Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses an electronic cigarette or pipe with a vaporizer and a thermal radiation detector measuring the temperature of the vaporizer.

Many 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 alternative 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>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT> See also, for example, the various embodiments of products and heating configurations described in the background sections of <CIT> and <CIT>.

However, it may be desirable to monitor conditions within aerosol delivery devices during operation thereof. Thus, advances with respect to sensors for aerosol delivery devices may be desirable.

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices configured to produce aerosol and which aerosol delivery devices, in some embodiments, may be referred to as electronic cigarettes. In one aspect, an aerosol delivery device sensory system is provided. The aerosol delivery device sensory system includes an outer body. The aerosol delivery
device sensory system additionally includes an infrared sensor. The infrared sensor is configured to measure infrared radiation produced by the atomizer.

The aerosol delivery device sensory system further includes a fiber optic cable having a first end positioned proximate the infrared sensor and a second end positioned proximate the atomizer. The infrared sensor is configured to measure infrared radiation received from the atomizer through the fiber optic cable. The aerosol delivery device sensory system may additionally include a shielding device coupled to the infrared sensor and extending about a sensor aperture defined by the infrared sensor. The first end of the fiber optic cable may be coupled to the shielding device. The shielding device may be substantially entirely enclosed when engaged with the first end of the fiber optic cable and the infrared sensor to substantially prevent infrared radiation that has not traversed the fiber optic cable from entering the sensor aperture. The fiber optic cable may include a shield layer configured to substantially prevent infrared radiation from entering the fiber optic cable at locations other than the second end.

The infrared sensor is positioned outside of the outer body. The aerosol delivery device sensory system may include a temperature testing unit including the infrared sensor and an aerosol delivery device including the outer body and the atomizer.

In an additional aspect, an aerosol delivery device temperature monitoring method is provided. The method includes providing an outer body and an atomizer including a heating element. The atomizer is received in the outer body. The method further includes providing an infrared sensor. Additionally, the method includes measuring infrared radiation produced by the atomizer with the infrared sensor.

The method further includes positioning a first end of a fiber optic cable proximate the infrared sensor. The method additionally includes positioning a second end of the fiber optic cable proximate the atomizer. Measuring infrared radiation produced by the atomizer with the infrared sensor includes measuring infrared radiation received from the atomizer through the fiber optic cable.

In some embodiments the method may further include coupling a shielding device to the sensor assembly such that the shielding device extends about a sensor aperture defined by the infrared
sensor. Further, the method may include coupling the shielding device to the first end of the fiber optic cable. Coupling the shielding device to the sensor assembly and the first end of the fiber optic cable may include substantially entirely enclosing the shielding device to substantially prevent infrared radiation from entering the sensor aperture that has not traversed the fiber optic cable. Additionally, the method may include substantially preventing infrared radiation from entering the fiber optic cable at locations other than the second end with a shield layer.

The method additionally includes positioning the infrared sensor outside of the outer body. Positioning a second end of the fiber optic cable proximate the atomizer may include inserting the fiber optic cable into the outer body.

The present invention thus includes an aerosol delivery device sensory system according to claim <NUM>.

The aerosol delivery device sensory system of above, wherein the aerosol delivery device sensory system further comprises a shielding device coupled to the infrared sensor and extending about a sensor aperture defined by the infrared sensor, wherein the first end of the fiber optic cable is coupled to the shielding device.

The aerosol delivery device sensory system of above, wherein the shielding device is substantially entirely enclosed when engaged with the first end of the fiber optic cable and the infrared sensor to substantially prevent infrared radiation that has not traversed the fiber optic cable from entering the sensor aperture.

The aerosol delivery device sensory system of above, wherein the fiber optic cable includes a shield layer configured to substantially prevent infrared radiation from entering the fiber optic cable at locations other than the second end.

The aerosol delivery device sensory system of above, comprising a temperature testing unit including the infrared sensor and an aerosol delivery device including the outer body and the atomizer.

The present invention further includes an aerosol delivery device temperature monitoring method according to claim <NUM>.

The aerosol delivery device temperature monitoring method of above, wherein the aerosol delivery device temperature monitoring method further comprises coupling a shielding device to the sensor assembly such that the shielding device extends about a sensor aperture defined by the infrared sensor; and coupling the shielding device to the first end of the fiber optic cable.

The aerosol delivery device temperature monitoring method of above, wherein coupling the shielding device to the sensor assembly and the first end of the fiber optic cable comprises substantially entirely enclosing the shielding device to substantially prevent infrared radiation from entering the sensor aperture that has not traversed the fiber optic cable.

The aerosol delivery device temperature monitoring method of above, wherein the aerosol delivery device temperature monitoring method further comprises substantially preventing infrared radiation from entering the fiber optic cable at locations other than the second end with a shield layer.

The aerosol delivery device temperature monitoring method of above, wherein positioning a second end of the fiber optic cable proximate the atomizer comprises inserting the fiber optic cable into the outer body.

These and other 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 present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined or otherwise recited in a specific example implementation described herein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosure, in any of its aspects and example implementations, should be viewed as combinable, unless the context of the disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.

It will therefore be appreciated that this Brief Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example implementations so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above described example implementations are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. in any way. Other example implementations, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of some described example implementations.

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 in which <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate embodiments useful for understanding the invention:.

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 variations unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The present disclosure provides descriptions of aerosol delivery devices. The aerosol delivery devices may 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. An aerosol delivery device may provide 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. The aerosol delivery device may not produce smoke in the sense of the aerosol resulting from by-products of combustion or pyrolysis of tobacco, but rather, that the article or device most preferably yields vapors (including 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, although in other embodiments the aerosol may not be visible. In highly preferred embodiments, aerosol delivery devices may incorporate tobacco and/or components derived from tobacco. As such, the aerosol delivery device can be characterized as an electronic smoking article such as an electronic cigarette or "e-cigarette.

While the systems are generally described herein in terms of embodiments associated with aerosol delivery devices such as so-called "e-cigarettes," it should be understood that the mechanisms, components, features, and methods may be embodied in many different forms and associated with a variety of articles. For example, the description provided herein may be employed in conjunction with embodiments of traditional smoking articles (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.), heat-not-burn cigarettes, and related packaging for any of the products disclosed herein. Accordingly, it should be understood that the description of the mechanisms, components, features, and methods disclosed herein are discussed in terms of embodiments relating to aerosol delivery devices by way of example only, and may be embodied and used in various other products and methods.

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 shell or body. The overall design of the outer shell or body 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. 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, 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. However, various other shapes and configurations may be employed in other embodiments (e.g., rectangular or fob-shaped).

In one embodiment, all of the components of the aerosol delivery device are contained within one outer body or shell. Alternatively, an aerosol delivery device can comprise two or more shells that are joined and are separable. For example, an aerosol delivery device 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 aerosol delivery device designs and component arrangements can be appreciated upon consideration of the commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices.

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 controller (e.g., means for actuating, controlling, regulating and/or ceasing power for heat generation, such as by controlling electrical current flow from the power source to other components of the aerosol delivery device), a heater or heat generation component (e.g., an electrical resistance heating element or component commonly referred to as part of 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 aerosol delivery device 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 aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure can vary. In specific embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition can be located near an end of the aerosol delivery device which may be configured to be positioned 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, wherein such terms are also interchangeably used herein except where otherwise specified.

As noted above, the aerosol delivery device may incorporate a battery or other electrical power source (e.g., a capacitor) to provide current flow sufficient to provide various functionalities to the aerosol delivery device, such as powering of a heater, 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 element to provide for aerosol formation and power the aerosol delivery device through use for a desired duration of time. The power source preferably is sized to fit conveniently within the aerosol delivery device so that the aerosol delivery device can be easily handled. Additionally, a preferred power source is of a sufficiently light weight to not detract from a desirable smoking experience.

More specific formats, configurations and arrangements of components within the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure will be evident in light of the further disclosure provided hereinafter. Additionally, the selection of various aerosol delivery device components can be appreciated upon consideration of the commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices. Further, the arrangement of the components within the aerosol delivery device can also be appreciated upon consideration of the commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices. Examples of commercial manufacturers and commercially available products, for which the components thereof, methods of operation thereof, materials included therein, and/or other attributes thereof may be included in the devices of the present disclosure are described in <CIT>.

One example embodiment of an aerosol delivery device <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. In particular, <FIG> illustrates an aerosol delivery device <NUM> including a control body <NUM> and a cartridge <NUM>. The control body <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM> can be permanently or detachably aligned in a functioning relationship. Various mechanisms may connect the cartridge <NUM> to the control body <NUM> to result in a threaded engagement, a press-fit engagement, an interference fit, a magnetic engagement, or the like. The aerosol delivery device <NUM> may be substantially rod-like, substantially tubular shaped, or substantially cylindrically shaped in some embodiments when the cartridge <NUM> and the control body <NUM> are in an assembled configuration. However, as noted above, various other configurations such as rectangular or fob-shaped may be employed in other embodiments. Further, although the aerosol delivery devices are generally described herein as resembling the size and shape of a traditional smoking article, in other embodiments differing configurations and larger capacity reservoirs, which may be referred to as "tanks," may be employed.

In specific embodiments, one or both of the cartridge <NUM> and the control body <NUM> may be referred to as being disposable or as being reusable. For example, the control body <NUM> may have a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery and/or capacitor and thus may be combined with any type of recharging technology, including connection to a typical alternating current 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. Further, in some embodiments the cartridge <NUM> may comprise a single-use cartridge, as disclosed in <CIT>.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of the control body <NUM> of the aerosol delivery device <NUM> (see, <FIG>) according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the control body <NUM> may comprise a coupler <NUM>, an outer body <NUM>, a sealing member <NUM>, an adhesive member <NUM> (e.g., KAPTON® tape), a flow sensor <NUM> (e.g., a puff sensor or pressure switch), a controller <NUM>, a spacer <NUM>, an electrical power source <NUM> (e.g., a capacitor and/or a battery, which may be rechargeable), a circuit board with an indicator <NUM> (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED)), a connector circuit <NUM>, and an end cap <NUM>. Examples of electrical power sources are described in <CIT>.

With respect to the flow sensor <NUM>, representative current regulating components and other current controlling components including various microcontrollers, sensors, and switches for aerosol delivery devices are described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. Reference also is made to the control schemes described in <CIT>.

In one embodiment the indicator <NUM> may comprise one or more light emitting diodes. The indicator <NUM> can be in communication with the controller <NUM> through the connector circuit <NUM> and be illuminated, for example, during a user drawing on a cartridge coupled to the coupler <NUM>, as detected by the flow sensor <NUM>. The end cap <NUM> may be adapted to make visible the illumination provided thereunder by the indicator <NUM>. Accordingly, the indicator <NUM> may be illuminated during use of the aerosol delivery device <NUM> to simulate the lit end of a smoking article. However, in other embodiments the indicator <NUM> can be provided in varying numbers and can take on different shapes and can even be an opening in the outer body (such as for release of sound when such indicators are present).

Still further components can be utilized in the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure. For example, <CIT> discloses indicators for smoking articles; <CIT> 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 of a heating device; <CIT> discloses a puff sensor for controlling energy flow into a heating load array in response to pressure drop through a mouthpiece; <CIT> 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; <CIT> describes a defined executable power cycle with multiple differential phases; <CIT> discloses photonic-optronic components; <CIT> discloses means for altering draw resistance through a smoking device; <CIT> discloses specific battery configurations for
use in smoking devices; <CIT> discloses various charging systems for use with smoking devices; <CIT> discloses computer interfacing means for smoking devices to facilitate charging and allow computer control of the device; <CIT> discloses identification systems for smoking devices; and <CIT> discloses a fluid flow sensing system indicative of a puff in an aerosol generating system. Further examples of components related to electronic aerosol delivery articles and disclosing materials or components that may be used in the present article include <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT> to Kobayashi; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT> and <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT> and <CIT>; and <CIT>; <CIT> and <CIT> to Hon; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. A variety of the materials disclosed by the foregoing documents may be incorporated into the present devices in various embodiments.

<FIG> illustrates the cartridge <NUM> of the aerosol delivery device <NUM> (see, <FIG>) in an exploded configuration. As illustrated, the cartridge <NUM> may comprise a base <NUM>, a electronic component terminal <NUM>, an electronic component <NUM> such as a printed circuit board (PCB), a flow director <NUM>, an atomizer <NUM>, a reservoir <NUM> (e.g., a reservoir substrate), an outer body <NUM>, a mouthpiece <NUM>, a label <NUM>, and first and second heating terminals <NUM>, <NUM> according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments the first and second heating terminals <NUM>, <NUM> may be embedded in, or otherwise coupled to, the flow director <NUM>. For example, the first and second heating terminals <NUM>, <NUM> may be insert molded in the flow director <NUM>. Accordingly, the flow director <NUM> and the first and second heating terminals are collectively referred to herein as a flow director assembly <NUM>. Additional description with respect to the first and second heating terminals <NUM>, <NUM> and the flow director <NUM> is provided in <CIT>.

The atomizer <NUM> may comprise a liquid transport element <NUM> and a heating element <NUM>. The cartridge may additionally include a base shipping plug engaged with the base and/or a mouthpiece shipping plug engaged with the mouthpiece in order to protect the base and the mouthpiece and prevent entry of contaminants therein prior to use as disclosed, for example, in <CIT>.

The base <NUM> may be coupled to a first end of the outer body <NUM> and the mouthpiece <NUM> may be coupled to an opposing second end of the outer body to substantially or fully enclose other components of the cartridge <NUM> therein. For example, the electronic component terminal <NUM>, the electronic component <NUM>, the flow director <NUM>, the atomizer <NUM>, and the reservoir <NUM> may be substantially or entirely retained within the outer body <NUM>. The label <NUM> may at least partially surround the outer body <NUM>, and optionally the base <NUM>, and include information such as a product identifier thereon. The base <NUM> may be configured to engage the coupler <NUM> of the control body <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). In some embodiments the base <NUM> may comprise anti-rotation features that substantially prevent relative rotation between the cartridge and the control body as disclosed in <CIT>.

The reservoir <NUM> may be configured to hold an aerosol precursor composition. Representative types of aerosol precursor components and formulations are also set forth and characterized in <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>; and <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. Embodiments of effervescent materials can be used with the aerosol precursor, and are described, by way of example, in <CIT> Further, the use of effervescent materials is described, for example, in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>; as well as <CIT>; and <CIT> Additional description with respect to embodiments of aerosol precursor compositions, including description of tobacco or components derived from tobacco included therein, is provided in <CIT> and <CIT>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the reservoir <NUM> may comprise a plurality of layers of nonwoven fibers formed into the shape of a tube encircling the interior of the outer body <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>. Thus, liquid components, for example, can be sorptively retained by the reservoir <NUM>. The reservoir <NUM> is in fluid connection with the liquid transport element <NUM>. Thus, the liquid transport element <NUM> may be configured to transport liquid from the reservoir <NUM> to the heating element <NUM> via capillary action or other liquid transport mechanism. In further embodiments, the reservoir <NUM> may be in the form of a container formed of walls that are substantially impermeable to the e-liquid. See, for example, containers as described in <CIT> In other embodiments, the cartridge <NUM> may be substantially replaced with a tank-style component wherein e-liquid may be stored in an annular space between an outer wall of the tank and an inner flow tube through the tank. Exemplary devices are described in <CIT>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the liquid transport element <NUM> may be in direct contact with the heating element <NUM>. As further illustrated in <FIG>, the heating element <NUM> may comprise a wire defining a plurality of coils wound about the liquid transport element <NUM>. In some embodiments the heating element <NUM> may be formed by winding the wire about the liquid transport element <NUM> as described in <CIT> Further, in some embodiments the wire may define a variable coil spacing, as described in <CIT> Various embodiments of materials configured to produce heat when electrical current is applied therethrough may be employed to form the 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>), graphite and graphite-based materials; and ceramic (e.g., a positive or negative temperature coefficient ceramic).

However, various other embodiments of methods may be employed to form the heating element <NUM>, and various other embodiments of heating elements may be employed in the atomizer <NUM>. For example, a stamped heating element may be employed in the atomizer, as described in <CIT> Further to the above, additional representative heating elements and materials for use therein are described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT> Further, chemical heating may be employed in other embodiments. Various additional examples of heaters and materials employed to form heaters
are described in <CIT>.

A variety of heater components may be used in the present aerosol delivery device. In various embodiments, one or more microheaters or like solid state heaters may be used. Microheaters and atomizers incorporating microheaters suitable for use in the presently disclosed devices are described in <CIT>.

The first heating terminal <NUM> and the second heating terminal <NUM> (e.g., negative and positive heating terminals) are configured to engage opposing ends of the heating element <NUM> and to form an electrical connection with the control body <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) when the cartridge <NUM> is connected thereto. Further, when the control body <NUM> is coupled to the cartridge <NUM>, the electronic component <NUM> may form an electrical connection with the control body through the electronic component terminal <NUM>. The control body <NUM> may thus employ the controller <NUM> (see, <FIG>) to determine whether the cartridge <NUM> is genuine, control the direction of electrical current to the cartridge <NUM>, and/or perform other functions. Further, various examples of electronic components and functions performed thereby are described in <CIT>.

During use, a user may draw on the mouthpiece <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> of the aerosol delivery device <NUM> (see, <FIG>). This may pull air through an opening in the control body <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) or in the cartridge <NUM>. For example, in one embodiment an opening may be defined between the coupler <NUM> and the outer body <NUM> of the control body <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>), as described in <CIT> However, the flow of air may be received through other parts of the aerosol delivery device <NUM> in other embodiments. As noted above, in some embodiments the cartridge <NUM> may include the flow director <NUM>. The flow director <NUM> may be configured to direct the flow of air received from the control body <NUM> to the heating element <NUM> of the atomizer <NUM>.

A sensor in the aerosol delivery device <NUM> (e.g., the flow sensor <NUM> in the control body <NUM>; see, <FIG>) may sense the puff. When the puff is sensed, the control body <NUM> may direct current to the heating element <NUM> through a circuit including the first heating terminal <NUM> and the second heating terminal <NUM>. Accordingly, the heating element <NUM> may vaporize the aerosol precursor composition directed to an aerosolization zone from the reservoir <NUM> by the liquid transport element <NUM>. Thus, the mouthpiece <NUM> may allow passage of air and entrained vapor (i.e., the components of the aerosol precursor composition in an inhalable form) from the cartridge <NUM> to a consumer drawing thereon.

Various other details with respect to the components that may be included in the cartridge <NUM> are provided, for example, in <CIT> Additional components that may be included in the
cartridge <NUM> and details relating thereto are provided, for example, in <CIT>.

Various components of an aerosol delivery device according to the present disclosure can be chosen from components described in the art and commercially available. Reference is made for example to the reservoir and heater system for controllable delivery of multiple aerosolizable materials in an electronic smoking article disclosed in <CIT>.

In another embodiment substantially the entirety of the cartridge may be formed from one or more carbon materials, which may provide advantages in terms of biodegradability and absence of wires. In this regard, the heating element may comprise carbon foam, the reservoir may comprise carbonized fabric, and graphite may be employed to form an electrical connection with the power source and the controller. An example embodiment of a carbon-based cartridge is provided in <CIT>.

Thus, as described above, the aerosol delivery device <NUM> (see, <FIG>) may employ the atomizer <NUM> to produce heat and atomize an aerosol precursor composition retained in a reservoir <NUM>. As further described above, the controller <NUM> (see, <FIG>) may control the flow of current from the electrical power source <NUM> (see, <FIG>) to the atomizer <NUM> in response to a signal from the flow sensor <NUM> (see, <FIG>) indicative of a draw on the aerosol delivery device. However, it may be desirable to monitor conditions within the aerosol delivery device <NUM> in other manners during development of the aerosol delivery device and/or during normal use thereof.

In this regard, <FIG> illustrates an aerosol delivery device sensory system <NUM> according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the aerosol delivery device sensory system <NUM> may include an aerosol delivery device, such as the above-described aerosol delivery device <NUM>, or a portion thereof, such as just the cartridge <NUM>. As schematically illustrated, the cartridge <NUM> of the aerosol delivery device <NUM> may include the atomizer <NUM> received in the outer body <NUM>. Thus, by way of example, the atomizer <NUM> may include the heating element <NUM> and the liquid transport element <NUM> (see, <FIG>).

Further, the aerosol delivery device sensory system <NUM> may include a temperature testing unit <NUM>. The temperature testing unit <NUM> may include an infrared sensor <NUM>. The infrared sensor <NUM> may be configured to measure infrared radiation. Thereby, for example, the infrared sensor <NUM> may be configured to measure infrared radiation produced by the atomizer <NUM>. An example embodiment of an infrared sensor is disclosed in <CIT> Further, infrared sensors are commercially available from RAYTEK Corporation of Santa Cruz, CA; OMEGA ENGINEERING of Norwalk, CT, and MICRO-EPSILON MESSTECHNIK GmbH & Co. KG of Ortenburg, Germany.

As may be understood, the infrared radiation detected by the infrared sensor <NUM> may be received directly from the atomizer <NUM> or received indirectly from atomizer via other components of the aerosol delivery device <NUM> heated by the atomizer. As such, the infrared sensor <NUM> may be aimed or otherwise configured as desired to receive infrared radiation from one or more components of the aerosol delivery device <NUM>.

In this regard, the infrared sensor <NUM> may define a sensor aperture <NUM>. Thereby, the sensor aperture <NUM> may be aimed at the component(s) for which a measurement of the infrared radiation radiating therefrom is desired. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the sensor aperture <NUM> is aimed at the atomizer <NUM>. Thereby, the infrared sensor <NUM> may detect infrared radiation received directly from the atomizer <NUM>. Further, in some embodiments the infrared sensor may be particularly directed at a component of the atomizer <NUM>, such as the heating element <NUM> or the liquid transport element <NUM> (see, <FIG>) to determine how much heat is radiating from that particular portion of the atomizer. Alternatively, as noted above, the infrared sensor <NUM> may be aimed at one or more other components of the aerosol delivery device <NUM> that may be heated by the atomizer <NUM>.

In order to detect infrared radiation emitting from a component within an outer body of the aerosol delivery device <NUM> (e.g., within the outer body <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>), in embodiments in which the infrared sensor <NUM> is positioned external to (i.e., partially or completely outside of) the aerosol delivery device <NUM>, the infrared sensor may sense infrared radiation emitted through an aperture defined in the aerosol delivery device. In some embodiments the aerosol delivery device <NUM> may include one or more preexisting apertures that align with one or more internal components thereof. For example, the mouthpiece <NUM> may include a throughhole 316A which may align with some of the internal components of the aerosol delivery device. However, other components may not directly align with a preexisting aperture in the aerosol delivery device <NUM>. As such, it may be necessary to form an aperture in the aerosol delivery device <NUM> to provide access to one or more components for which sensing of infrared radiation emitting therefrom is desired. For example, as illustrated, an aperture 314A may be formed (e.g., drilled) in the outer body <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>.

Accordingly, the infrared sensor <NUM> may detect infrared radiation emitted through an aperture such as the aperture 314A. Thereby, a signal produced by the infrared sensor <NUM> may correspond to the infrared radiation received. In some embodiments the temperature testing unit <NUM> may further comprise a controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be configured to receive the signal from the infrared sensor <NUM> corresponding to infrared radiation received from one or more components of the aerosol delivery device <NUM>, which the controller may then convert to a temperature reading. Accordingly, the temperature of one or more of the components of the aerosol delivery device <NUM> may be monitored and/or recorded such that operational parameters of the aerosol delivery device may be adjusted and/or components thereof may be designed or redesigned to accommodate the temperature conditions.

However, infrared radiation may travel in a substantially straight path. In this regard, infrared radiation radiates from a given source. Therefore, it may be difficult or impossible to receive infrared radiation from some of the components within the aerosol delivery device <NUM> that are remotely located therein and/or surrounded by other components. Further, in some embodiments the outer body <NUM> may define a tubular configuration and the ends thereof may be partially enclosed by the mouthpiece <NUM> and the base <NUM>. Thus, direct access to most internal components of the aerosol delivery device <NUM> may require altering the aerosol delivery device such as by drilling holes in the outer body thereof and/or otherwise deconstructing and/or modifying the components. Further, as a result of the modifications required for testing, the infrared radiation monitored under the test conditions may not be reflective of actual use conditions associated with the aerosol delivery device. Additionally, as noted above, it may not be possible to provide a direct clear path between the infrared sensor <NUM> and each of the components of the aerosol delivery device <NUM> such that infrared radiation emitting therefrom may not be received through the sensor aperture <NUM> and thereby the infrared sensor may not be able to monitor the infrared radiation emitted from each of the components of the aerosol delivery device <NUM>. As such, it may be desirable to provide the aerosol delivery device sensory system with additional features configured to address the above-noted problems with regard to "line-of-sight" sensory capabilities of the infrared sensor.

In this regard, <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the aerosol delivery device sensory system <NUM>' that is substantially similar to the aerosol delivery device sensory system of <FIG>. However, the aerosol delivery device sensory system <NUM>' further comprises a fiber optic cable <NUM>. The fiber optic cable <NUM> may extend between a first end 410A and a second end 410B. The first end 410A of the fiber optic cable <NUM> may be positioned proximate the infrared sensor <NUM> and the second end 410B of the fiber optic cable <NUM> may be positioned proximate a component of the aerosol delivery device <NUM> for which measurement of the infrared radiation emitting therefrom is desired. The infrared radiation may enter the fiber optic cable <NUM> at the second end 410B and travel therethrough, substantially without loss, to the infrared sensor <NUM>. Note that although the fiber optic cable <NUM> is shown as extending through the throughhole 316A defined in the mouthpiece <NUM>, it should be understood that the fiber optic cable <NUM> may not fully block the throughole so as to not impede the exit of aerosol therethrough, or the fiber optic cable may extend through a differing aperture.

In this regard, as illustrated in <FIG>, the fiber optic cable <NUM> may comprise one or more optical fibers <NUM>. Each optical fiber <NUM> may comprise a core 412A and a cladding layer 412B, as shown in <FIG>. Due to a difference in the refractive index between the core and the cladding layer, total internal reflection may occur within each optical fiber <NUM> such that there is substantially no loss of infrared radiation therefrom as noted above. Further, in some embodiments the fiber optic cable <NUM> may further include a shield layer <NUM> configured to substantially prevent infrared radiation from entering the fiber optic cable at locations other than the second end 410B (see, <FIG>). Thereby, the infrared sensor <NUM> (see, <FIG>) may receive substantially the same amount of infrared radiation as the infrared sensor would if it were placed in direct proximity to the component without usage of the fiber optic cable <NUM> to ensure an accurate reading thereof.

In the embodiment of the aerosol delivery device sensory system <NUM>' illustrated in <FIG>, the first end 410A of the fiber optic cable <NUM> directly engages the sensor aperture <NUM> of the infrared sensor <NUM>. However, as illustrated in <FIG>, in another embodiment, the temperature testing unit <NUM> of the aerosol delivery device sensory system <NUM>" may further include a shielding device <NUM>. The shielding device <NUM> may be coupled to the infrared sensor <NUM>. In this regard, the shielding device <NUM> may extend about the sensor aperture <NUM> defined by the infrared sensor <NUM>. Further, the first end 410A of the fiber optic cable <NUM> may be coupled to the shielding device <NUM>. The shielding device <NUM> may be substantially entirely enclosed when engaged with the first end 410A of the fiber optic cable <NUM> and the infrared sensor <NUM> to substantially prevent infrared radiation that has not traversed the fiber optic cable from entering the sensor aperture <NUM>. The shielding device <NUM> may thus be employed to convert an infrared sensor <NUM> not configured for usage with the fiber optic cable <NUM> for usage therewith. Further, the shielding device <NUM> may be employed to allow use of the infrared sensor <NUM> with various fiber optic cables <NUM> having differing sizes and/or shapes by providing each shielding device with an appropriately sized aperture configured to receive the first end 410A of the fiber optic cable. As such, the shielding device <NUM> may be characterized as being a size and/or shape adapter.

Accordingly, the infrared sensor <NUM> may be employed to detect the infrared radiation emitted from one or more components of the aerosol delivery device <NUM>. As described above, although the infrared sensor <NUM> may be configured to receive infrared radiation directly, in other embodiments the fiber optic cable <NUM> may be employed to receive and direct the infrared radiation to the infrared sensor. Usage of the fiber optic cable <NUM> may provide benefits in terms of allowing for access to various components within the aerosol delivery device <NUM> that may not otherwise be accessible or which may only be accessible via modification of the aerosol delivery device, which may be irreversible, which may impact sensor readings, and/or which may prevent testing of other components. Further, usage of the fiber optic cable <NUM> may allow for precise control over the target from which infrared radiation is received. In this regard, the fiber optic cable <NUM> may be specifically aimed at a single component or portion thereof by placing the second end 410B thereof in proximity to the component such that the radiation received by the infrared sensor <NUM> may be emitted from substantially only that one component or portion thereof, in order to provide a more accurate reading. In contrast, usage of the infrared sensor <NUM> without the fiber optic cable <NUM> may allow receipt of some infrared radiation from other components or sources which may impact the accuracy of the reading provided by the infrared sensor. Note, however, that if it is desired to obtain a temperature reading of a more broad area (e.g., the area around the atomizer), rather than a particular point, in some embodiments the fiber optic cable <NUM> and/or the infrared sensor <NUM> may be configured to receive infrared radiation from such broader areas, for example through usage of a lens. In this regard, by way of example it may be useful to know the temperature of the area surrounding the atomizer which, in view of the rapid heating and cooling of the atomizer, may define a peak temperature significantly less than a peak temperature of the atomizer. In this regard, the conditions at this area around the atomizer may be monitored to ensure that the temperature remains below a desired safety threshold.

Thereby, infrared radiation may be received from the one or more components such that, for example, a temperature of the component may be determined by the controller <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the sensor aperture <NUM> may be aimed at the atomizer <NUM> or, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second end 410B of the fiber optic cable <NUM> may be positioned proximate the atomizer <NUM> in order to detect the infrared radiation emitted therefrom. Thereby, the infrared sensor <NUM> may measure infrared radiation received from the atomizer <NUM>. In this regard, it may be desirable to acquire and record information regarding the temperature of the atomizer <NUM> during operation thereof such that operation of the atomizer may be improved. For example, heating the atomizer <NUM> to an insufficient extent may result in the production of less aerosol than desired. Conversely, production of too much heat at the atomizer <NUM> may waste electrical current, thereby unnecessarily rapidly depleting the electrical power source <NUM> (see, <FIG>). Further, production of too much heat could damage components of the aerosol delivery device <NUM> and/or cause other problems. Additionally, the rate at which the atomizer <NUM> heats and cools may be monitored such that aerosol is produced for a desired duration with each puff. Further, too much heat may degrade the aerosol precursor composition and/or the aerosol produced and/or detrimentally affect the taste thereof. As such, monitoring the atomizer <NUM> may be employed to ensure that the atomizer <NUM> produces a desired amount of heat and heats/cools at a desired rate.

Thus, as described above, the infrared sensor <NUM> may be included in the temperature testing unit <NUM> as an external device that is separate from the aerosol delivery device <NUM> which may be employed to analyze the operation thereof. Accordingly, the temperature testing unit <NUM> may be employed to analyze the operation of the aerosol delivery device <NUM> for purposes such as research and development and quality control of manufactured aerosol delivery devices. Thereby, for example, the controller <NUM> (see, <FIG>) may be programmed with a heating profile configured to cause the atomizer <NUM> to produce a desired amount of heat based on the infrared radiation received by the infrared sensor during testing. However, variations in individual components of aerosol delivery devices, ambient conditions, the remaining charge in the electrical power source <NUM> (see, <FIG>) and/or various other factors may cause the actual heat produced by the atomizer <NUM> to differ from the heat monitored in a laboratory environment.

As such, <FIG> illustrates an aerosol delivery device sensory system <NUM> according to an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, in one embodiment the aerosol delivery device sensory system <NUM> may comprise an aerosol delivery device, which may include some or all of the components of the aerosol delivery device <NUM> described above. For example, the aerosol delivery device sensory system <NUM> may include the cartridge <NUM> and the control body <NUM>. As illustrated, the control body <NUM> may include the controller <NUM> and the electrical power source <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> may include the atomizer <NUM> received in the outer body <NUM>.

Further, the cartridge <NUM> may include the infrared sensor <NUM> received in the outer body <NUM>. Thereby, the infrared sensor may measure infrared radiation received from a component within the aerosol delivery device sensory system <NUM>. For example, the infrared sensor <NUM> may be configured to measure infrared radiation from a component within the cartridge <NUM>. By way of further example, the infrared sensor <NUM> may be configured to measure infrared radiation produced by, and received from, the atomizer <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in some embodiments the infrared sensor <NUM> may be positioned such that the sensor aperture <NUM> directly faces the component for which a measurement of the infrared radiation emitting therefrom is desired, such as the atomizer <NUM>. However, in other embodiments the configuration of the components within the cartridge <NUM> may not allow the sensor aperture <NUM> to directly face the component for which a measurement of the infrared radiation emitting therefrom is desired.

By way of example, <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the aerosol delivery device sensory system <NUM>' according to the present invention wherein an additional component of the cartridge <NUM>, and in particular the reservoir <NUM> in the illustrated example embodiment, is positioned between the infrared sensor <NUM> and the atomizer <NUM>. Thereby, the sensor aperture <NUM> may not directly face the atomizer <NUM> so as to receive infrared radiation therefrom. However, the aerosol delivery device sensory system <NUM>' further includes the fiber optic cable <NUM>. Thereby, the first end 410A of the fiber optic cable is positioned proximate the infrared sensor <NUM> and a second end 410B positioned proximate the atomizer <NUM>. Accordingly, the fiber optic cable <NUM> may be positioned as may be appropriate such that the second end 410B faces a component for which detection of the infrared radiation emitting therefrom is desired. In this regard, the flexibility and relatively small cross-sectional dimensions of the fiber optic cable <NUM> may allow for sensing by the infrared sensor <NUM> of some or all of the components of the cartridge <NUM> regardless of the relative placement thereof within the outer body <NUM>. In one embodiment the fiber optic cable <NUM> may define a diameter from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

Regardless of whether or not the sensor aperture <NUM> directly faces the atomizer <NUM> or the infrared radiation is directed to the infrared sensor <NUM> via the fiber optic cable <NUM>, information received from the infrared sensor may be employed to control operation of the atomizer <NUM>. In this regard, the controller <NUM> may receive a signal from the infrared sensor <NUM> corresponding to the infrared radiation received. The signal may be received by the controller <NUM> directly from the infrared sensor <NUM> or via the electronic component <NUM>. Providing the signal from the infrared sensor <NUM> to the controller <NUM> via the electronic component <NUM> may simplify the connection between the cartridge <NUM> and the control body <NUM> by not requiring usage of an additional connector. In this regard, the signal may be transmitted via the electronic component terminal <NUM> (see, <FIG>).

Thereby, the controller <NUM> may control the supply of electrical current to the atomizer <NUM> from the electrical power source <NUM> in response to the signal from the infrared sensor <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may increase or decrease the supply of electrical current to the atomizer <NUM> in response to the signal from the infrared sensor <NUM>. By way of further example, when a signal from the infrared sensor <NUM> corresponds to the atomizer <NUM> emitting a predefined quantity of infrared radiation, and thereby corresponds to the atomizer reaching a predefined temperature, the supply of electrical current to the atomizer may be decreased or stopped.

Thereby, issues with respect to under- or over- supply of electrical current to the atomizer <NUM> may be avoided. In this regard, the supply of electrical current to the atomizer <NUM> may be adjusted substantially in real-time in response to the signal from the infrared sensor <NUM>. Thus, the supply of electrical current to the atomizer <NUM> may be adjusted, substantially in real-time, in response the temperature of the atomizer, in view of the signal from the infrared sensor <NUM> corresponding to the temperature of the atomizer.

Note that in the embodiment of aerosol delivery device sensory system <NUM>' shown in <FIG>, the fiber optic cable <NUM> engages the sensor aperture <NUM> directly. However, as may be understood, in other embodiments a shielding device may engage both the infrared sensor and the fiber optic cable as described above with respect to <FIG>.

In an additional aspect a method for vapor production with an aerosol delivery device is provided. As illustrated in <FIG>, the method includes providing an outer body and an atomizer comprising a heating element at operation <NUM>. The atomizer is received in the outer body. Further, the method includes providing an infrared sensor at operation <NUM>. Further, the method includes measuring infrared radiation produced by the atomizer with the infrared sensor at operation <NUM>.

The method further includes positioning a first end of a fiber optic cable proximate the infrared sensor. Additionally, the method includes positioning a second end of the fiber optic cable proximate the atomizer. Measuring infrared radiation produced by the atomizer with the infrared sensor at operation <NUM> includes measuring infrared radiation received from the atomizer through the fiber optic cable.

The method may additionally include coupling a shielding device to the sensor assembly such that the shielding device extends about a sensor aperture defined by the infrared sensor. Further, the method may include coupling the shielding device to the first end of the fiber optic cable. Coupling the shielding device to the sensor assembly and the first end of the fiber optic cable may include substantially entirely enclosing the shielding device to substantially prevent infrared radiation from entering the sensor aperture that has not traversed the fiber optic cable.

Further, the method may include substantially preventing infrared radiation from entering the fiber optic cable at locations other than the second end with a shield layer. Additionally, the method may include positioning the infrared sensor in the outer body. Measuring infrared radiation produced by the atomizer with the infrared sensor at operation <NUM> may include controlling electrical current supplied to the atomizer in response to a signal from the infrared sensor.

The method may further include providing a controller. Controlling electrical current supplied to the atomizer in response to the signal from the infrared sensor may include controlling the electrical current supplied to the atomizer with the controller. The method may additionally include positioning the infrared sensor outside of the outer body. Further, positioning a second end of the fiber optic cable proximate the atomizer may include inserting the fiber optic cable into the outer body.

As described above, infrared radiation emitted from components of aerosol delivery devices may be detected with an infrared sensor which may be internal or external to the aerosol delivery device for control or testing purposes, respectively. Such components from which the emitted radiation is sensed may be internal to an outer body of the aerosol delivery device. It should be understood from the present disclosure that the references to the components as being within an outer body of a cartridge or a control body of an aerosol delivery device are for example purposes only. In other embodiments the aerosol delivery device may include a single outer body. Thus, generically speaking, the infrared sensor may sense infrared radiation received from components within an outer body of the delivery device.

The present disclosure generally describes measuring infrared radiation emitted from the atomizer, as opposed to from other components of the aerosol delivery device heated by the atomizer. In other words, the present disclosure generally describes measuring infrared radiation directly emitted by the atomizer. In some embodiments the infrared sensor may be particularly configured to receive the infrared radiation from a portion of the atomizer, such as the heating element or the liquid transport element by particularly aiming the infrared sensor or the fiber optic cable at such portion of the atomizer. Measuring the infrared radiation emitted from the liquid transport element may provide a more accurate reading regarding the temperature conditions the aerosol precursor composition is subjected to, whereas measuring the infrared radiation emitted from the heating element may provide information regarding what is generally the highest temperature component within the aerosol delivery device such that a desired maximum temperature thereof is not exceeded.

However, in other embodiments infrared radiation emitted by any of the other components of the aerosol delivery device may be measured by the infrared sensor. Thereby, for example, it may be ensured that operation of the aerosol delivery device does not surpass a temperature threshold for one or more components thereof at which such components may be damaged. By way of further example, the infrared sensor may detect the temperature of a component of the aerosol delivery device that is externally accessible (e.g., the outer body of the cartridge) in order to limit the temperature of the components of the aerosol delivery device that may be contacted by a user.

Note that although embodiments of the present disclosure generally describe the fiber optic cable as defining a round cross-section, in other embodiments the fiber optic cable may define a cross-section having a different shape such as rectangular. In this regard, the cross-section of the fiber-optic cable may be particularly tailored to match orifices or spaces in aerosol delivery devices having alternative shapes. In another embodiment multiple infrared sensors may be employed to simultaneously measure infrared radiation received from multiple locations on and/or components of an aerosol delivery device. In this regard, each infrared sensor may be aimed at a different component or a different portion of a component. As may be understood, in some embodiments one or more of the multiple infrared sensors may be engaged with a fiber optic cable in order to receive infrared radiation from locations that may be hard to directly measure the radiation emitting therefrom. Thus, multiple fiber optic cables may be employed in some embodiments, wherein each fiber optic cable terminates at a different infrared sensor and at a different location within the aerosol delivery device, or multiple fiber optic cables may be connected to a single infrared sensor.

Although the present disclosure is generally directed to using the systems disclosed herein to measure infrared radiation emitting from components of an aerosol delivery device, in other embodiments the systems disclosed herein may be employed to measure infrared radiation emitting from any other device. In this regard, usage of the fiber optic cable may be particularly advantageous in any apparatus wherein tight tolerances and/or substantially continuous outer bodies prevent direct access to components therein.

Claim 1:
An aerosol delivery device sensory system, comprising:
an outer body (<NUM>) of an aerosol delivery device (<NUM>);
an atomizer (<NUM>) comprising a heating element (<NUM>) and received in the outer body (<NUM>);
an infrared sensor (<NUM>) configured to measure infrared radiation produced by the heating element (<NUM>) of the atomizer (<NUM>);
a component of the aerosol delivery device (<NUM>) positioned between the atomizer (<NUM>) and the infrared sensor (<NUM>); and
a fiber optic cable (<NUM>) having a first end (410A) positioned proximate the infrared sensor (<NUM>) and extending around the component to a second end (410B) positioned proximate the heating element (<NUM>) of the atomizer (<NUM>) to receive infrared radiation produced by the heating element (<NUM>),
the infrared sensor (<NUM>) being configured to measure infrared radiation received from the heating element (<NUM>) of the atomizer (<NUM>) through the fiber optic cable (<NUM>).