(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`International Bureau
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`1 May 2003 (01.05.2003)
`
`
`
`PCT
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`W 0 03/034847 A1
`
`(51) International Patent Classification7:
`
`A24F 47/00
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`PCT/GB02/04766
`
`(22) International Filing Date: 22 October 2002 (22.10.2002)
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`10/012,238
`
`24 October 2001 (24.10.2001)
`
`US
`
`(71) Applicant: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (IN-
`VESTMENTS) LIMITED [GB/GB]; Globe House,
`1
`Water Street, London WC2R 3LA (GB).
`
`149 Ellis
`(72) Inventors: ABHULIMEN, Michael, E.;
`Way, Macon, GA 31216 (US). TUCKER, Brian, E.;
`118 Durham Place, Macon, GA 31210 (US). ADIGA,
`Kayyani, C.; 4999 Oxford Road, Macon, GA 31210 (US).
`
`(74) Agent: WALFORD, Margot, Ruth; Patents Department,
`British American Tobacco R & D Centre, Regents Park
`Road, Southampton SOlS 8TL (GB).
`
`(81) Designated States (national): AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU,
`AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CN, CO, CR, CU,
`
`CZ, DE, DK, DM, DZ, EC, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH,
`GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC,
`LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW,
`MX, MZ, NO, NZ, OM, PH, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG,
`SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, UZ, VC,
`VN, YU, ZA, ZM, ZW.
`
`(84) Designated States (regional): ARIPO patent (GH, GM,
`KE, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW),
`Eurasian patent (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM),
`European patent (AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE,
`ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE, SK,
`TR), OAPI patent (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ,
`GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`Declarations under Rule 4.17:
`
`as to applicant ’s entitlement to apply for and be granted
`a patent (Rule 4.]7(ii)) for the following designations AE,
`AG, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, CA, CH,
`CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DZ, EC, EE, ES, FI,
`GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG,
`KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV,1\JA, AID, MG, MK,
`MN, MW, MX, MZ, NO, NZ, OM, PH, PL, PT R0, RU, SD,
`SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, UZ,
`VC, VN, YU, ZA, ZM, ZW, ARIPO patent (GH, GM, KE, LS,
`MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian patent
`(AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TIM), European patent
`
`[Continued on next page]
`
`(54) Title: A SIMULATED SMOKING ARTICLE AND FUEL ELEMENT THEREFOR
`
`
`
`03/034847A1
`
`(57) Abstract: A simulated smoking article is provided in which a flavour generating medium, such as a commercially available
`cigarette, is heated with a fuel element including a liquid fuel therein to generate flavours or other components in vapour or aerosol
`O form. A reusable fuel element is inserted in one end of a tubular member and a flavour generating medium, such as a cigarette, is
`positioned in the opposite end of the tubular member. Spacing between the fuel element and the cigarette is sufficient so that the
`cigarette is not lit but hot gases come into contact with tobacco or the like in the cigarette to vapourise the flavour components therein.
`
`VMR-EX. 1012—001
`
`VMR-Ex. 1012-001
`
`

`

`W0 03/034847 A1
`
`|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
`
`(AT BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, 7 with amended claims
`GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE, SK, TR), OAPIpatent (BF,
`BJ, CE CG, CI, CM GA, GN, GQ, GW, ML, AIR, NE, SN,
`TD, TG)
`as to the applicant’s entitlement to claim the priority ofthe
`earlier application (Rule 4. l 7(iii)) for all designations
`
`For two-letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the ”Guid-
`ance Notes on Codes andAbbreviations " appearing at the begin-
`ning ofeach regular issue ofthe PCT Gazette.
`
`Published:
`
`7 with international search report
`
`VMR—EX. 1012—002
`
`VMR-Ex. 1012-002
`
`

`

`W0 03/034847
`
`PCT/GB02/04766
`
`A SIMULATED SMOKING ARTICLE AND FUEL ELEMENT THEREFOR
`
`l
`
`The present invention relates to a simulated smoking article, which article has a fuel
`
`element physically separate from an aerosol-generating material, and more particularly a fuel
`
`element for a simulated smoking article.
`
`Cigarettes, cigars and pipes are popular smoking articles which use tobacco in various
`
`forms as the medium which, upon being ignited provides an aerosol vapour flavourable
`
`material to the consumer.
`
`In recent years, it has become desirable to provide a smoking device
`
`in which the aerosol-generating material,
`
`including tobacco,
`
`is heated to a temperature
`
`sufficient to vapourise the aerosol-generating flavours in the tobacco or pipe materials, but the
`
`temperature is not sufficient for combustion.
`
`Many of the smoking devices suggested in the art are adapted to look like conventional
`
`smoking articles, such as cigarettes, while other devices have been developed as an alternative
`
`to conventional smoking articles. These devices generally attempt to simulate conventional
`
`cigarettes without the combustion of tobacco products. For example, many devices include an
`
`internal aerosol forming material that is heated by an internal heating element. The heating
`
`stimulates the production of a flavourable aerosol for delivery to a user of the device. The
`
`internal heating element has conventionally been either a carbonaceous fuel element or an
`
`electro-chemical heat source which generate heat on contact with water.
`
`In these devices, the
`
`fuel element is not capable of being reused. Once the carbonaceous fuel element is lit, the fuel
`
`element continues to burn unattended until all the fuel in the element is consumed. In addition,
`
`the lit fuel element
`
`is very difficult
`
`to extinguish, either with water or other means for
`
`'
`
`extinguishment.
`
`In an electro-chemical reaction, the difficulty encountered is in stopping the
`
`reaction, which only terminates when all of the reactants are consumed. Other devices include
`
`an electrical heating element for stimulating an aerosol forming substance. Although these are
`
`capable of being turned off between puffs, the electrical heating element requires a battery
`
`which requires extra efforts by the consumer and also is generally quite cumbersome.
`
`Some of the earliest patents relating to aerosol-generating smoking articles are to be
`
`found in United Kingdom Patent Specification Nos. GBl,O33,674 and GB1,083,76l (Battelle
`
`Memorial Institute). Other patents which teach smoking articles capable of providing the
`pleasure associated with cigarette smoking by heating, but not necessarily burning, tobacco or
`
`other similar type materials and without delivering considerable quantities of uncompleted
`
`combustion products, include, for example, US. Patent No. 5,065,776 to Lawson et al which
`
`teaches a fuel element positioned in heat exchange relationship with a physically separate
`
`VMR—EX. 1012—003
`
`VMR-Ex. 1012-003
`
`

`

`W0 03/034847
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`PCT/GB02/04766
`
`2
`
`aerosol-generating means and US. Patent No. 5,144,962 which teaches a non-combustion
`
`smoking article having a hollow tube with tobacco therein,
`
`the heat vapourising the
`
`aerosolising material in the tobacco being a temperature co-efficient thermistor in thermal
`
`contact with the tobacco, the thermistor being heated by an electrical current.
`
`What
`
`is desirable in the industry is to provide an article that closely simulates a
`
`conventional cigarette, but does not require the combustion of tobacco and can be reused, at
`
`least in part.
`
`It is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel element for a simulated
`
`smoking article as a heat source to vapourise flavouring compounds of a smoking article.
`
`It is another object of the present invention to provide a fuel element for a simulated
`
`smoking article which contains a reusable smoking article.
`
`It is a further object of this invention to provide a simulated smoking article which can
`have substantially the appearance of a conventional cigarette.
`’
`
`It is an even further object of the present invention to provide a simulated smoking
`
`article which includes a reusable fuel element in conjunction with a conventional cigarette.
`
`The present invention provides a fuel element adapted for use with a smoking article
`
`comprising a fuel tank having an opening in one end, a fuel cartridge disposed within said fuel
`tank, said fuel cartridge including a liduid fuel, a wick in flow communication with said
`
`cartridge, and a glow element adjacent to said wick and operative in response to burning of fuel
`
`from said wick.
`
`Preferably the liquid fuel is selected from the group consisting of ethanol and low
`
`molecular weight hydrocarbon oils
`
`Preferably the glow element is comprised of copper, brass, platinum or a metallic alloy
`
`of these or other metals. Advantageously the glow element is a filament, which filament may
`
`be helically coiled, or otherwise arranged around the wick. Alternatively the glow element
`
`comprises a chamber containing catalyst material formed of beads or fibrous particles. The
`
`catalyst is suitably one or more of copper, brass, platinum-coated ceramic or a coated ceramic-
`
`based material.
`
`Preferably the wick is comprised of non-burning fibres or a glass capillary tube or
`
`tubes.
`
`Preferably the fuel cartridge comprises a porous medium. Advantageously the porous
`
`medium is selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate, low density polyethylene,
`
`ethylvinyl acetate, carbon fibres, cotton or other fabric material.
`
`Preferably the wick is enclosed by a tube extending into the opening of said fuel tank.
`
`VMR—EX. 1012—004
`
`VMR-Ex. 1012-004
`
`

`

`W0 03/034847
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`PCT/GB02/04766
`
`Advantageously the tube is a ceramic material.
`
`3
`
`The present invention further provides a simulated smoking article comprising a tubular
`
`wrapper, a flavour generating material disposed within a mouth end of said tubular wrapper,
`
`and a fuel element disposed within a distal end of said tubular wrapper and being spaced from
`
`said flavour generating material.
`
`Preferably the tubular wrapper is non—combustible on the application of a flame or at
`
`least not easily ignited. Suitable materials for the tubular wrapper are ceramic, meerschaum,
`
`metal, paper, paperboard,
`
`reconstituted tobacco, wood, bamboo, glass, metal
`
`foil, and
`
`combinations thereof. Any of the foregoing materials may be treated to prevent combustion.
`
`Chemical treatments for reducing a propensity for combustion are well known in the art.
`
`Most preferably the flavour generating material disposed within the month end of the
`
`tubular wrapper is the tobacco rod of a cigarette. Alternative flavour generating sources, such
`
`as a porous cartridge containing aerosolisable material, or even a plug of tobacco material, may
`
`be used, if desired.
`
`Preferably the fuel element of the simulated smoking article is the fuel element of the
`present invention.
`‘
`
`Advantageously the simulated smoking article comprises a heat diffuser located
`
`between the fuel element and the flavour generating material. Preferably the heat diffuser is a
`
`wire mesh. The heat diffuser may be treated with a catalyst for converting carbon monoxide
`
`into carbon dioxide or another catalyst
`
`for converting or eliminating other
`
`selected
`
`hydrocarbons produced by various types of flames and heating elements. The heat diffuser
`
`may be of any type of appropriate material which meets the needs.
`
`The fuel cartridge is suitably a fuel impermeable, non-combustible material, such as a
`
`ceramic material. The liquid fuel contained within the cartridge is preferably a clean burning
`
`fuel, such as a carbonaceous liquid fuel, for example alcohols, such as ethanol, methanol, iso-
`
`propanol or propanol, or other low molecular weight hydrocarbon oils, such as pentane or
`
`. hexane.
`
`Preferably puffing air inlets are provided in the tubular wrapper. Advantageously the
`
`air inlets are located upstream of the heat diffuser,
`
`in other words in the region where
`
`combustion liquid fuel occurs at the glow element.
`
`In order that the invention may be easily understood and readily carried into effect,
`
`reference will now be made to the following diagrammatic drawings in which like numerals
`
`refer to like parts throughout the several views and wherein:.
`
`Figure l is a partially fragmentary perspective View of one embodiment of a simulated
`
`VMR—EX. 1012—005
`
`VMR-Ex. 1012-005
`
`

`

`W0 03/034847
`
`PCT/GB02/04766
`
`smoking article of the present invention; and,
`
`Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional View of the simulated smoking article of Figure 1.
`
`As shown in the Figures, a simulated smoking article 10 includes a fuel element,
`
`designated by the numeral 11, and a flavour-generating material, such as a conventional
`
`cigarette generally identified by the numeral 13, disposed within a tubular wrapper 26. The
`
`conventional cigarette 13 includes a tobacco rod 14 attached to a filter 12.
`
`The fuel element 11 includes a non-permeable, non-combustible fuel tank 20 filled with
`
`a fuel cartridge 24 comprising a porous medium, including a carbonaceous liquid fuel, in this
`
`embodiment ethanol, which fuel saturates the porous medium of the fuel cartridge 24. The fuel
`element 11 also comprises an extended wick 22 and a glow element 16. The fuel element 11 is
`
`encased in one end of the tubular wrapper 26, which wrapper is provided with a plurality of
`
`puffing air inlets 18 which are located slightly upstream of the glow element 16, so that during
`
`use puffing air is brought in through the inlets l8 and provides oxygen for the burning of the
`
`fuel in the wick 22. The fuel tank 20 is provided with an open end located at the upstream end
`
`' of the fuel tank, which open end receives a ceramic tube 32, or the like, which surrounds the
`
`wick 22. The glow element 16 is a coil made out of copper wire filament or other heat
`
`conducting or glowing materials, such as brass, platinum or a metallic alloy. The glow element
`
`16 is inserted at the open end of the ceramic tube 32. Wick 22, which is usually non-buming
`
`fibres or glass capillary tubes, extends generally a short distance, such as 1-2 mm, into the
`
`glow element 16, in this case a metal filament. In use, the glow element 16 is lit using a
`
`comrhercially available lighter, such as a butane type lighter.
`
`Also disposed within the tubular Wrapper 26 is a heat diffuser 30 which is positioned
`
`within the tubular wrapper 26 between the distal end of the flavour generating material 13 and
`
`the glow element 16. The heat diffiiser 30 serves to deliver the hot gas and hot air coming into
`
`the tubular member 26 through the puffing air inlets 18 to the vapour generating material of the
`
`tobacco rod of cigarette 13 through holes contained within the diffuser 30. Additionally, the
`
`heat diffiiser 30 blocks the flame from contact with the cigarette 13 upon the application of
`
`suction at the filter end or mouth end of the cigarette by the user. This facilitates preventing
`
`ignition and substantial burning of the cigarette 13.
`
`In' operation, smoking device 10 is started by lighting the metal filament of the glow
`
`element 16 by placing a lighter under the article in the region of the puffing air inlets. The fuel
`
`is drawn by the non-burning wick 22 into the region of the metal filament and the presence of a
`
`flame causes the fuel to vapourise. The vapourised fuel reacts on the metal filament, which
`
`then glows continuously. During the puff by the consumer, air is pulled through the puffing air
`
`VMR—EX. 1012—006
`
`VMR-Ex. 1012-006
`
`

`

`W0 03/034847
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`PCT/GB02/04766
`
`5
`
`inlets 18, across the metal filament, causing combustion of the vapourised fuel.
`
`Between
`
`puffs, the filament 16 maintains its glow. When ready to extinguish the smoking article, the
`
`fuel supply is cut off by sliding a sleeve or the like (not shown), such as a ceramic tube, over
`
`the tubular wrapping covering the puffing air inlets 18, thereby cutting the air supply and
`
`causing extinguishment. Alternatively a large cap is provided which covers the distal end of
`
`the tubular wrapper, including covering the puffing air inlets 18. A further alternative is the
`
`combination of the slideable sleeve and a smaller cap placed over the mouth end of the tube
`
`when the cigarette is removed.
`
`The fuel element can be detached from the simulated smoking article after use and is
`
`re—usable with another cigarette.
`
`In addition, the cigarette is removable from the simulated smoking article and can be
`
`smoked as a conventional smoking article, i.e. combusted upon application of a flame, if so
`
`desired.
`
`VMR—EX. 1012—007
`
`VMR-Ex. 1012-007
`
`

`

`W0 03/034847
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`PCT/GB02/04766
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`6
`
`CLAIMS
`
`A fuel element adapted for use with a simulated smoking article, said fuel element
`
`comprising a fuel tank having an opening in one end, a fuel cartridge disposed within
`
`said fuel tank, said fuel cartridge including a liquid fuel, a wick in flow communication
`
`with said cartridge, and a glow element adjacent to said wick and operative in response
`
`to burning of fuel from said Wick.
`
`The fuel element of Claim 1, wherein said liquid fuel is selected from the group
`
`consisting of ethanol and low molecular weight hydrocarbon oils.
`
`A
`
`The fuel element of Claim 1 or 2, wherein said glow element is copper, brass, platinum
`
`or a metallic alloy.
`
`The fuel element of Claim 3, wherein said glow element is a filament.
`The fuel element of any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein said fuel cartridge includes a
`
`porous medium.
`
`The fuel element of Claim 5, wherein said porous medium is cellulose acetate, low
`
`density polyethylene, ethyl vinyl acetate, carbon fibres, cotton or other fabric materials.
`
`The fuel element of any one of Claims 1-6, wherein said wick material is non-burning
`
`fibres or glass capillary tubes.
`
`.
`
`The fuel element of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said air inlet holes are
`
`located upstream of said glow filament.
`
`The fuel element of any one of Claims 1, 4 or 5, wherein said glow element comprises a
`chamber containing catalyst material formed of beads or fibrous particles.
`1
`t
`
`The fuel element of Claim 9, wherein said catalyst is copper, brass, platinum coated
`
`ceramic or a coated ceramic based material.
`
`The fuel element of Claim 5, wherein said wick and said porous medium are the same
`material.
`'
`
`10.
`
`ll.
`
`12.
`
`The fuel element of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said wick is enclosed by a
`
`tube.
`
`13.
`
`14.
`
`The fuel element of Claim 12, wherein said tube is a ceramic.
`
`A simulated smoking article comprising a tubular wrapper, a flavour generating
`
`material disposed within a mouth end of said tubular wrapper, and a fuel element
`
`disposed within a distal end of said tubular wrapper and being spaced fiom said flavour
`
`generating material.
`
`15.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 14, wherein said flavour generating material is
`
`VMR—EX. 1012—008
`
`VMR-Ex. 1012-008
`
`

`

`W0 03/034847
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`PCT/GB02/04766
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`16.
`
`17.
`
`18.
`
`19.
`
`20.
`
`21.
`
`22.
`
`23.
`
`24
`
`25.
`
`26.
`
`27.
`
`28.
`
`29.
`
`a cigarette.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 14 including puffing air inlets in said hollow
`
`tube upstream of said fuel element.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claims 14, 15 or 16 wherein said flavour generating
`
`material is tobacco.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claims 14, 15, 16 or 17 including a heat diffuser
`
`between said fiiel element and said flavour generating material.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 18 wherein said heat diffiiser is a wire mesh '
`screen.
`
`The simulated smoking article any one of Claims 14-19 wherein said hollow tube is
`
`ceramic.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 14, wherein said fuel element comprises a fuel
`
`tank having an opening in one end, a fuel cartridge disposed within said fuel tank, said
`
`fuel cartridge including a liquid fuel, a wick in flow communication with said cartridge,
`
`and a glow element adjacent to said wick and operative in response to burning of fuel
`
`from said wick.
`
`The smoking device of Claim 21, said liquid fuel being selected from the group
`
`consisting of ethanol and low molecular weight hydrocarbon oils.
`
`The smoking device of Claim 21 or 22, said glow element being copper, brass,
`platinum or a metallic alloy.
`I
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 23, wherein said glow element is a filament.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 21, wherein said fiJel cartridge includes a
`
`porous medium.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 25, said porous medium being cellulose
`
`acetate, low density polyethylene, ethyl vinyl acetate, carbon filters, cotton, or other
`
`fabric materials.
`
`The simulated smoking article of any one of Claims 21-26, said wick being non-
`
`buming fibres or glass capillary tubes.
`
`The simulated smoking article of any one of Claims 21-27, wherein air inlet holes are
`
`located upstream of said glow element.
`
`The simulated smoking article of any one of Claims 21-28, wherein glow element
`
`comprising a chamber with catalyst material formed of beads or fibrous particles.
`
`30.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 29, said catalyst being copper, brass,
`
`platinum coated ceramic or a coated ceramic based material.
`
`VMR—EX. 1012—009
`
`VMR-Ex. 1012-009
`
`

`

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`8
`
`31.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 25, said wick and said porous media being the
`
`same material.
`
`32.
`
`The simulated smoking article of any one of Claims 21-31,
`
`including a tube
`
`surrounding said wick.
`
`33.
`
`34.
`
`35.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 32, said tube being a ceramic.
`
`The fuel element of any one of the Claim 1-13, wherein said fuel element is received
`
`within a tubular wrapper.
`The fuel element according to Claim 34, wherein said tubular wrapper is non-
`
`combustible on the application of flame.
`
`36.
`
`The the] element of Claim 34, wherein said tubular element is comprised of one or
`
`more of ceramic, meerschaum, metal, paper, paperboard, reconstituted tobacco, wood,
`
`bamboo, glass and metal foil.
`
`37.
`
`The simulated smoking article of any of Claims 14-33, wherein said wrapper is non-
`
`combustible on the applications of flame.
`
`38.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 37, wherein said tubular wrapper is comprised
`
`of ceramic, meerschaum, metal, paper, paperboard, reconstituted tobacco, wood,
`
`bamboo, glass and metal foil.
`
`VMR—EX. 1012—010
`
`VMR-Ex. 1012-010
`
`

`

`W0 03/034847
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`PCT/GB02/04766
`
`9
`
`AMENDED CLAIMS
`
`[Received by the International Bureau on 13 March 2003 (13.03.03):
`original claims 14 and 21 have been combined; original claim 21 deleted; new claim 38
`consisting of a combination of original claims 14 and 15 added; minor amendments to
`claims 22 and 23; remaining claims unchanged (3 pages)]
`
`A fuel element adapted for use with a simulated smoking article, said fuel element
`
`comprising a fuel tank having an opening in one end, a fiiel cartridge disposed within
`
`said fuel
`
`tank,
`
`said fuel cartridge including a liquid fuel,
`
`a wick in flow
`
`communication with said cartridge, and a glow element adjacent to said wick and
`
`operative in response to burning of fuel from said wick.
`
`The fuel element of Claim 1, wherein said liquid fuel is selected from the group
`
`consisting of ethanol and low molecular weight hydrocarbon oils.
`
`The fuel element of Claim 1 or 2, wherein said glow element is copper, brass,
`
`platinum or a metallic alloy.
`
`The fuel element of Claim 3, wherein said glow element is a filament.
`
`The fuel element of any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein said fuel cartridge includes a
`
`porous medium.
`
`The fiiel element of Claim 5, wherein said porous medium is cellulose acetate, low
`
`density polyethylene, ethyl vinyl acetate, carbon fibres, cotton or other fabric
`
`materials.
`
`The fuel element of any one of Claims 1-6, wherein said wick material is non-burning
`
`fibres or glass capillary tubes.
`
`.
`
`The fuel element of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said air inlet holes are
`
`located upstream of said glow filament.
`
`The fuel element of any one of Claims 1, 4 or 5, wherein said glow element comprises
`
`a chamber containing catalyst material formed of beads or fibrous particles.
`
`The fuel element of Claim 9, wherein said catalyst is copper, brass, platinum coated
`
`ceramic or a coated ceramic based material.
`
`The fuel element of Claim 5, wherein said wick and said porous medium are the same
`
`material.
`
`The fuel element of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said wick is enclosed by
`
`a tube.
`
`The fuel element of Claim 12, wherein said tube is a ceramic.
`
`A simulated smoking article comprising a tubular wrapper, a flavour generating
`
`material disposed within a mouth end of said tubular wrapper, and a fiiel element
`
`disposed within a distal end of said tubular wrapper and being spaced from said
`
`AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)
`
`10.
`
`11.
`
`12.
`
`13.
`
`14.
`
`VMR-EX . 1012—011
`
`VMR-Ex. 1012-011
`
`

`

`W0 03/034847
`
`PCT/GB02/04766
`
`10
`
`flavour generating material, said fuel element comprising a fuel
`
`tank having an
`
`opening in one end, a fuel cartridge disposed within said fuel tank, said fuel cartridge
`
`including a liquid fuel, a wick in flow communication with said cartridge, and a glow
`
`element adjacent to said wick and operative in response to burning of fuel from said
`
`wick.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 14, wherein said flavour generating material
`
`is a cigarette.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 14 including puffing air inlets in said hollow
`
`tube upstream of said fuel element.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claims 14, 15 or 16 wherein said flavour generating
`
`material is tobacco.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claims 14, 15, 16 or 17 including a heat diffuser
`
`between said fuel element and said flavour generating material.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 18 wherein said heat diffuser is a wire mesh
`
`SCI'CCII.
`
`The simulated smoking article any one of Claims 14-19 wherein said hollow tube is
`
`ceramic.
`
`The simulated smoking article of any one of Claims 14-20, said liquid fuel being
`
`selected from the group consisting of ethanol and low molecular weight hydrocarbon
`
`oils.
`
`The simulated smoking article of any one of Claims 14-21, said glow element being
`
`copper, brass, platinum or a metallic alloy.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 22, wherein said glow element is a filament.
`
`The simulated smoking article of any one of Claims 14-23, wherein said fuel cartridge
`
`includes a porous medium.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 24, said porous medium being cellulose
`
`acetate, low density polyethylene, ethyl vinyl acetate, carbon filters, cotton, or other
`
`fabric materials.
`
`The simulated smoking article of any one of Claims 14-25, said wick being non-
`
`burning fibres or glass capillary tubes.
`
`The simulated smoking article of any one of Claims 14-26, wherein air inlet holes are
`
`located upstream of said glow element.
`
`The simulated smoking article of any one of Claims 14-27, wherein said glow element
`
`15.
`
`16.
`
`17.
`
`18.
`
`19.
`
`20.
`
`21.
`
`22.
`
`23.
`
`24.
`
`25.
`
`26.
`
`27.
`
`28.
`
`AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)
`
`VMR-EX . 1012—012
`
`VMR-Ex. 1012-012
`
`

`

`W0 03/034847
`
`PCT/GB02/04766
`
`11
`
`29.
`
`30.
`
`31.
`
`32.
`
`33.
`
`34.
`
`35.
`
`36.
`
`37.
`
`38.
`
`comprises a chamber with catalyst m'aterial formed of beads or fibrous particles.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 28, said catalyst being copper, brass,
`
`platinum coated ceramic or a coated ceramic based material.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 24, said wick and said porous media being
`
`the same material.
`
`The simulated smoking article of any one of Claims 14-30,
`
`including a tube
`
`surrounding said wick.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 31, said tube being a ceramic.
`
`The fuel element of any one of the Claim 1-13, wherein said fuel element is received
`
`within a tubular wrapper.
`
`The fuel element according to Claim 33, wherein said tubular wrapper is non-
`
`combustible on the application of flame.
`
`The fuel element of Claim 33, wherein said tubular element is comprised of one or
`
`more of ceramic, meerschaum, metal, paper, paperboard, reconstituted tobacco, wood,
`
`bamboo, glass and metal foil.
`
`The simulated smoking article of any of Claims 14-32, wherein said wrapper is non-
`
`:combustible on the applications of flame.
`
`The simulated smoking article of Claim 36, wherein said tubular wrapper is
`
`comprised of ceramic, meerschaum, metal, paper, paperboard, reconstituted tobacco,
`
`wood, bamboo, glass and metal foil.
`
`A simulated smoking article comprising a tubular wrapper, a flavour generating
`
`material disposed within a mouth end of said tubular wrapper, and a fuel element
`
`disposed within a distal end of said tubular wrapper and being spaced from said
`
`flavour generating material, said flavour generating material being a cigarette.
`
`AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)
`
`VMR—EX. 1012—013
`
`VMR-Ex. 1012-013
`
`

`

`W0 03/034847
`
`PCT/GB02/04766
`
`U1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`12
`
`VMR—EX. 1012—014
`
`VMR-Ex. 1012-014
`
`

`

`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`A. CLASSIFICATION OF s BJECT MATTER
`IPC 7
`A24F47 00
`
`In‘
`
`anal Application No
`
`PCT/GB 02/04766
`
`Accordingto International Patent Classification (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC
`B. FIELDS SEARCHED
`
`Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols)
`IPC 7
`A24F
`
`Documentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents are included in the fields searched
`
`Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name of data base and, where practical, search terms used)
`
`EPO-Internai
`
`C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
`
`Category °
`
`Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate. of the relevant passages
`
`Relevant to claim No.
`
`US 5 944 025 A (WALTERMIRE BETH E
`31 August 1999 (1999—08—31)
`the whoie document
`
`ET AL)
`
`US 5 076 292 A (RIDINGS HENRY T
`31 December 1991 (1991-12-31)
`coTumn 5, Tine 59 -coTumn 6, Tine 22
`
`ET AL)
`
`ET AL)
`
`14,16,17
`
`
`
`
`
`US 5 203 355 A (CLEARMAN JACK F
`20 April 1993 (1993—04-20)
`coTumn 6, Tine 22 —coiumn 7,
`
`line 49
`
`US 5 247 947 A (CLEARMAN JACK F
`28 September 1993 (1993—09-28)
`abstract; figures
`
`ET AL)
`
`_/__
`
`Further documents are listed in the continuation of box C.
`
`Patent family members are listed in annex.
`
`° Special categories of cited documents :
`
`'A' document defining the general state of the art which Is not
`considered to be of particular relevance
`'E' earlier document but publlshed on or afterthe international
`filing date
`'L' document which may throw doubts on priority claim(s) or
`which is cited to establish the publication date of another
`citation or other special reason (as specified)
`'0' document referring to an oral disclosure, use. exhibition or
`other means
`'P' document published prior to the international filing date but
`Iaterthan the priority date claimed
`
`'T'
`
`later document published after the international filing date
`or priority date and not in conflict with the application but
`cited to understand the principle or theory underlying the
`invention
`'X' document of particular relevance; the claimed invention
`cannot be considered novel or cannot be considered to
`Involve an inventive step when the document is taken alone
`'Y' document of particular relevance; the claimed invention
`cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the
`document is combined with one or more other such docu—
`ments, such combination being obvious to a person skilled
`in the art.
`'&' document member of the same patent family
`
`Date of the actual completion of the international search
`
`Date of mailing of the international search report
`
`13 January 2003
`
`Name and mailing address of the ISA
`European Patent Office, PB. 5818 Patentlaan 2
`NL — 2280 HV leswilk
`Tel. (+3140) 340—2040, Tx. 31 651 epo nl.
`Fax: (+31—70) 340—3016
`
`Form PCT/ISAIZiO (second sheet) (Juiy 1992)
`
`20/01/2003
`Authorized officer
`
`MARZANO MONTERO.., M
`
`page 1 of 2
`
`VMR—EX. 1012—015
`
`VMR-Ex. 1012-015
`
`

`

`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`'"
`
`
`
`'°"a”‘PP"°a"°"”°
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`US 5 240 012 A (EHRMAN JIM M
`31 August 1993 (1993—08-31)
`the whoTe document
`
`ET AL)
`
`FR 1 537 026 A (SYNECTICS)
`23 August 1968 (1968—08—23)
`page 3, Teft—hand column, Tine 41 — Tine
`58
`
`GB 1 083 761 A (BATTELLE MEMORIAL
`INSTITUTE) 20 September 1967 (1967-09—20)
`cited in the appTication
`the whoTe document
`
`1
`
`14
`
`1,14
`
`1,14
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Form PCT/ISN210 (contrnuation 01 second sheet) (July 1992)
`
`page 2 of 2
`
`
`
`VMR—EX. 1012—016
`
`VMR-Ex. 1012-016
`
`

`

`INTERNAHONALSEARCHREPORT
`
`
`
`Patent family
`member(s)
`
`Int ‘
`
`lonal Application No
`
`PCT/GB 02/04766
`
`Publication
`date
`
`Patent document
`cited in search report
`
`Publication
`date
`
`US 5944025
`
`A
`
`31-08-1999
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`06-07-2000
`721540 B2
`AU
`31-07-1998
`5614398 A
`AU
`25-01-2000
`9713807 A
`BR
`29-03-2000
`1248888 A
`CN
`20-10-1999
`0949873 A1
`EP
`28-07-2000
`0000835 A2
`HU
`10-03—2002
`130690 A
`IL
`
`
`12-06-2001
`2001507576 T
`JP
`10-08-1999
`993224 A
`NO
`30-03-2001
`336550 A
`NZ
`
`
`28-02-2000
`