LAAAYAA
`
`USOORE49114E
`
`as, United States
`US RE49,114 E
`(10) Patent Number:
`(12) Reissued Patent
`
`
`(45) Date of Reissued Patent:Newton *Jun. 28, 2022
`
`(54) ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE WITH LIQUID
`RESERVOIR
`.
`.
`(71) Applicant: JUUL Labs, Ine., San Francisco, CA
`(US)
`(72)
`Inventor: Kyle D. Newton, Southlake, TX (US)
`(73) Assignee: cus) Labs, Inc., San Francisco, CA
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 16/359,938
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Mar. 20, 2019
`Related U.S. Patent Documents
`
`9,596,887
`Mar. 21, 2017
`14/219,426
`Mar. 19, 2014
`
`Reissue of:
`(64) Patent No.:
`Issued:
`Appl. No.:
`Filed:
`USS. Applications:
`(63) Continuation of application No. 13/955,153, filed on
`Jul. 31, 2013, now Pat. No. 8,707,965, which is a
`continuation of application No. 13/157,024, filed on
`Jun. 28, 2011, now Pat. No. 8,528,569.
`
`(51)
`
`(2020.01)
`(2020.01)
`(2020.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2020.01)
`
`Int. CL.
`A24F 40/44
`Al4F 40/485
`A24F 40/42
`AG6IM 15/06
`A24F 40/10
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC veces A24F 40/44 (2020.01); A24F 40/42
`(2020.01); A24F 40/485 (2020.01); A61M
`15/06 (2013.01); 424K40/10 (2020.01)
`
`(56)
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`CPC .. A61M 15/06; BOI1D 19/0047; BO5B 7/1693;
`A24B 15/167; A24C 5/12; A24F 47/00;
`A24E 47/002
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
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`(Continued)
`
`
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`
`“
`
`/2
`828
`teeolo
`solb0baoL Ro
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner — Norca L. Torres Velazquez
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris
`Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
`
`ABSTRACT
`67)
`Anelectronic cigarette including an housing that has a
`mouthpiece with an aerosol outlet, and an atomizer disposed
`within an atomizing chamber. The atomizer selectively
`generates an aerosol of the liquid in response to suction
`pressure at the aerosol outlet. The atomizing chamber has an
`air inlet, an atomizer outlet coupled to the aerosol outlet, and
`a first wick aperture. A liquid reservoir is disposed within the
`housing, which is sealably separated from the atomizing
`chamber. A wick disposed through the first wick aperture
`betweenthe liquid reservoir and the atomizing chamber and
`it is configured to transfer the liquid bycapillarity from the
`liquid reservoir to the atomizer.
`
`195 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.001
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.001
`
`

`

`4,171,000 A
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`US RE49,114 E
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`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.002
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.002
`
`

`

`US RE49,114 E
`Page 3
`
`(56)
`
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`
`References Cited
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMI
`
` ENTS
`
`WO-2003061716
`WO-03 103387
`WO-2004080216
`WO-2008077271
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`Al
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`
`* cited by examiner
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.003
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.003
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 28, 2022
`
`US RE49,114 E
`
`Sheet 1 of 7
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.004
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.004
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 28, 2022
`
`Sheet 2 of 7
`
`
`
`US RE49,114 E
`
`Fig. 3b
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.005
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.005
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 28, 2022
`
`Sheet 3 of 7
`
`US RE49,114 E
`
`Fig. 4b
`
` Fig. 4c
`
`Fig. 4a
`
`NJOY Exhi
`
`it 1001.006
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.006
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 28, 2022
`
`Sheet 4 of 7
`
`US RE49,114 E
`
`60
`
`Battery
`
`
`
` —— |
`
`|-
`|.
`
`Pressure
`Sensor
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.007
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.007
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sheet 5 of 7
`
`Jun. 28, 2022
`
`US RE49,114 E
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.008
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.008
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 28, 2022
`
`Sheet 6 of 7
`
`US RE49,114 E
`
`
`
`Fig. 8
`
`
`
`SaNW=
` Naes
`
`
`
`oD
`
`NR
`
`Fig. 9
`
`Fig. 10
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.009
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.009
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 28, 2022
`
`Sheet 7 of 7
`
`US RE49,114 E
`
`
`
`Fig. 13c
`
`Fig. 13b
`ay aA 2 |
`
`|
`
`Fig. 13a
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.010
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.010
`
`

`

`US RE49,114 E
`
`1
`ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE WITH LIQUID
`RESERVOIR
`
`Matter enclosed in heavy brackets [ ] appears in the
`original patent but formsno partof this reissue specifica-
`tion; matter printed in italics indicates the additions
`made by reissue; a claim printed with strikethrough
`indicates that the claim was canccled, disclaimed, or held
`invalid by a prior post-patent action or proceeding.
`
`
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`a wa
`
`30
`
`Field of the Invention
`The present
`invention relates to electronic cigarettes.
`Morespecifically, the present invention relates to an elec-
`tronic cigarette with an internal liquid reservoir.
`Description of the Related Art
`Electronic cigarettes have becomeincreasingly popular in
`recent times. Flectronic cigarettes emulate a tobacco ciga-
`rettes, but without the combustion of tobacco during use.
`Rather than burning tobacco, a liquid is atomized within the
`electronic cigarette, which emulates the smoke produced in
`a tobacco cigarette. The liquid may contain flavoring agents
`i]a
`such as tobacco flavor, menthol, and others, to enhance the 2
`“smoking” experience of the electronic cigarette. Nicotine
`has been added to the atomization liquid in priorart elec-
`tronic cigarettes. In certain prior art electronic cigarettes, a
`reserve of liquid is stored within the cigarette housing in a
`porous material, which is placed into contact with an atom-
`izing assemblysuch that the liquid can be gradually trans-
`ferred to the atomizing assembly during consumption. A
`replaceable cartridge with a liquid soaked porous material
`has been provided to enable consumers to replenish the
`supply ofliquid as it is depleted during use by replacing the
`cartridge. It should be appreciated that the structural and
`electrical components in an electronic cigarette are durable
`and outlast, by a long measure, the period of consumption
`for the quantity of liquid provided in such a porousreservoir.
`Consumers of electronic cigarettes are experienced at
`replacing the liquid reservoir cartridges as the liquid is
`depleted during consumption. In fact,
`it
`is common for
`consumers to carry spare cartridges so that they are readily
`available in the event
`their current cartridge becomes
`depleted. In fact,
`this arrangement can become somewhat
`tedious after a period ofuse, and there is a general desire on
`the marketplace to extend the duration of use between
`cartridge changes, or even the elimination ofthe need to ever
`change cartridges. Thus is can be appreciated that there is a
`i2
`need inthe art for an apparatus for increasing the quantity of 5
`liquid stored within an electronic cigarette and other means
`to reduce the frequency of replacing or adding additional
`liquid during use.
`
`45
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The need in the art is addressed by the apparatus of the
`present invention. The present invention teaches an elec-
`tronic cigarette apparatus including an elongated housing
`that has a mouthpiece with an aerosol outlet, and an atomizer
`disposed within an atomizing chamber. The atomizer selec-
`tively generates an aerosol of the liquid in response to
`suction pressure at the aerosol outlet. The atomizing cham-
`ber hasan air inlet, an atomizer outlet coupled to the acrosol
`outlet, and a first wick aperture. A liquid reservoir is dis-
`posed within the elongated housing, which is sealably sepa-
`rated from the atomizing chamber. A wick disposed through
`
`2
`the first wick aperture between the liquid reservoir and the
`atomizing chamberandit is configuredto transfer the liquid
`by capillarity from the liquid reservoir to the atomizer.
`In a specific embodiment, the foregoing apparatus further
`includesaninlet vent formed onthe exterior ofthe elongated
`housing that
`is coupled to deliver air to the atomizing
`chamberair inlet. In a refinement to this embodiment, the
`inlet vent is coupled to the atomizing chamberairinlet by a
`conduit. In a further refinement, the conduit sealably passes
`throughthe liquid reservoir.
`In a specific embodiment of the foregoing apparatus, the
`atomizer outlet and the aerosol outlet are coupled together
`by a chimney. In a refinement to this embodiment, the
`chimney sealably passes through the liquid reservoir.
`In a specific embodiment of the foregoing apparatus, the
`atomizer is a resistive heating clement. In a refinement to
`this embodiment, the wick is partially engages the resistive
`heating element.
`In a specific embodiment of the foregoing apparatus, the
`atomizer has a tubular form defining an open central pas-
`sage. In a refinement to this embodiment, the wick passes
`through the open central passage.
`In a specific embodiment of the foregoing, apparatus, the
`atomizing chamberfurther includes a second. wick aperture,
`and the apparatus is arranged such that a first end of the wick
`passes through the first wick aperture and a second end of
`the wick passes through the second wick aperture.
`In a specific embodiment of the foregoing apparatus, the
`wick is fabricated as a bundle of heat resistant fibers. In a
`refinement to this embodiment, the bundle of heat resistant
`fibers is fiberglass. In another refinement to this embodi-
`ment, the bundle of heat resistant fibers is fabricated from a
`material selected from; aramid, fluorocarbon, sulfide, mela-
`mine, polyimide, carbon, and glass.
`In a specific embodiment of the foregoing apparatus, the
`liquid reservoir is formed as an annular cavily between the
`interior ofthe elongated housing and the atomizing chamber.
`In another specific embodiment of the foregoing apparatus,
`the liquid reservoir includes an external access opening, for
`enabling addition of liquid into the liquid reservoir. In a
`refinement to this embodiment, the external access opening,
`is a removable mouthpiece.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view drawing of an clectronic
`cigarette according to an illustrative embodiment of the
`present invention.
`FIGS.2a, 2b, and 2c are a tip end view, a side view, and
`mouthpiece end view, respectively, drawings of an elec-
`tronic cigarette according to anillustrative embodimentof
`the present invention.
`FIGS.3a and 3b are side view drawings, respectively, of
`a cartridge portion and a power supply portion of an elec-
`tronic cigarette according to anillustrative embodimentof
`the present invention.
`FIGS.4a, 4b, and 4¢ are lip end view, side section view,
`and mouthpiece end view, respectively, drawings of an
`electronic cigarette according to anillustrative embodiment
`of the present invention.
`FIGS.5a and 5b are side section view drawings, respec-
`tively, of a cartridge portion and a power supply portion of
`an electronic cigarette according to an illustrative embodi-
`ment of the present invention.
`FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram an electronic ciga-
`retle according lo an illustrative embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.011
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.011
`
`

`

`
`
`US RE49,114 E
`
`°
`
`a wa
`
`IcS
`
`3
`FIG.7 is a detailed side section view drawing of a liquid
`reservoir cartridge according to an illustrative embodiment
`of the present invention.
`FIG. 8 is an exploded view drawingof a liquid reservoir
`cartridge according to anillustrative embodiment of the
`present invention.
`FIG.9 is a partially exploded section view drawing of a
`liquid reservoir cartridge according to an_
`illustrative
`embodimentof the present invention.
`FIG. 10 is a section view drawing ofa liquid reservoir
`cartridge according to an illustrative embodiment of the
`present invention.
`FIG. 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d are a first end view, a first side
`section view, a second end view, and a second side section
`view drawing,
`respectively, of an atomizing assembly
`according to an illustrative embodiment of the present
`invention.
`FIGS, 12a, 12b, and 12c are a [first end view, a side section
`view, and a second end view drawing, respectively, of an
`atomizing chamber according to an illustrative embodiment
`of the present invention.
`FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c are a first end view, a side section
`view, and a second end view drawing, respectively, of a
`mouthpiece housing accordingto anillustrative embodiment
`of the present invention.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF TILE INVENTION
`
`4
`invention advances the art of electronic
`The present
`cigarettes by teaching an electronic cigarette that provides a
`
`
`liquid reservoir, which effectively delivers liquid at the
`requisite rates from the reservoir to an atomizer in a open
`atomizing chamber. This arrangement cnables production of
`aerosol ofthe liquid at desired rates of atomization without
`excessive liquid transfer during periods of non-use. This
`function is enabled though utilization of a wick aperture
`through the atomizing chamber and a wick disposed
`between the liquid reservoir and the atomizer. The wick
`enables the transfer of liquid bycapillarity in a controlled
`manner without flooding the open atomization chamber.
`Reference is directed to FIG. 1 is a perspective view
`drawing of an electronic cigarette 2 according to an illus-
`trative embodimentof the present invention. The electronic
`cigarelle 2 comprises a housing having a first elongated
`portion 10 and a second elongated portion 12. The second
`elongated portion 12, also referred to as the “cartridge” in
`certain illustrative embodiments, comprises a mouthpiece
`end 4, which has an aerosol outlet (not shown) for drawing
`air through the cartridge 12. The first elongated portion 10
`and the second elongated portion 12 are removable joined
`together with a mechanical coupler 14. One or more air inlet
`vents 16 are provided about the coupler 14 for allowing
`airflow into the cartridge 12 whentheuser drawsair through
`the electronic cigarette 2. The first elongated portion 10
`comprises a tip end 6, which in theillustrative embodiment,
`is fabricated from a translucent material enabling the trans-
`mission of light therethrough. Within the second elongated
`Illustrative embodiments and exemplary applications will
`portion 12 is disposed a liquid reservoir (not fully shown).
`now be described with reference to
`the accompanying
`‘The liquid reservoir includes a clear or translucent window
`drawings to disclose the advantageous teachings of the
`13 to the exterior of the housing 12 for visually determining
`present invention.
`the liquid level 15 within the liquid reservoir.
`invention is described herein with
`While the present
`Now, considering FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c, these are a tip end
`referenceto illustrative embodiments for particular applica-
`tions,
`it should be understood that the invention is not
`view, a side view, and mouthpiece end view, respectively,
`drawing ofan electronic cigarette according to an illustrative
`limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and
`embodiment of the present invention. Note that the first
`access to the teachings provided herein will recognize
`elongated portion 10 and second elongated portion 12 com-
`additional modifications, applications, and embodiments
`bine al coupler 14 to present a complete electronic cigarette
`within the scope hereof and additional fields in which the
`2 that closely resembles a tobacco cigarette. ‘he cartridge 12
`present invention would be ofsignificant utility.
`is fabricated with a finished material resemblingthefilter of
`In considering the detailed embodiments of the present
`a tobacco cigarette, and the first elongated portion 10 is
`invention,
`it will be observed that the present invention
`fabricated to resemble the tobaccoroll of a tobacco cigarette.
`resides primarily in combinations of steps to accomplish
`As noted above, the cartridge 12 includes a window13 for
`various methods or components to form various apparatus
`visually determining the liquid. level of the internal liquid
`and systems. Accordingly, the apparatus and system com-
`reservoir (not shown). The mouthpiece end 4 includes an
`ponents and method steps have been represented where
`aerosol outlet opening 5, for drawing air and aerosol out of
`appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, show-
`the cartridge 12. Air is inlet to the electronic cigarette 2 at
`ing only those specific details thal are pertinent to under-
`the vent openings 16 located at the coupler 14. ‘The air inlet
`standing the present invention so as not to obscure the
`i2
`openings 16 can be located elsewhere on the electronic
`disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those 5
`cigarette 2, and is a matter of design choice. In the illustra-
`of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the disclo-
`sures contained herein.
`tive embodiment,the tip end6is a translucent gray material
`In this disclosure,
`relational
`terms such as first and
`resembling an ash.
`Reference is directed to [IGS. 3a and 3b, which are side
`second, top and bottom, upper and lower, and the like may
`be used solcly to distinguish one entity or action from 5
`view drawings, respectively, of a cartridge portion 12 and a
`another entity or action without necessarily requiring or
`powersupplyportion 10 of an electronic cigarette according
`implying any actual such relationship or order between such
`to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. A
`entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or
`threaded extension 20 on the power supplyportion 10 ofthe
`any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-
`housing threadably engages the mechanical coupler 14 on
`exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or
`the cartridge portion 12. In addition, as will be described
`apparatus that comprisesa list of elements does not include
`morefully hereinafter, an electrical connectionis also facili-
`tated in the connection between the threaded extension 20
`only those elements but may include other elements not
`expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article,
`and the mechanical coupler 14. The cartridge portion 12 can
`or apparatus. An clement proceeded by “comprises a” docs
`thuslybe installed, uninstalled, and replaced as needed. The
`not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of
`cartridge portion contains the liquid reservoir and the win-
`additional identical elements in the process, method,article,
`dow 13 provides the visual cue as to the liquid remaining
`or apparatus that comprises the element.
`Thetip end 4 can be removed in certain illustrative embodi-
`
`
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.012
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.012
`
`

`

`US RE49,114 E
`
`5
`mentsto facilitate the addition of liquid to the reservoir. The
`tip end 6 glow bylight of an internal amber LED in response
`to suction pressure at the aerosol outlet 5.
`Reference is directed to FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c, which are
`tip end view, side section view, and mouthpicce end view,
`respectively, drawings of an electronic cigarette according to
`an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Refer-
`ence is additionally directed to FIGS. 5a and 5b, which are
`side section view drawings,
`respectively, of a cartridge
`portion and a powersupply portion ofan electronic cigarette
`correspond to this illustrative embodiment. FIGS. 4 and 5
`correspondto the sameillustrative embodiment and provide
`details of the internal structures of the illustrative embodi-
`ment. The tip end 4 is a resilient insert that engages the
`interior of the cartridge housing 12 and provides the aerosol
`outlet 5, which is a passage formed therethrough. Within the
`cartridge housing 12 is an atomizing chamber 38 that has an
`open chimney 36 extending to the aerosol outlet 5. The
`chimney 36 is located within the cartridge housing by a
`resilient seal 42. The annular space formed between the
`interior of the cartridge housing 12 and the chimney 36
`defines the liquid reservoir 43. At the upper end, resilient
`seal 42 closes and seals the liquid reservoir 43. The lower
`end of the reservoir 43 engages the atomizer assembly 28,
`which will be more fully described hereinafter.
`In FIGS. 4 and 5, the atomizer assembly 28 include the
`atomizer 32, whichis disposed within the atomizer chamber
`38. In addition, the atomizer assembly 28 comprises the
`mechanical coupler 14 that engages the threaded extension
`20 of the power supply portion 10. Within the mechanical
`coupler 14, and also a part of the atomizer assembly 28, is
`an electrical coupler 22 that has an air inlet port 26 formed
`therethrough, which is pneumatically coupled into the atom-
`izing chamber 38. Thusly, the pathway for the flow of fresh
`air in and aerosol out
`includes air drawn through the
`mechanical coupler 14, through the air inlet port 26, to the
`atomizer 32 within the atomizing chamber 38, up the chim-
`ney 36 and out the aerosol outlet 5.
`In FIGS. 4 and 5,
`the power supply portion 10 of the
`housing has a threaded extension 20 that engages the
`mechanical coupler 14. There is also a corresponding elec-
`trical connection such that the power supplyportion 10 can
`deliver electric current
`to the atomizer 32 to facilitate
`generation of aerosol. Two conductors are provided, includ-
`ing the outer mechanical connection and the central pneu-
`matic/clectric connection. Suitable milling for air-flow chan-
`nels is provided to facilitate solid mechanical, conductive
`electrical, and pneumatic connections. In the illustrative
`embodiment, poweris derived from a storage battery 11. A
`i2
`pressure sensor 48 detects negative pressure within the 5
`housing 10 and energizes the atomizer. The pressure sensor
`46 is located by a pressure seal 50. A draw circuit 52
`provides the electrical operation functions. In addition, and
`
`amber LED 54 is disposed to illuminate through the trans-
`lucent tip 6 to emulate burning ash while the draw pressure
`sensor 48 detects negative pressure.
`Reference is directed to FIG. 6, which is a functional
`block diagram an electronic cigarette according to an illus-
`trative embodiment of the present invention. This diagram
`presents the electrical functions of the electronic cigarette.
`The battery 60 provides power to a draw circuit 70. A
`pressure sensor 68 is disposed within the cigarette housing
`68. When negative pressure is detected, the drawcircuit 70
`delivers electric power to the atomizer 64 and the amber
`LED 72. This action causes aerosol to be produced in the
`presence of the negative pressure, and the Up of the elec-
`tronic cigarette to glow amber so long as the negative
`
`35
`
`60
`
`65
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`6
`pressure continues. The atomizer 64 is electrically coupled
`to the circuit through electrical coupler 62.
`Reference is directed to FIG. 7, whichis a detailed side
`section view drawing of a liquid reservoir cartridge accord-
`ing to an illustrative embodimentof the present invention.
`This drawing provides further details into the structure and
`operation of the liquid reservoir cartridge assembly. The
`cartridge comprises an outer housing 12 that is closed at the
`upper end by the tip end resilient insert 4, which has the
`aerosol port 5 formed therethrough. The lower end of the
`housing 12 is closed with the atomizer assembly 28, which
`has the mechanical coupler 14 at the extreme end. Plural air
`inlet vents 16 are formed though the mechanical coupler so
`that fresh air can enter while it is secured to the power supply
`housing. Within the cartridge housing 12 is the atomizing
`chamber38 that is pneumatically coupled to the chimney 36,
`whichis aligned with the aerosol outlet 5. The chimney 36
`is located and. sealed at the upper end by resilient seal 42.
`The annular space 43 between the chimney 36 and the
`interior of the housing 12 defines the liquid reservoir 43.
`Note that
`there is a thinner annular cavity 39 formed
`between the exterior of the atomizing chamber 38 and
`interior of the cartridge housing 12. The fluid 44is stored in
`the fluid reservoir 43, and is also capable of flowing into the
`annular cavity 39 to saturate wick 37.
`In FIG. 7, the atomizing assembly 28 is comprised of
`several components. The atomizer 32 is a coiled nickel-
`chromium heater through which the wick 37 passes. The
`wick 37 passes through wick apertures in the atomizing
`chamber (not shown) on its two ends, and into the annular
`cavity 39. ‘The atomizer assembly 28 is machined from a
`suitable metal and includes the mechanical couple 14, the
`electrical coupler 22, which is supported by an insulative
`support 24, and which has the air inlet port 26 formed
`therethrough. During operation, when there is a negative
`pressure imposed on the system by drawing air out of the
`acrosol outlet 5, and while electric current is delivered to the
`atomizer 36, air enters the air inlet port 26 and carries
`aerosol of the liquid 46 away from the atomizer 32, up the
`chimney 36 and out the aerosol outlet 5. As the liquid in the
`wick 37 is depleted by the atomizer 32, capillary action
`draws additional liquid from the liquid reservoir 43, through
`the cavity 39 and to the atomizer 32.
`Reference is directed to FIG. 8, whichis an exploded view
`drawing of an atomizer 28, atomizing chamber 38, chimney
`36 andresilient scal 42 according to an illustrative embodi-
`ment of the present invention. In the illustrative embodi-
`ment, the alomizing chamber 38 and chimney 36 are formed
`as a single unit. ‘he resilient seal 42 is a donut shaped
`polymeric material that is pressed onto the upper end of the
`chimney 36. The atomizing chamber 38 includes a pair of
`opposing wick apertures 40 formed therein, which provide
`clearance for the wick 37 to pass into the atomizing chamber
`38. The atomizing assembly 28 includes the mechanical
`coupler 14 at its lower end and the atomizer 32 at its upper
`end. The wick 37 passes through the center of the atomizer
`32, The alomizing assembly has a pair of semicircular
`recesses 30 formed therein which align cooperatively with
`the wick apertures 40 in the atomizing chamber when the
`two units are engaged. This results in a circular aperture
`through which the wick 37 passes with a slightly compres-
`sivefit. This arrangement enables liquid to pass through by
`capillarity of the wick 37, but prevents the liquid from
`flooding the atomizing chamber 38, which would be detri-
`mental or atomizer function.
`Reference is directed to FIG. 9, which is a partially
`exploded side section view drawing, and to FIG. 10, which
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.013
`
`NJOY Exhibit 1001.013
`
`

`

`US RE49,114 E
`
`°
`
`a 5
`
`8
`lucent to facilitate visual inspection of the liquid content.
`Thetip end resilient insert 4, with the aerosol outlet port 5,
`closes the upper end of the cartridge housing 12.
`‘Thus,
`the present invention has been described herein
`with reference to a particular embodiment for a particular
`application. Those having ordinaryskill in the art and access
`to the present teachings will recognize additional modifica-
`tions, applications and embodiments within the scope
`thereof.
`It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover
`any and all such applications, modifications and embodi-
`ments within the scope of the present invention.
`
`7
`is an assembled side section view drawing, of a liquid
`reservoir cartridge according to an illustrative embodiment
`of the present invention. The wick 37 passes through the
`atomizer 32 and extends to the outer periphery of the
`atomizer assembly 28. The atomizing chamber 38 is
`engaged with the atomizing assembly 28, thereby perfecting
`the wick aperture 40 as described hereinbefore, and enclos-
`ing the atomizing chamber 38. The resilient seal 42 is
`disposed between the exterior of the chimney 36 and the
`interior of the housing 12, thereby sealing the upper end of
`the fluid reservoir 43. The tip end resilient insert 4, with the
`aerosol outlet port 5, closes the upper end of the cartridge
`housing 12, and the chimney 36 is thereby aligned and
`Whatis claimed is:
`sealed to the acrosol outlet 5. The housing 12 is engaged
`1. An electronic cigarette cartridge apparatus, comprising:
`with the atomizer assembly 28, which urges the ends of the
`a housing having a mouthpiece with an aerosol outlet;
`wick 37 downwardlyand constrains them within the annular
`an atomizer disposed within an atomizing chamber, and
`cavity 39 formed betweenthe interior ofthe housing 12 and
`the exterior of the atomizing chamber 38. The wick 37 is
`operable to selectively generate an aerosol of[the] a
`liquid in response to electric current flowing there-
`thusly enabled to absorb the liquid (not shown). The atom-
`through,
`izer 32 has a first end electrically coupled to the atomizer
`said atomizing chamber having anair inlet, an atomizer
`assembly body 28 and a second end electrically coupled to
`the electrical coupler 22.