U.S. patent application number 14/366560 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-22 for charging electronic cigarette.
The applicant listed for this patent is SIS RESOURCES LTD.. Invention is credited to Sammy Capuano, Shmuel Gavrielov, Aaron Arye Weigensberg.
Application Number | 20150020831 14/366560 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48667858 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150020831 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weigensberg; Aaron Arye ; et
al. |
January 22, 2015 |
CHARGING ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE
Abstract
An electronic cigarette charging system includes a rechargeable
electronic cigarette (173) having first and second electrical
contacts (183), a cradle (175) that is connectable to a battery
charger and a receiving element adapted to receive the end of the
electronic cigarette (173). The receiving element has electrically
conductive first and second contacts (181), which have first and
second contact surfaces for contacting the first and second
electrical contacts (183) of the electronic cigarette (175),
respectively to thereby establish an electrical connection with the
battery charger.
Inventors: |
Weigensberg; Aaron Arye;
(Modiin, IL) ; Gavrielov; Shmuel; (Jerusalem,
IL) ; Capuano; Sammy; (Beit Shemesh, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SIS RESOURCES LTD. |
Beit Shemesh |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
48667858 |
Appl. No.: |
14/366560 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
December 9, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2012/057108 |
371 Date: |
June 18, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61577024 |
Dec 18, 2011 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/329 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 47/008
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/329 |
International
Class: |
A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00 |
Claims
1. An electronic cigarette charging system, comprising: a
rechargeable electronic cigarette having an end and first and
second electrical contacts; a cradle, connectable to a battery
charger, comprising: a receiving element adapted to receive the end
of the electronic cigarette, the receiving element having
electrically conductive first and second contacts having respective
first and second contact surfaces for contacting the first and
second electrical contacts of the electronic cigarette,
respectively to thereby establish an electrical connection with the
battery charger.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second
electrical contacts of the electronic cigarette are magnetically
attractive to the first and second contact surfaces of the
receiving element, respectively.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
first and second contact surfaces of the receiving element is a
magnet.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
first and second contacts of the electronic cigarette is a
magnet.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the end of the
electronic cigarette comprises an adaptor having an orifice formed
therethrough and an inset for receiving a conductive flange, the
orifice being disposed such that an extension of the flange is
placed in contact with one of the first and second contacts of the
receiving element when the electronic cigarette is in the cradle,
the adaptor further comprising at least one side groove for
receiving a contact pin to contact another of the first and second
contacts of the receiving element.
6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the adaptor has vents
formed therein to permit ambient air to enter an interior of the
electronic cigarette.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the end of the
electronic cigarette comprises an adaptor having a sensor unit
housed in an interior chamber thereof, and having a perforation
extending from the interior chamber to an exterior of the
electronic cigarette to place the interior chamber in fluid
communication with ambient atmosphere.
8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the end of the
electronic cigarette comprises an adaptor, the adaptor including: a
cap having a lip and a conductive flange on the cap for contacting
one of the first and second contact surfaces of the receiving
element; and a conductive coaxial member having an insert attached
to the lip, wherein the insert has an orifice formed therethrough
for receiving an extension of the coaxial member, the orifice being
disposed such that the extension of the coaxial member is placed in
contact with another of the first and second contacts of the
receiving element when the electronic cigarette is in the
cradle.
9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the adaptor has vents
formed therein to permit ambient air to enter an interior of the
electronic cigarette.
10. The system according to claim 8, further comprising a light
source within the electronic cigarette, wherein the insert has a
translucency and diffusing property sufficient to prevent
recognition of structures and shadows within the electronic
cigarette when the insert is illuminated from within the electronic
cigarette by the light source.
11. An electronic cigarette charging system, comprising: an
electronic cigarette having a first set of electrical contacts, an
aerosol generating device and a rechargeable battery for powering
the aerosol generating device; an electrode assembly connectable to
a power source having a second set of electrical contacts that are
arranged to mate with the first set of electrical contacts,
whereupon the electronic cigarette receives power via the electrode
assembly for recharging the battery while remaining operational for
use by a smoker; and electrical circuitry connected to the first
set of electrical contacts comprising a first circuit for supplying
battery power to the aerosol generating device and a second circuit
for providing power from a battery charger to the battery for
recharging thereof, the first circuit cooperative with the second
circuit to disable power flow via the electrode assembly to the
battery when the aerosol generating device is activated and to
resume the power flow when the aerosol generating device ceases to
be activated.
12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the second set of
electrical contacts comprises: respective ferromagnetic disks that
are bonded to lead wires that are connectable to the battery
charger; and magnets held by magnetic attraction in contact with
the disks.
13. The system according to claim 11, wherein the first set of
electrical contacts are disposed at an end of the electronic
cigarette.
14. The system according to claim 11, wherein the first set of
electrical contacts are disposed at a side portal of the electronic
cigarette.
15. The system according to claim 14, further comprising a cradle
receiving the electronic cigarette and having the second set of
electrical contacts disposed therein.
16. The system according to claim 14, further comprising a
universal serial bus adaptor linked to the second set of electrical
contacts for connection to the power source.
17. The system according to claim 11, wherein the electrical
circuitry comprises: a pressure sensor; a transistor coupled to the
battery and the first set of electrical contacts; a microprocessor;
and electronic logic, wherein the microprocessor is responsive to
the sensor and the electronic logic to regulate the transistor to
enable and disable power flow to the battery via the first set of
electrical contacts.
18. An electronic cigarette, comprising: an aerosol generating
device; a rechargeable battery for powering the aerosol generating
device; and an adaptor having a first set of electrical contacts
connectable to a battery charger, wherein the adaptor is disposed
at an end of the electronic cigarette and comprises: an outer
metallic band having an extension that is exposed to an interior
space of the electronic cigarette; an inner metallic plug exposed
to the interior space of the electronic cigarette; and an
electrically nonconductive intermediate member separating the band
from the plug and having a channel formed therein that extends from
an exterior of the electronic cigarette to the interior space
thereof that allows ambient air to enter the interior space.
19. The electronic cigarette according to claim 18, wherein the
intermediate member has a translucency and diffusing property
sufficient to prevent recognition of structures and shadows within
the electronic cigarette when the adaptor is illuminated from
within the electronic cigarette.
20. An electronic cigarette, comprising: a first set of electrical
contacts, an aerosol generating device and a rechargeable battery
for powering the aerosol generating device, wherein the first set
of electrical contacts is connectable to an electrode assembly
having a second set of electrical contacts, whereupon the
electronic cigarette receives power via the electrode assembly for
recharging the battery while being smoked by a smoker; and
electrical circuitry connected to the first set of electrical
contacts comprising a first circuit for supplying battery power to
the aerosol generating device and a second circuit for providing
power from a battery charger to the battery for recharging
thereof.
21. The electronic cigarette according to claim 20, wherein the
first set of electrical contacts are disposed at an end of the
electronic cigarette.
22. The electronic cigarette according to claim 20, wherein the
first set of electrical contacts are disposed at a side portal of
the electronic cigarette.
23. The electronic cigarette according to claim 20, wherein the
electrical circuitry comprises: a pressure sensor; a transistor
coupled to the battery and the first set of electrical contacts; a
microprocessor; and electronic logic, wherein the microprocessor is
responsive to the sensor and the electronic logic to regulate the
transistor to enable and disable power flow to the battery via the
first set of electrical contacts.
24. The electronic cigarette according to claim 20, wherein the
electrical circuitry is configured for selective operation: in a
first mode, wherein power flow to the battery is disabled when the
aerosol generating device is activated by a user drawing on the
electronic cigarette and is enabled when the aerosol generating
device is not activated; and in a second mode wherein power flow to
the battery is enabled when the aerosol generating device is
activated by the user drawing on the electronic cigarette and when
the aerosol generating device is not activated.
25. An electronic cigarette, comprising: an aerosol generating
device; a battery for powering the aerosol generating device; and a
tip adaptor disposed at an end of the electronic cigarette, the
adaptor having a sensor unit housed in an interior chamber thereof,
and having a perforation extending from the interior chamber to an
exterior of the electronic cigarette to place the interior chamber
in fluid communication with ambient atmosphere.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/577,024, which is herein incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to tobacco product avoidance. More
particularly, this invention relates to a charger for a
battery-operated electronic cigarette for limiting exposure to
tobacco fumes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Tobacco-containing smoking devices are known. For example,
U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,320, which is herein incorporated by reference,
proposes a cigarette incorporated within an electrically powered
aerosol generating device that acts as a holder for that cigarette.
The smoking device possesses at least one form of tobacco. The
smoking device also possesses a mouth-end piece that is used by the
smoker to inhale components of tobacco that are generated by the
action of heat upon components of the cigarette. A representative
smoking device possesses an outer housing incorporating a source of
electrical power (e.g., a battery), a sensing mechanism for
powering the device at least during periods of draw, and a heating
device (e.g., at least one electrical resistance heating element)
for forming a thermally generated aerosol that incorporates
components of tobacco. During use, the cigarette is positioned
within the device, and after use, the used cigarette is removed
from the device and replaced with another cigarette.
[0004] European patent document EP 1 736 065, herein incorporated
by reference, proposes an electronic cigarette containing nicotine
without tar, which includes a shell and a suction nozzle. On the
exterior wall of the shell, there is an air orifice, while there
are an electronic circuit board, a constant pressure cavity, a
sensor, a gas liquid separator, an atomizer, and a supplying bottle
orderly located in the interior of the shell, wherein the
electronic circuit board consists of an electronic switching
circuit and a high-frequency generator. At one side of the sensor
there is an air duct. A negative pressure cavity is located in the
sensor. The atomizer connects with the supplying bottle, and there
is an atomizing cavity located in the atomizer.
[0005] Devices of this sort are referred to herein for convenience
as "electronic cigarettes". Conventionally the aerosol generating
device of an electronic cigarette includes a heating element, which
is typically a wire having high electrical resistance. Rechargeable
batteries housed within the electronic cigarette are generally used
to power the aerosol generating device. Thus, during use it becomes
necessary to recharge the batteries from time to time.
Accomplishing this may require some disassembly of the electronic
cigarette in order to connect an external charging device. It is
impractical to smoke using the electronic cigarette while charging
the device without actually replacing the battery. To do so, it
would be necessary to repeatedly disconnect the charger, reassemble
the electronic cigarette, puff, and then reverse the procedure to
continue the charging process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention, in certain embodiments thereof, seeks
to provide an improved electronic cigarette, which is connectable
to a battery charger without disassembly of the cigarette.
[0007] There is provided according to embodiments of the invention
an electronic cigarette charging system, including a rechargeable
electronic cigarette having first and second electrical contacts, a
cradle that is connectable to a battery charger and includes a
receiving element adapted to receive the end of the electronic
cigarette. The receiving element has electrically conductive first
and second contacts, which have first and second contact surfaces
for contacting the first and second electrical contacts of the
electronic cigarette, respectively to thereby establish an
electrical connection with the battery charger.
[0008] According to a further aspect of the system, the first and
second electrical contacts of the electronic cigarette are
magnetically attractive to the first and second contact surfaces of
the receiving element, respectively.
[0009] According to yet another aspect of the system, at least one
of the first and second contact surfaces of the receiving element
is a magnet.
[0010] According to still another aspect of the system, at least
one of the first and second contacts of the electronic cigarette is
a magnet.
[0011] According to an aspect of the system, the end of the
electronic cigarette includes an adaptor, which has an orifice
formed therethrough and an inset for receiving a conductive flange.
The orifice is disposed such that an extension of the flange is
placed in contact with one of the first and second contacts of the
receiving element when the electronic cigarette is in the cradle.
The adaptor includes at least one side groove for receiving a
contact pin to contact another of the first and second contacts of
the receiving element.
[0012] According to a further aspect of the system, the adaptor has
vents formed therein to permit ambient air to enter an interior of
the electronic cigarette.
[0013] According to still another aspect of the system, the end of
the electronic cigarette includes an adaptor having a sensor unit
housed in an interior chamber thereof, and has a perforation
extending from the interior chamber to an exterior of the
electronic cigarette to place the interior chamber in fluid
communication with ambient atmosphere.
[0014] According to still another aspect of the system, the end of
the electronic cigarette includes an adaptor, the adaptor has a
cap. A lip and a conductive flange on the cap are adapted for
contacting one of the first and second contact surfaces of the
receiving element. A conductive coaxial member on the adaptor has
an extension, and an insert attached to the lip, wherein the insert
has an orifice formed therethrough for receiving the extension of
the coaxial member. The orifice is disposed such that the extension
of the coaxial member is placed in contact with another of the
first and second contacts of the receiving element when the
electronic cigarette is in the cradle.
[0015] According to one aspect of the system, the adaptor has vents
formed therein to permit ambient air to enter an interior of the
electronic cigarette.
[0016] According to an additional aspect of the system, the insert
has a translucency and diffusing property sufficient to prevent
recognition of structures and shadows within the electronic
cigarette when the insert is illuminated from by a light source
disposed within the electronic cigarette.
[0017] There is further provided according to embodiments of the
invention an electronic cigarette charging system, including an
electronic cigarette having a first set of electrical contacts, an
aerosol generating device and a rechargeable battery for powering
the aerosol generating device. An electrode assembly connectable to
a power source has a second set of electrical contacts that are
arranged to mate with the first set of electrical contacts,
whereupon the electronic cigarette receives power via the electrode
assembly for recharging the battery while remaining operational for
use by a smoker. Electrical circuitry is connected to the first set
of electrical contacts, the electrical circuitry including a first
circuit for supplying battery power to the aerosol generating
device and a second circuit for providing power from a battery
charger to the battery for recharging thereof. The first circuit is
cooperative with the second circuit to disable power flow via the
electrode assembly to the battery when the aerosol generating
device is activated and to resume the power flow when the aerosol
generating device ceases to be activated.
[0018] According to one aspect of the system, the second set of
electrical contacts includes respective ferromagnetic disks that
are bonded to lead wires that are connectable to the battery
charger, and magnets held by magnetic attraction in contact with
the disks.
[0019] According to an aspect of the system, the first set of
electrical contacts are disposed at an end of the electronic
cigarette.
[0020] According to a further aspect of the system, the first set
of electrical contacts are disposed at a side portal of the
electronic cigarette.
[0021] Still another aspect of the system includes a cradle
receiving the electronic cigarette and has the second set of
electrical contacts disposed therein.
[0022] An additional aspect of the system includes a universal
serial bus adaptor linked to the second set of electrical contacts
for connection to the power source.
[0023] According to yet another aspect of the system, the
electrical circuitry includes a pressure sensor, a transistor
coupled to the battery and the first set of electrical contacts, a
microprocessor, and electronic logic, wherein the microprocessor is
responsive to the sensor and the electronic logic to regulate the
transistor to enable and disable power flow to the battery via the
first set of electrical contacts.
[0024] There is provided according to embodiments of the invention
an electronic cigarette, including an aerosol generating device, a
rechargeable battery for powering the aerosol generating device,
and an adaptor that has a first set of electrical contacts
connectable to a battery charger. The adaptor is disposed at an end
of the electronic cigarette and includes an outer metallic band
having an extension that is exposed to an interior space of the
electronic cigarette, an inner metallic plug exposed to the
interior space of the electronic cigarette, and an electrically
nonconductive intermediate member separating the band from the plug
and has a channel formed therein that extends from an exterior of
the electronic cigarette to the interior space thereof that allows
ambient air to enter the interior space.
[0025] According to one aspect of the electronic cigarette, the
intermediate member has a translucency and diffusing property
sufficient to prevent recognition of structures and shadows within
to the electronic cigarette when the adaptor is illuminated from
within the electronic cigarette.
[0026] There is further provided according to embodiments of the
invention an electronic cigarette, including a first set of
electrical contacts, an aerosol generating device and a
rechargeable battery for powering the aerosol generating device,
wherein the first set of electrical contacts is connectable to an
electrode assembly that has a second set of electrical contacts,
whereupon the electronic cigarette receives power via the electrode
assembly for recharging the battery while being smoked by a smoker,
and electrical circuitry connected to the first set of electrical
contacts. The electrical circuitry includes a first circuit for
supplying battery power to the aerosol generating device and a
second circuit for providing power from a battery charger to the
battery for recharging thereof.
[0027] According to still another aspect of the electronic
cigarette, the first set of electrical contacts are disposed at an
end of the electronic cigarette.
[0028] According to yet another aspect of the electronic cigarette,
the first set of electrical contacts are disposed at a side portal
of the electronic cigarette.
[0029] According to a further aspect of the electronic cigarette,
the electrical circuitry includes a pressure sensor, a transistor
coupled to the battery and the first set of electrical contacts, a
microprocessor, and electronic logic, wherein the microprocessor is
responsive to the sensor and the electronic logic to regulate the
transistor to enable and disable power flow to the battery via the
first set of electrical contacts.
[0030] There is further provided according to embodiments of the
invention an electronic cigarette, including an aerosol generating
device, a battery for powering the aerosol generating device, and a
tip adaptor disposed at an end of the electronic cigarette. The tip
adaptor has a sensor unit housed in an interior chamber thereof,
and has a perforation extending from the interior chamber to an
exterior of the electronic cigarette to place the interior chamber
in fluid communication with ambient atmosphere.
[0031] According to an additional aspect of the electronic
cigarette, the electrical circuitry is configured for selective
operation in a first mode, wherein power flow to the battery is
disabled when the aerosol generating device is activated by a user
drawing on the electronic cigarette and is enabled when the aerosol
generating device is not activated and in a second mode, wherein
power flow to the battery is enabled when the aerosol generating
device is activated by the user drawing on the electronic cigarette
and when the aerosol generating device is not activated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the detailed description of embodiments, by
way of example, which is to be read in conjunction with the
following drawings, wherein like elements are given like reference
numerals, and wherein:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a semi-schematic exploded view of an electronic
cigarette in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 2 is an elevation of a tip charge adaptor, shown in
slight perspective, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0035] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the adaptor shown in
FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 4 is a cutaway view of the adaptor shown in FIG. 2
shown in side elevation in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0037] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the adaptor shown in FIG. 2 in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0038] FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of the adaptor shown in FIG. 2 in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0039] FIG. 7 is an elevation of a cradle for connection to a
battery charging device in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0040] FIG. 8 is an elevation of shows the cradle shown in FIG. 7
with an electrical contact subassembly in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[0041] FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the cradle shown in FIG. 7 in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0042] FIG. 10 is a top view of the cradle shown in FIG. 7 in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0043] FIG. 11 is an elevation illustrating magnets of the cradle
shown in FIG. 7 in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0044] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of an adaptor shown in slight
perspective in the smoking device of FIG. 1 in accordance with an
alternate embodiment of the invention;
[0045] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of electrical circuitry in an
electronic cigarette adapted to a battery charger in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention;
[0046] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of electrical circuitry in an
electronic cigarette adapted to a battery charger in accordance
with an alternate embodiment of the invention;
[0047] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of electrical circuitry in an
electronic cigarette adapted to a battery charger in accordance
with an alternate embodiment of the invention;
[0048] FIG. 16 is a side elevation of a cradle for connection to a
battery charging device in accordance with an alternate embodiment
of the invention;
[0049] FIG. 17 is a top view of the cradle shown in FIG. 16;
[0050] FIG. 18 is a sectional view through the cradle shown in FIG.
16;
[0051] FIG. 19 is a partially cut-away view of an electronic
cigarette charging system, which is constructed and operative in
accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention;
[0052] FIG. 20, FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are, respectively, an elevation
and two cutaway views of a tip of an electronic cigarette that is
constructed and operative to engage a battery charger in accordance
with an alternate embodiment of the invention;
[0053] FIG. 23 is a cut-away view of a portion of an electronic
cigarette having a LED cap, in accordance with an alternate
embodiment of the invention;
[0054] FIG. 24 is a partial sectional view of the electronic
cigarette as shown in FIG. 23; and
[0055] FIG. 25 is a block diagram of electrical circuitry for
charging an electronic cigarette, in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0056] In the following description, numerous specific details are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
various principles of the present invention. It will be apparent to
one skilled in the art, however, that not all these details are
necessarily always needed for practicing the present invention. In
this instance, well-known circuits, control logic, and the details
of computer program instructions for conventional algorithms and
processes have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the
general concepts unnecessarily.
DEFINITIONS
[0057] The terms "link", "linked", "couple" and "couples" are
intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if
a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be
through a direct connection, or through an indirect connection via
other devices and connections.
Embodiment 1
[0058] Turning now to the drawings, reference is initially made to
FIG. 1, which is a semi-schematic exploded view of a smoking device
10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Device 10 has
a barrel comprising a battery section 12. The battery section 12
may include power control circuitry 14, which is typically encased
as a unit with a vacuum sensor 24, and which may be enclosed in a
plastic holder. Suitable power controls are disclosed in commonly
assigned U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/441,133 (WO
2012/109371), which is herein incorporated by reference. The device
10 includes a cartridge section 16, including an aerosol generating
device having a high resistance electrical wire, which heats a
liquid or gel when the aerosol generating device is powered. The
liquid is typically a mixture of nicotine, propylene glycol,
vegetable glycerine, and flavorings. The components of the section
16 are integral, as taught in commonly assigned U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/474,569 (WO 2012/142293), which is herein
incorporated by reference. In such case, the section 16 is known as
a "cartomizer". In some embodiments the power control circuitry 14
may be disposed in the section 16 rather than the battery section
12 as shown in FIG. 1.
[0059] In one mode of operation the device 10 is capped by a tip
20. When smoke enters the device 10, an internal aperture (not
shown) typically constricts the flow, thereby creating a pressure
differential, which is sensed by a vacuum sensor 24 of known type.
The electronic power control circuitry 14 linked to the sensor 24
activates the aerosol generating device in the section 16, which is
powered, typically by a lithium ion battery 26 that is housed in a
barrel 28 of the battery section 12.
[0060] An adaptor 30 connects the section 16 and the battery
section 12, and may comprise a threaded connector. Details of a
suitable adaptor 30 are disclosed in the above noted U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/474,569 (WO 2012/142293). The power
control circuitry may disable the aerosol generating device in the
section 16 when the proportion of tobacco fumes exceeds a
predefined threshold. Power output to aerosol generating device in
section 16 may also be disabled when the battery 26 is being
actively charged. Additionally or alternatively all functions of
the power control circuitry 14 may be disabled when a battery
charger (not shown in FIG. 1) is in operation, as described
below.
[0061] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is an elevation of a
tip charge adaptor 34, shown in slight perspective, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention. This assembly is compact,
comprising a tip section 36 that replaces the tip 20 of the
standard device 10 shown in FIG. 1. In addition the adaptor 34
houses the sensor 24 (FIG. 1). A flange 38 is inset in the tip
section 36 and provides a contact mechanism with a battery charging
device (not shown). The flange 38 is preferably coated with nickel
or gold to minimize corrosion and enhance electrical conductivity
with the battery charging device. Side openings 40 receive contact
pins, which provide a second contact mechanism with the same or a
different battery charging device.
[0062] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is another
perspective view of the adaptor 34, illustrating recesses 42.
Recesses 42 are side grooves that allow air flow to and from the
region below the sensor 24 (FIG. 1), e.g., the battery section 12
(FIG. 1), as indicated by arrows 148. They do not penetrate through
the wall of the adaptor 34.
[0063] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a cutaway view of
the adaptor 34 (FIG. 2) shown in side elevation.
[0064] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a sectional view
of the adaptor 34 (FIG. 2), showing air vents 44, which penetrate
the wall of the adaptor 34, allowing air communication between the
exterior and the interior of the adaptor 34, as indicated by arrows
138. The air communication ensures that the top part of sensor 24
(FIG. 1) is exposed to ambient pressure, which is necessary for its
proper operation.
[0065] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a cutaway view of
the adaptor 34 (FIG. 2) shown as a bottom elevation. An orifice 46
receives the flange 38 (FIG. 2). The air vents 44 are visible on
this view. A rectangular groove 140 receives a diode, which is
described below in the discussion of the electrical circuitry
adapted to a battery charger.
[0066] Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which is an elevation of a
cradle 48, which is adapted to contain and connect to a battery
charging device (not shown) and to receive the adaptor 34 in a
concave receiving element 50. Stability is provided by support
members 52. The concavity of the element 50 corresponds to a
convexity of the adaptor 34. The matching curvatures facilitate a
firm electromechanical mating between the cradle 48 and the adaptor
34. Alternatively, firm contact may be achieved by reversing the
convexity and matching concavity such that the adaptor 34 presents
a concave contacting surface and the cradle 48 has a convex
receiving surface. Further alternatively, the element 50 and the
adaptor 34 could have flat contacting surfaces.
[0067] Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which shows the cradle 48
with an electrical contact subassembly 54, and exposes magnetic
contact surfaces of magnets 64, 66.
[0068] Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which is a partially
schematic side elevation of the cradle 48, illustrating magnets 64,
66. The magnet 66 is a cylinder having an exposed contact face as
shown on FIG. 9. The magnet 64 is a toroid, which, as shown in FIG.
9, similarly has an exposed contact face. The aperture of the
magnet 64 encloses the magnet 66 and the element 50, such that the
magnets 64, 66 are spaced apart by the element 50, as can be
appreciated by reference to FIG. 7 together with FIG. 9. The
magnets 64, 66, form contact points with the battery charging
device (not shown). In different embodiments, one of the magnets
64, 66 may be omitted. In such embodiments one magnet contact is
sufficient to magnetically attract adaptor 34. Disk 68 and ring 142
are formed of a paramagnetic material so as to be held in firm
contact with the magnets 64, 66. Electrical leads 144 are soldered
to tabs 146, which project from the disk 68 and the ring 142 to
create electrical contact between a battery charging device (not
shown) and the magnets 64, 66. Use of the disk 68 and the ring 142
and the tabs 146 in this manner avoids soldering the leads 144 to
the permanent magnets directly, which would likely damage their
magnetism. Alternatively, tabs 146 could be eliminated and
electrical leads 144 soldered or spot welded directly to disk 68
and the ring 142.
[0069] FIG. 10 is a top view of the cradle 48 showing the
configuration of the magnets 64, 66 and their relationship to the
element 50.
[0070] FIG. 11 is an elevation in perspective illustrating the
magnets 64, 66 disengaged from the cradle 48 (FIG. 2) with the disk
68 and the ring 142 attached. Alternatively, disk 68 and the ring
142 may be placed above magnet 66 and magnet 64, respectively,
wherein the magnets provide attraction to adaptor 34 from below and
via the paramagnetic material of disk 68 and ring 142.
[0071] Reference is now made to FIG. 12, which is an exploded
composite view of a tip charge adaptor 70, shown in slight
perspective, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the
invention. The adaptor 70 may be press-fitted into the end of the
device 10 (FIG. 1). Alternatively, a cap 72 on the adaptor 70 may
be threaded. The cap 72 has a flange 74 that forms a first
electrical contact with a battery charging device (not shown). A
plastic insert 76 attaches to a lip 78 formed on the cap 72 and has
an aperture 80 bored therethrough to accommodate a metallic coaxial
contact 82 having a flat member 84 that may be inset in a
corresponding depression 86 of the insert 76. The member 84
functions as a second electrical contact with the battery charging
device (not shown). The contact 82 has an extended member 88 that
passes through the aperture 80 and attaches to a conductor leading
toward a battery being charged. Alternatively, the coaxial contact
82 may be realized in other configurations, e.g., a coaxial ring,
and may have appears in profile as a domed or pointed tip contact.
The member 88 could have many configurations on cross section, for
example, tubular, square or rectangular, and could be hollow or
solid. Several recesses 92 are formed externally along the
circumference of the cap 72 for permitting air flow from outside
and into the battery section 12 (FIG. 1) during normal smoking
operation.
[0072] Preferably, the member 84 and the flange 74 are coated with
nickel or gold to minimize corrosion and enhance electrical
conductivity with the battery charging device. Contacts on the
battery charging device are typically also coated with nickel or
gold, and configured to mate with the contacts of the adaptor 70.
Details of the battery charger are presented below.
[0073] In order that the device 10 (FIG. 1) simulate a lighted
cigarette being smoked, the insert 76 is manufactured of a plastic
having a translucency and diffusing property so that light from a
light emitting diode (LED) (not shown) within the device diffuses
at the tip, i.e., throughout the insert 76, so as to prevent
recognition of internal structures and shadows by an observer. This
effect may be enhanced by including tiny crystals, e.g., glass
crystals, within the plastic.
[0074] During charging, it is desirable to disable the aerosol
generating device or otherwise eliminate it from the charging
circuit. Were this not done, the wire (not shown) in the aerosol
generating device would constitute a relatively low resistance load
on the charger, and would defeat the charging function.
[0075] Reference is now made to FIG. 13, which is a schematic
diagram of electrical circuitry in an electronic cigarette 94
adapted to a battery charger in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention. A battery charger electrode assembly 96 is provided
with magnets 98, which are attracted to external contacts 100, 102.
As the contacts 100, 102 incorporate a ferromagnetic material, they
are urged into firm electrical contact with the magnets 98 by
magnetic attraction. Positive and negative terminals 111 conduct
the output of a conventional battery charger (not shown).
[0076] In this embodiment, when charging a rechargeable battery
104, it is not necessary to disassemble the cigarette 94, e.g., by
unscrewing a threaded metallic connector 106. The cigarette 94
remains intact before, during, and after the charging operation. As
will be seen from the following description, the circuit
arrangement comprises a first circuit supplying the aerosol
generating device of the cigarette 94 and a second charging circuit
extending from the contacts 100, 102 to the battery 104.
[0077] A diode 108 is interposed in the second circuit between
contact 100 and positive terminal 110 of battery 104. The diode 108
permits the battery 104 to be charged, but prevents outflow of
electricity to external contacts 100, 102 if the contacts 100, 102
are inadvertently connected so as to cause a short circuit. The
positive terminal 110 is also connected to a contact 112 of a
pressure sensor chip assembly 114 disposed at or near the tip of
the cigarette 94. Another external contact, contact 102, is
connected in common to ground point 116 of the sensor chip assembly
114, to negative terminal 118 of the battery 104, and to the
connector 106. The connector 106 is typically a threaded connector
joining the battery section with the aerosol generating device
section of the cigarette 94, as described above with reference to
FIG. 1.
[0078] A wire 120 connects the aerosol generating device with the
sensor chip assembly 114 at a contact point 122. While cigarette 94
is connected to a battery charger, e.g., a USB charger, via
assembly 96, if a user draws on the cigarette 94, he causes the
aerosol generating device to be actuated in normal smoking
operation. As the aerosol generating device is activated, power
flow from the battery charger to the battery both charges the
battery and powers the aerosol generating device if the battery is
not sufficiently charged.
[0079] The assembly 96 comprises the magnets 98, which are held by
magnetic attraction against ferromagnetic disks 124, to which are
bonded (e.g., soldered) wire leads 126 originating from the battery
charger (not shown). This construction avoids the difficult
operation of soldering the wire leads 126 directly onto the magnets
98, which would likely impair the magnets 98.
Embodiment 2
[0080] Reference is now made to FIG. 14, which is a schematic
diagram of electrical circuitry in an electronic cigarette 130
adapted to a battery charger in accordance with an alternate
embodiment of the invention. With this embodiment it is possible to
connect the external charger while powering the aerosol generating
device. The battery charger assembly 96 is now connected to a side
port 128 of an electronic cigarette 130 having external contacts
132, 134, which connect in a circuit including the diode 108 and
the positive terminal 110 of the battery 104 within battery
compartment 105, as in the previous embodiment. When the sensor
chip assembly 114 is actuated as the user smokes, it actuates a
switch, shown representatively as relay 136, thereby breaking the
charger circuit so that the charger is no longer operative. Of
course, other types of switches, such as a transistor or field
effect transistor could be substituted for relay 136. The sensor
chip assembly 114 is typically disposed within or near cigarette
tip 115. The battery 104 then feeds power to aerosol generating
device 137. The aerosol generating device 137 and the battery
compartment 105 may be joined by a threaded connector 139. Once the
user is no longer inhaling, the sensor chip assembly 114 operates
the relay 136 to again make the circuit and enable charging to
continue.
[0081] Reference is now made to FIG. 25, which is a block diagram
of electrical circuitry for charging an electronic cigarette, in
accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. There are
charging control circuitry 223 for charging control and control
switch 225 for smoking control. A battery charger 221 can be
connected to and disconnected from charging control circuitry 223.
The charging control circuitry 223 is linked to the control switch
225, a rechargeable battery 227, and a sensor unit having control
circuitry 229. When the battery charger 221 is connected, the
control switch 225 enables and disables the charging control
circuitry 223 from charging the battery 227 as commanded by control
signals from the circuitry 229. The circuitry 229 is actuated to
disable the charging control circuitry 223 when a pressure sensor
(not shown) detects a pressure difference from the ambient
atmosphere, indicating that the user of the electronic cigarette is
inhaling. When the sensor fails to detect a pressure difference,
the control switch 225 is commanded to enable the charging control
circuitry 223, allowing the battery 227 to continue charging.
[0082] Specifically, when the control switch 225 detects that the
battery charger 221 is connected to the system, it automatically
connects the circuitry 229 (sensor and aerosol generating device
coil control) to operate directly from the battery charger 221. The
battery charger 221 performs two functions, according to the state
of the control switch 225: (1) Charging the battery; and (2)
supplying power to the cigarette for smoking. The only limitation
is that the battery charger 221 has sufficient output capacity to
support charging and smoking at the same time.
[0083] By suitably configuring the control switch 225, the
electrical circuitry may selectively operate in either a first
mode, wherein power flow to the battery is disabled when the
aerosol generating device is activated by a user drawing on the
electronic cigarette and is enabled when the aerosol generating
device is not activated or may operate in a second mode, wherein
power flow to the battery is enabled when the aerosol generating
device is activated by the user drawing on the electronic cigarette
and when the aerosol generating device is not activated. In the
first mode battery charging is disabled while a puff is being taken
on the electronic cigarette. In the second mode battery charging
continues concurrently with puffing on the electronic
cigarette.
[0084] Reference is now made to FIG. 15, which is a detailed
schematic diagram of electrical circuitry 149 of an electronic
cigarette adapted to a battery charger 150 in accordance with an
alternate embodiment of the invention. The circuitry 149 allows
concurrent smoking and charging. The circuitry shown in FIG. 14
will only charge the battery--between puffs, i.e., when the aerosol
generating device is not actuated.
[0085] The following describes the operation of the circuit shown
in FIG. 15:
[0086] Scenario A: The charger 150 is not connected.
[0087] Microcontroller 159 and application-specific integrated
circuit (ASIC 161) are constantly connected to battery cell 163 in
cigarette 165. In this state, the output 4-GP2 of microcontroller
159 is set to "0", and transistor Q1 169 is "open", meaning that
output OUT1 on the ASIC 161 is connected to output connector J3.
Output 1-GPO of microcontroller 159 exactly duplicates the signal
from sensor S 167 (When sensor S 167 is disconnected, 1-GPO shows a
logical "1"; and when sensor S 167 is connected, 1-GPO of
microcontroller 159 shows a logical "0"). Alternatively, the sensor
S 167 may be realized as an analog circuit, with appropriate
modification of the microcontroller 159 to accommodate an analog
device, for example, by including an analog-to-digital converter as
is known in the art.
[0088] Therefore, the cigarette 165 works the same as usual, and
the circuitry 149 does not affect the operation of the cigarette
165, since the input 6-GP3 of microcontroller 159 shows a logical
"0", which indicates that the charger 150 is not connected.
[0089] Scenario B: The charger 150 is connected.
[0090] As the charger 150 is connected, a logical "1" is instantly
created on leg 6-GP3 of the microcontroller 159, which indicates
that the charger 150 is connected.
[0091] At this state, a logical "1" is produced constantly at the
output 1-GPO of the microcontroller 159, meaning that the ASIC 161
no longer controls sensor S 167. The transistor Q1 169 is also
closed in this state, meaning that there is no electrical
connection between OUT1 of the ASIC 161 and the output connector
J3.
[0092] When the sensor S 167 is not activated, meaning that the
cigarette 165 is not being puffed, the voltage from the charger 150
is being directed via connectors J1, J2 to the input OUT1 of ASIC
161 and goes out through output OUT2 of ASIC 161, to the cell 163,
resulting in the charging of the cell 163.
[0093] When the sensor S 167 is activated, meaning that the
cigarette 165 is being puffed, the signal from the sensor S 167
arrives at the input 3-GP1 of the microcontroller 159, which then
does the following:
[0094] At the input 4-GP2 a logical "0" is generated. Transistor Q1
169 opens, and the power travels from the charger 150 through the
transistor Q1 169 and goes to the heating element of the cartridge
(not shown) in the cigarette 165, and at the same time the power
charges the cell 163 (if it is not fully charged).
[0095] In some embodiments, LED's (not shown) are included with the
ASIC 161 or separate from the ASIC 161 and controlled by the
microcontroller 159 in either case. These LED's inform the user of
the status of the ASIC 161 and simulate smoking activity.
[0096] In another embodiment of the circuit all the functionality
of the circuitry 149 may be incorporated into the ASIC.
Embodiment 3
[0097] Reference is now made to FIG. 16, which is a side elevation
of a cradle 154 for connection to a battery charging device in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. This version
features a circular ring 152 that engages the tip of a cigarette,
holding it in contact with the cradle 154. The ring 152 should be
made of a rubbery material such as silicone, in order to facilitate
holding a cigarette tip inside the cradle 154 by friction. Notches
156 retain magnet 64.
[0098] Reference is now made to FIG. 17, which is a top view of the
cradle 154, showing the ring 152, and the magnets 64, 66 in
place.
[0099] Reference is now made to FIG. 18, which is a sectional view
through the cradle 154, illustrating the magnet 64 being held in
place by the notches 156.
Embodiment 4
[0100] Reference is now made to FIG. 19, which is a partially
cut-away view of an electronic cigarette charging system 171, which
is constructed and operative in accordance with an alternate
embodiment of the invention. This embodiment, like the embodiment
shown in FIG. 14, uses a side-port on the electronic cigarette to
connect to a cradle 175 housing battery charging circuitry 177. Use
of the system 171 avoids any need for disassembly of an electronic
cigarette 173. Indeed, the electronic cigarette 173 may be
temporarily removed during charging, puffing resumed, and the
electronic cigarette then replaced in the cradle 175 to continue
charging the battery of the electronic cigarette.
[0101] A universal serial bus (USB) adaptor 179 connects a source
of power (not shown), e.g., a laptop computer to the circuitry 177
via a cable 185. When the electronic cigarette 173 is inserted into
the cradle 175, electrical contacts 181 on the cradle 175 mate with
side port electrical contacts 183, which may be magnetic, or
spring-loaded, and which are disposed along the barrel of the
electronic cigarette 173, as best seen in FIG. 14
[0102] Similar to the tip-charging variation described above, the
side-charging configuration can also allow for puffing while the
cigarette is inside the cradle 175. In such an embodiment, the
circuitry shown in FIG. 15 may be used.
Embodiment 5
[0103] Reference is now made to FIG. 20, FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, which
are, respectively, an elevation and two cutaway views of a tip of
an electronic cigarette that is constructed and operative to engage
a battery charger in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the
invention. An outer metallic ring or band 189 functions as one
electrical contact with the battery charger. The band 189 is
typically, but not necessarily, the positive contact. As seen in
FIG. 22, it extends proximally, and is exposed to the interior of
body 195 of the electronic cigarette at a point 203. A centrally
located metallic plug 191 functions as the other electrical
contact, typically the negative pole. The band 189 and the plug 191
may be magnetic, or constructed of a paramagnetic material. Wires
(not shown), lead from the band 189 and the plug 191 to a battery
within the body of the cigarette as discussed above, or to
regulatory circuitry, e.g., circuitry 149 (FIG. 15).
[0104] A member 193 appears on FIG. 20 as a ring separating the
band 189 from the plug 191. The member 193 has a first function: it
acts as an electrical insulator between the two contacts, band 189
and plug 191. It is formed of an electrically non-conductive
material.
[0105] The member 193 has a second function: placing the interior
of the body 195 into fluid communication with ambient air as seen
in FIG. 21, so as to facilitate operation of a pressure sensor,
e.g., sensor 24 (FIG. 1). The member 193 achieves this using a
groove or channel 197 formed therein, which emerges onto the
exterior of the tip at a point 199 and debouches into the interior
of the body 195 at point 201.
[0106] The member 193 has a third function: simulating the glow of
a conventional cigarette tip. To that end, the member 193 is
typically composed of a plastic having an opacity and diffusing
property so that light from a LED (not shown) within the body 195
diffuses when it passes through the member 193, so as to mask
internal structures and internal shadows produced by the LED, such
that their features cannot be perceived by an observer. This effect
may be enhanced by including tiny crystals, e.g., glass crystals,
within the plastic.
Embodiment 6
[0107] Reference is now made to FIG. 23, which is a cut-away view
of a portion of a barrel 215 of an electronic cigarette 211 having
a LED cap 207, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the
invention. This embodiment is a modification of the tip adaptor 34
shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, which accommodates a sensor in an
internal chamber, and may include integrated circuitry. The LED cap
207 is mostly inset into the end of the barrel 215, and lacks the
electrical contact mechanisms of the adaptor 34 for tip-charging
the electronic cigarette. The LED cap 207 may be constructed of a
plastic material as described for the member 193 (FIG. 20). A
sensor unit 209 occupies the interior of the LED cap 207, and is an
embodiment of the sensor 24 (FIG. 1), but instead of being inside a
plastic housing of its own, the sensor unit 209 is now disposed
inside the LED cap 207 in order to save space. Electrical circuitry
associated with or incorporated in the sensor unit 209 may enable
the aerosol generating device and perform various additional
functions as may be required for the operation of the electronic
cigarette 211. The LED cap 207 has a perforation 213 for
communication between the sensor unit 209 and the ambient
atmosphere. A battery 217 powers the electronic cigarette 211 as
described above.
[0108] Reference is now made to FIG. 24, which is a sectional view
of the electronic cigarette 211 shown in FIG. 23, illustrating
structural details of the sensor unit 209 and its relationship with
the LED cap 207 and perforation 213.
[0109] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly
shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present
invention includes both combinations and sub-combinations of the
various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and
modifications thereof that are not in the prior art, which would
occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing
description.
* * * * *