US4922901A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Drug delivery articles utilizing electrical energy
Assignee: RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co
•
Filing: 1988-09-08
•
Granted: 1990-05-08
•
Expires: 2008-09-08
Abstract
Abstract Drug delivery articles employ an electrical resistance heating element and an electrical power source to provide a dose of a drug in aerosol form. The articles advantageously comprise a disposable portion and a reusable controller. The disposable portion, normally includes a drug and an air permeable resistance heating element having a surface area greater than 1 m 2 /g, which usually carries an aerosol forming material. The reusable controller normally includes a puff-actuated current actuation means, a time-based current regulating means to control the temperature of the heating element, and a battery power supply.
Inventors
- 👤 Johnny L. Brooks
- 👤 Donald L. Roberts
- 👤 Jerry S. Simmons
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 01:22
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M15/00; A24; A24F; A24F40/00; A24F40/40; A24F40/42; A61M11/00; A61M11/04; A61M11/041; A61M11/042; A61M16/00; A61M16/10; A61M16/1075; A61M16/109; A24F40/10; A61M11/044; A61M15/06; A61M16/0003; A61M2016/0015; A61M2016/0018; A61M2016/0024; A61M2205/00; A61M2205/82; A61M2205/8206
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 141
Claim 1
Independent Claim
49 words
A disposable portion of a drug delivery article containing a drug for use with a source of electrical power comprising: (a) an electrical resistance heating element having a surface area greater than 1 m 2 /g; and (b) aerosol forming substance carried by the heating element prior to use.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
49 words
A disposable portion of a drug delivery article containing a drug for use with a source of electrical power comprising: (a) an electrical resistance heating element having a surface area greater than 1 m 2 /g; and (b) aerosol forming substance carried by the heating element prior to use.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The disposable article of claim 1, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 50 m 2 /g.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The disposable article of claim 1, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 250 m 2 /g.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The disposable article of claim 1, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 1,000 m 2 /g.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The disposable article of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the heating element comprises a porous material and the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid impregnated within the heating element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The disposable article of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the heating element is a fibrous material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The disposable article of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the heating element comprises a fibrous material and the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid impregnated within the fibrous material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The disposable article of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The disposable article of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers and the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid impregnating the carbon fibers.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The disposable article of claim 1, wherein the disposable article includes an air passageway at least partially therethrough, and the electrical resistance element comprises an air permeable heating element positioned in the passageway.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The disposable article of claim 10, wherein the heating element is positioned substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the air passageway.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The disposable article of claim 10, wherein the heating element is disposed substantially across the passageway.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The disposable article of claim 10, wherein the heating element comprises a pad positioned across the air passageway.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The disposable article of claim 10, 11, 12 or 13, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 50 m 2 /g.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The disposable article of claim 10, 11, 12 or 13, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 1,000 m 2 /g.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The disposable article of claim 10, 11, 12 or 13, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
The disposable article of claim 1, 10, 11, 12 or 13, wherein the heating element is positioned adjacent one end of the article.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The disposable article of claim 17, wherein the heating element is adapted for connection to an external source of electrical power.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
The disposable article of claim 1, 10, 11, 12 or 13, including means for connecting the heating element to an external source of electrical power.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The disposable article of claim 19, wherein the means for connecting the heating element to the external source of electrical power includes an air passageway.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
44 words
The disposable article of claim 19, including an air outlet for delivering aerosol to the user, and wherein the air outlet and the means for connecting the heating element to the external source of eIectrical power are at opposIte ends of the disposable article.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
45 words
The disposable article of claim 19, including an air outlet for delivering aerosol to the user and wherein the air outlet and the means for connecting the heating element to the external source of electrical power are at the same end of the disposable article.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
The disposable article of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 10, wherein the aerosol forming substance includes a drug.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
25 words
The disposable article of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 10, wherein the aerosol forming substance includes a drug and at least one polyhydric alcohol.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
The disposable article of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 10, wherein the drug is carried by the heating element prior to use.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
35 words
The disposable article of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 10, wherein the disposable article includes a mouth end, and the drug is located between the heating element and the mouth end of the article.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
24 words
The disposable article of claim 10, 11, 12 or 13, wherein the aerosol forming substance is a liquid impregnated within the electrical resistance element.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
15 words
The disposable article of claim 1, 10 or 13, in the form of a cartridge.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
49 words
A disposable portion of a drug delivery article containing a drug for use with a source of electrical power comprising: (a) an air passageway at least partially through the disposable portion; (b) an air permeable electrical heating element located in the air passageway; and (c) an aerosol forming substance.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
49 words
A disposable portion of a drug delivery article containing a drug for use with a source of electrical power comprising: (a) an air passageway at least partially through the disposable portion; (b) an air permeable electrical heating element located in the air passageway; and (c) an aerosol forming substance.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
The disposable article of claim 29, wherein the heating element is positioned substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the air passageway.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
20 words
The disposable article of claim 29, wherein the heating element substantially fills the cross sectional area of the air passageway.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
The disposable article of claim 29, wherein the heating element comprises a pad positioned across the air passageway.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
24 words
The disposable article of claim 29, 30, 31 or 32, wherein the aerosol forming substance is carried by the heating element prior to use.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The disposable article of claim 29, 30, 31 or 32, wherein the heating element comprises a fibrous mass.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
19 words
The disposable article of claim 34, wherein the aerosol forming substance is a liquid carried by the fibrous mass.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
17 words
The disposable article of claim 29, 30, 31 or 32, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
19 words
The disposable article of claim 36, wherein the aerosol forming substance is a liquid carried by the carbon fibers.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
21 words
The disposable article of claim 29, 30, 31 or 32, wherein the heating element is adjacent one end of the article.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
21 words
The disposable article of claim 38, wherein the heating element is adapted for connection to an external source of electrical power.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
30 words
The disposable article of claim 38, including an air outlet for delivering aerosol to the user and wherein the heating element is adjacent the end remote from the air outlet.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
30 words
The disposable article of claim 29, 30, 31 or 32, including an air outlet for delivering aerosol to the user and wherein the heating element is adjacent the air outlet.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
18 words
The disposable article of claim 29, 30, 31 or 32, wherein the aerosol forming substance includes a drug.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
22 words
The disposable article of claim 29, 30, 31 or 32, wherein the drug is carried by the heating element prior to use.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
26 words
The disposable article of claim 29, 30, 31 or 32, wherein the drug is located between the heating element and the mouth end of the article.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
56 words
The disposable article of claim 1, 10, 29 or 32, wherein the article includes sufficient aerosol forming substance and drug to deliver at least 0.5 mg of wet total particulate matter on each puff, for at least 6 puffs, when the article is puffed under conditions of 2 second, 35 ml puffs, taken every 60 seconds.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
56 words
The disposable article of claim 1, 10, 29 or 32, wherein the article includes sufficient aerosol forming substance and drug to deliver at least 0.8 mg of wet total particulate matter on each puff, for at least 6 puffs, when the article is puffed under conditions of 2 second, 35 ml puffs, taken every 60 seconds.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
65 words
The disposable article of claim 1, 10, 29 or 32, wherein the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid, and wherein the article includes sufficient aerosol forming substance and drug to deliver at least 0.5 mg of wet total particulate matter on each puff, for at least 6 puffs, when the article is puffed under conditions of 2 second, 35 ml puffs, taken every 60 seconds.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
63 words
A drug delivery article containing a drug for use with a source of electrical power comprising: (a) an electrical resistance heating element having a surface area greater than 1 m 2 /g; (b) aerosol forming substance carried by the heating element prior to use; and (c) puff actuated control means for permitting current flow through the heating element during draw by the user.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
63 words
A drug delivery article containing a drug for use with a source of electrical power comprising: (a) an electrical resistance heating element having a surface area greater than 1 m 2 /g; (b) aerosol forming substance carried by the heating element prior to use; and (c) puff actuated control means for permitting current flow through the heating element during draw by the user.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
20 words
The drug delivery article of claim 48, further including means for regulating current flow through the heating element during draw.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
15 words
The drug delivery of claim 48 or 49, further comprising a source of electrical power.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
30 words
The drug delivery article of claim 48 or 49, wherein the heating element comprises a porous material and the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid impregnated within the heating element.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
17 words
The drug delivery article of claim 48 or 49, wherein the heating element is a fibrous material.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
30 words
The drug delivery article of claim 48 or 49, wherein the heating element comprises a fibrous material and the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid impregnated within the heating element.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
16 words
The drug delivery article of claim 48 or 49, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
28 words
The drug delivery article of claim 48 or 49, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers and the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid impregnating the carbon fibers.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
23 words
The drug delivery article of claim 48 or 49, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 50 m 2 /g.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
23 words
The drug delivery article of claim 48 or 49, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 1,000 m 2 /g.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
25 words
The drug delivery article of claim 48 or 49, wherein the drug is located between the heating element and the mouth end of the article.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
21 words
The drug delivery article of claim 48 or 49, wherein the drug is carried by the heating element prior to use.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
17 words
The drug delivery article of claim 48 or 49, wherein the aerosol forming substance includes a drug.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
20 words
The drug delivery article of claim 48 or 49, wherein the aerosol forming substance includes at least one polyhydric alcohol.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
19 words
The drug delivery article of claim 49, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw comprises a timer.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
35 words
The drug delivery article of claim 62, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw further comprises a timer responsive switching means for enabling and disabling current flow to the resistance element during draw.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
45 words
The drug delivery article of claim 49, 62 or 63, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw includes a capacitor and means for charging and discharging the capacitor at a rate which approximates a rate at which the resistance element heats and cools.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
47 words
The drug delivery article of claim 49, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw comprises (i) means for permitting uninterrupted current flow through the resistance element for an initial time period during draw, and (ii) means for subsequently regulating current flow until draw is completed.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
26 words
The drug delivery article of claim 65, wherein the means for subsequently regulating current flow comprises means for switching the current flow alternately off and on.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
26 words
The drug delivery article of claim 66, wherein the means for switching the current flow off and on includes means for generating a preset switching cycle.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
19 words
The drug delivery article of claim 67, wherein the means for generating the preset switching cycle includes a timer.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
16 words
The drug delivery article of claim 68, wherein the timer generates a periodic digital wave form.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
60 words
The drug delivery article of claim 49, wherein the means for regulating current flow comprises (i) timer means, activated by the puff control means, for generating a pulse train having a predetermined duty cycle, and (ii) timer responsive switching means for enabling and disabling current flow to the heating element in response to the pulse train from the timer means.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
34 words
The drug delivery article of claim 49, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw includes means for controlling the average current flow through the heating element during a portion of the draw.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
56 words
The drug delivery article of claim 49, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw includes (i) means for enabling uninterrupted passage of current through the heating element for a predetermined initial time period, and (ii) means for controlling the average current which passes through the heating element upon passage of the predetermined initial time.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
88 words
The drug delivery article of claim 72, wherein the average current control means comprises (i) timer means for generating a pulse train having a predetermined duty cycle, and (ii) timer responsive switching means for enabling and disabling the current through the electrical heating element in response to the pulse train from the timer means, and wherein the enabling means for the initial time period comprises means for disabling the timer means during the initial time period and enabling the timer means upon passage of the initial time period.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
90 words
The drug delivery article of claim 73, wherein the enabling means for the initial time period further comprises (i) comparator means for comparing a first voltage at a first input to a threshold voltage at a threshold input and generating an output signal when the first voltage is equal to the threshold voltage, the output signal enabling the timer means; (ii) means for generating the threshold voltage at the threshold input; and (iii) means for generating the threshold voltage at the first input upon passage of the initial time period.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
32 words
The drug delivery article of claim 49, further comprising means for limiting the temperature of the heating element when a puff occurs before the heating element has cooled after a prior puff.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
24 words
The drug delivery article of claim 49, wherein the puff actuated control means comprises means for sensing changes in air pressure within the article.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
74 words
A drug delivery article containing a drug for use with a source of electrical power comprising: (a) an electrical resistance heating element; (b) aerosol forming substance; (c) switch means for actuating and deactuating current flow through the heating element; and (d) time based means for (i) permitting unrestricted current flow through the heating element for an initial predetermined time period upon current actuation, and (ii) means for subsequently regulating current flow until current deactuation.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
74 words
A drug delivery article containing a drug for use with a source of electrical power comprising: (a) an electrical resistance heating element; (b) aerosol forming substance; (c) switch means for actuating and deactuating current flow through the heating element; and (d) time based means for (i) permitting unrestricted current flow through the heating element for an initial predetermined time period upon current actuation, and (ii) means for subsequently regulating current flow until current deactuation.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
21 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, wherein the aerosol forming substance is carried by the heating element prior to use.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
21 words
The drug delivery article of claim 78, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 1 m 2 /g.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
17 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, 78 or 79, further comprising a source of electrical power.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
31 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, 78 or 79, wherein the heating element comprises a porous material and the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid impregnated within the heating element.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
18 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, 78 or 79, wherein the heating element is a fibrous material.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
31 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, 78 or 79, wherein the heating element comprises a fibrous material and the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid impregnated within the heating element.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
17 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, 78 or 79, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
29 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, 78 or 79, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers and the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid impregnating the carbon fibers.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
24 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, 78 or 79, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 50 m 2 /g.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
24 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, 78 or 79, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 1,000 m 2 /g.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
22 words
The drug delivery, article of claim 77, 78 or 79, wherein the drug is carried by the heating element prior to use.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
18 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, 78 or 79, wherein the aerosol forming substance includes a drug.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
24 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, 78 or 79, wherein the aerosol forming substance includes a drug and at least one polyhydric alcohol.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
54 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, 78 or 79, wherein the heating element carries sufficient aerosol forming substance and drug to deliver at least 0.5 mg of wet total particulate matter on each puff, for at least 6 puffs, when puffed under conditions of 2 second, 35 ml puffs, taken every 60 seconds.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
33 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, 78 or 79, wherein the means for subsequently regulating current flow until current deactivation includes means for controlling the average current flow through the heating element.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
47 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, 78 or 79, wherein the means for permitting current flow for the initial time period and for subsequently regulating current flow until current deactivation includes means for controlling the temperature range to which the heating element is heated during draw.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
24 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, 78 or 79, wherein the means for subsequently regulating current flow until current deactivation comprises a timer.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
38 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, 78 or 79, wherein the means for subsequently regulating current flow until current deactivation further comprises a timer responsive switching means for enabling and disabling current flow to the heating element.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
26 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, 78 or 79, wherein the means for permitting current flow for the initial time period comprises a comparator means.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
48 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, 78 or 79, wherein the means for permitting current flow for the initial time period includes a capacitor and means for charging and discharging the capacitor at a rate which approximates a rate at which the heating element heats and cools.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
29 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, 78 or 79, wherein the means for subsequently regulating current flow comprises means for switching the current flow alternately off and on.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
31 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, wherein the means for subsequently regulating current flow comprises a timer means for generating a periodic digital wave form having a preset duty cycle.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
96 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, wherein the means for subsequently regulating current flow until current deactivation comprises (i) timer means for generating a pulse train having a predetermined duty cycle, and (ii) time responsive switching means for enabling and disabling the current through the electrical heating element in response to the pulse train from the timer means, and wherein the means for permitting current flow for the initial time period comprises means for disabling the timer means during the initial time period and enabling the timer means upon passage of the initial time period.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
93 words
The drug delivery article of claim 100, wherein the means for permitting current flow for the initial time period further comprises (i) comparator means for comparing a first voltage at a first input to a threshold voltage at a threshold input and generating an output signal when the first voltage is equal to the threshold voltage, the output signal enabling the timer means; (ii) means for generating the threshold voltage at the threshold input; and (iii) means for generating the threshold voltage at the first input upon passage of the initial time period.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
47 words
The drug delivery article of claim 100 or 101, wherein the means for permitting current flow for the initial time period includes a capacitor and means for charging and discharging the capacitor at a rate which approximates a rate at which the heating element heats and cools.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
73 words
The drug delivery article of claim 77, wherein the means for permitting current flow for the initial time period and for subsequently regulating current flow comprises (i) timer means, activated by the current actuation and deactuation means, for generating a pulse train having a predetermined duty cycle, and (ii) timer responsive switching means for enabling and disabling current flow to the heating element in response to the pulse train from the timer means.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
67 words
A drug delivery article containing a drug for use with a source of electrical power comprising: (a) an air passageway at least partially through the article; (b) an air permeable electrical resistance heating element located in the air passageway; (c) an aerosol forming substance; (d) puff actuated control means for permitting current flow through the heating element during draw by the user; and (e) a mouth end.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
67 words
A drug delivery article containing a drug for use with a source of electrical power comprising: (a) an air passageway at least partially through the article; (b) an air permeable electrical resistance heating element located in the air passageway; (c) an aerosol forming substance; (d) puff actuated control means for permitting current flow through the heating element during draw by the user; and (e) a mouth end.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
18 words
The drug delivery article of claim 104, wherein the aerosol forming substance is carried by the heating element.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
20 words
The drug delivery article of claim 104, further comprising means for regulating current flow through the heating element during draw.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
18 words
The drug delivery article of claim 106, wherein the aerosol forming substance is carried by the heating element.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
19 words
The drug delivery article of claim 104, 105, 106 or 107, wherein the aerosol forming substance includes a drug.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
23 words
The drug delivery article of claim 104, 105, 106 or 107, wherein the drug is carried by the heating element prior to use.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
27 words
The drug delivery article of claim 104, 105, 106 or 107, wherein the drug is located between the heating element and the mouth end of the article.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
27 words
The drug delivery article of claim 104, 105, 106 or 107, wherein the heating element is positioned substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the air passageway.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
25 words
The drug delivery article of claim 104, 105, 106 or 107, wherein the heating element substantially fills the cross sectional area of the air passageway.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
23 words
The drug delivery article of claim 104, 105, 106 or 107, wherein the heating element comprises a pad positioned across the air passageway.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
25 words
The drug delivery article of claim 104, 105, 106 or 107, wherein the aerosol forming substance is carried by the heating element prior to use.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
17 words
The drug delivery article of claim 105 or 107, wherein the heating element comprises a fibrous mass.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
30 words
The drug delivery article of claim 105 or 107, wherein the heating element comprises a fibrous mass and the aerosol forming substance is a liquid carried by the fibrous mass.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
16 words
The drug delivery article of claim 105 or 107, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
29 words
The drug delivery article of claim 105 or 107, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers and the aerosol forming substance is a liquid carried by the carbon fibers.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
22 words
The drug delivery article of claim 104, 105, 106 or 107, wherein the heating element is adjacent one end of the article.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
19 words
The drug delivery article of claim 106, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw comprises a timer.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
19 words
The drug delivery article of claim 107, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw comprises a timer.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
35 words
The drug delivery article of claim 120, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw further comprises a timer responsive switching means for enabling and disabling current flow to the heating element during draw.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
35 words
The drug delivery article of claim 121, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw further comprises a timer responsive switching means for enabling and disabling current flow to the heating element during draw.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
46 words
The drug delivery article of claim 106, 107, 120 or 121, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw includes a capacitor and means for charging and discharging the capacitor at a rate which approximates a rate at which the heating element heats and cools.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
47 words
The drug delivery article of claim 106, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw comprises (i) means for permitting uninterrupted current flow through the heating element for an initial time period during draw, and (ii) means for subsequently regulating current flow until draw is completed.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
26 words
The drug delivery article of claim 125, wherein the means for subsequently regulating current flow comprises means for switching the current flow alternately off and on.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
26 words
The drug delivery article of claim 126, wherein the means for switching the current flow off and on includes means for generating a preset switching cycle.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
19 words
The drug delivery article of claim 127, wherein the means for generating the preset switching cycle includes a timer.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
16 words
The drug delivery article of claim 128, wherein the timer generates a periodic digital wave form.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
60 words
The drug delivery article of claim 106, wherein the means for regulating current flow comprises (i) timer means, activated by the puff control means, for generating a pulse train having a predetermined duty cycle, and (ii) timer responsive switching means for enabling and disabling current flow to the heating element in response to the pulse train from the timer means.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
34 words
The drug delivery article of claim 106, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw includes means for controlling the average current flow through the heating element during a portion of the draw.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
56 words
The drug delivery article of claim 106, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw includes (i) means for enabling unrestricted passage of current through the resistance element for a predetermined initial time period, and (ii) means for controlling the average current which passes through the resistance element upon passage of the predetermined initial time.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
88 words
The drug delivery article of claim 132, wherein the average current control means comprises (i) timer means for generating a pulse train having a predetermined duty cycle, and (ii) timer responsive switching means for enabling and disabling the current through the electrical resistance element in response to the pulse train from the timer means, and wherein the enabling means for the initial time period comprises means for disabling the timer means during the initial time period and enabling the timer means upon passage of the initial time period.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
90 words
The drug delivery article of claim 133, wherein the enabling means for the initial time period further comprises (i) comparator means for comparing a first voltage at a first input to a threshold voltage at a threshold input and generating an output signal when the first voltage is equal to the threshold voltage, the output signal enabling the timer means; (ii) means for generating the threshold voltage at the threshold input; and (iii) means for generating the threshold voltage at the first input upon passage of the initial time period.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
32 words
The drug delivery article of claim 108, further comprising means for limiting the temperature of the heating element when a puff occurs before the heating element has cooled after a prior puff.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
24 words
The drug delivery article of claim 105, wherein the puff actuated control means comprises means for sensing changes in air pressure within the article.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-05-07 | 1993-11-06 | 1994-05-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-05-07 | 1997-11-06 | 1998-05-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-05-07 | 2001-11-06 | 2002-05-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |