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`US 20130228191Al
`
`c19) United States
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`Newton
`
`c10) Pub. No.: US 2013/0228191 Al
`Sep. 5, 2013
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE WITH LIQUID
`RESERVOIR
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: Kyle D. Newton, Colleyville, TX (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 13/157,024
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Jun.28,2011
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`A24F 47100
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`USPC .......................................................... 131/329
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`An electronic cigarette including an elongated housing that
`has a mouthpiece with an aerosol outlet, and an atomizer
`disposed within an atomizing chamber. The atomizer selec(cid:173)
`tively generates an aerosol of the liquid in response to suction
`pressure at the aerosol outlet. The atomizing chamber has an
`air inlet, an atomizer outlet coupled to the aerosol outlet, and
`a first wick aperture. A liquid reservoir is disposed within the
`elongated housing, which is sealably separated from the
`atomizing chamber. A wick disposed through the first wick
`aperture between the liquid reservoir and the atomizing
`chamber and it is configured to transfer the liquid by capil(cid:173)
`larity from the liquid reservoir to the atomizer.
`
`44
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`NJOY Exhibit 1033.001
`NJOY v. Juul
`IPR2024-00231
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 5, 2013 Sheet 1 of 7
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`US 2013/0228191 Al
`
`4
`
`14
`
`Fig. 1
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1033.002
`NJOY v. Juul
`IPR2024-00231
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 5, 2013 Sheet 2 of 7
`
`US 2013/0228191 Al
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`
`NJOY Exhibit 1033.003
`NJOY v. Juul
`IPR2024-00231
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 5, 2013 Sheet 3 of 7
`
`US 2013/0228191 Al
`
`Fig. 4c
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`NJOY Exhibit 1033.004
`NJOY v. Juul
`IPR2024-00231
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 5, 2013 Sheet 4 of 7
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`US 2013/0228191 Al
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`
`Fig. 6
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1033.005
`NJOY v. Juul
`IPR2024-00231
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 5, 2013 Sheet 5 of 7
`
`US 2013/0228191 Al
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`
`NJOY Exhibit 1033.006
`NJOY v. Juul
`IPR2024-00231
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 5, 2013 Sheet 6 of 7
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`US 2013/0228191 Al
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`5
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`
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`
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`
`NJOY Exhibit 1033.007
`NJOY v. Juul
`IPR2024-00231
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 5, 2013 Sheet 7 of 7
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`US 2013/0228191 Al
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`30
`
`Fig. 12c
`
`16
`
`Fig. 13c
`
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`
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`
`24
`
`Fig. 13a
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1033.008
`NJOY v. Juul
`IPR2024-00231
`
`

`

`US 2013/0228191 Al
`
`Sep. 5, 2013
`
`1
`
`ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE WITH LIQUID
`RESERVOIR
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001]
`1. Field of the Invention
`[0002] The present invention relates to electronic ciga(cid:173)
`rettes. More specifically, the present invention relates to an
`electronic cigarette with an internal liquid reservoir.
`[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
`[0004] Electronic cigarettes have become increasingly
`popular in recent times. Electronic cigarettes emulate a
`tobacco cigarettes, but without the combustion of tobacco
`during use. Rather than burning tobacco, a liquid is atomized
`within the electronic cigarette, which emulates the smoke
`produced in a tobacco cigarette. The liquid may contain fla(cid:173)
`voring agents such as tobacco flavor, menthol, and others, to
`enhance the "smoking" experience of the electronic cigarette.
`Nicotine has been added to the atomization liquid in prior art
`electronic cigarettes. In certain prior art electronic cigarettes,
`a reserve of liquid is stored within the cigarette housing in a
`porous material, which is placed into contact with an atom(cid:173)
`izing assembly such that the liquid can be gradually trans(cid:173)
`ferred to the atomizing assembly during consumption. A
`replaceable cartridge with a liquid soaked porous material has
`been provided to enable consumers to replenish the supply of
`liquid as it is depleted during use by replacing the cartridge. It
`should be appreciated that the structural and electrical com(cid:173)
`ponents in an electronic cigarette are durable and outlast, by
`a long measure, the period of consumption for the quantity of
`liquid provided in such a porous reservoir.
`[0005] Consumers of electronic cigarettes are experienced
`at replacing the liquid reservoir cartridges as the liquid is
`depleted during consumption. In fact, it is common for con(cid:173)
`sumers to carry spare cartridges so that they are readily avail(cid:173)
`able in the event their current cartridge becomes depleted. In
`fact, this arrangement can become somewhat tedious after a
`period of use, and there is a general desire on the marketplace
`to extend the duration of use between cartridge changes, or
`even the elimination of the need to ever change cartridges.
`Thus is can be appreciated that there is a need in the art for an
`apparatus for increasing the quantity of liquid stored within
`an electronic cigarette and other means to reduce the fre(cid:173)
`quency of replacing or adding additional liquid during use.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0006] The need in the art is addressed by the apparatus of
`the present invention. The present invention teaches an elec(cid:173)
`tronic cigarette apparatus including an elongated housing that
`has a mouthpiece with an aerosol outlet, and an atomizer
`disposed within an atomizing chamber. The atomizer selec(cid:173)
`tively generates an aerosol of the liquid in response to suction
`pressure at the aerosol outlet. The atomizing chamber has an
`air inlet, an atomizer outlet coupled to the aerosol outlet, and
`a first wick aperture. A liquid reservoir is disposed within the
`elongated housing, which is sealably separated from the
`atomizing chamber. A wick disposed through the first wick
`aperture between the liquid reservoir and the atomizing
`chamber and it is configured to transfer the liquid by capil(cid:173)
`larity from the liquid reservoir to the atomizer.
`[0007]
`In a specific embodiment, the foregoing apparatus
`further includes an inlet vent formed on the exterior of the
`elongated housing that is coupled to deliver air to the atom(cid:173)
`izing chamber air inlet. In a refinement to this embodiment,
`
`the inlet vent is coupled to the atomizing chamber air inlet by
`a conduit. In a further refinement, the conduit sealably passes
`through the liquid reservoir.
`[0008]
`In a specific embodiment of the foregoing appara(cid:173)
`tus, the atomizer outlet and the aerosol outlet are coupled
`together by a chinmey. In a refinement to this embodiment,
`the chinmey sealably passes through the liquid reservoir.
`[0009]
`In a specific embodiment of the foregoing appara(cid:173)
`tus, the atomizer is a resistive heating element. In a refinement
`to this embodiment, the wick is partially engages the resistive
`heating element.
`[0010]
`In a specific embodiment of the foregoing appara(cid:173)
`tus, the atomizer has a tubular form defining an open central
`passage. In a refinement to this embodiment, the wick passes
`through the open central passage.
`[0011]
`In a specific embodiment of the foregoing appara(cid:173)
`tus, the atomizing chamber further includes a second wick
`aperture, and the apparatus is arranged such that a first end of
`the wick passes through the first wick aperture and a second
`end of the wick passes through the second wick aperture.
`[0012]
`In a specific embodiment of the foregoing appara(cid:173)
`tus, the wick is fabricated as a bundle of heat resistant fibers.
`In a refinement to this embodiment, the bundle of heat resis(cid:173)
`tant fibers is fiberglass. In another refinement to this embodi(cid:173)
`ment, the bundle of heat resistant fibers is fabricated from a
`material selected from; aramid, fluorocarbon, sulfide,
`melamine, polyimide, carbon, and glass.
`[0013]
`In a specific embodiment of the foregoing appara(cid:173)
`tus, the liquid reservoir is formed as an annular cavity
`between the interior of the elongated housing and the atom(cid:173)
`izing chamber. In another specific embodiment of the fore(cid:173)
`going apparatus, the liquid reservoir includes an external
`access opening, for enabling addition ofliquid into the liquid
`reservoir. In a refinement to this embodiment, the external
`access opening is a removable mouthpiece.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view drawing of an electronic
`cigarette according to an illustrative embodiment of the
`present invention.
`[0015] FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c are a tip end view, a side view,
`and mouthpiece end view, respectively, drawings of an elec(cid:173)
`tronic cigarette according to an illustrative embodiment of the
`present invention.
`[0016] FIGS. 3a and 3b are side view drawings, respec(cid:173)
`tively, of a cartridge portion and a power supply portion of an
`electronic cigarette according to an illustrative embodiment
`of the present invention.
`[0017] FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c are tip end view, side section
`view, and mouthpiece end view, respectively, drawings of an
`electronic cigarette according to an illustrative embodiment
`of the present invention.
`[0018] FIGS. Sa and Sb are side section view drawings,
`respectively, of a cartridge portion and a power supply portion
`of an electronic cigarette according to an illustrative embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the present invention.
`[0019] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram an electronic
`cigarette according to an illustrative embodiment of the
`present invention.
`[0020] FIG. 7 is a detailed side section view drawing of a
`liquid reservoir cartridge according to an illustrative embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the present invention.
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1033.009
`NJOY v. Juul
`IPR2024-00231
`
`

`

`US 2013/0228191 Al
`
`Sep. 5, 2013
`
`2
`
`[0021] FIG. 8 is an exploded view drawing of a liquid
`reservoir cartridge according to an illustrative embodiment of
`the present invention.
`[0022] FIG. 9 is a partially exploded section view drawing
`of a liquid reservoir cartridge according to an illustrative
`embodiment of the present invention.
`[0023] FIG. 10 is a section view drawing of a liquid reser(cid:173)
`voir cartridge according to an illustrative embodiment of the
`present invention.
`[0024] FIG. lla, llb. llc, and lld are a first end view, a
`first side section view, a second end view, and a second side
`section view drawing, respectively, of an atomizing assembly
`according to an illustrative embodiment of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion.
`[0025] FIGS. 12a, 12b, and 12c are a first end view, a side
`section view, and a second end view drawing, respectively, of
`an atomizing chamber according to an illustrative embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the present invention.
`[0026] FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c are a first end view, a side
`section view, and a second end view drawing, respectively, of
`a mouthpiece housing according to an illustrative embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the present invention.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0027]
`Illustrative embodiments and exemplary applica(cid:173)
`tions will now be described with reference to the accompa(cid:173)
`nying drawings to disclose the advantageous teachings of the
`present invention.
`[ 0028] While the present invention is described herein with
`reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applica(cid:173)
`tions, it should be understood that the invention is not limited
`thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the
`teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifi(cid:173)
`cations, applications, and embodiments within the scope
`hereof and additional fields in which the present invention
`would be of significant utility.
`[0029]
`In considering the detailed embodiments of the
`present invention, it will be observed that the present inven(cid:173)
`tion resides primarily in combinations of steps to accomplish
`various methods or components to form various apparatus
`and systems. Accordingly, the apparatus and system compo(cid:173)
`nents and method steps have been represented where appro(cid:173)
`priate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only
`those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the
`present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with
`details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill
`in the art having the benefit of the disclosures contained
`herein.
`[0030]
`In this disclosure, relational terms such as first and
`second, top and bottom, upper and lower, and the like may be
`used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another
`entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any
`actual such relationship or order between such entities or
`actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other
`variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclu(cid:173)
`sion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that
`comprises a list of elements does not include only those
`elements but may include other elements not expressly listed
`or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An
`element proceeded by "comprises a" does not, without more
`constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical ele(cid:173)
`ments in the process, method, article, or apparatus that com(cid:173)
`prises the element.
`
`[0031] The present invention advances the art of electronic
`cigarettes by teaching an electronic cigarette that provides a
`liquid reservoir, which effectively delivers liquid at the req(cid:173)
`uisite rates from the reservoir to an atomizer in a open atom(cid:173)
`izing chamber. This arrangement enables production of aero(cid:173)
`sol of the liquid at desired rates of atomization without
`excessive liquid transfer during periods of non-use. This
`function is enabled though utilization of a wick aperture
`through the atomizing chamber and a wick disposed between
`the liquid reservoir and the atomizer. The wick enables the
`transferofliquid by capillarity in a controlled manner without
`flooding the open atomization chamber.
`[0032] Reference is directed to FIG. 1 is a perspective view
`drawing of an electronic cigarette 2 according to an illustra(cid:173)
`tive embodiment of the present invention. The electronic
`cigarette 2 comprises a housing having a first elongated por(cid:173)
`tion 10 and a second elongated portion 12. The second elon(cid:173)
`gated portion 12, also referred to as the "cartridge" in certain
`illustrative embodiments, comprises a mouthpiece end 4,
`which has an aerosol outlet (not shown) for drawing air
`through the cartridge 12. The first elongated portion 10 and
`the second elongated portion 12 are removable joined
`together with a mechanical coupler 14. One or more air inlet
`vents 16 are provided about the coupler 14 for allowing air(cid:173)
`flow into the cartridge 12 when the user draws air through the
`electronic cigarette 2. The first elongated portion 10 com(cid:173)
`prises a tip end 6, which in the illustrative embodiment, is
`fabricated from a translucent material enabling the transmis(cid:173)
`sion of light therethrough. Within the second elongated por(cid:173)
`tion 12 is disposed a liquid reservoir (not fully shown). The
`liquid reservoir includes a clear or translucent window 13 to
`the exterior of the housing 12 for visually determining the
`liquid level 15 within the liquid reservoir.
`[0033] Now, considering FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c, these are a
`tip end view, a side view, and mouthpiece end view, respec(cid:173)
`tively, drawing of an electronic cigarette according to an
`illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Note that
`the first elongated portion 10 and second elongated portion 12
`combine at coupler 14 to present a complete electronic ciga(cid:173)
`rette 2 that closely resembles a tobacco cigarette. The car(cid:173)
`tridge 12 is fabricated with a finished material resembling the
`filter of a tobacco cigarette, and the first elongated portion 10
`is fabricated to resemble the tobacco roll of a tobacco ciga(cid:173)
`rette. As noted above, the cartridge 12 includes a window 13
`for visually determining the liquid level of the internal liquid
`reservoir (not shown). The mouthpiece end 4 includes an
`aerosol outlet opening 5, for drawing air and aerosol out of the
`cartridge 12. Air is inlet to the electronic cigarette 2 at the vent
`openings 16 located at the coupler 14. The air inlet openings
`16 can be located elsewhere on the electronic cigarette 2, and
`is a matter of design choice. In the illustrative embodiment,
`the tip end 6 is a translucent gray material resembling an ash.
`[0034] Reference is directed to FIGS. 3a and 3b, which are
`side view drawings, respectively, of a cartridge portion 12 and
`a power supply portion 10 of an electronic cigarette according
`to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. A
`threaded extension 20 on the power supply portion 10 of the
`housing threadably engages the mechanical coupler 14 on the
`cartridge portion 12. In addition, as will be described more
`fully hereinafter, an electrical connection is also facilitated in
`the connection between the threaded extension 20 and the
`mechanical coupler 14. The cartridge portion 12 can thusly be
`installed, uninstalled, and replaced as needed. The cartridge
`portion contains the liquid reservoir and the window 13 pro-
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1033.010
`NJOY v. Juul
`IPR2024-00231
`
`

`

`US 2013/0228191 Al
`
`Sep. 5, 2013
`
`3
`
`vides the visual cue as to the liquid remaining The tip end 4
`can be removed in certain illustrative embodiments to facili(cid:173)
`tate the addition of liquid to the reservoir. The tip end 6 glow
`by light of an internal amber LED in response to suction
`pressure at the aerosol outlet 5.
`[0035] Reference is directed to FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c, which
`are tip end view, side section view, and mouthpiece end view,
`respectively, drawings of an electronic cigarette according to
`an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Refer(cid:173)
`ence is additionally directed to FIGS. Sa and Sb, which are
`side section view drawings, respectively, of a cartridge por(cid:173)
`tion and a power supply portion of an electronic cigarette
`correspond to this illustrative embodiment. FIGS. 4 and 5
`correspond to the same illustrative embodiment and provide
`details of the internal structures of the illustrative embodi(cid:173)
`ment. The tip end 4 is a resilient insert that engages the
`interior of the cartridge housing 12 and provides the aerosol
`outlet 5, which is a passage formed therethrough. Within the
`cartridge housing 12 is an atomizing chamber 38 that has an
`open chinmey 36 extending to the aerosol outlet 5. The chim(cid:173)
`ney 36 is located within the cartridge housing by a resilient
`seal 42. The annual space formed between the interior of the
`cartridge housing 12 and the chinmey 36 defines the liquid
`reservoir 43. At the upper end, resilient seal 42 closes and
`seals the liquid reservoir 43. The lower end of the reservoir 43
`engages the atomizer assembly 28, which will be more fully
`described hereinafter.
`In FIGS. 4 and 5, the atomizer assembly 28 include
`[0036]
`the atomizer 32, which is disposed within the atomizer cham(cid:173)
`ber 38. In addition, the atomizer assembly 28 comprises the
`mechanical coupler 14 that engages the threaded extension 20
`of the power supply portion 10. Within the mechanical cou(cid:173)
`pler 14, and also a part of the atomizer assembly 28, is an
`electrical coupler 22 that has an air inlet port 26 formed
`therethrough, which is pneumatically coupled into the atom(cid:173)
`izing chamber 38. Thusly, the pathway for the flow of fresh air
`in and aerosol out includes air drawn through the mechanical
`coupler 14, through the air inlet port 26, to the atomizer 32
`within the atomizing chamber 38, up the chinmey 36 and out
`the aerosol outlet 5.
`In FIGS. 4 and 5, the power supply portion 10 of the
`[0037]
`housing has a threaded extension 20 that engages the
`mechanical coupler 14. There is also a corresponding electri(cid:173)
`cal connection such that the power supply portion 10 can
`deliver electric current to the atomizer 32 to facilitate genera(cid:173)
`tion of aerosol. Two conductors are provided, including the
`outer mechanical connection and the central pneumatic/elec(cid:173)
`tric connection. Suitable milling for air-flow channels is pro(cid:173)
`vided to facilitate solid mechanical, conductive electrical, and
`pneumatic connections. In the illustrative embodiment,
`power is derived from a storage battery 11. A pressure sensor
`48 detects negative pressure within the housing 10 and ener(cid:173)
`gizes the atomizer. The pressure sensor 46 is located by a
`pressure seal 50. A draw circuit 52 provides the electrical
`operation functions. In addition, and amber LED 54 is dis(cid:173)
`posed to illuminate through the translucent tip 6 to emulate
`burning ash while the draw pressure sensor 48 detects nega(cid:173)
`tive pressure.
`[0038] Reference is directed to FIG. 6, which is a functional
`block diagram an electronic cigarette according to an illus(cid:173)
`trative embodiment of the present invention. This diagram
`presents the electrical functions of the electronic cigarette.
`The battery 60 provides power to a draw circuit 70. A pressure
`sensor 68 is disposed within the cigarette housing 68. When
`
`negative pressure is detected, the draw circuit 70 delivers
`electric power to the atomizer 64 and the amber LED 72. This
`action causes aerosol to be produced in the presence of the
`negative pressure, and the tip of the electronic cigarette to
`glow amber so long as the negative pressure continues. The
`atomizer 64 is eclectically coupled to the circuit through
`electrical coupler 62.
`[0039] Reference is directed to FIG. 7, which is a detailed
`side section view drawing of a liquid reservoir cartridge
`according to an illustrative embodiment of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion. This drawing provides further details into the structure
`and operation of the liquid reservoir cartridge assembly. The
`cartridge comprises an outer housing 12 that is closed at the
`upper end by the tip end resilient insert 4, which has the
`aerosol port 5 formed therethrough. The lower end of the
`housing 12 is closed with the atomizer assembly 28, which
`has the mechanical coupler 14 at the extreme end. Plural air
`inlet vents 16 are formed though the mechanical coupler so
`that fresh air can enter while it is secured to the power supply
`housing. Within the cartridge housing 12 is the atomizing
`chamber 38 that is pneumatically coupled to the chinmey 36,
`which is aligned with the aerosol outlet 5. The chinmey 36 is
`located and sealed at the upper end by resilient seal 42. The
`annual space 43 between the chinmey 36 and the interior of
`the housing 12 defines the liquid reservoir 43. Note that there
`is a thinner annually cavity 39 formed between the exterior of
`the atomizing chamber 38 and interior of the cartridge hous(cid:173)
`ing 12. The fluid 44 is stored in the fluid reservoir 43, and is
`also capable of flowing into the annular cavity 39 to saturate
`wick 37.
`In FIG. 7, the atomizing assembly 28 is comprised
`[0040]
`of several components. The atomizer 32 is a coiled nickel(cid:173)
`chromium heater through which the wick 37 passes. The wick
`37 passes through wick apertures in the atomizing chamber
`(not shown) on its two end, and into the annular cavity 39. The
`atomizer assembly 28 is machined from a suitable metal and
`includes the mechanical couple 14, the electrical coupler 22,
`which is supported by an insulative support 24, and which has
`the air inlet port 26 formed therethrough. During operation,
`when there is a negative pressure imposed on the system by
`drawing air out of the aerosol outlet 5, and while electric
`current is delivered to the atomizer 36, air enters the air inlet
`port 26 and carries aerosol of the liquid 46 away from the
`atomizer 32, up the chinmey 36 and out the aerosol outlet 5.
`As the liquid in the wick 37 is depleted by the atomizer 32,
`capillary action draws additional liquid from the liquid res(cid:173)
`ervoir 43, through the cavity 39 and to the atomizer 32.
`[0041] Reference is directed to FIG. 8, which is an
`exploded view drawing of an atomizer 28, atomizing chamber
`38, chinmey 36 and resilient seal 42 according to an illustra(cid:173)
`tive embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrative
`embodiment, the atomizing chamber 38 and chinmey 36 are
`formed as a single unit. The resilient seal 42 is a donut shaped
`polymeric material that is pressed onto the upper end of the
`chinmey 36. The atomizing chamber 38 includes a pair of
`opposing wick apertures 40 formed therein, which provide
`clearance for the wick 37 to pass into the atomizing chamber
`38. The atomizing assembly 28 includes the mechanical cou(cid:173)
`pler 14 at its lower end and the atomizer 32 at its upper end.
`The wick 37 passes through the center of the atomizer 32. The
`atomizing assembly has a pair of semicircular recesses 30
`formed therein which align cooperatively with the wick aper(cid:173)
`tures 40 in the atomizing chamber when the two units are
`engaged. This results in a circular aperture through which the
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1033.011
`NJOY v. Juul
`IPR2024-00231
`
`

`

`US 2013/0228191 Al
`
`Sep. 5, 2013
`
`4
`
`wick 37 passes with a slightly compressive fit. This arrange(cid:173)
`ment enables liquid to pass through by capillarity of the wick
`3 7, but prevents the liquid from flooding the atomizing cham(cid:173)
`ber 38, which would be detrimental or atomizer function.
`
`[0042] Reference is directed to FIG. 9, which is a partially
`exploded side section view drawing, and to FIG. 10, which is
`an assembled side section view drawing, of a liquid reservoir
`cartridge according to an illustrative embodiment of the
`present invention. The wick 37 passes through the atomizer
`32 and extends to the outer periphery of the atomizer assem(cid:173)
`bly 28. The atomizing chamber 38 is engaged with the atom(cid:173)
`izing assembly 28, thereby perfecting the wick aperture 40 as
`describedhereinbefore, and enclosing the atomizing chamber
`38. The resilient seal 42 is disposed between the exterior of
`the chinmey 36 and the interior of the housing 12, thereby
`sealing the upper end of the fluid reservoir 43. The tip end
`resilient insert 4, with the aerosol outlet port 5, closes the
`upper end of the cartridge housing 12, and the chinmey 36 is
`thereby aligned and sealed to the aerosol outlet 5. The housing
`12 is engaged with the atomizer assembly 28, which urges the
`ends of the wick 37 downwardly and constrains them within
`the annular cavity 39 formed between the interior of the
`housing 12 and the exterior of the atomizing chamber 38. The
`wick 37 is thusly enabled to absorb the liquid (not shown).
`The atomizer 32 has a first end electrically coupled to the
`atomizer assembly body 28 and a second end electrically
`coupled to the electrical coupler 22. The electrical circuit is
`completed when the cartridge is engaged with the power
`supply portion, discussed hereinbefore. The atomizing cham(cid:173)
`ber 38 is thusly sealed but for the entry of fresh air through air
`inlet port 26 and the exit of air and aerosol up chinmey 36 and
`out aerosol outlet 5.
`
`[0043] Reference is directed to FIGS. lla, llb, llc, and
`lld, which are a first end view, a first side section view, a
`second end view, and a second side section view drawing,
`respectively, of an atomizing assembly 28 according to an
`illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The assem(cid:173)
`bly is based on a metal body 28 that has a electrical coupler 22
`insulatively supported 24 therein. The electrical coupler 22
`has an air inlet port formed therethrough. The electrical cou(cid:173)
`pler has a pair of air recesses 27 machined on its face so that
`an air channel is created when the cartridge is engaged with
`the power supply portion of the electronic cigarette. In this
`manner, the air path is from the exterior, through the air inlet
`vents 16, through the air recesses 27, through the air inlet port
`26 of the electrical coupler and u to the atomizer 32. The wick
`37 is positioned through the central cavity of the atomizer 32
`and extends through the pair of semicircular recesses 30 in the
`body 28. The wick is a fibrous bundle, which is formed from
`a temperature resistant material, and may be selected from
`amongst aramid, fluorocarbon, sulfide, melamine, polyimide,
`carbon, and glass fibers. Or, from another suitable materials
`known to those skilled in the art.
`
`[0044] Reference is directed to FIGS. 12a, 12b, and 12c,
`which are a first end view, a side section view, and a second
`end view drawing, respectively, of an atomizing chamber 38
`and chinmey 6 according to an illustrative embodiment of the
`present invention. In the illustrative embodiment, the atom(cid:173)
`izing chamber 38 and chinmey 36 are formed as a single unit.
`The atomizing chamber 38 and the chinmey 36 are cylindrical
`in form. The resilient seal 42 is a donut shaped polymeric
`material that is pressed onto the upper end of the chinmey 36.
`The atomizing chamber 38 includes a pair of opposing wick
`
`apertures 40 formed therein, which provide clearance for the
`wick (not shown) to pass into the atomizing chamber 38.
`[0045] Reference is directed to FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c,
`which are a first end view, a side section view, and a second
`end view drawing, respectively, of a mouthpiece housing 12
`according to an illustrative embodiment of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion. The housing 12 is a cylindrical plastic tube in the illus(cid:173)
`trative embodiment. The plastic is transparent or translucent
`to facilitate visual inspection of the liquid content. The tip end
`resilient insert 4, with the aerosol outlet port 5, closes the
`upper end of the cartridge housing 12.
`[0046] Thus, the present invention has been described
`herein with reference to a particular embodiment for a par(cid:173)
`ticular application. Those having ordinary skill in the art and
`access to the present teachings will recognize additional
`modifications, applications and embodiments within the
`scope thereof.
`It is therefore intended by the appended claims to
`[0047]
`cover any and all such applications, modifications and
`embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
`What is claimed is:
`1. An electronic cigarette apparatus, comprising:
`an elongated housing having a mouthpiece with an aerosol
`outlet;
`an atomizer disposed within an atomizing chamber, and
`operable to selectively generate an aerosol of the liquid
`in response to suction pressure at said aerosol outlet;
`said atomizing chamber having an air inlet, an atomizer
`outlet coupled to said aerosol outlet, and a first wick
`aperture;
`a liquid reservoir disposed within said elongated housing
`and sealably separated from said atomizing chamber,
`and
`a wick disposed through said first wick aperture between
`said liquid reservoir and said atomizing chamber and
`configured to transfer the liquid by capillarity from said
`liquid reservoir to said atomizer.
`2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
`an inlet vent formed on the exterior of said elongated
`housing and coupled to deliver air to said atomizing
`chamber air inlet.
`3. The apparatus of claim 2, and wherein said inlet vent is
`coupled to said atomizing chamber air inlet by a conduit.
`4. The apparatus of claim 3, and wherein said conduit
`sealably passes through said liquid reservoir.
`5. The apparatus of claim 1, and wherein said atomizer
`outlet and said aerosol outlet are coupled by a chinmey.
`6. The apparatus of claim 5, and wherein said chinmey
`sealably passes through said liquid reservoir.
`7. The apparatus of