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`US 20070102013Al
`
`c19) United States
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`Adams et al.
`
`c10) Pub. No.: US 2007/0102013 Al
`May 10, 2007
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) ELECTRICAL SMOKING SYSTEM
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: John M. Adams, Mechanicsville, VA
`(US); William J. Crowe, Chester, VA
`(US); John R. Hearn, Midlothian, VA
`(US); Robert E. Lee, Riclnnond, VA
`(US); Brett W. Stevenson, Riclnnond,
`VA (US); Zuyin Yang, Midlothian, VA
`(US); James D. Baggett JR.,
`Riclnnond, VA (US); John R. Hairfield
`JR., Chester, VA (US); Steven J.
`Larson, Riclnnond, VA (US); Robert
`L. Ripley, Midlothian, VA (US); Susan
`E. Wrenn, Chesterfield, VA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`BUCHANAN, INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC
`POST OFFICE BOX 1404
`ALEXANDRIA, VA 22313-1404 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc., Riclnnond, VA
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/528,274
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Sep. 28, 2006
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/722,036, filed on Sep.
`30, 2005.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`A24F 3/00
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ............................................ 131/273; 131/185
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A tobacco mass is heated to a temperature of about 150° to
`about 220° C. to release flavorful tobacco volatiles, which
`are entrained in air passing through the tobacco mass, and
`condensed to form an inhalable aerosol. The tobacco mass
`may have a rotationally symmetric shape, with at least part
`of its surface in heat transfer relationship with a heater. The
`heater may be an external shell, an internal rod, or a plate.
`A shell can enclose the heater and tobacco mass and define
`a preheating chamber for inflowing air. A mouthpiece, with
`or without a filter, may be arranged in fluid communication
`with the tobacco mass to direct the aerosol from the heating
`system.
`
`20
`
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`
`30
`
`64
`
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`
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`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1007
`Page 001
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 10, 2007 Sheet 1 of 5
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`US 2007/0102013 Al
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`Exhibit 1007
`Page 002
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`Exhibit 1007
`Page 003
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`

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`Exhibit 1007
`Page 005
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication May 10, 2007 Sheet 5 of 5
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`Exhibit 1007
`Page 006
`
`

`

`US 2007/0102013 Al
`
`May 10, 2007
`
`1
`
`ELECTRICAL SMOKING SYSTEM
`
`FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
`
`[0001] This disclosure relates generally to tobacco smok(cid:173)
`ing systems using electrical energy rather than combustion.
`More particularly, the smoking system disclosed here gen(cid:173)
`erates an aerosol through conductive and/or convective
`combustionless heating of tobacco by an electrical heating
`source.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0002] A quantity of tobacco is placed in contact with a
`heating system. Passageways are provided for air to move
`through the heating system and the tobacco. The heating
`system raises the temperature of the tobacco to the range of
`about 150 to about 220° C. by direct contact with the
`tobacco, by convective heat transfer to the tobacco, and/or
`by heating the air which in tum heats the tobacco. The
`heated tobacco releases volatiles which subsequently cool to
`form an aerosol for delivery from the heating system.
`
`[0003] The tobacco may have a variety of shapes includ(cid:173)
`ing without limitation a pillow shape, a generally rotation(cid:173)
`ally symmetric shape, a generally cylindrical plug, a gener(cid:173)
`ally cylindrical shell, a generally circular disk, a plug shape,
`a pellet shape, a cigarette shape, and the like.
`
`[0004] The heating system may also have a variety of
`configurations. By way of example, and without limitation,
`the heating system may include a heating element such as a
`generally cylindrical heated shell with both ends open, a
`generally cylindrical heated shell with a closed end, an
`insertable heating element, a heated disk, a pair of heated
`disks, or the like. Such heating elements may be fabricated
`from an electrically resistive material which heats when
`electrical current passes through it. Such heating elements
`may also include either internal or external heating devices
`such as wires. Air may pass axially through the tobacco and
`the heating system. Alternatively, air may enter the tobacco
`radially and exit substantially axially. In addition, the heat(cid:173)
`ing system may be arranged such that air is preliminarily
`heated before being directed into the tobacco.
`
`If desired, a mouthpiece, with or without a filter,
`[0005]
`may be used with the heating system both to define a cooling
`region for the tobacco volatiles, and to direct the resulting
`aerosol to the consumer.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`several
`[0006] The accompanying drawings depict
`embodiments of the electrically heated tobacco smoking
`system of this disclosure. In the accompanying drawings,
`like reference numerals are applied to like elements.
`
`[0007] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electrically
`heated tobacco smoking system.
`
`[0008] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electrically
`heated tobacco smoking system taken along the line 2-2 of
`FIG. 1.
`
`[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the electrically heated tobacco smoking system.
`
`[0010] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
`4-4 of FIG. 3.
`
`[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the electrically
`heated smoking system of FIG. 1 including a mouthpiece.
`
`[0012] FIG. 6 is an end view of the electrically heated
`tobacco smoking system of FIG. 5.
`
`[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the electrically heated tobacco smoking system.
`
`[0014] FIG. 8 is an end view of the electrically heated
`tobacco smoking system of FIG. 7.
`
`[0015] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an electrically
`heated tobacco smoking system using a pillow of tobacco
`material.
`
`[0016] FIG. 10 is an end view of the electrically heated
`tobacco smoking system of FIG. 9.
`
`[0017] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an electrically
`heated tobacco smoking system having radial inflow of air.
`
`[0018] FIG. 12 is an end view of the electrically heated
`tobacco smoking system of FIG. 11.
`
`[0019] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an electrically
`heated tobacco smoking system having counter-current heat
`exchange.
`
`[0020] FIG. 14 is an end view of the electrically heated
`tobacco smoking system of FIG. 13.
`
`[0021] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an electrically
`heated tobacco smoking system with a toroidal tobacco
`mass.
`
`[0022] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
`16-16 of FIG. 15.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0023] Turning to FIG. 1, an electrically operated tobacco
`smoking system 20 according to this disclosure is depicted.
`The smoking system 20 includes at least a heating system 22
`and a tobacco mass that may comprise a plug 24 of cut filler
`tobacco. The heating system may be an inductively heated
`arrangement, a resistively heated arrangement, a radiantly
`heated arrangement, or a convectively heated arrangement.
`Here, resistively heated arrangements will be described as
`currently preferred embodiments. The tobacco plug 24 pref(cid:173)
`erably weighs in the range of 5 to 500 mg. For single and
`multiple puff applications, weights in the range of 5 to 150
`mg. are more preferable. Weights in the range of 300 to 500
`mg. are more preferable where tobacco is to be used on
`multiple occasions. The tobacco mass may be made from
`any type of tobacco, or from any portion of the tobacco plant
`including, without limitation, sheet products, dust, leaf,
`stem, and combinations thereof. In the final form, the
`tobacco mass could involve any type of common tobacco
`processing steps including, without limitation, blending,
`flavoring, and the like.
`
`If desired, the tobacco plug 24 may include a paper
`[0024]
`or mesh cover or carrier to facilitate handling. When paper
`is used around the tobacco plug, the paper substrate may
`have porosity and weight selected according to the particular
`shape of the heating chamber and the manner in which the
`tobacco plug 24 is to be used. For example, where the
`tobacco plug 24 is replaceable, the paper needs to have
`sufficient strength to maintain integrity of the tobacco plug
`during handling, removal, and insertion. Moreover, where
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1007
`Page 007
`
`

`

`US 2007/0102013 Al
`
`May 10, 2007
`
`2
`
`the paper covers the principal movement of air through the
`smoking system, the paper needs to have sufficient porosity
`to allow air movement therethrough. Where a mesh material
`is selected, mesh opening should be sized small enough to
`contain a substantial majority, if not all, of the cut filler
`tobacco particles.
`[0025] The tobacco mass may also be formed from
`tobacco particles. Whether particles or other tobacco cuts are
`used, the tobacco itself may function as a binder to hold
`tobacco pieces in a preferred shape. If desired, the tobacco
`used in the system can be pretreated to enhance flavor
`generation. Similarly, if desired, flavorants can be provided
`on the tobacco surface.
`[0026] The tobacco mass may be rotationally symmetric in
`shape or configuration. Moreover, the tobacco mass may be
`generally cylindrical, disk-like, or generally toroidal. Where
`a cylindrical configuration is adopted, it may be solid or
`shell-like with an open center. The particular shape of the
`tobacco mass is preferably adapted to the shape of the
`heating apparatus.
`[0027] The heating system 22 substantially encloses or
`surrounds a substantial portion of the tobacco mass such that
`at least part of the surface of the tobacco mass conforms to
`the heating apparatus. An actuation system connected with
`the heating system 22 is operable to electrically energize the
`heating system 22. The actuation system may include a
`source of electrical energy such as one or more batteries 37.
`To preserve battery life and to control activation of the
`heating system 22, a suitable switch 38 may be connected in
`series with the batteries 37. Depending on the application,
`the switch 38 may be a push-button switch, a flow sensing
`device, or a puff sensing device. A suitable conductor 36
`connects the batteries 37, the switch 38, and the heating
`system 22 in series.
`[0028] The heating system 22 is operable to heat the
`tobacco mass to a temperature in the range of about 150° to
`about 220° C. to release flavorful volatiles without reaching
`the tobacco kindling temperature and without generating
`smoke and/or ash. Further, the heating system defines a heat
`transfer channel or pathway through which air is directed.
`[0029] As shown, the heating system 22 may comprise a
`generally cylindrical shell having both ends open. As best
`seen in FIG. 2, the generally cylindrical shell surrounds the
`sides of the tobacco plug 24. The heating system 22 is
`electrically energized to generate heat. To that end, the
`heating system 22 may be connected to a suitable source of
`electrical energy, such as, for example, domestic power grid,
`portable power generating devices like an automobile ciga(cid:173)
`rette lighter, batteries, and any other suitable conventional
`source. The source of energy must be capable of delivering
`heat from the heating system 22 to the tobacco plug 24 so
`that the tobacco in the plug is raised to a temperature in the
`range of about 150° C. to about 220° C. Within this
`temperature range, the tobacco releases flavorful volatiles
`that produce a satisfying experience while generating little
`to no visible smoke.
`[0030] The heating system 22 may operate continuously
`for a period of time corresponding to the length of time
`normally used to smoke a cigarette. Conventionally, that
`length of time is typically taken as about 5 to 10 minutes.
`Alternatively, the heating system 22 may operate intermit(cid:173)
`tently, on demand, for example in response to puffs by the
`system user.
`
`In use, the heating system 22 is activated, for
`[0031]
`example, by a puff sensor or a suitable "on-off" device.
`Ambient air 26 is drawn through the open end 28 of the
`heating system 20 and into the tobacco plug 24. The heating
`system 22 closely conforms to the periphery of the tobacco
`plug 24 and heats the tobacco plug 24 to the desired
`temperature range (about 150° C. to about 220° C.) by
`conductive and/or convective heat transfer to release flavor(cid:173)
`ful volatiles from the tobacco. As the ambient air 26 moves
`through the tobacco plug 24, the air 26 entrains the released
`tobacco volatiles and distills those volatiles by cooling them.
`As the air with entrained volatiles leaves the second end of
`the heating system 22, see arrow 30, exposure to ambient air
`further cools the entrained volatiles to form an aerosol 32
`which is delivered from the heating system 22.
`
`If desired, an aerosol former may be added to the
`[0032]
`tobacco plug 24. Suitable aerosol formers include, for
`example, glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, and the like,
`as well as mixtures thereof. Concentrations of aerosol
`former in the range of about O to about 25% by weight can
`be used. The aerosol formers also enhance tobacco involve(cid:173)
`ment in the aerosol formation.
`
`[0033] After the tobacco plug 24 has been used, it may be
`removed from the heating system 22 and replaced with a
`fresh plug or cartridge. The spent tobacco plug 24 may be
`discarded.
`
`It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
`[0034]
`the electric tobacco smoking system described herein pro(cid:173)
`vides numerous advantages. For example, a smaller amount
`of tobacco is used so tobacco supplies can be extended. By
`using less tobacco, the disposable waste from the smoking
`experience is also reduced. In addition, since the heating
`system releases principally the flavorful volatiles from the
`tobacco which may be perceived as more pleasing than the
`sidestream aroma resulting from cigarette combustion.
`
`[0035] The tobacco plug 24 is not subject to actual com(cid:173)
`bustion as occurs with lit-end smoking articles. Because the
`electric tobacco smoking system described here does not
`have a smoldering coal, it presents less risk of starting a fire
`when carelessly handled than a conventional lit-end ciga(cid:173)
`rette. For the same reason, the smoking system herein
`described requires less cleaning as there is essentially no ash
`with which to contend. Furthermore, the disposable waste
`which does exist has less residual aroma due to the lack of
`combustion. Moreover, absence of smoke should obviate
`non-smoker objections to second-hand smoke.
`
`[0036] Of course, various other embodiments of the elec(cid:173)
`tric tobacco smoking system are not only possible but also
`are within the scope of this disclosure. For example (see
`FIG. 3), the tobacco plug 24 may be substantially enclosed
`by the heating system 22. In this embodiment, the heating
`system may include a heater 40 that is received within a
`generally cylindrical shroud 42. The actuation system of
`FIG. 3 is like that of FIG. 1 and includes conductors 36,
`batteries 37, and a switch 38.
`
`[0037] To provide one or more channels for air flow
`around the heater 40, the heater 40 and/or the shroud 42 may
`include two or more radially outwardly extending ribs 44, 46
`(see FIG. 4) which are operable to space the heater 40 from
`the shroud 42. The ribs 44, 46 may extend longitudinally
`along the outer surface of the heater 40. The ribs 44, 46,
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1007
`Page 008
`
`

`

`US 2007/0102013 Al
`
`May 10, 2007
`
`3
`
`cooperate with the shroud 42 and the heater 40 to define a
`pair of preheating chambers or channels 48, 50 through
`which air can enter the smoking system as indicated by the
`arrows in FIG. 3. At least one of the ribs 44, 46 also extends
`axially beyond the heater 40 and functions as a spacer to
`hold the heater 40 away from the end wall 52 of the shroud
`42.
`
`[0038] The cross-sectional area of the channels 48, 50 may
`be selected as desired. For example, it may be desired to
`provide a flow area around the heater 40 which is equivalent
`to the flow area through the inside of the heater 40. Or, it
`may be desired to provide a flow area equivalent to the flow
`area through the tobacco plug 24. Regardless of the flow
`area selected, the heater 40 is preferably spaced from the end
`wall 52 by a sufficient distance that the flow area at the inner
`end of the heater 40 is at least as large as the flow area
`through the channels 48, 50. In this manner, the puff
`resistance (resistance-to-draw) is defined by the tobacco
`plug rather than by the assembly of the heater 40 and the
`shroud 42.
`
`[0039] With the arrangement of FIGS. 3 and 4, air entering
`the electric tobacco smoking system, see arrows 54, flows
`axially through the preheating chambers or channels 48, 50
`between the heater 40 and the shroud 42. During that time,
`the air is heated by thermal energy that might otherwise
`escape from the outer surface of the heater 40. That air then
`passes around the end of the heater, and flows through the
`tobacco plug 24 where it picks up flavorful volatiles from the
`tobacco heated by the heater 40. As the air 54 leaves the
`heater 40, it cools so that the volatiles condense and form the
`aerosol 56 for delivery from the heating system 22.
`
`[0040] If desired, the spacing between the heater 40 and
`the shroud 42 may be accomplished with structures other
`than the longitudinal ribs described above. For example,
`discontinuous ribs, radially extending pins, and baffles may
`be used as desired. Baffles might be used to improve heat
`transfer to air under some circumstances.
`
`[0041] Thus, the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 improves
`the heat transfer to air and is more efficient than embodi(cid:173)
`ments without the shroud 42.
`[0042] The electric tobacco smoking system of this dis(cid:173)
`closure may also include a mouthpiece 60 (see FIGS. 5 and
`6) having an end in fluid communication with the tobacco
`mass. The mouthpiece 60 may be constructed and arranged
`such that it has a cross-sectional configuration correspond(cid:173)
`ing to the cross section of the heater assembly 22. In
`addition, the mouthpiece 60 may include a generally cylin(cid:173)
`drical shell 62 and an attachment sheath 64. The shell 62
`preferably extends outwardly from the tobacco plug 24, has
`an open interior, and provides a channel or passage to deliver
`the aerosol 32. The shell 62 also functions to provide
`structural support for the heater 22 and tobacco plug 24. The
`sheath 64 preferably surrounds the shell 62 and may be
`constructed from paper or any other suitable conventional
`material.
`[0043] The sheath 64 extends beyond the end of the shell
`62 and into an opening within the heating assembly 22,
`which opening may be between the heating assembly 22 and
`the tobacco mass. By attaching the sheath 64 to the electric
`tobacco smoking system 20, the combination of the smoking
`system 20 and the mouthpiece 60 cosmetically resembles a
`conventional cigarette.
`
`[0044] When more than one mouthpiece 60 will be used
`with the smoking system 20, or when one mouthpiece 60
`will be used with more than one smoking system 20, the
`sheath may be fabricated from a sufficiently rigid material
`that the mouthpiece can be removably attached to the
`smoking system 20 by inserting the extending portion of the
`sheath 64 between the heating assembly 22 and the tobacco
`plug 24. For some applications, it may also be desirable to
`provide a suitable filter (not shown) such as a plug of
`cellulose acetate in the discharge end of the mouthpiece 60.
`Typically, such a filter would be located at an end of the
`mouthpiece. The actuation system of FIG. 5 is like that of
`FIG. 1 and includes conductors 36, batteries 37, and a switch
`38; however, in FIG. 5, the switch 38 may be a puff sensing
`device or an air flow sensing device.
`
`[0045] Another arrangement for the heating assembly is
`shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In this embodiment, the heating
`assembly includes an end piece 70 and a projection 72. The
`projection 72 may, for example, be a rod constructed and
`arranged so that it can be inserted into and received by the
`tobacco plug 24. The axial length of the projection 72 is
`selected so that it does not extend all the way through the
`tobacco plug. The end piece or heater disk 70 includes air
`passages or openings 74, 76 through which air can be
`introduced into the tobacco plug 24. At least one of the end
`piece 70 and the projection 72 may be energized to generate
`heat, e.g., by resistance heating or induction heating. Pres(cid:173)
`ently it is contemplated that both the end piece 70 and the
`projection 72 are capable of generating heat. However, if the
`tobacco plug 24 has a small diameter compared to the
`transverse dimensions of the projection 72, sufficient heat
`may be generated by the projection 72 that additional heat
`from the end piece 70 is not needed. The actuation system
`of FIG. 7 is like that of FIG. 1 and includes conductors 36,
`batteries 37, and a switch 38.
`
`[0046] While the end piece 70 is depicted with two
`openings, the number, arrangement, and shape of the open(cid:173)
`ings can vary. For example, a pattern of circular holes could
`be used if desired. Where the end piece 70 is heated, heat
`transfer to the air passing through the openings can be
`increased by using smaller openings.
`
`[0047] If desired, the heating assembly 70, 72 and the
`associated tobacco plug 24 may be enclosed in other struc(cid:173)
`tures. For example, a cylindrical shell may surround the
`tobacco plug, or the tobacco plug along with the end piece
`70. Such a cylindrical shell could also include a mouthpiece
`portion.
`
`[0048] The embodiments discussed above include a gen(cid:173)
`erally cylindrical plug of tobacco; however, that shape for
`the tobacco is not critical. The cross section may be circular,
`as shown. Alternatively, the cross section can be uniform or
`non-uniform and can have any desired shape such a polygo(cid:173)
`nal, elliptical, oval, toroidal, and the like. Moreover, the
`tobacco can have other suitable shapes as will be apparent to
`those skilled in the art. For example, the tobacco can be
`shaped as a pillow, i.e., a unit having a depth which is small
`compared with the transverse dimension. The pillow may be
`circular, rectangular, polygonal, polygonal with rounded
`corners, toroidal, or the like.
`
`[0049] A generally circular embodiment of the pillow
`arrangement is depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10. Here, the pillow
`80 is fashioned from cut filler tobacco. As desired, the pillow
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1007
`Page 009
`
`

`

`US 2007/0102013 Al
`
`May 10, 2007
`
`4
`
`80 may include a permeable membrane surrounding it to
`hold its shape and facilitate handling. The thickness of the
`pillow 80 may be in the range of 10-80% of a nominal
`transverse dimension of the pillow 80. In the context of FIG.
`9, the nominal transverse dimension would be measured in
`the vertical direction and would correspond to the diameter
`of the pillow 80. The pillow thickness would be measured in
`the horizontal direction, axially in the direction of airflow.
`
`[0050] The heating system 82 for this embodiment com(cid:173)
`prises a heating plate in heat transfer relationship with the
`tobacco pillow 80. The actuation system of FIG. 9 is like that
`of FIG. 1 and includes conductors 36, batteries 37, and a
`switch 38. The plate 82 may be a generally circular disk and
`may include a plurality of openings 84 to permit air to flow
`into the pillow 80. Those openings 84 may have any desired
`shape. In some applications, the openings 84 will be sized to
`provide heat transfer from the heating plate 82 to air (see
`arrows 86) before the air enters the tobacco pillow 80.
`
`[0051] Thermal energy from the plate 82 is applied to the
`tobacco pillow 80 by conduction and convection so that the
`temperature of the pillow is raised to release the flavorful
`volatiles. As with other embodiments, that temperature lies
`in the range of about 150° to about 220° C. As air leaves the
`tobacco pillow with the entrained flavorful volatiles (see
`arrows 88), the flavorful volatiles cool to form an aerosol
`(see arrow 90).
`
`[0052] A pillow 80 having radial air inflow and axial
`outflow is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. In this embodiment,
`the heating arrangement may include a disk-shaped heater
`92 and an annular heater 94. The disk heater 92 and the
`annular heater 94 are spaced from one another by a distance
`corresponding to the thickness of the pillow 80 and sand(cid:173)
`wich the pillow therebetween. Both the disk heater 92 and
`the annular heater 94 have heat transfer relationship with the
`pillow 80 so that the heaters 92, 94 can raise the temperature
`of tobacco in the pillow 80 to a temperature sufficient to
`release the flavorful volatiles (i.e., about 150° to about 220°
`C.). The actuation system of FIG. 11 is like that of FIG. 1
`and includes conductors 36, batteries 37, and a switch 38.
`
`[0053]
`In this arrangement, ambient air enters the pillow
`90 in a generally radial direction, for example, in response
`to inhalation. As the ambient air passes through the pillow
`80, its temperature rises by heat transfer from one or both of
`the heaters 92, 94 and it entrains volatiles released from the
`tobacco. Air with the flavorful tobacco volatiles, turns
`axially and leaves the assembly through a generally circular
`orifice or opening 96 in the center of the annular heater 94.
`The air with entrained tobacco volatiles cools as it leaves the
`heater and condenses to form an aerosol (arrow 98).
`
`[0054] To enhance the heating efficiency of the embodi(cid:173)
`ment of FIGS. 11 and 12, the assembly of a tobacco pillow
`80, the disk heater 92, and the annular heater 94 may be
`enclosed in a housing 100 (see FIGS. 13 and 14). The
`housing 100 may include a wall 102 fabricated from an
`insulating material to reduce heat loss from the disk heater
`92. Preferably the insulating wall 102 is substantially coex(cid:173)
`tensive with the disk heater 92. The housing 100 also
`includes a baffle portion 103 attached to the insulating wall
`102 and operable to direct airflow into the tobacco mass. The
`baffle 103 is spaced radially from both the disk heater 92 and
`the annular heater 94. Moreover, the baffle 103 is spaced
`axially in front of the annular heater 94. Although the
`
`actuation system is not schematically shown in FIG. 13, the
`actuation system for FIG. 13 is like that of FIG. 1 and
`includes conductors, batteries, and a switch.
`
`[0055] With that arrangement, the baffle 103 forms an
`internal channel 104, which receives ambient air through an
`annular opening 106 and directs that ambient air radially
`outwardly through a preheating passage, defined between
`the annular heater 94 and the baffle, to a collector substan(cid:173)
`tially surrounding the peripheral edge of the pillow 80. As
`the air passes the annular heater 94 in the channel 104, the
`air is heated thereby reducing energy loss or waste from the
`annular heater 94. The heated air then passes radially
`inwardly through the pillow 80 between the disk heater 92
`and the annular heater 94 and leaves through the generally
`circular opening 96.
`
`[0056] A generally cylindrical connector tube 108 with a
`generally circular cross section is fitted into the opening 96
`and provides a passageway for heated air with entrained
`tobacco volatiles leaving the pillow 80 through the opening
`96. In addition, the tube 108 cooperates with the central
`opening 110 of the baffle 103 to define an annular inlet
`opening 106. As air leaves the tube 108, it cools and the
`entrained tobacco volatiles form an aerosol.
`
`[0057] Use of a generally toriodal tobacco mass is
`depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16. Here, the structural character(cid:173)
`istics of the electric tobacco heater are essentially the same
`as those of the heater described above in connection with
`FIGS. 13 and 14. Although the actuation system is not
`schematically shown in FIG. 15, the actuation system for
`FIG. 15 is like that of FIG. 1 and includes conductors,
`batteries, and a switch. The principal difference being the
`tobacco mass, which is used. Here the tobacco mass 120 is
`generally toroidally shaped, i.e., shaped like a donut. The
`tobacco donut 120 is sandwiched between the disk heater 92
`and the annular heater 94 so that the tobacco donut contacts
`both heaters. In this way, air is forced to travel through the
`tobacco donut 120. Preferably, the tobacco donut does not
`extend outwardly to touch the shell 103 so that the passage(cid:173)
`way for air is not obstructed.
`
`[0058] The electric tobacco heater (FIG. 15) is shown with
`a mouthpiece 122 attached at one end to the tube 108. At the
`other end, the mouthpiece 122 may include a suitable filter
`124.
`
`[0059]
`It is also contemplated that the tobacco mass may
`be arranged so that successive portions of the tobacco mass
`can be advanced to the heating system. Individual tobacco
`mass portions may be used for a time corresponding gen(cid:173)
`erally to one puff, to multiple puffs, or to correspond to a
`time comparable to the smoking of a conventional cigarette.
`The embodiments of FIGS. 9-12 are particularly well suited
`for such applications. For example, successive tobacco mass
`portions may be carried on a tape and advanced into position
`relative to the heating system by a suitable indexing arrange(cid:173)
`ment. Alternatively, the tobacco mass portions may be
`carried by a cassette, or may comprise discrete packages.
`
`[0060] The terms and phases used herein are not to be
`interpreted with mathematical or geometric precision, rather
`geometric terminology is to be interpreted as meaning
`approximating or similar to the geometric terms and con(cid:173)
`cepts. Where the term "about" is used in relation to a
`number, it is intended that such number has a tolerance of
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1007
`Page 010
`
`

`

`US 2007/0102013 Al
`
`May 10, 2007
`
`5
`
`plus or minus 5%. Similarly, such terms as "generally" and
`"substantially" are intended to encompass both precise
`meanings of the associated terms and concepts as well as to
`provide reasonable latitude which is consistent with form,
`function, and/or meaning.
`
`[0061]
`It will now be apparent to those skilled in the art
`that this specification describes a new, useful, and nonob(cid:173)
`vious smokeless electric tobacco smoking system. It will
`also be apparent to th