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`US 20130081642Al
`
`c19) United States
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`Safari
`
`c10) Pub. No.: US 2013/0081642 Al
`Apr. 4, 2013
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) CARTOMIZER E-CIGARETTE
`
`(71) Applicant: Robert Safari, San Jose, CA (US)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventor: Robert Safari, San Jose, CA (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 13/629,541
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Sep. 27, 2012
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/541,039, filed on Sep.
`29, 2011.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`A24F 47100
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`USPC ........................................... 131/329; 131/347
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An electronic cigarette with a battery unit and a cartomizer
`unit which includes a cartomizer component which integrates
`a liquid chamber for receiving a liquid solution and an atomi(cid:173)
`zation chamber disposed adjacent to the liquid chamber and
`separated therefrom by a dividing wall, the dividing wall
`having a dividing wall opening formed therein, and a guiding
`wick that extends through the dividing wall opening from the
`liquid chamber to the atomization chamber to supply liquid
`solution from the liquid chamber to the atomization chamber.
`
`204
`
`120
`
`206
`
`218
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1033.001
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Apr. 4, 2013 Sheet 1 of 5
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`NJOY Exhibit 1033.002
`
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Apr. 4, 2013 Sheet 2 of 5
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`NJOY Exhibit 1033.003
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Apr. 4, 2013 Sheet 3 of 5
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`Fig. 3
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`NJOY Exhibit 1033.004
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Apr. 4, 2013 Sheet 4 of 5
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Apr. 4, 2013 Sheet 5 of 5
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`
`

`

`US 2013/0081642 Al
`
`Apr. 4, 2013
`
`CARTOMIZER E-CIGARETTE
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
`Provisional Application No. 61/541,039, filed Sep. 29, 2011,
`by Robert Safari and titled "Cartomizer E-Cigarette",
`included by reference herein and for which benefit of the
`priority date is hereby claimed.
`
`FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
`
`[0002] Not applicable.
`
`SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
`
`[0003] Not applicable.
`
`FIELD OF INVENTION
`
`[0004] The present invention relates to electronic cigarettes
`( e-cigarettes) and, in particular, to a cartomizer e-cigarette in
`which a battery unit is connected to a cartomizer unit which
`includes a liquid chamber, an atomization chamber and a
`guiding wick that provides liquid solution from the liquid
`chamber to the atomization chamber.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0005] An electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette, is an elec(cid:173)
`tronic device that simulates the act of tobacco smoking by
`producing an inhaled mist or aerosol bearing the physical
`sensation, appearance, and the flavor and nicotine of inhaled
`tobacco smoke, without the odor and health risks associated
`with tobacco cigarettes. An e-cigarette generally uses heat or
`ultrasonics to vaporize a propylene glycol- or glycerin-based
`liquid solution into an aerosol for inhalation.
`[0006] E-cigarettes are portable, self-contained cylindrical
`devices the size of which depends upon battery capacity.
`E-cigarettes have been designed to resemble actual cigarettes,
`cigars or even pipes. Some e-cigarettes are reusable, with
`replaceable and refillable parts; others are disposable.
`[0007] E-cigarettes share three essential components. A
`"cartridge" serves as a mouthpiece and usually doubles as a
`small reservoir that holds the liquid that is to be vaporized. An
`atomizer serves as the heating element responsible for vapor(cid:173)
`izing the liquid to provide the aerosol mist. A battery unit
`serves as a battery supply in portable e-cigarette models.
`Other electronic components necessary fore-cigarette opera(cid:173)
`tion are housed within the battery unit.
`[0008] A "cartomizer" option is available for many e-ciga(cid:173)
`rettes. The cartomizer replaces the separate cartridge and
`atomizer components with a single integrated component,
`hence the nomenclature "cartomizer." The cartomizer is dis(cid:173)
`posable, as opposed to stand-alone atomizers that are reusable
`and comparatively expensive.
`[0009] The cartridge is a small, usually disposable plastic
`container, with openings on each end. One end is placed in the
`user's mouth; the other end attaches to the atomizer. The
`cartridge serves as both a liquid reservoir and mouthpiece,
`and as such, must allow the passage ofliquid to the atomizer,
`as well as aerosol from the atomizer back to the user's mouth
`without allowing liquid into the mouth. This is usually
`accomplished using an absorbent sponge-like material placed
`in the cartridge to keep the liquid in place and which rests on
`a plastic barrier separating it from the mouthpiece opening.
`
`The mouthpiece casing is constructed with side channels that
`allow aerosol mist to pass from the atomizer, around the
`liquid reservoir, to the mouthpiece opening and, thus, into the
`user's mouth. When the liquid in the cartridge has been
`depleted, the user can usually chose between refilling it or
`replacing it with another pre-filled cartridge.
`[001 OJ The atomizer is a heating element that is responsible
`for vaporizing the liquid solution. The atomizer typically
`includes a simple filament and metal mesh to draw the liquid
`solution in from the cartridge. The atomizer is positioned in
`the center of the three components. That is, the cartridge
`attaches to one end of the atomizer and the battery unit
`attaches to the other end of the atomizer. The atomizer's
`filament tends to lose efficiency over time due to a build-up of
`sediment, or bums out entirely, requiring replacement.
`[0011] Most portable e-cigarette battery units contain a
`rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The housing for the battery
`and the electronic circuitry required for operation of the
`e-cigarette is usually the largest component of thee-cigarette.
`The battery unit typically contains an electronic airflow sen(cid:173)
`sor so that activation of thee-cigarette is triggered by drawing
`breath through the device. A colored LED may also be
`included in the battery unit to announce activation of the
`e-cigarette.
`[0012] The contents of the liquid solution used to produce
`aerosol mist in e-cigarettes vary widely, but their common
`aspects include water and flavorings (e.g., tobacco smoke) in
`a propylene glycol or glycerin base. Nicotine is also included
`in solutions intended to fulfill a nicotine replacement role,
`without the carcinogenic tar associated with tobacco smoke.
`[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 7,832,410, which issued on Nov. 16,
`2010, discloses an example of an electronic atomization ciga(cid:173)
`rette. U.S. Pat. No. 7,832,410 is hereby incorporated by ref(cid:173)
`erence herein in its entirety to provide background informa(cid:173)
`tion regarding the present invention.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0014] An embodiment of the invention provides a car(cid:173)
`tomizer unit for use in an electronic cigarette. The cartomizer
`unit includes a liquid chamber for receiving a liquid solution,
`an atomization chamber disposed adjacent to the liquid cham(cid:173)
`ber and separated therefrom by a dividing wall, the dividing
`wall having a dividing wall opening formed therein, and a
`guiding wick that extends through the dividing wall opening
`from the liquid chamber to the atomization chamber to supply
`liquid solution from the liquid chamber to the atomization
`chamber.
`[0015] The features and advantages of the present invention
`will be more fully understood and appreciated upon consid(cid:173)
`eration of the following detailed description and accompany(cid:173)
`ing drawings, which set forth illustrative embodiments in
`which the concepts of the invention are utilized.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0016] A complete understanding of the present invention
`may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings,
`when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed
`description, in which:
`[0017] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of a
`cartomizer e-cigarette in accordance with the concepts of the
`present invention comprising a battery unit connected to a
`cartomizer unit.
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1033.007
`
`

`

`US 2013/0081642 Al
`
`Apr. 4, 2013
`
`2
`
`[0018] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating the battery unit
`shown in FIG. 1
`[0019] FIG. 3 is an enlarged drawing illustrating the car(cid:173)
`tomizer component which is part of the cartomizer unit shown
`in FIG. 1.
`[0020] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating the cartomizer unit
`shown in FIG. 1.
`[0021] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating the FIG. 1 embodi(cid:173)
`ment in more detail of a cartomizer e-cigarette wherein the
`cartomizer unit is connected to the battery unit to provide a
`unitary cartomizer e-cigarette device.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0022] Before the invention is described in further detail, it
`is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the
`particular embodiments described, as such may, of course,
`vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used
`herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodi(cid:173)
`ments only, and not intended to be limiting, since the scope of
`the present invention will be limited only by the appended
`claims.
`[0023] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood
`that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower
`limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between
`the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or
`intervening value in that stated range is encompassed with the
`invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges
`may independently be included in the smaller ranges is also
`encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically
`excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range
`includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or
`both of those included limits are also included in the inven(cid:173)
`tion.
`[0024] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scien(cid:173)
`tific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly
`understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
`invention belongs. Although any methods and materials simi(cid:173)
`lar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in
`the practice or testing of the present invention, a limited
`number of the exemplary methods and materials are
`described herein.
`[0025]
`It must be noted that as used herein and in the
`appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the"
`include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
`otherwise.
`[0026] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated
`herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods
`and/or materials in connection with which the publications
`are cited. The publications discussed herein are provided
`solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present
`application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission
`that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such
`publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, if dates of
`publication are provided, they may be different from the
`actual publication dates and may need to be confirmed inde(cid:173)
`pendently.
`[0027] FIG. 1 generally shows an embodiment of a car(cid:173)
`tomizer e-cigarette 100. The cartomizer e-cigarette 100
`includes a cartomizer unit 102 and a battery unit 104 that
`attaches to the cartomizer unit 102, as described in greater
`detail below.
`[0028] Turning now to FIG. 2, the battery unit 104 is shown
`in detail and separated from the cartomizer unit 102. The
`battery unit 104 is disposed within a cylindrical battery unit
`
`tube 200 to provide a battery unit annular space 204 between
`an inside wall of the battery unit tube 200 and the battery 206.
`In one embodiment, the cylindrical battery unit tube 200 is
`made from a metal to provide a durable product. In another
`embodiment, the cylindrical battery unit tube 200 is made
`from a plastic material to provide a more light weight product
`that more closely mimics the experience of a real cigarette. In
`the illustrated embodiment, the battery unit 104 has one or
`more battery unit air intake openings 202 formed near the
`"lighted" end of thee-cigarette 100. The one or more battery
`unit air intake openings 202 are in air flow communication
`with the battery unit annular space 204. The battery unit 104
`includes a battery (e.g., a rechargeable lithium-ion battery)
`206 that is electrically connected to switch controller cir(cid:173)
`cuitry 208. Switch controller circuitry 208 provides an acti(cid:173)
`vation signal to the heating element in the cartomizerunit 104
`as discussed hereunder. A pressure sensor 210 is connected to
`the switch controller circuitry 208 and is in air flow commu(cid:173)
`nication with the one or more battery unit air intake openings
`202. The pressure sensor 210 responds to an air pressure
`change stimulus by causing the switch controller circuitry
`208 to provide the activation signal to the heating element in
`the cartomizer unit 104.
`
`[0029]
`In the illustrated embodiment, a light emitting diode
`(LED) 212 is communicatively connected to the switch con(cid:173)
`troller circuitry 208. A light cap 214 fits into an open end of
`the battery unit tube 200. The light cap 214 may be translucent
`and tinted so that, when the LED 212 is illuminated in
`response to the activation signal received from the switch
`controller circuitry 208, the light cap 214 simulates the burn(cid:173)
`ing end of a lit tobacco cigarette. Battery units of the type
`described above are commercially available from Desay
`Polypower Battery Co., Ltd. located in Guangdong, China.
`[0030]
`In the illustrated embodiment, a second threaded
`male brass fitting 216 is disposed at a second end of the
`battery tube 200. The second fitting 216 has an axial second
`air flow opening 218 formed therein. The second fitting 216
`further includes one or more second fitting air intake openings
`220 formed therein to provide air flow communication
`through the second fitting 216 to the battery unit annular
`space 204. The second fitting 216 is adapted for sealing con(cid:173)
`nection to the first fitting of the cartomizer unit 104 such that
`the axial second fitting air flow opening 218 aligns with the
`axial first fitting air flow opening of the cartomizer unit 104 to
`provide air flow communication between the battery unit
`annular space 204 and the cartomizer annular space in the
`cartomizer unit 104, as more fully described below.
`[0031] Turning now to FIG. 3, the cartomizer component
`300 of the cartomizer unit 104 is shown in detail. In the
`illustrated embodiment, the cartomizer component 300
`includes a liquid chamber 310 that contains a liquid solution.
`In some embodiments, the liquid chamber 310 is refillable by
`removing the liquid chamber end cap 315 and introducing
`new liquid solution to the liquid chamber 310. In other
`embodiments, the liquid chamber 310 may be sealed. In
`either case, the cartomizer component 300 may be removable
`and may be replaced with a new cartomizer component 300
`that contains new liquid solution in the liquid chamber 310.
`The liquid solution in the replacement cartomizer component
`300 may be the same as or different than the liquid solution
`contained in the previous cartomizer component 300. The
`liquid solution typically is a propylene glycol- or glycerin(cid:173)
`based solution of the type well known to those skilled in the
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1033.008
`
`

`

`US 2013/0081642 Al
`
`Apr. 4, 2013
`
`3
`
`art. The liquid solution typically includes a flavoring, e.g.,
`tobacco, and may also include nicotine, as is also well known
`to those skilled in the art.
`[0032]
`In the illustrated embodiment, the cartomizer com(cid:173)
`ponent 300 further includes an atomization chamber 320
`disposed adjacent to the liquid chamber 310 and separated
`therefrom by a dividing wall 325 that has a dividing wall
`opening 330 formed therein. A guiding wick 335, e.g., a
`cotton wick, extends through the dividing wall opening 330
`from the liquid chamber 310 to the atomization chamber 320
`to supply liquid solution from the liquid chamber 310 to the
`atomization chamber 320. In the illustrated embodiment, an
`atomization chamber air intake opening 340 is formed in an
`end wall 345 of the atomization chamber 320. In one embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the invention, the atomization chamber air intake
`opening 340 is an oval shape and disposed diagonally in the
`end wall 345. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one
`or more air intake openings may be formed in the walls of the
`atomization chamber 320. The atomization chamber 320 also
`has one or more vapor exit openings 365 formed therein to
`provide liquid solution aerosol mist communication between
`the atomization chamber 320 and the cartomizer unit annular
`space, as discussed in greater detail below.
`[0033] A heating element 350 is disposed within the atomi(cid:173)
`zation chamber 320 in proximity to the guiding wick 335. In
`the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 350 com(cid:173)
`prises a simple wire coil filament that is wrapped around a
`cylindrical insulating core. The heating element 350 responds
`to an activation signal by vaporizing the liquid solution sup(cid:173)
`plied to the atomization chamber 320 to provide liquid solu(cid:173)
`tion aerosol mist.
`[0034] Turning now to FIG. 4, the cartomizer component
`300 is shown disposed in the cartomizer unit 102. The gen(cid:173)
`erally cylindrical cartomizer component 300 is disposed
`within a cylindrical mouthpiece tube 400. In one embodi(cid:173)
`ment, the cylindrical mouthpiece tube 400 is made from a
`metal to provide a durable product. In another embodiment,
`the cylindrical mouthpiece tube 400 is made from a plastic
`material to provide a more light weight product that more
`closely mimics the experience of a real cigarette. The car(cid:173)
`tomizer component 300 is oflesser diameter than the mouth(cid:173)
`piece tube 400 so as to provide a cartomizer unit annular
`space 405 between the inside wall of the mouthpiece tube 400
`and the outside wall of the cartomizer unit 102. In some
`embodiments, a plurality of spaced apart ribs 305 are formed
`on the outside wall of the cartomizer component 300 to pro(cid:173)
`vide stability to the cartomizer component 300 within the
`mouthpiece tube 400 while still permitting air flow in the
`cartomizer unit annular space 405. The mouthpiece tube 400
`has a draw opening 410 formed in it so that a user can apply
`the inhale portion of the user's breath to the cartomizer unit
`annular space 405. In the illustrated embodiment, a draw end
`cap 415, e.g., a plastic cap, covers the draw end of the cylin(cid:173)
`drical mouthpiece tube 400 except for the axially located
`draw opening 410 formed through the cap 415.
`[0035] The illustrated embodiment also includes a metal
`mesh pad 420 and a porous vinyl foam pad 425 disposed
`within the mouthpiece tube 400 between the liquid chamber
`310 and the draw end of the mouthpiece tube 400. Both the
`metal mesh pad 420 and the vinyl foam pad 425 are circular
`in shape and of approximately the same diameter as the inner
`wall of the mouthpiece tube 400. The metal mesh pad 420 and
`the vinyl foam pad 425 remove liquid solution droplets that
`may exist within the aerosol mist passing from the cartomizer
`
`unit annular space 405 to the draw opening 410 to prevent the
`liquid solution droplets from reaching the user's mouth dur(cid:173)
`ing a user inhale.
`[0036] As discussed above, the illustrated cartomizer unit
`102 is, in keeping with the cylindrical shape of thee-cigarette
`100, a generally cylindrical unitary structure that may be
`formed in a variety of physical formations and may be formed
`by any suitable technique well known to those skilled in the
`art, including encapsulation techniques. The cartomizer com(cid:173)
`ponent 300 may be made of any suitable material well known
`to those skilled in the art, such as those used for drug delivery,
`liquid encapsulated capsules, or other encapsulation materi(cid:173)
`als. Single wall or multi-wall structures may be used to tailor
`stability, strength and rupture resistance of the cartomizer
`component 300.
`[0037]
`In the illustrated embodiment, a first threaded
`female brass fitting 435 is disposed at a second end of the
`mouthpiece tube 400. The first fitting 435 has an axial air flow
`opening 445 formed therein to enable air flow through the first
`fitting 435 to the cartomizer unit annular space 405. The first
`fitting 435 also includes one or more first fitting air intake
`openings 440 formed at the end of the threaded portion of the
`first fitting 435.
`[0038] FIG. 5 shows the sealed connection of the car(cid:173)
`tomizer unit 102 and the battery unit 104 by the threaded
`engagement of the male fitting 216 of the battery unit 104
`with the female fitting 435 of the cartomizer unit 102 to
`provide the unitary structure of the cartomizer e-cigarette
`100. FIG. 5 further shows that, when the first and second
`fittings are connected, the one or more first fitting air intake
`openings 440 are in air flow communication with the one or
`more second fitting air intake openings 220 to provide air
`intake flow to the battery unit annular space 204.
`[0039] With reference to FIG. 5, when a user applies an
`inhale portion of the user's breath to the mouthpiece end of
`the cartomizer unit 102, the pressure sensor 210 senses a
`pressure change in the interior of the e-cigarette 100 and
`causes the switch controller circuitry 208 to activate the heat(cid:173)
`ing element 350 by applying a current from the electronically
`connected battery 206, thereby producing a liquid solution
`aerosol mist in the atomization chamber 320. The user's
`inhale also causes air intake at the first fitting air intake
`openings 440, which is passed through the second fitting air
`intake openings 220, through the axial second air flow open(cid:173)
`ing 218 and axial first air flow opening 445 in the second
`fitting 216 and first fitting 435, respectively, to combine with
`the liquid solution aerosol mist formed in the atomization
`chamber 320 and pass through cartomizer unit annular space
`405 and the draw end opening 410 into the user's mouth. At
`the same time, air flow passes through the battery unit air
`intake openings 202, through the battery unit annular space
`204 and the axial second air flow opening 218 and axial first
`air flow opening 445 in the second fitting 216 and first fitting
`435, respectively, to also combine with the liquid solution
`aerosol mist flowing to the user's mouth through the draw
`opening 410.
`[0040]
`It should be further understood that the examples
`and embodiments pertaining to the systems and methods
`disclosed herein are not meant to limit the possible imple(cid:173)
`mentations of the present technology. Further, although the
`subject matter has been described in a language specific to
`structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be
`understood that the subject matter defined in the appended
`claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1033.009
`
`

`

`US 2013/0081642 Al
`
`Apr. 4, 2013
`
`4
`
`described above. Rather, the specific features and acts
`described above are disclosed as example forms of imple(cid:173)
`menting the Claims.
`[0041] Since other modifications and changes varied to fit
`particular operating requirements and environments will be
`apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not con(cid:173)
`sidered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclo(cid:173)
`sure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not
`constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this
`invention.
`[0042] Since other modifications and changes varied to fit
`particular operating requirements and environments will be
`apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not con(cid:173)
`sidered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclo(cid:173)
`sure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not
`constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this
`invention.
`[0043] Since other modifications and changes varied to fit
`particular operating requirements and environments will be
`apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not con(cid:173)
`sidered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclo(cid:173)
`sure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not
`constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this
`invention.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A cartomizer unit for use in an electronic cigarette, the
`cartomizer unit comprising:
`a liquid chamber for receiving a liquid solution;
`an atomization chamber disposed adjacent to the liquid
`chamber and separated therefrom by a dividing wall, the
`dividing wall having a dividing wall opening formed
`therein;
`at least one atomization chamber vent formed in the atomi(cid:173)
`zation chamber for receiving air and expelling a liquid
`solution aerosol mist; and
`a guiding wick that extends through the dividing wall open(cid:173)
`ing from the liquid chamber to the atomization chamber
`to supply liquid solution from the liquid chamber to the
`atomization chamber.
`2. The cartomizerunit of claim 1, wherein the guiding wick
`comprises cotton.
`3. The cartomizer unit of claim 1, further comprising:
`a heating element disposed within the atomization cham(cid:173)
`ber in proximity to the guiding wick for vaporizing the
`liquid solution supplied to the atomization chamber to
`provide a liquid solution aerosol mist.
`4. The cartomizer unit of claim 3, further comprising an
`atomization chamber end cap with the heating element
`attached thereto such that the heating element is disposed
`within the atomization chamber and heating element termi(cid:173)
`nals are disposed outside of the atomization chamber.
`5. The cartomizer unit of claim 1, wherein the liquid cham(cid:173)
`ber includes a liquid chamber end cap that is removable for
`allowing the liquid solution to be received by the liquid cham(cid:173)
`ber.
`6. The cartomizer unit of claim 5, wherein the liquid cham(cid:173)
`ber end cap has an air intake opening formed therein wherein
`said air intake opening is covered with a semi-permeable
`membrane allowing air into said liquid chamber while retain(cid:173)
`ing the liquid solution within the liquid chamber.
`7. The cartomizer unit of claim 4, wherein the liquid cham(cid:173)
`ber and the atomization chamber are disposed within a cylin(cid:173)
`drical mouthpiece tube wherein the end of said cylindrical
`mouthpiece tube adjacent to the liquid chamber is capped
`
`with a draw end cap and the end of said cylindrical mouth(cid:173)
`piece tube adjacent to the atomization chamber is capped with
`a first fitting.
`8. The cartomizer unit of claim 7, further comprising at
`least one rib attached to the outer wall of the atomization
`chamber or liquid chamber providing cartomizer unit annular
`space between the wall of the cylindrical mouthpiece tube and
`the atomization chamber and liquid chamber.
`9. The cartomizer unit of claim 7, wherein the first fitting
`comprises an outer threaded fitting surrounding a cylindrical
`insulating core surrounding a heating element contact sur(cid:173)
`rounding an axial air flow opening.
`10. The cartomizer unit of claim 8, wherein the heating
`element terminals are connected to the heating element con(cid:173)
`tact.
`11. The cartomizer unit of claim 8, further comprising at
`least one first fitting air intake opening formed therein.
`12. An electronic cigarette comprising:
`a cartomizer unit comprising
`a liquid chamber that contains a liquid solution,
`an atomization chamber disposed adjacent to the liquid
`chamber and separated therefrom by a dividing wall,
`the dividing wall having a dividing wall opening
`formed therein, and a guiding wick that extends
`through the dividing wall opening from the liquid
`chamber to the atomization chamber to supply liquid
`solution from the liquid chamber to the atomization
`chamber; and
`a power unit connected to the cartomizer unit.
`13. The electronic cigarette of claim 12, further compris(cid:173)
`ing:
`a heating element disposed within the atomization cham(cid:173)
`ber in proximity to the guiding wick for vaporizing the
`liquid solution supplied to the atomization chamber to
`provide a liquid solution aerosol mist.
`14. The electronic cigarette of claim 12, wherein the liquid
`solution comprises a propylene glycol-based liquid solution.
`15. The electronic cigarette of claim 12, wherein the liquid
`solution comprises a glycerin-based liquid solution.
`16. The electronic cigarette of claim 12, wherein the liquid
`solution includes nicotine.
`17. The electronic cigarette of claim 13, wherein the bat(cid:173)
`tery unit includes:
`a battery;
`switch controller circuitry connected to the battery config(cid:173)
`ured to provide an activation signal to the heating ele(cid:173)
`ment that causes the heating element to generate heat
`that vaporizes the liquid solution supplied to the atomi(cid:173)
`zation chamber to provide the liquid solution aerosol
`mist; and
`a pressure sensor communicatively connected to the switch
`controller circuitry wherein
`the pressure sensor
`responds to a stimulus by causing the switch controller
`circuitry to provide the activation signal to the heating
`element.
`18. An electronic cigarette comprising:
`a mouthpiece tube having a mouthpiece opening formed in
`a draw end of the mouthpiece tube;
`a cartomizer unit disposed within the mouthpiece tube to
`provide a cartomizer unit annular space between an
`inside wall of the mouthpiece tube and the cartomizer
`unit, the cartomizer unit including
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1033.010
`
`

`

`US 2013/0081642 Al
`
`Apr. 4, 2013
`
`5
`
`(i) a liquid chamber that contains a liquid solution;
`(ii) an atomization chamber disposed adjacent to the
`liquid chamber and separated therefrom by a dividing
`wall, the dividing wall having a dividing wall opening
`formed therein, the atomization chamber having one
`or more atomization chamber air intake openings
`formed therein, the atomization chamber further hav(cid:173)
`ing one or more aerosol mist exit openings formed
`therein to provide liquid solution vapor mist commu(cid:173)
`nication between the atomization chamber and the
`cartomizer unit annular space; and
`(iii) a guiding wick that extends through the dividing
`wall opening from the liquid chamber to the atomiza(cid:173)
`tion chamber to supply liquid solution from the liquid
`chamber to the atomization chamber;
`(iv) a heating element disposed within the atomization
`chamber in proximity to the guiding wick, the heating
`element responding to an activation signal by vapor(cid:173)
`izing the liquid solution supplied to the atomization
`chamber to provide liquid solution aerosol mist;
`a first fitting disposed at a second end of the mouthpiece
`tube opposite the first end of the mouthpiece tube, the
`first fitting having an axial first fitting air flow opening
`formed therein to enable air flow through the first fitting
`to the cartomizer unit annular space;
`a battery unit tube having one or more battery unit air intake
`openings formed therein;
`a battery unit disposed within the battery unit tube to pro(cid:173)
`vide a battery unit annular space between an inside wall
`of the battery unit tube and the battery unit, the battery
`unit including
`
`(i) a battery;
`(ii) switch controller circuitry connected to the battery
`and that provides an activation signal to the heating
`element to generate heat that causes the heating ele(cid:173)
`ment to vaporize the liquid solution in the atomization
`chamber to provide the liquid solution aerosol mist;
`(iii) a pressure sensor connected to the switch controller
`circuitry and in air flow communication with the one
`or more battery unit air intake openings such that the
`pressure sensor responds to an air pressure change
`stimulus by causing the switch controller circuitry to
`provide th