Customer Nun'lb~r 2 1 8 3 9
`
`S~bstitute for Form PTO/SB/16
`0
`
`PROVISIONAL APPLICATION FOR PATENT COVER SHEET
`
`tc:o
`.C"'.)
`(1)0
`t.0
`::j~ - o
`~ -o
`"'1" ...
`(")
`O>
`I ~~
`0
`
`T-"
`
`0
`~ This is a request for filing a PROVISIONAL APPLICATION FOR PATENT under 37 C.F.R. § 1.53(c).
`"
`0)
`.c::
`.VJ
`-
`,j
`
`I Docket No.
`
`I 021238-811
`
`I Type a plus sign {+)
`
`inci~o thie> hnv
`
`INVENTOR(s )/APPLICANT(s)
`RESIDENCE (CITY AND EITHER STATE OR
`FOREIGN COUNTRY)
`9398 Hartford Oaks Dr., Mechanicsville, VA
`.
`23116 CITIZENSHIP USA
`1825 Parkway. Lane, Richmond, VA 23225
`C TIZENSHIP USA
`111120 Chalk!~ Roadl-phester, VA 23831
`Cl IZENS IP USA
`[&:I Additional inventors are being named on the ONE
`separately numbered sheets attached hereto.
`TITLE OF THE INVENTION (500 characters max)
`
`LAST NAME
`
`FIRST NAME
`
`MIDDLE INITIAL
`
`Adams
`
`Baggett, Jr.
`
`Crowe
`
`John
`
`James
`
`William
`
`M.
`
`D.
`
`J.
`
`ELECTRICAL SMOKING SYSTEM
`
`CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
`
`Buchanan Ingersoll PC
`Including attorneys from Burns, Doane, Swecker & Mathis
`Customer Number 2 1 8 3 9
`P.O. Box 1404
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1404
`
`UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
`ENCLOSED APPLICATION PARTS (check all that aoo/y)
`[&:I Specification/Claims/Abstract
`D CD(s) Number
`# of Pages
`'lBl Drawing(s)
`# of Sheets
`D Other (specify):
`Total Pages in Spec/Drawings
`E] Application Data Sheet. See 37 CFR 1. 76
`METHOD OF PAYMENT OF FILING FEES {check one)
`
`19
`5
`24
`
`FILING FEE AMOUNT
`Filing Fee (1005)
`D Applicant claims small entity status. See 37 C.F.R. § 1.27.
`Total Page Fee
`D A check or money order is enclosed to cover the filing fees.
`(101+ pages)
`[&:I The Director is hereby authorized to charge any deficiency in filing fees or credit any Total Fee
`Small Entity-
`overpayment to Deposit Account No. 02-4800. This paper is submitted in duplicate. subtract 50%
`D Payment by credit card. Form PT0-2038 is attached.
`Total App.
`Filing Fee
`The invention was made by an agency of the United States Government or under a contract with an agency of the United States Government
`!El No.
`O Yes, the name of the U.S. Government agency and the Government contract number are:
`
`$ 200.00
`
`$ 200.00
`
`$ 0.00
`
`$ 200.00
`
`SEND TO~missionerfor Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`
`SIGNATURE V~
`
`DATE
`
`September30,2005
`
`Peter K. Skiff
`TYPED or PRINTED NAME ·
`(703) 836-6620
`
`Registration No.
`(if appropriate)
`
`31,917
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1024
`Page 001
`
`

`

`PROVISIONAL APPLICATION COVER SHEET
`
`Additional Page
`
`Customer Number 2 1 8 3 9
`
`Substitute for Form PTO/SB/16
`Attorney Docket No.
`021238-811
`Page
`
`ADDITIONAL INVENTOR(s)/APPLICANT(s)
`
`LAST NAME
`
`FIRST NAME
`
`MIDDLE INITIAL
`
`Hairfield, Jr.
`
`Hearn
`
`Larson
`
`Lee
`
`Ripley
`
`Stevenson
`
`Wrenn
`
`Yang
`
`John
`
`John
`
`Steven
`
`Robert
`
`Robert
`
`Brett
`
`Susan
`
`Zuyin
`
`R.
`
`R.
`
`J.
`
`E.
`
`L.
`
`W.
`
`E.
`
`RESIDENCE (CITY AND EITHER STATE OR
`FOREIGN COUNTRY)
`13800 Rockhaven Drive, Chester, VA
`23836 CITIZENSHIP USA
`
`14204 Flag Tail Way, Midlothian, VA
`23112 CITIZENSHIP USA
`
`8619 Den Ark Drive, Richmond, VA
`23535 CITIZENSHIP USA
`
`11802 Prince Regent Place, Richmond,
`VA 23238 CITIZENSHIP USA
`2427 Manakintown Ferry Road,
`Midlothian, VA 23113 CITIZENSHIP USA
`3938 Lake Hills Road, Richmond, VA
`23234 CITIZENSHIP USA
`12130 Ivy Mill Road, Chesterfield, VA
`23832 CITIZENSHIP USA
`1413 Goswick Ridge Road, Midlothian,
`VA 23114 CITIZENSHIP USA
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1024
`Page 002
`
`

`

`PROVISIONAL APPLICATION FOR
`
`UNITED STATES LETTERS PATENT
`
`FOR
`
`ELECTRICAL SMOKI.NG SYSTEM
`
`by
`
`John M. ADAMS
`9398 Hartford Oaks Dr.
`Mechanicsville, VA 23116
`
`James D. BAGGETT, Jr.
`1825 Parkway Lane
`Richmond, VA 23225-7419
`
`William J. CROWE
`11120 Chalkley Road
`Chester, VA 23831
`
`John R. HEARN
`14204 Flag Tail Way
`Midlothian, VA 23112
`
`John R. J1AIRFIELD, Jr.
`13800 Rockhaven Drive
`Cheste.r, VA 23836
`
`Steven J. LARSON
`·· 8619 Den Ark Drive
`Richmond, VA 23535
`
`Robert E. LEE
`11802 Prince Regent Place ·
`Richmond, VA 23238
`
`Robert L. RIPLEY
`2427 Manakintown Ferry Road
`Midlothian, VA 23113
`
`Brett W. STEVENSON
`3938 Lake Hills Road
`Richmond, VA 23234
`
`Zuyin YANG
`1413 Goswick Ridge Road
`Midlothian, VA 23114
`
`Susan E. WRENN
`·. 12130 Ivy Mill Road
`Chesterfield, VA 23832
`
`. :·
`
`'!
`
`'
`
`·..
`Attorney's Docket No. 021238-811
`PM 2228B (D 2039)
`BUCHANANINGERSOLLPC
`P.O. Box 1404
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1404
`(703) 836-6620
`
`i .
`'· ~-.
`
`'
`
`.~
`
`•
`.
`- •• 1
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1024
`Page 003
`
`

`

`Patent
`Attorney's Docket No. 021238-811
`
`ELECTRICAL SMOKING SYSTEM
`
`FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
`
`[0001]
`This disclosure relates generally· to tobacco smoking systems
`using electrical energy rather than combustion. More particularly, the
`smoking system disclosed here generates an aerosol through conductive
`and/or convective combustionless heating of tobacco by an electrical heating
`
`source.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`···,
`
`A quantity of tobacco is placed in contact with a heating
`[0002]
`system. Passageways are provided for air to move through the heating
`
`'
`
`i
`
`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 turn heats the tobacco. Th'~ h~ated ·-·tot:>acco releases volatiles
`which subsequently cool to form an '~'erd~bl 'for'· d~livery from the heating
`system.
`[0003]
`The tobacco may have a variety of shapes including without
`limitation a pillow shape, a . generally rotationally symmetric shape, a
`generally cylindrical plug, a generally cylindrical shell, a generally circular
`disk, a plug shape, a pellet shape, a cigarette shape, and the like.
`[0004]
`The heating systerri 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 paif orheated disks, or the like. Such
`heating elements may be fabribated f ;om = ~n \Hectfi6ally resistive material
`which heats when electrical current passes through it. Such heating
`
`'
`
`'
`
`)
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1024
`Page 004
`
`

`

`Patent
`Attorney's Docket No. 021238-811
`
`-2-
`
`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 heating system may be arranged such that air is preliminarily
`
`heated before being directed into the tobacco.
`[0005]
`If desired, a mouthpiece, with or without a filter, 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
`
`[0006]
`The accompanying drawings depict several embodiments of
`the electrically heated tobacco smoking system of this disclosure.
`In the
`accompanying drawings,
`like reference numerals are applied
`to
`like
`
`FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electrically heated
`
`elements.
`[0007]
`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 embodiment of the
`electrically heated tobacco smoking system .
`. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG.
`[0010]
`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 embodiment of the
`
`electrically heated tobacco smoking system.
`[0014]
`FIG. 8 is an end view of the electrically heated tobacco
`smoking system of FIG. 7.
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1024
`Page 005
`
`

`

`Patent
`Attorney's Docket No. 021238-811
`
`-3-
`
`[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]
`is a cross-sectional view of an electrically heated
`FIG. 11
`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.
`FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG.
`[0022]
`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
`
`resistively heated arrangement, a
`inductively 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 preferably 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
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1024
`Page 006
`
`

`

`Patent
`Attorney's Docket No. 021238-811
`
`-4-
`
`the tobacco plant including, without limitation, sheet products, dust, leaf,
`In the final form, the tobacco mass could
`stem, and combinations thereof.
`
`involve any type of common tobacco processing steps including, without
`limitation, blending, flavoring, and the like.
`[0024]
`If desired, the tobacco plug 24 may include a paper 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 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
`
`The tobacco mass may be rotationally symmetric in shape or
`
`surface.
`[0026]
`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
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1024
`Page 007
`
`

`

`Patent
`Attorney's Docket No. 021238-811
`
`-5-
`
`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 automobfle cigarette 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 not generating
`
`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 intermittently,
`on demand, for example in response to puffs by the system user.
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1024
`Page 008
`
`

`

`Patent
`Attorney's Docket No. 021238-811
`
`-6-
`
`[0031]
`puff sensor or a suitable "on-off' device. Ambient air 26 is drawn through the
`
`ln use, the heating system 22 is activated, for example, by a
`
`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 flavorful 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.
`[0032]
`If desired, an aerosol former may be added to the 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 involvement in the aerosol
`
`formation.
`[0033]
`from the heating system 22 and replaced with a fresh plug or cartridge. The
`
`After the tobacco plug 24 has been used, it may be removed
`
`spent tobacco plug 24 may be discarded.
`[0034]
`It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the electric
`tobacco smoking system described herein provides 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, if those same volatiles
`form smoke the sidestream aroma is more pleasing than the sidestream
`
`aroma resulting from cigarette combustion.
`[0035]
`Since the tobacco plug 24 is not subject to actual combustion
`as occurs with most smokable objects, the electric tobacco smoking system
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1024
`Page 009
`
`

`

`Patent
`Attorney's Docket No. 021238-811
`
`-7-
`
`described here exhibits a substantially reduced fire hazard. 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.
`Of course, various other embodiments of the electric tobacco
`[0036]
`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, 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,
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1024
`Page 010
`
`

`

`Patent
`Attorney's Docket No. 021238-811
`
`-8-
`
`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.
`Thus, the embodiment of FIGs. 3 and 4 improves the heat
`[0041)
`transfer to air and is more efficient than embodiments without the shroud 42.
`[0042]
`The electric tobacco smoking system of this disclosure may
`also include a mouthpiece 60 (see FIGs. 5 and 6) having an end in fluid
`
`The mouthpiece 60 may be
`communication with the tobacco mass.
`constructed and arranged such that it has a cross-sectional configuration
`corresponding to the cross section of the heater assembly 22.
`In addition,
`the mouthpiece 60 may include a generally cylindrical 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.
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1024
`Page 011
`
`

`

`Patent
`Attorney's Docket No. 021238-811
`
`-9-
`
`[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
`In this embodiment, the heating assembly includes an end
`FIGs. 7 and 8.
`
`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 7 4, 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. Presently 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
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1024
`Page 012
`
`

`

`Patent
`Attorney's Docket No. 021238-811
`
`-10-
`
`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.
`While the end piece 70 is depicted with two openings, the
`[0046]
`number, arrangement, and shape of the openings 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 structures. 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]
`include a generally
`The embodiments discussed above
`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
`polygonal, 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 comers, toroidal, or
`
`the like.
`[0049]
`
`A generally circular embodiment of the pillow arrangement is
`
`depicted in Fl Gs. 9 and 10. Here, the pillow 80 is fashioned from cut filler
`tobacco. As desired, the pillow 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
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1024
`Page 013
`
`

`

`Patent
`Attorney's Docket No. 021238-811
`
`-11-
`
`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 comprises 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 sandwich 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
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1024
`Page 014
`
`

`

`Patent
`Attorney's Docket No. 021238-811
`
`-12-
`
`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 embodiment 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 1 00 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 coextensive 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 substantially
`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.
`A generally cylindrical connector tube 108 with a generally
`[0056]
`circular cross section
`is fitted
`into
`the opening 96 and provides a
`
`passageway for heated air with entrained tobacco volatiles leaving the pillow
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1024
`Page 015
`
`

`

`Patent
`Attorney's Docket No. 021238-811
`
`-13-
`
`In addition, the tube 108 cooperates with the
`80 through the opening 96.
`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 characteristics 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 passageway 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 generally 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 arrangement. Alternatively, the tobacco mass portions may be
`carried by a cassette, or may comprise discrete packages.
`
`Philip Morris Products, S.A.
`Exhibit 1024
`Page 016
`
`

`

`Patent
`Attorney's