US4947874A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Smoking articles utilizing electrical energy
Assignee: RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co
•
Filing: 1988-09-08
•
Granted: 1990-08-14
•
Expires: 2008-09-08
Abstract
Abstract Smoking articles employ an electrical resistance heating element and an electrical power source to provide a tobacco-flavored smoke or aerosol and other sensations of smoking. The smoking articles advantageously comprise a disposable portion and a reusable controller. The disposable portion, which may be a cigarette, normally includes (i) an air permeable resistance heating element having a surface area greater than 1 m 2 /g, which usually carries an aerosol forming material, and (ii) a charge or roll of tobacco. 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
2026-10-28 01:47
CPC Classifications
A; A24; A24F; A24F40/00; A24F40/40; A24F40/46; A24F40/10; A24B; A24B15/00; A24B15/18; A24B15/24; A24F40/50; A24F40/57
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 211
Claim 1
Independent Claim
42 words
A cigarette 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) tobacco.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
42 words
A cigarette 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) tobacco.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The cigarette of claim 1, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 50 m 2 /g.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The cigarette of claim 1, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 250 m 2 g.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The cigarette of claim 1, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 1,000 m 2 g.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The cigarette 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
17 words
The cigarette of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the heating element is a fibrous material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The cigarette 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
16 words
The cigarette of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The cigarette 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
30 words
The cigarette of claim 1, wherein the cigarette includes an air passageway at least partially therethrough, and the heating element comprises an air permeable heating element positioned in the passageway.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The cigarette of claim 10, wherein the heating element is positioned substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the air passageway.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cigarette of claim 10, wherein the heating element is disposed substantially across the passageway.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The cigarette of claim 10, wherein the heating element comprises a pad positioned across the air passageway.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The cigarette 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
23 words
The cigarette 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
15 words
The cigarette of claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
The cigarette of claim 1, 3, 10, 11, 12 or 13, wherein the heating element is adapted for connection to an external source of electrical power.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The cigarette of claim 17, wherein the heating element is positioned adjacent one end of the cigarette.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
The cigarette 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
24 words
The cigarette 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
42 words
The cigarette 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 opposite ends of the cigarette.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
33 words
The cigarette of claim 1, 3, 10 or 13, including an air outlet for delivering aerosol to the user and a charge of tobacco located between the heating element and the air outlet.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
The cigarette of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 10, wherein the aerosol forming substance includes at least one polyhydric alcohol.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
19 words
The cigarette of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 10, wherein the aerosol forming substance includes a tobacco extract.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
25 words
The cigarette of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 10, wherein the aerosol forming substance includes a tobacco extract and at least one polyhydric alcohol.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
45 words
A disposable portion of a smoking article 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 28
Dependent Claim
45 words
A disposable portion of a smoking article 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 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
The disposable article of claim 26, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 50 m 2 g.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
20 words
The disposable article of claim 26, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 50 m 2 g.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
20 words
The disposable article of claim 26, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 1,000 m 2 g.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
31 words
The disposable article of claim 26, 27, 28 or 29, wherein the heating element comprises a porous material and the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid impregnated within the heating element.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
The disposable article of claim 26, 27, 28 or 29, wherein the heating element is a fibrous material.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
31 words
The disposable article of claim 26, 27, 28 or 29, wherein the heating element comprises a fibrous material and the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid impregnated within the fibrous material.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
17 words
The disposable article of claim 26, 27, 28 or 29, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
29 words
The disposable article of claim 26, 27, 28 or 29, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers and the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid impregnating the carbon fibers.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
33 words
The disposable article of claim 26, 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 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
The disposable article of claim 35, wherein the heating element is positioned substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the air passageway.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
16 words
The disposable article of claim 35, wherein the heating element is disposed substantially across the passageway.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
18 words
The disposable article of claim 35, wherein the heating element comprises a pad positioned across the air passageway.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
24 words
The disposable article of claim 35, 36, 37 or 38, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 50 m 2 g.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
24 words
The disposable article of claim 35, 36, 37 or 38, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 1,000 m 2 g.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
17 words
The disposable article of claim 35, 36, 37 or 38, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
23 words
The disposable article of claim 26, 35, 36, 37 or 38, wherein the heating element is positioned adjacent one end of the article.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
21 words
The disposable article of claim 42, wherein the heating element is adapted for connection to an external source of electrical power.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
25 words
The disposable article of claim 26, 35, 36, 37 or 38, including means for connecting the heating element to an external source of electrical power.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
25 words
The disposable article of claim 44, wherein the means for connecting the heating element to the external source of electrical power includes an air passageway.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
44 words
The disposable article of claim 44, 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 opposite ends of the disposable article.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
45 words
The disposable article of claim 44, 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 50
Dependent Claim
34 words
The disposable article of claim 26, 27, 35 or 37, including an air outlet for delivering aerosol to the user and a charge of tobacco located between the heating element and the air outlet.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
20 words
The disposable article of claim 26, 27, 28, 29 or 35, wherein the aerosol forming substance includes a tobacco extract.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
26 words
The disposable article of claim 26, 27, 28, 29 or 35, wherein the aerosol forming substance includes a tobacco extract and at least one polyhydric alcohol.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
24 words
The disposable article of claim 35, 36, 37 or 38, wherein the aerosol forming substance is a liquid impregnated within the electrical resistance element.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
15 words
The disposable article of claim 26, 35 or 38, in the form of a cartridge.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
45 words
A disposable portion of a smoking article 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 56
Dependent Claim
45 words
A disposable portion of a smoking article 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 57
Dependent Claim
22 words
The disposable article of claim 53, wherein the heating element is positioned substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the air passageway.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
20 words
The disposable article of claim 53, wherein the heating element substantially fills the cross sectional area of the air passageway.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
18 words
The disposable article of claim 53, wherein the heating element comprises a pad positioned across the air passageway.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
24 words
The disposable article of claim 53, 54, 55 or 56, wherein the aerosol forming substance is carried by the heating element prior to use.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
18 words
The disposable article of claim 53, 54, 55 or 56, wherein the heating element comprises a fibrous mass.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
19 words
The disposable article of claim 58, wherein the aerosol forming substance is a liquid carried by the fibrous mass.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
17 words
The disposable article of claim 53, 54, 55 or 56, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
19 words
The disposable article of claim 60, wherein the aerosol forming substance is a liquid carried by the carbon fibers.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
21 words
The disposable article of claim 53, 54, 55 or 56, wherein the heating element is adjacent one end of the article.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
21 words
The disposable article of claim 62, wherein the heating element is adapted for connection to an external source of electrical power.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
30 words
The disposable article of claim 62, 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 68
Dependent Claim
30 words
The disposable article of claim 53, 54, 55 or 56, including an air outlet for delivering aerosol to the user and wherein the heating element is adjacent the air outlet.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
15 words
The disposable article of claim 53, 54, 55 or 56, including a charge of tobacco.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
32 words
The disposable article of claim 66, including an air outlet for delivering aerosol to the user and wherein the charge of tobacco is located between the heating element and the air outlet.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
19 words
The disposable article of claim 53, 54, 55 or 56, wherein the aerosol forming substance comprises a tobacco extract.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
57 words
The disposable article of claim 26, 35, 53 or 56, wherein the article includes sufficient aerosol forming substance to deliver at least 0.5 mg of wet total particulate matter on each puff, for at least 6 puffs, when the article is smoked under standard FTC smoking conditions of 2 second, 35 ml puffs, taken every 60 seconds.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
57 words
The disposable article of claim 26, 35, 53 or 56, wherein the article includes sufficient aerosol forming substance to deliver at least 0.8 mg of wet total particulate matter on each puff, for at least 6 puffs, when the article is smoked under standard FTC smoking conditions of 2 second, 35 ml puffs, taken every 60 seconds.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
66 words
The disposable article of claim 26, 35, 53 or 56, wherein the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid, and wherein the article includes sufficient aerosol forming substance to deliver at least 0.5 mg of wet total particulate matter on each puff, for at least 6 puffs, when the article is smoked under standard FTC smoking conditions of 2 second, 35 ml puffs, taken every 60 seconds.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
54 words
The cigarette of claim 1 or 10, wherein the cigarette includes sufficient aerosol forming substance to deliver at least 0.5 mg of wet total particulate matter on each puff, for at least 6 puffs, when the cigarette is smoked under standard FTC smoking conditions of 2 second, 35 ml puffs, taken every 60 seconds.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
54 words
The cigarette of claim 1 or 10, wherein the cigarette includes sufficient aerosol forming substance to deliver at least 0.8 mg of wet total particulate matter on each puff, for at least 6 puffs, when the cigarette is smoked under standard FTC smoking conditions of 2 second, 35 ml puffs, taken every 60 seconds.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
63 words
The cigarette of claim 1 or 10, wherein the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid, and wherein the cigarette includes sufficient aerosol forming substance to deliver at least 0.5 mg of wet total particulate matter on each puff, for at least 6 puffs, when the cigarette is smoked under standard FTC smoking conditions of 2 second, 35 ml puffs, taken every 60 seconds.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
59 words
A smoking article 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 79
Dependent Claim
59 words
A smoking article 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 80
Dependent Claim
19 words
The smoking article of claim 75, further including means for regulating current flow through the heating element during draw.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
15 words
The smoking article of claim 75 or 76, further comprising a source of electrical power.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
29 words
The smoking article of claim 75 or 76, wherein the heating element comprises a porous material and the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid impregnated within the heating element.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
16 words
The smoking article of claim 75 or 76, wherein the heating element is a fibrous material.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
29 words
The smoking article of claim 75 or 76, wherein the heating element comprises a fibrous material and the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid impregnated within the heating element.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
15 words
The smoking article of claim 75 or 76, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
27 words
The smoking article of claim 75 or 76, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers and the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid impregnating the carbon fibers.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
22 words
The smoking article of claim 75 or 76, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 50 m 2 g.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
22 words
The smoking article of claim 75 or 76, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 1,000 m 2 g.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
32 words
The smoking article of claim 75 or 76, including an air outlet for delivering aerosol to the user and a charge of tobacco located between the heating element and the air outlet.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
17 words
The smoking article of claim 75 or 76, wherein the aerosol forming substance includes a tobacco extract.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
23 words
The smoking article of claim 75 or 76, wherein the aerosol forming substance includes a tobacco extract and at least one polyhydric alcohol.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
53 words
The smoking article of claim 75 or 76, wherein the heating element carries sufficient aerosol forming substance to deliver at least 0.5 mg of wet total particulate matter on each puff, for at least 6 puffs, when smoked under standard FTC smoking conditions of 2 second, 35 ml puffs, taken every 60 seconds.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
18 words
The smoking article of claim 76, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw comprises a timer.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
34 words
The smoking article of claim 89, 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 95
Dependent Claim
43 words
The smoking article of claim 76, 89 or 90, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw includes 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 96
Dependent Claim
46 words
The smoking article of claim 76, 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 97
Dependent Claim
25 words
The smoking article of claim 92, wherein the means for subsequently regulating current flow comprises means for switching the current flow alternately off and on.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
25 words
The smoking article of claim 93, wherein the means for switching the current flow off and on includes means for generating a preset switching cycle.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
18 words
The smoking article of claim 94, wherein the means for generating the preset switching cycle includes a timer.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
15 words
The smoking article of claim 95, wherein the timer generates a periodic digital wave form.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
59 words
The smoking article of claim 76, 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 102
Dependent Claim
33 words
The smoking article of claim 76, 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 103
Dependent Claim
55 words
The smoking article of claim 76, 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 104
Dependent Claim
87 words
The smoking article of claim 99, 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 105
Dependent Claim
89 words
The smoking article of claim 100, 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 106
Dependent Claim
31 words
The smoking article of claim 76, 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 107
Dependent Claim
23 words
The smoking article of claim 76, wherein the puff actuated control means comprises means for sensing changes in air pressure within the article.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
69 words
A smoking article 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) for subsequently regulating current flow until current deactuation.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
69 words
A smoking article 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) for subsequently regulating current flow until current deactuation.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
20 words
The smoking article of claim 104, wherein the aerosol forming substance is carried by the heating element prior to use.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
20 words
The smoking article of claim 105, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 1 m 2 g.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
16 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 105 or 106, further comprising a source of electrical power.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
30 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 105 or 106, wherein the heating element comprises a porous material and the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid impregnated within the heating element.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
17 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 105 or 106, wherein the heating element is a fibrous material.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
30 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 105 or 106, wherein the heating element comprises a fibrous material and the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid impregnated within the heating element.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
16 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 105 or 106, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
28 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 105 or 106, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers and the aerosol forming substance comprises a liquid impregnating the carbon fibers.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
23 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 105 or 106, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 50 m 2 /g.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
23 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 105 or 106, wherein the heating element has a surface area greater than 1,000 m 2 g.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
33 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 105 or 106, including an air outlet for delivering aerosol to the user and a charge of tobacco located between the heating element and the air outlet.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
18 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 105 or 106, wherein the aerosol forming substance includes a tobacco extract.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
24 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 105 or 106, wherein the aerosol forming substance includes a tobacco extract and at least one polyhydric alcohol.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
54 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 105 or 106, wherein the heating element carries sufficient aerosol forming substance to deliver at least 0.5 mg of wet total particulate matter on each puff, for at least 6 puffs, when smoked under standard FTC smoking conditions of 2 second, 35 ml puffs, taken every 60 seconds.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
32 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 105 or 106, wherein the means for subsequently regulating current flow until current deactivation includes means for controlling the average current flow through the heating element.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
46 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 105 or 106, 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 126
Dependent Claim
23 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 105 or 106, wherein the means for subsequently regulating current flow until current deactivation comprises a timer.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
37 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 105 or 106, 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 128
Dependent Claim
25 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 105 or 106, wherein the means for permitting current flow for the initial time period comprises a comparator means.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
47 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 105 or 106, 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 rater at which the heating element heats and cools.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
28 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 105 and 106, wherein the means for subsequently regulating current flow comprises means for switching the current flow alternately off and on.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
30 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 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 132
Dependent Claim
95 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 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 133
Dependent Claim
92 words
The smoking article of claim 127, 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 134
Dependent Claim
47 words
The smoking delivery article of claim 127 or 128, 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 the rate at which the heating element heats and cools.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
72 words
The smoking article of claim 104, 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 136
Dependent Claim
64 words
A smoking delivery article 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 137
Dependent Claim
64 words
A smoking delivery article 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 138
Dependent Claim
17 words
The smoking article of claim 131, wherein the aerosol forming substance is carried by the heating element.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
19 words
The smoking article of claim 131, further comprising means for regulating current flow through the heating element during draw.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
17 words
The smoking article of claim 133, wherein the aerosol forming substance is carried by the heating element.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
26 words
The smoking article of claim 131, 132, 133 or 134, wherein the heating element is positioned substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the air passageway.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
24 words
The smoking article of claim 131, 132, 133 or 134, wherein the heating element substantially fills the cross sectional area of the air passageway.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
22 words
The smoking article of claim 131, 132, 133 or 134, wherein the heating element comprises a pad positioned across the air passageway.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
24 words
The smoking article of claim 131, 132, 133 or 134, wherein the aerosol forming substance is carried by the heating element prior to use.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
16 words
The smoking article of claim 132 or 134, wherein the heating element comprises a fibrous mass.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
29 words
The smoking article of claim 132 or 134, wherein the heating element comprises a fibrous mass and the aerosol forming substance is a liquid carried by the fibrous mass.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
15 words
The smoking article of claim 132 or 134, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
28 words
The smoking article of claim 132 or 134, wherein the heating element comprises carbon fibers and the aerosol forming substance is a liquid carried by the carbon fibers.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
21 words
The smoking article of claim 131, 132, 133 or 134, wherein the heating element is adjacent one end of the article.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
18 words
The smoking article of claim 133, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw comprises a timer.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
18 words
The smoking article of claim 134, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw comprises a timer.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
34 words
The smoking article of claim 144, 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 153
Dependent Claim
34 words
The smoking article of claim 145, 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 154
Dependent Claim
45 words
The smoking article of claim 133, 134, 144 or 145, 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 155
Dependent Claim
46 words
The smoking article of claim 133, 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 156
Dependent Claim
25 words
The smoking article of claim 149, wherein the means for subsequently regulating current flow comprises means for switching the current flow alternately off and on.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
25 words
The smoking article of claim 150, wherein the means for switching the current flow off and on includes means for generating a preset switching cycle.
Claim 158
Dependent Claim
18 words
The smoking article of claim 151, wherein the means for generating the preset switching cycle includes a timer.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
15 words
The smoking article of claim 152, wherein the timer generates a periodic digital wave form.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
59 words
The smoking article of claim 133, 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 161
Dependent Claim
33 words
The smoking article of claim 133, 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 162
Dependent Claim
55 words
The smoking article of claim 133, 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 163
Dependent Claim
87 words
The smoking article of claim 156, 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 164
Dependent Claim
89 words
The smoking article of claim 157, 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 165
Dependent Claim
31 words
The smoking article of claim 132, 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 166
Dependent Claim
23 words
The smoking article of claim 132, wherein the puff actuated control means comprises means for sensing changes in air pressure within the article.
Claim 167
Dependent Claim
76 words
A controller for use with a disposable article having an aerosol forming substance and an electrical heating element, the controller comprising: (a) means for electrically connecting the controller to the electrical heating element; (b) means for electrically connecting the controller to an electrical power source; (c) puff actuated control means for permitting current flow through the heating element during draw by the user; and (d) means for regulating current flow through the heating element during draw.
Claim 168
Dependent Claim
76 words
A controller for use with a disposable article having an aerosol forming substance and an electrical heating element, the controller comprising: (a) means for electrically connecting the controller to the electrical heating element; (b) means for electrically connecting the controller to an electrical power source; (c) puff actuated control means for permitting current flow through the heating element during draw by the user; and (d) means for regulating current flow through the heating element during draw.
Claim 169
Dependent Claim
17 words
The controller of claim 161, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw comprises a timer.
Claim 170
Dependent Claim
33 words
The controller of claim 162, 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 171
Dependent Claim
40 words
The controller of claim 161, 162 or 163, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw includes a capacitor and means for charging and discharging the capacitor at approximately the rate at which the heating element heats and cools.
Claim 172
Dependent Claim
45 words
The controller of claim 161, 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 173
Dependent Claim
24 words
The controller of claim 165, wherein the means for subsequently regulating current flow comprises means for switching the current flow alternately off and on.
Claim 174
Dependent Claim
24 words
The controller of claim 165, wherein the means for switching the current flow off and on includes means for generating a preset switching cycle.
Claim 175
Dependent Claim
17 words
The controller of claim 167, wherein the means for generating the preset switching cycle includes a timer.
Claim 176
Dependent Claim
14 words
The controller of claim 168, wherein the timer generates a periodic digital wave form.
Claim 177
Dependent Claim
60 words
The controller of claim 161 or 165, 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 178
Dependent Claim
32 words
The controller of claim 161, 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 179
Dependent Claim
53 words
The controller of claim 161, wherein the means for regulating current flow during draw includes (i) means for enabling the uninterrupted passage of current through the heating element for an initial time period, and (ii) means for controlling the average current which passes through the heating element upon passage of the initial time.
Claim 180
Dependent Claim
86 words
The controller of claim 172, 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 181
Dependent Claim
88 words
The controller of claim 173, 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 182
Dependent Claim
33 words
The controller of claim 161, 165 or 173, 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 183
Dependent Claim
26 words
The controller of claim 161, 165 or 173, wherein the puff actuated control means comprises means for sensing changes in air pressure within the disposable article.
Claim 184
Dependent Claim
20 words
The controller of claim 161, 165 or 172, wherein the puff actuated control means includes an air pressure differential switch.
Claim 185
Dependent Claim
24 words
The controller of claim 161, wherein the means for electrically connecting the controller to a power source includes means for connection to a battery.
Claim 186
Dependent Claim
15 words
The controller of claim 178, further comprising a chamber for receiving at least one battery.
Claim 187
Dependent Claim
96 words
A controller for use with a disposable article having an aerosol forming substance and an electrical heating element for thermally generating an aerosol from the aerosol forming substance, the controller comprising: ((a) means for electrically connecting the controller to the electrical resistance heating element; ((b) means for electrically connecting the controller to an electrical power source; ((c) current actuation and deactuation means; 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) for subsequently regulating current flow until current deactuation.
Claim 188
Dependent Claim
96 words
A controller for use with a disposable article having an aerosol forming substance and an electrical heating element for thermally generating an aerosol from the aerosol forming substance, the controller comprising: ((a) means for electrically connecting the controller to the electrical resistance heating element; ((b) means for electrically connecting the controller to an electrical power source; ((c) current actuation and deactuation means; 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) for subsequently regulating current flow until current deactuation.
Claim 189
Dependent Claim
31 words
The controller of claim 180, wherein the current actuation and deactuation means is a puff actuated control means for permitting current flow through the heating element during draw by the user.
Claim 190
Dependent Claim
28 words
The controller of claim 180, wherein the means for subsequently regulating current flow until current deactivation includes means for controlling the average current flow through the heating element.
Claim 191
Dependent Claim
42 words
The controller of claim 180, 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 192
Dependent Claim
22 words
The controller of claim 180, 182 or 183, wherein the means for subsequently regulating current flow until current deactivation comprises a timer.
Claim 193
Dependent Claim
36 words
The controller of claim 180, 182 or 183, 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 194
Dependent Claim
24 words
The controller of claim 180, 182 or 183, wherein the means for permitting current flow for the initial time period comprises a comparator means.
Claim 195
Dependent Claim
46 words
The controller of claim 180, 182 or 183, 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 196
Dependent Claim
26 words
The controller of claim 180 or 181, wherein the means for subsequently regulating current flow comprises means for switching the current flow alternately off and on.
Claim 197
Dependent Claim
24 words
The controller of claim 188, wherein the means for switching the current flow off and on includes means for generating a preset switching cycle.
Claim 198
Dependent Claim
37 words
The controller of claim 188, wherein the means for switching the current flow off and on includes means for generating a preset switching cycle, and the means for generating the preset switching cycle includes a timer means.
Claim 199
Dependent Claim
46 words
The controller of claim 188, wherein the means for switching the current flow off and on includes means for generating a preset switching cycle, and means for generating the preset switching cycle includes timer means generates a periodic digital wave form having a preset duty cycle.
Claim 200
Dependent Claim
94 words
The controller of claim 180, 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 201
Dependent Claim
91 words
The controller of claim 192, 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 202
Dependent Claim
45 words
The controller of claim 192 or 193, 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 203
Dependent Claim
73 words
The controller of claim 180 or 181, 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 204
Dependent Claim
38 words
The controller of claim 180, wherein the means for electrically connecting the controller to a power source includes means for connection to a battery, and wherein the controller further comprises a chamber for receiving at least one battery.
Claim 205
Dependent Claim
59 words
A current control circuit for an article having an aerosol forming substance and a heat generating electrical resistance element for thermally generating an aerosol from the aerosol forming substance, the circuit comprising (i) means for permitting current flow through the resistance element for an initial time period, and (ii) means for subsequently regulating current flow through the resistance element.
Claim 206
Dependent Claim
59 words
A current control circuit for an article having an aerosol forming substance and a heat generating electrical resistance element for thermally generating an aerosol from the aerosol forming substance, the circuit comprising (i) means for permitting current flow through the resistance element for an initial time period, and (ii) means for subsequently regulating current flow through the resistance element.
Claim 207
Dependent Claim
24 words
The circuit of claim 197, wherein the means for subsequently regulating current flow comprises means for switching the current flow alternately off and on.
Claim 208
Dependent Claim
24 words
The circuit of claim 198, wherein the means for switching the current flow off and on includes means for generating a preset switching cycle.
Claim 209
Dependent Claim
17 words
The circuit of claim 199, wherein the means for generating the preset switching cycle includes a timer.
Claim 210
Dependent Claim
19 words
The circuit of claim 200, wherein the timer generates a periodic digital wave form having a preset duty cycle.
Claim 211
Dependent Claim
52 words
The circuit of claim 198, wherein the means for regulating current flow comprises (i) timer 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 resistance element in response to the pulse train from the timer means.
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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) | 1993-08-13 | 1994-02-12 | 1994-08-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-08-13 | 1998-02-12 | 1998-08-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-08-13 | 2002-02-12 | 2002-08-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |