U.S. patent application number 13/024000 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-09 for electronic cigarette.
Invention is credited to Bill Marangos.
Application Number | 20120199146 13/024000 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46599818 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120199146 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marangos; Bill |
August 9, 2012 |
ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE
Abstract
This invention relates to an electronic cigarette having L.E.D.
indicators to indicate the usage of the electronic cigarette as
well as memory devices for storing and generating data and charts
on the usage of the electronic cigarette. The invention also
relates to an improved cartomizer as well as a method of monitoring
the inhalation of smoke from an electronic cigarette.
Inventors: |
Marangos; Bill; (Richmond
Hill, CA) |
Family ID: |
46599818 |
Appl. No.: |
13/024000 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/328 ;
131/329 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 40/42 20200101;
A24F 47/008 20130101; A24F 40/10 20200101; A24F 40/50 20200101;
A24F 40/60 20200101; A24F 40/44 20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/328 ;
131/329 |
International
Class: |
A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00 |
Claims
1) An electronic cigarette having: (a) a power means; (b) heating
means; (c) a fluid; (d) electronic circuitry means for sensing a
negative pressure in the electronic cigarette for heating the fluid
to produce a vapour when a user puffs on the electronic cigarette;
and (e) an indicating means associated with the circuitry means to
indicate the usage of the electronic cigarette.
2) An electronic cigarette as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
indicating means comprises an L.E.D. display.
3) An electronic cigarette as claimed in claim 2 wherein the L.E.D.
display comprises a bar indicator disposed along the electronic
cigarette.
4) An electronic cigarette as claimed in claim 2 wherein the L.E.D.
display comprises a number of L.E.D. lights disposed along the
cigarette
5) An electronic cigarette as claimed in claim 4 further including
memory means associated with an electronic circuitry means for
recording usage of the electronic cigarette.
6) An electronic cigarette as claimed in claim 5 wherein the memory
means stores the time and duration of the puffs
7) An electronic cigarette as claimed in claim 6 wherein the memory
means generates charts featuring usage of the electronic
cigarette
8) An electronic cigarette as claimed in claim 7 wherein the memory
means is associated with the indicating means so as to store and
display usage of the electronic cigarette.
9) An electronic cigarette as claimed in claim 8 wherein the
heating means comprises circuitry and a cartomizer.
10) An electronic cigarette as claimed in claim 9 wherein the
cartomizer comprises: (a) a tube shape having an inlet and outlet;
(b) a foam substrate for receiving the fluid, the foam substrate
defining an atomizing cavity; (c) a fiberglass member disposed
within the atomizing cavity and in contact with the foam substrate
to draw fluid into the cavity; (d) a heating element disposed
within the atomizing cavity and about the fiberglass member to
vapourize the fluid in the atomizing chamber.
11) An electronic cigarette as claimed in claim 10 wherein the
fiberglass member acts as a wick to draw the fluid into the
atomization cavity.
12) An electronic cigarette as claimed in claim 11 wherein the
fluid comprises propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, or other
vaporizing liquids.
13) An electronic cigarette as claimed in claim 12 wherein the
electronic circuitry means comprises a microcontroller along with a
pressure sensor.
14) An electronic cigarette has claimed in claim 13 wherein the
pressure sensor comprises a micro-controller.
15) An electronic cigarette as claimed in claim 14 wherein the
heating element is enabled by a MOSFET once a drop in pressure is
detected in the chamber.
16) A method of monitoring the inhalation of smoke from an
electronic cigarette comprising in: a) sensing a negative pressure
in the electronic cigarette when a user puffs on the electronic
cigarette; b) heating a fluid in the electronic cigarette upon
sensing of the negative pressure so as to vapourize a portion of
the fluid in the electronic cigarette; c) storing data regarding
the usage of the electronic cigarette in a memory device; and d)
generating charts from the memory device featuring usage of the
electronic cigarette.
17) A method as claimed in claim 16 further providing indicating
means on the electronic cigarette associated with the memory device
to provide a visual indication of the usage of the electronic
cigarette.
18) A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein the indicating means
comprises a L.E.D. display for recording the number of puffs of a
cigarette.
19) An electronic cigarette comprising: (a) a first hollow
cylindrical member disposed along a first longitudinal axis having:
(i) a battery; (ii) electronic circuitry including: 1. a
micro-controller and pressure sensor for sensing a pressure drop in
the electronic cigarette; and 2. electronic switch activated by the
micro-controller upon sensing of the pressure drop; (b) a second
hollow cylindrical member having a second longitudinal axis for
coaxial alignment with the first longitudinal axis of the first
hollow cylindrical member having: (i) a cartomizer with: 1. a tube
shape having an inlet and outlet; 2. a foam substrate for receiving
the fluid; and 3. a heating element for vapourizing the fluid when
the microcontroller senses a pressure drop to activate the switch
to heat the heating element upon a user puffing on the electronic
cigarette; (c) indicating lights for indicating the usage of the
electronic cigarette; (d) a memory device associated with the
indicating lights and electronic circuitry for recording the usage
of the electronic cigarette
20) An electronic cigarette as claimed in claim 19 wherein the
memory device generates a selected report on the usage of
electronic cigarette.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an electronic cigarette having
L.E.D. indicators to indicate the usage of the electronic cigarette
as well as memory devices for storing and generating data and
charts on the usage of the electronic cigarette. The invention also
relates to an improved cartomizer as well as a method of monitoring
the inhalation of vapor from an electronic cigarette.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes have recently been
developed and generally comprise a battery-powered device that
provides inhaled doses of nicotine or non-nicotine vapourized
solutions. It is an alternative to smoking tobacco products such as
cigarettes, cigars or pipes in addition to providing nicotine
delivery. The vapour can also provide a flavor or physical
sensation to that of inhaled tobacco smoke although no smoke or
combustion is actually involved in the operation.
[0003] Generally speaking, when a user inhales an electronic
cigarette, air flow is detected by a sensor which activates a
heating element which vapourizes a liquid solution stored in the
device. A typical e-cigarette will include a L.E.D. light cover, a
battery, an atomizer and a cartridge. In some models, the cartridge
and atomizer are combined in one as a cartomizer. Various prior art
electronic cigarettes have been manufactured and sold.
[0004] For example, U.S. 2009/0283103 discloses a docking station
for an electronic vaporizing device where the docking station
includes a housing, one or more charging slots in the housing for
plurality, and a spare battery for use with the electronic
vaporizing device.
[0005] Yet another arrangement is shown in U.S. 2007/0074734 which
refers to a smokeless lighter that includes a heater sized to
accommodate a smokeable article such as a cigarette, such that a
portion of the cigarette protrudes from the lighter. Optionally, a
light may be used to indicate when air is drawn through the
smokeless lighter.
[0006] Furthermore, U.S. 2010/0200008 shows reveals a smokeless
cigarette that provides for the dispensation of vitamins to the
user by way of a vitamin-infused cartridge whereby a liquid mixture
of vitamins and/or botanicals are injected into a liquid-supplying
bottle within the nicotine cartridge for inhalation and absorption
by the user.
[0007] Moreover, U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,327 shows features an article
where a tobacco flavor medium is electronically heated to evolve
inhalable tobacco flavors or other components in vapor or aerosol
form. The article has a plurality of charges of the tobacco flavor
medium which are heated sequentially to provide individual
puffs.
[0008] Yet another arrangement is shown in U.S. 2005/0016550 which
illustrates an electronic cigarette having a casing with in an
inhalation hole and a substantially cylindrical configuration.
Pressure in a cavity filled with a liquid flavored generating
medium is changed by driving an actuator to eject the flavor
generating medium as droplets from a nozzle in communication with
the cavity.
[0009] Another arrangement is shown in U.S. 2006/0196518 which
displays a cigarette which includes a smoke mouth integer comprised
with a shell, a cell, a high frequency ionizer, nicotine solution
storage and its container, control circuit, a display screen, a
human contact sensor, a piezoelectric supersound atomizer, a high
temperature vaporization nozzle and attachments, an electro-thermal
vaporization nozzle installed in the air suction end of the shell
goes through an electronic control pump or valve with a measuring
chamber and a liquid storage container which contains nicotine
solution and is connected to the electric control pump or valve
with a one-way flow valve, the control circuit plate having four
export ends individually connected to the high-frequency ionizer,
electric heater, pump or valve, and a display screen, a human
resistance sensor and an airflow sensor are connected to the input
end of the control circuit.
[0010] Yet another arrangement is shown in U.S. 2009/0095311 which
relates to an aerosol electronic cigarette includes a battery
assembly, an atomizer assembly and a cigarette bottle assembly and
also includes a shell which is hollow and integrally formed.
[0011] Furthermore, U.S. 2010/0031968 shows an electronic smoking
substitute device which includes a tube containing a reservoir
containing a liquid. The liquid includes a substance to be inhaled
by the user, for example, a nicotine dilution. The device also has
a heating element. The heating element is a coil and is in direct
contact with the reservoir. A power source is arranged to power the
heating element.
[0012] Another arrangement is shown in U.S. 2007/0267031 which
relates to an electronic atomizing cigarette that includes a shell
and a mouthpiece. The external wall of the shell has an air inlet.
An electronic circuit board, a normal pressure cavity, a sensor, a
vapor-liquid separator, an atomizer, a liquid-supplying bottle are
sequentially provided within the shell, wherein the electronic
circuit board comprises an electronic switching circuit and a high
frequency generator. A stream passage of the sensor is provided on
one side of the sensor, and a negative pressure cavity is provided
in the sensor. The atomizer and the liquid-supplying bottle is in
contact with each other. An atomization cavity is arranged in the
atomizer.
[0013] It is an object of this invention to provide and improve the
electronic cigarette and method of monitoring the usage of
electronic cigarettes. It is also an object of this invention to
provide an improved cartomizer which is easier to construct and
more efficient than that of the prior art.
[0014] It is an aspect of this invention to provide an electronic
cigarette having: a power means; a heating means; a fluid; an
electronic circuitry means for sensing a negative pressure in the
electronic cigarette for heating the fluid to produce a vapour when
a user puffs on the electronic cigarette; and an indicating means
associated with the circuitry means to indicate the usage of the
electronic cigarette.
[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the heating means
comprises a cartomizer having: a hollow tube shape with an inlet
and outlet; a foam substrate for receiving the fluid; a fiberglass
member within the atomizing cavity and in contact with the foam
substrate to draw fluid into the atomizing cavity; and a heating
element within the atomizing cavity and about the fiberglass member
to vaporize the fluid in the atomizing chamber.
[0016] It is another aspect of the invention to provide a method of
monitoring the inhalation of vapor from an electronic cigarette
comprising: sensing a negative pressure in the electronic cigarette
when a user puffs on the electronic cigarette; heating a fluid in
the electronic cigarette upon sensing of the negative pressure so
as to vaporize a portion of the fluid in the electronic cigarette;
storing data regarding the usage of the electronic cigarette in a
memory device; and generating charts from the memory device
displaying usage of the electronic cigarette.
[0017] It is yet another aspect of this invention to provide an
electronic cigarette comprising: a first hollow cylindrical member
having: a battery; electronic circuitry including: a
micro-controller and pressure sensor for sensing a pressure drop in
the electronic cigarette; and an electronic switch activated by the
micro-controller upon sensing of the pressure drop; a second hollow
cylindrical member having a second longitudinal axis for coaxial
alignment with the first longitudinal axis of the first hollow
cylindrical member having: a cartomizer with: a hollow tube shape
having an inlet and outlet; foam substrate for receiving the fluid;
and a heating element for vaporizing the fluid when the
microcontroller senses a pressure drop to activate the switch to
heat the heating element upon a user puffing on the electronic
cigarette; indicating lights for indicating the usage of the
electronic cigarette, a memory device associated with the
indicating lights and electronic circuitry for recording the usage
of the electronic cigarette.
[0018] These and other objects and features of the invention shall
now be described in relation to the following drawings:
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a side plan view of the electronic cigarette.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first hollow
cylindrical member or hollow tube 4.
[0021] FIG. 3 is an end view of FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 4 is an electronic schematic view of the electronic
circuitry.
[0023] FIG. 5 shows one example of a usage chart.
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates another example of a usage chart.
[0025] FIG. 7 is another example of a usage chart.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a cartomizer.
[0027] FIG. 9 is an electronic schematic view of the indicator
lights.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Like parts are given like numbers throughout the figures.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale but rather illustrate the
invention as claimed.
[0029] FIG. 1 generally illustrates the electronic cigarette 2
which has a first hollow cylindrical member 4 disposed along the
first longitudinal axis 6 and a second hollow cylindrical member 8
having a second longitudinal axis 10 for co-axial alignment with
the first longitudinal axis 6.
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates in more detail the first hollow
cylindrical member 4 which is a holding tube that houses the
battery or power unit 12 and the electronic circuitry means or
electronic control board 14 and the end cap 16 and a female screw
terminal 18 engageable with the second hollow cylindrical member 8
in the manner to be described more fully herein.
[0031] The first hollow cylindrical member 4 includes a first end
20 which terminates at the end cap 16. The end cap 16 can contain a
LED light 22 which can be activated upon puffing on the electronic
cigarette 2 in a manner to be described herein so as to simulate
the lit end of a cigarette. The ends 19 and 20 are sealed with the
end cap 16 and the screw terminal 18 for connecting the cartomizer
30 to be described herein.
[0032] The battery 12 can be a rechargeable battery or the like and
is used to power the electronic circuitry 14 to be described
herein. As stated, the battery 12 can be a single use or a
rechargeable type. Recharging of the battery 12 can be accomplished
through the screw terminal 18 where the threads 24 and terminal 26
provide the positive and negative terminals of the battery 12.
[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the electronic
circuitry means 14 which includes a small pressure sensor 42
utilized to sense the pressure change applied by the user to the
mouthpiece 70. A microcontroller 44 along with the pressure sensor
42 is used to measure the pressure such as to perform the filtering
to ensure proper signal integrity. Once a pressure change is
detected the heater means 46 is enabled by way of a solid state
switch (MOSFET Q1 and Q2 as shown).
[0034] A safety timer is enabled within the microcontroller 44 and
is used to turn off the heater 46 if a safety limit of greater than
a pre-selected time duration is reached. The timer is reset once
the pressure returns to normal. If pressure is removed prior to the
pre-selected time duration, the system will turn off the heater
means 46 inside the cartomizer 30 generally immediately. As
mentioned, the end cap 16 houses a LED light 16 to simulate the
look of the cigarette source when activated behind the end cap 16
during the heating operation.
[0035] When a user puffs on the end of the mouthpiece 70 at the
second hollow cylindrical member 8, a pressure drop is created
within the electronic cigarette 2 which is sensed by the pressure
sensor and microcontroller 44 that activates the heating means 46
as previously described.
[0036] The end cap 16 is a cover that mimics the look of a tobacco
cigarette. When the heater means 46 is activated, a light source
shines through the end cap 16 to emulate a lit cigarette.
[0037] The screw terminal 18 provides electrical connections to the
cartomizer 30 which is located within the second hollow cylindrical
member 8.
[0038] The first hollow cylindrical member 4 also includes
indicating means 60 to provide an indication to the user of the
approximate usage of the electronic cigarette. Each time a user
applies a negative pressure to the electronic cigarette 2 by
puffing on the electronic cigarette 2, the heater means 46 is
activated. Whenever the heater power is activated a counter
resident in the microcontroller 44 will be activated and displayed
on indicating means 60. When the counter reaches a certain selected
count such as for example 6, the next activation will be reset. The
indicating means 60 may be displayed on the exterior surface of the
first hollow cylindrical member 4 as shown in FIG. 1 or in the
circular array of 6 LED located at the end cap 16.
[0039] In one embodiment, the indicating means 60 is located on the
exterior surface of the first hollow cylindrical member 4 and is
disposed in a linear fashion. The indicating means 60 can be
designed so that the indicator will only stay on when the heater is
on or may in another embodiment stay on continuously.
[0040] The data relating to the usage of the electronic cigarette 2
may be stored in the memory of the electronic circuitry means 14 in
a non-volatile memory so that it will not be lost once the battery
is discharged.
[0041] The circuitry means 14 stores data and can generate usage
logs or charts as shown in FIG. 5. The purpose of the usage log or
chart as shown in FIG. 5 is to allow the display of data that is
stored in the memory. Each time the user applies negative pressure
and engages the heater means 46, the count will be logged into the
non-volatile memory. A time marker will also be stamped at the same
time as the count is recorded. The time stamp will be generated by
means of an electronic real time clock. The usage log can be
password protected to ensure confidentiality.
[0042] A separate external device can be used to interface with the
electronic cigarette 2 by means of a personal computer or the like.
The data can be retrievable in one embodiment by means of a link to
a personal computer either by using RS323 or USB connection to the
screw terminal 18
[0043] FIG. 5 shows a usage log by month which shows the puff count
along the y axis and times of the day along the x axis.
[0044] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate other charts that can be generated.
The charts can be used by a doctor advising a smoker. For example
the charts will be able to graphically illustrate the frequency and
time of simulated smoking, for instance that a person smokes more
heavily in the morning. Furthermore a doctor will be in a better
position to determine if smoking is psychological or addictive in
nature and provide treatment regimes or strategies to quit smoking.
In another embodiment, the charts can be used to assist in the
delivery of medical THC or marijuana.
[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates a cartomizer 30 which is disposed within
the second hollow cylindrical member 8. The cartomizer 30 is
generally cylindrical in shape and includes an inlet 34 and an
outlet 37, the cartridge tube 8, as well as the foam substrate
(reservoir which holds liquid) 36. A non-flammable braided material
33 is used along with a non-flammable wick or fiberglass member 39
which has a nichrome wire 38 wrapped around it.
[0046] More specifically, the electronic cigarette 2 illustrates
the cartomizer 30 which comprises a second hollow cylindrical
member 8 having an inlet 34 and an outlet 37. The foam substrate 36
receives and holds the liquid as well as defining an atomizing
cavity 35. The fiberglass member 39 is disposed in the atomizing
cavity 35 and is in contact with the foam substrate 36 to draw
fluid into the cavity 35. The heating element 38 is disposed within
the atomizing cavity 35 wrapped around the fiberglass member 39 to
vaporize the fluid in the atomizing chamber or cavity 35.
[0047] The fiberglass member 39 acts as a wick to draw fluid into
the atomization cavity 35. In one embodiment the fluid comprises
but is not limited to propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, or
other vaporizing liquids.
[0048] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cartomizer 30 and
illustrates the cartridge tube or second hollow cylindrical member
8 as well as the foam substrate 36. A non-flammable braided
material comprising 33 is used along with a non-flammable wick or
fiberglass member 39 with nichrome wire 38 wrapped around it. FIG.
8 also illustrates the foam substrate or reservoir 36 which holds
the fluid.
[0049] The second hollow cylindrical member or cartridge tube 8 is
used to house the members of the cartomizer 30. The cartridge tube
8 is shaped to simulate the brown filter end of the tobacco
cigarette. On the end 70 of the cartridge tube 8 is an opening 37
to allow the escape of vapour when engaged. End 70 is the
mouthpiece. Another end 34 provides the electrical connections to
the heater. End 34 provides a mating screw terminal to interface
with the screw terminal 18 of the first hollow cylindrical member
4.
[0050] In one embodiment, the heater means is made from a helical
wrap of a heater wire 38 such as nichrome as well as a wick 39 to
draw fluid from the reservoir 36.
[0051] The foam substrate or reservoir 36 holds the fluid to be
vaporized. The reservoir 36 is made of a highly porous material
that is capable of holding fluids such as propylene glycol,
vegetable glycerin, or other vaporizing liquids.
[0052] The foam substrate or reservoir is fire resistant.
[0053] FIG. 9 illustrates an electronic schematic that controls the
LED lights associated with the indicating means 60 as previously
described.
[0054] Accordingly, the electronic cigarette 2 has a power source
12, heating means 46, a fluid, electronic circuitry means 14 for
sensing a negative pressure in the electronic cigarette 2 and for
heating the fluid to produce a vapour when a user puffs on the
electronic cigarette 2; and indicating means 60 associated with the
electronic circuitry means 14 to indicate the usage of the
electronic cigarette 2. There is a memory means associated with the
electronic circuitry means 14 for recording the usage of the
electronic cigarette 2. The memory means stores the time and
duration of puffs. The memory means can generate charts featuring
usage of the electronic cigarette 2.
[0055] The second hollow cylindrical member 8 houses a cartomizer
30 which comprises: [0056] (a) A generally cylindrical in shape
tube and includes an inlet 34 and an outlet 37 [0057] (b) a foam
substrate 36 for receiving the fluid, the foam substrate 36
defining an atomizing cavity 35 [0058] (c) a fiberglass member 39
disposed within the atomizing cavity 35 and in contact with the
foam substrate 36 to draw fluid into the chamber [0059] (d) A
heating element 38 disposed within the atomizing cavity 35 and
wrapped about the fiberglass member 39 to vaporize the fluid in the
atomizing chamber.
[0060] The invention described herein also relates to a method of
monitoring the inhalation of smoke from an electronic cigarette 2
comprising: [0061] (a) sensing a negative pressure in the
electronic cigarette 2 when a user puffs on a electronic cigarette
2; [0062] (b) heating fluid in the electronic cigarette 2 upon
sensing a negative pressure so as to vaporize a portion of the
fluid in the electronic cigarette 2 [0063] (c) storing data
regarding the usage of the electronic cigarette 2 in a memory
device [0064] (d) Generating data from the memory device and
displaying usage of the electronic cigarette 2.
[0065] The electronic cigarette 2 as described herein illustrates:
[0066] (a) A first hollow cylindrical member 4 disposed along a
first longitudinal axis 6 having a rechargeable battery, electronic
circuitry which includes a microcontroller 44 along with the
pressure sensor 42 for sensing a pressure drop, an electronic
switch activated by the microcontroller 44 upon sensing of a
pressure drop; [0067] (b) a second hollow cylindrical member 8
having a longitudinal axis 10 for co-axial alignment with the first
longitudinal axis 6 wherein the second hollow cylindrical member 8
has a cartomizer and includes an inlet 34 and an outlet 37, a foam
substrate 36 for receiving the fluid, a heating element 38 for
vaporizing the fluid when the microcontroller 44 and pressure
sensor 42 senses a pressure drop to activate the switch to heat the
heating element 38 when a user puffs on the electronic cigarette 2;
[0068] (c) indicating lights 60 for indicating the usage of the
electronic cigarette 2; [0069] (d) a memory device associated with
the microcontroller 44 and associated with the indicating light 60
for recording the usage of the electronic cigarette 2.
* * * * *