Non-nicotine electronic vaping device with memory module

A non-nicotine e-vaping device includes a heater, a power control circuit, and a memory module. The heater element is configured to heat a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation being devoid of nicotine and including at least one non-nicotine compound. The power control circuit is coupled to the heater element through a wire. The power control circuit is configured to apply a pulse width modulated power signal to the heater element through the wire, and to receive information over the wire. The memory module is configured to detect a plurality of pulses in the pulse width modulated power signal, record information based on the detected plurality of pulses, and output the recorded information to the power control circuit via the wire.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to a non-nicotine electronic vaping or non-nicotine e-vaping device.

Description of Related Art

A non-nicotine electronic vaping or non-nicotine e-vaping device includes a heating element that heats a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to produce a non-nicotine vapor.

A non-nicotine e-vaping device includes a power supply, such as a rechargeable battery, arranged in the device. The power supply is electrically connected to the heater. The power supply provides power to the heater such that the heater heats to a temperature sufficient to convert the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to a non-nicotine vapor. The non-nicotine vapor exits the non-nicotine e-vaping device through a mouthpiece including at least one outlet. Non-nicotine e-vaping devices may include a memory, such as heat resistant Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM).

SUMMARY

At least one example embodiment provides a non-nicotine e-vaping device including: a heater element configured to heat a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation being devoid of nicotine and including at least one non-nicotine compound; a power control circuit coupled to the heater element through a wire, the power control circuit configured to apply a pulse width modulated power signal to the heater element through the wire, and receive information over the wire; and a memory module configured. The memory module is configured to: detect a plurality of pulses in the pulse width modulated power signal; record information based on the detected plurality of pulses; and output the recorded information to the power control circuit via the wire.

At least one other example embodiment provides a non-nicotine cartridge of a non-nicotine e-vaping device, the non-nicotine cartridge including: an array of fuses, each fuse in the array of fuses configured to open based on a threshold voltage; a memory controller configured to receive a pulse width modulated power signal via a wire, and apply a voltage greater than or equal to the threshold voltage across one or more fuses in the array of fuses based on a plurality of pulses in the pulse width modulated power signal; a reservoir configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation being devoid of nicotine and including at least one non-nicotine compound; and a heater element configured to heat non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from the reservoir. The heater element is part of the wire.

At least one other example embodiment provides a non-nicotine cartridge of a non-nicotine e-vaping device. The non-nicotine cartridge includes: a memory; a memory controller coupled to the memory, wherein the memory controller is configured to read information stored in the memory, and output the information over a wire by modifying a pulse width modulated power signal carried by the wire; a reservoir configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation being devoid of nicotine and including at least one non-nicotine compound; and a heater element configured to heat non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from the reservoir. The heater element is part of the wire.

At least one other example embodiment provides a non-nicotine e-vaping device including: a reservoir configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation being devoid of nicotine and including at least one non-nicotine compound; a heater element configured to heat non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from the reservoir; a power application circuit configured to output a pulse width modulated power signal to the heater element via a wire, the heater element being part of the wire; and an integrated circuit including an analog to digital converter (ADC). The ADC is configured to receive a data transmission via the wire by detecting a change in current in one or more pulses of the pulse width modulated power signal, and control the power application circuit to output the pulse width modulated power signal.

At least one other example embodiment provides a memory module for a non-nicotine cartridge of a non-nicotine e-vaping device, the memory module comprising: an array of fuses, each fuse in the array of fuses configured to open based on a threshold voltage; a memory controller configured to receive a pulse width modulated power signal via a wire, and apply a voltage greater than or equal to the threshold voltage across one or more fuses in the array of fuses based on a plurality of pulses in the pulse width modulated power signal.

At least one other example embodiment provides a memory module for a non-nicotine cartridge of a non-nicotine e-vaping device, the memory module comprising: a memory; and a memory controller coupled to the memory, the memory controller configured to read information stored in the memory, and output the information over a wire by modifying a pulse width modulated power signal carried by the wire.

At least one other example embodiment provides a power control circuit for a non-nicotine e-vaping device, the power control circuit comprising: a power application circuit configured to output a pulse width modulated power signal to a heater element via a wire; and an integrated circuit including an analog to digital converter (ADC) configured to receive a data transmission via the wire by detecting a change in current in one or more pulses of the pulse width modulated power signal, and control the power application circuit to output the pulse width modulated power signal, wherein the heater element is part of the wire.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forth herein.

FIG.1is a simplified view of a non-nicotine e-vaping device10according to at least one example embodiment.

Referring toFIG.1, in at least one example embodiment, a non-nicotine electronic vaping device (non-nicotine e-vaping device)10includes a main body (or first section)100and a replaceable cartridge (or second section)200. The first section100and the second section200may be coupled together. For example, the first section100and the second section200may be coupled together using connectors (not shown). The connectors may include a male connector piece with reciprocal threads on the first section100and a female connector piece including reciprocal threads on the second section200. The female and male connectors may connect by rotating the threads together. Alternatively, the connectors may be snug-fit connectors, detent connectors, clamp connectors, clasp connectors, or the like. Moreover, the positioning of the male and female connectors may be reversed as desired such that the female connector piece is part of the first section100, and the male connector piece is part of the second section200.

In the example embodiment shown inFIG.1, the first section100includes a power supply110, a power control circuit120, a sensor134, and an LED array137. The power control circuit120includes a power circuit (or power application circuit)124and an integrated circuit127.

The second section200includes a memory module210, a reservoir220and a heater240(or heater element). The reservoir220is configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The power control circuit120and the memory module210may be electrically connected through the power wire150. As will be described in further detail below, the power control circuit120and the memory module210may communicate information over the power wire150. The power control circuit120may also provide power to the heater240and the memory module210over the power wire150.

The power wire150may be a single wire or multiple wires. The heater240may be part of the power wire150. The power wire150may also include connecting elements or other conductive elements.

In some example embodiments, one or both of the sensor134and air inlet160may be included in the second section200. The first section100may include a first outer housing104. The second section200may include a second outer housing204.

The integrated circuit127may control the power circuit124, the sensor134and the LED array137. The integrated circuit127may also receive a sensor signal from the sensor134. The integrated circuit127may control the power circuit124to provide a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal (or PWM power signal) to the heater240and the memory module210over the power wire150.

The integrated circuit127may also receive information from the memory module210over the power wire150. The information received from the memory module210may indicate, for example, a level of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the reservoir220. The integrated circuit127may control the LED array137to display the level of non-nicotine pre-vapor formation based on the received information. For example, the LED array137may include 6 LEDs. In this example, if the information received from the memory module210indicates that the reservoir220is half full, then the integrated circuit127may control the LED array137to light 3 of the 6 LEDs to show that the reservoir220is half full.

The sensor134may be a capacitive sensor capable of sensing an internal pressure drop within the first section100. In at least one example embodiment, the sensor134is configured to generate an output indicative of a magnitude and direction of airflow through the non-nicotine e-vaping device10. In this example, the integrated circuit127receives an output of the sensor134, and determines if (1) the direction of the airflow indicates an application of negative pressure to (e.g., draw on) the air outlet250(versus positive pressure or blowing) and (2) the magnitude of the application of negative pressure exceeds a threshold level. The threshold level may be set based on empirical data. If these non-nicotine vaping conditions are met, then the integrated circuit127controls the power circuit124to output a PWM signal to the heater240via the power wire150.

According to at least one example embodiment, the sensor134is discussed with respect to a capacitive sensor. However, sensor134may be any suitable pressure sensor, for example, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) including a piezo-resistive or other pressure sensor.

The heater240may heat non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from the reservoir220by a wick224. The wick224may draw the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir220(e.g., via capillary action), and the heater240may heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the central portion of the wick224to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation thereby generating a non-nicotine vapor. As referred to herein, a non-nicotine vapor is any matter generated or outputted from any non-nicotine e-vaping device10according to any of the example embodiments disclosed herein. The airflow may carry the non-nicotine vapor out the air outlet250.

In still other example embodiments, the air inlet160may be between the first section100and the second section200. In some example embodiments the heater240may be in the first section100.

In at least one example embodiment, the reservoir220may include a storage medium and the storage medium may be a fibrous material including at least one of cotton (e.g., a winding of cotton gauze), polyethylene, polyester, rayon, combinations thereof, or the like. In at least one other example embodiment, the reservoir220may include a filled tank lacking any storage medium and containing only non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The reservoir220may be sized and configured to hold enough non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation such that the non-nicotine e-vaping device10may be configured for non-nicotine vaping for at least about 1000 seconds. Moreover, the non-nicotine e-vaping device10(more specifically the integrated circuit127) may be configured to allow each puff to last a maximum of about 5 seconds.

In at least one example embodiment, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is a material or combination of materials that may be transformed into a non-nicotine vapor.

In at least one example embodiment, a flavoring (at least one flavorant) and/or a non-nicotine compound may be included in the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. In at least one example embodiment, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is a liquid, solid, dispersion and/or a gel formulation including, but not limited to, water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors, and/or at least one non-nicotine vapor former such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The non-nicotine compound is devoid of nicotine. In at least one example embodiment, the non-nicotine compound does not include tobacco, nor is the compound derived from tobacco. In at least one example embodiment, the non-nicotine compound iscannabis, or includes at least onecannabis-derived constituent. In at least one example embodiment, acannabis-derived constituent includes at least one of acannabis-derived cannabinoid (e.g., a phytocannabinoid, or a cannabinoid synthesized by acannabisplant), at least onecannabis-derive terpene, at least onecannabis-derived flavonoid, or combinations thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the non-nicotine compound is in the form of, or included in, a solid, a semi-solid, a gel, a hydrogel, or combinations thereof, and the non-nicotine compound is infused into, or co-mingled or combined within, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. In at least one example embodiment, the non-nicotine compound is in the form of, or included in, a liquid or a partial-liquid, that includes an extract, an oil, a tincture, a suspension, a dispersion, a colloid, an alcohol, a general non-neutral (slightly acidic or slightly basic) solution, or combinations thereof, and the non-nicotine compound is infused into, or comingled or combined within, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. In at least one example embodiment, the non-nicotine compound is a constituent of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. In at least one example embodiment, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation is, or is part of, a dispersion, a suspension, a gel, a hydrogel, a colloid, or combinations thereof, and the non-nicotine compound is a constituent of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation.

In at least one example embodiment, the non-nicotine compound undergoes a slow, natural decarboxylation process over an extended duration of time at low temperatures, including at or below room temperature (72° F.). In at least one example embodiment, the non-nicotine compound may undergo a significantly elevated decarboxylation process, on the order of 50% decarboxylation or greater if the non-nicotine compound is exposed to elevated temperatures especially in the range of about 175° F. or greater over a period of time (minutes or hours, at a relatively low pressure such as 1 atmosphere), where even further elevated temperatures (about 240° F. or greater) can cause a rapid or instantaneous decarboxylation to occur at a potentially high decarboxylation rate (50% or more), though ever further elevated temperatures can cause a degradation of some or all of the chemical properties of the non-nicotine compounds.

In at least one example embodiment, the at least one non-nicotine vapor former of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation includes diols (such as propylene glycol and/or 1,3-propanediol), glycerin and combinations, or sub-combinations, thereof. Various amounts of non-nicotine vapor former may be used. For example, in some example embodiments, the at least one non-nicotine vapor former is included in an amount ranging from about 20% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to about 90% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation (e.g., the non-nicotine vapor former is in the range of about 50% to about 80%, or about 55% to 75%, or about 60% to 70%), etc. As another example, in at least one example embodiment, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation includes a weight ratio of the diol to glycerin that ranges from about 1:4 to 4:1, where the diol is propylene glycol, or 1,3-propanediol, or combinations thereof. In at least one example embodiment, this ratio is about 3:2. Other amounts or ranges may be used.

In at least one example embodiment, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation includes water. Various amounts of water may be used. For example, in some example embodiments, water may be included in an amount ranging from about 5% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to about 40% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, or in an amount ranging from about 10% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to about 15% by weight based on the weight of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. Other amounts or percentages may be used. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the remaining portion of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation that is not water (and not the non-nicotine compound and/or flavorants), is the non-nicotine vapor former (described above), where the non-nicotine vapor former is between 30% by weight and 70% by weight propylene glycol, and the balance of the non-nicotine vapor former is glycerin. Other amounts or percentages may be used.

In at least one example embodiment, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation includes at least one flavorant in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 15% by weight (for instance, the flavorant may be in the range of about 1% to 12%, or about 2% to 10%, or about 5% to 8%). In at least one example embodiment, the at least one flavorant includes volatilecannabisflavor compounds (flavonoids). In at least one example embodiment, the at least one flavorant includes flavor compounds instead of, or in addition to, thecannabisflavor compounds. In at least one example embodiment, the at least one flavorant may be at least one of a natural flavorant, an artificial flavorant, or a combination of a natural flavorant and an artificial flavorant. For instance, the at least one flavorant may include menthol, wintergreen, peppermint, cinnamon, clove, combinations thereof, and/or extracts thereof. In addition, flavorants may be included to provide herb flavors, fruit flavors, nut flavors, liquor flavors, roasted flavors, minty flavors, savory flavors, combinations thereof, and any other desired flavors.

In at least one example embodiment, the non-nicotine compound may be a medicinal plant, or a naturally occurring constituent of the plant that has a medically-accepted therapeutic effect. The medicinal plant may be acannabisplant, and the constituent may be at least onecannabis-derived constituent. Cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids) are an example of acannabis-derived constituent, and cannabinoids interact with receptors in the body to produce a wide range of effects. As a result, cannabinoids have been used for a variety of medicinal purposes.Cannabis-derived materials may include the leaf and/or flower material from one or more species ofcannabisplants, or extracts from the one or more species ofcannabisplants. In at least one example embodiment, the one or more species ofcannabisplants includesCannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, andCannabis ruderalis. In some example embodiments, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation includes a mixture ofcannabisand/orcannabis-derived constituents that are, or are derived from, 60-80% 70%)Cannabis sativaand 20-40% (e.g., 30%)Cannabis indica.

In instances where both tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are present in the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, the decarboxylation and resulting conversion will cause decrease in tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and an increase in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). At least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of the tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) may be converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), via the decarboxylation process, during the heating of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation for purposes of vaporization. Similarly, in instances where both cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabidiol (CBD) are present in the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, the decarboxylation and resulting conversion will cause a decrease in cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and an increase in cannabidiol (CBD). At least 50% (e.g., at least 87%) of the cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) may be converted to cannabidiol (CBD), via the decarboxylation process, during the heating of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation for purposes of vaporization.

The non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation may contain the non-nicotine compound that provides the medically-accepted therapeutic effect (e.g., treatment of pain, nausea, epilepsy, psychiatric disorders). Details on methods of treatment may be found in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/845,501, filed Dec. 18, 2017, titled “VAPORIZING DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING A COMPOUND USING THE SAME,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Referring back toFIG.1, in at least one example embodiment, the wick224may include filaments (or threads) having a capacity to draw non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir220. For example, the wick224may be a bundle of glass (or ceramic) filaments, a bundle including a group of windings of glass filaments, or the like, all of which arrangements may be capable of drawing non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation via capillary action by interstitial spacing between the filaments. The filaments may be generally aligned in a direction perpendicular (transverse) to the longitudinal direction of the non-nicotine e-vaping device10. In at least one example embodiment, the wick224may include one to eight filament strands, each strand comprising a plurality of glass filaments twisted together. The end portions of the wick224may be flexible and foldable into the confines of the reservoir220. The filaments may have a cross-section that is generally cross-shaped, clover-shaped, Y-shaped, or in any other suitable shape.

In at least one example embodiment, the wick224may include any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials may be, but not limited to, glass, ceramic- or graphite-based materials. The wick224may have any suitable capillary drawing action to accommodate non-nicotine pre-vapor formulations having different physical properties such as density, viscosity, surface tension and vapor pressure. The wick224may be conductive or non-conductive.

In at least one example embodiment, the heater240may include a coil of wire (a heater coil), which at least partially surrounds the wick224. The wire used to form the coil of wire may be metal. The heater240may extend fully or partially along the length of the wick224. The heater240may further extend fully or partially around the circumference of the wick224. In some example embodiments, the heater240may or may not be in contact (or direct contact) with the wick224.

In at least some other example embodiments, the heater240may be in the form of a planar body, a ceramic body, a single wire, a mesh, a cage of resistive wire or any other suitable form. More generally, the heater240may be any heater that is configured to vaporize a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation.

In at least one example embodiment, the heater240may heat non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the wick224by thermal conduction. Alternatively, heat from the heater240may be conducted to the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation by means of a heat conductive element or the heater240may transfer heat to the incoming ambient air that is drawn through the non-nicotine e-vaping device10during non-nicotine vaping, which in turn heats the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation by convection.

In at least one example embodiment, the heater240may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive materials. Examples of suitable electrically resistive materials may include, but are not limited to, copper, titanium, zirconium, tantalum and metals from the platinum group. Examples of suitable metal alloys include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum-titanium-zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel. For example, the heater240may be formed of nickel aluminide, a material with a layer of alumina on the surface, iron aluminide and other composite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material or vice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the external physicochemical properties required. The heater240may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, super alloys and combinations thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the heater240may be formed of nickel-chromium alloys or iron-chromium alloys. In another example embodiment, the heater240may be a ceramic heater having an electrically resistive layer on an outside surface thereof.

According to at least one example embodiment, the first outer housing104and the second outer housing204may have a generally cylindrical cross-section. In other example embodiments, the first and second outer housings104and204may have a generally triangular, rectangular, oval, square, or polygonal cross-section. Furthermore, the first and second outer housings104and204may have the same or different cross-section shape, or the same or different size. As discussed herein, the first and second outer housings104and204may also be referred to as outer or main housings.

Although example embodiments may be described in some instances with regard to the first section100coupled to the second section200, example embodiments should not be limited to these examples.

The first section100may be a reusable section of the non-nicotine e-vaping device10, wherein the reusable section may be capable of being recharged by an external charging device. Alternatively, the first section100may be disposable. In this example, the first section100may be used until the energy from the power supply110is depleted (e.g., the energy falls below a threshold level).

The power supply110may be a Lithium-ion battery, or a variant of a Lithium-ion battery, such as a Lithium-ion polymer battery. The power supply110may either be disposable or rechargeable.

The air inlet160may be one or more holes bored into the first outer housing104. The air inlet160allows for puff detection by the sensor134resulting from changes in pressure when air is drawn in through air inlets160.

Although one hole is shown inFIG.1for the air inlet160, example embodiments should not be limited to this example. Rather, the first outer housing104may include any number of holes or air inlets160. In at least one example embodiment, the air inlet160may be sized and configured such that the non-nicotine e-vaping device10has a resistance-to-draw (RTD) in the range of from about 60 mm H2O to about 150 mm H2O.

The air outlet250may be one or more holes bored into the second outer housing204or a separate mouthpiece at an end of housing204. Although one hole is shown inFIG.1for the air outlet250, example embodiments should not be limited to this example. Rather, the second outer housing204may include any number of holes or air outlets250. In at least one example embodiment, the air outlet250may be sized and configured such that the non-nicotine e-vaping device10has a resistance-to-draw (RTD) in the range of from about 60 mm H2O to about 150 mm H2O.

A continuous air passage may exist between the air inlet160and air outlet250such that air is drawn in the air inlet160past the heater240and out the air outlet250.

FIG.2is a diagram of an electrical system of the non-nicotine e-vaping device10according to at least one example embodiment. In the example embodiment ofFIG.2, the power circuit124includes a transistor125, where an output signal from integrated circuit127is input to the gate of the transistor125via the control wire130. A source of the transistor125may be connected to a rail140. The rail140being connected to the power supply110, and the voltage applied to the rail being the voltage of the power supply110. A drain of the transistor125may be connected to the power wire150. In this configuration an output signal from the integrated circuit127may switch the gate of the transistor125ON and allow a current from the power supply110to pass through the power circuit124. The power circuit124should not be limited to this example and may include other electrical circuitry elements such as transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, combinations thereof, sub-combinations thereof, or the like. For example,FIG.12contains an alternative embodiment for the power circuit124.

In another example embodiment, the integrated circuit127may be connected to a manually operable switch (not shown) for an adult vaper to activate the heater240.

Still referring toFIG.2, the integrated circuit127may further include an analog to digital converter (ADC)128. The ADC128may be an oscillator-based converter. As will be described in greater detail below, the ADC128may be connected to the power wire150and configured to determine when the current through the power wire150changes beyond a certain threshold. For example, integrated circuit127(or controller129) via the ADC128may detect a first bit value (e.g., ‘1’) in response to determining that the current of the PWM signal changes by more than a threshold value during a pulse of the PWM signal, and detect a second bit value (e.g., ‘0’) in response to determining that the current of the PWM signal does not change by more than the threshold value during a pulse of the PWM signal. The first bit value and second bit values of ‘1’ and ‘0’, respectively, are used only as examples. The first and second bit values may be reversed in some example embodiments. The ADC128may output a signal based on the detected current through the power wire150. The integrated circuit127may determine what data has been sent based on the signal output from the ADC128. The integrated circuit127may be configured to receive information from the memory module210only over the power wire150. Thus, no additional electrical connections are required for data transmission between controller212and integrated circuit127.

The integrated circuit127may determine the threshold value based on a load of the power circuit124. For example, during an initiation phase, a bit series of “010101 . . . ” may be sent by changing the load of the memory module210during a series of pulses of the PWM signal. The integrated circuit127may measure the current of data bit “0” and data bit “1” and determine the threshold for further transmissions.

In at least one example embodiment, the integrated circuit127may include a time-period limiter to limit the time period during which the PWM signal is continuously supplied to the heater240. The time period may be set or pre-set depending on the amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to be vaporized. In one example, the time period for continuous application of the PWM signal to the heater240may be limited such that the heater240heats a portion of the wick224for less than about 10 seconds. In another example, the time period for continuous application of the PWM signal to the heater240may be limited such that the heater240heats a portion of the wick224for about 5 seconds.

Operation of the non-nicotine e-vaping device10to generate a non-nicotine vapor when the first section100is coupled to the second section200will now be described with regard toFIGS.1and2.

Referring toFIG.1, air is drawn primarily into the first section100through the air inlet160in response to application of negative pressure to the air outlet250.

If the sensor134detects air flow through the first section100above a threshold, the sensor134transmits a signal to the integrated circuit127. In response to the signal from the sensor134, the integrated circuit127controls the power circuit124to initiate supply of the PWM signal to the heater240, such that the heater240heats non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation on the wick224to generate a non-nicotine vapor.

The air drawn through the air inlet160enters the first outer housing104, passes over the heater240, and then flows through the air outlet250.

The air flowing over the heater240combines and/or mixes with the non-nicotine vapor generated by the heater240, and the air-vapor mixture passes through the air outlet250.

In the example embodiment shown inFIG.2, the PWM signal may be generated by the integrated circuit127by intermittently applying a voltage to the gate of the transistor in the power circuit124.

FIG.3is a diagram of the memory module210according to at least one example embodiment.FIGS.2and3are connected at node260N.

The memory module210may be connected directly or indirectly to the power wire150. The memory module210may include a regulator215, a controller (or memory controller)212, a fuse memory217, and an additional load219.

The regulator215may be connected directly or indirectly to the power wire150and may be configured to charge a decoupling capacitor (not shown) within the regulator215to provide power to the controller212. In some example embodiments, the regulator215may be omitted. The controller212may also be directly or indirectly connected to the power wire150. The controller212may be configured to receive data transmitted over the power wire150(via node260N) based on the PWM signal. Example methods and protocols by which the controller212may receive data based on the PWM signal will be described below with regard toFIGS.7-11. The controller212may operate using power received directly from the PWM signal and may operate using power received from the regulator215in the gaps between the pulses in the PWM signal. The memory module210may be configured to receive power only from the PWM signal over the power wire150.

As described in more detail later with regard toFIGS.7-11, the controller212may transmit data over the power wire150by selectively connecting and disconnecting the additional load219to and from the power wire150(e.g., connecting the additional load219to the power wire150during a portion of a pulse of the PWM signal to indicate a first bit value (‘1’), and not connecting the additional load219to the power wire150during a pulse of the PWM signal to indicate a second bit value (‘0’)).

The controller212may also record received information in the fuse memory217by applying a voltage across fuses included in the fuse memory217. The fuse memory217may include an array of fuses. Each fuse in the array of fuses may be opened by applying a voltage above a set voltage across the fuse. For example, the fuses may be have the set voltage for opening the fuse of about 2 volts. The controller212may be configured to apply a voltage above the set voltage (in this example, above 2 volts) across fuses to open fuses in the fuse array. In one example, the fuse memory217may include an array of 1024 fuses with the first 1016 fuses being dedicated to recording information related to an amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation left in the reservoir220, and the remaining 8 fuses dedicated to storing other information, such as a product identifier, serial number, or the like.

The additional load219may be connected between the power wire150and ground. The additional load219may be a transistor220with the gate of the transistor220connected to the controller212. In one example, the transistor220may be a NMOS transistor. In another example, the transistor220may be a PMOS transistor.

The additional load may also be implemented in other configurations. For example, the additional load219may include multiple transistors, resistors, capacitors, a combination thereof, or a sub-combination thereof.

FIG.4Ais a flow diagram illustrating a method for recording information to the memory module210according to at least one example embodiment. For example purposes, the method shown inFIG.4Awill be discussed with regard to the non-nicotine e-vaping device and electrical system shown inFIGS.1-3.

At S310, the power control circuit120outputs the PWM signal to the controller212over the power wire150based on the battery voltage. The power control circuit120may output the PWM signal in response to a signal from the sensor134. The PWM signal may be a rectangular PWM signal or may include embedded signals within the PWM signal. The PWM signal is received at the controller212via the power wire150.

At S320, the controller212obtains information from the PWM signal. For example, the controller212may detect a number of pulses in the PWM signal and determine a time in which the heater240is operational (operating time) based on the number of detected pulses. The controller212may also determine information to record based on the number of detected pulses or the time in which the heater240is operational. As another example, the controller212may detect a signal embedded in the PWM signal and determine information to record based on the signal embedded in the PWM signal. Example methods and protocols for embedding signals within the PWM signal will be discussed later with regard toFIGS.7-11.

At S330, the controller212records the obtained information. For example, the obtained information may be the time in which the heater240is operational, and the controller212may open one fuse in the fuse memory217for every second the heater240is operated based on the number of pulses in the PWM signal. As another example, the controller212may open a number of fuses based on information carried by the signal embedded in the PWM signal. For example, the embedded signal may include an indication of the number of fuses to be opened. The embedded signal may also include other commands such as a request for the memory217to send a signal indicating the number of fuses already opened in the portion of the fuses dedicated to the amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the reservoir220. Alternatively, the controller212may be programmed to send data indicating the number of fuses already opened if the PWM signal continues for at least a set number of pulses.

FIG.4Bis a flow diagram illustrating a method for transmitting information to the main body according to at least one example embodiment.

At S340, the controller212may transmit data via the power wire150by modifying the load of the power circuit124while the PWM signal is output by the power control circuit120. Since the battery acts as a voltage source, the change in load will change the current drawn through the power wire150. The change in load may be accomplished by connecting an additional load219to the power wire150. For example, the additional load219may comprise a transistor220. The transistor220may be turned on by the controller212applying a voltage to the gate of the transistor219. The transistor220may be connected between the power wire150and ground. The current flow through the power wire150increases when the transistor220is switched on. Thus, the controller212may modify the load of the power circuit124by turning on the transistor220. In this way, the controller212may communicate information by selectively modifying the load (e.g., turning the transistor220on and off) of the power circuit124during a PWM clock cycle. Thus, the controller212may output the information recorded in the fuse memory217to the power control circuit120via the power wire150. Restated, the controller212may output the recorded information via the power wire150during output of the PWM signal to the heater240over the power wire150by the power control circuit120. Example methods and protocols for transmitting or communicating information by selectively modifying the load of the power circuit124will be discussed later with regard toFIGS.7-11.

At S350, the integrated circuit127(via the ADC128) detects the transmitted data by measuring the current of the PWM signal in response to a change in current caused by the connection of the additional load219by the controller212. That is, for example, the integrated circuit127senses a change in current drawn through the power wire150and detects the transmitted data based on the sensed change in the current drawn through the power wire150. The data may include a final bit or bits as a checksum (e.g., including at least one parity bit or confirmation bit).

At S360, the integrated circuit127determines if the data was received without error. The integrated circuit127may determine if the data was received without error using the checksum bit or bits to check the sum of the previously received bits against the checksum. Because methods for determining whether data is received correctly using a checksum is known, further discussion is omitted.

If the integrated circuit127determines that the data was received without error at S360, then the integrated circuit127may control the power circuit124to transmit a receipt acknowledgement via the PWM signal at S370. The acknowledgement may be embedded in the PWM signal. Alternatively, the acknowledgement receipt may be sent by transmitting a set pulse in the PWM signal without modification. Example methods and protocols for embedding information (e.g., acknowledgment information or bit(s)) within a PWM signal will be discussed later with regard toFIGS.7-11.

Returning to S360, if the integrated circuit127determines that the data was received with errors (e.g., the checksum failed), then the integrated circuit127may control the power circuit124to transmit a request to resend the data (negative acknowledgment) via the PWM signal. The request may be embedded in the PWM signal as discussed in more detail later with regard toFIGS.7-11. Alternatively, as will be described in further detail below, the request to resend the data may be transmitted by shortening a set pulse in the PWM signal. Based on the request to resend the data (or negative acknowledgement), the memory module210may resend the data.

Using the same or substantially the same operations, the integrated circuit127may request and receive information (e.g., a product identification, serial number, a combo thereof, or the like) stored in the fuse memory217.

The integrated circuit127may determine a number of LEDs among the LED array137to activate based on the data. For example, the data may indicate a total number of seconds the heater240has been active (as represented by the data stored in the fuse memory217). The integrated circuit127may determine the percentage (or fraction) of the total time the heater240can be active before the reservoir220is depleted (e.g., all or substantially all the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored in the reservoir220is vaporized, the reservoir220is empty, or falls below a threshold level), represented by the total number of seconds the heater240has been active, and activate the same percentage of the LEDs in the LED array137. The integrated circuit127may know a priori or determine the total time the heater240can be active before the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored in the reservoir220is depleted in several different ways. For example, the data may indicate a total number of seconds the heater240can be active before the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation stored in the reservoir220is depleted. As another example, the integrated circuit127may be pre-programmed with the number of seconds the heater240can be active before the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the reservoir220is depleted. As yet another example, the integrated circuit127may be pre-programmed with the number of seconds the heater240can be active for a certain product type before the reservoir220is depleted. In this case, the integrated circuit127may request the product type from the memory module210, and determine the number of seconds based on the identified product type.

As another example, the controller212may determine the number of LEDs in the LED array137to activate based on the above mentioned percentage, and the controller212may send data to the integrated circuit127indicating the determined number of LEDs in the LED array137. The integrated circuit127may activate the LEDs in the LED array137according to the number indicated in the data.

FIG.5is block diagram of the fuse memory217according to at least one example embodiment.

As mentioned above, the fuse memory217may include an array of fuses. For example, the array of fuses may include 1024 fuses. The reservoir220may include sufficient non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation for the heater240to vaporize non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation for about 1016 seconds. A first portion of the fuse array, (e.g., 1016 fuses) may represent the total operational time of the heater240. A second portion (e.g., 8 fuses) may store other information, such as a product identifier or serial number for the cartridge200. The number of fuses in the section of the fuse memory217need not correlate one to one with the number of seconds the heater240is actively heating non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation to generate non-nicotine vapor before the reservoir220is depleted, but may correlate to any amount of time. For example, if the reservoir220only holds non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation sufficient for the heater240to operate for about 508 seconds before the reservoir220is depleted, then the first portion of the fuses array may still include 1016 fuses, wherein each represents one half second of the total operation time of the heater240.

The fuse array may store other information in the second portion as well as including information representing at least one flavor of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, a date, or other information related to the cartridge200.

FIG.6is a time lapse diagram showing the recording of information in the fuse memory217according to at least one example embodiment.

FIG.6shows an example of how the controller212may apply the set voltage across one of the fuses at each time tifrom t1to tn. For example, if the time from each time tito the next time ti+1is one second and the PWM signal has a period of 50 ms, then the controller212may apply the set voltage across one of the fuses after 20 pulses have been received at t1. The controller212may then apply the set voltage across a second fuse after another 20 pulses have been received at time t2. In this way, one fuse will be opened for each set of 20 pulses received by the heater240and the controller212.

According to at least some example embodiments, the fuses are opened permanently and do not require a maintained voltage to hold the open or closed position. Thus, the fuse memory217is non-volatile. Accordingly, even after the non-nicotine e-vaping device10has been turned off and back on again, the controller212may continue recording information about the total operating time of the heater240by continuing to open one fuse at each time t. The ability of the fuses to hold an open or closed state is also not significantly affected by the heat generated by the heater240. Accordingly, the above described fuse memory217is able to maintain information without a constant voltage and without being significantly affected by the heat produced by the heater240. Fuse memories are also generally less costly than heat resistant Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM).

The controller212may be configured to determine which fuses have not been opened in order to know which fuse to open next. The controller212may also determine how many fuses are already open in the portion of the fuses dedicated to the amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation in the reservoir220in order to respond to the request for the memory module210to send a signal indicating the amount of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation remaining in the reservoir220.

FIG.7is an example PWM signal according to at least one example embodiment.FIG.8is another example PWM signal according to at least one example embodiment

InFIGS.7and8, the power control circuit120and memory module210may communicate according to a first protocol. The upper graph shows current through the power wire150, and the middle graph shows the voltage of the power wire150. The third graph shows the PWM clock cycle.

In the first protocol, the PWM signal may not include any embedded signals from the power control circuit120.

The memory module210may count the number of pulses received in the PWM signal in order to determine when to open a fuse of the fuse memory217.

The controller212may transmit data after scanning the data stored in the fuse memory217. The scan of the fuse memory217may take about 10 PWM clock cycles.

After the scan of the fuse memory217, the controller212sends formulation data indicating the number of fuses in the first portion of the fuse memory217which are still open; D9-D0: non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation remaining in the reservoir220.

After the formulation data portion, the controller212sends the product identification or serial number stored in the second portion of the fuse memory217; P7-P0: product identification or serial number.

After the product identification or serial number, the controller212transmits two check sum or parity bits; C1-C0: checksum.

If all of the information is correctly received by the power control circuit120, then the integrated circuit127controls the power circuit124to transmit a full PWM pulse in the acknowledge (ACK) PWM clock cycle as shown inFIG.8. If all of the information is not correctly received by the power control circuit120, then the integrated circuit127controls the power circuit124to transmit a short PWM pulse (negative acknowledgment) in the acknowledge (ACK) PWM clock cycle as shown inFIG.7. The short PWM pulse may have a length shorter than a previous pulse of the PWM signal (e.g., be less than half of the PWM clock cycle).

InFIG.7, the transmitted data (including the data portion, the product identification or serial number, the checksum, combinations thereof or sub-combinations thereof) is resent in response to the short pulse in the ACK PWM clock cycle.

As described above, the controller212may connect an additional load219to increase a current through the power wire150in order to transmit the data. For example, inFIG.7, the current graph for D9, D0, P1, C1indicates data ‘1’ is sent, whereas the current graph for D8, P7, P0, C0indicates bit ‘0’ is sent. The controller212is configured to output the data by connecting the additional load219to the power wire150during a portion of a pulse of the PWM signal to indicate a first bit value (‘1’), and not connecting the additional load219to the power wire150during a pulse of the PWM signal to indicate a second bit value (‘0’).

FIG.9is another example PWM signal according to at least one example embodiment. InFIG.9, the power control circuit120and memory module210may communicate according to a second protocol. The hardware used for communicating using the second protocol may be the same or substantially the same as the hardware used to communicate using the first protocol.

In the second protocol, the power control circuit120may communicate with the memory module210by modifying the width of the pulses in the PWM signal. For example, in the first mode, the power control circuit120may modify a pulse to have a width greater than 50% of the PWM clock cycle to indicate a ‘1.’ In the second mode, the power control circuit120may modify a pulse to have a width less than 50% of the PWM clock cycle to indicate a ‘0.’ The memory module210(more specifically the controller212) may be configured to detect a width of a single pulse in the PWM signal and record information based on the width of the pulse. Further, the memory module210may be configured to detect a width of each of the pulses in the PWM signal and record information based on the widths of the pulses.

In the second protocol, the power control circuit120and memory module210may alternate which device communicates over the power wire150. For example, the power control circuit120may communicate ten bits in a first ten PWM clock cycles and the memory module210may communicate ten bits in a second ten PWM clock cycles. In the second protocol, the memory module210may communicate in the same or substantially the same manner described above with relation toFIG.4Bby selectively connecting a load219during a PWM clock cycle.

As an alternative, both the power control circuit120and memory module210may send information in the same PWM cycle using a combination of the methods described with regard toFIGS.7-9. In one example, the length of the pulse may indicate information being sent from the power control circuit120and the current through the power wire150may indicate information being sent by the memory module210.

InFIG.9, the first graph shows data being sent by the power control circuit120by modifying the length of the pulses in the PWM signal. The second and third graphs show the voltage and current of the power wire150when the memory module210communicates data by connecting/disconnecting the additional load219.

FIG.10is another example PWM signal according to at least one example embodiment. InFIG.10, the power control circuit120and memory module210may communicate according to a third protocol. In the third protocol, each PWM clock cycle may be divided into four sections; sending, idle, receiving, and off.

In the sending section, the power control circuit120may modulate the voltage of the PWM signal in order to transfer data. Several bits of data may be sent during the sending section of each pulse of the PWM signal. The sending section may include several data PWM cycles wherein a single bit may be sent. In one example, a shorter pulse of lower voltage may indicate a ‘1’ and a longer pulse of lower voltage may indicate a ‘0.’ For example, as shown inFIG.10, the shorter pulse of lower voltage in cycle1may indicate a ‘1’ and the longer pulse in cycle2may indicate a ‘0.’

In the idle section and receiving section of the PWM clock cycle, the voltage may be at the higher voltage of the two voltage levels. In the receiving section, the memory module210may communicate several data bits by selectively connecting the additional load219to the power wire150in order to draw extra current through the power wire150. A shorter pulse of lower current, as shown in data PWM cycle1, may indicate a ‘1’ and a longer pulse of lower current, as shown in data PWM cycle2, may indicate a ‘0.’

In the off section, the PWM signal may be at zero volts and zero amps.

FIG.11is another example PWM signal according to at least one example embodiment.

InFIG.11, the power control circuit120and memory module210may communicate according to a fourth protocol. In the fourth protocol, each PWM clock cycle may be divided into four sections similarly to the third protocol.

Differently from the third protocol, the data may be sent by changing a frequency of the pulses of lower voltage (for the power control circuit120) or higher current (for the memory module210). In one example, group of pulses with a higher frequency may indicate a ‘1’ and one or more low frequency pulses may indicate a ‘0.’ The memory module210(more specifically the controller212) may be configured to detect a frequency of pulses in the PWM signal and record information based on the frequency of the pulses.

FIG.12is an example power circuit124according to at least one example embodiment. The power circuit124may include an operational amplifier126, transistor125′, and resistors R1and R2arranged as a voltage dividing circuit. The operational amplifier126may receive the output signal from the integrated circuit127at a negative input terminal of the operational amplifier126. The negative input terminal being connected to the control wire130. The output of the operational amplifier126may be input to the gate of the transistor125′. The operational amplifier126may receive a feedback voltage at a positive input terminal of the operational amplifier126. The feedback voltage may be a voltage at a node between the resistors R1and R2. The transistor125′ may have the source connected to the rail140and the drain connected to the power wire150. The resistor R1may be connected between the power wire150and the resistor R2. The resistor R2may be connected between the resistor R1and ground.

In one example embodiment, the resistances of the resistors R1and R2may be equal. When the resistances R1and R2are equal, the voltage applied to the power wire150will be twice the voltage of the output signal from the integrated circuit127. Accordingly, the integrated circuit may control the voltage applied to the power wire150to be any voltage between ground and the rail140voltage based on the output signal from the integrated circuit127.

In the example of third or fourth protocols as described above, the integrated circuit127may control the power circuit124shown inFIG.12to apply the PWM signal having two voltage levels to the power wire150by outputting an output signal which alternates between two other voltage levels. The two other voltage levels may be half of the two voltage levels applied to the power wire150, respectively, in the case where the resistances of resistors R1and R2are equal.