintain an open or closed state is not significantly affected by the heat generated by the heater 240. As a result, the fuse memory 217 described above can retain information without a constant voltage and without being significantly affected by the heat generated by the heater 240. Furthermore, fuse memory is generally less expensive than heat-resistant, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims

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

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

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

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

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

6. 4. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 3, The memory module is configured to record the information by opening a fuse every set number of pulses in the pulse-width modulated power signal.

7. 10. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, wherein the information comprises: The non-nicotine e-vapor device includes at least one of the following: a level of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored in a reservoir connected to the non-nicotine e-vapor device, a product identifier, a serial number, an indication of the number of fuses to open, an indication of the operating time of the heater element, an indication of the time until the formulation drops below a threshold level, the flavor of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, a date, or a combination thereof.

8. 10. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, The power control circuitry is further configured to send a request for stored information to the memory module.

9. 10. The non-nicotine e-vaping device of claim 1, the power control circuit receives a second pulse width modulated power signal; further configured to determine the information based on a current of at least one pulse of the second pulse-width modulated power signal and a threshold current value.

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

11. 11. The memory module of claim 10, The memory control unit storing information in the array of fuses based on the plurality of pulses; The stored information is The non-nicotine e-vapor device is configured to include at least one of the following: a level of a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored in a reservoir connected to the non-nicotine e-vapor device, a product identifier, a serial number, an indication of the number of fuses to open, an indication of the operating time of a heater element of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, an indication of the time until the formulation drops below a threshold level, the flavor of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, a date, or a combination thereof.

12. 11. The memory module of claim 10, The memory controller is further configured to receive information from outside the memory controller only via wires.

13. 11. The memory module of claim 10, The memory controller is further configured to receive power only via the pulse-width modulated power signal.

14. 11. The memory module of claim 10, The memory controller is further configured to receive the pulse width modulated power signal via a wire connecting the power control circuit and the heater element.

15. 11. The memory module of claim 10, The memory module is further configured to receive a request from the power control circuit for information stored in the array of fuses.

16. 16. The memory module of claim 15, further configured to output information stored in the array of fuses to the power control circuit while outputting the pulse-width modulated power signal to a heater element.

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

18. 20. The memory module of claim 17, The memory controller is further configured to receive a second pulse-width modulated power signal from the power control circuit via a wire connecting the power control circuit and the heater element.

19. 20. The memory module of claim 17, The memory controller is configured to output the information by varying a current of at least one pulse of the pulse-width modulated power signal.

20. 18. The memory module according to claim 17, wherein the memory control unit: connecting a load to a wire during a pulse of the pulse width modulated power signal to indicate a first bit value; the wires connecting the power control circuit to the heater element; indicating a second bit value that does not connect a load to the wire during a pulse of the pulse width modulated power signal; Further configured to output the information.

21. 21. The memory module of claim 20, The memory controller is configured to output the information by selectively connecting a load to the wire.

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