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`US008499766Bl
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`c12) United States Patent
`Newton
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`(10)Patent No.:
`US 8,499,766 Bl
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`(45)Date of Patent:
`Aug. 6, 2013
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`(54)ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE WITH
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`FUNCTION ILLUMINATOR
`Kyle D. Newton, North Richland
`(76)Inventor:
`TX (US)
`
`Hon
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`2006/0196518 Al 9/2006
`Hon
`
`
`2007 /0267031 Al 11/2007
`Han
`
`
`2009/0095311 Al 4/2009
`Inagaki
`
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`2010/0031967 Al 2/2010
`Hills,
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`* cited by examiner
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`(57)
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`Primary Examiner -Michael J Felton
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`( *) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
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`(74)Attorney, Agent, or Firm -Dan Brown Law Office;
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`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
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`Daniel R. Brown
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`U.S.C. 154(b) by 472 days.
`ABSTRACT
`12/882,293(21) Appl. No.:
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`An electronic cigarette with an illumination function, and that
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`(22)Filed:Sep.15,2010
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`generates an aerosol of a fluid when air is drawn through it,
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`includes a housing with a translucent tip, a mouthpiece, and a
`(51)Int. Cl.
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`battery. A fluid reservoir and an atomizer assembly selec­
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`tively generate an aerosol of the fluid. A draw pressure sensor
`A24F 47100 (2006.01)
`(52)U.S. Cl.
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`generates a draw signal in response to a pressure change
`131/273 USPC ..........................................................
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`induced while air is drawn out of the mouthpiece. A draw
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`( 58)Field of Classification Search
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`control circuit activates the atomizer assembly in response to
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`the draw signal. The draw circuit also outputs a lamp signal in
`None
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`response to the draw signal. A lamp circuit with an actuator, a
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`See application file for complete search history.
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`first color lamp, and a second color lamp that are both aligned
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`References Cited
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`to illuminate the tip. The lamp circuit selectively, and alter­
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`natively in response to subsequent actuations of the actuator,
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`selects between illuminating the first color lamp and the sec­
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`ond color lamp in response to the lamp signal.
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`
`
`5,060,671 A * 10/1991 Counts et al. 131/329
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`7,726,320 B2 6/2010 Robinson eta!.
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`13 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
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`2005/0016550 Al 1/2005 Katase
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`(56)
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`4
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`8
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`NJOY Exhibit 1009.001
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`

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`U.S. Patent Aug. 6, 2013 Sheet 1 of 5 US 8,499,766 Bl
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`4
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`14
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`Fig. 1
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`NJOY Exhibit 1009.002
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`

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`U.S. Patent Aug. 6, 2013
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`Sheet 2 of 5 US 8,499,766 Bl
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`�45
`Fig.2c �
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`12
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`14 "---i--1 6
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`Fig. 2a
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`4
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`20
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`Fig. 3
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`10
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`6
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`NJOY Exhibit 1009.003
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`U.S. Patent Aug. 6, 2013 Sheet 3 of 5 US 8,499,766 Bl
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`Fig.4c �
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`4
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`12
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`18
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`20
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`30
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`26
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`Fig. 6
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`32
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`11
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`26
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`28
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`Fig. 4a
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`8(9/6
`Fig. 4b
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`NJOY Exhibit 1009.004
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`U.S. Patent Aug. 6, 2013
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`Sheet 4 of 5 US 8,499,766 Bl
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`r:;<;"
`Fig.7c �
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`5
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`4
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`12
`18
`14
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`Fig. 7a
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`46
`26
`34
`30
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`46
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`Fig. 9
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`8�6
`Fig.7b V:::::::!J
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`NJOY Exhibit 1009.005
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`U.S. Patent Aug. 6, 2013 Sheet 5 of 5
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`US 8,499,766 Bl
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`60
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`72� -
`58 ...... ........ ..........,. 64
`Draw
`.-----------1
`Circuit
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`___ J
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`62
`Function
`Circuit 71
`66
`68
`Amber
`,......._......,
`70
`Pressure j
`Sensor
`56
`Blue
`• - • - • - -�. - • - • - • • - • - • I
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`-·-·-·-·-·-·-·--·-·7
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`74
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`Fig.10
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`�86
`/ 82
`Draw--�L------>1
`I Ramp Downl
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`Ramp Upl
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`Lamp Signal
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`Fig. 11
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`NJOY Exhibit 1009.006
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`

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`US 8,499,766 Bl
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`FUNCTION ILLUMINATOR
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`2
`1
`actuations of the actuator, select between illuminating the
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`CIGARETTE WITH
`ELECTRONIC
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`first color lamp and the second color lamp in response to the
`lamp signal.
`In a specific embodiment of the foregoing apparatus, the
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`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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`5 lamp circuit further operates to selectively, and alternatively
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`in response to subsequent actuations of the actuator, select
`1.Field of the Invention
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`between not illuminating and illuminating the first color lamp
`The present invention relates to electronic cigarettes. More
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`or the second color lamp in response to the lamp sign al.
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`specifically, the present invention relates to an electronic
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`In a specific embodiment, the foregoing apparatus further
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`cigarette with a user selectable illuminated function indicator.
`10 includes
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`secondaa secondary function circuit that outputs a ry
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`2.Description of the Related Art
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`signal to the lamp circuit, and the lamp circuit illuminates the
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`Electronic cigarettes have become increasingly popular
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`first color lamp or the second color lamp in response to the
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`recently. Electronic cigarettes emulate a tobacco cigarettes,
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`but without the combustion of tobacco
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`where to this embodiment, secondary signal. during use. Rather In a refinement
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`ry the power supply is a rechargeable battery , the seconda
`than burning tobacco, a fluid is atomized within the electronic
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`15
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`signal indicates low batter power status or battery charging
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`cigarette, which emulates the smoke produced in a tobacco
`status.
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`cigarette. The fluid may contain flavoring agents such as
`In a specific embodiment of the foregoing apparatus, the
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`tobacco flavor, menthol, and others, to enhance the "smok­
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`lamp circuit also operates to selectively, and alternatively in
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`ing" experience of the electronic cigarette. Nicotine has been
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`response to subsequent actuations of the actuator, select
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`added to the atomization fluid in prior art electronic ciga-20
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`between not illuminating and illuminating the first color lamp
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`rettes. Since electronic cigarettes are not real cigarettes, they
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`or the second color lamp in response to the lamp sign al. The
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`can be enjoyed in designated non-smoking areas, which are
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`circuit that out­apparatus also includes a secondary function
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`increasingly common.
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`circuit. And, the lamp to the lamp puts a secondary signal
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`With respect to the similarities between electronic ciga­
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`circuit illuminates the first color lamp or the second color
`rettes and conventional tobacco cigarettes, the design of elec-25
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`of state of lamp in response to the secondary sign al regardless
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`tronic cigarettes have been tailored to very closely emulate a
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`the lamp signal and the selective and alternative actuator
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`tobacco cigarette, including flavoring agents, size, shape, and
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`selection.
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`external appearance. Such a design corresponds rather
`In a specific embodiment of the foregoing apparatus, the
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`closely in appearance and function to the experience of using
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`actuator is a second portion of the tip. In a refinement to this
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`tobacco cigarettes. In fact, electronic cigarettes are known 30
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`embodiment, the actuator is translucent.
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`that incorporate an amber lamp in the tip end that glows when
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`In a specific embodiment of the foregoing apparatus, the
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`air is drawn through the electronic cigarette. Thus, the elec­
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`first color lamp and the second color lamp are light emitting
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`tronic cigarette looks and handles very similarly to a tobacco
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`diodes. In another specific embodiment, the first color lamp
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`cigarette, which provides familiarity and comfort to the user.
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`comprises plural amber color light emitting diodes, and the
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`On the other hand, since an electronic cigarette also looks just 35
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`second color lamp comprises plural light emitting diodes of a
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`like a tobacco cigarette to others in the vicinity of the elec­
`color other than amber.
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`tronic cigarette user. This can be somewhat problematic
`The present invention also teaches an electronic cigarette
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`where a third party may approach an electronic cigarette user
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`apparatus for generating an aerosol of a fluid in response to air
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`with concerns about its use in a designated non-smoking
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`being drawn therethrough. The apparatus includes a housing
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`environment. Thus, it can be appreciated that there is a need in 40
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`with a translucent tip, a mouthpiece with an aerosol outlet,
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`the art for an electronic cigarette that provides a nearly iden­
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`and an electric power supply disposed therein. The apparatus
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`tical user experience as the tobacco cigarette when desired,
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`also includes a fluid reservoir, for containing the fluid, and an
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`but that also overcomes the aforementioned problems in the
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`atomizer assembly that is coupled to receive the fluid from the
`art.
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`45 fluid reservoir, and that selectively generates an aerosol of the
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`fluid. A draw pressure sensor is pneumatically coupled to
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`generate a draw signal in response to detection of a pressure
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`The need in the art is addressed by the apparatus of the
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`change induced while air is drawn out of the aerosol outlet. A
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`present invention. The present invention teaches an electronic
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`draw control circuit activates the atomizer assembly in
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`cigarette apparatus for generating an aerosol of a fluid in
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`50 response to the draw signal, thereby selectively outputting the
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`response to air being drawn therethrough. The apparatus
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`aerosol to the aerosol output. The draw control circuit also
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`includes a housing with a translucent tip, a mouthpiece with
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`outputs a lamp signal in response to the draw sign al. The
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`an aerosol outlet, and an electric power supply disposed
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`apparatus also includes a lamp circuit with an actuator and a
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`therein. The apparatus further includes a fluid reservoir, for
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`first color lamp that is aligned to illuminate the tip. The lamp
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`containing the fluid, and an atomizer assembly that receive
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`55 circuit selectively, and alternatively in response to subsequent
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`the fluid from the fluid reservoir, and that selectively gener­
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`actuations of the actuator, selects between not illuminating
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`ates an aerosol of the fluid. A draw pressure sensor is pneu­
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`and illuminating the first color lamp in response to the lamp
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`matically coupled to generate a draw signal in response to
`signal.
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`detection of a pressure change induced while air is drawn out
`In a specific embodiment, the foregoing apparatus further
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`of the aerosol outlet. A draw control circuit activates the
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`secondacircuit that outputs a 60 includes a secondary function ry
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`atomizer assembly in response to the draw signal, thereby
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`signal to the lamp circuit, and, the lamp circuit further oper­
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`selectively outputting the aerosol to the aerosol output. The
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`ates to illuminate the first color lamp in response to the sec­
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`draw circuit also outputs a lamp signal in response to the draw
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`and the state of the lamp signal ondary signal regardless of
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`signal. The apparatus also includes a lamp circuit with an
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`selective and alternative actuator selection. In another spe-
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`actuator, a first color lamp, and a second color lamp, which
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`65 cific embodiment of the foregoing apparatus, the actuator is a
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`oper­are both align ed to illuminate the tip. The lamp circuit
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`second portion of the tip. In a refinement to this embodiment,
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`ates to selectively, and alternatively in response to subsequent
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`the actuator is translucent. In another specific embodiment,
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`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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`NJOY Exhibit 1009.007
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`

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`US 8,499,766
`Bl
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`3
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`the first color lamp is a light emitting diode. And, in another
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`In this disclosure, relational terms such as first and second,
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`top and bottom, upper and lower, and the like may be used
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`embodiment, the first color lamp comprises plural amber light
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`solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity
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`emitting diodes.
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`or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual
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`5 such relationship or order between such entities or actions.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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`The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation
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`thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such
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`FIG. 1 is a perspective view drawing of an electronic ciga­
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`that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a
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`rette according to an illustrative embodiment of the present
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`list of elements does not include only those elements but may
`invention.
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`FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c are side view, tip end view, and
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`10 include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such
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`process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded
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`mouthpiece end view, respectively, drawings of an electronic
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`by "comprises a" does not, without more constraints, pre­
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`cigarette according to an illustrative embodiment of the
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`clude the existence of additional identical elements in the
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`present invention.
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`process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the ele­
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`FIG. 3 is an exploded view drawing of an electronic ciga­
`ment.
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`rette according to an illustrative embodiment of the present
`15
`The present invention advances the art of electronic ciga­
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`invention.
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`rettes by providing a user actuated actuator to control and
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`FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c are side section view, tip end view, and
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`alter the illumination functions. As has bee noted hereinbe­
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`mouthpiece end view, respectively, drawings of an electronic
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`fore, it is known in the art to provide an amber lamp at the tip
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`cigarette according to an illustrative embodiment of the
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`20 end of an electronic cigarette to emulate the appearance of the
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`present invention.
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`glowing ash in a tobacco cigarette. This functionality
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`FIG. 5 is an exploded side section view drawing of an
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`enhances the similarities between an electronic cigarette and
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`electronic cigarette according to an illustrative embodiment
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`a tobacco cigarette, which is desirable in certain situations.
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`of the present invention.
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`The amber lamp also provides an indication to the user that
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`FIG. 6 is a tip end side section view detail drawing of an
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`25 the electronic cigarette is functioning and has adequate bat­
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`electronic cigarette according to an illustrative embodiment
`tery power. On the other hand, the amber lamp causes an
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`of the present invention.
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`impression to others that the user is smoking a tobacco ciga­
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`FIGS. 7a, 7b, and 7care side section view, tip end view, and
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`rette, which is problematic in certain environments, such as
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`mouthpiece end view, respectively, drawings of an electronic
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`designated non-smoking areas. Also, the amber lamp draws
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`cigarette according to an illustrative embodiment of the
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`30 attention toward the user of the electronic cigarette, which
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`present invention.
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`may not be desirable in certain situations. The present inven­
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`FIG. 8 is an exploded side section view drawing of an
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`tion employs a lamp circuit to enable the user to select
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`electronic cigarette according to an illustrative embodiment
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`between two or more color lamps, and also the option to not
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`of the present invention.
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`illuminate the lamp when so desired.
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`FIG. 9 is a tip end side section view detail view drawing of
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`Reference is directed to FIG. 1 is a perspective view draw-
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`an electronic cigarette according to an illustrative embodi-35
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`ing of an electronic cigarette 2 according to an illustrative
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`ment of the present invention.
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`embodiment of the present invention. The electronic cigarette
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`FIG. 10 is a functional block schematic diagram an elec­
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`2 comprises a housing having a first elongated portion 10 and
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`tronic cigarette according to an illustrative embodiment of the
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`a second elongated portion 12. The second elongated portion
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`present invention.
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`40 12, also referred to as the "cartridge" in certain illustrative
`FIG. 11 is a signal diagram of a lap to an sign al according
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`embodiments, comprises a mouthpiece end 4, which has an
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`illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
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`aerosol outlet (not shown) for drawing air through the car­
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`tridge 12. The first elongated portion 10 and the second elon­
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`gated portion 12 are removable joined together with a
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`45 mechanical coupler 14. One or more air inlet vents 16 are
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`Illustrative embodiments and exemplary applications will
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`provided about the coupler 14 for allowing airflow into the
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`now be described with reference to the accompanying draw­
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`cartridge 12 when the user draws air through the electronic
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`ings to disclose the advantageous teachings of the present
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`cigarette 2. The first elongated portion 10 comprises a tip end
`invention.
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`While the present invention is described herein
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`6, which is fabricated with refer­ from a translucent material enabling the
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`ence to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it
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`50 transmission of light therethrough. An actuator 8 is disposed
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`should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto.
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`as a portion of the tip end 8, which couples to an electrical
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`Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teach­
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`switch inside the second elongated portion 10, for enabling
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`ings provided herein will recognize additional modifications,
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`the user to select various modes of operation of the illuminat-
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`applications, and embodiments within the scope hereof and
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`ing functions, as will be more fully described hereinafter.
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`Now, considering FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c, these are side view,
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`additional fields in which the present invention would be of 55
`significant utility.
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`tip end view, and mouthpiece end view, respectively, draw­
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`In considering the detailed embodiments
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`ings of the electronic of the present cigarette 2 according to an illustrative
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`invention,
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`embodiment it will be observed that the present invention of the present invention. Note that the first elon­
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`resides primarily in combinations
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`gated portion of steps to accomplish vari­ 10 and second elongated portion 12 combine at
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`ous methods or components to form various apparatus and
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`60 coupler 14 to present a complete electronic cigarette 2 that
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`systems. Accordingly, the apparatus and system components
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`closely resembles a tobacco cigarette. The cartridge 12 is
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`and method steps have been represented where appropriate by
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`fabricated from a material resembling the filter of a tobacco
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`conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those
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`cigarette, and the first elongated portion 10 is fabricated to
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`specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present
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`resemble the tobacco roll of a tobacco cigarette. The mouth-
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`invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that 65 piece end 4 includes an aerosol outlet opening 5, for drawing
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`will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art air and aerosol out of the cartridge 12. Air is inlet to the
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`having the benefit of the disclosures contained herein. electronic cigarette 2 at the vent openings 16 located at the
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`DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
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`NJOY Exhibit 1009.008
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`

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`US 8,499,766
`Bl
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`coupler 14. The air inlet openings 16 can be located elsewhere In the illustrative embodiment, a rechargeable lithium ion
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`on the electronic cigarette 2, and is a matter of design choice.
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`11. battery provides the power source
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`In the illustrative embodiment, the tip end 6 is a translucent
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`The elongated portion 10 also houses the main circuit
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`gray material resembling an ash, and so too is the actuator 8,
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`board 26 and the lamp circuit 28. These are align ed adjacent
`which is located concentric to the tip end 6. Note that the
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`5 to the draw pressure sensor 24, and are retained in position by
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`actuator 8 could also be located elsewhere on the electronic
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`compression fit using a resilient polymeric surround 30. The
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`cigarette 2, and is a matter of design choice.
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`polymeric surround 30 also acts as a pressure seal to insure
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`Reference is directed to FIG. 3, which is an exploded view
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`the draw pressure sensor 24 is properly coupled to detect the
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`drawing of the electronic cigarette 2 according to an illustra­
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`negative pressure of the draw. Draw pressure sensors are
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`tive embodiment of the present invention. The exploded view
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`10 known to those skilled in the art, and generally provided a
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`presents further details of the structure. The cartridge 12 is
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`signal indicating that a threshold pressure differential has
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`withdrawn from an atomizer assembly 18. The engagement
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`been detected, which is coupled to the draw control circuit of
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`between them is by friction fit, allowing the user to replace the
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`the main circuit board 26. The main circuit board 26 supports
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`cartridge 12 from time to time. The atomizer assembly 18
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`the various electronic components of the circuits described
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`includes a protuberance 22 and a threaded extension 20 for
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`herein. In the illustrative embodiment, a simple microproces­
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`engaging the coupler 14 in the first elongated portion 10. The
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`sor is employed, together with software, to embody the func­
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`protuberance 22 absorbs fluid from the cartridge 12 and atom­
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`tions described herein. Those skilled in the art are familiar
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`izes it as air is drawn out of the tip end 4. The threaded
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`with such embedded processors and programming. The func-
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`extension 20 removably engages the coupler 14. The first
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`20 tions of the draw control circuit are to detect the draw action
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`elongated portion 10 encloses a power supply, in the form of
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`energize using the draw pressure sensor, generate a sign al to
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`a rechargeable battery ( not shown) and also electronic circuits
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`the atomizer assemble, and generate a lamp signal in response
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`(not shown), including a draw circuit, a lamp circuit, and a
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`to the draw detection. Essentially, the lamp signal goes active
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`the The lamp circuit illuminates secondary function circuit.
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`tip end 6, providing various visual
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`to indicate indications about the that the draw action is occurring and that the
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`25 atomizer is active. Further aspects of these operations will be
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`operation of the electronic cigarette 2.
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`Reference is directed to FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c, which are more fully discussed hereinafter.
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`The main circuit board 26 also embodies a secondary func-
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`side section view, tip end view, and mouthpiece end view,
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`tion circuit, which may share electronic components with the
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`respectively, drawings of an electronic cigarette according to
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`draw control circuit, such as the microprocessor and periph­
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`an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is
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`illus­eral components. The secondary function circuit in the
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`an exploded view drawing illustrating the separated compo-30
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`including trative embodiment controls battery recharging,
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`nents of the same illustrative embodiment. The cartridge 12
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`indications oflow battery , charging battery , battery charged,
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`removably engages the atomizer assembly 18. The cartridge
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`circuit also out­and other functions. The secondary function
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`contains a fluid reservoir 36 that retains a quantity of the fluid
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`to the lamp circuit, so that the lamp, or puts a secondary signal
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`to be atomized in an absorbent porous substrate 38, which
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`lamps, may be used to indicate status of the secondary func­
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`may be polyester fiber or other suitable absorbent material
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`tions. The lamp circuit 28 is positioned adjacent to the tip 6 in
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`known to those skilled in the art. There is an open channel
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`the illustrative embodiment. The actuator 8 of the tip 6 actu­
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`between the fluid reservoir 36 and the cartridge 12 to enable
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`ates the lamp circuit 6 functions.
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`air and atomized aerosol to pass through and out the aerosol
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`Reference is directed to FIG. 6, which is a tip end side
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`outlet 5. When the cartridge 12 is engaged with the atomizer
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`section view detail drawing of the electronic cigarette accord­
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`assembly 18, the substrate 38 engages the protuberance 22 of 40
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`ing to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
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`the atomizer assembly such that the fluid wicks over to the
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`FIG. 6 corresponds to the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 4
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`atomizer assembly protuberance 22 by capillary action. A
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`and 5, and illustrates the structural arrangement of the draw
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`heater element 40 in the atomizer assembly 18 is energized
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`pressure sensor 24, the main circuit board 26, the lamp circuit
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`while air is drawn through the cartridge, and the heat produces
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`28, and the interface with the tip end 6 and actuator 8. The first
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`the desired aerosol of the fluid. Other mechanisms for pro-45
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`elongated portion of the housing 10 terminates with the tip
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`ducing an aerosol of a fluid may be employed, as are known
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`end 6, which is fabricated from a translucent gray plastic,
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`to those skilled in the art. Fresh air is inlet to the atomizer
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`which emulates a tobacco cigarette ash color, and allows the
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`assembly 18 through vent openings 16.
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`internal lamps 32, 34 to illuminate the tip end 6 in their
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`The action of drawing air and aerosol out of the aerosol
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`respective colors. In the illustrative embodiment, a first color
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`outlet 5 creates a negative pressure in the interior of the
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`lamp 32 is an amber light emitting diode, and a second color
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`cartridge 12 and the atomizer assembly 18. The threaded
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`lamp 34 is a blue light emitting diode. Plural diodes may be
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`extension 20 of the atomizer assembly 18 includes an open
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`employed to yield even tip 6 illumination. An actuator tip 8 is
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`portion that engages a corresponding open portion in the
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`disposed on the tip 6, and is also fabricated tom a gray trans­
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`coupler 14 of the first elongated portion 10. In this manner, the
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`lucent plastic, thereby effectively concealing its presence.
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`negative pressure of the draw action is pneumatically coupled
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`The actuator tip 8 engages a switch 31 located on the lamp
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`to the interior of the first elongated portion. This is significant
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`control circuit board 28. Thusly, pressing the actuator tip 8
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`because a draw pressure sensor 24 is disposed in the interior
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`actuates the switch 31, and provides a user interface for con­
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`of the first elongated portion to detect that action of the user's
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`trol of the functions described herein. The lamp control cir­
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`draw ofairout of the aerosol outlet 5. In addition, the threaded
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`cuit board 28 comprises the lamp 32, 34 interface circuitry . It
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`extension 20 and coupler 14 are arranged to provide two 60
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`accepts the aforementioned lamp signal and secondary func-
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`separate and insulated electrical coupling paths via contacts
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`tion sign als from the draw circuit and the secondary circuits.
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`42 and 44, respectively. This electrical path delivers power to
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`A simple microprocessor may also be employed in the lamp
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`energize the heater 40 while the user draw air out of the
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`circuit to facilitate the described functionality, as will be
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`aerosol outlet 5. The first elongated portion 10 houses an
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`appreciated by those skilled in the art. The lamp circuit board
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`electric power supply 11, which stores a reserve of electric
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`has the first color lamp 32 and the second color lamp 34
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`power to operate the circuits of the apparatus. A capacitor or
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`disposed on its surface.
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`power supply 11. battery are suitable choices for the electrical
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`NJOY Exhibit 1009.009
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`

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`US 8,499,766 Bl
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`7
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`With respect to the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 4
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`housing 74 is illustrated in phantom, and suggests the pneu­
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`through 6, the functionality will not be described. Given that
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`matic coupling between the heater 54 in the atomizer and the
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`there is an amber lamp and a blue lamp, there are three
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`draw pressure sensor 56, which enables the production of a
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`possible states; amber light, blue light, and off. Further, there
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`draw signal as air is drawn out of the housing 74. The two
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`lamp signal and the are two separate driving sign als; the
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`5 portions of the housing are selectively coupled, so a pair of
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`secondary function sign al. The two drive sign als are indica­
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`electrical contacts 72 couples the heater element 54 in the
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`tions that a lamp may be illuminated to indicate the corre­
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`second elongated portion of the housing from the rest of the
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`sponding function of the art, the draw sign al. In the prior
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`circuitry, which is located in the first elongated portion of the
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`signal illuminated the amber lamp indicating that a draw
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`housing. A battery 60 provides power to the draw circuit 58,
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`action was in progress and that the atomizer was operating in
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`10 the function circuit 62, and the lamp circuit 64. The draw
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`response thereto, and, the secondary signal also illuminated
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`circuit 58 receives a signal from the pressure sensor 56, and in
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`activity. the amber lamp indicating other secondary function
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`response produces the lamp signal 69, which is output to the
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`Through utilization of the teaching of the present invention, it
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`lap circuit 64. The function circuit 62 generates the seconda
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`is now appreciated that the user can make alternative selec­
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`signal 71, which is output to the lamp circuit 64 as well. The
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`tions as to the response to the lamp sign al and the secondary
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`15 lamp circuit 64 also receives the actuator 66 signals, and
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`signal. In particular, the user can sequentially actuate the
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`results in driving the first amber lamp 68 and second blue
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`actuator to control the operation of the lamps in the presence
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`lamp 70 according to the functions described hereinbefore.
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`of the draw signal. A default state is to illuminate the amber
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`Reference is directed to FIG. 11 is a sign al diagram of a lap
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`a lamp in response to the lamp sign al, most closely emulating
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`signal according to an illustrative embodiment of the present
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`tobacco cigarette. A first actuation changes the lamp selection
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`20 invention. It will be appreciated that the lamp signal and the
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`to illuminate the blue lamp, changing the appearance to
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`and timing secondary function take various forms sign al may
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`clearly show it is not a tobacco cigarette. A second actuation
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`arrangements. The occurrence of the draw signal, lamp sig­
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`changes the lamp selection such that neither lamp is illumi­
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`nal, and actual illumination of a lamp do not necessarily
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`nated, operating in a non-illuminated mode. Sequential actua­
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`correspond in time. Also, it is useful to pulse-modulate the
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`tions repeat the sequence, and so forth, providing a sequence
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`25 lamp illumination to manage electric power consumption and
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`of alternative lamp selections at the user's choice and discre­
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`illumination characteristics. FIG. 11 is an example of this
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`tion. In addition, the choice of operation in response to the
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`technique, where the lamp brightness increases and decreases
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`secondary signal can be controlled. In particular, even though
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`gradually to more closely emulate a puff on a tobacco ciga­
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`the lamps may not be illuminated in response to the lamp
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`rette, and where the maximum brightness is a pulse train to
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`signal, they can still illuminate in response to the secondary
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`30 limit maximum power consumption. More particularly, the
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`signal. Further, the draw response may be a first color and the
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`lamp sign al 80 is initiated at the beginning of the draw sign al
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`secondary response may be the second color, thereby distin­
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`82, and proceeds with a gradual ramp-up pulse width modu­
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`guishing the different operations to the user. There is also a
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`lation sequence 84. Upon cessation of the draw signal 82, a
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`"stealth" mode, where no lamps are illuminated at all.
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`ramp-down sequence of pulse width modulation 86 gradually
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`Reference is directed to FIGS. 7a, 7b, and 7c, which are
`35 dims the lamp signal.
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`side section view, tip end view, and mouthpiece end view,
`Thus, the present invention has been described herein with
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`respectively, drawings of an electronic cigarette according to
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`reference to a particular embodiment for a particular applica