Case 1:20-cv-00393-LO-TCB Document 690-5 Filed 06/02/21 Page 1 of 16 PageID# 15934
`Case 1:20-cv-00393-LO-TCB Document 690-5 Filed 06/02/21 Page 1 of 16 Page|D# 15934
`
`EXHIBIT I
`EXHIBIT I
`
`

`

`Case 1:20-cv-00393-LO-TCB Document 690-5 Filed 06/02/21 Page 2 of 16 PageID# 15935
`I 1111111111111111 1111111111 1111111111 111111111111111 IIIII lll111111111111111
`
`US010104911B2
`
`(12i United States Patent
`Thorens et al.
`
`US 10,104,911 B2
`(lOJ Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Oct. 23, 2018
`
`(54) Al<:ROSOL GIC\El,lATING SYSTl<:\1 WITII
`PR.EVE'\TION OF CONDE'\SATE LEAKAGE
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Michel Thorcns, Moudon (Cl I):
`,lcan-.\1arc Flick, Pomy (Cl I): Olivier
`Yves Cochand, I )ombresson (Cl I):
`Flavien Duhief, Neuchatel (CH)
`
`(73) Assignee: Philip ~Iorris Products S.A.,
`Neuchatel (CH)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is ex'tended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 582 days.
`
`(58) Field of <:lassitication Search
`CPC .............. A61M 16/108; A61M 16/202; A61M
`11/041: A61M 15106: A61M 16/0808;
`(Continued)
`
`(56)
`
`R.cfcrcnccs Cited
`
`U.S. PArl '.NT I lOClJMI •:NTS
`
`4,275,747 A "'
`
`6/\981 Miller .
`
`4.419,302 A
`
`12/1983 Nishino el aL
`(Continued)
`
`A2LJI-< 1/08
`131/195
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`13/990,067
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Dec. 2, 2011
`
`(8G) PCT No.:
`* 371 (c)(l),
`(2). (4) Dale: Aug.9.2013
`
`PCT/EP2011/006055
`
`(87) PCT Pub. No.: WO2012/072264
`
`PCT Pub. Dc1Le: Jun. 7. 2012
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Public:dion D:,it~
`
`US 2013/0306064 Al
`
`Nov. 21, 2013
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Applic~tion Priority D:,it~
`
`Dec. 3. 2010
`
`(EP)
`
`10252048
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`A24F 47100
`A61M 15106
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(Continued)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC
`
`A24F 471008 (2013.01): A61M 11/042
`(2014.02); A61M 15/06 (2013.01);
`(Continued)
`
`CA
`C"\-
`
`5/2010
`2 ()Ljl 869 Al
`9/1988
`87 1 05919 A
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`lnLernaLional Search Reporl and \VriLLen Opinion dated :--.far. 8. 2012
`in Inlernalional Application No. PCTiEP20lli006055.
`(Continued)
`
`l'rimary Fxaminer -(-i-regory Anderson
`Assistant Examiner - Elliot S Ruddie
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Oblon, McClelland,
`M1;1ier & Neust1;1dt, L.L.P.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTR4.CT
`There is provided an aernsol generating system fi.1r heating
`a liquid aernsol-fi.1rming substrate. ·1he system includes an
`aerosol-fanning chamber, and a leakage preventer for pre(cid:173)
`venting or reducing leakage of liquid aerosol condensate
`from the aerosol generating system. The leakage preventer
`may include one or more ol": HI leasl one ec1vity in 1;1 w1;11l of
`Lhe aerosol-J(mning chmnber. for collecting droplets of
`condensed liquid aerosol-forming substrate: at least one
`hooked member for collecting drnplets of condensed liquid
`aerosol-forming substrate: an impactor fi.1r dismpting air(cid:173)
`flow in the aerosol-forming chamber so as to collect liquid
`droplets: and a closure member for substantially sealing the
`(Continued)
`
`103
`'-.
`
`307
`
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`Case 1:20-cv-00393-LO-TCB Document 690-5 Filed 06/02/21 Page 3 of 16 PageID# 15936
`
`US 10,104,911 B2
`Page 2
`
`aerosol-forming chamber ,,:hen the aerosol generating sys(cid:173)
`tem is not in use.
`
`7,832,LJ 10 H2
`2009/0272379 Al
`2010/0200008 Al
`
`11/2010 Hon
`11/2009 Thorens et al
`8/2010 Taieb
`
`13 Cl~ims, 3 Dn1wing Sheets
`
`l'Ol(l '.l(iN PAI I '.NT I JOClJMI •:NI S
`
`(2006.0I)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.0I)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.0I)
`
`C'\"
`C:\"
`c:-.-
`EA
`rR
`JP
`JP
`JP
`\VO
`11,/()
`
`20\079011 y
`201104"88 Y
`201479921 U
`200802045 Al
`2128256
`2000-5 10763
`2007-532118 A
`2009-526540
`\VO 2007i 131L!49 Al
`2009132793
`
`7/2008
`8/2008
`5/2010
`2/2009
`10/1972
`8/2000
`11/2007
`7/2009
`11/2007
`11/2009
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`A61M 16/lfl
`A61M Ui/20
`A61M 11/114
`A61M 16108
`A6!M 16/00
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`ere
`
`A61M 161108 (2014.02); A61M 161202
`(2014.02); A61M 1610808 (2013.01); A61M
`201610024 (2013.01): A61M 220513646
`(2013.01)
`
`(58)
`
`Field of Classification Search
`CPC A61M 2016/0024: A61M 2205/3646: A24B
`15/165: A24B 15/18: A24F 47/008: A24F
`47/002
`IJl/194. 198.2. 270. 273. 2'!0. 12'!. 110.
`131/360; 128/202.21
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`lJSPC
`
`(56)
`
`References (:itcd
`
`U.S. PAll 1.NT llOClJMl 1.NTS
`
`4,846.199 A
`5,935.975 A
`
`7/1989 Rose
`8/1999 Rose
`
`A2LIB 15/16
`424i449
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Office Action daLed Aug. U, 2014 in Colombian Palenl Application
`No. 13-156667-3 (with English language Lranslalion_L
`Combined Chinese Office Aclion and Search Reporl daLed :-.-ov. 4,
`2014 in Palen[ Applirnlion No. 201180058140.9 (with English
`Translation·).
`Combined Chinese Office Action and Search Kcpo1t dated Jan. LI,
`2016 in Patent Application No. 2011800581.cl0.9 ('\vith English
`Translation).
`Office Action dated :\far. 18. 2016 in Eurasian Patent Application
`No. 201390819 (\vith English language translation)
`Office Action dated Aug. 31, 2015 in .Japanese Patent Application
`No. 2013-541250 (with English language Lranslalion_).
`Office AcLion daled Sep. 10, 2015 in Eurasian Palenl Applicalion
`No. 201390819/31 (\vith English language translation"!.
`Korean Office Action \vith English translation dated Feb. 9, 2018 in
`corresponding Korean Patent Application No. \0-2013-701127\,
`citing documents AA. AO. and AP therein (13 pages"!.
`* cited by cxmnmcr
`
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`Case 1:20-cv-00393-LO-TCB Document 690-5 Filed 06/02/21 Page 4 of 16 PageID# 15937
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 23, 2018
`
`Sheet 1 of 3
`
`US 10,104,911 B2
`
`in
`.....
`N
`
`r-(cid:173)
`.....
`N
`
`r-(cid:173).....
`.....
`
`C'l
`
`L-------- ~
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`C'I
`IL.
`
`.....
`in
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`
`al
`0 .....
`
`RJR EX 1001
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`RJREDVA 001645249
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`

`

`Case 1:20-cv-00393-LO-TCB Document 690-5 Filed 06/02/21 Page 5 of 16 PageID# 15938
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 23, 2018
`
`Sheet 2 of 3
`
`US 10,104,911 B2
`
`Figure 2
`
`Figure 3
`
`Figure 4
`
`103
`
`""'
`
`Figure 5
`
`Figure 6
`
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`

`Case 1:20-cv-00393-LO-TCB Document 690-5 Filed 06/02/21 Page 6 of 16 PageID# 15939
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 23, 2018
`
`Sheet 3 of 3
`
`US 10,104,911 B2
`
`701
`
`117
`
`127
`
`"'
`■■ :'---.,.--,,----
`
`103
`
`'
`
`113
`
`801
`
`705
`
`703
`
`705a
`
`705b
`
`Figure 7
`
`127
`
`' 125
`
`' 125
`
`■ ■
`
`103
`
`"'
`■■ ';
`'' ' '
`' ' <
`' ' ' ' '
`' ' '
`
`••
`
`113
`
`119
`
`803
`
`805
`
`807
`
`Figure 8
`
`■■■■
`
`905
`
`905b
`
`113
`
`119 127b 905a
`
`905c
`
`Figure 9
`
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`Case 1:20-cv-00393-LO-TCB Document 690-5 Filed 06/02/21 Page 7 of 16 PageID# 15940
`
`US 10,104,911 B2
`
`1
`AEROSOL GENERATING SYSTEM \VITH
`PREVIC\TIO'\ OF CONl)l('\SATE LEAKAGE
`
`CROSS RJ,:JJ,,RJ,,NcJ,,'J'() Rll,l,All',ll
`APPLICATION
`
`2
`Lhc boiling poinL is Loo high, it 1m1y not be possible to
`vaporize the liquid but, if the boiling point is too lmv, the
`liquid may vaporize too readily. The liquid preferably com(cid:173)
`prises a tobacco-containing material comprising volatile
`s tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the
`liquid upon heating. Alternatively, or in addition, the liquid
`may comprise a non-tobc1cco mc1Lcrial. The liquid may
`include '.Valer. solvents. cth:mol, ph-inL cxLracLs, nicotine
`solutions and natural or artificial flavours. Preferably, the
`liquid further comprises an aerosol fiirmer. I -'.xamples of
`suitable aerosol formers are glycerine and propylene glycol.
`In a first embodiment of the invention, the leakage pre(cid:173)
`vention means comprises at least one cavity in a i,,vall of the
`1;1crosol-fom1ing drnmbcr, lix collecting liquid comlcns1;1tc
`liJrn1t.Xl from the 1;1crosol-fom1ing substrntc.
`Providing at least one cavity in a wall of the aerosol(cid:173)
`forming chamber allmvs condensed droplets of the liquid to
`be collected. Preferably, the at least one cavity intermpts the
`flow route for droplets of condensed liquid i,,vhich may
`20 othenvise leak out of the aerosol generating system. Thus,
`le1;1kagc of condensed liquid from the 1;1crosol gcncrnLing
`syslcm is prevented or 1;1t lec1st reduced. The at kc1st one
`cavity may have any suitable si7e and shape and may be
`located at any suitable location in the aerosol-firnning
`2.5 chamber. Preferably, the at least one cavity is close to an
`outlet end of the aerosol generating system. If the aerosol
`generating system includes a liquid storage portion or a
`capillary wick or both H liquid slorngc portion c1ml a cc1pillc1ry
`wick, the HL k1;1st one cc1vity mc1y comprise a return p1;1th lix
`.111 returning condensed liquid droplets to the liquid storage
`portion or capillary ,0vick.
`In the first embodiment of the invention. the at least one
`cavity may contain capillary material. Providing capillary
`material in the at least one cavity minimises the free liquid.
`35 This reduces the likelihood tlrnt condensed liquid will leak
`from the 1;1crosol gcncrnting sysLcm. The cc1pillary mc1tcric1l
`may comprise m1y suitc1bk m1;1tcric1l or combination of
`materials which is able to retain the collected liquid. The
`particular preferred material or materials will depend on the
`40 physical properties of the liquid aerosol-fonning substrate.
`Examples of suitable materials are a sponge or foam mate(cid:173)
`rial. ceramic- or graphite-based mc1Lcrials in the l(mn of
`librcs or sinlcrt.Xl pmvdcrs. 1;1
`li..)1;1mcd mct1;1l or plaslics
`nu1teri1;1l, 1;1 fibrous m1;1tcric1l, for cxmnple mc1dc of spinncd or
`4.5 extmded fibres. such as cellulose acetate, polyester, or
`bonded polyolefin, polyethylene, terylene or polypropylene
`fibres, nylon fibres or ceramic. Most preferably, the capillary
`material substantially fills the cavities so as to minimise the
`frc:c liquid.
`Uthe 1;1crosol gcncrnting system includes a liquid storngc
`portion or H capillary ·.vick or both a liquid slorngc porLion
`and a capillary wick the capillary material may provide a
`return path fiir returning condensed liquid droplets to the
`liquid storage portion or capillary wick. The capillary mate(cid:173)
`rial may be in contact with the capillary i,,vick. The capillary
`1m1teri1;1l in Lhc 1;1t k1;1st one c1;1viLy and the c1;1pilh-iry wicknuiy
`comprise Lhc s1;1mc 1m1teri1;1l or diilCrcnt nuilcrials.
`In H second embodiment of the invention. the lec1k1;1gc
`prevention means comprises at least one hooked member for
`collecting droplets of liquid condensate formed from the
`aerosol-fanning substrate.
`Providing a hooked member allows condensed droplets of
`Lhc liquid 1;1crosol-forn1ing substrate Lo be collccLcd. Prckr-
`1;1bly. Lhc al k1;1st one hooked member interrupls the lkw.-·
`route for dropkls of condensed liquid. Thus, k1;1kagc of
`liquid condensate from the aerosol generating system is
`prevented. ·111e at least one hooked member may have any
`
`111
`
`15
`
`This c1pplication is a 1mti01ml plmsc 1;1pplication based on
`PCT/EP20lli006055, likd Dec, 2, 201L
`·111e present invention relates to an aerosol generating
`system. In particular, the present invention relates to an
`aerosol generating system in which the aerosol-forming
`substrate is liquid.
`WO-A-2009/132793 discloses an electrically heated
`smoking system. A liquid is stored in H liquid sloragc
`portion. m1d 1;1 rnpillary v,:ick hrn, H first end v,1iich extends
`into the liquid storage portion fiir contact ,,1ith the liquid
`therein, and a second end which extends out of the liquid
`storage portion. A heating element heats the second end of
`the capillary i,,vick. The heating element is in the form of a
`spirally wom1d electric heating element in electrical con(cid:173)
`nccLion v, .. ilh a po·.vcr supply. and surrmmding the second
`end of the capilh-iry wick. In use. the hcc1ting dcmcnl nrny be
`activated by the user to s,,1itch on the pmver supply. Suction
`on a mouthpiece by the user causes air to be drmvn into the
`electrically heated smoking system over the capillary wick
`and heating element and subsequently into the mouth of the
`user.
`The aerosol generating sysLcms of the prior Hrl. including
`the clectrirnlly opcrntcd smoking sysLcm rcforrt.Xl to c1bovc,
`do have a number of advantages, but there is still opportu(cid:173)
`nity fiir improvement in the design.
`According to a first aspect of the invention, there is
`provided an aerosol generating system for heating a liquid
`aerosol-forming substrate, the system comprising: an aero(cid:173)
`sol-fomling chmnbcc c1ml lec1luigc prevention mcc1ns con(cid:173)
`llgurt.Xl to prevent or reduce k1;1k1;1gc of liquid 1;1crosol
`condcnsalc from the 1;1crosol gcncrnting sysLcm.
`·111e aerosol generating system is arranged to vapori7e the
`liquid aerosol-fiirming substrate to form a vapour, which
`condenses in the aerosol-forming chamber to form the
`aerosol. Thus, the aerosol-forming chamber simply assists or
`facilitates Lhc gcncrntion of the c1crosol. TI1c aerosol gener(cid:173)
`ating sysLcm m1;1y include the 1;1crusol-1i..1m1i.11g subsLrate or
`mc1y be HtllipLcd to receive the acrosol-l(mning substrntc. As
`knmvn to those skilled in the art, an aerosol is a suspension
`of solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas, such as air.
`An advantage of the invention is that leakage of liquid
`aerosol condensate from the aerosol generating system is
`prevented or 1;1t lec1st substc1nLi1;1lly reduced. The condensed
`liquid (liquid condensate) m1;1y l(mn due Lo a chm1gc in 50
`tcmpcrnlurc, ll)r example a sudden tcmpcrnlurc drop. Aller(cid:173)
`natively or additionally, the liquid condensate may accunm(cid:173)
`late in cavities, grooves, corners or other portions of the
`aerosol generating system where there is reduced airflmv.
`The rate of condensation is affected by the vapour pressure 55
`of Lhc c1crusol-fonning subsLrate, the tcmpcrnturc gradient
`between the v1;1pour and the housing or ,,,-·c11l of the 1;1crosol
`genera Ling sys Lem. m1d other factors, for example Lhc airllow
`and turbulence. Minimising, or preferably preventing, leak(cid:173)
`age of the liquid aerosol condensate is important to avoid 611
`i,,vastage of the liquid aerosol-fonning substrate. In addition,
`if liquid leaks out of the aerosol generating system, this may
`cc1usc inconvenience for the user. For cx1;1mple. the 1;1crosol
`genera Ling system m1;1y become wet or sticky.
`The liquid 1;1crosol-fom1ing substrnlc prcfornbly luis 65
`physical properties, for example boiling point and vapour
`pressure, suitable for use in the aerosol generating system. If
`
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`Case 1:20-cv-00393-LO-TCB Document 690-5 Filed 06/02/21 Page 8 of 16 PageID# 15941
`
`US 10,104,911 B2
`
`3
`suit.able siLc c1nd shape mid nrny be loc1;1tcd 1;11 m1y suiLc1bk
`location. Jlt1r example, the hooked member may be posi(cid:173)
`tioned on a ,vall of the aerosol-forming chamber.
`In the second embodiment of the invention, the at least
`one hooked member may comprise a recycle path for 5
`recycling the collected droplets of the liquid condensate. The
`recycle pc1Lh nrny comprise Hn angled porLion of the hooked
`member. If the w:rosol generating system .includes H liquid
`storage portion or a capillary ,vick or both a liquid storage
`portion and a capillary ,-...-ick, the recycle path may return 111
`condensed liquid droplets to the liquid storage portion or
`capillary i,,vick. The trapping and transportation of conden(cid:173)
`sate droplets can be enhanced by surface properties (for
`cxmnpk, but not limited to. surface profile, surface rough(cid:173)
`ness) or material (1i_ir ex.ample, buL noL limited to, use of a 15
`hydrophobic or hydrnphilic material) of an inner wall of the
`aerosol generating system, tlir example the inner wall of the
`aerosol-forming chamber.
`In the second embodiment of the invention, the at least
`one hooked member includes capillary material. The capil- 20
`lary material mc1y be provided on part or all of the collecting
`surface of Lhc hooked member. Providing capillary material
`on the at least one hooked member minimises the free liquid.
`This reduces the likelihood that condensed liquid ,-...-ill leak
`from the aerosol generating system. The capillary material 2.5
`may comprise any suitable material or combination of
`materials which is able to retain the collected liquid. The
`particular prckrrcd mc1Lcrial or matcric1ls v.-·ill depend on Lhc
`physicc1l propcrLics of the liquid acrosol-fom1ing subsLrnLc.
`I -'.xamples of suitable materials are a sponge or foam mate- .111
`rial, ceramic- or graphite-based materials in the form of
`fibres or sintered powders, a fiiamed metal or plastics
`material, a fibrous material, for example made of spinned or
`extruded fibres, such as cellulose acetate, polyester, or
`bonded polyoldin. polyethylene, Lcrylenc or polypropylene 35
`fibres, nylon fibres or ceramic.
`If the hooked member .includes H recycle path, prckrnbly,
`the recycle path
`includes the capillary material. This
`improves recycling of the condensed liquid droplets. If the
`aerosol generating system includes a liquid storage portion 40
`or a capillary 1.vick or both a liquid storage portion and a
`cc1pillary wick, the capillmy mc1Lcrial may rcLum condensed
`liquid droplets Lo the liquid storngc portion or capillary ·.vick.
`The capillary mc1Lcric1l may be in cont.act v.-·ith the capillmy
`wick. 'l11e capillary material on the at least one hooked 4.5
`member and the capillary wick may comprise the same
`material or different materials.
`In a third embodiment of the .invention, the leakage
`prevention mcc1ns comprises an .impacLor lix disrupting
`airllow in the c1crnsol-fornllng chamber so as to collect
`droplets of liquid being limned from the acrosol-l(mning
`substrate.
`Providing an impactor which dismpts the airflow allows
`droplets of the liquid aerosol-fonn.ing substrate to be col(cid:173)
`lected. This is because, as the airflmv is disrnpted, some
`liquid droplets cannoL be carried in the air11ow and impact on
`the impactor instcc1d. The collected liquid droplets tend Lo be
`the lc1rgcr liquid dropleLs. TI1c collected liquid droplets
`cannot leak out of the aernsol generating system. Thus,
`leakage of liquid condensate from the aerosol generating
`system is prevented. The .impactor may have any suitable
`size and shape and may be located at any po.int do\vnstream
`of the vapour fonnation.
`In the third embodiment of Lhc invcnLion, the impc1ctor
`mc1y include cc1pillc1ry matcric1L The capillary material is
`preferably prnvided on part or all of the upstream surface of
`the impactor. ·1he capillary material may be provided on
`
`4
`other surfaces of the impacLor. Providing capillary mc1tcric1l
`on the collecting surface of the impactor minimises the free
`liquid. TI1is reduces the likelihood that liquid condensate
`will leak from the aerosol generating system. "[he capillary
`material may comprise any suitable maLcrial or combirn-JLion
`of materials which is able to retain the collected liquid. The
`particular preferred material or materials will depend on the
`physical properties of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.
`Examples of suitable materials are a sponge or foam mate(cid:173)
`rial. ceramic- or graphite-based mc1Lcrials in the l(mn of
`fibres or sintered powders, a foamed metal or plastics
`material, a fibrous matcric1l, for ex.ample mc1dc of spinncd or
`extmded fibres. such as cellulose acetate, polyester, or
`bonded polyolcliu, polyethylene, terylenc or polypropylene
`fibres, nylon fibres or ceramic.
`If the aerosol generating system includes a liquid storage
`portion or a capillary wick or both a liquid storage portion
`and a capillary wick, the capillary material on the impactor
`may rcLum liquid droplets to the liquid storngc porLion or
`capillary wick. The capillary material on the .impactor may
`be in conLact v, .. ilh Lhc capillmy v,:ick. The capillary mc1tcric1l
`on the impactor and the capillary wick may comprise the
`same material or different materials.
`In a fourth embodiment of the invention, the leakage
`prevention means comprises a closure member for substan(cid:173)
`tially sealing the aerosol-forming chamber when the aerosol
`generating system is not in use.
`Providing a closure member ·which substanLially seals Lhc
`aerosol-forming chamber when the aernsol generating sys(cid:173)
`tem is not in use substantially prevents any condensed liquid
`drnplets from leaking out of the aerosol generating system
`when it is not in use. It should be 1mderstood that the closure
`member need only substantially seal the exit of the aerosol(cid:173)
`llmning chmnbcr. The inlet of Lhc acrosol-fonning chc1mbcr
`may remain open, even when Lhc closure member is in Lhc
`closed position.
`·1he closure member may have any suitable size and
`shape. The closure member may be manually operable by a
`user. Alternatively, the closure member may be electrically
`operable, either on user instrnction or automatically.
`TI1c closure member mc1y include capillary mc1tcric1L The
`capillary matcric1l may be provided on part or all of Lhc
`upstrcmn surface of the closure member. TI1c cc1pillary
`material will retain any liquid which collects on the closure
`member. ·1his reduces the likelihood that condensed liquid
`will leak from the aerosol generating system. The capillary
`material may comprise any suitable material or combination
`ofmc1Lcrials which is c1ble to retain the collccLcd liquid. The
`50 pc1rLicular preforrcd material or mc1Lcrials ·.vill depend on the
`physical properties of the liquid c1crosol-fonning subsLrate.
`J ,:xamples of suitable materials are a sponge or foam mate(cid:173)
`riaL ceramic- or graphite-based materials in the form of
`fibres or sintered powders, a foamed metal or plastics
`55 material, a fibrous material, for example made of spinned or
`extruded librcs. such as cellulose c1ccLc1Lc, polycsLcr. or
`bonded polyolcliu, polyethylene, terylenc or polypropylene
`librcs. nylon fibres or ceramic.
`If the aerosol generating system includes a liquid storage
`611 portion or a capillary wick or both a liquid storage portion
`and a capillary wick, the capillary material on the closure
`member may renm1 liquid droplets to the liquid storage
`portion or capillary wick. TI1c capillary material on Lhc
`closure member may be in conLact v.-·ith the capillary wick
`65 when the aerosol gcncrnting sysLcm is noL in use. The
`capillary material on the closure member and the capillary
`wick may comprise the same material or different materials.
`
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`
`US 10,104,911 B2
`
`5
`The w:rosol gcncrnting system 1m1y further comprise a
`liquid storage portion fiir storing the liquid aerosol-forming
`substrate.
`An advantage of providing a liquid storage portion is that
`the liquid in the liquid storage portion is protected from 5
`ambient air (because air cannot generally enter the liquid
`storngc portion) 1;1nd, in some embodiments light. so Lb.at Lhc
`risk of dcgrndation of Lhc liquid is signillc:m.tly reduced.
`Moreover, a high level of hygiene can be maintained. The
`liquid storage portion may not be refillable. Thus, ,,:hen the 111
`liquid in the liquid storage portion has been used up. the
`aerosol generating system is replaced. Alternatively, the
`liquid storage portion may be refillable. In that case, the
`aerosol gcncrnting sysLcm 1m1y be re-placed c1fo:r 1;1 ccrt1;1in
`numberofre1ills of the liquid storngeporLion. Prekrably, Lhe 15
`liquid storage portion is arranged to hold liquid for a
`pre-determined munber of puffs.
`·111e aerosol generating system may further comprise a
`capillary wick for conveying the liquid aerosol-forming
`substrate by capillary action.
`Preferably, the rnpillmy v.-·ick is arranged to be in conLact
`·with liquid in the liquid storage portion. Preferably. Lhc
`capillary wick extend,;; into the liquid storage portion. In that
`case, in use, liquid is transferred frnm the liquid storage
`portion by capillary action in the capillary wick. In one 2.5
`embodiment, liquid in one end of the capillary wick is
`vaporized to fonn a supersaturated vapour. The supersatu(cid:173)
`rated vc1pouris mixed ·with m1d carried in the 1;1ir 11ow. During
`the How, the v1;1pour condenses to 1i.mn the aerosol and the
`aerosol is carried tmvards the mouth of a user. The liquid .111
`aerosol-forming substrate has physical properties, including
`surface tension and viscosity, which allow the liquid to be
`transported through the capillary wick by capillary action.
`The capillary wick may have a fibrous or spongy strnc(cid:173)
`turc. The rnpillary v.-·ick preforably comprises a bundle of 35
`cc1pillc1rics. For example, the capillmy v.-·ick mc1y comprise a
`plurality of fibres or threads or other fine bore tubes. The
`fibres or threads may be generally aligned in the longitudinal
`direction of the aerosol generating system. Alternatively, the
`capillary wick may comprise sponge-like or foam-like mate- 40
`rial formed into a rod shape. The rod shape may extend
`along the longiLmlinal direcLion of the 1;1crosol gcnernting
`system. The structure of the v.-·ick l(mns a pluraliLy of small
`bores or tubes, through ,,,--Ilich the liquid rnn be LransporLed
`by capillary action. ·1he capillary wick may comprise any 4.5
`suitable material or combination of materials. I -'.xamples of
`suitable materials are capillary materials, for example a
`sponge or foam material, ceramic- or graphite-based mate(cid:173)
`ric1ls in Lhc 1i.1m1 of fibres or sintered powders. ll1c1mcd met1;1l
`or pl1;1stics nu1tcri1;1l, H 1ibrnus nuiLcrial. for example mmk of 50
`spinncd or extrnded fibres, such as cellulose acet1;1te, poly(cid:173)
`ester, or bonded polyolefin, polyethylene, terylene or poly(cid:173)
`propylene fibres, nylon fibres or ceramic. ·111e capillary wick
`may have any suitable capillarity and porosity so as to be
`used \vith different liquid physical properties. The liquid has 55
`physicc1l properties, including but not limited Lo viscosiLy,
`surface tension, density, them1c1l comlucLivity. boiling point
`and vc1pour pressure, which allow the liquid to be trnns(cid:173)
`ported through the capillary device by capillary action.
`·111e aerosol generating system may be electrically oper-
`ated. The electrically operated aerosol generating system
`may further comprise an electric heater for heating the liquid
`aerosol-fonning substrnte.
`The cleclric heater mc1y comprise H single hcc1ting cle(cid:173)
`ment. Altem1;1tivcly, the electric hcc1Ler nuiy comprise more 65
`than one heating element tlir example two, or three, or four,
`or five, or six or more heating elements. 'J'he heating element
`
`6
`or he1;1ting clements mc1y be c1rr1;1nged apprnpriatcly so as to
`most effectively heat the aerosol-forming substrate.
`·1he at least one electric heating element preferably com(cid:173)
`prises an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically
`resistive materials include but are not limited to: semicon(cid:173)
`ductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive ..
`ccrnmics (such HS. for ex.1;1mplc. molybdenum disilicidc),
`carbon, grnphiLe, mcLals, metc1l 1;11loys m1d composiLc 1m1tc(cid:173)
`rials made of a ceramic material and a metallic material.
`Such composite materials may comprise doped or undoped
`ceramics. I \xamples of suitable doped ceramics include
`doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include
`titanimn, zirconimn, tantahun and metals from the platinum
`grnup. Examples of suit.able met.al c11loys include sLc1inless
`sled, Conslm1t.an, nickel-. cob1;11L-. chromium-. c1luminium(cid:173)
`titanium-7irconium-, hafnium-. niobium-, molybdenum-,
`tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese- and iron(cid:173)
`containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickeL iron,
`cobalt, stainless steel, TimetalC!L iron-aluminium based
`20 alloys
`and
`iron-manganese-ahuninimn based
`alloys.
`TimeLc1tf, is H regisLcred Lradc nrnrk of Titc1nium McLals
`Corpornlion, 1999 Brnmhv1;1y Suite 4300, Denver Colo. In
`composite materials, the electrically resistive material may
`optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an
`insulating material or vice-versa, depending on the k7netics
`of energy transfer and the external physicoche1nical prop-
`erties required. The heating element may comprise a metal(cid:173)
`lic etched foil insulaLcd between two l1;1yers of Hn .inerl
`1m1tcri1;1L In th1;1t rnse, the .inerl m1;1teric1l m1;1y comprise
`Kapton1).?>, all-polyimide or mica foil. Kapto1l'lt is a regis(cid:173)
`tered trade mark of I \.I. du Pont de Nemours and (:ompany,
`1007 Market Street, \Vilmington, I )el. 19898, United States
`of America.
`Alternatively, the at least one electric heating element
`nuiy comprise 1;1n infra-red he1;1ting clement, H photonic
`source or Hn imlucLive hec1Ling clement.
`TI1e at leasl one electric he1;1ting clement m1;1y t1;1ke c1ny
`suitable form. Jlt1r example, the at least one electric heating
`element may take the fiirm of a heating blade. Alternatively,
`the at least one electric heating element may take the forn1
`of a casing or substrate having different electro-conductive
`portions, or Hn cleclrically resisLive meLc1llic tube. The liquid
`slorage portion m1;1y incorporate a dispos1;1bk heating cle(cid:173)
`mcnt.Altem1;1tivcly, one or more hcc1ting needles or rods thc1L
`nm through the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may also be
`suitable. Alternatively, the at least one electric heating
`element may be a disk ( end) heater or a combination of a
`disk heater with heating needles or rods. Alternatively, the at
`k1;1st one electric heating clemenl nuiy comprise 1;1 1lexible
`shecl of 1m1tcri1;1L 0Lher altem1;1tivcs include 1;1 hcc1ting wire
`or 1il1;1menl. for example H Ni-Cr, plc1Linum, tungsten or
`alloy wire, or a heating plate. Optionally, the heating ele(cid:173)
`ment may be deposited in or on a rigid carrier material.
`The at least one electric heating element may comprise a
`heat sink, or heat reservoir comprising a material capable of
`1;1bsorbing m1d storing he1;1t and subsequently rek1;1sing Lhc
`heat over time to hcc1L the 1;1crosol-fom1ing substrnle. The
`heat sink mc1y be fonned of c1ny suit.able 1m1tcri1;1l, such 1;1s 1;1
`suitable metal or ceramic material. Preferably, the material
`has a high heat capacity (sensible heat storage material), or
`is a material capable of absorbing and subsequently releas-
`ing heat via a reversible process, such as a high temperan1re
`plmse chm1ge. Suitc1bk sensible hcc1L stornge mc1Lerials
`include silirn gel, c1lumin1;1. cc1rbon. glc1ss mc1L, glHss fibre,
`nlli1erals, H met.al or alloy such 1;1s aluminium. silver or lec1d,
`and a cellulose material such as paper. Other suitable mate-
`rials which release heat via a reversible phase change
`
`611
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`Case 1:20-cv-00393-LO-TCB Document 690-5 Filed 06/02/21 Page 10 of 16 PageID# 15943
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`US 10,104,911 B2
`
`8
`manually operable switch for H user to initiate a puff. The
`time-period of the electric current pulse is preferably pre-set
`depending on the amount ofliquid desired to be vaporized.
`The electric circuitry is preferably programmable for this
`purpose.
`Preferably, the aerosol generating system comprises a
`housing. Prc1i:rnbly, the housing is elongc1tc. If the c1crosol
`generating includes a capillary ·.vick, Lhc longitudirnl axis of
`the capillary ,0vick and the longitudinal axis of the housing
`111 may be substantially parallel. ·111e housing may comprise a
`shell and a mouthpiece. In that case, all the components may
`be contained in either the shell or the mouthpiece. In one
`embodiment, the housing includes a removable insert com(cid:173)
`prising Lhc liquid storngc portion, the capillary wick and Lhc
`15 heater. In that cmbmlimcnt. those pc1rls of the c1crosol
`generating system may be removable from the housing as a
`single component. This may be useful tlir refilling or replac(cid:173)
`ing the liquid storage portion, for example.
`The housing may comprise any suitable material or com-
`20 bination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include
`mct.als. c11loys, plc1stics or composiLc matcric1ls contc1ining
`one or more of those mc1tcric1ls, or thcrrnoplHstics thc1L arc
`suitable for fond or pharmaceutical applications, for
`example polypropylene, pnlyetheretherketnne (Pl \I -'.K) and
`2.5 polyethylene. Preferably, the material is light and non(cid:173)
`brittle.
`Preferably, the aerosol generating system is portable. The
`aerosol generating sysLcm may be a smoking system m1d
`may have a size comparnblc to H convcnLional cigar or
`cigarette. ·1he smoking system may have a total length
`bet\>,1een