Patent Description:
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 <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>. See also, for example, the various types of smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and electrically powered heat generating sources referenced by brand name and commercial source in <CIT>.

<CIT> discloses a preparation method of a porous ceramic, the porous ceramic, and a use thereof in an electronic cigarette. The method includes: mixing amorphous silica, aluminum oxide and iron oxide uniformly to obtain a mixture; sintering the mixture at a temperature of <NUM> to <NUM> for <NUM> hour to <NUM> hours to obtain a precursor; grinding the precursor to obtain precursor powder; mixing the precursor powder, sodium silicate, and porogen uniformly to obtain a premix; mixing and extruding the premix with water to obtain a molded body; and heat preserving the molded body at a temperature of <NUM> to <NUM> for <NUM> hour to <NUM> hours, and sintering the molded body at a temperature of <NUM> to <NUM> for <NUM> hour to <NUM> hours to obtain the porous ceramic.

<CIT> discloses an electronic cigarette, which includes: a housing, a liquid reservoir, and an atomizer assembly. The housing has a chimney formed therein; the liquid reservoir is used for storing liquid; the atomizer assembly received in the housing. The atomizer assembly includes a heating plate capable of absorbing liquid. An outer surface of the heating plate is in contact with the air in the chimney.

<CIT> discloses a laminar evaporator, comprising a laminar electrical resistance heating element for pulse heating and evaporation of an inhalationally receivable material distributed or distributable on the heating element surface by means of an electric heating current flowing or flowable in a laminar manner with at least two electrical contacts and/or poles for introducing the filament current into the resistance heating element, where the resistance heating element has at least one slot-shaped recess constricting the lines of flux of the original electric field forming or formable between the poles and is superficially bonded with an open-celled porous structure holding or capable of holding the material.

It would be desirable to provide a reservoir for an aerosol precursor composition for use in an aerosol delivery device, the reservoir being provided so as to improve formation of the aerosol delivery device. It would also be desirable to provide aerosol delivery devices that are prepared utilizing such reservoirs.

The present disclosure relates to an atomizer for an aerosol device as defined in claim <NUM>, and an aerosol delivery device comprising the atomizer of claim as defined in claim <NUM>. The aerosol delivery devices can incorporate one or more components or elements formed of a porous monolithic material. In one or more embodiments, the porous monolithic material can comprise a porous glass. In particular, porous glass can be utilized as one or both of a reservoir and a liquid transport element. In one or more further embodiments, the porous monolithic material can comprise a porous ceramic. In particular, porous ceramic can be utilized as one or both of a reservoir and a liquid transport element.

In one or more aspects, the present disclosure thus can provide an aerosol delivery device comprising: an outer housing; a reservoir containing a liquid; a heater configured to vaporize the liquid; and a liquid transport element configured to provide the liquid to the heater. In particular, one or both of the liquid transport element and the reservoir is formed of a porous monolith, which can be one or both of a porous glass and a porous ceramic. In one or more embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can be defined in relation to the following statements, which are non-limiting and can be combined in any number and/or order.

The heater can be printed on the liquid transport element or annealed to the liquid transport element.

The heater can be in a heating arrangement with an external portion of the liquid transport element.

The heater can be in a radiant heating arrangement with the liquid transport element.

At least a portion of the liquid transport element can be substantially planar, and the heater can be at least partially positioned on the substantially planar portion of the liquid transport element.

The liquid transport element and the reservoir can be both formed of porous glass.

The liquid transport element and the reservoir can be both formed of porous ceramic.

One of the liquid transport element and the reservoir can be formed of porous glass and the other of the liquid transport element and the reservoir can be formed of porous ceramic.

The reservoir and the liquid transport element can be a unitary element.

The reservoir can have a first porosity, and the liquid transport element can have a second porosity that is different from the first porosity.

The porous glass can comprise one or more etchings.

The porous ceramic can comprise one or more etchings.

The liquid transport element can be formed of porous glass, and the liquid transport element can be substantially cylindrical.

The liquid transport element can be formed of porous ceramic, and the liquid transport element can be substantially cylindrical.

The heater can be a wire that is wrapped around at least a portion of the liquid transport element.

The reservoir can be formed of porous glass, and the liquid transport element can be a fibrous wick.

The reservoir can be formed of porous ceramic, and the liquid transport element can be a fibrous wick.

The reservoir can be formed of a fibrous material, and the liquid transport element can be a porous glass.

The reservoir can be formed of a fibrous material, and the liquid transport element can be a porous ceramic.

The reservoir can be substantially shaped as a cylinder having a wall.

One or more portions of the fibrous wick can be in fluid connection with the reservoir wall.

The reservoir wall can include one or more grooves.

The grooves can have a porosity that is different from the porosity of the remaining portions of the reservoir wall.

The reservoir can be substantially shaped as a hollow cylinder.

The liquid transport element can comprise a core and a shell.

The shell can be formed of porous glass.

The shell can be formed of porous ceramic.

The core can be formed of a fibrous material.

The porous glass or porous ceramic shell can have opposing ends, and the core of the liquid transport element can extend beyond the opposing ends of the porous glass or porous ceramic shell.

The heater can be a wire and can be wrapped around at least a portion of the porous glass or porous ceramic shell.

The outer housing can comprise an air entry and can comprise a mouthend with an aerosol port.

The device further can comprise one or more of an electrical power source, a pressure sensor, and a microcontroller.

One or more of the electrical power source, the pressure sensor, and the microcontroller can be positioned within a separate control housing that is connectable with the outer housing.

In one or more aspects, the present disclosure can relate to an atomizer that can be particularly suitable for use in an aerosol delivery device. In exemplary embodiments, an atomizer can comprise a substantially planar porous monolith vapor substrate configured for transport of a liquid aerosol precursor composition and a heater in a heating arrangement with the substantially planar porous monolith vapor substrate. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer can be defined in relation to the following statements, which are non-limiting and can be combined in any number and/or order.

The porous monolith vapor substrate can be a porous glass.

The porous monolith vapor substrate can be a porous ceramic.

The atomizer can comprise a porous glass reservoir connected to a substantially planar porous glass vapor substrate.

The substantially planar porous glass vapor substrate can have a first porosity, and the porous glass reservoir can have a second porosity that is different form the first porosity.

One or both of the substantially planar porous glass vapor substrate and the porous glass reservoir can include one or more etchings.

The atomizer can comprise a porous ceramic reservoir connected to a substantially planar porous ceramic vapor substrate.

The atomizer can comprise a porous glass reservoir connected to a substantially planar porous ceramic vapor substrate.

The atomizer can comprise a porous ceramic reservoir connected to a substantially planar porous glass vapor substrate.

In one or more aspects, the present disclosure can relate to fluid transport element that can be particularly suitable for use in an aerosol delivery device. In exemplary embodiments, a liquid transport element can comprise an elongated core having a length and being formed of a wicking material and a shell surrounding the elongated core along at least of a portion of the length thereof, the shell being formed of a porous monolith, which can be a porous glass or a porous ceramic. In particular, the wicking material can be a fibrous material.

Features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The invention includes any combination of two, three, four, or more of the above-noted embodiments as well as combinations of any two, three, four, or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined in a specific embodiment description herein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosed invention, in any of its various aspects and embodiments, should be viewed as combinable unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

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, the singular forms "a", "an", "the", include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As described hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to aerosol delivery systems. Aerosol delivery systems according to the present disclosure use electrical energy to heat a material (preferably without combusting the material to any significant degree and/or without significant chemical alteration of the material) to form an inhalable substance; and components of such systems have the form of articles that most preferably are sufficiently compact to be considered hand-held devices. That is, use of components of preferred aerosol delivery systems does not result in the production of smoke - i.e., from byproducts of combustion or pyrolysis of tobacco, but rather, use of those preferred systems results in the production of vapors/aerosols resulting from volatilization or vaporization of certain components incorporated therein. In preferred embodiments, components of aerosol delivery systems may be characterized as electronic cigarettes, and those electronic cigarettes most preferably incorporate tobacco and/or components derived from tobacco, and hence deliver tobacco derived components in aerosol form.

Aerosol generating pieces of certain preferred aerosol delivery systems may provide many 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 that is employed by lighting and burning tobacco (and hence inhaling tobacco smoke), without any substantial degree of combustion of any component thereof. For example, the user of an aerosol generating piece of the present disclosure can hold and use that piece much like a smoker employs a traditional type of smoking article, draw on one end of that piece for inhalation of aerosol produced by that piece, take or draw puffs at selected intervals of time, and the like. The devices described herein, however, are not limited to devices that are substantially shaped and dimensioned as a traditional cigarette. Rather, the present devices may take on any shape and can be substantially larger than a traditional cigarette.

Aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure also can be characterized as being vapor-producing 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.

Aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure generally include a number of components provided within an outer body or shell, which may be referred to as a housing. The overall design of the outer body or shell can vary, and the format or configuration of the outer body that can define the overall size and shape of the aerosol delivery device can vary. In exemplary embodiments, an elongated body resembling the shape of a cigarette or cigar can be a formed from a single, unitary housing, or the elongated housing can be formed of two or more separable bodies. For example, an aerosol delivery device 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 aerosol delivery device are contained within one housing. Alternatively, an aerosol delivery device can comprise two or more housings that are joined and are separable. For example, an aerosol delivery device can possess at one end a control body comprising a housing containing one or more components (e.g., a battery and various electronics for controlling the operation of that article), and at the other end and removably attached thereto an outer body or shell containing aerosol forming components (e.g., one or more aerosol precursor components, such as flavors and aerosol formers, one or more heaters, and/or one or more wicks).

Aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure can be formed of an outer housing or shell that is not substantially tubular in shape but may be formed to substantially greater dimensions - i.e., be substantially "palm-sized" for being held in the palm of a user. The housing or shell can be configured to include a mouthpiece and/or may be configured to receive a separate shell (e.g., a cartridge) that can include consumable elements, such as a liquid aerosol former, and can include a vaporizer or atomizer.

Aerosol delivery devices 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 the power source to other components of the article - e.g., a microcontroller or microprocessor), a heater or heat generation member (e.g., an electrical resistance heating element or other component, which alone or in combination with one or more further elements may be commonly referred to as an "atomizer"), 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 mouthpiece or mouth region for allowing draw upon the aerosol delivery device for aerosol inhalation (e.g., a defined airflow path through the article such that aerosol generated can be withdrawn therefrom upon draw).

More specific formats, configurations and arrangements of components within the aerosol delivery systems of the present disclosure will be evident in light of the further disclosure provided hereinafter. Additionally, the selection and arrangement of various aerosol delivery system components can be appreciated upon consideration of the commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such as those representative products referenced in background art section of the present disclosure.

One example embodiment of an aerosol delivery device <NUM> illustrating components that may be utilized in an aerosol delivery device according to the present disclosure is provided in <FIG>. As seen in the cut-away view illustrated therein, the aerosol delivery device <NUM> can comprise a control body <NUM> and a cartridge <NUM> that can be permanently or detachably aligned in a functioning relationship. Engagement of the control body <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM> can be press fit (as illustrated), threaded, interference fit, magnetic, or the like. In particular, connection components, such as further described herein may be used. For example, the control body may include a coupler that is adapted to engage a connector on the cartridge.

In specific embodiments, one or both of the control body <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM> may be referred to as being disposable or as being reusable. For example, the control body may have a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery 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 universal serial bus (USB) cable. For example, an adaptor including a USB connector at one end and a control body connector at an opposing end is disclosed in <CIT> Further, in some embodiments the cartridge may comprise a single-use cartridge, as disclosed in <CIT>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a control body <NUM> can be formed of a control body shell <NUM> that can include a control component <NUM> (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB), an integrated circuit, a memory component, a microcontroller, or the like), a flow sensor <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, and an LED <NUM>, and such components can be variably aligned. Further indicators (e.g., a haptic feedback component, an audio feedback component, or the like) can be included in addition to or as an alternative to the LED. Additional representative types of components that yield visual cues or indicators, such as light emitting diode (LED) components, and the configurations and uses thereof, are described in <CIT>; <CIT>and <CIT>; and <CIT>.

A cartridge <NUM> can be formed of a cartridge shell <NUM> enclosing the reservoir <NUM> that is in fluid communication with a liquid transport element <NUM> adapted to wick or otherwise transport an aerosol precursor composition stored in the reservoir housing to a heater <NUM>. Various embodiments of materials configured to produce heat when electrical current is applied therethrough may be employed to form the resistive heating element <NUM>. Example materials from which the wire coil may be formed include Kanthal (FeCrAl), Nichrome, Molybdenum disilicide (MoSi<NUM>), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), Molybdenum disilicide doped with Aluminum (Mo(Si,Al)<NUM>), titanium, platinum, silver, palladium, graphite and graphite-based materials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns) and ceramics (e.g., positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramics). As further described herein, a heater may comprise a variety of materials configured to provide electromagnetic radiation, including laser diodes.

An opening <NUM> may be present in the cartridge shell <NUM> (e.g., at the mouthend) to allow for egress of formed aerosol from the cartridge <NUM>. Such components are representative of the components that may be present in a cartridge and are not intended to limit the scope of cartridge components that are encompassed by the present disclosure.

The cartridge <NUM> also may include one or more electronic components <NUM>, which may include an integrated circuit, a memory component, a sensor, or the like. The electronic component <NUM> may be adapted to communicate with the control component <NUM> and/or with an external device by wired or wireless means. The electronic component <NUM> may be positioned anywhere within the cartridge <NUM> or its base <NUM>.

Although the control component <NUM> and the flow sensor <NUM> are illustrated separately, it is understood that the control component and the flow sensor may be combined as an electronic circuit board with the air flow sensor attached directly thereto. Further, the electronic circuit board may be positioned horizontally relative the illustration of <FIG> in that the electronic circuit board can be lengthwise parallel to the central axis of the control body. In some embodiments, the air flow sensor may comprise its own circuit board or other base element to which it can be attached. In some embodiments, a flexible circuit board may be utilized. A flexible circuit board may be configured into a variety of shapes, include substantially tubular shapes.

The control body <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM> may include components adapted to facilitate a fluid engagement therebetween. As illustrated in <FIG>, the control body <NUM> can include a coupler <NUM> having a cavity <NUM> therein. The cartridge <NUM> can include a base <NUM> adapted to engage the coupler <NUM> and can include a projection <NUM> adapted to fit within the cavity <NUM>. Such engagement can facilitate a stable connection between the control body <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM> as well as establish an electrical connection between the battery <NUM> and control component <NUM> in the control body and the heater <NUM> in the cartridge. Further, the control body shell <NUM> can include an air intake <NUM>, which may be a notch in the shell where it connects to the coupler <NUM> that allows for passage of ambient air around the coupler and into the shell where it then passes through the cavity <NUM> of the coupler and into the cartridge through the projection <NUM>.

A coupler and a base useful according to the present disclosure are described in <CIT> For example, a coupler as seen in <FIG> may define an outer periphery <NUM> configured to mate with an inner periphery <NUM> of the base <NUM>. In one embodiment the inner periphery of the base may define a radius that is substantially equal to, or slightly greater than, a radius of the outer periphery of the coupler. Further, the coupler <NUM> may define one or more protrusions <NUM> at the outer periphery <NUM> configured to engage one or more recesses <NUM> defined at the inner periphery of the base. However, various other embodiments of structures, shapes, and components may be employed to couple the base to the coupler. In some embodiments the connection between the base <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> and the coupler <NUM> of the control body <NUM> 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 that may be disposable and/or refillable.

The aerosol delivery device <NUM> may be substantially rod-like or substantially tubular shaped or substantially cylindrically shaped in some embodiments. In other embodiments, further shapes and dimensions are encompassed - e.g., a rectangular or triangular cross-section, multifaceted shapes, or the like.

The reservoir <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> can take on any design configured for retaining a liquid, such as a container or a mass configured for absorbing and/or adsorbing the liquid - e.g., a fibrous reservoir or a porous monolith, as presently described. As illustrated in <FIG>, the reservoir <NUM> can comprise one or more layers of nonwoven fibers substantially formed into the shape of a tube encircling the interior of the cartridge shell <NUM>. An aerosol precursor composition can be retained in the reservoir <NUM>. Liquid components, for example, can be sorptively retained by the reservoir <NUM>. The reservoir <NUM> can be in fluid connection with a liquid transport element <NUM>. The liquid transport element <NUM> can transport the aerosol precursor composition stored in the reservoir <NUM> via capillary action to the heating element <NUM> that is in the form of a metal wire coil in this embodiment. As such, the heating element <NUM> is in a heating arrangement with the liquid transport element <NUM>.

In use, when a user draws on the article <NUM>, airflow is detected by the sensor <NUM>, the heating element <NUM> is activated, and the components for the aerosol precursor composition are vaporized by the heating element <NUM>. Drawing upon the mouthend of the article <NUM> causes ambient air to enter the air intake <NUM> and pass through the cavity <NUM> in the coupler <NUM> and the central opening in the projection <NUM> of the base <NUM>. In the cartridge <NUM>, the drawn air combines with the formed vapor to form an aerosol. The aerosol is whisked, aspirated, or otherwise drawn away from the heating element <NUM> and out the mouth opening <NUM> in the mouthend of the article <NUM>.

An input element may be included with the aerosol delivery device. The input may be included to allow a user to control functions of the device and/or for output of information to a user. Any component or combination of components may be utilized as an input for controlling the function of the device. For example, one or more pushbuttons may be used as described in <CIT>. Likewise, a touchscreen may be used as described in <CIT>. As a further example, components adapted for gesture recognition based on specified movements of the aerosol delivery device may be used as an input.

In some embodiments, an input may comprise a computer or computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet. In particular, the aerosol delivery device may be wired to the computer or other device, such as via use of a USB cord or similar protocol. The aerosol delivery device also may communicate with a computer or other device acting as an input via wireless communication. See, for example, the systems and methods for controlling a device via a read request as described in <CIT>. In such embodiments, an APP or other computer program may be used in connection with a computer or other computing device to input control instructions to the aerosol delivery device, such control instructions including, for example, the ability to form an aerosol of specific composition by choosing the nicotine content and/or content of further flavors to be included.

The aerosol delivery device can incorporate a sensor or detector for control of supply of electric power to the heat generation element when aerosol generation is desired (e.g., upon draw during use). As such, for example, there is provided a manner or method for turning off the power supply to the heat generation element when the aerosol delivery device is not be drawn upon during use, and for turning on the power supply to actuate or trigger the generation of heat by the heat generation element during draw. Additional representative types of sensing or detection mechanisms, structure and configuration thereof, components thereof, and general methods of operation thereof, are described in <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

The aerosol delivery device most preferably incorporates a control mechanism for controlling the amount of electric power to the heat generation element during draw. Representative types of electronic components, structure and configuration thereof, features thereof, and general methods of operation thereof, are described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT> and <CIT>; <CIT>, <CIT>, and<CIT>; and <CIT>.

Representative types of substrates, reservoirs or other components for supporting the aerosol precursor are described in <CIT>; <CIT>. and<CIT>; and <CIT> Additionally, various wicking materials, and the configuration and operation of those wicking materials within certain types of electronic cigarettes, are set forth in <CIT>.

For aerosol delivery systems that are characterized as electronic cigarettes, the aerosol precursor composition most preferably incorporates tobacco or components derived from tobacco. In one regard, the tobacco may be provided as parts or pieces of tobacco, such as finely ground, milled or powdered tobacco lamina. In another regard, the tobacco may be provided in the form of an extract, such as a spray dried extract that incorporates many of the water soluble components of tobacco. Alternatively, tobacco extracts may have the form of relatively high nicotine content extracts, which extracts also incorporate minor amounts of other extracted components derived from tobacco. In another regard, components derived from tobacco may be provided in a relatively pure form, such as certain flavoring agents that are derived from tobacco. In one regard, a component that is derived from tobacco, and that may be employed in a highly purified or essentially pure form, is nicotine (e.g., pharmaceutical grade nicotine).

The aerosol precursor composition, also referred to as a vapor precursor composition, may comprise a variety of components including, by way of example, a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, or a mixture thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extract, and/or flavorants. Representative types of aerosol precursor components and formulations also are set forth and characterized in <CIT> and <CIT>;<CIT>;<CIT>;<CIT>; and <CIT>, as well as <CIT> Other aerosol precursors that may be employed include the aerosol precursors that have been incorporated in the VUSE® product by R. Reynolds Vapor Company, the BLU™ product by Lorillard Technologies, the MISTIC MENTHOL product by Mistic Ecigs, and the VYPE product by CN Creative Ltd. Also desirable are the so-called "smoke juices" for electronic cigarettes that have been available from Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC.

The amount of aerosol precursor that is incorporated within the aerosol delivery system is such that the aerosol generating piece provides acceptable sensory and desirable performance characteristics. For example, it is highly preferred that sufficient amounts of aerosol forming material (e.g., glycerin and/or propylene glycol), be employed in order to provide for the generation of a visible mainstream aerosol that in many regards resembles the appearance of tobacco smoke. The amount of aerosol precursor within the aerosol generating system may be dependent upon factors such as the number of puffs desired per aerosol generating piece. Typically, the amount of aerosol precursor incorporated within the aerosol delivery system, and particularly within the aerosol generating piece, is less than about <NUM>, generally less than about <NUM>, often less than about <NUM> and frequently less than about <NUM>.

Yet other features, controls or components that can be incorporated into aerosol delivery systems of the present disclosure are described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>,<CIT>,<CIT>, and <CIT>.

The foregoing description of use of the article can be applied to the various embodiments described herein through minor modifications, which can be apparent to the person of skill in the art in light of the further disclosure provided herein. The above description of use, however, is not intended to limit the use of the article but is provided to comply with all necessary requirements of disclosure of the present disclosure. Any of the elements shown in the article illustrated in <FIG> or as otherwise described above may be included in an aerosol delivery device according to the present disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the present disclosure relates to the use of a porous monolithic material in one or more components of an aerosol delivery device. As used herein, a "porous monolithic material" or "porous monolith" is intended to mean comprising a substantially single unit which, in some embodiments, may be a single piece formed, composed, or created without joints or seams and comprising a substantially, but not necessarily rigid, uniform whole. In some embodiments, a monolith according to the present disclosure may be undifferentiated, i.e., formed of a single material, or may be formed of a plurality of units that are permanently combined, such as a sintered conglomerate.

In some embodiments, the use of a porous monolith particularly relates to the use of a porous glass in components of an aerosol delivery device. As used herein, "porous glass" is intended to refer to glass that has a three-dimensional interconnected porous microstructure. The term specifically can exclude materials made of bundles (i.e., wovens or non-wovens) of glass fibers. Thus, porous glass can exclude fibrous glass. Porous glass may also be referred to as controlled pore glass (CPG) and may be known by the trade name VYCOR®. Porous glass suitable for use according to the present disclosure can be prepared by known methods such as, for example, metastable phase separation in borosilicate glasses followed by liquid extraction (e.g., acidic extraction or combined acidic and alkaline extraction) of one of the formed phases, via a sol-gel process, or by sintering of glass powder. The porous glass particularly can be a high-silica glass, such as comprising <NUM>% or greater, <NUM>%, <NUM>% or greater, or <NUM>% or greater silica by weight. Porous glass materials and methods of preparing porous glass that can be suitable for use according to the present disclosure are described in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>. Although the term porous "glass" may be used herein, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in that a "glass" can encompass a variety of silica based materials.

The porous glass can be defined in some embodiments in relation to its average pore size. For example, the porous glass can have an average pore size of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In certain embodiments, porous glass for use according to the present disclosure can be differentiated based upon the average pore size. For example, a small pore porous glass can have an average pore size of <NUM> up to <NUM>, an intermediate pore porous class can have an average pore size of <NUM> up to <NUM>, and a large pore porous glass can have an average pore size of <NUM> up to <NUM>. In some embodiments, a large pore porous glass can preferably be useful as a storage element, and a small pore porous glass and/or an intermediate pore porous glass can preferably be useful as a transport element.

The porous glass also can be defined in some embodiments in relation to its surface area. For example, the porous glass can have a surface area of at least <NUM><NUM>/g, at least <NUM><NUM>/g, at least <NUM><NUM>/g, or at least <NUM><NUM>/g, such as about <NUM><NUM>/g to about <NUM><NUM>/g, about <NUM><NUM>/g to about <NUM><NUM>/g, or about <NUM><NUM>/g to about <NUM><NUM>/g.

The porous glass can be defined in some embodiments in relation to its porosity (i.e., the volumetric fraction of the material encompassed by the pores). For example, the porous glass can have a porosity of at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, such as about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by volume. In certain embodiments, a lower porosity may be desirable, such as a porosity of about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by volume.

The porous glass can be further defined in some embodiments in relation to its density. For example, the porous glass can have a density of <NUM>/cm<NUM> to about <NUM>/cm<NUM>, about <NUM>/cm<NUM> to about <NUM>/cm<NUM>, or about <NUM>/cm<NUM> to about <NUM>/cm<NUM>.

In some embodiments, the use of a porous monolith particularly can relate to the use of a porous ceramic in components of an aerosol delivery device. As used herein, "porous ceramic" is intended to refer to a ceramic material that has a three-dimensional interconnected porous microstructure. Porous ceramic materials and methods of making porous ceramics suitable for use according to the present disclosure are described in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> Although the term porous "ceramic" may be used herein, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in that a "ceramic" can encompass a variety of alumina based materials.

The porous ceramic likewise can be defined in some embodiments in relation to its average pore size. For example, the porous ceramic can have an average pore size of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In certain embodiments, porous ceramic for use according to the present disclosure can be differentiated based upon the average pore size. For example, a small pore porous ceramic can have an average pore size of <NUM> up to <NUM>, an intermediate pore porous ceramic can have an average pore size of <NUM> up to <NUM>, and a large pore porous ceramic can have an average pore size of <NUM> up to <NUM>. In some embodiments, a large pore porous ceramic can preferably be useful as a storage element, and a small pore porous ceramic and/or an intermediate pore porous ceramic can preferably be useful as a transport element.

The porous ceramic also can be defined in some embodiments in relation to its surface area. For example, the porous ceramic can have a surface area of at least <NUM><NUM>/g, at least <NUM><NUM>/g, at least <NUM><NUM>/g, or at least <NUM><NUM>/g, such as about <NUM><NUM>/g to about <NUM><NUM>/g, about <NUM><NUM>/g to about <NUM><NUM>/g, or about <NUM><NUM>/g to about <NUM><NUM>/g.

The porous ceramic can be defined in some embodiments in relation to its porosity (i.e., the volumetric fraction of the material encompassed by the pores). For example, the porous ceramic can have a porosity of at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, such as about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by volume. In certain embodiments, a lower porosity may be desirable, such as a porosity of about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by volume.

The porous ceramic can be further defined in some embodiments in relation to its density. For example, the porous ceramic can have a density of <NUM>/cm<NUM> to about <NUM>/cm<NUM>, about <NUM>/cm<NUM> to about <NUM>/cm<NUM>, or about <NUM>/cm<NUM> to about <NUM>/cm<NUM>.

Although silica-based materials (e.g., porous glass) and alumina-based materials (e.g., porous ceramic) may be discussed separately herein, it is understood that a porous monolith, in some embodiments, can comprise a variety of aluminosilicate materials. For example, various zeolites may be utilized according to the present disclosure.

A porous monolith used according to the present disclosure can be provided in a variety of sizes and shapes. Preferably, the porous monolith may be substantially elongated, substantially flattened or planar, substantially curved (e.g., "U-shaped"), substantially in the form of a walled cylinder, or in any other form suitable for use according to the present disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, a porous monolith according to the present disclosure can be characterized in relation to wicking rate. As a non-limiting example, wicking rate can be calculated by measuring the mass uptake of a known liquid, and the rate (in mg/s) can be measured using a microbalance tensiometer or similar instrument. Preferably, the wicking rate is substantially within the range of the desired mass of aerosol to be produced over the duration of a puff on an aerosol forming article including the porous monolith. Wicking rate can be, for example, in the range of about <NUM>/s to about <NUM>/s, about <NUM>/s to about <NUM>/s, or about <NUM>/s to about <NUM>/s. Wicking rate can vary based upon the liquid being wicked. In some embodiments, wicking rates as described herein can be referenced to substantially pure water, substantially pure glycerol, substantially pure propylene glycol, a mixture of water and glycerol, a mixture of water and propylene glycol, a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol, or a mixture of water, glycerol, and propylene glycol. Wicking rate also can vary based upon the use of the porous monolith. For example, a porous monolith used as a liquid transport element may have a greater wicking rate than a porous monolith used as a reservoir. Wicking rates may be varied by control of one or more of pore size, pore size distribution, and wettability, as well as the composition of the material being wicked.

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in relation to a porous monolith is illustrated in <FIG>. As seen therein, a liquid transport element <NUM> is surrounded by and in contact with a reservoir <NUM>. In some embodiments, a liquid transport element or a reservoir can be characterized as being a vapor substrate. The term "vapor substrate" thus refers to a substrate that stores and/or transports a liquid for vaporization and which can be in contact with a heater for vaporization of at least a portion of the liquid that is stored and/or transported by the vapor substrate. For example, a single porous monolith may function as a reservoir that can be in direct contact with a heater to provide for vapor formation without the need for a separate liquid transport element (or wick). In such instances, the reservoir would be considered a vapor substrate. In other embodiments, a separate liquid transport element may be in contact with a heater and in contact with a separate reservoir so that liquid is transported from the reservoir to the heater for vaporization. In such instances, the liquid transport element would be considered a vapor substrate. Where a reservoir is otherwise discussed herein, it is understood that such reservoir may properly be characterized as being a vapor substrate. Likewise, where a liquid transport element is otherwise discussed herein, it is understood that such liquid transport element may properly be characterized as being a vapor substrate.

In one or more embodiments, the porous monolith can comprise a porous glass. For example, either or both of the liquid transport element <NUM> and the reservoir <NUM> can be a porous glass as described herein. For exemplary purposes, both of the liquid transport element <NUM> and the reservoir <NUM> are formed of porous glass and, preferentially, they may each be formed of a different porous glass (i.e., a first porous glass and a second porous glass). In one or more embodiments, the first porous glass and the second porous glass can differ in one or more characteristics that can affect the storage and/or transport ability of the respective porous glass. For example, they may differ in one or more of density, porosity, surface area, and average pore size. The differential between the liquid transport element <NUM> and the reservoir <NUM> is sufficient to provide a wicking gradient wherein wicking ability is greater in the liquid transport element than in the reservoir. Such configuration may be characterized as a gradient porosity or a dual porosity configuration.

In further embodiments, the porous monolith can comprise a porous ceramic. As such, one or both of the liquid transport element <NUM> and the reservoir <NUM> may be formed of porous ceramic. Also, one of the liquid transport element <NUM> and the reservoir <NUM> may be formed of porous glass, and the other of the liquid transport element and the reservoir may be formed of porous ceramic. As such, the porous glass and the porous ceramic can have properties that are substantially matched to provide substantially identical flow characteristics, or the porous glass and the porous ceramic can have properties that are substantially different to provide substantially different flow characteristics.

A heater <NUM> is positioned relative to the liquid transport element <NUM> so as to be configured for vaporization of liquid aerosol precursor material that can be stored in the reservoir <NUM> and transported therefrom to the heater by the liquid transport element. The heater <NUM> can be, for example, a printed microheater, an annealed microheater, a flat ribbon heater, or any similar configuration suitable for vaporization of an aerosol precursor composition as otherwise described herein. The heater <NUM> may be in direct contact with the liquid transport element <NUM> or may be in a radiant heating configuration relative to the liquid transport element - i.e., in very close proximity to, but not directly touching the liquid transport element. As liquid aerosol precursor material is vaporized at the surface of the liquid transport element <NUM> due to heating by the heater <NUM>, supplemental liquid may be wicked from the reservoir <NUM> to the proximity of the heater <NUM> by the liquid transport element and fill the area where the liquid was depleted by vaporization.

In some embodiments, one or more etchings (i.e., grooves or channels) may be present on one or both of the reservoir <NUM> and the liquid transport element <NUM>. Although the grooves or channels may be formed by an etching process, use of the term "etchings" is not meant to be limiting of the process by which the grooves or channels are formed. As seen in <FIG>, a first set of grooves <NUM> is etched into the liquid transport element <NUM> around the heater <NUM>. The first set of grooves <NUM> is useful to limit direct contact of the liquid aerosol precursor composition with the heater <NUM>. To this end, if desired, the porous monolith (particularly in the area of the heater) may be insulated, coated, or sealed to prevent the liquid aerosol precursor composition form coming into direct contact with the heater, which could function to damage the heater. In one or more embodiments, a second set of grooves <NUM> may be etched in the surface of the reservoir <NUM> so that the liquid aerosol precursor composition is substantially directed toward the central area of the heater where Joule heating is at a maximum. Although not illustrated, it is understood that the second set of grooves <NUM> may substantially align with and/or interconnect with the first set of grooves <NUM>. Likewise, the presence of the second set of grooves <NUM> is not dependent upon the presence of the first set of grooves <NUM> and vice versa.

The combination of the heater <NUM>, liquid transport element <NUM>, and reservoir <NUM> may be characterized as an atomizer <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the reservoir <NUM> may be absent from the atomizer <NUM>.

While the reservoir <NUM> and liquid transport element <NUM> are illustrated as separate elements, such separation is not required. In some embodiments, a single porous monolith substrate may be utilized and area treatments may provide for differentiation between a reservoir area and a liquid transport area.

Moreover, while the reservoir <NUM> and liquid transport element <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG> as being substantially planar, other shapes are also encompassed. For example, one or both of the reservoir and liquid transport element may independently be cylindrical, flat, oval-shaped, circular, square, rectangular, or the like. Preferentially, at least a portion of a surface of at least the liquid transport element is substantially flat to provide a location for placement of the heater. Such embodiments are exemplified in <FIG>, wherein the reservoir <NUM> is substantially in the form of a half cylinder. The liquid transport element <NUM> is inset in the flat surface 344a of the reservoir; however, the liquid transport element may be layered on the flat surface of the reservoir. As seen in <FIG>, the heater <NUM> is positioned on the liquid transport element <NUM>, and etchings <NUM> are present in the liquid transport element.

An exemplary heater <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>, and such embodiments may particularly relate to so-called micro-heaters, such as described in <CIT> As illustrated in <FIG>, the heater <NUM> can comprise a heater substrate 434a upon which a heater trace 434b is provided. The heater substrate 434a is preferably a chemically stable and heat-resistant material (e.g., silicon or glass), and the heater trace 434b can be a material suitable for rapid heating, such as a heating wire as otherwise described herein.

An atomizer <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, for example, can be incorporated into a cartridge <NUM> as seen in <FIG>. The atomizer <NUM> may be included in place of the heater <NUM>, the liquid transport element <NUM>, and optionally the reservoir <NUM>. In some embodiments, the atomizer <NUM> may simply be included in addition to the further elements illustrated in <FIG>.

In one or more embodiments, a porous monolith may be used as the liquid transport element alone. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, a cartridge <NUM> is formed of a shell <NUM> and a reservoir <NUM> that is holding a liquid aerosol precursor composition. The reservoir <NUM> may be a fibrous mat into which the liquid is absorbed or may be a container with suitable openings therein to receive the liquid transport element <NUM>. The liquid transport element <NUM> is formed of a porous monolith and has respective ends 536a and 536b that extend into the reservoir <NUM>. A heater <NUM> in the form of a resistive heating wire is wrapped around the liquid transport element <NUM> at an approximate middle section 536c thereof, and the wire includes terminals <NUM> for making an electrical connection with a power source. In some embodiments, the liquid transport element <NUM> can be a porous glass. In further embodiments, the liquid transport element <NUM> can be a porous ceramic. In one or more embodiments, one or both of the liquid transport element <NUM> and the reservoir <NUM> can be a porous glass, or one or both of the liquid transport element and the reservoir can be a porous ceramic. In some embodiments, one of the liquid transport element <NUM> and the reservoir <NUM> can be a porous glass, and the other of the liquid transport element and the reservoir can be a porous ceramic.

In some embodiments, a liquid transport element according to the present disclosure can be substantially in a core/shell form. As illustrated, for example, in <FIG>, a core 636a can have at least a portion thereof surrounded with a shell 636b, which can be formed of a porous monolith. If desired, the core 636a may also be formed of a porous monolith. For example, the core 636a may be formed of a porous glass with one or more different properties from the porous glass forming the shell 636b so that differential characteristics of the combined elements may be provided. In particular, the core 636a may be formed of a porous glass configured for improved storage of a liquid, and the shell 636b may be formed of a porous glass configured for improved transport of the liquid for rapid wicking to the heater <NUM> that can be a wire that is substantially wrapped around the shell. In some embodiments, the core 636a may be formed of a material other than porous glass, such as a fibrous material. As non-limiting examples, the core 636a may be formed of a glass fiber, cotton, cellulose acetate, or like materials. In some embodiments, one or both of the core 636a and the shell 636b can be formed of a porous ceramic. In further embodiments, one of the core 636a and the shell 636b can be formed of a porous glass, and the other of the core and the shell can be formed of a porous ceramic.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the porous monolith shell 636b has opposing ends 636b' and 636b", and the core 636a is sized so that it extends beyond the opposing ends of the porous monolith shell. One or both of the ends 636a' and 636a" of the core 636a can be positioned in an aerosol delivery device so as to extend into a reservoir (e.g., a fibrous mat or a bulk liquid storage container) and thus wick liquid to the shell 636b so that the liquid is vaporized by the heater <NUM>. As before, the heater <NUM> can include terminals <NUM> for making an electrical connection with a power source. Such core/shell design can be particularly beneficial in that the core material can be shielded from potential scorching by the high heat provided by the heating wire. Likewise, in use, air flow for entraining formed vapor may pass substantially across the porous monolith shell and have little or substantially no direct flow across the core material.

The combination of elements in <FIG> may be characterized collectively as an atomizer <NUM>. Nevertheless, it is understood that one or more of the elements (e.g., the core 636a and/or the shell 636b and/or the heater <NUM>) may be utilized separate from the unit in combination with one or more further embodiments described herein.

In one or more embodiments, a porous monolith can be used as a reservoir that can be substantially shaped as a cylinder. For example, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an atomizer <NUM> comprising a reservoir <NUM> formed of a porous monolith that is shaped as a cylinder. The reservoir <NUM> has a wall <NUM> with a thickness that can vary, and a central opening <NUM> is defined by the wall. A liquid transport element <NUM> is configured with a central portion 736c and respective end portions 736a' and 736a" extending away from the central portion. The respective end portions 736a' and 736a" are configured to be in fluid connection with the wall <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM>. One or both of the liquid transport element <NUM> and the reservoir <NUM> can be formed of a porous glass. For example, the liquid transport element <NUM> may be formed of porous glass with one or more properties that are different from the properties of the porous glass forming the reservoir <NUM>. In some embodiments, the liquid transport element <NUM> can be formed of a fibrous material and thus may be referred to as a fibrous wick. A heater <NUM> in the form of a wire is wrapped around the central portion 736c of the liquid transport element <NUM> can include terminals <NUM> for making an electrical connection with a power source. In one or more embodiments, one or both of the liquid transport element <NUM> and the reservoir <NUM> can be formed of a porous ceramic. In some embodiments, one of the liquid transport element <NUM> and the reservoir <NUM> can be formed of a porous glass, and the other of the liquid transport element and the reservoir can be formed of a porous ceramic.

In some embodiments, the reservoir wall <NUM> can include one or more grooves 744a. The respective end portions 736a' and 736a" of the liquid transport element <NUM> in particular may engage the reservoir <NUM> in the grooves 744a. If desired, the grooves 744a can be configured to have one or more properties that are different that the remaining sections of the reservoir, such as having a different porosity. In this manner, liquid stored in the reservoir <NUM> can be preferentially directed toward the grooves 744a to be taken up by the liquid transport element <NUM> for delivery to the heater <NUM>.

Although the elements in <FIG> and <FIG> are illustrated as a unit forming an atomizer <NUM>, it is understood that one or more of the elements (e.g., the reservoir <NUM> and/or the liquid transport element <NUM> and/or the heater <NUM>) may be utilized separate from the unit in combination with one or more further embodiments described herein.

In one or more embodiments, a porous monolith forming a liquid transport element can have a heating member contained therein. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, a cartridge <NUM> is formed of a shell <NUM> and a reservoir <NUM> that is holding a liquid aerosol precursor composition. The reservoir <NUM> may be a fibrous mat into which the liquid is absorbed or may be a walled container with suitable openings therein to receive the liquid transport element <NUM>. The liquid transport element <NUM> is formed of a porous monolith and has respective ends 836a and 836b that extend into the reservoir <NUM>. A heater <NUM> in the form of a resistive heating wire is positioned within the liquid transport element <NUM>, and the wire includes terminals <NUM> for making an electrical connection with a power source. A flow tube <NUM> is included and can be useful for directing air across the liquid transport element <NUM> so that vapor evolved by internal heating of the liquid transport element by the heater <NUM> becomes entrained in the air to form an aerosol that can be withdrawn by a consumer. In some embodiments, the liquid transport element <NUM> can be a porous glass. In further embodiments, the liquid transport element <NUM> can be a porous ceramic. In one or more embodiments, one or both of the liquid transport element <NUM> and the reservoir <NUM> can be a porous glass, or one or both of the liquid transport element and the reservoir can be a porous ceramic. In some embodiments, one of the liquid transport element <NUM> and the reservoir <NUM> can be a porous glass, and the other of the liquid transport element and the reservoir can be a porous ceramic. Further, the liquid transport element <NUM> can be a porous glass or a porous ceramic, and the reservoir <NUM> can be a fibrous mat or a storage container.

The heater <NUM> can be included within the liquid transport element <NUM> in a variety of manners. In some embodiments, the heater can be embedded within the porous monolith. For example, the porous monolith can be formed with the heater in place so that the heater is substantially entrapped within the liquid transport element. In the illustration of <FIG>, for example, the heater <NUM> is embedded in the liquid transport element <NUM>, and an end of the heater extends out from the liquid transport element to make electrical connection with the terminals (see element <NUM> in <FIG>). In some embodiments, the porous monolith can be hollow, can be substantially in the form or a tube, can have a slot, channel, or the like formed therein, or can otherwise include a void into which the heater is place so as to be substantially internal to the liquid transport element. For example, in <FIG>, the liquid transport element <NUM> is a hollow tube, and the heater <NUM> is positioned within a cavity <NUM> of the hollow tube. In <FIG>, for example, the liquid transport element <NUM> includes a cavity <NUM> substantially in the form of a channel along at least a portion of the length of the liquid transport element, and the heater <NUM> is positioned in the cavity.

In one or more embodiments, the heater that is internal to the liquid transport element can be in direct contact with at least a portion of the liquid transport element so as to provide conductive heating thereof. In one or more embodiments, the heater that is internal to the liquid transport element can be substantially, predominately, or approximately completely in a radiative heating relationship with the liquid transport element. A substantially radiative heating relationship can mean that radiative heating occurs but does not provide a majority of the heating - e.g., <NUM>% or less of the heating is radiative heating but a measurable quantity of the heating is radiative. A predominately radiative heating relationship can mean that radiative heating provides a majority of the heating but not all of the heating - i.e., greater than <NUM>% of the heating is radiative. An approximately complete radiative heating relationship can mean that at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, and more preferably at least <NUM>% or at least <NUM>% of the heating is radiative.

Claim 1:
An atomizer for an aerosol delivery device, the atomizer comprising:
a single porous monolith formed of a ceramic, the porous monolith having a reservoir area to retain an aerosol precursor composition, and a liquid transport area having a substantially flat surface portion, that is operable to transport the aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir area to the substantially flat surface portion; and
a heater positioned at least partially on the substantially flat surface portion of the liquid transport area of the single porous monolith to vaporize the aerosol precursor composition at the substantially flat surface portion of the liquid transport area.