1111111111111111 IIIIII IIIII 1111111111 11111 11111 1111111111 111111111111111 IIIIII IIII 11111111
`US 2015002083 lAl
`
`c19) United States
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`Weigensberg et al.
`
`c10) Pub. No.: US 2015/0020831 Al
`Jan. 22, 2015
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) CHARGING ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(71) Applicant: SIS RESOURCES LTD., Beit Shemesh
`(IL)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventors: AaronArye Weigensberg, Modiin (IL);
`Shmuel Gavrielov, Jerusalem (IL);
`Sammy Capuano, Beit Shemesh (IL)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`14/366,560
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Dec. 9, 2012
`
`(86) PCT No.:
`
`PCT /IB2012/057108
`
`§ 371 (c)(l),
`(2) Date:
`
`Jun.18,2014
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/577,024, filed on Dec.
`18, 2011.
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`A24F 47100
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC .................................... A24F 471008 (2013.01)
`USPC .......................................................... 131/329
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An electronic cigarette charging system includes a recharge(cid:173)
`able electronic cigarette (173) having first and second elec(cid:173)
`trical 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.
`
`28?
`
`0-fl
`
`~w
`i
`r·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-· '
`i
`i
`i
`i __ _
`
`h
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.001
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 22, 2015 Sheet 1 of 16
`
`US 2015/0020831 Al
`
`~
`
`CJ
`LL
`
`(D
`N
`_..,-rr·, __ -.,,
`
`"tj'
`N
`
`0 --~
`
`~
`
`/"\_____
`
`tO --
`
`,------·-·:
`I
`I
`' I
`'
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`N/
`
`cO
`N
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`J
`:
`I
`~ 0 '
`
`
`6 yL ____ ;
`
`I
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.002
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 22, 2015 Sheet 2 of 16
`
`US 2015/0020831 Al
`
`38
`
`FIG. 2
`
`38
`I
`
`FIG. 3
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.003
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 22, 2015 Sheet 3 of 16
`
`US 2015/0020831 Al
`
`/
`34
`
`138
`
`44
`\
`l--,----...-~
`
`FIG. 4
`
`44
`
`FIG. 5
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 22, 2015 Sheet 4 of 16
`
`US 2015/0020831 Al
`
`44
`
`FIG. 6
`
`- - -~
`-----1 FIG. 7
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.005
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 22, 2015 Sheet 5 of 16
`
`US 2015/0020831 Al
`
`FIG. 8
`
`142
`
`FIG. 9
`
`146--
`
`TO BATTERY CHARGER
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.006
`
`

`

`AJ X./ :> >(\ <::
`···•.
`(<X>V'
`~xx
`,, 6
`V> '.X '() ><
`'> ,0
`I(
`)
`/ '
`
`V
`
`,A · ,
`
`"vV' .·· "./
`.. ~'> •' j
`'<;;:,:,/V'
`
`-- -
`
`,.•
`
`'V'
`
`'.<i
`~
`'y':, 1
`
`A
`
`,,.,:_x_;
`
`·,•' V ,,;;,., -
`
`" /
`~
`.,.-._,(;
`\✓,: 5'0
`1,J
`,.,,y/ >;_; X X
`~"> ~·>X :x t> ~
`~ ~§ ::~
`:,:':/
`:)XJ,
`A ; .
`"
`>(X ,>vx ,0() ::<
`v
`./.V'v vV c .
`..---,-"' ◊X O< >:) \.X <;,>:>< v
`/ / ' , X> )(~
`66·----
`'.X <.'>;,<'./ /'))( ;xx.".\> )~
`~ <'x ✓J X:
`"" 0< //.-v ·•'-V"v
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 22, 2015 Sheet 6 of 16
`
`US 2015/0020831 Al
`
`·,vV
`~"' 'x' <'>" )
`·,z-
`«": ;> > 0'>< < V
`'\ x:.'>X
`'<);.:,: ~ R\'.
`.. ,
`.~/
`"'\ ox ,(
`·v¾
`
`)
`
`A'
`
`V
`
`, ....
`
`V
`
`v·
`
`,·'v"v
`
`v',"v
`
`••J;.
`
`x>
`-
`-.; .. v
`
`/·,
`"v
`
`'Y ,'\
`>,;f
`
`◊ ,(
`
`50
`\
`,' :Q:8
`,(;
`> ~ ~·w~,
`D◊ •·. "'
`~
`::.~
`~J
`
`""-
`
`V
`
`;8;>,; '
`) V>(X <> ,(
`.....
`' ,:) ~
`' )
`
`.}'
`
`j;
`.,..,
`◊,\
`..', "-/ ;x )\
`0~ .:\
`,;' X
`'> x:.,;x <
`) ◊:X
`
`,<
`l>
`
`I v
`'\
`
`"
`
`)(
`
`X
`A
`
`:;:,.
`
`◊ ✓ ••' '-·'v
`A ,
`
`:> >U
`
`64
`~ _ , ,
`
`FIG. 10
`
`FIG. 11
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.007
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 22, 2015 Sheet 7 of 16
`
`US 2015/0020831 Al
`
`82
`~
`
`r84
`/
`
`80
`\.
`
`86
`~
`
`72
`
`/~
`70
`
`FIG. 12
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.008
`
`

`

`> ....
`~ ....
`
`QO
`0
`N
`0
`0
`--..
`Ul
`0 ....
`N
`rJJ
`c
`
`FIG.13
`
`115
`
`108
`
`104
`
`118
`\
`
`CELL
`
`8
`
`120
`
`)
`\
`
`TO ~
`
`+----
`
`~-
`
`ATOMIZER
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.009
`
`

`

`....
`....
`.....
`rJJ =- ('D
`0 ....
`N
`~
`N
`?
`~
`~
`
`0
`1,0
`
`('D
`
`Ul
`
`> ....
`~ ....
`Ul --0
`0 ....
`N
`rJJ
`c
`
`QO
`0
`N
`0
`
`O'I
`
`=
`o·
`.....
`~ ;:;·
`=
`= ""O
`~ ..... o·
`;:;·
`'E.
`t
`('D = .....
`~ .....
`""O
`
`~
`
`\
`'
`
`(115
`
`(\
`114
`
`I
`
`FIG. 14
`
`110
`\
`\
`
`104
`\
`\
`\
`\
`!
`
`105
`I
`)
`'\
`!
`
`130
`I
`I
`f
`
`139
`/
`)
`
`137
`
`,••
`
`CELL
`
`e
`
`/
`136
`
`ATOMIZER
`
`"--98
`
`111 ~-
`
`'l
`126
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.010
`
`

`

`....
`0 ....
`0
`....
`.....
`rJ'1 =(cid:173)
`0 ....
`N
`~
`N
`?
`;'
`
`('D
`('D
`
`Ul
`
`> ....
`~ ....
`
`Ul --- 0
`0 ....
`N
`rJ'1
`c
`
`QO
`0
`N
`0
`
`O'I
`
`.... 0 =
`.... 0 = ""O = O" -....
`('D = ..... t "e -....
`
`~ .....
`
`(')
`
`~ .....
`
`(')
`
`~ .....
`""O
`
`FIG.15
`
`165
`)
`(
`T1l
`I
`
`163
`)
`\
`
`V
`
`~
`
`p
`
`~
`
`V
`
`J3 ~. J4
`
`'
`
`i
`
`4
`
`5
`
`GP2
`
`Voo
`
`3 GP1
`Vss
`
`2
`
`GP3 _L_
`
`_J_ GPO
`
`U2 P!C10 F200
`
`i_ _______________________________ :~~--------------------~
`I
`.
`I
`I
`.
`I
`I
`I .
`149,...·•.~
`I
`I
`
`• >-
`:;R2
`
`'
`--
`Ej ..!.
`
`OUT2 --R1
`,,..,
`
`S1
`Vss
`
`-
`
`A""
`
`1i.
`\ 01
`!
`I
`169
`
`OUT1
`
`161 ~,_
`
`I
`I
`I
`r·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-
`
`ASIC Ui
`
`I .
`I
`.
`(167
`I
`. ~) -
`s -
`I
`;
`j
`i
`.
`
`II::: II
`J2
`
`:::
`
`150
`'·
`I
`
`GND
`OUT
`
`CHARGER Ji
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.011
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 22, 2015 Sheet 11 of 16
`
`US 2015/0020831 Al
`
`152
`
`..
`
`v'V
`
`x.,
`.......
`YX~
`"'x
`
`;> b(><,
`,,)"'I<
`
`.-,.-".
`
`()
`V
`
`X
`/.
`,·v
`....-v
`V
`>C><X: "
`V·
`
`'\_.,):S:.> ✓
`,i'
`i, ><.
`v-
`
`,(
`
`v"v
`'·,
`V,
`
`V.·•·
`V./'
`,.,.,
`◊
`:,:> V
`V
`.,x.
`;
`
`'./.-<
`
`,., f' ,>)
`,,
`x;
`'/'.-<.
`
`/
`
`64
`
`/
`154
`
`\ I
`
`FIG. 16
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.012
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 22, 2015 Sheet 12 of 16
`
`US 2015/0020831 Al
`
`FIG. 17
`
`FIG. 18
`
`~ '
`154
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.013
`
`

`

` 2 0 J s S h e e t 1 3 o f 1 6
`
` 2 2 ,
`Jan. 22,2015 Sheet 13 of 16
`J a 1 1 .
`
`v s 2 0 1 s ; 0 0 2 0 8 3 I A .
`
`
`
`US 2015/0020831 Al
`
`1
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`P a t e n t A p p l i c a t i o n P u b H c a t f o 1 1
`
`
`
`\
`
`NJOY Exhi
`
`it 1006.014
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.014
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 22, 2015 Sheet 14 of 16
`
`US 2015/0020831 Al
`
`191
`\
`
`.,.,----------195
`---------1-----✓
`
`FIG. 20
`
`189
`)
`
`"199
`
`197
`
`FIG. 21
`
`189-
`
`195
`
`FIG. 22
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.015
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 22, 2015 Sheet 15 of 16
`
`US 2015/0020831 Al
`
`2 7
`
`FIG. 23
`
`211
`\
`\
`
`217~
`/
`
`/
`217
`
`FIG. 24
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.016
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 22, 2015 Sheet 16 of 16
`
`US 2015/0020831 Al
`
`lO
`N
`
`!
`
`_j
`
`0
`et::
`r-
`z
`0
`0
`
`...J
`
`0)
`~ _J 0
`N
`N
`WO~
`zuz ~
`W+Q
`u
`(j)
`
`f'...
`N
`N\
`)
`
`\-
`
`-
`
`('<)
`N
`N
`~
`
`(9 ...J
`zo
`-oc
`(9 f-
`a::: z
`-<o
`[50
`
`~
`
`ct
`w
`N
`(9
`N
`a::: ~
`<(
`I u
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.017
`
`

`

`US 2015/0020831 Al
`
`Jan. 22, 2015
`
`CHARGING ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provi(cid:173)
`sional Application No. 61/577,024, which is herein incorpo(cid:173)
`rated 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 incor(cid:173)
`porated by reference, proposes a cigarette incorporated
`within an electrically powered aerosol generating device that
`acts as a holder for that cigarette. The smoking device pos(cid:173)
`sesses 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 mecha(cid:173)
`nism 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 elec(cid:173)
`tronic 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 conve(cid:173)
`nience as "electronic cigarettes". Conventionally the aerosol
`generating device of an electronic cigarette includes a heating
`element, which is typically a wire having high electrical resis(cid:173)
`tance. 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 con(cid:173)
`nect an external charging device. It is impractical to smoke
`using the electronic cigarette while charging the device with(cid:173)
`out actually replacing the battery. To do so, it would be nec(cid:173)
`essary to repeatedly disconnect the charger, reassemble the
`electronic cigarette, puff, and then reverse the procedure to
`continue the charging process.
`
`[0006] The present invention, in certain embodiments
`thereof, seeks to provide an improved electronic cigarette,
`which is connectable to a battery charger without disassem(cid:173)
`bly 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 elec(cid:173)
`trical 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 electri(cid:173)
`cally conductive first and second contacts, which have first
`and second contact surfaces for contacting the first and sec(cid:173)
`ond 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 receiv(cid:173)
`ing element is a magnet.
`[001 OJ 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 ciga(cid:173)
`rette 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.
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.018
`
`

`

`US 2015/0020831 Al
`
`Jan. 22, 2015
`
`2
`
`[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 elec(cid:173)
`trode 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 ciga(cid:173)
`rette 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 coopera(cid:173)
`tive 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 uni(cid:173)
`versal 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 micropro(cid:173)
`cessor 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 gener(cid:173)
`ating device, a rechargeable battery for powering the aerosol
`generating device, and an adaptor that has a first set of elec(cid:173)
`trical 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 sepa(cid:173)
`rating the band from the plug and has a channel formed
`therein that extends from an exterior of the electronic ciga(cid:173)
`rette 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 connect(cid:173)
`able to an electrode assembly that has a second set of electri(cid:173)
`cal 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 provid(cid:173)
`ing 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 ciga(cid:173)
`rette, 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 gener(cid:173)
`ating 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 extend(cid:173)
`ing 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 embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the invention;
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.019
`
`

`

`US 2015/0020831 Al
`
`Jan. 22, 2015
`
`3
`
`[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 accor(cid:173)
`dance 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 showninFIG.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 elec(cid:173)
`tronic 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 understand(cid:173)
`ing 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, con(cid:173)
`trol 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 con(cid:173)
`nection 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 nico(cid:173)
`tine, 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 cir(cid:173)
`cuitry 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 aper(cid:173)
`ture (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 bat(cid:173)
`tery 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 propor(cid:173)
`tion 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. Addi(cid:173)
`tionally 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 eleva(cid:173)
`tion of a tip charge adaptor 34, shown in slight perspective, in
`accordance with an embodiment of the invention. This assem(cid:173)
`bly 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
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1006.020
`
`

`

`US 2015/0020831 Al
`
`Jan. 22, 2015
`
`4
`
`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 sec(cid:173)
`tional view of the adaptor 34 (FIG. 2), showing air vents 44,
`which penetrate the wall of the adaptor 34, allowing air com(cid:173)
`munication between the exterior and the interior of the adap(cid:173)
`tor 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 eleva(cid:173)
`tion 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 ele(cid:173)
`ment 50 corresponds to a convexity of the adaptor 34. The
`matching curvatures facilitate a firm electromechanical mat(cid:173)
`ing 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 con(cid:173)
`cave contacting surface and the cradle 48 has a convex receiv(cid:173)
`ing 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 par(cid:173)
`tially 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 charg(cid:173)
`ing 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] Re