Patent Publication Number: US-10306924-B2

Title: Atomizer for an aerosol delivery device formed from a continuously extending wire and related input, cartridge, and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. pat. application Ser. No. 13/827,994, filed Mar. 14, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to atomizers for aerosol delivery devices such as smoking articles, and more particularly to atomizers comprising a wire and a liquid transport element. The atomizers may be configured to heat a material, which may be made or derived from tobacco or otherwise incorporate tobacco, to form an inhalable substance for human consumption. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many smoking devices have been proposed through the years as improvements upon, or alternatives to, smoking products that require combusting tobacco for use. Many of those devices purportedly have been designed to provide the sensations associated with cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking, but without delivering considerable quantities of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products that result from the burning of tobacco. To this end, there have been proposed numerous smoking products, flavor generators, and medicinal inhalers that utilize electrical energy to vaporize or heat a volatile material, or attempt to provide the sensations of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking without burning tobacco to a significant degree. See, for example, the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and heat generating sources set forth in the background art described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/432,406, filed Mar. 28, 2012, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/536,438, filed Jun. 28, 2012, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/602,871, filed Sep. 4, 2012, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/647,000, filed Oct. 8, 2012, which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     Certain tobacco products that have employed electrical energy to produce heat for smoke or aerosol formation, and in particular, certain products that have been referred to as electronic cigarette products, have been commercially available throughout the world. Representative products that resemble many of the attributes of traditional types of cigarettes, cigars or pipes have been marketed as ACCORD® by Philip Morris Incorporated; ALPHA™, JOYE 510™ and M4™ by InnoVapor LLC; CIRRUS™ and FLING™ by White Cloud Cigarettes; COHITA™, COLIBRI™, ELITE CLASSIC™, MAGNUM™, PHANTOM™ and SENSE™ by Epuffer® International Inc.; DUOPRO™, STORM™ and VAPORKING® by Electronic Cigarettes, Inc.; EGAR™ by Egar Australia; eGo-C™ and eGo-T™ by Joyetech; ELUSION™ by Elusion UK Ltd; EONSMOKE® by Eonsmoke LLC; GREEN SMOKE® by Green Smoke Inc. USA; GREENARETTE™ by Greenarette LLC; HALLIGAN™, HENDU™, JET™, MAXXQ™ PINK™ and PITBULL™ by Smoke Stik®; HEATBAR™ by Philip Morris International, Inc.; HYDRO IMPERIAL™ and LXE™ from Crown7; LOGIC™ and THE CUBAN™ by LOGIC Technology; LUCI® by Luciano Smokes Inc.; METRO® by Nicotek, LLC; NJOY® and ONEJOY™ by Sottera, Inc.; NO. 7™ by SS Choice LLC; PREMIUM ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE™ by PremiumEstore LLC; RAPP E-MYSTICK™ by Ruyan America, Inc.; RED DRAGON™ by Red Dragon Products, LLC; RUYAN® by Ruyan Group (Holdings) Ltd.; SMART SMOKER® by The Smart Smoking Electronic Cigarette Company Ltd.; SMOKE ASSIST® by Coastline Products LLC; SMOKING EVERYWHERE® by Smoking Everywhere, Inc.; V2CIGS™ by VMR Products LLC; VAPOR NINE™ by VaporNine LLC; VAPOR4LIFE® by Vapor 4 Life, Inc.; VEPPO™ by E-CigaretteDirect, LLC and VUSE® by R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company. Yet other electrically powered aerosol delivery devices, and in particular those devices that have been characterized as so-called electronic cigarettes, have been marketed under the tradenames BLU™; COOLER VISIONS™; DIRECT E-CIG™; DRAGONFLY™; EMIST™; EVERSMOKE™; GAMUCCI®; HYBRID FLAME™; KNIGHT STICKS™; ROYAL BLUES™; SMOKETIP® and SOUTH BEACH SMOKE™. 
     It would be desirable to provide a smoking article that employs heat produced by electrical energy to provide the sensations of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking, that does so without combusting tobacco to any significant degree, that does so without the need of a combustion heat source, and that does so without necessarily delivering considerable quantities of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products. Further, advances with respect to manufacturing electronic smoking articles would be desirable. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices configured to produce aerosol. In one aspect an input for production of a plurality of atomizers is provided. The input may comprise a liquid transport element and a wire continuously extending along a longitudinal length of the liquid transport element and defining a plurality of heating elements. The heating elements may respectively comprise a plurality of coils of the wire. 
     In some embodiments the wire may be continuously wound about the liquid transport element. The wire may further define a plurality of end portions defining a first pitch. Each of the heating elements may comprise a plurality of contact portions positioned between the end portions and defining a second pitch and a heating portion positioned between the contact portions and defining a third pitch. The second pitch may be less than the first pitch, and the third pitch may be less than the first pitch and greater than the second pitch. Further, the second pitch may be substantially equal to a diameter of the wire. 
     In an additional aspect, an atomizer for an aerosol delivery device is provided. The atomizer may comprise a liquid transport element extending between a first liquid transport element end and a second liquid transport element end and a wire continuously extending along the liquid transport element from the first liquid transport element end to the second liquid transport element end and defining a heating element comprising a plurality of coils of the wire. 
     In some embodiments the wire may be continuously wound about the liquid transport element. The wire may further define a plurality of end portions defining a first pitch, and the heating element may comprise a plurality of contact portions positioned between the end portions and defining a second pitch and a heating portion positioned between the contact portions and defining a third pitch. The second pitch may be less than the first pitch, and the third pitch may be less than the first pitch and greater than the second pitch. The second pitch may be substantially equal to a diameter of the wire. The atomizer may further comprise a first heater terminal and a second heater terminal, and the contact portions of the heating element may respectively contact one of the first heater terminal and the second heater terminal. The end portions may respectively contact one of the first heater terminal and the second heater terminal. 
     In an additional aspect a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device is provided. The cartridge may comprise a base defining a connector end configured to engage a control body. Further, the cartridge may include a reservoir substrate configured to hold an aerosol precursor composition. The reservoir substrate may define a cavity extending therethrough from a first reservoir end to a second reservoir end, and the first reservoir end may be positioned proximate the base. The cartridge may additionally include an atomizer extending through the cavity of the reservoir substrate. The atomizer may comprise a liquid transport element extending between a first liquid transport element end and a second liquid transport element end and a wire continuously extending along the liquid transport element from the first liquid transport element end to the second liquid transport element end and defining a heating element comprising a plurality of coils of the wire. 
     In some embodiments the wire may be continuously wound about the liquid transport element. The wire may further define a plurality of end portions defining a first pitch, and the heating element may comprise a plurality of contact portions positioned between the end portions and defining a second pitch and a heating portion positioned between the contact portions and defining a third pitch. The second pitch may be less than the first pitch, and the third pitch may be less than the first pitch and greater than the second pitch. The second pitch may be substantially equal to a diameter of the wire. 
     In some embodiments the atomizer may further comprise a first heater terminal and a second heater terminal. The contact portions of the heating element may respectively contact one of the first heater terminal and the second heater terminal. The end portions may also respectively contact one of the first heater terminal and the second heater terminal. The reservoir substrate may define a plurality of grooves at the cavity extending between the first reservoir end and the second reservoir end and configured to receive the liquid transport element and the end portions. 
     In an additional aspect, a method of forming atomizers is provided. The method may comprise providing a liquid transport element, providing a wire, and coupling the wire to the liquid transport element such that the wire extends continuously along a longitudinal length of the liquid transport element and defines a plurality of heating elements. The heating elements may respectively comprise a plurality of coils of the wire. 
     In some embodiments coupling the wire to the liquid transport element may comprise continuously winding the wire about the liquid transport element. Winding the wire about the liquid transport element may comprise winding the wire to define a plurality of end portions defining a first pitch and winding the wire such that each of the heating elements comprises a plurality of contact portions positioned between the end portions and defining a second pitch and a heating portion positioned between the contact portions and defining a third pitch. The second pitch may be less than the first pitch, and the third pitch may be less than the first pitch and greater than the second pitch. In some embodiments the second pitch may be substantially equal to a diameter of the wire. 
     The method may further comprise cutting the liquid transport element and the wire at one of the end portions to separate one of the heating elements and a segment of the liquid transport element therefrom. Further, the method may include providing a first heater terminal and a second heater terminal and respectively engaging the contact portions of the one of the heating elements with the first heater terminal and the second heater terminal. The method may additionally include bending the one of the heating elements and the segment of the liquid transport element about the first heater terminal and the second heater terminal. The method may also include respectively engaging the end portions with one of the first heater terminal and the second heater terminal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       Having thus described the disclosure in the foregoing general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a sectional view through a smoking article comprising a control body and a cartridge including an atomizer according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of a cartridge for a smoking article comprising a base, a control component terminal, an electronic control component, an atomizer including a liquid transport element, a wire, and heater terminals, a reservoir substrate, an external shell, and a mouthpiece according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an enlarged exploded view of the base and the control component terminal of the cartridge of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the base and the control component terminal of  FIG. 2  in an assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the base, the control component terminal, the electronic control component, and the heater terminals of  FIG. 2  in an assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the base, the control component terminal, the electronic control component, and atomizer of  FIG. 2  in an assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an enlarged bottom perspective view of the base, the control component terminal, the electronic control component, and the atomizer of  FIG. 2  in an assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the base, the atomizer, and the reservoir substrate of  FIG. 2  in an assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of the base and the external shell of  FIG. 2  in an assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of the cartridge of  FIG. 2  in an assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a first partial perspective view of the cartridge of  FIG. 2  and a receptacle for a control body according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an opposing second partial perspective view of the cartridge of  FIG. 2  and the receptacle of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a partial side view of an input for production of a plurality of atomizers comprising a liquid transport element and a wire continuously wound about the liquid transport element according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an enlarged view of section A from  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates the base, electronic control component, control component terminal and heater terminals of  FIG. 2  partially assembled with a segment of the input of  FIG. 13  to form an atomizer; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a modified cross-sectional view through a cartridge comprising the atomizer of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a partially exploded view of an aerosol delivery device including a control body in a assembled configuration and a cartridge in an exploded configuration, the cartridge comprising a base shipping plug, a base, a control component terminal, an electronic control component, a flow tube, an atomizer, a reservoir substrate, an external shell, a label, a mouthpiece, and a mouthpiece shipping plug according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the base, the atomizer, the flow tube, and the reservoir substrate of  FIG. 17  in an assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates an enlarged partial view of an input for production of a plurality of atomizers comprising a liquid transport element and a wire according to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure in which the wire is not continuously wound about the liquid transport element; and 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a schematic view of a method of forming a plurality of atomizers according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof. These exemplary embodiments are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification, and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     The present disclosure provides descriptions of aerosol delivery devices that use electrical energy to heat a material (preferably without combusting the material to any significant degree) to form an inhalable substance; such articles most preferably being sufficiently compact to be considered “hand-held” devices. In certain highly preferred embodiments, the aerosol delivery devices can be characterized as smoking articles. As used herein, the term “smoking article” is intended to mean an article or device that provides some or all of the sensations (e.g., inhalation and exhalation rituals, types of tastes or flavors, organoleptic effects, physical feel, use rituals, visual cues such as those provided by visible aerosol, and the like) of smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, without any substantial degree of combustion of any component of that article or device. As used herein, the term “smoking article” does not necessarily mean that, in operation, the article or device produces smoke in the sense of the aerosol resulting from by-products of combustion or pyrolysis of tobacco, but rather, that the article or device yields vapors (including, e.g., vapors within aerosols that can be considered to be visible aerosols that might be considered to be described as smoke-like) resulting from volatilization or vaporization of certain components of the article or device. In highly preferred embodiments, articles or devices characterized as smoking articles incorporate tobacco and/or components derived from tobacco. 
     Articles or devices of the present disclosure also can be characterized as being vapor-producing articles, aerosol delivery articles or medicament delivery articles. Thus, such articles or devices can be adapted so as to provide one or more substances (e.g., flavors and/or pharmaceutical active ingredients) in an inhalable form or state. For example, inhalable substances can be substantially in the form of a vapor (i.e., a substance that is in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical point). Alternatively, inhalable substances can be in the form of an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas). For purposes of simplicity, the term “aerosol” as used herein is meant to include vapors, gases and aerosols of a form or type suitable for human inhalation, whether or not visible, and whether or not of a form that might be considered to be smoke-like. 
     In use, smoking articles of the present disclosure may be subjected to many of the physical actions employed by an individual in using a traditional type of smoking article (e.g., a cigarette, cigar or pipe that is employed by lighting and inhaling tobacco). For example, the user of a smoking article of the present disclosure can hold that article much like a traditional type of smoking article, draw on one end of that article for inhalation of aerosol produced by that article, take puffs at selected intervals of time, etc. 
     Smoking articles of the present disclosure generally include a number of components provided within an outer shell or body. The overall design of the outer shell or body can vary, and the format or configuration of the outer body defining the overall size and shape of the smoking article can vary. Typically, an elongated body resembling the shape of a cigarette or cigar can be a formed from a single, unitary shell; or the elongated body can be formed of two or more separable pieces. For example, a smoking article can comprise an elongated shell or body that can be substantially tubular in shape and, as such, resemble the shape of a conventional cigarette or cigar. In one embodiment, all of the components of the smoking article can be contained within one outer body or shell. Alternatively, a smoking article can comprise two or more shells that are joined and are separable. For example, a smoking article can possess at one end a control body comprising a shell containing one or more reusable components (e.g., a rechargeable battery and various electronics for controlling the operation of that article), and at the other end and removably attached thereto a shell containing a disposable portion (e.g., a disposable flavor-containing cartridge). More specific formats, configurations and arrangements of components within the single shell type of unit or within a multi-piece separable shell type of unit will be evident in light of the further disclosure provided herein. Additionally, various smoking article designs and component arrangements can be appreciated upon consideration of the commercially available electronic smoking articles, such as those representative products listed in the background art section of the present disclosure. 
     Smoking articles of the present disclosure most preferably comprise some combination of a power source (i.e., an electrical power source), at least one control component (e.g., means for actuating, controlling, regulating and ceasing power for heat generation, such as by controlling electrical current flow from the power source to other components of the article), a heater or heat generation component (e.g., an electrical resistance heating element or component commonly referred to as an “atomizer”), and an aerosol precursor composition (e.g., commonly a liquid capable of yielding an aerosol upon application of sufficient heat, such as ingredients commonly referred to as “smoke juice,” “e-liquid” and “e-juice”), and a mouthend region or tip for allowing draw upon the smoking article for aerosol inhalation (e.g., a defined air flow path through the article such that aerosol generated can be withdrawn therefrom upon draw). 
     Alignment of the components within the article can vary. In specific embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition can be located near an end of the article (e.g., within a cartridge, which in certain circumstances can be replaceable and disposable), which may be proximal to the mouth of a user so as to maximize aerosol delivery to the user. Other configurations, however, are not excluded. Generally, the heating element can be positioned sufficiently near the aerosol precursor composition so that heat from the heating element can volatilize the aerosol precursor (as well as one or more flavorants, medicaments, or the like that may likewise be provided for delivery to a user) and form an aerosol for delivery to the user. When the heating element heats the aerosol precursor composition, an aerosol is formed, released, or generated in a physical form suitable for inhalation by a consumer. It should be noted that the foregoing terms are meant to be interchangeable such that reference to release, releasing, releases, or released includes form or generate, forming or generating, forms or generates, and formed or generated. Specifically, an inhalable substance is released in the form of a vapor or aerosol or mixture thereof. Additionally, the selection of various smoking article components can be appreciated upon consideration of the commercially available electronic smoking articles, such as those representative products listed in the background art section of the present disclosure. 
     A smoking article incorporates a battery or other electrical power source to provide current flow sufficient to provide various functionalities to the article, such as resistive heating, powering of control systems, powering of indicators, and the like. The power source can take on various embodiments. Preferably, the power source is able to deliver sufficient power to rapidly heat the heating member to provide for aerosol formation and power the article through use for the desired duration of time. The power source preferably is sized to fit conveniently within the article so that the article can be easily handled; and additionally, a preferred power source is of a sufficiently light weight to not detract from a desirable smoking experience. 
     One example embodiment of a smoking article  100  is provided in  FIG. 1 . As seen in the cross-section illustrated therein, the smoking article  100  can comprise a control body  102  and a cartridge  104  that can be permanently or detachably aligned in a functioning relationship. Although a threaded engagement is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , it is understood that further means of engagement are encompassed, such as a press-fit engagement, interference fit, a magnetic engagement, or the like. 
     In specific embodiments, one or both of the control body  102  and the cartridge  104  may be referred to as being disposable or as being reusable. For example, the control body may have a replaceable battery or may be rechargeable and thus may be combined with any type of recharging technology, including connection to a typical electrical outlet, connection to a car charger (i.e., cigarette lighter receptacle), and connection to a computer, such as through a USB cable. 
     In the exemplified embodiment, the control body  102  includes a control component  106 , a flow sensor  108 , and a battery  110 , which can be variably aligned, and can include a plurality of indicators  112  at a distal end  114  of an external shell  116 . The indicators  112  can be provided in varying numbers and can take on different shapes and can even be an opening in the body (such as for release of sound when such indicators are present). 
     An air intake  118  may be positioned in the external shell  116  of the control body  102 . A receptacle  120  also is included at a proximal attachment end  122  of the control body  102  and extends into a control body projection  124  to allow for ease of electrical connection with a an atomizer or a component thereof, such as a resistive heating element (described below) when the cartridge  104  is attached to the control body. 
     The cartridge  104  includes an external shell  126  with a mouth opening  128  at a mouthend  130  thereof to allow passage of air and entrained vapor (i.e., the components of the aerosol precursor composition in an inhalable form) from the cartridge to a consumer during draw on the smoking article  100 . The smoking article  100  may be substantially rod-like or substantially tubular shaped or substantially cylindrically shaped in some embodiments. 
     The cartridge  104  further includes an atomizer  132  comprising a resistive heating element  134  comprising a wire coil in the illustrated embodiment and a liquid transport element  136  comprising a wick in the illustrated embodiment that is configured to transport a liquid. Various embodiments of materials configured to produce heat when electrical current is applied therethrough may be employed to form the wire coil. Example materials from which the wire coil may be formed include Kanthal (FeCrAl), Nichrome, Molybdenum disilicide (MoSi 2 ), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), Molybdenum disilicide doped with Aluminum (Mo(Si,Al) 2 ), and ceramic (e.g., a positive temperature coefficient ceramic). The liquid transport element may also be formed from a variety of materials configured to transport a liquid. For example, the liquid transport element may comprise cotton and/or fiberglass in some embodiments. Electrically conductive heater terminals  138  (e.g., positive and negative terminals) at the opposing ends of the heating element  134  are configured to direct current flow through the heating element and configured for attachment to the appropriate wiring or circuit (not illustrated) to form an electrical connection of the heating element with the battery  110  when the cartridge  104  is connected to the control body  102 . Specifically, a plug  140  may be positioned at a distal attachment end  142  of the cartridge  104 . When the cartridge  104  is connected to the control body  102 , the plug  140  engages the receptacle  120  to form an electrical connection such that current controllably flows from the battery  110 , through the receptacle and plug, and to the heating element  134 . The external shell  126  of the cartridge  104  can continue across the distal attachment end  142  such that this end of the cartridge is substantially closed with the plug  140  protruding therefrom. 
     A reservoir may utilize the liquid transport element  136  to transport an aerosol precursor composition to an aerosolization zone. One such example is shown in  FIG. 1 . As seen therein, the cartridge  104  includes a reservoir layer  144  comprising layers of nonwoven fibers formed into the shape of a tube encircling the interior of the external shell  126  of the cartridge, in this embodiment. An aerosol precursor composition is retained in the reservoir layer  144 . Liquid components, for example, can be sorptively retained by the reservoir layer  144 . The reservoir layer  144  is in fluid connection with the liquid transport element  136  (the wick in this embodiment). The liquid transport element  136  transports the aerosol precursor composition stored in the reservoir layer  144  via capillary action to an aerosolization zone  146  of the cartridge  104 . As illustrated, the liquid transport element  136  may be in direct contact with the heating element  134  that is in the form of a metal wire coil in this embodiment. 
     In use, when a user draws on the article  100 , the heating element  134  is activated (e.g., such as via a puff sensor), and the components for the aerosol precursor composition are vaporized in the aerosolization zone  146 . Drawing upon the mouthend  130  of the article  100  causes ambient air to enter the air intake  118  and pass through the central opening in the receptacle  120  and the central opening in the plug  140 . In the cartridge  104 , the drawn air passes through an air passage  148  in an air passage tube  150  and combines with the formed vapor in the aerosolization zone  146  to form an aerosol. The aerosol may be whisked away from the aerosolization zone  146 , pass through an air passage  152  in an air passage tube  154 , and out the mouth opening  128  in the mouthend  130  of the article  100 . 
     It is understood that a smoking article that can be manufactured according to the present disclosure can encompass a variety of combinations of components useful in forming an electronic smoking article. Reference is made for example to the smoking articles disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/536,438, filed Jun. 28, 2012, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/432,406, filed Mar. 28, 2012, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/602,871, filed Sep. 4, 2012, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Further to the above, representative heating elements and materials for use therein are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,671 to Counts et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,894 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,498 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,460 to Sprinkel Jr., et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,075 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,813 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,936 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,850 to Das; U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,656 to Das; U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,855 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,225 to Hajaligol; U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,262 to Hajaligol; U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,692 to Das et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,368 to Fleischhauer et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Further, a single-use cartridge for use with an electronic smoking article is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/603,612, filed Sep. 5, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     The various components of a smoking article according to the present disclosure can be chosen from components described in the art and commercially available. Examples of batteries that can be used according to the disclosure are described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2010/0028766, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     An exemplary mechanism that can provide puff-actuation capability includes a Model 163PC01D36 silicon sensor, manufactured by the MicroSwitch division of Honeywell, Inc., Freeport, Ill. Further examples of demand-operated electrical switches that may be employed in a heating circuit according to the present disclosure are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Further description of current regulating circuits and other control components, including microcontrollers that can be useful in the present smoking article, are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,922,901, 4,947,874, and 4,947,875, all to Brooks et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     The aerosol precursor, which may also be referred to as an aerosol precursor composition or a vapor precursor composition, can comprise one or more different components. For example, the aerosol precursor can include a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, or a mixture thereof). Representative types of further aerosol precursor compositions are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,365 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,839 to Jakob et al.; PCT WO 98/57556 to Biggs et al.; and Chemical and Biological Studies on New Cigarette Prototypes that Heat Instead of Burn Tobacco, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Monograph (1988); the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     Still further components can be utilized in the smoking article of the present disclosure. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr. discloses piezoelectric sensors that can be associated with the mouth-end of a device to detect user lip activity associated with taking a draw and then trigger heating; U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al. discloses a puff sensor for controlling energy flow into a heating load array in response to pressure drop through a mouthpiece; U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,148 to Harris et al. discloses receptacles in a smoking device that include an identifier that detects a non-uniformity in infrared transmissivity of an inserted component and a controller that executes a detection routine as the component is inserted into the receptacle; U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al. describes a defined executable power cycle with multiple differential phases; U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,289 to Watkins et al. discloses photonic-optronic components; U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,979 to Counts et al. discloses means for altering draw resistance through a smoking device; U.S. Pat. No. 6,803,545 to Blake et al. discloses specific battery configurations for use in smoking devices; U.S. Pat. No. 7,293,565 to Griffen et al. discloses various charging systems for use with smoking devices; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2009/0320863 by Fernando et al. discloses computer interfacing means for smoking devices to facilitate charging and allow computer control of the device; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2010/0163063 by Fernando et al. discloses identification systems for smoking devices; and WO 2010/003480 by Flick discloses a fluid flow sensing system indicative of a puff in an aerosol generating system; all of the foregoing disclosures being incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Further examples of components related to electronic aerosol delivery articles and disclosing materials or components that may be used in the present article include U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,586 to Morgan et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,977 to Higgins et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,176 to Adams et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,287 to White; U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,218 to Voges; U.S. Pat. No. 6,810,883 to Felter et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,461 to Nichols; U.S. Pat. No. 7,832,410 to Hon; U.S. Pat. No. 7,513,253 to Kobayashi; U.S. Pat. No. 7,896,006 to Hamano; U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,756 to Shayan; U.S. Pat. No. 8,156,944 to Hon; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2006/0196518, 2009/0126745, and 2009/0188490 to Hon; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2009/0272379 to Thorens et al.; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2009/0260641 and 2009/0260642 to Monsees et al.; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2008/0149118 and 2010/0024834 to Oglesby et al.; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2010/0307518 to Wang; and WO 2010/091593 to Hon. A variety of the materials disclosed by the foregoing documents may be incorporated into the present devices in various embodiments, and all of the foregoing disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of an additional example embodiment of a cartridge  200  for a smoking article. The cartridge  200  may comprise a base  202 , a control component terminal  204 , an electronic control component  206 , an atomizer  208 , a reservoir substrate  210 , an external shell  212 , and a mouthpiece  214 . As described in greater detail below, the atomizer  208  may comprise a liquid transport element  216 , a heating element  218 , and a first heater terminal  220   a  and a second heater terminal  220   b  (collectively, “heater terminals  220 ”). Note that the various embodiments of components described above in the cited references and/or included in commercially available aerosol delivery devices may be employed in embodiments of the cartridges described herein. 
     The cartridge  200  may be configured to couple to a control body to form a smoking article. Note that some of the above-described components of the cartridge  200  are optional. In this regard, by way of example, the cartridge  200  may exclude the control component terminal  204  and the electronic control component  206  in some embodiments. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an enlarged exploded view of the base  202  and the control component terminal  204 . The control component terminal  204  may define a clip  222  configured to engage the electronic control component  206  and form an electrical connection therewith. Further, the control component terminal  204  may include one or more protrusions  224   a ,  224   b  configured to engage the base  202 , for example via interference fit, such that the control component terminal  204  is retained in engagement therewith. An end  226  of the control component terminal  204  may be configured to engage a control body, so as to establish an electrical connection therewith. 
     As illustrated, the base  202  may define a receptacle  228  configured to receive the control component terminal  204  therein. In this regard, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the control component terminal  204  may couple to the base  202 . For example, the control component terminal  204  may be retained in the receptacle  228  of the base  202  via interference fit, for example due to contact between the protrusions  224   a ,  224   b  and the base. As described below, the control component terminal  204  may extend through the base  202  to a position at which it may form an electrical connection with a control body to which the cartridge  200  connects. Further, the base  202  may define threads or protrusions  230  configured to engage the external shell  212 , as will be described below. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the control component terminal  204  may couple to the electronic control component  206  such that an electrical connection is established therebetween. Accordingly, when the cartridge  200  is coupled to a control body, the electronic control component  206  may communicate therewith through the control component terminal  204 . The electronic control component  206  may be configured to perform one or more of a variety of functions. Further, the electronic control component  206  may be configured as purpose-specific analog and/or digital circuitry with or without a processor, or the electronic control component may comprise hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Accordingly, any or all of the functions performed by or in conjunction with the electronic control component  206  may be embodied in a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code portions stored therein that, in response to execution by a processor, cause an apparatus to at least perform or direct the recited functions. In one particular instance, upon establishment of communication between the electronic control component  206  and a control body, the electronic control component may be configured to provide an authentication code or other appropriate indicia to the control body. In such instances, the control body may be configured to evaluate the authentication indicia to determine whether the cartridge  200  is authorized for use with the control body. However, the electronic control component  206  may perform various other functions. Various examples of electronic control components and functions performed thereby are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/647,000, filed Oct. 8, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments the electronic control component  206  may comprise two portions  206   a ,  206   b . A first portion  206   a  of the electronic control component  206  may include hardware and/or software configured to perform one or more functions (e.g., as described above), whereas the second portion  206   b  of the electronic control component may provide structural support thereto. Accordingly, the electronic control component  206  may be provided in two-piece form in some embodiments. This form may allow for substitution of the first portion  206   a , as may be desirable to change the functionality of the electronic control component  206 , while still employing the same second portion  206   b  for structural support. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , heater terminals  220  may define a plurality of walls, which may extend at least partially around the electronic control component  206  in some embodiments such that the electronic control component is received therebetween. This configuration may allow the heater terminals  220  to provide support to the electronic control component  206 , for example by contact therewith, such that the electronic control component is securely retained in place. In the illustrated embodiment, each terminal  220  respectively defines a first wall  232   a , and a second wall  232   b , which may be substantially perpendicular to one another. Further, the heater terminals  220  may define first and second tabs  234   a ,  234   b  (collectively, “tabs  234 ”). The tabs  234  may be positioned at the end of the heater terminals  220  distal to the base  202 . In some embodiments the heater terminals  220  may be stamped or otherwise formed from a sheet of a metal material. However, the heater terminals  220  may be formed in various other manners and formed from any of a variety of conductive materials. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the completed atomizer  208  coupled to the base  202  via the heater terminals  220 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the tabs  234  may be substantially parallel to the second walls  232   b  of the terminals  220 . This configuration may assist in retaining the liquid transport element  216  in place, because the liquid transport element may be received between opposing faces defined by the second walls  232   b  and the tabs  234 . 
     In this regard, as further illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the liquid transport element  216  may be configured in a substantially U-shaped configuration. The liquid transport element  216 , which may comprise a wick (e.g., a fiberglass wick) in some embodiments, may be either preformed in the U-shaped configuration or bent to define this configuration. A first distal arm  236   a  and a second distal arm  236   b  (collectively, “distal arms  236 ”) of the liquid transport element  216  may respectively extend along the first and second heater terminals  220   a ,  220   b  and respectively terminate at a first liquid transport element end  238   a  and a second liquid transport element end  238   b  (collectively, “liquid transport element ends  238 ”). Further a center section  236   c  of the liquid transport element  216 , at which the heating element  218  is positioned, may extend between the heater terminals  220 . 
     The heating element  218  extends at least partially about the liquid transport element  216  at a position between the first liquid transport element end  238   a  and the second liquid transport element end  238   b . In some embodiments, the heating element  218  may comprise a wire  240  defining a plurality of coils wound about the liquid transport element  216  and extending between a first wire end  242   a  and a second wire end  242   b  (collectively, “wire ends  242 ”), as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The wire  240  may comprise a material configured to produce heat when electrical current is provided therethrough. For example, the wire  240  may comprise Kanthal (FeCrAl), Nichrome, Molybdenum disilicide (MoSi 2 ), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), Molybdenum disilicide doped with Aluminum (Mo(Si,Al) 2 ), or ceramic (e.g., a positive temperature coefficient ceramic) in some embodiments, although various other materials may be employed in other embodiments. In some embodiments the heating element  218  may be formed by winding the wire  240  about the liquid transport element  216  as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/708,381, filed Dec. 7, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, various other embodiments of methods may be employed to form the heating element  218 , and various other embodiments of heating elements may be employed in the atomizer  208 . 
     The tabs  234  may be configured to contact the wire ends  242  such that an electrical connection is established therebetween. In this regard, the tabs  234  may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the heating element  218  such that the tabs directly contact one or more coils of the wire  240 . Direct contact, as used herein, refers to physical contact between the wire  240  and the heater terminals  220 . However, direct contact, as used herein, also encompasses embodiments in which one or more welds couple the wire  240  and the heater terminals  220 . A weld, as used herein, refers to a solder, flux, braze, or other material that is deposited in liquid or molten form and hardens to form a connection. 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the spacing of the coils (i.e. the distance therebetween) may be less proximate the wire ends  242  than proximate a center of the heating element  218 . For example, in one embodiment the coils of the heating element  218  may touch one another at the wire ends  242 , whereas the coils may be spaced apart such that there is not contact therebetween at locations between the wire ends. By decreasing the spacing between the coils of the wire  240  at the wire ends  242 , more coils may contact the tabs  234 , such that an improved electrical connection between the heating element  218  and the heater terminals  220  may be established. 
     As noted above, the electronic control component  206  may be received between the heater terminals  220  and the distal arms  236  of the liquid transport element  216 . However, a gap  244  may be provided between the electronic control component  206  and the heating element  218 . The gap  244  may reduce the amount of heat transferred to the electronic control component  206  from the heating element  218 , for example by preventing direct conduction therebetween. Accordingly, the risk of damage to the electronic control component  206  from exposure to heat produced by the heating element  218  may be reduced. In some embodiments, a structure, which may be referred to as a chimney, may be employed to direct airflow through the cartridge to the heating element  218  in order to precisely regulate the flow of air therethrough. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an alternative perspective view of the base  202 , the control component terminal  204 , the electronic control component  206 , and the atomizer  208  after they are coupled to one another. In particular,  FIG. 7  illustrates a view of a connector end  246  of the base  202 . As illustrated, a central opening  248  may be defined in the base  202 . The central opening  248  may be configured to receive airflow therethrough from a control body and direct the airflow toward the heating element  218  of the atomizer  208 . 
     The heater terminals  220  may engage the base  202  and respectively extend to a first end  250   a  and a second end  250   b  (collectively, “ends  250 ”), which may be configured to engage a control body, so as to establish an electrical connection therewith. In this regard, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the end  226  of the control component terminal  204  and the ends  250  of the heater terminals  220  may be exposed at the connector end  246  of the base  202 . The end  226  of the control component terminal  204  and the ends  250  of the heater terminals  220  may be located at differing positions within the base  202  such that they make connections with components at different locations within the control body, and avoid unintended contact therebetween. 
     In this regard, the end  226  of the control component terminal  204  and the ends  250  of the heater terminals  220  may be located at differing radial distances from the central opening  248 . In the illustrated embodiment, the end  226  of the control component terminal  204  is located closest to the central opening  248 , the second end  250   b  of the second heater terminal  220   b  is located farthest from the central opening, and the first end  250   a  of the second heater terminal  220   a  is located at a radial distance therebetween. Further, the end  226  of the control component terminal  204  and the ends  250  of the heater terminals  220  may extend to a plurality of different depths within the base  202 . In the illustrated embodiment, the end  226  of the control component terminal  204  extends through the base  202  to a greatest depth, the second end  250   b  of the second heater terminal  220   b  extends through the base to the smallest depth, and the first end  250   a  of the first heater terminal  220   a  extends through the base to a depth therebetween. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the assembly of  FIGS. 6 and 7  after the reservoir substrate  210  is coupled thereto. The reservoir substrate  210  may be configured to hold an aerosol precursor composition. The aerosol precursor composition may comprise a variety of components including, by way of example, glycerin, nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extract, and/or flavorants. Various components that may be included in the aerosol precursor composition are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     The reservoir substrate  210  may define a cavity  252  extending therethrough from a first reservoir end  254   a  to a second reservoir end  254   b  (collectively, “reservoir ends  254 ”), wherein the first reservoir end is positioned proximate the base  202 . In this regard, the reservoir substrate  210  may define a hollow tubular configuration. Note that although generally described herein as defining a hollow tubular configuration, the reservoir substrate  210  may define other shapes and configurations in other embodiments. The aerosol precursor composition may be retained within the material defining the reservoir substrate  210  itself, as opposed to within the cavity  252 . This configuration may allow for airflow through the base  202 , into and through the cavity  252 , and past the heating element  218 . 
     The reservoir substrate  210  can comprise one or more of various materials and can be formed in a variety of different manners. In one embodiment the reservoir substrate  210  can be formed from a plurality of combined layers that can be concentric or overlapping. For example, the reservoir substrate  210  can be a continuous sheet of a material that is rolled to form the hollow tubular configuration. In other embodiments, the reservoir substrate  210  can be substantially a unitary component. For example, the reservoir substrate  210  can be shaped or molded so as to be a singular preformed element in the form of a substantially hollow tube, which may be substantially continuous in composition across the length and thickness thereof. 
     The reservoir substrate  210  can be formed from a material that is rigid or semi-rigid in some embodiments, while retaining the ability to store a liquid product such as, for example, an aerosol precursor composition. In certain embodiments, the material of the reservoir substrate  210  can be absorbent, adsorbent, or otherwise porous so as to provide the ability to retain the aerosol precursor composition. As such, the aerosol precursor composition can be characterized as being coated on, adsorbed by, or absorbed in the material of the reservoir substrate  210 . The reservoir substrate  210  can be positioned within the cartridge  200  such that the reservoir substrate is in contact with the liquid transport element  216 . More particularly, the reservoir substrate  210  can be manufactured from any material suitable for retaining the aerosol precursor composition (e.g., through absorption, adsorption, or the like) and allowing wicking away of the precursor composition for transport to the heating element  218 . 
     The material of the reservoir substrate  210  may be suitable for forming and maintaining an appropriate shape. The material of the reservoir substrate  210  can be heat resistant so as to retain its structural integrity and avoid degradation at least at a temperature proximal to the heating temperature provided by the heating element  218 . However, the reservoir substrate  210  need not be heat resistant to the full temperature produced by the heating element  218  due to the reservoir substrate being out of contact therewith. The size and strength of the reservoir substrate  210  may vary according to the features and requirements of the cartridge  200 . In particular embodiments, the reservoir substrate  210  can be manufactured from a material suitable for a high-speed, automated manufacturing process. Such processes may reduce manufacturing costs compared to traditional woven or non-woven fiber mats. According to one embodiment, the reservoir can be manufactured from a cellulose acetate tow which can be processed to form a hollow acetate tube. 
     In certain embodiments, the reservoir substrate  210  can be provided in a form such that at least part of the cavity  252  is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate one or more other components of the cartridge  200 . In some embodiments, the term “shaped and dimensioned” can indicate that a wall of the reservoir substrate  210  at the cavity  252  includes one or more indentations or protrusions that cause the interior of the reservoir substrate to have a shape that is other than substantially smooth and continuous. In other embodiments, the hollow nature of the reservoir substrate  210  can be sufficient to allow for accommodation of further components of the cartridge  200  without the need for formation of cavities or protrusions. Thus, the cartridge  200  can be particularly beneficial in that the reservoir substrate  210  can be pre-formed and can have a hollow interior defining the cavity  252  with a wall that is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a further component of the cartridge in a mating arrangement. This particularly can facilitate ease of assembly of the cartridge  200  and can maximize the volume of the reservoir substrate  210  while also providing sufficient space for aerosol formation. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity  252  extending through the reservoir substrate  210  is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate at least a portion of the atomizer  208 . Specifically, the reservoir substrate  210  includes two diametrically opposed grooves  256   a ,  256   b  (collectively, “grooves  256 ”) at the cavity  252 . As illustrated, the grooves  256  may extend substantially the entire length of the reservoir substrate  210  from the first end  254   a  to the second end  254   b  thereof. In light of the reservoir substrate  210  defining the cavity  252  therethrough, the atomizer  208  can be easily positioned interior to the reservoir substrate during assembly of the smoking article. Likewise, since the cavity  252  is shaped and dimensioned to mate with the atomizer  208 , the combination can be easily assembled, and the atomizer can snugly mate with the reservoir substrate  210  while simultaneously placing the liquid transport element  216  in fluid connection with the reservoir substrate. 
     In this regard, the grooves  256  may be configured to receive the liquid transport element  216  at least partially therein. More particularly, the distal arms  236  of the liquid transport element  216  may be received in the grooves  256 . Thus, the liquid transport element  216  may extend substantially entirely through the reservoir substrate  210  such that the liquid transport element ends  238  are positioned proximate the first reservoir end  254   a . Further, the heater terminals  220  may extend through the cavity  252  through the reservoir substrate  210 . In some embodiments the heater terminals  220  may be partially or fully received in the grooves  256 . Additionally, the electronic control component  206  may be at least partially received in the cavity  252  through the reservoir substrate  210 . 
     By adapting the cavity  252  of the reservoir substrate  210  to accommodate the atomizer  208 , and/or various other components of the cartridge  200 , available open space in the cartridge can be fully maximized by extending the reservoir substrate into the previously open spaces. As a result, the overall size and capacity of the reservoir substrate  210  can be increased in comparison to traditional woven or non-woven fiber mats that are typically utilized in electronic smoking articles. The increased capacity allows the reservoir substrate  210  to hold an increased amount of the aerosol precursor composition which may, in turn, result in longer use and enjoyment of the cartridge  200  by the end user. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the atomizer  208  may extend through the cavity  252  of the reservoir substrate  210  such that the heating element  218  is positioned proximate the second reservoir end  254   b . More particularly, the atomizer  208  may extend through the cavity  252  such that the heating element  218  is positioned past the second reservoir end  254   b  and is positioned outside of the cavity. This embodiment may reduce the heat directly applied by the heating element  218  to the reservoir substrate  210  such that the amount of the aerosol precursor composition vaporized by the heating element is controlled in part by the flow of the aerosol precursor composition through the liquid transport element  216  to the heating element. Accordingly, the amount of aerosol precursor composition vaporized may be more precisely controlled. However, in other embodiments, it is not necessary for the atomizer to extend beyond the second reservoir end, and the atomizer can be positioned relative to the reservoir substrate such that the heating element is received within the cavity of the reservoir substrate. 
     The reservoir substrate  210  includes an exterior surface  258  that can be substantially shaped and adapted to conform to an interior surface  260  of the external shell  212 . In this regard, the external shell  212  may define a tubular shape with a cavity  262  therethrough sized to receive the reservoir substrate  210 . For example, an inner radius of the external shell  212  may substantially correspond to, or may be slightly larger than, an outer radius of the reservoir substrate  210 . Accordingly, the external shell  212  may be received over the reservoir substrate  210  and coupled to the base  202 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . In this regard, one or more indentations  264  may engage the threads or protrusions  230  on the base  202  such that coupling is retained therebetween. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the external shell  212  may couple to the mouthpiece  214  such that the cavity  262  defined by the external shell is at least partially enclosed. More particularly, in one embodiment one or more indentations  266  may engage threads or protrusions  268  on the mouthpiece  214  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2 ) such that coupling therebetween is retained. The mouthpiece  214  defines one or more openings  270  through which air mixed with aerosol produced by the atomizer  208  may be directed when a user draws on the mouthpiece, as described in accordance with the above-noted example embodiments of smoking articles. 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate a receptacle  300  that may be included in a control body configured to engage the cartridge  200  and the various other embodiments of cartridges described below. As illustrated, the receptacle  300  may comprise protrusions or threads  302  that are configured to engage an external shell of the control body such that a mechanical connection is formed therebetween. The receptacle  300  may define an outer surface  304  configured to mate with an inner surface  272  of the base  202 . In one embodiment the inner surface  272  of the base  202  may define a radius that is substantially equal to, or slightly greater than, a radius of the outer surface  304  of the receptacle  300 . Further, the receptacle  300  may define one or more protrusions  306  at the outer surface  304  configured to engage one or more recesses  274  defined at the inner surface  272  of the base  202 . However, various other embodiments of structures, shapes, and components may be employed to couple the base  202  to the receptacle  300 . In some embodiments the connection between the base  202  and the receptacle  300  of the control body may be substantially permanent, whereas in other embodiments the connection therebetween may be releasable such that, for example, the control body may be reused with one or more additional cartridges. 
     The receptacle  300  may further comprise a plurality of electrical contacts  308   a - c  respectively configured to contact the end  226  of the control component terminal  204  and the ends  250  of the heater terminals  220 . The electrical contacts  308   a - c  may be positioned at differing radial distances from a central opening  310  through the receptacle  300  and positioned at differing depths within the receptacle  300 . The depth and radius of each of the electrical contacts  308   a - c  is configured such that the end  226  of the control component terminal  204  and the ends  250  of the heater terminals  220  respectively come into contact therewith when the base  202  and the receptacle  300  are joined together to establish an electrical connection therebetween. 
     In the illustrated embodiment the electrical contacts  308   a - c  comprise circular metal bands of varying radii positioned at differing depths within the receptacle  300 . When the electrical contacts  308   a - c  comprise circular bands and the end  226  of the control component terminal  204  and the ends  250  of the heater terminals  220  extend to corresponding depths and radii within the base  202 , electrical connections between the base and the receptacle  300  may be established regardless of the rotational orientation of the base with respect to the receptacle. Accordingly, connection between the base  202  of the cartridge  200  and the receptacle  300  of the control body may be facilitated. The electrical contacts  308   a - c  may be respectively coupled to a plurality of control body terminals  312   a - c  that connect to a plurality of components within the control body such as a battery and a controller therefor. 
     Further, when the base  202  of the cartridge  200  and the receptacle  300  of the control body are coupled together, a fluid connection may also be established. In this regard, the receptacle  300  may define a fluid pathway configured to receive air from an ambient environment and direct the air to the cartridge  200  when a user draws thereon. More particularly, in one embodiment the receptacle  300  may define a rim  314  with a radially extending notch  316  defined therein. Further a longitudinally extending recessed slot  318  may extend from the notch  316  to an opening  320 . The opening  320  may define a cutout or a hole through a portion of the receptacle in some embodiments. Thus, when the receptacle  300  is engaged with the end of an external shell or body of a corresponding control body, the fluid pathway through the notch  316 , the slot  318 , and the opening  320  may remain open. Air drawn through this path may then be directed through the central opening  310  of the receptacle  300  and the central opening  248  of the base  202  when the receptacle and the base are connected to one another. Thus, air may be directed from the control body through the cartridge  200  in the manner described above when a user draws on the mouthpiece  214  of the cartridge. 
     Accordingly, the above-described cartridge  200  may provide benefits in terms of ease of assembly and ease of attachment to the receptacle  300  of a control body. In particular, with respect to the cartridge  200 , assembly thereof may be simplified in that the components thereof may be generally axially assembled. More specifically, in one embodiment the control component terminal  204  may be coupled to the base  202 , the electronic control component  206  may be coupled to the control component terminal, the heater terminals  220  may be coupled to the base, the heating element  218  may be coupled to the liquid transport element  216  and the combination thereof may be coupled to the heater terminals to form the atomizer, the reservoir substrate  210  may be coupled to the atomizer, the external shell  212  may be coupled to the base, and the mouthpiece  214  may be coupled to the external shell. 
     As described above, embodiments of smoking articles may employ an atomizer comprising a heating element formed from a wire coil. In the example embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the heating element  218  is wound about a center section  236   c  of the liquid transport element  216 . The heating element  218  does not extend to the distal arms  236   a ,  236   b  of the liquid transport element  216 . In this regard, production of atomizers comprising a heating element that is formed on only a portion of the length of a liquid transport element may present certain challenges that may make economical production thereof difficult. In this regard, production of heating elements that only extend along a portion of the length of the liquid transport element may require usage of a “start and stop” winding process, wherein a wire is brought into contact with and wound about the liquid transport element, extends along a section, and then stops at the desired end of the heating element, at which the wire is removed from contact with the liquid transport element. This process may then be repeated at additional spaced locations along the longitudinal length of the liquid transport element, or the process may be conducted once for an individual liquid transport element segment sized for use in the atomizer. Regardless of the particular details of the process employed, discrete production of individual heating elements may involve repeatedly starting and stopping the supply of wire to the liquid transport element and winding the wire thereon. Thus, the production of heating elements may be relatively expensive and/or slow due to the repeated starting and stopping involved during the production process. 
     Accordingly, the present disclosure provides embodiments of methods of forming atomizers and related structures and atomizers produced thereby, which are configured to avoid the problems associated with the above-noted start and stop winding process. The heating elements produced in accordance with the description provided below may be employed with a variety of smoking articles. However, the heating elements may, by way of example, may be employed in embodiments of the above-described smoking articles. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an input  400  for production of a plurality of atomizers. As illustrated, the input  400  comprises a liquid transport element  402  and a wire  404 . The liquid transport element  402  and the wire  404  may comprise any suitable material, such as one of the example embodiments of materials described above. Further, the particular cross-sectional shape of the liquid transport element  402  and the wire  404  may vary, and the cross-sectional areas thereof may be constant or vary along the length thereof. In this regard, the liquid transport element  402  and the wire  404  are generally described herein and illustrated as defining round cross-sectional shapes having constant cross-sectional areas along the longitudinal lengths thereof. However, various other embodiments of cross-sectional shapes may be employed, such as square, rectangular, or triangular. 
     As illustrated, the wire  404  continuously extends along a longitudinal length of the liquid transport element  402 . As used herein, the term continuously extending refers to a relationship between the liquid transport element  402  and the wire  404  in which the wire is coextensive along the longitudinal length of the liquid transport element. By contrast, the term continuously extending excludes the above-described embodiments of heating elements produced by start and stop winding methods and which extend along only a portion of the longitudinal length of the atomizer. 
     Thus, the wire  404  according to the present disclosure defines a plurality of heating elements  406  along the longitudinal length of the input  400 . The input  400  may be cut at spaced intervals to define a plurality of atomizers  408  respectively comprising a segment of the liquid transport element  402  and one of the heating elements  406  defined by the wire  404 . In this regard, the input  400  may be cut along the lines  410  to separate the input  400  into the atomizers  408 . Due to the wire  400  continuously extending along the longitudinal length of the liquid transport element  402  in the input  400 , the wire will also continuously extend along the longitudinal length of the segment of the liquid transport element when divided into individual atomizers  408 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the wire  404  may define a plurality of coils  412 . In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the wire  404  may be continuously wound about the liquid transport element  402 . The term continuously wound, as used herein, refers to a wound configuration in which the angular position of the wire  404  about the liquid transport element  402  continuously changes along the longitudinal length of the liquid transport element. Thus, the wire  404  may repeatedly wrap about the perimeter of the liquid transport element  402 , as illustrated in  FIG. 13  with the coils  412  continuously extending along the longitudinal length thereof. Thus, a plurality of interconnected heating elements may be formed by a single wire. In other words, a single wire may extend along and define a plurality of heating elements, each respectively useable as an atomizer. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates an enlarged view of the input  400  at section A from  FIG. 13 , including a view of one of the heating elements  406 . As illustrated, in addition to the heating element  406 , the wire  404  may define a first end portion  414   a  and a second end portion  414   b  (collectively, “end portions  414 ”). Further, the heating element  406  may comprise a first contact portion  416   a  and a second end portion  416   a  (collectively, “contact portions  416 ”) and a heating portion  418 . The contact portions  416  may be positioned between the end portions  414  and the heating portion  418  may be positioned between the contact portions. 
     The coils  412  may define a pitch that varies along the longitudinal length of each atomizer  408 . Pitch refers to a distance from a center of one coil  412  to a center of an adjacent coil. The coils  412  of the end portions  414  may define a first pitch  420 , the coils of the contact portions  416  may define a second pitch  422 , and the coils of the heating portion  418  may define a third pitch  424 . 
     Thus, although not required, in some embodiments the pitch  420  of the first end portion  414   a  may be substantially equal to the pitch of the second end portion  414   b . Similarly, although not required, the pitch  422  of the first contact portion  416 A may be substantially equal to the pitch of the second contact portion  416 B. Further, it should be noted that transitions between the end portions  414  and the contact portions  416  and between the contact portions and the heating portion  418  may result in the pitch of the coils  412  varying over the length of the individual portions. In this regard, the pitch of the coils of a particular portion of the wire  404 , as used herein, refers to an average pitch of the coils over the length of the referenced portion. 
     In some embodiments the second pitch  422  may be less than the first pitch  420 , and the third pitch  424  may be less than the first pitch and greater than the second pitch. As described below, this configuration of the pitches  420 ,  422 ,  424  of the end portions  414 , the contact portions  416 , and the heating portion  418  may provide particular benefits in terms of the functionality and cost of the atomizers  408 . In one embodiment the second pitch  422  of the contact portions  416  may be substantially equal to a cross-sectional width of the wire  404 . For example, in embodiments in which the wire  404  defines a round cross-section, the second pitch  422  may be substantially equal to a diameter of the wire. This pitch corresponds to a configuration in which the coils  412  of the wire  404  are substantially in contact with one another. As described below, this configuration may have certain advantages. However, various other embodiments of pitches of the coils may be employed in other embodiments. 
     In one embodiment a ratio of the third pitch  424  to the second pitch  422  may be from about two though eight to one, and in one embodiment about four to one. The ratio of the first pitch  420  to the second pitch  422  may be from about eight through thirty-two to one, and in one embodiment about sixteen to one. The ratio of the first pitch  420  to the third pitch  424  may be from about one through sixteen to one, and in one embodiment about four to one. 
     The input  400  may be employed to relatively inexpensively and rapidly produce atomizers  408 . In this regard, by coupling the wire  404  to the liquid transport element  402  in a manner by which the wire continuously extends along the longitudinal length of the liquid transport element, the input  400  may be produced continuously to the extent of the length of the material defining the wire and the liquid transport element. Thereafter, or concurrently therewith, the input  400  may be divided into the plurality of atomizers  408 . Thus, the atomizers  408  may be more efficiently produced as compared to the above-described stop and start winding process or other embodiments of processes that require discrete production of heating elements. 
     As noted above, the input  400  may be divided into a plurality of atomizers  408 . As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , when the input  400  is divided into a plurality of atomizers  408 , the wire  404  extends from a first liquid transport element end  426   a  to a second liquid transport element end  426   b  (collectively, “liquid transport element ends  426 ”). In this regard, the wire  404  continuously extends along the entirety of the longitudinal length of the liquid transport element  402 . 
     More particularly,  FIG. 15  illustrates attachment of the atomizer  408  to certain components of the above-described cartridge  200 . In this regard, the atomizer  408  may be employed in use in a variety of aerosol delivery devices, such as cartridges for smoking articles. Thus, use of the atomizer  408  with components previously described and included in the cartridge  200  is illustrated by way of example, and it should be understood that the atomizers  408  produced from the input  400  may be employed in a variety of other aerosol delivery devices. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , during assembly of a cartridge, in some embodiments the heater terminals  220  may be coupled to the base  202  prior to coupling the atomizer  408  to the heater terminals. In this regard, the base  202  may be employed to hold the heater terminals  220  in place so as to facilitate attachment of the atomizer  408  to the heater terminals. However, in other embodiments the heater terminals  220  may be coupled to the atomizer  408  prior to coupling the heater terminals to the base  202 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the contact portions  416  of the heating element  406  may respectively contact one of the heater terminals  220 . More particularly, the contact portions  416  of the heating element  406  may respectively contact one of the tabs  234  of the heater terminals  220 . The tabs  234  may be connected to the connector portions  416  of the heater element  406  by crimping, welding, or any other method or mechanism. 
     The contact portions  416  may define a plurality of coils  412 . In the illustrated embodiment (see, e.g.,  FIG. 14 ), the contact portions  416  respectively comprise 4 coils. However, various other numbers of coils  412  may be employed in other embodiments. By way of example, in some embodiments the contact portions  416  may comprise about 3 coils to about 5 coils. Use of a plurality of coils  412  may assist in forming a connection with the tabs  234  of the heater terminals  220 . Further, providing the contact portions  416  with a relatively small pitch  422 , for example in which the coils  412  thereof touch one another, may further facilitate establishing an electrical connection between the contact portions and the heater terminals  220 . In this regard, the wire  404  may define a relatively greater surface area at the contact portions  416 , which may facilitate connection to the tabs  234 . 
     Further, the liquid transport element  402  may be bent about the heater terminals  220  such that the liquid transport element ends  426  are positioned proximate the base  202 . As the liquid transport element  402  is bent about the heater terminals  220 , the end portions  414  of the wire  404  may also bend and come into contact with the heater terminals. Since the wire  404  extends from the first liquid transport element end  426   a  to the second liquid transport element end  426   b , the wire may assist in maintaining the liquid transport element  402  in the bent configuration. In this regard, as the liquid transport element  402  is bent, the wire  404  may plastically deform and retain the bent configuration. Thus, coupling between the liquid transport element  402  and the heater terminals  220  may be improved. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a modified cross-sectional view through a cartridge  500  comprising the components of the cartridge  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , with the atomizer  208  replaced with the atomizer  408  produced from the input  400 . Thus, as illustrated, the cartridge  500  includes the base  202  defining the connector end  246  configured to engage a control body. Further, the cartridge  500  includes the reservoir substrate  210  configured to hold an aerosol precursor composition. The reservoir substrate  210  defines the cavity  252  extending between the first reservoir end  254   a  and the second reservoir end  254   b , wherein the first reservoir end is positioned proximate the base  202 . 
     The atomizer  408  may extend through the cavity  252  of the reservoir substrate  210 . The reservoir substrate  210  may define the grooves  256  at the cavity  252  extending from the first reservoir end  254   a  to the second reservoir end  254   b . In this regard, the atomizer  408  may define the above-described bent configuration in which the liquid transport element  402  and the wire  404  are bent about the heater terminals  220 . As illustrated, the liquid transport element  402  may define a first distal arm  428   a  and a second distal arm  428   b  (collectively, “distal arms  428 ”) and a center section  428   c.    
     The distal arms  428  of the liquid transport element  402  may be received in the grooves  256  at the cavity  252 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the end portions  414  of the wire  404  may also be respectively received in the grooves  256 . In this regard, the end portions  414  of the wire  404  may be at least partially positioned between the liquid transport element  402  and the reservoir substrate  210 . However, as a result of employing a relatively coarse wind at the end portions  414 , in which the pitch  420  is relatively large, the reduction in fluid transfer from the reservoir substrate  210  to the liquid transport element  402  may be relatively small. In this regard, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the end portions  414  defines six coils  412 , which are spread across a relatively greater longitudinal length of the liquid transport element  404  than the contact portions  416 . However, in other embodiments the end portions may define a smaller number or a larger number of the coils. By way of example, the end portions may comprise from about three coils to about seven coils in some embodiments. It is further of note that employing a relatively large pitch  420  of the coils  412  at the end portion  414  may reduce the material costs associated with the atomizer  408  by reducing the amount of the wire  404  employed to produce the atomizers. 
     Further, as a result of the end portions  414  of the wire  404  being in contact with the heater terminals  220 , an electrical connection is formed therebetween. However, the end portions  414  of the wire  404  will be at substantially the same electrical potential as the heater terminals  220 , and hence the end portions of the wire will substantially avoid producing any heat. In this regard, the first end portion  414   a  will be at substantially the same electrical potential as the first contact portion  416   a , and the second end portion  414   b  will be at substantially the same electrical potential as the second contact portion  416   b  because the contact portions  416  are also in contact with the heater terminals  220 . Accordingly, despite the wire  404  extending to the liquid transport element ends  426 , heat may only be produced at the heating portion  418 . Accordingly, the heating element  406  may directly heat only the center section  428   c  of the liquid transport element  402 , which may be desirable to control the production of aerosol by controlling the amount of aerosol precursor exposed to the heat produced by the heating element  406 . 
     Further, the amount of heat directed to the center section  428   c  of the liquid transport element  402  may be controlled by the pitch  424  of the coils  412  at the heating portion  418  of the wire. In this regard, the pitch  424  of the coils  412  may be relatively less than the pitch  420  of the coils at the end sections  414  but less than the pitch  422  of the coils at the contact portions  416 . By ensuring that the coils  412  are not spaced too far apart, the liquid transport element  402  may be heated to a sufficient degree to produce aerosol vapors. Further, by providing gaps between the coils  412  at the heating portion  418 , the vaporized aerosol may be able to escape from the liquid transport element  402 . In the illustrated embodiment the heating portion  418  comprises six coils  412 . However, a larger or smaller number of coils may be provided in other embodiments. For example, the heating portion may comprise from about 4 coils to about 9 coils in other embodiments. 
     Note that the above-described atomizer comprising a heating element with a variable spacing of coils thereof may be employed in a variety of embodiments of cartridges for aerosol delivery devices. In this regard,  FIG. 17  illustrates a partially exploded view of an aerosol delivery device  600  including a control body  700 , which is illustrated in an assembled configuration, and a cartridge  800 , which is illustrated in an exploded configuration. The control body  700  may include various components as described above. For example, the control body  700  may include an outer tube  702  and a receptacle or coupler  704  and an end cap  706  coupled to opposing ends of the outer tube. Various internal components inside the outer tube  702  may include, by way of example, a flow sensor, a control component, and an electrical power source (e.g., a battery), and a light emitting diode (LED) element. However, the control body  700  may include additional or alternative components in other embodiments. 
     As illustrated, the cartridge  800  may comprise a base shipping plug  802 , a base  804 , a control component terminal  806 , an electronic control component  808 , a flow tube  810 , an atomizer  812 , a reservoir substrate  814 , an external shell  816 , a label  818 , a mouthpiece  820 , and a mouthpiece shipping plug  822  according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Many of these components are substantially similar to the components of the cartridges described above. Accordingly, only differences with respect to the previously-described embodiments of cartridges will be described below. 
     In this regard, in one embodiment the electronic control component  808  may comprise a single-piece printed circuit board assembly. The electronic control component  808  may include a ceramic substrate, which may comprise about 96% alumina ceramic in one embodiment. This material is inorganic, non-reactive, non-degrading, and non-porous. Use of such a ceramic material may be preferable in that it may define a robust, dimensionally-stable part without requiring a separate supporting structure. Further, such a ceramic material may allow for adhesion of a coating thereto. For example, a component side of the electronic control component  808  may comprise a coating material such as a chloro-substituted poly (para-xylylene) commercially available as Parylene C from Specialty Coating Systems, Inc., or any other coating or other sealant/barrier coating configured to protect components of the circuit board from liquid and moisture. The sealant/barrier coating may also provide the electronic control component  808  with a decreased coefficient of friction, which may facilitate an axial assembly process of the cartridge  800 . 
     Further, the mouthpiece shipping plug  822  is configured to engage openings in the mouthpiece  820  prior to use of the cartridge  800  in order to prevent entry of contaminants through the openings in the mouthpiece. Similarly, the base shipping plug  802  is configured to couple to an inner periphery of the base  804  to protect the base from damage or contamination during transport and storage. Further, the label  818  may serve as an exterior member providing the cartridge  800  with identifying information. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a perspective view of the cartridge  800  in a partially assembled configuration. More particularly,  FIG. 18  illustrates components of the cartridge  800  in a partially assembled configuration corresponding to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Thus, briefly,  FIG. 18  illustrates a configuration in which the control component terminal  806  has been coupled to the base  804 , the electronic control component  808  has been coupled to the electronic control component terminal, a first heater terminal  834   a  and a second heater terminal  834   b  (collectively, “heater terminals  834 ”) has been coupled to the base, the flow tube  810  is received between the heater terminals, a heating element  840  is wound about a liquid transport element  838  and extends along the length thereof, the heating element is coupled to first and second tabs  836   a ,  836   b  of the heater terminals to complete the atomizer  812 , and the reservoir substrate  814  is received around the atomizer. 
     The reservoir substrate  814  may define a cavity  852  extending therethrough from a first reservoir end  854   a  to a second reservoir end  854   b  (collectively, “reservoir ends  854 ”), wherein the first reservoir end is positioned proximate the base  804 . In this regard, the reservoir substrate  814  may define a hollow tubular configuration. The reservoir substrate  814  can comprise one or more of various materials and can be formed in a variety of different manners. In one embodiment the reservoir substrate  814  can be formed from a plurality of combined layers that can be concentric or overlapping. For example, the reservoir substrate  814  can be a continuous sheet of a material that is rolled such that the ends thereof meet along a joint  856  to form the hollow tubular configuration, or multiple layers of the material may be wrapped thereabout. Thus, the reservoir substrate  814  may conform to the shape of the components received in the cavity  852  such as the atomizer  812 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , in some embodiments the cartridge  800  may additionally include the flow tube  810 . As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the flow tube  810  may be positioned between, and held in place by, the terminals  834 . More particularly, the flow tube  810  may define first  858   a  and second  858   b  opposing grooves (collectively, “grooves  858 ”). The grooves  858  may be sized and shaped to respectively receive one of the terminals  834  therein. In this regard, in some embodiments the flow tube  810  may define a generally round outer perimeter, with the exception of the grooves  858 . Thus, the flow tube  810  may be received inside the cavity  852  defined through the reservoir substrate  814 . Accordingly, the flow tube  810  may additionally or alternatively be held in place by the reservoir substrate  814 . The flow tube  810  may also be held in place via contact with the electronic control component  808  in some embodiments. 
     The flow tube  810  may be configured to direct a flow of air received from the base  804  to the heating element  840  of the atomizer  812 . More particularly, as illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the flow tube  810  may define a through hole  860  extending along the length of the center of the flow tube configured to receive air from the base  804  and direct it to the heating element  840 . Accordingly, the size of the through hole  860  may be selected to define a desired velocity of air directed to the heating element  840 . Accordingly, a desired amount of aerosol may be delivered to the air as the air passes the heating element  840 . For example, the through hole  860  may taper from a relatively larger diameter to a relatively smaller diameter proximate the heating element  840 . However, in other embodiments the through hole  860  may define a substantially constant or increasing diameter. 
     In some embodiments the flow tube  810  may comprise a ceramic material. For example, the flow tube  810  may comprise 96.5% aluminum tri oxide in one embodiment. This material may provide heat resistance which may be desirable due to proximity to the heating element  840 . However, the flow tube  810  may be formed from various other materials in other embodiments. 
     The reservoir substrate  814  includes an exterior surface  862  that can be substantially shaped and adapted to conform to an interior surface of the external shell  816  (see,  FIG. 17 ). Accordingly, the external shell  816  may be received over the reservoir substrate  814  and coupled to the base  804 . In a fully assembled configuration the cartridge may appear substantially similar to the cartridge  200  illustrated in  FIG. 10  with the base shipping plug, the mouthpiece shipping plug, and the label coupled thereto. 
     Although a wire is generally described above as being continuously wound about a liquid transport element, the wire may be configured in various other manners in which the wire continuously extends along the longitudinal length of the liquid transport element in other embodiments. In this regard,  FIG. 19  illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of an input  900  comprising a liquid transport element  902  and a wire  904  extending along the longitudinal length of the liquid transport element. As illustrated, the wire  904  may be wound about the liquid transport element  902  to define a heating element  906 . The wire  904  may define a plurality of coils  912  wound about the liquid transport element  902  at the heating element  906 . 
     In addition to the heating element  906 , the wire  904  may define a first end portion  914   a  and a second end portion  914   b  (collectively, “end portions  914 ”). Further, the heating element  906  may comprise a first contact portion  916   a  and a second end portion  916   a  (collectively, “contact portions  916 ”) and a heating portion  918 . The contact portions  916  may be positioned between the end portions  914  and the heating portion  918  may be positioned between the contact portions. 
     Thus, the liquid transport element  902  and the contact portions  916  and the heating portion  918  of the input  900  may be substantially similar to the corresponding components of the input  400  described above, and hence additional details with respect to these components will not be repeated for purposes of brevity. However, whereas the embodiment of the input  400  illustrated in  FIG. 14  includes a plurality of coils  412  at the end portions  414 , the end portions  914  of the input  900  illustrated in  FIG. 19  may not include coils. Rather, as illustrated in  FIG. 19 , in some embodiments the end portions  914  may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal length of the liquid transport element  902 . In this regard, the end portions of the atomizers described herein may define a plurality of configurations. Embodiments in which the end portions are wound about the liquid transport element may be desirable in that coils positioned at the end sections may assist in retaining a coupling between the wire and the liquid transport element and retaining the atomizer in a bent configuration, as described above. However, embodiments in which the end portions of the wire extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal length of the liquid transport element may be desirable in that less wire may be needed to produce the atomizers, and hence material costs may be further reduced. 
     A method of forming a plurality of atomizers is also provided. As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the method may comprise providing a liquid transport element at operation  1002 . Further, the method may include providing a wire at operation  1004 . The method may additionally include coupling the wire to the liquid transport element such that the wire extends continuously along a longitudinal length of the liquid transport element and defines a plurality of heating elements at operation  1006 , the heating elements respectively comprising a plurality of coils of the wire. 
     In some embodiments coupling the wire to the liquid transport element at operation  1006  may comprise continuously winding the wire about the liquid transport element. Further, winding the wire about the liquid transport element may comprise winding the wire to define a plurality of end portions defining a first pitch and winding the wire such that each of the heating elements comprises a plurality of contact portions positioned between the end portions and defining a second pitch and a heating portion positioned between the contact portions and defining a third pitch. The second pitch may be less than the first pitch, and the third pitch may be less than the first pitch and greater than the second pitch. In some embodiments the second pitch may be substantially equal to a diameter of the wire. 
     In some embodiments, during winding of the wire about the liquid transport element, the tension on one or both of the liquid transport element and the wire may be controlled. In this regard, winding the wire too loosely about the liquid transport element may result in the heating portion being out of contact with the liquid transport element, which could result in high temperatures of the heating element and poor vaporization during operation of the resultant atomizer. Further, winding the wire too tightly about the liquid transport element may result in impediment of the fluid flow through the liquid transport element. Accordingly, the tensions on the wire and the liquid transport element may be maintained at such levels wherein the wire remains in contact with the liquid transport element but does not substantially compress the liquid transport element. 
     In some embodiments the method may further comprise cutting the liquid transport element and the wire at one of the end portions to separate one of the heating elements and a segment of the liquid transport element therefrom at operation  1008 . Further, the method may include providing a first heater terminal and a second heater terminal at operation  1010  and respectively engaging the contact portions of the one of the heating elements with the first heater terminal and the second heater terminal at operation  1012 . Additionally, the method may include bending the one of the heating elements and the segment of the liquid transport element about the first heater terminal and the second heater terminal at operation  1014 . The method may also include engaging the end portions with one of the first heater terminal and the second heater terminal at operation  1016 . 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.